Rating: 
Summary: "THEY'VE FOUND HER..."
Review: After the success of the original 1982 blockbuster hit, "Poltergeist" (Directed and produced marvelously by Tobe Hooper and Steven Spielberg) Brian Gibson went on to direct the sequel which turned out to be just as good as the first film carrying some of the same special effects and similarities. "Poltergeist III" on the other hand was a decent entry, though not the best and sadly, Heather O' Rourke died before the films release. It's really a shame, because I'm sure she would've grown up to be very beautiful, considering her act is still adorable and she hasn't lost her touch at all. These two films which were released by MGM are on this special DOUBLE FEATURE disk and it is truly the best edition for anyone to complete the horrifying trilogy. Here's a complete description and details for both films: "POLTERGEIST II: The Other Side" (1986)
RATING: **** Once again, the Freeling family faces the supernatural of their new home after their first one was destroyed in the original. An evil demon named Kane takes the form of a church preacher who's out to capture Carol-Anne in order to bring her back to 'the Other Side' and get rid of her family in the process. With the help of a new character, the Indian Taylor (performed excellently by Will Sampson) they must return to the ruins of their old home (an underground tomb) and defeat Kain in a climatic battle where only love and hope can keep them together. OVERALL: Almost as good as the original was! Zelda Rubinstein also returns in this one as the psychic, Tangina and is just as good as she was in the first. One of the main reasons I enjoyed this a lot was because of Julian Beck's wonderful and convincing performance as Kane. His image truly haunts you even after you watch him on the screen.
The acting was also very well done by JoBeth Williams and Craig T. Nelson and the storyline, while being a bit farfetched at times, was executed well. Fans of the first will especially enjoy this one. RATED: PG-13 for disturbing imagery, some scary moments, and mild language. "POLTERGEIST III" (1988)
RATING: *** The third and final installment to the "Poltergeist" trilogy, where young Carol-Anne (Heather O' Rourke's last role) is shipped off to Chicago to spend the summer with her aunt (Nancy Allen) and uncle (Tom Skerrit) and also to be examined and tested on by professionals who are studying her "gift". Living on the top floor of a skyscraper, everything seems to have returned to normal for our heroine. However, the evil demon Kane (This time played by both Nathan Davis & Corey Burton) is ressurected from his hellish grave after Dr. Seaton (Richard Fire) revives Carol-Anne's long forgotten nightmarish past. From there, all hell breaks loose as the ghosts from the previous films plot to pull Carol-Anne back over to the other side yet again along with her cousin (Laura Flynn Boyle) and eliminate all who stand in their way. Now, it's up to her uncle Bruce & her aunt Patricia to take a scary journey through the many hidden corriders and passageways of this tall urban funhouse and rescue both their children before the supernatural takes over the ENTIRE skyscraper! If you thought the first two films were scary enough for them to take over a house, wait until you see them move to the big city! OVERALL: Not bad. Many people do not like this one as much, but I thought it was pretty good even though it's the weakest in the whole trilogy. I'm guessing the main reason it's not as popular is because of the REALLY cheesy special effects (which is still fun to watch) and the so-so acting. I wouldn't consider this as much of a high-budget (as was with the first two films) but low-budget flick that carries some of the B movie elements. I don't really understand why they couldn't have made the ghastly spirits effects or the objects moving on their own like they did in the prequels. I think Zelda Rubinstein who plays the role of Tangina saves the film and she still hasn't lost her touch to play her role. I know it's not the best, but it's still worth a watch to see the final chapter in the legacy come to an end and complete the trilogy. RATED: PG-13 for disturbing imagery, some scary moments, strong language, and a bit of blood and gore. To be honest, if I'd been directing this one, I would've given it an R rating because it's the most intense and crazy entry in the whole series! Both of these films are in their WIDESCREEN anamorphic formats and the Special Features include the original theatrical trailers. They make a good bundle to watch whenever you're bored and goes good with some soda (or beer) and popcorn! Again though as far as Special Features are, there could've been more. As I explained before, there are no BTS footage, let alone cast interviews or director commentaries. But don't let that keep you from buying these two great films for one low price! The picture quality is excellent and the sound is also excellent. BUY TODAY! I also reccomend the original (and still the BEST) "Poltergeist" on DVD. It is one of the best horror series ever made and Kane's villain rules up there with that of Jason Voorhees and Freddy Kruegar. Don't miss it!!
