Rating: 
Summary: "Really terrific" scary movie from the '70s!
Review: WARNING: Don't spend your summer vacation at 17 Shore Road! "Burnt Offerings" has the distinction of being THE movie back in the '70s that swore Rosie O'Donnell off scary movies. Oliver Reed, Karen Black, Bette Davis and seen-in-oh-so-many-TVshows/movies-in-the-'70s child actor Lee H. Montgomery star in this 1976 flick. Quite the scary dude is the chauffeur that shows up driving that car that helps drive the Ben Rolf character crazy. Also, the two eerie swimming pool scenes make you never want to swim in the deep end again! And when the house "renews" itself, now that's original! Although "The Haunting" still ranks as the #1 scariest movie from my childhood, this could be #2. (Trivia note: About 40 minutes into the film, child actor Todd Turquand appears as Young Ben Rolf in the flashback sequence at Ben's mother's funeral. Todd was one of the 12 New Mouseketeers from the 1977 New Mickey Mouse Club show and also played Rhoda Morgenstern's stepson on "Rhoda.")
Rating: 
Summary: The King of haunted house stories!!
Review: Remember Dark Shadows? Of course you do! But do you remember the movie Night Of Dark Shadows, released after the tv series went off the air? If you've seen that movie and then watch Burnt Offerings, you may have noticed quite a few similarities, especially at the end. That's because both movies were directed by Dan Curtis, but whereas Night Of Dark Shadows was anything but scary, Burnt Offerings conquers the list of haunted house stories by being everything NODS wasn't. By replacing the cast with superior actors, coming up with a mostly new script, new plot and forgetting all about Dark Shadows, except for some of the recognizable music, Curtis came up with a horror movie that scared even the goosebumps on my skin. Here's the plot in a nutshell: Oliver Reed and Karen Black play Marion and Ben Rolf, who along with Ben's aunt Elizabeth (played superbly by Bette Davis) and the Rolfs' son, agree to pay $900.00 and take care of an 85-year-old woman in exchange for living in a decaying old mansion on a large estate for the summer. There are several clues about what they're in for right at the beginning, such as Ben and Marion viewing about a dozen pictures of the house, all from the same angle and each picture showing the house looking exactly the same even though there's over one hundred years separating the first picture from the most recent. Ben begins seeing one of the most horrifying characters in horror movies, someone he'd repeatedly dreamed about following his mother's death years earlier. Marion seems to become possessed by the house, and aunt Elizabeth seems to grow weaker by the scene. And the slightest injury to any of the characters seems to cause part of the estate to become like new. The ending, although similar to that in Night Of Dark Shadows, is a hundred times more frightening and will be long remembered afterwards. Though released in 1976, Burnt Offerings is a classic horror movie that can still scare viewers today, partly because the scare factor is not dependent on virtually non-existent special effects or loads of blood and gore, but instead is supported by a fantastic script and the ability of its stars to utilize their talents. The Haunting has nothing on this film.
Rating:
Summary: I've been waiting for you Ben. -Mrs. Alerdice
Review: The movie "Burnt Offerings" is a haunted house movie directed by Dan Curtis. The movie stars Karen Black and Oliver Reed. When I first saw this movie when I was a child, I must admit that no movie had ever scared me as much as this movie did, but a lot had to do with the fact that it was late one night and I was the only one awake at the time.
Released in 1976, "Burnt Offerings" fits right into the 1970's mold horror film. The plot develops rather slowly, but there is no denying the creepy and eerie feeling that this movie provides to the audience along with a suspense that continuously escalates throughout the entire movie.
The acting in this film is outstanding as Karen Black and Oliver Reed deliver terrific performances in their respective roles. Also, Bette Davis does a terrific job as Aunt Elizabeth. The plot centers around a very old mansion that appears a little run down, but yet, has a beauty that absolutely mesmerizes Marianne Rolf (Karen Black), but the Alerdyce's know exactly what their house and their mother need and that is new blood so to speak.
In many ways, this is the quintessential haunted house story, but it goes beyond just that as Ben Rolf (Oliver Reed) must deal with a personal tragedy/horror that haunts him to this day. The house obviously seeks out the weakness of each character in the movie and attacks it with vigor.
