Play/Pause

With two weeks to go until the Halloween weekend, I thought I’d post a few picks for seasonal DVD viewing. Sadly, over the years, the trend in movies for the witch’s new year has moved away from atmospheric, darkly romantic tales to one-dimensional slash fests. But fear not; dense, story-driven, moody flicks with a Halloween theme can be found.

So while neighborhood children are busy egging your house and putting foul things into your mailbox, you can sit comfortably in your easy chair with your feet up. Spectral phantoms dance in the flickering shadows at the corner of the room. Where's that DVD remote? I just need to turn on the lights for a moment. I think I lost my . . . uhhmmm . . .

Donnie Darko (2001)

Donnie: I made a new friend today.
Dr. Lilian Thurman: Real or imaginary?
Donnie: Imaginary.



Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

Love never dies.

Van Helsing: Mr. Morris, your bullets will not harm him. He must be beheaded. I suggest that you use your big Bowie knife.
Quincey P. Morris: Well, I wasn't plan on getting that close, Doc.



Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Heads will roll.

Young Masbath: Is he dead?
Ichabod Crane: That's the problem. He was dead to begin with.



The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Jack Skellington, king of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn't quite understand the concept.

Dr. Finkelstein: Sally, that's twice this month you've slipped deadly nightshade into my tea and run off.
Sally: Three times!



Enjoy the show.