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The Fog (Special Edition)

The Fog (Special Edition)

List Price: $14.95
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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Best Ghost Story of the 80's!!!!
Review: I am a big fan of John Carpenter's movies so I bought this!
It scared the crap out of me! The Extras are to die for!
It had a great, solid story! The cast was amazing!!!
Starring: Adrieene Barbeua, Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh (she played the shower victim in physco)!
If your looking for suspense and chills that will give you goosebumps; then the Fog is what you need to see!!!!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The Way a DVD Should Look
Review: Thanks in large part to the frenetic efforts of John Carpenter, the horror film medium flourished in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Few fans of the genre need a reminder that Carpenter directed the classic "Halloween," an independent film that went on to great success and eternal status as a cult classic. While the tale about the merciless Michael Myers certainly didn't invent the slasher film (look back to Mario Bava's classic "Twitch of the Death Nerve" to see an earlier effort), it influenced many others to carry the torch in the following years. Carpenter's follow up to "Halloween," a nice little chiller called "The Fog," moved rapidly away from a maniac wielding a knife and screaming teenagers, focusing instead on psychological terror and supernatural eeriness to scare the masses. Carpenter's recent films just don't compare with his early fright fests. That's a darn shame, but for horror aficionados, watching the troika of "Halloween," "The Fog," and "The Thing" will always deeply satisfy.

The citizens of the coastal town of Antonio Bay are proud of their town and its approaching centennial celebration. It's unfortunate the town harbors a gruesome secret dating back to 1880, but most of the residents know nothing about what the city founders did to the crew of the Elizabeth Dane on a foggy night back in the last century. Even the descendents of those hardy town fathers, one of them the town priest played by Hal Holbrook, aren't aware of the evil committed off of Spivey Point. When the discovery of a diary from one of the pioneering figures surfaces, it's far too late to stem the curse rising from the bottom of the sea. For the long dead crew of the Elizabeth Dane seeks bloody retribution for the crimes of Antonio Bay, and as the clock strikes midnight the townspeople have little idea of the terror moving in from the ocean. Now, everyone in town is fair game as ghosts with a grudge sweep through the streets. Possible victims include local radio station owner Stevie Wayne (Adrienne Barbeau), hitchhiker Elizabeth Stolley (Jamie Lee Curtis), Kathy Williams (Janet Leigh), and Nick Castle (Tom Atkins). As the body count rises and the fog grows thicker, the principal characters head to the local church and the final showdown between the ghosts and the townspeople.

I know several hardcore horror fans who dislike Carpenter's "The Fog." They grumble about the lack of splatter effects, the reliance on fog as a crucial plot point, and the lack of screen time dedicated to Jamie Lee Curtis. Two of these arguments carry weight: there is a scarcity of gore and Jamie Lee Curtis is definitely not the star of the movie. Where I draw the line with these complaints concerns the claim that the fog doesn't provide enough chills. Like Stevie Wayne says several times during the movie, it's what's in the fog that brings disaster to the residents of Antonio Bay. The glowing, swirling mass hiding a hideous curse definitely worked for me, and it ought to work for other viewers as well. Cripes, this is a ghost story! What better way to introduce vengeful ghosts from a shipwreck than through a supernatural fog bank? Watching that pulsating fog roll in over the town bringing death to the descendents of the original settlers provided plenty of chills. Besides, if you really wish to criticize the film, look for a few improbabilities in the script. Why, for example, do the ghosts from the Elizabeth Dane seek to harm Stevie? She isn't one of the descendents of the town that the spirits hold accountable, yet the phantasms chase her with the intent of doing bodily harm. That question alone deserves more criticism than concerns over Curtis's screen time or a lack of gruesome scenes. Besides, Curtis apparently doesn't consider "The Fog" important enough to contribute a new interview for the DVD release. Both Janet Leigh and Adrienne Barbeau took the time to film a few comments, but Curtis is nowhere to be seen.

This DVD offers loads of extra goodies for the rabid Carpenter fan. Not only do you get an amazing transfer of the film in widescreen, you get other tidbits to wet your whistle. This special edition version comes with two documentaries about the film, one from 1980, the other made especially for this DVD. There are stills aplenty, a commentary with John Carpenter and screenwriter Debra Hill, tons of ultra cool television and movie screen trailers, a gallery of movie posters and advertisements, and a story board/ scene comparison. When you look at the price for the DVD, you know you're getting a great deal.

