From The Vaults: Madhouse DVD Review

This week’s vault title is one off the infamous Video Nasty list entitled Madhouse but also known as There Was A Little Girl. Why Madhouse? Why not? It’s a fun gory horror movie that was lacking a decent DVD release for a very long time.

Julia Sullivan is a teacher for the deaf at a local school. Although her life seems great to all those around her she has a pretty dark and scary past. Her sister, Mary, is twisted both physically and mentally. The disfigured twin and her evil dog that tormented Julia while growing up now haunt her dreams. Safely locked away in a sanitarium undergoing treatment for Dementia, Mary plots her revenge on Julia, who she blames for all of her problems. As the birthday they share draws closer, Mary manages to escape from the Sanitarium with only one thing on her mind.

The movie starts out in grand fashion, showing perhaps the best gore scene and shock scare of the entire film. It sets a very creepy tone that stays with you throughout the film. There are a lot giallo inspired moments in this Italian horror film from the early 80’s such as the gloved killer and Argento-esque use of gels in some scenes to enhance the colors. Probably best know for his demon possession film, Behind the Door, Producer/Director/Writer Ovidio G. Assonitis delivers a fairly original script with pretty good practical effects and some chilling moments of suspense.

Trish Everly, who starred as the trusting and goodhearted Julia was believable did a good job in her only acting role (at least according to IMDB). 70’s TV veteran Dennis Robertson as the twins’ uncle, Father James did a great job and really stole the show.

Dark Sky Films did a really nice job on the transfer for this release. Presented in 2:35:1 anamorphic widescreen, the movie looks really good. There is very minimal grain and some good depth of black tones which helps in the dark scenes toward the end of the movie. The audio is in English 2.0 Dolby Digital. The Cannibal Holocaust reminiscent score by composer Riz Ortolani fits well with the feel. The dialogue is mostly clear and there is no distortion. English subtitles are available if you prefer to use them, however you really don’t need to as the mono soundtrack is good enough that everyone is easily understood.

The bonus interview with Ovidio G. Assonitis runs just under 15 minutes. It has some interesting behind the scenes information in it, such as working with the animals and such and is definately worth your time. Just be sure to wait until you have seen the movie first as some of the footage in it will ruin some of the twists for you.

I was aware of Madhouse (aka There Was A Little Girl) for quite some time as it is on the United Kingdom’s original Video Nasty list. Until Dark Sky released it this week I had been unable to find a copy. Although tame by comparison to today’s stuff, it is pretty easy to see what caused the censors to resort to this. I love 80’s slashers and really enjoyed this one. If you are a fan of 70′s and 80’s horror then a.)you and I probably have simular tastes and b.)you are going to want to at the very least rent Madhouse and probably end up with a copy in your collection.

Recommended for horror fans

Bonus Features:

Interview with Director/Writer/Producer Ovidio G. Assonitis
Still Gallery

Madhouse is available now, courtesy of Dark Sky Films.