The Haunted Mansion (2003)

[Disney Guru]

It sounds awesome I can't wait to see it. It sounds like a really great movie

[Starion]

Haunted Mansion sounds like a great movie! Unfortunately, most of the reviewers I've read and heard on the TV don't llike the movie too much.

Thanks for the review Maerj.

[Choco Bear]

I SAW IT TOO!

The movie was pretty good, not as good as Freaky Friday but very well made, the camera or cinemattography or whatever its called in this movie is great(or at least I thought so) and its pretty funny, I found myself the only one laughing but ya eddie murphy was good and perfect for the role some of the lines are kinda cheesy especially from the kids and the mom (who by the way is kinda hot ). I really enjoyed this movie and encorage you guys to see it especailly if you love the ride!

Another good thing about the movie is the song "Iz You" by Nelly at the end credits its a tight song.

Also they played the trailer for Hidalgo and damn it looks , I never thought I would want to see that but ya it looks amazing and am looking forward to next Spring

This movie gets
Choco Bears Paw of Approval

[Jake Lipson]

Well, I saw it yesterday and loved it. It was very fun, and I think the ads really misrepresent it as a comedy. This is a romance/mystery/adventure with comedy, suprises, and lots of loud thunder claps thrown in for good measure.

The prologue, interwined with the opening credits, was very well done and set the mood perfectly. After that, the movie established the characters well, but really gets going when Jim and his family get to the mansion. After that, it's really briskly paced and all great fun. Anyone who goes in expecting the second coming of Pirates will leave bitterly disappointed, but on its own ground it's a really, really fun time. And the busts are a riot.

Also, a really nice treat to see Lion King vets Rob Minkoff and Don Hahn reunite to work on this one. Let's hope they collaberate more in the future.

[Jack]

I really enjoyed Haunted Mansion - much more than I expected. Terrance Stamp was great in his role, the sets were awesome, and the whole feel of the movie was pretty cool. I often times found parts roaringly funny that others didn't (where Murphy uncovers the corpse and goes "peeee-yu", where Stamp goes "Pardon me?" and walks away - for whatever reason I was just giving belly laughs on those parts.)

I enjoyed this more than Pirates of the Caribbean. It was a really fun experience and felt like just the right length.

[Candleshoe]

Ok, I'll emerge from my usual role of lurker to chime in on this. I just saw "The Haunted Mansion" tonight, and was profoundly disappointed. I was looking forward to this being the kind of fun, lightweight experience that "Pirates" was, and when things got rolling with an appropriately crafted title sequence, I was grinning with delight. Unfortunately, things went downhill from there.

Murphy and the rest of the cast are as bland as the dust coating every surface of Gracey Manor. Murphy adds nothing to the film - certainly no laughs. Although the person responsible for casting Jennifer Tilly as Madame Leota needs to be fired. Now.

The biggest problem is the script. The film doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it an Abbott and Costello funny romp with some wacky ghosts? Is it a mysterious haunting resulting from a thwarted romance? Is it a mystery? I still don't know.

They've tried to tie together the sketchy storyline from the attraction: death of a bride, groom hangs himself; with a modern twist of Murphy's realty firm contracted to sell the house. There's the requisite spontaneous thunderstorm, ethereal mist, obnoxious wise-cracking 13-year-old girl and random details from the attraction: the ballroom sequence, party in the graveyard, hitchiking ghosts, etc. What isn't there is energy, sincerity, or one whit of fun. Driving home I realized that I didn't laugh once.

There are all kinds of loose ends, things that make no sense, questions raised and never answered and even continuity errors. Everything about it seems forced, mechanical, and ho-hum.

On the positive side, the film is beautifully filmed, expertly art directed, and features an appropriately haunting score by Mark Mancina. The technical artistry is delightful. If only the rest of the film was worth it.
[/i]

[STASHONE]

Eddie Murphy's gone from the comedic flair of "Trading Places", "Coming To America", "The Distinguished Gentleman", "Beverly Hills Cop" series ... to ... "I Spy", "Daddy Day Care", "The Adventures Of Pluto Nash", etc...



If anything, I'll let my little sister rent this one.

