House: Two Stories (House + House II: The Second Story): Blu-Ray Collection
Arriving this week for the first time on Blu-ray are the first two installments of the “House” franchise, in a collection called HOUSE: TWO STORIES. Although many horror fans in the United States were not thrilled about the complete four film collection being released overseas and not here (myself included), I will admit it’s really not that big of a deal.
First of all, “House III” was released as “The Horror Show” here in the states and the less said about “House IV” the better. Arrow’s “Two Stories” collection is all I really needed and I absolutely love the hard-cover companion book that comes with it. The book actually includes information on all four films and everything in the book is far more interesting than anything in the third and fourth films. I don’t hate “The Horror Show” but I already own it on Blu-ray.
The first two “House” films got plenty of play from me on VHS back in the 80’s and thanks to Arrow Video we now have lovely 2k transfers. Admittedly, “House II: The Second Story” hasn’t held up well, but I am still a fan of the first film and the transfers on both looks terrific.
If you are a fan of the “House” franchise, this set is definitely worth picking up. If you feel you need the four film set and have a region-free Blu-ray player, you can definitely import it. For me, I am more than happy with this package.
LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
- Brand new 2K restorations of House and House II: The Second Story
- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- The House Companion limited edition 60-page book featuring new writing on the entire House franchise by researcher Simon Barber, alongside a wealth of archive material
HOUSE
- Audio commentary with director Steve Miner, producer Sean S. Cunningham, actor William Katt and screenwriter Ethan Wiley
- Ding Dong, You’re Dead! The Making of House brand new documentary featuring interviews with Steve Miner, Sean S. Cunningham, Ethan Wiley, story creator Fred Dekker, stars William Katt, Kay Lenz, and George Wendt, composer Harry Manfredini, special make-up and creature effects artists Barney Burman, Brian Wade, James Belohovek, Shannon Shea, Kirk Thatcher, and Bill Sturgeon, special paintings artists Richard Hescox and William Stout, and stunt coordinator Kane Hodder
- Stills Gallery
- Theatrical Trailers
HOUSE II: THE SECOND STORY
- Audio commentary with writer-director Ethan Wiley and producer Sean S. Cunningham
- It s Getting Weirder! The Making of House II: The Second Story brand new documentary featuring interviews with Ethan Wiley, Sean S. Cunningham, stars Arye Gross, Jonathan Stark, Lar Park Lincoln, and Devin DeVasquez, composer Harry Manfredini, special make-up and creature effects artists Chris Walas, Mike Smithson, visual effects supervisor Hoyt Yeatman, and stunt coordinator Kane Hodder
- Stills Gallery
- Theatrical Trailer
By: Marc Ferman
Order: House: Two Stories (Blu-ray)