Criterion Collection House [Blu-ray]

Describing Nobuhiko Obayashi's 1977 movie HOUSE (Hausu) is no easy task. This hallucinatory head trip, which has never before been available on home video in the United States, is a true cult discovery. The film follows a schoolgirl who travels with six classmates to her ailing aunt's creaky country home, where they come face to face with evil spirits, a demonic house cat, a bloodthirsty piano, and other ghoulish visions, all realized by Obayashi via a series of mattes, animation, and collage effects.

One could describe HOUSE as a psychedelic ghost tale, a stream of consciousness bedtime story, or even an episode of Scooby Doo as directed by Mario Bava. Any of these descriptions would be apt, as the movie is equal parts absurd and nightmarish, a cinematic experience that might have been beamed to Earth from some other planet.

The film's surreal and disorienting nature is a testament to Obayashi's unique directorial vision. Through his use of innovative visual techniques, he creates a world that is both familiar and fantastical, blurring the line between reality and the supernatural. The result is a movie that defies easy categorization, a wild and unpredictable ride that leaves viewers wondering what they just witnessed.

HOUSE is a true gem of cult cinema, a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that has captivated audiences for decades. Its lack of availability in the United States only adds to the mystique, making it a must-see for any fan of the bizarre and the beautiful. Whether you approach it as a ghost story, a surreal fantasy, or simply a cinematic experience unlike any other, HOUSE is sure to leave a lasting impression.

In the end, the best way to describe this remarkable film is simply to experience it for yourself. With its dazzling visuals, its absurdist humor, and its deeply unsettling moments, HOUSE is a true cinematic treasure, a movie that demands to be seen and savored by anyone who appreciates the boldest and most imaginative corners of the film world.

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