[BasilOfBakerStreet427]

I saw The Haunted Mansion.I thought it was good,but it would have really worked if Bruce Campbell had been star instead of Eddie Murphy,and the ghosts would have been zombies,and they would have had chainsaws to fight the zombies.

[Maerj]

I saw The Haunted Mansion.I thought it was good,but it would have really worked if Bruce Campbell had been star instead of Eddie Murphy,and the ghosts would have been zombies,and they would have had chainsaws to fight the zombies.

LOL, sure but then the movie would have been called "Evil Dead 4" and would have been Rated R!!

[Chernabog]

Welcome, you foolish mortals....
The begining of the film was really haunting and made the atmosphere, but I expected it to go downhill from there.

To my surprise I really liked this movie.
I must say that I didn´t had so high expectations for it, but it turned out to be as good as Pirates, according to my taste.
OK, Pirates is still a little better due to it´s gorgeous specialeffects, but you had much of these things also in Haunted Mansion.
I especially liked the scenes down in the crypt....

Eddie Murphy was good and I also like Jennifer Tilly in her role as Madame Leota.
The only thing I was a little disappointed of, was that there wasn´t more of connection to the ride in the parks.
Sure there was a bunch of them, but I thought that it should be much more - the same happened when I watched Pirates earlier this year.
To say that it´s based on the attraction is a little too much I think.
They have taken some ideas in both the movies, as well as in Country Bears and spun a whole new story around this.
I don´t say that it´s bad, no not at all, the opposite in fact, but I expected more connections to the wonderful rides in the park.

I think that this film will be remembered for it´s beautiful shooting and all the effects, but also for the wonderful music that incorporated tunes from the ride in the parks.

Go and see it, I don´t think you will regret it.

[Jake Lipson]

Luke brought you the official confirmation of the date, but I've got the press release for THE HAUNTED MANSION right in front of me on my monitor, so here are the specs. Not sure how to copy and paste the entire press release here, but here's the spec list as transcribed by me.

* Bloopers
* Deleted Scene
* Raven "Superstition" Video
* Haunted Mansion Virtual Tour
* "Making the Mansion" behind-the-scenes featurette
* Anatomy of a Scene: Ghosts in the Graveyard
* Feature audio commentary with producer Don Hahn

and

Hours of Enchanted DVD-ROM:Computer Features
* The History of The Haunted Mansion Attraction
* Morphing Ghost Host Maker
* Photo Gallaries
* Desktop Themes/Wallpaper/Screensavers
* Enhanced Virtual Mansion Tour

As Luke previously reported, the DVD will be available seperately in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and that other format. Retail is $29.99 apiece. No cover art yet at my source. That's Luke's to find I suppose.

Me? I think this is a mixed bag. I thought the movie felt a little rushed, so it's nice to see a deleted scene but I'm a little suprised/disappointed that there's only one. The making-of featurette is a tough call, since it could either be a leginimate making of or an EPK featurette from the movie's theatrical release, although I don't recall seeing it myself. And I have to ask the inevitable question: Where's director Rob Minkoff on the commentary track? He and Don Hahn (and Roger Allers) provided an exellent track for The Lion King on the laserdisc (which was ported to DVD) and while it will be a pleasure to hear from Hahn again I think they both should've been there.

The virtual mansion tour sounds cool if done correctly but it'll probably end up like the virtual tour of Hogwarts locations that have unfortunately become staples of the Harry Potter discs. If it's done more in the style of the Virtual Safari on The Lion King it could be cool but I'm not expecting much.

The rest of it is kiddie. Sorry but I'll pass on the Raven music video, I couldn't even stand the song during the credits of the movei so I definately won't stand it seperately. And it's disappointing that ALL of the ride stuff is regulated to the DVD-ROM. Since Dad has a DVD-ROM now, I've got access to it if he lets me use it, but still, if The History of The Haunted Mansion Attraction is a featurette, there's really no reason they couldn'tve put it on the video side, and the same with the photo gallaries.

But I do really wish this was a two disc set -- it does seem to be getting good treatment and it kind of worries me that they're throwing it all on one disc. I mean, it's not too terribly long, but still. If it were me, I'd split it into a double disc set with the first disc holding nothing except the movie and commentary, and all of the other stuff on disc two. Plus that would allow for a DTS track which we are unfortunately not getting, and more space, which would mean a chance for them to put some of the DVD-ROM exclusives back onto the video portion of the disc. And maybe a Rob Minkoff commentary too?

