Review: "Haunt" and a bit on FilmBaby
I took a chance on this site called filmbaby and ordered two DVDs from them: "Haunt" and "Vampz". They arrived with a free bag of microwave popcorn. What a great deal. Quick shipping AND free popcorn. Use the service and buy independent films. If you look at the Horror category, there are only two films: "Haunt" and "Vampz". Clicking on either and scrolling ot the bottom gives you a "Customers who bought this also bought..." thing. The link between these is my doing. I'm the only tool who bought them. I like crappy horror.
And now, "Haunt."
The synopsis is as follows:
1990's Scream Queen, Lucy Fear is about to open the doors of her newest haunted house, a million dollar electronic horror extravaganza inside a remote building built in 1875. The building is said to be haunted. Fear hires a commercial videographer, John Stone, to conceal 20 cameras throughout the 'haunt' to tape her opening premiere. But on that night, over 4,500 people entered and never left. Jack Ripley has wanted to make a movie since he was eight years old. 'haunt' has to be his masterpiece because Jack will never get another chance.
What they neglect to tell you before you buy is that the description is only partly right. They don't mention that the entire thing is interspliced with the director editing the film and bitching about it. It totally confuses what atom-thin plot there is. I sat through about an hour of this movie before the audio sync issues and digital glitches in the disc drove me up a wall. I didn't finish it. I had no idea what was going on. I was so confused, especially since I had actually put forth effort into understanding the damn thing.
I liked the "hidden camera" look the film used in the haunted house, but it took every opportunity to stray from the synopsis. I give the guy credit though... He didn't "Alan Smithee" his name on this. He kept it on there. I wouldn't have.
Final thought: Filmbaby = good. Haunt = horrible.
I have used CDbaby.com which was the first site from the people who run filmbaby. I really liked the way they did things so I would probably use filmbaby as well.
First, let me say that I am sorry that you got a bad copy of haunt. haunt is on DVD-R and sometimes DVD-Rs act up on some DVD players or don't burn properly. We do not have the capital at this time to replicate onto a DVD-9. As far as the quality of story, we were trying for something very unique in style, pace and content. Trying something different. Before you condemn us -- I hope you will give haunt one more chance and view the whole -- complete movie.
I will be very happy to send you another copy of haunt on DVD-R (I will need your mailing address). I would rather you watch it to the end and if you still hate the movie send both DVD-Rs back to me for a full refund. haunt was a labor -- it was our first attempt. We had no budget. But we didn't quit -- we were going for a unique fresh approach to story telling. Some people liked the movie and some see it as a train wreck. But at least we gave it our best shot.
please respond when you can: stonepatterson@aol.com
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