Rating: 
Summary: I tend to disagree...
Review: Everyone is saying that Poltergeist II was great but the third was awful. I tend to think the reverse. I first watched all three Poltergeist movies when I was eight. I was too afraid to go in front of mirrors for weeks after watching the third movie. Cheesy special effects, sure... but it is much more frightening than Poltergeist II which I thought was a joke. To this day, Poltergeist III remains one of my favorites. I'm still afraid of mirrors because of it and I'm now an adult!
Rating: 
Summary: A two for one deal ?
Review: How odd that the two poltergeist sequels are on one disk. Each movie had their mixed reviews when they hit the theater but for the most part, Poltergeist II ranked better than the third and ranked almost as good as the first as far as fans and critics were concerned. Let me start with reviewing Poltergeist III. This is pretty much the weak movie of the series in terms of a trilogy though that doesn't mean it isn't worth watching. Poltergeist III had a few plot holes big enough to drive a mack truck through it and I think that people were displeased that Carol Anne was the only returning character along with Tangina from the first two movies. The special effects were somewhat laughable and the character of Kane wasn't as creepy or sinister as he was in Poltergeist II. Poltergeist III had good potential but tried too hard. Though slow at times, the movie pretty much keeps you guessing as to what will happen next and deserves to be seen once or twice. Just keep in mind that when viewing Poltergeist III, don't take it too seriously. Now on to Poltergeist II. Not only do I agree that this is better than the third installment, I also enjoyed Poltergeist II as much as the first one. My only complaint with the movie is that it was a bit short compaired to the original. There was about 26 minutes of footage taken out of Poltergeist II before it hit the theaters and according to certain websites, the lost footage contained some important scenes. Anyway, this movie picks up where the first one left off with the Freeling family moving to a new house. This time a Native American known as Taylor along with Tangina help the Freeling family fight off the evil spirits. A few things that I liked about Poltergeist II is the creepy and sinister Kane(as mentioned above)and the short yet good plot developement. Hopefully a special edition version of Poltergeist II will be released showing the lost footage. Overall, Poltergeist II is the worthy sequel of the two movies though Poltergeist III deserves a look. As far as DVD features... there are none. A behind the scenes featurette would have been nice along with deleted scenes and cast interviews. There has been an hour long documentary of Poltergeist II shown on television that talked about problems(and deaths)on the set, no kidding!
Rating:
Summary: two awesome movies!
Review: I loved the movies "Poltergeist 2" and "Poltergeist 3" more than the origonal. I think this is mainly because Heather O'Rourke (one of my favorite actresses) was older when she made the two sequals. Heather was an amazing actress and I'm glad that, soon, all three "Polt" movies will be on DVD.
Also I need to give creadit to the rest of the cast in both films. Especually Julian Beck's performance in "Poltergeis 2." I'm sad that the movie was his last, but he did such an amazing job. I just wish the DVD had more than the movie trailers on it. I think more extras on DVDs make them sell more...
Rating:
Summary: Another great MGM classic released on DVD!!!
Review: I remember when I was 6 years old and "Poltergeist II: The Other Side" came on one of the movie channels. I watched it with my mom and my brother and when it was all over, it was one roller coaster of a ride! I turned into a horror movie aficionado! It was horrifying stuff for somebody in the first grade, but I loved it! I also learned the importance of saying no to alcohol and brushing my teeth (you'll understand when you see the movie). Since then I've watched all three of the "Poltergeist" films (I don't include the one made for television) and they are an amazing trilogy. Part one is just a classic, right up there with "Psycho." Part two is more of a spritual thrill ride and you're happy to see the cast reunited. The only reason I didn't give my review five stars is because of "Poltergeist III." Hmmm, where do I begin to discuss part three... uh... well, what can I say -- it had Nancy Allen in it, and that was cool. At least part three entertains in its own way. Who would've thought? Ghosts in a skyscraper! That's crazy! I'm absolutely forever in debt to MGM for releasing all these awesome films onto DVD lately! I can't wait for this one to come out! It has a cool cover, and it's basically a buy-one-get-one-free deal! Hurray!
