Amazon.com: After The Exorcist sparked a lengthy trend of supernatural thrillers, this 1976 horror film scored a hit with critics and audiences for mixing gothic horror and mystery into its plot about a young boy suspected of being the personification of the anti-Christ. (No doubt it's a favorite of shock-rocker Marilyn Manson.) Directed by Richard Donner (best known for his Superman and Lethal Weapon films), The Omen gained a lot of credibility from the casting of Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as a distinguished American couple living in England, whose young son Damien bears "the mark of the beast." Mysterious deaths and unexplained incidents draw the attention of a photographer (David Warner), whose investigation leads to the young boy--and also to the photographer's shocking decapitation (in a scene that has since been inducted into the horror hall of fame). At a time when graphic gore had yet to dominate the horror genre, this film used its violence discreetly and to great effect, and the mood of dread and potential death is masterfully maintained. It's all a bit hokey, with a lot of biblical portent and sensational fury, but few would deny it's highly entertaining. Jerry Goldsmith's Oscar-winning score works wonders to enhance the movie's creepy atmosphere. --Jeff Shannon
Product Description: The first film in classic four-part legacy of terror stars Gregory Peck as an ambassador who is talked into switching his wife's (Lee Remick) stillborn baby with an orphaned infant. When young Damien is Five the horror begins with his nanny's dramatic suicide. As the death toll escalates Damien's father realizing his son is the antichrist decides that he must kill the boy and rid the world of the evil.System Requirements:Running Time: 266 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: HORROR Rating: R UPC: 024543244868 Manufacturer No: 2234486
Right up there with The Exorcist as top horror film EVER!!!
I don't understand why this film doesn't get more respect. The music? My God, the music has stayed with me for DECADES!!!!! Brilliant. Simply brilliant. The acting, the directing, the atmosphere, the script, everything is just perfection. One of the best horror movies of all time bar none. The smile from Damien at the end??? UUGH, creepy perfect. Another must see/must own movie for any serious movie buff. Highly recommended!!!
THE OMEN - Really Good Horror Film of 1976 The Omen was a good four star horror film that I saw in 1976 which had an excellent story and good special effects. The gated cemetary guarded by hounds from hell was fantastic, and as far as atmosphere and pure horror this scene was on a par with the old Universal movies. The musical score was very effective at establishing the mood for the film.
What I don't understand was the absolute rave that came out of Hollywood for this film at the academy awards which had dozens of dancers on stage and vocalists chanting in Latin. This was entertaining but didn't really make any sense. All of Hollywood turned out to say this film was the best thing for horror since Universal's Frankenstein. I thought it was good but not deserving of all that praise.
This was the first horror film I saw with my wife after we were married in 1976, and I really had to work to get her to see it. Actually, it worked out well for both of us as she appeared to like this film, minus the explicit gore. This was the first of the Omen films and set the series off to a good start for years to come.
This film received extensive advertising on posters, NYC subway stations, newspapers, radio and television and got many fans talking about it prior to release. It was an exciting time for horror at the movies again and I understand and agree with the average Amazon reviewer.
Classic Horror The Omen is remastered in this DVD 2 disc set and looks fabulous. DVD extra features gives the backstory to the "curse" of The Omen during filming. One particular documentary covers the entire series. I loved it and am very happy to have this in my horror/thriller collection.
A Classic "The Omen" is one of those few, infact very few realistic horror films. A story that is based on a real fact. Excellent chemistry between Greggory Peck and Lee Remick, the romantic score by Jerry Goldsmith is simply delightfull. Billie Whitelaw was fabulous as the evil Governess, she was very expressive and done her part really well. David Warner as usual gives his best performence. Last but not the least the child Harvey Stephens does very well, the evil expressions that easily potrayed from the little child. Haunting music from Jerry Goldsmith. Excellent scenarios and wonderfull direction makes the film a true classic. If you love classics, trust me you will definately love this one too.
Still great even today When it comes down to my horror movies. The slasher usually reigns supreme with the supernatural not too far behind. The Omen ranks at the top with the first Exorcist. What I love about the Omen mostly is the accurate references to the bible. For some reason that always gives me chills. In fact, the Omen is the only one that effects me in that way today.
This classic was blessed by some of the best acting. Everyone was believeable in thier roles. Young Damien(Harvey Stephens) did a terrific job portraying the hellbringer with an innocent face. Plus Gregory Peck and Lee Remick delivered some outstanding performances as well.
The overall atmosphere of this film set the tone for some of the most memorable scenes in horror to me. It was almost as if I can feel the evil in some of the most tense scenes. The priest running to the church is the best example for me. The death scenes even though not very gory. Still have a heavy impact and at that time especially were something really sick.
I can go on and on about what makes this an excellent horror movie. Of course nothing I'm saying is new. But I just want to give my take on where I see this movie. If anybody speaks about great horror movies. The ORIGINAL Omen should always be mentioned. Now the sequels, well that's another story. A horror fans collection is far from complete if they don't have this.
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Trevor
Megaton Man
