Plot: What’s it about?
After her parents were killed in a car accident, young Julia (Lee Purcell) moves to a rural area to live with some family members. This is a tragic time for everyone, especially for Julia, as she has just lost her parents and is pretty much starting a new life. So those around her treat her with care and overlook some problems, since she is in a very emotional condition. As such, when some odd things begin to happen around the family’s farm, no one thinks much of it, even when the events are downright unsettling. Most pass off the happenings as mere chance encounters or even mental lapses. No one would even dream that Julia was somehow linked to these events, or at least no one except for her cousin Rachel (Linda Blair). It almost seems as if Julia has some kind of spell on those around her, one that causes them to look elsewhere when trouble arises, even if it is obvious that she herself is to blame. Soon enough, Julia is more loved & accepted than Rachel, even to her own parents, friend, and boyfriend. But Rachel isn’t fooled by Julia’s strange spells and of course, she is determined to regain her former standings. But is Rachel really a witch, or is she simply that charming and personable?
I was surprised to see this 70s television project released, but given that Wes Craven was involved, I suppose I shouldn’t have been. I was eager to revisit this project, since I wasn’t too taken with it the last time I’d seen it, but I figured time might make some difference. Even with the extended version presented here, Summer of Fear (a.k.a. Stranger in Our House) comes off as predictable and rather lame at times. Craven had already some of his sickest work, but here he seems restrained and unable to dabble in the macabre, so we have a flat, never eerie picture. This should have been loaded with tension and atmosphere, but instead Summer of Fear comes off as a watered down made for television movie. If some limits had been lifted, the material has some good potential, but that wasn’t the case. I do like some scenes and Linda Blair is always fun to watch, but the entertainment value isn’t too high here. When I heard Artisan was the studio behind the release, I was quite worried, but for a change, they have done some solid work. This disc has a clean looking transfer, a new 5.1 surround option, and a nice commentary track, not to mention the movie itself is a longer version. Even so, the movie itself isn’t good enough to warrant a purchase, so those interested are better off with a rental in this case.
As we all know, Wes Craven found his calling in the realm of horror movies, ones that were known for being brutal and bloodsoaked. In fact, some of his movies have become watermarks of sorts in the genre, infamous for the violence within. Then again, he’s also worked in other genres and found modest success, so he can make a movie work with using the usual horror movie elements and such. But in the case of Summer of Fear, Craven has to create a horror picture without those elements and of course, that’s no simple task. As this was a television project, Craven had some strict limits on violence, sexuality, and tone, and even in this extended version, you can tell he had his hands tied at times. So we have a horror movie with minimal blood, sex, and intense atmosphere, not exactly optimum circumstances. Even so, Craven tries to add in tension with some success, though it could have been quite good without all the sanctions. Other films directed by Craven include Last House on the Left, Swamp Thing, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Music of the Heart, Scream, and The Hills Have Eyes. The cast here includes Linda Blair (The Exorcist, Hell Night), Fran Drescher (This Is Spinal Tap, Saturday Night Fever), Lee Purcell (Homework, Valley Girl), and Jeremy Slate (The Lawnmower Man, Hooked Generation).
Video: How does it look?
Summer of Fear is presented in full frame, just as it was shown on television. After some of Artisan’s recent releases, I had minimal expectations in terms of visual presentation, but I was proven wrong on all counts. The print is almost pristine here, with very minimal grain present and no even minor nicks or scuffs to mention. I was shocked by how clean this looks, as even softness is never an issue and the image is quite sharp throughout. The colors are as bright and bold as ever, while black levels are stark and well balanced also. In other words, time hasn’t taken much of a toll here, as Summer of Fear looks excellent.
Audio: How does it sound?
A new Dolby Digital 5.1 option is included here and while I didn’t expect much, this turns out to be an impressive treatment. You won’t be blown away by this mix, but given the material involved, I am more than pleased with the results. The surrounds are used at times to good ends, as atmosphere is enhanced and more depth than expected is present. No, this mix isn’t a powerhouse, but it is a good example of how low key material can be amped up, but in a natural fashion and not stretched or forced in the least. The dialogue is well mixed also, so all the vocals come across in clean, impressive fashion. This disc also includes a 2.0 stereo option, as well as English subtitles, in case you’ll need those.
Supplements: What are the extras?
In addition to some talent files, this disc also includes an audio commentary with director Wes Craven and producer Max Keller. This is a decent session, as Craven provides some good comments, but Keller seems uptight throughout. He acts as if the movie was a smash success, which means he isn’t too accurate and as such, his comments are all but worthless. Even so, Craven is in fine form and provides enough insight to balance it all out.