Rating:
Summary: Definitely a mixed bag here, MGM
Review: I thought the original "Poltergeist" an amazing film full of great atmosphere, likeable characters, and nicely done frights. Remember the paranormal researcher pulling his face apart in the mirror? The crawling slab of steak loaded with maggots? The corpse filled pit in the backyard? The young son counting the seconds between booms of thunder and flashes of lightening? The original "Poltergeist" had thrills aplenty. And then it all fell apart. Hollywood, in its inimitably greedy style, promptly laid the groundwork for a sequel. Why not? The suits knew the dupes would line up at the box office like good little sheep, willing to shell out millions of dollars for what is essentially a rehash of the original effort. Well, "Poltergeist II" is better than your average sequel to a smash hit, but just barely. What will really feel like a stone in your shoe is the sequel to the sequel, the heap o' screeching metal and flaming wreckage that is "Poltergeist III." The final entry in the series is so bad, so utterly devoid of any of the elements that fueled the success of the original, that my DVD player loudly protested--with sounds I will not recreate here--my efforts to watch it. "Poltergeist II" reacquaints us with the hapless Freeling family several months after the nightmare depicted in the first film. Still homeless after watching their spacious, modern abode implode into thin air, Steve and Diane Freeling (Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams) along with their children Robby and Carol Anne (Oliver Robins and Heather O'Rourke), now live with Diane's mother Jess far from the tainted ghost and corpse filled suburbs. Steve now sells vacuum cleaners for a living instead of real estate, and the couple spends most of their time fighting with the insurance company over compensation for the disappearing house. Grandma Jess likes the idea of the family staying with her even as she notices Carol Anne's amazing clairvoyant powers. When Grams dies in her sleep, the nightmare begins anew as the poltergeists from the first movie track down Carol Anne. The spirits seek to find a way to the "light" (don't we all?), and won't rest until they get their way. Meanwhile, psychic investigator Tangina (Zelda Rubinstein) and an Indian shaman named Taylor (Will Sampson) investigate the site of the Freeling's destroyed home. It turns out that a religious zealot named Kane brought a bunch of followers out to California in the 19th century and promptly killed them in the name of utopian glory. It is the ghosts of Kane and his followers who seek the attentions of Carol Anne, with Kane himself turning up in the flesh to torment the Freelings. We should rightly classify "Poltergeist III" not as a horror film but as a disaster epic. On this outing, Carol Anne (once again played by the indomitable Heather O'Rourke) turns up in a Chicago high rise where she lives with her Uncle Bruce (Tom Skerritt), her Aunt Pat (Nancy Allen), and her obnoxious cousin Donna (Lara Flynn Boyle doing her best to look like Winona Ryder). Zelda Rubinstein reprises her role as the psychic Tangina for a third time. Sure enough, weird things start happening when a nerdy school counselor hypnotizes Carol Anne and opens a doorway through which the dauntless Kane returns. That's about all that happens in this schlockfest, although director Gary Sherman tricks up this installment with lots of dry ice and mirrors that provide little in the way of chills or thrills. "Poltergeist III" is a cheap, cheesy movie that deserves the obscurity in which it currently resides. Fans of the original movie will appreciate the reappearance of Craig Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Oliver Robins, and Heather O'Rourke in the second entry. I always thought some of the charm of the original came from the slightly bawdy antics and great chemistry of this cast. Nelson and Williams in particular have great presence onscreen, and truly do come off as a married couple just trying to raise their family in peace. Will Sampson's often humorous Taylor character is greatly appreciated, as is the downright sinister Julian Beck as the evil Reverend Kane. Beck's emaciated appearance and creepy accent do much to elevate this sequel from the realm of mediocrity. As for the spooky paranormal encounters, Nelson coughs up a mutated tequila worm, Robins battles his braces in the bathroom, and Williams shrieks her way through a couple more corpse scenes. Overall, "Poltergeist II" is good. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about "Poltergeist III." Nancy Allen and Tom Skerritt have the all the allure of speed bumps, Boyle grates as a giggling teenybopper airhead, O'Rourke is wooden as Carol Anne, and Rubinstein's hammy performance attains epic proportions. The effects are acceptable, but the dialogue is clumsy and the pacing slow. What really killed the movie for me were the late 1980's fashion styles seen throughout the film. Thanks (I think) to MGM for releasing these films in their praiseworthy double feature collection. As usual, the only extras for both films are a trailer and scene selection menu. The disc presents both films in widescreen formats with excellent picture transfers. I think it would have been nice to have a commentary track with the actors for the second film; I would have liked to hear Nelson and Williams talk about their roles. Two actresses associated with the "Poltergeist" franchise, Dominique Dunne and Heather O'Rourke, have since died. Dunne's boyfriend murdered her after the first film and O'Rourke died during surgery. If you have seen the first film, you will probably want to watch these two as well. Just exercise extreme caution with "Poltergeist III," a movie so bad it has caused extreme cranial trauma to those poor souls who watch it.
