Let me first address the state of mind I was in before seeing this DVD... I had quite low expectations of it. Firstly, I have heard mixed reviews about this film ever since it hit the theatres, and secondly, in the beginning of his career, Rob Zombie (director, musician) could do no wrong, but in the past few years he has tended to become a parody of himself and his vain, dance driven heavy music has really suffered because of it. Gone are the classic days of the great rock group White Zombie, now are the days of self-made Rob Zombie... can we take him seriously?

The cover of the dvd is quite cool. It has an early seventies artwork appeal and man, did the seventies ever make some cool horror flicks. It became quickly apparent from the start of House of 1000 Corpses that the seventies and it's horror influences where what director Zombie wanted, and I'm afraid to say it, my pessimism quickly eroded and I was treated to one dang cool horror flick. The exploitation and sickness is something I haven't seen since I first discovered Sardu in Bloodsucking Freaks. There's a taste of the crazy family from Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, some added spice of The Hills Have Eyes, and all kinds of cool little tributes to the seventies horror era! Take in all that at squeeze it in a blender and out pops House of a 1000 Corpses, a glorified rock video or an actual flick?

While there are many quick flashing rock video elements thrown into the film only a few times does it get a little annoying. Overall the rock videoish flashes are quite welcome in bringing out this f'ed up southern druggie atmosphere, whoa.

The film is supposed to be unnerving but it isn't really. It's a return to my favorite type of horror film where we get to root for the crazy bad guy (or gal). These characters are so messed up and crazy it's like a train wreck... ya can't turn away. As for gore, there may be a little of it, but any fan of horror movies has seen worse.

The cast is a horror movie buff's dream. Bill Mosely of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 fame has a really large role and is just fun to watch. With the film itself resembling the feel of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 so much I would have been left pining for Mosley to show up, thankfully Zombie's got him. Ms. Karen Black is back in a horror film, something I haven't seen I don't think since Fangoria's Children of the Night. It's always cool to revisit horror icons whether I'm a fan of theirs or not. Then there is newcomer Sheri Moon. Ok, she's pretty dang hot and an utter complete psycho to boot...everything I look for in a woman. I don't know who she is or if she will do anything else in the future but jeez man, she's great in this role even if she looks like a typical heavy metal video babe.

I wasn't going to do it, but I am pretty dang positive I will be owning this DVD quite soon (I've rented it currently). The DVD has some hilarious menus when you load it with Sheri Moon and Sid Haig, I ended up initially just leaving the DVD on the menu to watch it. Featurewise it has one of my favorite features which I don't think is used enough these days... a music only track. Why don't they use this option more often? I've only seen it in a few other flicks like Superman, etc. but The Crow, Almost Famous and many others would really benefit from this feature. There is also the director's commentary, trailers for the film, interviews, rehearsals, behind the scenes, and a few other forgettable things. Overall a decent package though, quite worthy of a purchase, and it's going to go right next to my copies of Bloodsucking Freaks, I Spit on Your Grave, and Cannibal Ferox.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening