Written by: Michael Den Boer on September 23rd, 2004
| Theatrical Release Date: Italy, November 6th, 1980 Director: Ruggero Deodato Writer: Gianfranco Clerici,Vincenzo Mannino Cast: David Hess, Annie Belle, Christian Borromeo, Giovanni Lombardo Radice, Lorraine De Selle |
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| DVD released: | 2002 | 2002 |
| Approximate running time: | 87 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Aspect Ratio: | 1.85:1 Non-Anamorphic Widescreen | 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen |
| Rating: | NR | NR |
| Sound: | Dolby Digital Mono English | Dolby Digital Mono English |
| DVD Release: | Brentwood | Shriek Show |
| Region Coding: | Region 1 NTSC | Region 1 NTSC |
| Retail Price: | $9.98 | $24.95 |
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Brentwood’s Region 1 DVD
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Shriek Show ‘s Region 1 DVD
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The Film :
Two sociopaths Alex (a mechanic) and Ricky (his sidekick) are getting ready for a night out on the town. A couple who is having car trouble shows up at Alex’s shop. Ricky convinces Alex that they should help them and the couple invites them to a party. Once at the party thing start to deteriorate as Alex is up to his old tricks torturing and raping the guests. Was it an accident that this couple crossed paths with Alex and Ricky or did they have ulterior motives for inviting them?
Video:
Shriek Show’s release has more natural flesh tones while Brentwood’s release suffers from muted flesh tones. Both releases are in the films original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Shriek Show’s release is greatly benefited by the fact that it is anamorphic enhanced as it displays sharper detail and a more vibrant color palate that captures the films late 1970’s decor. Brentwood’s release lacks the detail present in Shriek Show’s release.
Audio:
Both release come with only one audio option an English dubbed mono audio track. Shriek Show’s audio track is cleaner then Brentwood’s which at times sounds hollow. Shriek Show’s audio track has dialog that is clear and easy hear while Brentwood’s sounds muffled at times.
Extras:
Brentwood like all budget companies DVD’s come with no extras, still House on The Edge of The Park is part of the Roots of Evil budget set that comes with three other movies Messiah Of Evil, Christmas Evil, and Deep Red, The Hatchet Murders (the shorter version of Deep Red) unfortunately the image has been cropped to full frame from its original 2:35:1 ratio. Shriek Show’s release comes with three interviews Ruggero Deodato (8:40), David Hess and family (39:02) and Giovanni Lombardo Radice (16:31). Other extras include liner notes by Casey Scott, stills gallery, the films original trailer and trailer for four other Shriek Show titles Zombie 3, Zombie 4, Eaten Alive and Seven Blood Stained Orchids. There is also an Easter egg on the Shriek Show DVD that can be found on the extras menu. It is a mini quiz and if you the questions right there is a four minute clip with David Hess’s son Jessie that runs about four minutes.
Overall:
Overall Shriek Show’s DVD offers better audio/video and wealth of extras. Brentwood’s release may be a cheaper alternative, still Shriek Show’s release is the superior of the two releases.