Rating:
Summary: One good, one bad
Review: I'm glad to have Poltergeist 2 on DVD, as it's one of the better horror sequels. Most of the cast is reunited, and it somewhat succeeds at taking a minor point from the first film (the Native American burial ground) and creating the interesting character of Taylor, played by the late Will Sampson. But it's Julian Beck as the super-creepy Kane that makes this one worth seeing. You just might have nightmares after watching him do his best to cajole Carole Anne to the "other side." On the flip side, the whole clairvoyant thing is overdone (Carole Anne has a connection to the spirit world, so her mother AND grandmother must have one too? Yeah...), and the ending is a pretty big letdown. And speaking of letdowns, just try to get thru Poltergeist 3. Poor little Carol Anne has been shipped off to Chicago to live with relatives (Nancy Allen and Tom Skeritt. Yawn.) but Kane (played by another actor since Beck had passed away) finds her. What then ensues are a bunch of cheap effects and ridiculous plot turns that insult rather than frighten. As you're popping the disc out after watching (or abandoning) the film, just remember: you got the infinitely superior Poltergeist 2 for a great price!
Rating:
Summary: THEY'RE BACK and at a GREAT PRICE ! !
Review: I've been really disappointed at the way MGM has treated the POLTERGEIST trilogy on DVD. First things first, the original POLTERGEIST was a MEGA-hit grossing over 70 million in the US alone and eventually grossing over 150 million in the international BOX OFFICE. So it's fair to say that MGM made ALOT of money on that particular film, so why is it that it was given shoddy treatment when released on DVD? It was released only with a theatrical trailer as an EXTRA. The first sequel, POLTERGEIST 2 was a decent-sized hit in 1986 grossing over 40 million in the US alone and let's not forget that the Special Effects were nominated for an OSCAR. Again, this film was released only with a theatrical trailer as an EXTRA. The least succesful film of the series was POLTERGEIST 3 which opened in the top 5 the first week but went downhill after that. However the film does have a CULT and fanatical following - many (dare I say it) have liked it even more than the original to the dismay of "original" POLTERGEIST loyalist. Again, it is presented along with P2 with only a theatrical trailer as a bonus. Why is MGM being so stingy? ? Especially when other horror movies that weren't as popular are being released in awesome DVD packaging and loaded with extras. That said, I must say that I'm glad to see both of these movies FINALLY released on DVD. Despite the LACK OF EXTRAS they are both presented in WIDESCREEN format and the picture quality on both films is EXCELLENT. Movies that are heavy in special effects need to be seen WIDESCREEN because you realize how much you DON'T see when it's formatted to fit your T.V screen. This is specially evident in P2. Let's just hope that MGM decides to re-release these films in a more deserving DVD package. POLTERGEIST 2 was originally released in 1986 and did pretty good business at the BOX OFFICE. Although many dismissed it as just another "pointless" sequel, it has stood the test of time due to it's elaborate (and spectacular) special effects and the performance of a very talented actor named Julian Beck who gives one of the creepiest performances EVER in a horror movie. Although he does not get much screen time, the character of REVEREND KANE will send chills up your spine especially during the scene in which Craig T Nelson and the sinister Minister have a few words on the patio of the family's Arizona home. Kane's demeaner changes from friendly to absolutely menacing. Evil emanates from his stare and if you scare easily, he will burn a permanent image of grotesqueness and horror in your sub conscious. Truly eerie. Other highlights include the now infamous VOMIT CREATURE scene and the hilarious (but dazzling) BRACES scene. POLTERGEIST 2:The Other Side is a spectacular and creepy excursion into the supernatural. It may not be as good as the original but it does have a darker, more menacing atmosphere than it's predessesor and it moves at a faster pace. POLTERGEIST 3, as previously mentioned was the only film in the franchise that did not RAKE in the BIG BUCKS but has since it's release in 1988, obtained a loyal following. P3 is a LOVE IT or HATE IT type of experience. Those who hate it view it as an INSULT to the original and curse the film for existing (I always laugh at the way