Customer Reviews

Poltergeist 2/3 [Import]

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!!

Reverend Kane was great in Poltergeist II. Poltergeist II was my favorite of the 3 and definitely one of the best of all time. If you have not seen it, you definitely need to buy this DVD...

"God is in his holy temple...earthly thoughts are silent now..."-Reverend Kane.

Poltergeist has scared me since I was a small child, and Poltergeist II is definitely as good as the original, if not better. I'll admit that the ending is kind of cheesy and has poor special effects (i.e. the whole family floating around in some weird disco-lighted other dimension) but overall the movie is awesome! Beck is very believable as the evil and insane Reverend Kane, and the by the end you really feel for the whole family who are just trying to live normal lives and never asked for any of this to happen to them.

Poltergeist III on the other hand made me want to vomit. What was MGM thinking when they made this movie? How sad that it had to be this terrible piece of garbage that is dedicated to the memory of Heather O'Rourke. This movie seems very slapped together, almost like the producers wanted to get it done as fast as possible and didn't care what the end result looked like. From very, very, VERY poor acting on the part of ALL the actors, to horrible special effects which basically only consisted of flashing lights, fake snow and ice, and a fog machine, to barely any coherent plotlines, this movie is a big fat 0 out of 5 stars. It is cheesy (and not in the good cheesy horror movie kind of way) and boring and leaves the viewer with a sick feeling at the end not because the movie itself is scary and disturbing, but because they can't believe how bad Poltergeist III actually was!

My advice...buy this DVD only because it has Poltergeist II on it. Remember...there aren't any evil spirits who would FORCE you to watch Poltergeist III. I don't think anyone or anything could be that crazy. : )

Poltergeist II doesn't leave the viewer totally fulfilled in my opinion, but it leaves the viewer satisfied. I think any fan of the original movie needed to see the family once again after their first ordeal. Poltergeist II allows that reunion. It is done well enough that it is a likeable sequel, though not ultimately impressive. It is filled with the same lovable cast (with the exception of the oldest daughter, Dana) and the movie gives you reminders of the first (through various elements including a similar -- yet varieted soundtrack -- by Jerry Goldsmith). The whole indian theme of Poltergiest II is kind of suprising to me, yet they make sense of it (it is obviously rooted in Steven's boss's line in the first movie: "This is NOT ancient tribal buriel ground. It is just people."). Overall, the special effects were pretty good, considering the idea behind some of them were cheesy. Ultimately, I think the movie is worth it if you really are a major fan of the first.

POLTERGEIST III -- This movie leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. Not only was it super cheesy and outright dumb, it just felt strange to me seeing the famous "Carol Anne" mixed in with a different cast in the setting of a skyscraper in Chicago. Overall, I remember feeling sad that Heather O'Rourke had died in real life, and this had to be her last movie. Put it this way: There is a good reason the movie is attached to Poltergiest II in one DVD package (nobody would buy the poorly-done third movie by itself). I think the III movie kind of taints the whole Poltergeist genre.

Ok, I'll be the first to admit that in and of itself, Poltergeist II is one of the most well-plotted but weakly executed horror films ever. The abrupt and tacked-on ending seems to be just an excuse to throw in some fancy pseudo-CGI effects, and the end scene leaves you feeling dissatisfied if not completely cheated. But, to the infinite good fortune of the producers, a staff-employed psychic who had a hand in casting the film chose for the role of the evil Reverend Kane an actor whose bone-chilling countenance and blood-curdling voice will linger with you long after the end credits have ceased. The masterful two to three-minutes total screen time that Julian Beck was allotted is worth the ENTIRE price tag all by itself!!! He OWNS the screen. As soon as he walks into frame, you can actually FEEL the impending doom and death wafting off of him in thick, smoky waves. Reverend Kane IS death, in the flesh. He's also my personal pick for Scariest Movie Villain Of All Time! Oh, and Poltergeist III is pretty cool also!

The first movie was so good, and now this. Poltergeist 2 was officialy one of the WORST films I have ever seen. I nearly cried, not because it was scary, but because I had officialy wasted 2 hours of my life.

Now, Poltergeist 3 I LOVED. If they had made this teh second one, it would have been pefect. Oh, and it's so sad (and kinda creepy) how Heather died right before the films release.

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.

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!

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.

Poltergeist II:

Satisfying sequel to "Poltergeist"

This Second Movie could have been slightly better, for example it could have featured more footage of Julian Beck as Kane and should have not omitted key scenes that were filmed but ended up missing due to MGM rushing Production. On a whole though I liked the Second Poltergeist Movie and was pleased with the story they dreamed up as to why the Poltergeist's attacked the Freelings in the first Movie. So many people seem to think the Second Movie is set 1 year after the first "It is not!" If you have reed the book you would know that Diane, Steven and the kids have been staying with Diane's mother for nearly 4 years and when Steve says "It's been a full year" he is referring to the fact that he has tried "yet again" to claim for the house disappearing and has had to wait a full year to get a response again.

I thought the ending could have been better too as that also felt rushed I mean, "Where did Tangina go when Taylor drove off???" She is clearly missing from the shot.

One thing I respect about II is that it made common sense and pretty much featured the original cast obviously missing Dominique Dunne who was murdered by her violent boyfriend.

Just think if this had never happened II would have been so very different as Steven Spielberg was considering doing a second Movie along with Tobe Hooper and scrapped the idea when Dominique Dunne was murdered.

The Scene in Poltergeist II where Diane Mentions Dana being away at college was filmed but was stupidly cut by MGM'S Producer on the movie, Freddie "Jackass" Fields who was the biggest mistake to have ever worked on this movie (he is the man directly responsible for all of the movies plot holes) Thankfully he was finally fired in 1990!

I know that a good 26 minutes of Footage was cut by him from Poltergeist II and this is why it so badly needs to be restored and re-released as a Special Edition.

I think if this version had been released back in 1986 Poltergeist II would have had very good reviews.

All of the put-downs by critics were mainly regarding chops to the Movie and script plot holes.

Poltergeist III:

"Poor Movie only worth watching for O' Rourke's last performance"

The 3rd Movie was just awful, "I'm not even going to waste my time".

Poor little Heather O'Rourke died during filming which was such a
tragedy.

"She was the only thing that saved this Movie from being a total
disaster"

R.I.P Heather -xxxxxx

I give Poltergeist II - ***1/2 out of *****
I give Poltergeist III - * our of *****