Review: Amityville 3D (1983)

Amityville 3D, released in 1983, is a curious entry in the Amityville Horror franchise. This installment tries to capitalize on the early '80s 3D craze, offering audiences a supernatural experience that's more about spectacle than scares. As a collector, you're probably wondering if this title deserves a spot on your shelf. Let's dig into what this film offers and why it might or might not be worth your time.

Plot Summary

The storyline follows a skeptical journalist, John Baxter, who decides to purchase the infamous Amityville house to debunk the supernatural myths surrounding it. As you'd expect, things don't go smoothly. The house's sinister past starts to unravel, revealing eerie occurrences and dangerous phenomena. While the plot doesn't break new ground, it offers the usual haunted house thrills with a few surprises.

Performances

Tony Roberts takes the lead as John Baxter, bringing a steady, if somewhat uninspired, presence to the film. His character is a classic skeptic, which Roberts plays with straightforwardness, though it lacks a bit of the depth that might have elevated the role. Tess Harper, playing his estranged wife Nancy, offers a supportive performance, though her role is limited by the script's focus on the supernatural elements.

The film also features a young Meg Ryan in a minor role. While she doesn't have a significant amount of screen time, her early career appearance is a nice novelty for fans of her later work. The cast as a whole does a serviceable job, but the performances are often overshadowed by the film's emphasis on 3D effects rather than character development.

Direction and Craft

Richard Fleischer, the director, had a varied career, and with Amityville 3D, he aimed to deliver a horror experience that leaned heavily on visual gimmicks. The 3D effects, while dated by today's standards, are an interesting piece of film history, capturing a specific moment in the early '80s when 3D was all the rage. Objects and ghosts seem to leap out at the viewer, which was a novelty at the time and still holds a kitschy charm.

The film's production values are typical of the era, with practical effects taking center stage. The haunted house setting is effectively creepy, though not particularly innovative. Fleischer's direction is competent, but he doesn't infuse the film with the tension or atmosphere that might have made it more memorable. Instead, the focus remains on delivering visual thrills.

Collector's Verdict

Amityville 3D is a quirky addition to any horror collection, particularly for those who appreciate vintage 3D effects and '80s cinema. The best format to own this film in is VHS, as it captures the nostalgic feel of the era and the original 3D presentation. While it's not the rarest title out there, it is uncommon enough to make it a fun find for collectors who enjoy tracking down unique pieces of horror history.

If you're a fan of the Amityville series or have a soft spot for early 3D adventures, this might be worth seeking out. However, don't expect it to be a standout in terms of storytelling or acting. It's more of an oddity that represents a specific time in horror filmmaking.

Overall, Amityville 3D is more about the experience than the story. It may not be the crown jewel of any collection, but it certainly has its place for those who enjoy exploring the peculiar corners of horror cinema.