Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The House Where Death Lives Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 26, 2024

1981’s “The House Where Death Lives” (a.k.a. “Delusion”) is often listed as a slasher film, released during a time when every producer was looking for a way to cash-in on mass interest in horror entertainment. There is a killer on the loose, and characters are dispatched one-by-one, but the screenplay by Jack Viertel isn’t fully committed to building a fright factory. He’s much more interested in developing a psychological and borderline erotic thriller, toying with the ways of obsession as the lead character experiences a different kind of nightmare. Director Alan Beattie also plays the picture very carefully, concentrating on the development of personalities and relationships before murder business begins. “The House Where Death Lives” is competently made, with appreciable efforts in performance and cinematography, but it’s a slow-burn thriller, and it’s debatable if it ever really starts moving at all.

Meredith (Patricia Pearcy) is a nurse accepting a job at Fairlawn, in charge of caring for Langrock (Joseph Cotton), who’s lost his son, offering his teenage grandson, Gabriel (John Dukakis), a place to live. Fairlawn employs many people, with secretary Phillip (Leon Charles) trying to make Meredith feel comfortable in her new surroundings, and she also meets cook Duffy (Alice Nunn) and groundskeeper Alex (Abraham Alvarez), while lawyer Jeffrey (David Hayward) looks to impress the new addition to the staff, openly flirting with her. Meredith is curious about the house and its secrets, eager to discover what’s inside a locked room and explore abandoned areas of the property. Breaking her concentration is the arrival of Gabriel, who displays odd behavior, fixated on Meredith, and the nurse begins an obsession with the adolescent, creating tensions with Jeffrey. Sensuality and concern are shattered when death arrives at Fairlawn, raising panic as bodies begin to pile up, with Meredith unsure who’s responsible for the killings.

“The House Where Death Lives” is presented from Meredith’s perspective, with the story told via a letter written to her father, explaining her every thought as she recalls her experience at Fairlawn. It’s difficult to tell if this approach was conceived at a script level or hastily added to help clarify motivations for viewers, but the hand-holding nature of it doesn’t work for the feature, diminishing the mystery aspects of the plot. What does maintain some appeal is the opening act, introducing Meredith to the strange employees at Fairlawn, including Phillip, a cheery assistant who openly shares his drinking problems with the new hire, showing off a large wine cellar he frequently samples from. The nurse is soon introduced to her patient, and Langrock seems to be a decent man who’s been hit by tragedy and accidents, left paralyzed, requiring all levels of assistance while celebrating the arrival of his grandson.

“The House Where Death Lives” tries to set a spooky mood, keeping Meredith on edge as she grows curious about what resides inside a locked room in the mansion. However, more energy is spent building a strange sexual atmosphere, with Jeffrey immediately attracted to the nurse, working hard to capture her attention. When Gabriel arrives, “The House Where Death Lives” escalates eroticism, even including a fantasy for Meredith, which feels like a quick way to add some sexploitation to the endeavor. Meredith is caught between two men who seem to desire her, and viewers may start openly wondering why the film is classified as “horror.” Well, murder eventually arrives in the feature, but it takes some time, finding Beattie more interested in lengthy scenes of Meredith reflecting on her situation, or chatting up supporting characters, as Langrock is eager to help solve issues with her mentally ill mother.

The House Where Death Lives Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is listed as "newly scanned and restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative." "The House Where Death Lives" maintains a nice level of detail throughout the viewing experience, doing well with skin particulars on the range of age with cast members. Housing interiors are also compellingly textured, preserving the strange architecture of the house, and room depth is present. Exteriors also carry dimension. Colors are respectfully refreshed, with offering distinct greenery and hair color. Clothing offers a mix of primaries, and skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition.

The House Where Death Lives Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix delivers acceptable dialogue exchanges, handling hushed encounters and moments of anger, finding a few stretches of the track dealing with sibilance issues. Scoring supports the drama with clear instrumentation. Sound effects are appreciable.

The House Where Death Lives Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features The Hysteria Continues.

• "Dear John" (18:42, HD) is an interview with actor John Dukakis, who began his acting career in high school, eventually making his way through college before finding a break on "Jaws 2." A professional journey began soon after, taking television work (including time on "Family Ties") to build his resume, locating a gig on "The House Where Death Lives," responding positively to the script. Dukakis discusses his relationship with horror cinema, auditioning for several slashers of the day, and he analyzes his character, finding a thespian challenge with the role. The interviewee shares his memories of co-stars, including intimidation felt around Joseph Cotten, while his chemistry with Patricia Pearcy was complicated by the on-set presence of her boyfriend. Thespian challenges are recalled, including the waxing of body hair to help resemble a teenage boy, which went horribly wrong. Dukakis offers some praise for "The House Where Death Lives," and details his post-acting career, getting into politics when his father, Michael, ran for president in 1988.

• "Stuck in That House" (15:33, HD) is an interview with actor David Hayward, who found his way to acting in military school, acquiring discipline on the stage. Encouraged by a professor, Hayward pursued acting after college, making his way to "The House Where Death Lives," treating the opportunity as a job, accepting the thespian challenges the part offered. Memories from the production are offered, recalling the low-budget reality of the shoot and the handsy nature of his co-stars. Time with Joseph Cotton is also shared, with Hayward highlighting his professionalism. The interviewee also explores physical challenges and characterization, and he shares his disappointment in "The House Where Death Lives."

• "Mad House" (25:12, HD) is an appreciation piece from film historian Stephen Thrower.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this release.

The House Where Death Lives Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The script saves ugliness for the final act, but there's not much here to enjoy. Suspense is limited to a few predatory encounters, and Beattie tries to pad the picture with plenty of scenes that follow Meredith slowly creeping around the house, investigating the situation. Characters are eliminated and some form of law enforcement is around, but "The House Where Death Lives" doesn't find its footing with screen tension. It's much more of a dramatic endeavor, and even that side to the material isn't all that compelling. Performances help, especially with acting vet Cotten, who does a little something with a nothing role, but even scenes where characters share deep feelings and fears fail to snap "The House Where Death Lives" out of its slumber.