"The Fog" is great fun, a sort of old time horror tale brought up into the modern age. It's also neat to see John Houseman's introductory monologue outlining the tragedy of the Elizabeth Dane (along with Donald Pleasance's monologue in "Halloween" about Michael Myers, Carpenter knows how to create memorable background narratives!). Hal Holbrook's appearance here as the doomed Father Malone seems surprising, but the actor apparently appeared in another horror film around the same time, called "Rituals" in 1977. In fact, the ensemble cast does a great job in this creepy movie. If you're going to watch "Halloween," and "The Thing" anytime soon, you might as well throw in "The Fog" while you're at it. It's worth your time.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: The movie looked good but it [stunk]
Review: I thought this movie was going to be scary! I watched it last night with my roommate and it wasn't scary AT ALL! Barely anything happened, just a couple people getting murdered! If you want to watch a scary John Carpenter movie, rent Halloween and stay away from this movie. Michael Myers is much scarier than evil clouds floating around some town in California.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The Night THEY Came Home
Review: A sleepy sea-side town. A hundred year old mystery.

John Carpenter's "The Fog" is the stuff of great ghost stories. The town of Antonio Bay, founded by settlers in the late 1800's is about to celebrate its centennial anniversary. As the church bells ring at midnight, an unearthly fog rolls in off the Pacific, carrying within it a ghost ship and a crew of men exacting revenge on the conspirators that caused their ship to crash against the rocks a century earlier.

The film is another product of Debra Hill and John Carpenter, the duo who were responsible for the original and highly successful independent film, "Halloween." Filmed in much the same style as Halloween, the movie focuses on character development through crafty storytelling. As is common in Carpenter films, many of the principal actors are veterans of his earlier work. In this instance, Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween) returns to the screen in one of the films lead role, accompanied by veteran actress and mother Janet Leigh (perhaps best known for her role in Psycho.) The cast is rounded out by many other regulars: Charles Cyphers (Halloween I and II), Nancy Loomis (Halloween I and II), Tom Atkins (Halloween III), as well as a cast of well known stars from that period: John Houseman, Adrienne Barbeau and Hal Holbrook.

The film works because it relies on characters that the audience can relate to and care about. Additionally, the film does not rely on graphic violence or gore, but instead uses subtlety and atmosphere to create the intense and often terrifying appearance of the vengeful Blake and his crew.

This movie, recently released on DVD, has been remastered, providing a beautiful digital transfer, which allowed for crisp video and sound that gives the film an appearance of being new, not a piece filmed nearly 25 years ago. Only the costume and period dialog will remind the audience that this film is not new. Even the special effect sequences are well done, considering the age of the film.

I have been an avid fan of the horror genre for nearly 20 years, and I can say objectively that I have seen most of the mainstream horror films that are out on the market today. "The Fog" remains a cornerstone of the genre, transcending the ordinary horror film into something more; a journey into our own fear that the truth is out there, whether we want to face it or not.

This movie is a must-see and well worth the time.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The Fog Is Classic Carpenter
Review: Having been an avid fan of the horror genre for more than 20 years, I can say objectively that "The Fog" remains in my mind one of the true cornerstones of this genre. The film, abandoned and largely forgotten by viewers and the film industry for many years, has the mixed feel of an independent film done on a big budget. The result is classic horror; at times campy, at times dramatic, and at times genuinely terrifying.

A cast of characters played by such horror veterans as Jamie Lee Curtis, Adrienne Barbeau and Janet Leigh guide the story of a seaside town, Antonio Bay, which is about to celebrate the centennial of its birth. On the eve of its anniversary, an unearthly fog rolls in off the ocean, bringing with it a derelict clipper ship and a crew of leperous ghosts, returned from the dead to exact revenge on six conspirators that caused their ship to wreck one hundred years earlier. Rounding out the cast are many of Carpenter's standard players: Nancy Loomis (Halloween/Halloween II), Tom Atkins (Halloween III, Season of the Witch) & Charles Cyphers (Halloween/Halloween II). Screen legends Hal Holbrook and John Houseman also appear, bringing a level of intelligence and depth to the film that many horror movies of that period lacked.

What seperates "The Fog" from other films is that it goes beyond the slasher genre, and attempts to touch at many of the primal fears we all have. Like its predecessor, Halloween, this film also focuses on character development, allowing the viewers to feel genuine empathy for these characters as they move through the film.

The DVD version of this film has restored the film quality to rival that of any film produced today. The colors are rich, the sound is crisp and the films appearance is fresh and clean. The extras on the disc are fun, especially the interviews with Debra Hill, Jamie Lee Curtis and Janet Leigh.

From the first time I saw this film as a teenager, tuning in to it on a Saturday afternoon matinee on a local television station, to this newest release of DVD, the Fog has lost none of its vitality. I have seen no less than 100 horror films, having perused such classics as Psycho and The Haunting and many classic series including all 7 of the Nightmare on Elm Street Series, all 10 of the Friday the 13th series, the Hellraiser series, and of course the Halloween series to name but a few, and I can say objectively that the Fog remains a film to rival any of these.

