Let's Scare Jessica to Death
PARAMOUNT HOME VIDEO - 08093

STATS
Widescreen (1.85:1) Enhanced for 16x9 TVs, Color, CC, MONO, Languages: English, Subtitles: English, Chapters: 15, Running Time: 88 mins., Rated PG - 13, Price: $14.99



VISUAL
The transfer has surprisingly vivid colors, for more colorful compared to today’s style of filmmaking were everything is horribly desaturated. Film grain is noticeable in over certain scenes, and the materials used are otherwise clean and devoid of defects.
The image quality easily holds up to larger screen monitors.

AUDIO
Presented it its original MONO, in 2.0 the sound will be merged into the view’s home theatre center channel. If chosen it will play just as well spread out amongst the front left and right speakers.

The film’s mix is simple and less layered than film today. The music holds most of the sonic vibrancy. It is through this score the film conveys its presence. The soundtrack is clear and at the same time showcases the limitations of its day. Still it is mastered well without faults.

EXTRAS
NONE.
A NOTE TO PARAMOUNT – Yes, it’s nice that any studio releases little known or even cult films, but would it break the bank if you just included the trailer! With all the wild garbage we the consumer are hearing about HD DVD/BLU-RAY able to hold extras – what’s the use if you don’t even try to provide them for regular releases. Who’s going to believe you when it comes to HD? I find it amazing that when smaller companies release films like this they come up with a wealth of extras.


Disc

PRESENTATION
A spooky new artwork is derived from a scene in the film and used on the cover of the plastic, black Amaray - Although a niece choice I think the designer was a bit over inspired by the artwork, both theatrical and DVD versions of THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE.
Menus are non-animated and without sound. There are no transitions to sub-menus. No inserts, or booklet.

SIGHTS AND INSIGHTS
LET’S SCARE JESSICA TO DEATH succeeds in creating an atmosphere of tension and confusing without the aids of digital effects, or music video editing. Yes, by today’s standard it may run at a more leisurely pace, but it more readily achieved a nightmare quality or dream-like state than most films do today. Very typical of film done in the 70’s JESSICA delivers a very personal drama told via a first person narrative. This was more likely first broached with ROSEMARY’S BABY in the late 60’s and copied from then. The approach is very literary in nature and JESSICA supports this with voice over comments ushered by the main character thoughts made known to the audience. In beginning and end structure this film predates 1976’s SHOCK WAVES; which also shares the same narrative form and is just as creepy.

REVIEW by Scott Michael Bosco©
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