Something's not right here...the back of the case for the Elite Entertainment release of The House on Sorority Row (1983) states the aspect ratio is 1.85:1, enhanced for 16 X 9 TV's and yet, as the film started, I found myself watching a full screen version of a film called `he House on Sorority Ro' (I'm assuming it was the same film as listed on the DVD case, only presented in full screen format, and being as such, the title didn't fit on the screen). I looked for some way to possibly adjust the picture on the menu screen, but there was no option for this available. Is this a case of false or mistaken advertising? I'll assume the latter over the former, as I'm a trusting sort...anyway...the film is written and directed by Mark Rosman (The Force, The Invader) in his silver screen debut and stars Kate McNeil (Monkey Shines, Sudden Death) and Eileen Davidson (Goin' All the Way). Also appearing is Harley Jane Kozak (The Amy Fisher Story) and Lois Kelso Hunt (Head of State).
As the film begins, we see a date of June 19th, 1961 appear on the screen, and we must be in a flashback as the picture has a heavy, blue tinge and looks like someone smeared Vaseline on the camera lens (in order to create a hazy, foggy look of things since past...the date would have been sufficient). Fast forward into the present (the early 80's being the present) and we see girls in a sorority house packing their things, preparing to leave for the summer. One of the sisters, named Vicki (Davidson) convinces a small group, including Katie (McNeil), to stick around for a week or so, as Vicki's planning a party, sort of a graduating class blow out. The housemother, Mrs. Slater (Hunt), learns of impending shindig and quickly nips it in the bud, but Vicki, who won't be deterred, rallies the girls to play a prank on Mrs. Slater who has been a pain in the collective rear ends of the girls for quite awhile (not only that, but she did a number on Vicki's waterbed while Vicki and her boyfriend were getting their humpty on). The prank goes off badly as Mrs. Slater's has a chest grabber, and the frightened girls quickly dispose of her body in the funkified swimming pool out back (they had to do something as their party was starting shortly). The party (disco ball and all) begins, and so does the killing, heralded by the impaling of a drunken nerd in a wooden area outside the house. The girls soon begin to get picked off one by one (impalement being the method of choice), their bodies hidden, while the rest assume they went off somewhere or something. Who's doing the nastiness? Could it be the waterlogged Mrs. Slater, whose body has since vanished from the bottom of the pool? Turns out she had some secrets of her own...
The House on Sorority Row has about as much going for it as it does against it...the biggest issue for me was the predictability factor. Ten minutes into the movie I knew whom the killer was going to be, which of the core group of girls (and I use the term `girls' lightly as most appear to be in their mid 20's) was going to buy the farm, and which would survive (let me put it this way...who's more likely to get it before the end, goodie goodie Katie, or bad girl Vicki?). Knowing the identity of the killer normally wouldn't be a big deal (see John Carpenter's Halloween), but when the film really pushes the whole `mystery killer' element throughout it just seems silly and a waste of time. Given this was an inexpensively made independent film, I'm certainly willing to give it some slack, but they should have thrown a little money into the special effects as the film features some pretty lame effects in terms of prosthetics. There's one scene where a girl is getting attacked, and her hand gets stabbed, or should I say an incredibly fake hand that is supposed to be hers gets stabbed...it was very pasty and didn't match the girls skin tone at all. The gory bits are pretty far and few between, and what there is tends to lack any real shock effect as it's often minimized by a lack of blood and quick cutting (except for the head in the toilet scene...that was pretty good). The overall acting is decent, and that's surprising as most of the cast never appeared in a film before (or again). So I've griped about a lot of things so far...what did I like about this film? Well, I'm glad you asked...I thought the direction was very adequate, and Rosman did very well creating tension during a number of the scenes, which was no small task given the predictability factor I mentioned earlier. I also thought the original music, composed by Richard Band (Re-Animator), was quite good and very suitable for the film. Others have mentioned the better than average production values, so I will too...some things to watch out for...the girls find a body (it's supposed to be Mrs. Slater, but its all wrapped up) and shuttle it around, trying to dispose of it, giving me flashbacks of Weekend at Bernie's...check out the three guys in their tidy whiteys headed for the pool (which the clarity of the water often varied, from thick and greenish to reasonably clear...nice continuity there)...did we really need that scene? And then there's the craptacular 80's band at the party, called 4 Out of 5 Doctors (for real) and their lead singer whom I couldn't place until I realized he was a male version of the character of Pinky Tuscadero from the 70's TV show Happy Days. Oh, in case you're wondering, there are a couple brief scenes of nekkidness. And then there's the ending...gee, didn't see that coming...
The picture on this DVD is very clean, and the colors are fairly sharp. The audio isn't as good, often sounding a bit flat, but it will get you through. The only special feature available is a rough looking theatrical trailer for the film.
4.0 out of 5 starsGotta Love Horror Movies Set In Sororities, October 31, 2000
By A Customer
In the 80's there were a few horror movies using Sororities. There was Initiation, Sorority House Massacre and Hell Night, just to name a few. This one is among the best, and does have a few creepy moments. Not overly bloody, and a followable story line. The acting is pretty good too, considering it is an 80's horror film. I am really excited to see this out on DVD with a wide screen presentation. I will be showing this at my fraternity for horror movie night!!!
5.0 out of 5 starsIts graduation time at...., July 13, 2002
By A Customer
THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW deserves a much higher place in the upper eschelon of the slasher film genre. Perhaps buried by bigger named releases by the top studios at the time (Paramount and the "Friday the 13th series and Universal with "Halloween II and III") the film succeeds on many levels where the typical slasher film usually fails. Within the 91 minutes of film writer and director Mark Rosman weaves a brisk and taut tale. Starting with the script, which actually shows a great deal of inspiration, the film provides the viewer with a remotely plausible storyline that is brimming with mystery and suspense. Rosman also succeeds in creating sympathetic characters (not always an easy task in the slasher genre). Among the cast are a group of actually talented actresses, including Harley Jane Kozak and soap actress Eileen Davidson (who would go onto great fame and prominenece later in the 80s in daytime TV). These actresses actually build characters that maintain our interest. Another success is the effective gore sequences which are directed with a great deal of suspense, but just enough restraint to keep them effective. So many times the "killing" is the centerpiece of a slasher film. Here it is actually handled as a device for carrying the story along. You will also be surprised by the superb score by Richard H. Band who along with the London Philharmonic actually adds to the mood of the film much like John Carpenter's "Halloween" did several years before. Elite Entertainment has given this low budget gem a decent anamorphic widescreen transfer. Although the print has some minor defects, the presentation is overall pleasing. The mono soundtrack has been transferred nicely, although at times the dialogue looping seems to lack a deal of fidelity. Included is the theatrical trailer, which is presented in full screen. There are no other extras to this DVD. The package also tells you that there is no insert included inside (I wish other companies would make that disclaimer on their DVDs so there isn't expectation). A chapter listing is provided on the outside of the case. It would be nice to see in the future a "Special Edition" DVD of this film with commentaries by the director and cast (many of whom I would imagine would be thrilled at the prospect), still photography, a "behind the scenes" documentary and maybe more audio options ( this film begs for a surround sound mix). Until then, you will be thrilled with this release. Its a true gem in a genre that is pretty much ignored by the DVD producers.
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