Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Elvira's Haunted Hills Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 20, 2021

1988’s “Elvira: Mistress of the Dark” was a goofy film, but it worked well with a lighter sense of humor, with star Cassandra Peterson attempting to create a big screen space for her television persona, wisely electing to surround the oddity of Elvira with conservative, condemning types. Some jokes landed successfully, and Peterson proved she could carry a movie as Elvira, playing up the icon’s wackiness and good-natured sexuality. The business of Hollywood prevented Peterson from immediately following “Mistress of the Dark” with something else to maintain cinematic momentum. 2001’s “Elvira’s Haunted Hills” is meant to restore the marquee value of the eponymous character, but the feature has some trouble with funny business, watching Peterson and co-writer John Paragon deliver weak one-liners and feeble slapstick, while director Sam Irvin goes the cartoon route with material that needs a slightly more refined touch. It’s always great to have Elvira around, but her second cinematic adventure is a noticeable step down in quality from the first one.

In 1851, Elvira (Cassandra Peterson), with her servant, Zou Zou (Mary Jo Smith), is crossing Carpathia, on a quest to make some money as an entertainer. Out of options, Elvira is found by Dr. Bradley (Scott Atkinson), who brings the Mistress of the Dark to Castle Hellsubus for a stay, introducing her to the mystery of Lord Hellsubus (Richard O’Brien) and his late wife, Elura, who is a dead ringer for Elvira. Left to deal with combative Hellsubus relatives and Elura’s story, Elvira tries to make the best out of an uncomfortable situation, learning more about the castle’s deadly secrets.

“Elvira’s Haunted Hills” isn’t connected to “Mistress of the Dark,” but it shares the same impish sense of humor. However, the production makes a creative decision to crank up the silliness of the film to make sure viewers understand what’s funny, which involves the use of pratfalls and broad sight gags, and there’s an addiction to cartoon sound effects that really ruins the mood of the picture, finding Irvin taking to slide whistle emphasis whenever he can. “Elvira’s Haunted Hills” is meant to be a parody of Roger Corman’s Edgar Allen Poe adaptations from the 1960s, but Irvin doesn’t have the patience for subtlety, eschewing a grander pantsing of this career stretch for a sitcom-esque romp, though one that feature handsome sets and general attention to horror decoration.

“Elvira’s Haunted Hills” isn’t funny, which is a shame, as it’s performed with enthusiasm by the cast, who all seem to be having a grand time toying with impersonations and amplification. Peterson keeps the endeavor together with her spirited work, trying to sell every punchline with professional commitment, but she’s often working uphill with the screenplay. “Elvira’s Haunted Hills” doesn’t deviate from its creative direction, merging gothic horror with Looney Tunes-style wackiness, and the whole thing grows tiring long before the story’s over. A musical number is meant to liven things up, also offering Peterson a chance to sing, but it’s a brief blast of energy in an otherwise miscalculated effort that’s trying to have fun, but never achieves the hilarity it’s looking for.

Elvira's Haunted Hills Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a "new restoration from a 4K scan of the original camera negative." "Elvira's Haunted Hills" doesn't have much expanse, but it does have a lot of production detail, showcasing cavernous sets and interior decoration, showing off paintings and furniture, and set piece elements, such as the swinging pendulum, retain texture. Skin particulars are preserved, along with heavy period costuming. Colors are distinct, with the picture offering a vivid display of hues during the main title sequence, which features a moody display of swirling paint. Skintones are natural, preserving Elvira's bone-white appearance. Castle displays retain their stony look, and the autumnal atmosphere of the village is distinct. Delineation is satisfactory, with deep blacks captured on clothing and shadowy encounters. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

Elvira's Haunted Hills Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix offers crisp dialogue exchanges, and the crude dubbing joke with Adrian is preserved. Scoring cues are pronounced with sharp instrumentation, supporting suspense and comedy moods, with defined elements, such as the slide whistle. Atmospherics are active, exploring castle expanse, lightning strikes, and exterior activity. Sound effects are just as lively, offering all the bonks, boinks, and balloon rubbing a person could want. Low-end offers some rumble with earthquakes and carriage movement.

Elvira's Haunted Hills Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features director Sam Irvin, and actors Cassandra Peterson, Mary Scheer, Scott Atkinson, and Mary Jo Smith.

• Introduction (4:41, HD) is a newly shot in-character offering from Peterson, with Elvira welcoming fans to the anniversary release of "Elvira's Haunted Hills." Shenanigans ensure, with Elvira interacting with character Zou Zou (appearing in film footage) and working through math and charades to help figure out how old the movie is.

• "Transylvania or Bust" (28:25, SD) is a 2011 making-of for "Elvira's Haunted Hills," featuring interviews with director Sam Irvin, and actors Cassandra Peterson, Mary Scheer, Scott Atkinson, and Mary Jo Smith. Rejected by major studios, Peterson elected to use her own money to finance the feature, trying to nail the specifics of a Roger Corman/Edgar Allan Poe tribute with co-writer John Paragon. Peterson found the right man for the directing job in Irvin, who adored Vincent Price epics, and casting efforts are detailed, with the production heading to The Groundlings to find funny people for the supporting cast (only Fabio turned Peterson down). Co-star Richard O'Brien is celebrated as well. Taking the shoot to Romania, real castles and villages were used to add authentic imagery to the picture. However, safety concerns were raised, with Smith particularly sensitive to potential dangers. Artistic compromises to keep the endeavor on budget are detailed, and Irvin shows off the gorgeous poster art created for the film by Olivia De Berardinis. The interviewees share their thoughts on the movie, with Irvin listing it as his favorite project, while Peterson's feelings are more about survival, still bothered by all the anxiety conjured while making "Elvira's Haunted Hills."

• "The Making of 'Elvira's Haunted Hills'" (22:20, SD) is a 2002 featurette, collecting interviews from director Sam Irvin, producer Mark Pierson, and actress Cassandra Peterson. While most of the information presented here is shared in "Transylvania or Bust," the documentary goes deeper into technical achievements, including the use of CGI to extend arms for one gag, and set construction is celebrated. Casting is recalled, and musical efforts are highlighted, including the creation of a dance number. Perhaps most interesting is an anecdote from Peterson about her Romanian stunt double, who wasn't nearly as…endowed as the star, forcing the lead to sit under a massive swinging pendulum.

• "Elvira in Romania" (46:32, SD) is a fascinating blend of interview footage with Cassandra Peterson (who tries to be funny with a stone-cold Romanian interviewer) and BTS footage, showcasing the creation of shots and bits for the film. It's also interesting to see Peterson in full Elvira costuming roaming around a village, interacting with the locals.

• Interview (6:10, SD) spends time with actor Richard O'Brien, who discusses Transylvania, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," marginalized communities, and his character in "Elvira's Haunted Hills."

• Outtakes (:55, SD) exposed a handful of flubbed lines.

• Still Gallery (1:57) collects publicity stills and BTS snaps.

• And Trailer #1 (2:10, SD) and Trailer #2 (1:39, SD) are included.

Elvira's Haunted Hills Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Peterson's second big screen at-bat as Elvira doesn't connect as well as "Mistress of the Dark," which had the benefit of career momentum for the actress and her horror hostess persona. Things feel stale this time around, with the writing failing to bring freshness to Elvira's world, unable to update her shtick for a new audience and a different type of comedy. "Elvira's Haunted Hills" has a great title and Peterson's enthusiasm, but the exaggeration of it all starts to wear thin fairly early, missing a chance to do something amazingly sharp with Corman's endeavors.