Indeed, the house appears to drain the tenants of their very lives and wellbeing, all the while, the house begins to look more and more beautiful. But, the central horror in this film and the element of suspense lies with the mysterious Mrs. Alerdyce, the mother of the brother and sister Alerdyce who are renting the house to the Rolf family. Another horrifying element to this film is the nightmare that Ben Rolf keeps reliving with that unbelievably creepy yet unnamed hearse driver.
The director brilliantly moves the movie along to an incredible climax and absolutely horrifying ending. Perhaps, the film's most evident flaw is that the movie works towards this magnificent ending, all the while the movie's plot develops slowly to prepare the audience for the horrifying conclusion. Nevertheless, "Burnt Offerings" is a classic haunted house story that is worthy of the 4 star rating that I will attach to it. The ending of this movie is one of the most horrific in all of haunted house theatre in my opinion.
My recommendation is for you to buy this DVD and then watch it late one night when you are ready to focus on a good but slow developing horror movie. Dan Curtis' "Burnt Offerings" is a must own for any horror movie collector.
Rating:
Summary: Burnt To A Crisp
Review: Like many horror films released in the early to mid-70's, Burnt Offerings, centers around the occult and possession. What makes the film stand out amid some of the others though is the cast. They are largely resposible for making it work, even making the movie all the more scarier than it might have been otherwise.
Marian (Karen Black) and Ben Rolf (Oliver Reed) find it hard to believe that for only $900 they've rented a sprawling country mansion for the entire summer. But as they settle into their isolated estate with their son David (Lee Montgomery) and Ben's aunt Elizabeth (Bette Davis), they find themselves surrounded by a living presence-an evil, hypnotic, occult force-that feeds on torture, fear and even murder.
Written by Dan Curtis and William Nolan, with Curtis directing, the film is creepy throughout. You wouldn't think that someone as legendary as Bette Davis would do a film like this, but here she is, doing a fine job. Reed and Black work well as husband and wife, as does Burgess Meredith as Arnold Allardyce and Eileen Heckart as Roz. With a cast of this caliber behind him, Curtis has no problem maintaining the tension and suprise.
The DVD has a great audio commentary with Curtis, Nolan, and Black. The trio give listeners a good idea of what filming was like--surrounded by talent like this. The only other extras on the disc is the film's original theatrical trailer.
Burnt Offerings will both scare and delight you. Thanks to a great cast, an otherwise stale premise is lifted out of the stratosphere.
Rating: 
Summary: Not worth the time!!!
Review: This was not what I was hoping for. The movie was a waste of time and money. Should not even be listed as a scary movie. Very, very poorly made.
Rating:
Summary: Creepy thriller
Review: With Halloween almost upon us, it's time to take a brief glimpse back at some classic films of terror. Dan Curtis' started directing and producing with his terror/soap hybrid "Dark Shadows". This stylized film recalls "Dark Shadows" and Curtis' other films of terror "The Night Strangler" and "Trilogy of Terror" in that what you don't see or understand creates more suspense than what you do see. Ben and Marian Rolf (the wonderful Oliver Reed and Karen Black)and their young son Ben (Todd Turquand)find a beautiful old house in the middle of nowhere for their summer rental. The place has been around for at least a hundred years based on the photos of the house taken over the years. Arnold Allardyce (Burgess Meredith) and Roz Allardyce (Eileen Heckart)will rent the place to them for next to nothing---$900.00 for three months. Ben suspects there's a catch and there is--Arnold and Roz's mother never leaves the place. She doesn't need any special attention just three meals a day and no disturbances.
Reluctantly Ben senior agrees to the deal when it's clear that Marian has fallen in love with the old house. They move in with Ben's aunt Elizabeth (Bette Davis in a wonderful and cynical turn). Strange things start happening shortly after they move in; Ben begins having these vivid, horrible nightmares and the family's behavior begins to change as well with Ben threatening his son while playing with him.
A marvelous late 70's thriller, "Burnt Offerings" works precisely because of what Curtis doesn't show us; we don't see any hideous monsters poking out of the cellar nor body parts torn apart. if you're expecting that in this movie, look elsewhere. What makes "Burnt Offerings" work so well is the sense of menace and foreboding that begins as soon as the family enters the house for the first time. There's just too many unanswered questions and mysteries lingering about the house.