Ah well. It's a bit late now, seeing as the DVD is all done, and in general it does seem to have recieved a very good disc on par with some of the other recent Disney live action single discers such as Tuck Everlasting and Holes. So, I'm more or less pleased.

Your thoughts?

[MickeyMousePal]

Is the Haunted Mansion DVD worth buying?
All the extras sound very interesting and excellent.
It didn't do so good at the box office.

[Luke]

<center><img src="http://www.ultimatedisney.com/images/hm-header.jpg">

<u><b>DISNEY'S FRIGHTFULLY FUN FEATURE
ON DVD AND VHS ON APRIL 20</u>

THE HAUNTED MANSION

<u><i>DVD INCLUDES A FULL SLATE OF BONUS FEATURES...EXPLORE THEM IF YOU DARE</u></i></b>
</center>

BURBANK, Calif., January 16, 2004 – Disney’s <b>THE HAUNTED MANSION</b>, starring
Eddie Murphy, is ready to greet you again… on DVD and VHS on April 20 from Walt
Disney Home Entertainment. Filled with incredible visual and special effects, this funfilled
comedy adventure now includes a whole slew of bonus features that takes viewers
inside and behind the scenes of this hit feature film. Now everyone can sneak around the
mansion on a virtual tour, see a special deleted scene, learn how the film was made,
watch Raven’s “Superstition” music video, and do lots more!

<b>THE HAUNTED MANSION</b> is directed by Rob Minkoff, co-director of “The Lion
King.” The film features stunning special effects and make-up design by six-time
Academy Award® winner* Rick Baker (“Men In Black,” “The Nutty Professor,” “How
The Grinch Stole Christmas”), and sets by Oscar®-winning production designer John
Myhre (Winner Best Art Direction “Chicago,” 2002). Screenplay by David Berenbaum.
Executive Producers Barry Bernardi, Rob Minkoff. Produced by Don Hahn, Andrew
Gunn.

<b><u>DVD BONUS MATERIALS FOR THE HAUNTED MANSION</b></u>
• Bloopers
• Deleted Scene
• Raven “Superstition” Video
• Haunted Mansion Virtual Tour
• “Making The Mansion” Behind The Scenes Featurette
• Anatomy of A Scene: Ghosts In The Graveyard
• Feature Audio Commentary with Producer Don Hahn
• Hours Of Enhanced DVD-ROM Computer Features
&#56256;&#56473; The History Of The Haunted Mansion Attraction
&#56256;&#56473; Morphing Ghost Host Maker
&#56256;&#56473; Photo Galleries
&#56256;&#56473; Desktop Themes/Wallpaper/Screensavers
&#56256;&#56473; Enhanced Virtual Mansion Tour

<b><u>STREET DATE: April 20, 2004</u></b>
Suggested retail price: $29.99 (DVD). $24.99 VHS.
Direct DVD prebook: February 24, 2004
Distributor DVD prebook: March 9, 2004
Feature running time: Approximately 88 minutes
Rated: “PG” For Frightening Images, Thematic Elements And
Language.
Bonus materials unrated and subject to change.
DVD aspect ratio: Available 1.85:1 formatted 16x9
or
1.33:1 formatted 4x3
Sound: Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
THX Certified
French language track: Available on DVD

<b>THE HAUNTED MANSION</b> stars Eddie Murphy (“Daddy Day Care,” “The Nutty
Professor”) as hapless real estate agent Jim Evers, who gets a call late one night from
mansion owner Edward Gracey (Nathaniel Parker, “Squanto, A Warrior’s Tale,”).
Gracey is looking to sell his property and Jim, smelling the biggest deal of their career,
takes his wife Sara (Marsha Thomason, “Black Knight”) and their two children to the
mansion, located on a remote bayou.

A torrential thunderstorm of mysterious origin strands the Evers family in the old
mansion with the brooding, eccentric Gracey, his mysterious butler Ramsley (Terence
Stamp, “The Limey”), and a variety of residents both seen and unseen. At first, Jim scoffs
at Gracey’s stories about ghosts and hauntings, until he unearths the mystery of the
mansion and finds that his wife Sara has unexpected connections to its haunted past.