it's so unfairly crucified by lover's of the original. Was the original POLTERGEIST THAT GOOD that any movie that pretends to equal it IS STONED TO DEATH?? Whatever!) Others however, enjoy it for what it is- an imaginative ghost story set in an unconventional setting and with some very creepy and inventive mirror effects. I give P3 alot of credit for trying something new and steering the series in a new direction. The Special effects are quite good. They were filmed live mechanically and it does give the film a rather GHOSTLY and MYSTERIOUS atmosphere. Anyone who states today's CGI effects look better are sadly mistaken. Computer Generated Special Effects look good in a fantasy element such as The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter etc, but it has no place in a horror movie. I have said this before and I'll say it again, CGI effects makes today's horror movies look like video games and cartoons. They're just not scary and I know many horror movie buffs will agree. I'm starting to loose hope with today's horror films. I have yet to see a GOOD, SCARY movie ( I think THE RING was the last scary movie that I actually liked). Getting back to P3, the mechanical effects are creative, imaginative, ingenious and quite fun. There are no floating phantasms or monsters like the earlier films but you do get fingers poking out of mirrors, a frozen swimming pool, a breathing door, a ghostly mist freezing everything in it's path and a fantastic and slimy BIRTH scene. POLTERGEIST 3's main flaw however is in it's weak and unsatisfying climax. Especially when compared to the original's nail-biting and dazzling climax and even POLTERGEIST 2's surreal, fantasy inspired ending. However, we now know that this was due to Heather O Rourke's untimely passing before the film wrapped. Gary Sherman who didn't want to continue filming without Heather, had to re-write the ending and a body double (or "dummy"- I can't remember which one) was used in Heather's place. So if the ending feels rushed and uninspired- it was but P3 does move along at a great pace up until that final frame. And one final note to P3 haters- give the film a break. Many will agree that P3 doesn't even come close to the original but not many horror movies do- Let's not forget that the HORROR GENRE only has a few movies that are considered TRUE CLASSICS. And POLTERGEIST 3 looks quite good especially when compared to the other GA-ZILLION horror movies released throughout the 70's, 80's and even 90's- most of which were brainless slasher fares that had nothing more than excess violence and nudity on display. The POLTERGEIST films never stooped down to that level. And I have shown P3 to several of my friends and family members and many of them have enojoyed it and YES original POLTERGEIST fans, I know this may sound hard to believe but many of them have liked it EVEN MORE than the Speilberg/Hooper classic. Even my picky 15 year old niece states it's the "BEST IN THE SERIES" and has watched it at least 10 times. Anyone wanting to add 2 enjoying and quite frightening films to their DVD collection should get this MGM double feature. Although lacking in EXTRAS, the films look and sound GREAT and you can't beat the price. Let's just hope MGM releases these films in a more worthy and satisfying DVD. They're haunting additons to a CLASSIC CHILLER.
Rating:
Summary: just in time
Review: just in time for the holidays you have a dvd with two movies on it. Nice since you get two movies for the price of one. However since p-2 wasn't that great its a wash.
Enjoy:
David
Rating:
Summary: Another excellent MGM Double Feature DVD!
Review: MGM has done an admirable job for this new Double Feature DVD. It contains both Poltergeist 2 and Poltergeist 3, both presented in Animorphic Widescreen with their original theatrical trailers. The picture and sound are as good as we're ever going to see these two films on DVD. A great value, even if you only wish to buy it for one of the movies. POLTERGEIST 2 is the most well known sequel, having a wide theatrical release following the original movie. It had the return of the original cast, and the story was almost as creepy as the first one. POLTERGEIST 3 had a more limited theatrical release, but is widely shown on TV late at night. It is much lower budget and the special effects are truly laughable by today's standards. But, I have always loved the movie simply because it was so over the top cheesy. It was the final sequel in the Poltergeist trilogy.
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