Featuring a marvelous commentary by director Curtis, co-screenwriter William F. Nolan ("Trilogy of Terror" and the author of the novel Logan's Run as well as episodes of "The Twilight Zone" and other series) and actress Karen Black, "Burnt Offerings" gives you the creeps. Stellar performances by all the cast particularly Burgess Meredith in a showy supporting role and Eileen Eckhart. I always thought there was something slightly off about Black and this movie demonstrates that she can use that image to great effect.
A warning for DVD buyers. The film was shot using a number of filters to give the house a golden, almost overlit look to it. A lot of folks believe it's just a bad transfer. It's not. While the print looks pretty good with minimal to no analog artifacts, it could have looked a bit brighter with more vivid colors. Overall, though, the look of the film accurately portrays the film's intended look through the use of camera and lighting filters to give the film its unique, distinct look. You'll notice that the look of the film shifts subtly as time moves on and that's quite deliberate as well. I won't spoil it all for you but will let you discover it for yourself.
The film comes with the original theatrical trailer (where you'll notice the same "filtered" effect on display although not quite as pristine. The trailer is also quite worn and clearly hasn't been restored. Although the film doesn't have any featurettes about the making of the film, the commentary more than makes up for that with interesting background on the writing, directing and acting of the film. As many others have pointed out, the house shown here is in Oakland, California. If you get a chance try and visit that area. It'll creep you out once you realize it's the same house that was also used in parts of "Phantasm".
Rating:
Summary: Two Hours of Terror
Review: It surprises me not one whit that other reviewers make mention of this film's "getting under [their] skin," because my body's largest organ did indeed crawl while watching it. Although it's not in The Haunting's league, it's nonetheless very, very good. The cast consists of pros, including an EXTREMELY creepy Burgess Meredith, and the special effects are sparingly used and convincing. Since the plot has been summarized by other reviewers, I won't bother to beat a dead horse.
I really do think, however, that the print could have been better transferred to DVD. I was surprised to learn that it had a theatrical run; I only remember seeing it on TV at about the time of its release and just assumed it had been made for television--it certainly has that feel. The sound is also a bit funky in the beginning of the film but eventually improves. Another point of contention is the lack of an insert. A list of chapters is the minimum one should expect with a DVD purchase; that MGM doesn't include them is inexcusable (how much could it cost?). The only extras included are the original trailer and some subtitle options.
Complaints aside, this really is an entertaining film that shouldn't be missed by aficionados of the haunted house genre, particularly if it can be acquired for cheap. I'm bumping this up from 3.5 stars to 4 because I like it; four stars for the film, less one-half for the complaints. This is the first time I've viewed Burnt Offerings in at least 20 years and not only did it still give me the creeps but it made me realize that I'd stopped going to singles bars because of guys who looked like the chauffeur. It's amazing, the insights that can be gained while watching an old favorite!
Rating: 
Summary: Fun Haunted House Thriller
Review: This one falls into the "old school" file of the horror genre. Little blood and gore, minimal fx, but it remains creepy throughout. The concept of the house living off of its occupants is a neat one and Curtis does a good job slowly building to the inevitable climax. Performances here are all pretty good - Reed and Davis seem to tale the whole thing very seriously. Karen Black is fine, but she always seems so bewildered that the change to her character is not as noticable. The roof and pool scenes are really great. Bares some comparison with The Sentinal, but this one is a much classier affair.
Rating:
Summary: The King of haunted house stories!!
Review: Remember Dark Shadows? Of course you do! But do you remember the movie Night Of Dark Shadows, released after the tv series went off the air? If you've seen that movie and then watch Burnt Offerings, you may have noticed quite a few similarities, especially at the end. That's because both movies were directed by Dan Curtis, but whereas Night Of Dark Shadows was anything but scary, Burnt Offerings conquers the list of haunted house stories by being everything NODS wasn't. By replacing the cast with superior actors, coming up with a mostly new script, new plot and forgetting all about Dark Shadows, except for some of the recognizable music, Curtis came up with a horror movie that scared even the goosebumps on my skin. Here's the plot in a nutshell: Oliver Reed and Karen Black play Marion and Ben Rolf, who along with Ben's aunt Elizabeth (played superbly by Bette Davis) and the Rolfs' son, agree to pay $900.00 and take care of an 85-year-old woman in exchange for living in a decaying old mansion on a large estate for the summer. There are several clues about what they're in for right at the beginning, such as Ben and Marion viewing about a dozen pictures of the house, all from the same angle and each picture showing the house looking exactly the same even though there's over one hundred years separating the first picture from the most recent. Ben begins seeing one of the most horrifying characters in horror movies, someone he'd repeatedly dreamed about following his mother's death years earlier. Marion seems to become possessed by the house, and aunt Elizabeth seems to grow weaker by the scene. And the slightest injury to any of the characters seems to cause part of the estate to become like new. The ending, although similar to that in Night Of Dark Shadows, is a hundred times more frightening and will be long remembered afterwards. Though released in 1976, Burnt Offerings is a classic horror movie that can still scare viewers today, partly because the scare factor is not dependent on virtually non-existent special effects or loads of blood and gore, but instead is supported by a fantastic script and the ability of its stars to utilize their talents. The Haunting has nothing on this film.
