Review Detail

Trimming down these Fulci films was a noble goal. Despite great visuals they don't quite justify their length. But the result was sort of a misfire. The problem is that even though the originals didn't make much sense to begin with, they maintain a nice surreal quality throughout. Cutting entire scenes and characters makes the tenuous logic of the movies frustratingly incomprehensible. Taking out the opening scene of 'The Beyond' and the introduction of Mae in 'The House by the Cemetery' especially muddles the narratives.

Its not really a criticism of Mikedrew's chops. Later volumes of his 'Tales from hell' anthologies prove his skill. But these convoluted stories can only be simplified so much.

Minor note: The second film seems to be quieter than the first. Having to raise the volume disrupts the seamless transition that is desired in an anthology movie.