Reviews

The Hills Have Eyes (06)- New to DVD

In recent years the remake has been something to contend with to film fans, especially horror films. With such mediocre remakes like “Dawn of the Dead” and “House of Wax” there is little to look forward to when another comes along, unless you add in a little talent. That is exactly what this current version of the Wes Craven classic has going for it. This remake is graced by the artwork of French director/writer Alexandre Aja (Haute Tension) and his writing partner Gregory Levasseur. Their trademark hardcore violence and social commentary, gives a perfectly good film a proper new change of clothes, so to speak. We are also treated to a fine cast, with many solid performances, including newcomer Dan Byrd and indie darling Aaron Stanford.

The plot is pretty much the same as the original: a vacationing family is left stranded in the desert only to be stalked by a family of mutants (including character actors Billy Drago, Robert Joy and Michael Bailey Smith) seeking revenge for their conditions brought about by nuclear testing. The element of revenge is still made prevalent in the remake as it was in the original, but this film begs the question, “Who is to pay for these crimes?” While the mutant family had been sinned against by the government’s testing, were their crimes against our protagonist family and others before equally horrible? There is almost an element of sympathy that could be felt for the mutants, but at times you have to look deep. At the same time you want the stranded family to get their revenge for the brutal deaths of their own.

The biggest difference in this version is definitely the violence level has been turned to eleven. Gone are the days of cutaways and subtlety, this film is not for the faint of heart. Not only is this film more violent but the levels of terror is severely intense and emotionally draining, especially in a scene where “Lost” alum Emilie de Ravin is held captive and brutalized while another family member is being burned alive. Like I said not for the squeamish kiddies.

Aside from the directing, writing and acting “Hills” has many other admirable qualities going for it. The editing is very well done and fast paced. The photography alone is worth mentioning. While the Moroccan is stunning to look upon, the D.P. did a fine job of making everything seem bleak and lifeless, as well as very dirty and almost inhuman much like its inhabitants.

As I have said previously, while many of these pointless remakes are exercises in getting the kids to drop their hard earned cash on a inferior product when they should just got rent the better version it is refreshing to see that sometimes Hollywood does give a shit once in a while.

As for the DVD itself, the picture is stellar in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen as well as the sound in both Dolby and 5.1 stereo surround. Features include two commentary tracks, a decent making-of documentary, and video production diaries. The DVD also carries the ever popular “unrated” tag. The box promotes the fact that you are buying the version “they” didn’t want you to see in theaters. This version includes an exciting minute of footage that I did not notice any difference from the theatrical version. There is also an R rated edition as well, but the unrated has a better cover.
Film: 8.5/10 DVD features: 7.5/10
George

Rent The Hills Have Eyes remake or High Tension, Andre Aja's other blood lust movie, at Wild and Woolly Video.

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