[celtic13]

Being Halloween last night, I dug out my Criterion dvd of Carnival of Souls and played it to my 16 yr old daughter and three of their friends. I expected derision but instead after the usual initial mocking of my somewhat eclectic tastes they became spellbound, particularly by the dance of the dead. They put aside their preconceptions of an old, ultra low budget movie and went with it, excusing the jump cuts and the dodgy dialogue, and instead just enjoying the experience.

It made me realize that too often we forget just why we got into all this home cinema malarkey in the first place - all the best gear in the world can't make up for a dodgy film ...and when the film is good, my God there is nothing like it - just ask my 16 yr old!

Paul

[expat]

I love this film myself. Didn't watch it this Halloween, but I agree it's a great choice for that special evening.

I'm not sure what you mean by "dodgy" dialogue -- I think it fits the general dream-like mood of the work.

This is a brilliant example of filmmakers making the most of a very limited budget. Another example that comes to mind is the original version of "Texas Chainsaw Massacre".

BTW: My children (11 and 13 yrs old at the time, I think) have seen Carnival of Souls but were not impressed. My daughter especially is put off by B&W and mono sound -- she's been spoiled by all those blockbusters like Harry Potter etc.

[celtic13]

"Dodgy dialogue" - their words not mine!

I used Young Frankenstein as an example of Black and White to get their attention then hit them with Carnival.

P

[pRot3us]

Great little spooky horror film.

Nice to hear that its being passed on to a new generation, its films just like this that I sadly feel could all too easily be forgotten and slip into oblivion.

[celtic13]

All credit to Criterion for releasing it in such a splendid way...it really does the movie proud! i wonder if it will ever surface on Bluray and whether it would be worth it or not?

P

[ArabChris]

Would like to revive this thread having just watched this classic again, introducing it to my girlfriend this time

Spooks me every showing