Shrouded in fog and mystery, the mansion was once a stately antebellum palace that
hosted New Orleans’ wealthiest. Now it’s the creepy and crumbling home to a love
struck 19th century gentleman, 999 ghosts, and a hilarious and hair-raising battle for
“home rule.” <b>THE HAUNTED MANSION</b> also stars Wallace Shawn (“Toy Story”),
Jennifer Tilly (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Home On The Range”), Dina Walters (TV’s “Six Feet
Under”), Marc John Jeffries (TV’s “Third Watch”) and Aree Davis.

Walt Disney Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment,
Inc., a recognized industry leader. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. is the
marketing, sales and distribution company for Walt Disney, Touchstone, Hollywood
Pictures, Miramax, Dimension and Buena Vista videocassettes and DVDs.

*Academy Awards® for Rick Baker:
Winner, Best Make Up “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000), “Men In Black” (1997), “The Nutty
Professor” (1996), “Ed Wood” (1994), “Harry And The Hendersons” (1987), “An American Werewolf In
London” (1981).

<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... ">Preorder The Haunted Mansion DVD from Amazon.com</a></b> (Widescreen Edition)

[MickeyMousePal]

The Haunted House I wonder if it's a good movie.
If it is I will buy the DVD.

[goofystitch]

I loved this movie (obviousley. Look at my avitar) and I think these special features look good, but lacking. After being blown away at the features on "Pirates of the Caribbean," I was hoping "The Haunted Mansion would be a 2-disc set, as well. I also liked how with the "Pirates" DVD, people who didn't appreciate the Widescreen format had to sit through it anyway. (Na, na, na, na, na, na, na) And since they didn't put a fullscreen version of the same disc as the widescreen version, (cough! "Sleeping Beauty." cough!) there was room for a DTS audio track, for geeks like me who want their surround sound to sound just that much better. I mean, if direct to video movies get a DTS track, (cough! "Atlantis: Milo's Return." cough!) than why shouldn't theatrical movies get them? I know the DTS track takes up a lot of disc space, so lets make things 2-disc and actually fill up that second disc with special features. (cough! "The Lion King: Special Edition." cough!)

[Disney Guru]

The Haunted Manchion was a great movie. I thought the the little boy in the film was stuped. I mean he was a fraidy cat and the litte girl was the one that always saved the day. I mean what has happened to the Old Disney image. Where the boy is the brave one who protects his sister. i mean where has that idea gone. Other than that it was a pretty good movie. I am glad to see that they will be including a lot of neat special features on the DVD. I mean if they didn't have those special features i wouldn't even buy it.

[Chernabog]

The Haunted Manchion was a great movie. I thought the the little boy in the film was stuped. I mean he was a fraidy cat and the litte girl was the one that always saved the day. I mean what has happened to the Old Disney image. Where the boy is the brave one who protects his sister. i mean where has that idea gone.

It´s called GIRLPOWER!

[Jack]

* Bloopers - Might be funny
* Deleted Scene - Only 1?
* Raven "Superstition" Video - Blech.
* Haunted Mansion Virtual Tour - Uber-cool.
* "Making the Mansion" behind-the-scenes featurette - Probably a fluffy EPK
* Anatomy of a Scene: Ghosts in the Graveyard - Probably will be good
* Feature audio commentary with producer Don Hahn -

I think the extras are a little dissapointing. They should really have something about the ride itself on the disc. Plus, I wish it could be a 2-Discer like Pirates, but I guess the box-office gross doesn't warrent that.

I'll buy it nomatter what, since I really enjoyed the movie.

[goofystitch]

Jack Wrote:

They should really have something about the ride itself on the disc.

I completely agree. Although, for Christmas, I got the book "The Haunted Mansion: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies" and 70% of it is about the creation of the ride and the differences between each variation at the different parks. It was one of the most interesting things I've ever read, and I was really hoping for a documentary similar to it.

[Disney Guru]

Girlpower

Well I guess that is what it is. I just had thought that they would do it like they made all Disney films where the boy is always the one who protects the girl. Because that is usually the way they are done. But thanks for clearing that up for me Goofy Stitch.