Not that many films make me jump, in fact it’s very rare for me to even flinch at most horror films. Well “Death Tunnel” made me jump a few times. The story is based on true events that took place in Kentucky at “Waverly Hill Sanatorium”. The filmmakers took the history and mythology of the place and used it as the base for the plot of the film.
The plot revolves around a college initiation party, where five girls will be picked to go though a series of freighting scares in the scarcest place on earth “Waverly Hill Sanatorium”. Each of the five girls are placed on one of the five floors of the place, however what is meant to be just a joke played by some the college guys who run the initiation, turns into a nightmare when the ghosts of the Sanatorium decide to take over.
If I were to compare “Death Tunnel” to any other horror films out there, I would say in terms of style it reminded me a of “Saw”, there are also scenes that reminded a lot of the ending scenes to “House of a 1000 Corpses”, as well as some of your basic ghost films like “Gothika” and other Dark Castle releases. However even though the film reminded me a lot of the films listed above, The story itself stood on it’s own. But hardcore horror fans will be able to see where I’m coming from by mentioning the films above.
What I liked about “Death Tunnel” was how original the look of the film was. It had an artistic look, without destroying the story or the pace of the film. The acting was basic, but it worked. However I think most true horror fans might look as the cast as being actors that would do well on a “WB” television show. However we get some great looking girls in this film and even a topless shower scene. Now I did notice a few continuity errors, now it’s not something that’s incredibly noticeable, but it has to do with some of the lead actors wardrobes.
Now as far as special effects go in this film, lets just say that without them this film probably would of not have been as effective with the scares. The great effects used to create the ghosts in this film really helped the film out a lot. I mean did these ghosts look scary, and the little eye candy that was added in for each scene here and there was what made the scares so effective. I also must say that the make-up effects for this film were out of this world. I mean shit, did they look real, I’ll even go as far as saying that the effects in this film are probably the most realistic effects I’ve seen in a long time.
Overall, “Death Tunnel” is one of the most frightening ghost stores I’ve seen. Full of great effects and one hell of a story. Now I don’t think it would have what it takes to make theaters in the U.S.A., but I’m sure it will eventually be available on DVD and in video stores. If you live overseas however, I’ve been informed that the film will play in theaters in a few countries. So in a nutshell, if your into ghost stories or want to get your date to jump all over you in fear, give “Death Tunnel” a chance. I am also inclined to say that most teenage girls will like this film as well, as it does appeal to both sexes. Check it out.
-Horror Bob
- Interview with J.R. Bookwalter - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Andrew J. Rausch - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Rick Popko and Dan West - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Director Stevan Mena (Malevolence) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Screenwriter Jeffery Reddick (Day of the Dead 2007) - January 22, 2015
- Teleconference interview with Mick Garris (Masters of Horror) - January 22, 2015
- A Day at the Morgue with Corri English (Unrest) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Writer/Director Nacho Cerda (The Abandoned, Aftermath) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actress Thora Birch (Dark Corners, The Hole, American Beauty) - January 22, 2015
- Interview with Actor Jason Behr, Plus Skinwalkers Press Coverage - January 22, 2015