Rating:
Summary: what's with all the DVD complaints?
Review: I first saw Dan Curtis's creepy haunted house story back in 1976, in a movie theater when I was a kid, and both the chauffeur and the end scene haunted me for the longest time afterward. VERY chilling. The Rolf family -- mother Marion (Karen Black), father Ben (Oliver Reed), son David (Lee H. Montgomery), and lively-as-heck 75-year-old Aunt Elizabeth (Bette Davis) -- decide to leave the city behind for a peaceful, quiet summer in the country (HAH! Not in a Dan Curtis film!). Marion and Ben find a wonderful, rundown old mansion owned by the Allardyces -- brother Arnold (Burgess Meredith) and his sister Roz (Eileen Heckart). You can tell from word one that the Allardyce siblings are not playing with a full deck, and that something VERY creepy is going on with this house, but of course the unsuspecting Rolfs don't notice -- especially when they find out they can rent the place for $900 ... not per month, but for the WHOLE SUMMER! Ben is still skeptical, especially when they learn the deal comes with taking care of the Allardyce's 85-year-old mother, who has the attic room but is never seen (well, ALMOST never). Marion, however, falls in love with the rambling old mansion, talking Ben into taking it, and swearing the old woman upstairs will be entirely her responsibility. The family moves in, but right away weirdness ensues: Ben starts dreaming a nightmare he hasn't had since his childhood, about his mother's funeral, a nightmare that includes maybe the creepiest chauffeur ever seen; the vibrant Aunt Elizabeth starts to get weak, wanting to sleep all the time, as if the very life force is slowly being drained from her body; Marion becomes obsessed with the house, cleaning and taking care of it, and with the old lady upstairs -- even Marion's manner, speech, and style of dress and hair change; Ben, in the middle of playing with David in the pool, suddenly tries to drown the boy -- and tells Marion later that he meant to drown him, for a moment lost control of himself and was trying to kill him. The weirdness escalates to the conclusion, which is not entirely surprising but very satisfying. Anyone who sees this film and knows Dan "Dark Shadows" Curtis's style will not be disappointed; the movie is atmospheric, well-acted, and has moments that genuinely get under your skin. The ending is a little hokey, but again -- if you know Dan Curtis's style -- it's also perfectly acceptable. For new viewers who are more accustomed to what horror movies have become in the last 20 years or so, this movie may be a real bore; it plays more with the mind than with the eyes, and blood, gore, and special effects are kept to a minimum or are non-existent. And that is exactly what makes it a good film; it relies on the viewer to insert his own creepiness via the "gauzy" visual look of the film, the performances (especially by Black, Davis, and Reed), and by watching these "burnt offerings" (a practice in some cultures of burning animals alive as sacrifices to the Gods) being lined up, unknowingly, for a house rooted in evil. What I don't understand are the complaints about the DVD quality -- mine is find. Granted, I am more about the picture quality than the sound, but I had no problem hearing the dialogue throughout the film, and the music was never too loud or a distraction. The picture quality was EXACTLY how it looked when I saw it on the movie theater screen 28 years ago -- that gauzy-white "burned" bright sort of look (burned - "Burnt Offerings"? Hmmm) is indeed how the film is SUPPOSED to look! So I don't know if I got lucky, or what, but my DVD is fine. I've watched it several times since buying it, and the film remains chilling to this day. Buy it, but don't look for Freddy or Jason or even Michael Meyers-type horror; this is much more of a game of the mind.
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