This isn't the first time that I've reviewed Dante Tomaselli's HORROR on DVD. I was lucky enough to grab an advanced peek months ago courtesy of a DVD-R copy from the fine folks at LD Media. Elite Entertainment is now due to release HORROR on DVD next week complete with a few interesting extras. Since I've already reviewed HORROR for the site, this is really just a modified version of my previous review to reflect the new DVD release as well as my thoughts on this - my most recent screening. I'd say that this review is about 68% new material - deal with it!

Her father, Reverend Salo Jr. (Vincent Lamberti) and her mother (played by Christie Sanford who almost takes on a Karen Black kinda appearance) hold young Grace (Lizzy Mahon) captive in an isolated farmhouse. The two keep Grace sheltered in what appears to be a true house of undeniable horrors (there's a vision to scare the shit out of you behind every corner). Grace's only salvation comes from a few brief moments she shares with her understanding grandfather (played by The Amazing Kreskin) who unfortunately appears to have been already buried. Enter a group of 5 teens "escaping" from a drug rehab center. Leading the gang to a promised salvation (courtesy of the aforementioned Rev Salo Jr.) is Luck (played by Danny Lopes of Desecration). Once they arrive at the house, Luck inadvertently shoots and kills both of Graces' parents in a dope and shroom induced frenzy (he thinks they're evil floating pumpkins of all things). This prompts the portals of darkness to open up and in a nutshell all hell sorta breaks loose and I haven't even mentioned the often reappearing demonic goat yet!

Essentially we're presented with two stories that creatively intertwine and ultimately mesh into one. The use of drugs and dreamlike sequences give Tomaselli carte blanche to just about go nuts with over the top visuals and he takes full advantage of this. HORROR winds up as a real treat for the senses. Speaking of senses, it's also worth mentioning the outstanding score and sound effects track that really help to enhance the experience and add to the frightening atmosphere. HORROR is well paced, timed and executed and most importantly... it's scary. The film strikes a nerve and doesn't stop until the end credits roll. There are a few characters that are introduced and then conveniently dropped for no apparent reason, but this is easily forgivable. The experience of HORROR as a whole is very satisfying, and such a relief in today's world of safe horror films.

Akin to a fabulous funhouse ride, HORROR is a truly unique and frightening vision and Tomaselli manages to defy conventions just long enough so that he can then throw them back in our faces when we least suspect it. Just about everything presented to us is over the top including the delirious cinematography, the outrageous performances and the mind-boggling array of effects on display. HORROR has it all from torture chambers to creepy demonic children and even a full on zombie assault. Doors slam by themselves, paintings age and change on their own accord and when you look in the mirror in the world of HORROR you never know what you're going to see.

Beginning and ending as a true nightmare come to life HORROR never fails to impress during its all to brief 77 minute running time. About as non-linear as they come the action jumps and shifts from multiple time frames without explanation. I'm not going to lie to you, there are no easy answers here and Tomaselli leaves the ending open to interpretation. You will be cinematically challenged (in many ways and 10 times over at that) but if you're patient, understanding and open minded HORROR could be the relief you've been searching for. The story is brilliantly executed and HORROR demands multiple viewings from the get go. Special mention also has to go out to Felissa Rose (Angela of the original Sleepaway Camp) for providing a very cool cameo appearance.

Elite Entertainment presents HORROR on DVD in a non anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer and the result is quite satisfying for such a low budget production. There is really no evidence of damage or artifacting, the only thing I noticed is a weird bit of some kind of video noise during some scenes, particularly some of the starker white scenes.

While the packaging states that HORROR is presented in a new Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, I was only pumping a 2.0 pro-logic mix out of my system. It's weird because there is a Dolby Logo screen that IS in 5.1, but then it kicks back down to 2.0? Perhaps they intended to include a 5.1 mix but never got around to it? Either way, I'd chalk it up to a misprint until I'm proven wrong. In the mean time the Dolby Surround track is extremely clear and sharp with some nice use of ambiant sounds. Also, as I stated before, the soundtrack/score is most impressive.

Extras include an audio commentary from Tomaselli which is a bit spotty, but still quite an interesting listen throughout. It's always nice to hear the filmmaker's interpretation, especially when a film is left as wide open to interpretation as HORROR is. Tomaselli doesn't spill all the beans, but he does tell us just enough so we are more aware of his intentions. Other extras include some behind the scenes footage (approx 10 min) and some pre shoot footage with Kreskin that runs just under 15 minutes. Kreskin intended to really use the power of suggestion during his scenes and this footage documents him prepping the cast members before the shoot, very interesting stuff. Next up is an extended trailer for HORROR and 11 minutes of video footage used to secure financing for Tomaselli's first feature Desecration. Extras are rounded out with a trailer for Desecration and a brief still gallery.

Elite has produced a fine package designed to introduce HORROR to the general public. Fans of indie horror looking for something a little bit different would be wise to give HORROR a once over. Personally, I feel that the film gets even better after repeated viewings. Despite the lack of a promised 5.1 audio mix, HORROR is one to definitely check out.