The Other

Fast receipt of this DVD. Very hard to find. Thanks.

***REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***The Other must be put in timely perspective to be truly appreciated. It was released in 1972, roughly a year after the novel. At the time, it shared the bestseller lists with The Exorcist, and the movie actually came out BEFORE Blatty's blockbuster. Children in peril were a hot concept. There were few films that dealt with evil children (The Bad Seed) and twist endings were much more rare than they are today. Horror and thrills were often implied and seldom shown. As a result, someone raised on slasher films, torture porn, gratuitous violence, and bloodbaths may not be able to appreciate the white-hot timing, freshness, and deftness of what was a chilling concept subtly unfolding on screen. This is a psychological thriller. Even so, much of what is commonplace on the big screen was unexpected when this 'small movie' made its run.This tale is rooted in Jung's notion of The Shadow (hence the great DVD cover) utilized to great effect in this simmering affair. Twin brothers, Niles and Holland Perry, share everything, yet they are as different as night and day: one sunny and cheerful, the other brooding and evil. The family farm is a serene, peaceful place. Niles and Holland spend their days fishing, playing in the barn, going to the carnival, and playing 'the game'. The game is astral projection, taught to them by their Russian born grandmother, Ada, who seems all too eager to let the game playing continue...until it is too late.This slow-builder continues until, before we know it, the warm water reaches a boil. There is such a rich undercurrent here that impatient viewers may miss: hints of incest between Niles and his downtrodden mother, suggestions of a possible clairvoyance by Niles, who has the foresight to saw the cellar lock for his upcoming magic trick. It could be just for the magic trick...or...? And the notion of what could happen when one twin loses another. What if the shadow in one has nowhere to go?This is a taut, understated story that seems like a paradox. The disturbing reality is made all the more unsettling set against a summer family farm, which makes the horror slowly surround the viewer. Everything seems fine on the surface, but beneath the cellar doors...nothing is quite what it appears. Many newer movies have taken cues from The Other: The Good Son, The Sixth Sense, Orphan, Insidious, etc. For my money, they lack the staunch contrast and believability of this one.

NOT FOR THE YOUNGER CHILDREN TO SEE! 20th Century Fox presents "The Other" (1972). I first saw this movie when I was a teenager. It was so easy to become engrossed in this thriller. I had to watch it on television everytime it was on. This movie is based upon the novel, "The Other" (Fawcett Crest paperback) by author/actor Thomas Tryon, who also was the executive producer and screenwriter of this film. The book is much more in-depth. I will not reveal any of the plot, so you can be surprised. The film stars Chris Udvarnoky as "Niles" and Martin Udvarnoky as "Holland", who previously had stage experience. They were 10 years old at the time of filming and the movie was released in New York on their 11th birthday, May 23, 1972. What really makes this an unforgettable film a pleasure to watch is the fine casting and dramatic talents of Uta Hagen, Diana Muldaur, Victor French, Lou Frizzell and Loretta Leversee. The acting from Chris and Martin Udvarnoky is impeccable and are absolutly perfect for their roles. The scenes with Portia Nelson as "Mrs. Rowe" are memorable. Uta Hagen was always a professional performer on stage and film that this role was really her breakthrough role for people of our generation. Also in the cast is John Ritter, Norma Connolly, Jenny Sullivan, Jack Collins, Clarence Crow and Ed Bakey. After this film, John Ritter went on to star as a pastor in "The Waltons" tv series and later reached fame in the character of "Jack Tripper" on "Three's Company"/"Three's A Crowd" tv series'. Clarence Crow who played "Russell" was a local boy born in Murphy's California. The Other (1972) is his only film. The cinematography of this film is so beautiful and the location was perfect. They filmed in Murphys, California to resemble Connecticut. Connecticut would have been too cold to film. Producer and Director Robert Mulligan was related to actor, Richard Mulligan of SOAP (1977-81) and Empty Nest (1988-95) tv series'.The DVD version will not contain the voice-over ending made for the television version. This is strictly the theatrical version. This DVD version is shown in viewable widescreen. The unedited print is superb. Language options: English, Spanish, French. Subtitles options: English and Spanish. No audio commentary. Theatrical Trailer included.Unfortunatly, Chris and Martin Udvarnoky never did another film again. Chris Udvarnoky was an X-ray technician. Martin Udvarnoky is a massage therapist.Don't forget to whistle.Lou Frizzell died June 17, 1979.Ed Bakey passed away May 4, 1988.Victor French died June 15, 1989.Norma Connolly passed away November 18, 1998.Uta Hagen died January 4, 2001.Portia Nelson passed away March 6, 2001.John Ritter died September 11, 2003.Loretta Leversee passed away December 27, 2005.Chris Udvarnoky passed away October 25, 2010. He played "Niles". He was 49. My heart goes out to Mr. Martin Udvarnoky.

A mysterious, disturbing and methaphysical psycological and dramatic horror. Direction is free, original, dometimes bizarre and reminded me of Nicolas Roeg style (Don't look now, for example).

good story line and well acted

EXCELLENT

!!!Warning. May contain spoilers!!!Twin brothers Holland and Niles Perry(played by Chris and Martin Udvarnoky) are enjoying the summer holidays, playing tricks on family and neighbours and getting into trouble like boys of their age usually do. However, Holland is only happy skulking in the shadows and also shows a malicious streak. Niles ia almost scared of him, and what he is capable of. People who cross Holland in any way start to end up dead, and Niles is getting the blame. Niles does have one strong ally in his Grandmother, who plays supernatural games with him, encouraging him to think outside his body, and to maximise the potential of his mind. Holland likes these games too, but to what ends.....This is a film I read a lot about when I was younger, generally reviews praising it to the hilt. Well, after finally getting to watch it, I can honestly say, as a jaded and seasoned watcher of horror films, that this film is up there with the very best of them. The film plays a clever, cruel trick with the viewer, raising the supernatural aspect of the story, seemingly dismissing it halfway through, only to chill the viewer with an final image that can only be described as bloodcurdling. This film has been compared to 'The Exorcist','The Omen' and 'The Shining'. In my opinion, it surpasses all of them, for using such a seemingly calm, normal situation and injecting such tension and horror into it. The young actors are excellent, but it is German actress Uta Hagen who delivers the best performance as Ada, the Grandmother. The direction is superb, gradually building up the subtle scares until jolting the viewer with that aforementioned killer ending.A wonderful film, dont miss a chance to buy it, and judge for yourselves. 5 out of 5.(the extras are okay, but some are only available to view on a PC, as they are in PDF format)

Just watched this film for the first time and am compelled to write a review recommending this to any fans of psychological horror. Chilling with a horrific ending, this film will be in my mind for days afterwards, truly haunting. Definitely one to watch!