Movies
[BD Review] ‘Haunted History’ Is Valuable And Appealing
Years ago, when I still had cable, watching documentaries and programs on the History Channel was a favorite pastime. Which is to say I’d turn the channel on mostly for background noise and pick up a few facts along the way. With the release of the 2 disc Haunted History DVD set, I felt like it was days of yore.
Eight episodes of the H2 series make up this set: Ghosts of Gettysburg, Salem Witch Trials, Murder Castle, Lost Souls of Pennhurst, Katrina Cannibal, A Deadly Possession, The Torso Murders and The Manson Murders. Most people would immediately flock to Salem or Manson, however, the first episode on the disc, and one of the most intriguing for me was Murder Castle.
Murder Castle tells the story of H.H. Holmes, a man who built a hotel in Chicago designed with a misleading layout specifically to kill people. While the generalized story of this specific serial killer may be well known, the History Channel episode includes the possible idea that Holmes was also Jack the Ripper, as they had many similarities. This is the basis for each of the episodes: a simple history of a location or person, which is then expanded on for an hour.
While these episodes tend to include some lesser known facts, they also have a tendency to ramble on and deviate from the title’s intended focus. There are a handful of supernatural experiences, yet the historical research part of the episodes seems to dominate. And yet, they are never thoroughly investigated as the runtime prohibits it. The main issue I would find with such a set is the re-watch value. Unlike films and television series, these documentary type of programs are normally a one time viewing. However, I very much enjoy learning the history of supposedly haunted locations. Even with the set deviating from the haunted aspect, having such knowledge about topics such a H.H. Holmes, to me, is extremely valuable and appealing.
The DVD set has no extra features and is simply presented in widescreen with 2.0 digital audio. It’s just a TV show on a DVD. Unless they are for educational purposes that would be repeatedly used, the value of this set would be left to benefit those who collect such memorabilia on certain topics. Yet, for those of us that enjoy being well versed on any of the subject matters presented, Haunted History is definitely worth owning.
“Mythic Quest” actor Chase Yi has been cast in a lead role in Paramount and Blumhouse’s new Paranormal Activity movie, Deadline reports this afternoon.
Ian Tuason (Undertone) will direct the eighth installment in the Paranormal Activity film franchise, set to release in theaters May 21, 2027.
As for character details or plot, well, those remain scarce at this stage.
While we wait for further news on whether the demonic Toby will reappear, Tuason previously revealed to Bloody Disgusting that technology will play a huge role in his vision: “Technology — camera technology — has advanced to a point where it’s become a big part of the film and what I want to do there.”
It’s fitting, especially as it was the original Paranormal Activity that inspired the filmmaker’s haunting debut, undertone.
Paranormal Activity, created by Oren Peli, first hit theaters in 2007. Its groundbreaking minimalist approach to found-footage ghost stories has spawned a seven-film franchise that’s grossed nearly $900 million worldwide.
Franchise originator Oren Peli will produce for Solana Films, with James Wan and Jason Blum producing for Blumhouse Atomic Monster. Michael Clear and Judson Scott will exec produce for Blumhouse Atomic, with Alayna Glasthal overseeing the project for the company. Other exec producers include Steven Schneider for Room 101, Inc., Dan Slater and Cody Calahan.
Also on the way soon is the Paranormal Activity stage play.