House On Sorority Row [Import]

This is one of the only slasher/ horror flicks of the 80's that I can say is really good, and give four stars. The girls of the soroity house are pretty cool and likeable, as well as attractive in a unique kind of way. The attic is creepy and well decorated. The music is great, and not the usual bad syn. music as in most early-80's slashers. The story is interesting, the acting good, as well as the production values, and is scary! On another note, the trailer, which is included on the DVD, give the impression that this is a bit more dramatic than scary. And it is a bit, but it's not a bad thing. The DVD transfer is great, and makes the film look as tho it was made recently! I REALlY like this movie, and defintely reccomended it.

The reviewer known as Ted totally missed who the killer was in this movie. It was not an old granny. The old granny is killed accidentally by the kids, and they want you to think she comes back for them, but that is not the case at all. While the killer is no real surprise, I could not let false information float around out here like this. B/c I respect any attempt, however feeble, at keeping the audience guessing, I will not say who the real killer is, but if you watch it halfway closer than Ted did, you will know. This movie does have its moments, particularly the ending, but I would have to list STAGEFRIGHT and any of Argento's early works (SUSPIRIA, TENEBRE, DEEP RED) as being a better expenditure of time and money.

THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW deserves a much higher place in the upper eschelon of the slasher film genre. Perhaps buried by bigger named releases by the top studios at the time (Paramount and the "Friday the 13th series and Universal with "Halloween II and III") the film succeeds on many levels where the typical slasher film usually fails. Within the 91 minutes of film writer and director Mark Rosman weaves a brisk and taut tale. Starting with the script, which actually shows a great deal of inspiration, the film provides the viewer with a remotely plausible storyline that is brimming with mystery and suspense. Rosman also succeeds in creating sympathetic characters (not always an easy task in the slasher genre). Among the cast are a group of actually talented actresses, including Harley Jane Kozak and soap actress Eileen Davidson (who would go onto great fame and prominenece later in the 80s in daytime TV). These actresses actually build characters that maintain our interest. Another success is the effective gore sequences which are directed with a great deal of suspense, but just enough restraint to keep them effective. So many times the "killing" is the centerpiece of a slasher film. Here it is actually handled as a device for carrying the story along. You will also be surprised by the superb score by Richard H. Band who along with the London Philharmonic actually adds to the mood of the film much like John Carpenter's "Halloween" did several years before.
Elite Entertainment has given this low budget gem a decent anamorphic widescreen transfer. Although the print has some minor defects, the presentation is overall pleasing. The mono soundtrack has been transferred nicely, although at times the dialogue looping seems to lack a deal of fidelity. Included is the theatrical trailer, which is presented in full screen. There are no other extras to this DVD. The package also tells you that there is no insert included inside (I wish other companies would make that disclaimer on their DVDs so there isn't expectation). A chapter listing is provided on the outside of the case.
It would be nice to see in the future a "Special Edition" DVD of this film with commentaries by the director and cast (many of whom I would imagine would be thrilled at the prospect), still photography, a "behind the scenes" documentary and maybe more audio options ( this film begs for a surround sound mix). Until then, you will be thrilled with this release. Its a true gem in a genre that is pretty much ignored by the DVD producers.