Remember a time (not so long ago) when horror films were actually scary? There were films that could chill you to the bone question your beliefs and stay with you (deep inside you head) long after the credits had rolled? Films that would make you question a noise at home that deep down inside you knew was nothing to be concerned about or make you nervous enough to check the closet or under your bed for any unwanted intruders? Yeah, I remember those days as well and there's no greater feeling in the present than to rediscover one of those forgotten gems of the past that made you crap your pants. It's time to rediscover (or discover for the first time) a little film called The Entity. A film that was (and to this day still is) such a film... a film that is one hell of a scary flick. In other words, it's a pants crapper.

Barbara Hershey stars as Carla Moran a hardworking single mother who spends her free time at night school learning to type in a never-ending quest to become a better more successful woman. In the mean time a hardworking evil spirit has taken a liking to poor Carla. This spirit aims to take (without asking) what it wants from poor Carla through a series of extremely disturbing attacks. The attacks begin as violent episodes with Carla being tossed around, doors slamming and furniture sliding into walls. Things quickly take an even more upsetting turn as the attacks become sexual as this unexplained force not only repeatedly beats Carla, but begins to take sexual advantage and rape her as well. Of course no one believes Carla and the doctor she's been seeing just wants to commit her. The attacks intensify sexually and become all the more deadly, in one instance the spirit takes over Carla's car while she's driving to work for a wild and almost deadly ride. It isn't until Carla meets up with some paranormalist experts that she actually has someone on her side. Whether or not they'll be able to learn the true source of this unrelenting force remains to be seen and most importantly will the attacks soon end?

Why does The Entity work so well as a horror film and in the end frighten the hell out of us? One would have to first start off by discussing the performances. Extra high marks go to Barbara Hershey as the sympathetic and battered victim. This is a role that I'm sure very few actresses would be willing to accept today (and not many studios would be willing to back up). When the attacks take on a sexual tone, the scenes intensify and become extremely disturbing. Quite often Carla is stripped down naked and fondled while no one else is in the room it's a fantastic performance to say the least. Props also go to Stan Winston for the spectacular effects in which it appears at times as if breasts are being fondled while nothing is actually touching them. By today's standards one can actually tell the "real" from the "fake" if they look close enough (the added clarity of the DVD helps as well) but the effect still remains the same. Yuck.

We as the audience know that something is brutally attacking Carla, there is no doubt about this. Where there is doubt however is from just about everyone else she encounters. Even a full on attack right in front her kids elicits words of doubt from the doctors. It isn't until she encounters some paranormal experts that there is even a semblance of hope for Carla (and in turn the audience). The incredibly unnerving pulse pounding score that creeps in each and every time an attack takes place is at the very least, unforgettable. As simple and understated as it may be, it's also just all the more effective in aiding to scare the living shit out of us. What's missing from horror films today? Everything that The Entity does have; great dialogue, excellent performances, an effective score and impressive effects... and this is just the beginning. Through it all, nothing is "in your face" or overly exploitative, there's a happy medium and everything just works.

Quality wise there's nothing but high marks for FOX on this one. The Entity is preserved here in its original scope ratio (2.35:1) and the output is nothing short of spectacular. Colors are sharp and vibrant, black levels remain deep and solid throughout. Print damage is minimal with only the occasional spec of dirt from time to time. Grain? Nah, not really! This is simply a gorgeous transfer, too bad FOX doesn't seem to feel it's necessary to release this title in the states. Just another reason to pick up a region free player!

Audio is presented in a Dolby Digital 4.1 mix and the result is quite impressive. The track is a bit understated (which is a good thing mind you) but at the same time, never fails to kick into high gear when the time is right. Surrounds are quite active with some extremely impressive directional effects. Dialogue is nice and clear throughout and there's no distortion. The pulse pounding score is nerve wracking as sound just fills the entire room. This is one instance in which I'm fine with the original surround mix not being present. This remix does the trick quite nicely.

Extras are limited to a theatrical trailer. No big deal, it's essentially a budget title here so there's really no room for complaint. The high quality of the actual presentation is extra enough for me.

If you have a region free, PAL compatible player and you're a fan of The Entity, I urge you to pick up this disc. You WILL not be disappointed. First timers with the compatibility in their player should also not hesitate to enter the world of The Entity. They do NOT make them like this anymore folks, which is a real shame because this is how real horror movies should be made from now on and forever more.