While it's not mentioned as much as the other films in Fulci's "Gothic Cycle" (Zombie Flesh Eaters, The Beyond and City Of The Living Dead), House By The Cemetery is the best of the lot - for different reasons than you may be thinking though. Unlike the other films I mentioned, House doesn't depend so heavily upon its gore to tell the story, it avoids any shots of shambling zombies and its acting is above par (aside from Giovanni Frezza, who we'll talk about later).

The story centers around a young family moving into the titular house, which we soon find out is somewhat of a cursed abode, considering most of the people that have lived there turned up dead. Soon enough the supporting characters are being knocked off and it's discovered there are more than spirits roaming the house by the cemetary.

Anyone doubting Fulci's ability to direct should give House a shot. It features some of the best "haunted house" atmosphere that I've ever seen, the use of ever-present shadows gives an unsettling effect even when nothing is happening and the murder scenes are some of Fulci's best - despite the aforementioned lack of gore.

The only problem in the film is child "star" Giovanni Frezza (also of Fulci's Manhattan Baby), who is one of the most hideous and annoying children I've ever been in association with. Worse yet is he's a main character who avoids death like the freaking Road-Runner. (Red, March 2004) *** 1/2

Second Opinon:
Itallian clone of The Amityville Horror has a family moving into a foreboding house where strange things occur eventually leading up to the fact there's an undead demon bloodily killing people.

This was almost a ** thanks to its good opening sequence, the stylish but sparcely spaced gore scenes and a pretty suspenseful axe scene but it's just too boring and weakly plotted to work. Director Fulci shows some style but is defeated by the feeble script.

Poorly dubbed and it is more proof of Fulci's obsession with showing some sort of scene involving maggots in every one of his movies. (Chris Hartley, 2001) * 1/2

Directed By: Lucio Fulci.
Written By: Lucio Fulci, Giorgio Mariuzzo, Dardano Sacchetti.

Starring: Katherine MacColl, Paolo Malco, Ania Pieroni, Giovanni Frezza.

Picture Ratio: Full Frame.

Picture Quality: Legacy does a fine job on their transfers considering the disc price, and this one is no exception.

Extras: Unlike some versions of the film (ed. Such as the Anchor Bay version with is widescreen and has extras), this release has no extras, but it is uncut.