Starring: Karen Black, Robert Burton (III), John Karlen, George Gaynes, Jim Storm Directed By: Dan Curtis Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: Unrated Binding: DVD Format: Color, DVD-Video, Special Edition, NTSC Label: Dark Sky Films Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: August 29, 2006 Running Time: 79 minutes Theatrical Release Date: March 04, 1975
Amazon.com: Dan Curtis, the creator and producer of such out-of-the-ordinary TV classics as the willfully offbeat gothic soap opera Dark Shadows and the proto-X-Files series The Night Stalker, remains best known for the Zuni fetish doll that terrorizes Karen Black in Trilogy of Terror. The wild-eyed doll, with its snapping jaws and screeching yells, borders on camp, yet its relentless attacks and single-minded, homicidal drive make it an absolutely terrifying figure in the climactic chapter of this trilogy of short films based on stories by Richard Matheson. In the first story, "Julie," Karen Black plays a mousy college professor blackmailed by an obsessed student, and in "Millicent and Therese" she plays sisters consumed with an intense hatred of one another that comes to a head when their father dies. Both of these films conclude with Twilight Zone-ish twists and are more clever than gripping, kept alive mostly by Black's gleefully theatrical performances. With "Amelia," however, Black delivers an almost solo show, playing against the famous Zuni fetish doll, a wooden statue that comes to life when the a protective chain slips off the figure and releases the evil spirit. Curtis turns her apartment into a claustrophobic cage trapping the increasingly hysterical woman as the unstoppable figure hacks at her legs with a kitchen knife and chomps down on her arms and neck with the relentless intensity of a bulldog. It's still a classic of small-screen horror. --Sean Axmaker
Product Description: Legendary producer/director Dan Curtis (DARK SHADOWS THE NIGHT STALKER) teams up with writers Richard Matheson (I AM LEGEND THE TWILIGHT ZONE) and William F. Nolan (LOGAN S RUN BURNT OFFERINGS) to present three tales of horrific suspense in this made-for-television anthology that also showcases the tremendous acting talent of Karen Black (FIVE EASY PIECES THE DAY OF THE LOCUST) who plays four distinct roles. In Julie an aggressive college student seduces and ultimately blackmails his seemingly shy English professor. In Millicent and Therese two polar-opposite sisters become increasingly hell-bent on the undoing of one another. And in Amelia a woman falls prey to a murderous Zuni fetish doll.SPECIAL FEATURES:Commentary with Karen Black and writer William F. Nolan Richard Matheson: Terror Scribe Featurette Three Colors Black FeaturetteSystem Requirements:Running Time 72 Mins.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: HORROR UPC: 030306759395 Manufacturer No: DVD7593
Still freaks me out I first saw this three stories tele-movie three decades ago and after finding it was on dvd, purchased Trilogy of Terror to find out if it still has a high scare factor. It does! For anyone contemplating purchase I say go right ahead but make sure you don't live alone. I won't spoil your entertainment with details, suffice to say that the first story is spooky, subtle with a knockout ending; the second will have you enthralled and the third story will make you put all the lights on in every room at night for at least a week! Karen Black shows what an actor she is, absolutely fantastic.
Not the usual horror flick
This is not your usual horror flick: it has loads of psychological implications. The characters portrayed by Karen Black are almost sympathetic, which is about the best way to watch a horror movie -- having sympathy for the beast. Even FRANKENSTEIN could evoke a bit of sympathy from the viewer. Originally saw this movie on TV back in the '70's with my spouse and we've never forgotten this triolgy. While it isn't the greatest movie ever made (and not on par with a great classic like FRANKENSTEIN), it is MEMORABLE . . . particularly the last third of the trilogy. Some of the scenes in the last of this three-parter have never left me or my spouse. I won't ruin the movie for anyone reading this review, except to say this is a DVD worth having. Disturbing and VERY unusual, and well worth viewing. And well worth owning your own DVD copy. And, as a point of comparison, I saw a re-make of this movie that was very disappointing. The original TRILOGY IN TERROR is by far the best.
Classic Horror film Just as I remembered it from my childhood memories of TV Horror movies. The 3rd segment is great.
Trilogy of Terror OMG - this movie scared the heck out of me as a child and for 33 years I have had nightmares about the doll who comes to life and for some unknown reason to my husband, I have bought the movie to watch and freak out over again for the next 33 years of my life. I must be silly! If you want to be frightened beyond belief...watch this movie (just remember how old it is and accept the graphics for the age of the movie). Enjoy but don't sleep alone tonight...
Awesome just as I remembered I love this movie! A lot of people really like the third episode but I love all three of them. Karen Black does a wonderful job in this movie and after watching the interview with her- it was very interesting how they filmed Ameila with the doll especially to make it look real when it's running around LOL- love it- its definitely worth owning.
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