DVD Review “The Haunting of Helena”

Actors: Harriet MacMasters-Green, Sabrina Jolie Perez
Directors: Christian Bisceglia, Ascanio Malgarini
Rated: Unrated
Studio: Salient Media
DVD Release Date: September 17, 2013
Run Time: 90 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3 out of 5 stars

I have to admit when it comes to horror films, good cover art really goes a long way. “The Haunting of Helena” hooked up me from the moment I saw the box and I knew that it was going to be a creepy ass film. I must give props to Bloody Disgusting Selects who have been releasing some pretty awesome horror films in the last few years. The film packed a bunch of really terrifying scares and really kept you at the edge of your chair. It also delivered a very interesting story which also drove you in on top along with some great visual effects. Definitely recommend for a good scare.

Official Premise: After a divorce, Sophia moves to the south of Italy with her daughter, Helena. Their new home, an austere building of the fascist age, hides a mysterious closet and a buried secret. After the loss of Helena’s first baby tooth, a chilling obsession begins. She collects her classmates’ fallen teeth with an urgent hunger and begins to see strange apparitions. It soon becomes clear that there is far more to this apartment that can be seen. Sophia finds herself in a terrifying fight to save her child while maintaining her sanity.

“The Haunting of Helena” was only released on DVD, which is sad because this could have been much better on Blu-ray. The film’s score is quite eerie and well-positioned with the scares. It could have benefited from the HD surround track. In terms of special features, I was pretty impressed as well the extras includes. There is a great behind-the-scenes look into the production. I really enjoyed the special effects breakdown featurette, since they did a really amazing job with them. Lastly there are some cast and crew interviews rounding out the extras.