So next time you are in the mood for a horror movie, a ghost story, or just a good thrill, choose "The Fog."

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: At least it looks cool
Review: John Carpenter's "The Fog," although lacking complete originality, is a scary movie in its own respects. "The Fog" features Jamie Lee Curtis, who also starred in Carpenter's famous film, "Halloween." However, I felt that Curtis' performance was not one as good as her others such as "Trading Places."

The fog itself is probably the scariest part of the movie, or when the little old lady opening up the door. After awhile, though, you would think people would understand not to open the door.

Parts like showing the downtown scene with the fog rolling through was a bit strange. The buildings, whether they be real or not, looked very fake. Also, Carpenter left you hanging at the end, leaving many people waiting for a sequel. Unfortunately, "The Fog" didn't make it at the box office.

Overall, I gave "The Fog" four stars for its graphic scenes and ability to scare. It doesn't quite reach five stars, this film just didn't have the original idea.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Effectively creepy and chilling!
Review: This movie is very scary. I was captivated by every single moment of this wonderfully scary film. The first time I watched it, I though my heart was going to stop from frieght. This is easily one of the scariest movies ever. Not as good as Halloween, but this is easily one of John's finest movies ever. This is back when he knew how to do scary movies. And scary is the perfect word to describe this movie. It's a psychological slasher/ghost story. More cinematic than Halloween, but not as scary as Halloween. Definately a must buy. You must watch this one by yourself in the dark to fully appreciate this. 5 stars isn't enough to rate this movie. It's just to good.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Shiver Me Timbers!
Review: After the wild success of "Halloween", I'm not sure anyone expected John Carpenter to do a movie as frightening as "The Fog". It starts out perfectly, with John Houseman (as an old salt) telling the tale of how the "Elizabeth Dane" sank off "Spivey Point", drowning all aboard. He tells this story to a group of kids at exactly 11:55 pm (you'll understand why this is significant when you see it). This is a classic intro to a classic chiller! Adrienne Barbeau stars as disc jockey / KAB radio owner "Stevie Wayne", broadcasting from her lighthouse radio station. Jamie Lee (Halloween) Curtis is Beth, a hitchhiker on her way to Vancouver. Hal Holbrook is the Priest of the local church. He uncovers (more like it almost drops in his lap) a terrible secret about his grandfather; a secret involving conspiracy and murder. A murder plot that results in the founding of the town. A curse is being fulfilled this night, the one hundred year anniversary of the small town. There's something in the fog. It moves against the wind and seems to glow. Just what IS it?? This is a scary flick! I've seen it many times and still jump and squirm in spots! Watch it with Halloween on a cold, dark night. You'll chew your nails to nubs! The music is great as well. Carpenter has a way with simple, repetative, yet creepy as hell sounds. Lock your doors. Bolt your windows. And whatever you do, DON'T GO OUT IN THE FOG...

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: 4 stars...even with the plot holes
Review: This is a classic horror film, but there just happen to be a few plot holes you can drive a small import vehicle through... if the ghosts are seeking the conspirators, why may I ask are they stalking the likes of Adrienne Barbeau & her son, Jamie Lee Curtis, Tom Atkins if they had nothing to do with the original crime? Are they the only ones in their cars that night? Where are the rest of the townfolk? Why aren't the ghost going after anyone else in town? Their vengance vacillates between 6 specific people & then anyone else who comes across their path. Why do the ghosts stalk between 12 & 1 the first night, but start at sundown the next? I'm confused...

All that aside, I still reduce only one star ... simply because of the perfect ambiance. This film has one of the greatest opening sequences in horror film history, and captures the mysterious chill of small west coast towns.

Cinematography is beautiful, with stellar composition in each shot. I don't think there is a single shot that looks like it went without careful planning. Carpenter masterfully to build up the suspense amazingly for the first 45 minutes, then goes full throttle for the second half. This is one of the all time great mood movies.

Too bad the plot holes couldn't have been sewn up before the release, but that doesn't keep this from being one of Carpenter's best.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Great film )
Review: This film was produced before producers got into limb-flinging, and it still has a sense of plot that escaped most directors in the 80's and 90's. Much of the action is audio - you aren't privy to whatever horrible deaths are taking place, and Carpenter leaves it to your imagination.

The only reason I give this a three, and not a four, is simply because the film is dated - and this, to some degree, detracts from the film. For example, the presence of a cell phone would have solved much of the difficulty in a crucial section of the film. If you can overlook that sort of thing, you'll probably rate it higher than I did. Overall, it's a great thrill, with fun effects and a scary plotline. Here's something that you don't get in many, if any, horror movies these days: SUBTLETY.

Carpenter has always been a hit-or-miss director for me (one example of a miss: "Ghosts of Mars"), and this is a solid hit.

T


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