Horror/Suspense, Afterlife, Theatrical Release, Writers, Paranormal, Based On A Novel
1408 Collector's Edition; 2-Disc Set DVD Description
The PG-13 rating given to 1408 belies this film's truly terrifying effects on its audience. Though it's far less gory than its peers, it has frightening moments and a creepy mood throughout. John Cusack (IDENTITY) plays Mike Enslin, a gifted writer who has turned his talents to paranormal travel books. His stays in haunted hotels never shake him, but he's intrigued by New York's Dolphin Hotel. Room 1408 has been the site of dozens of deaths, and this is a selling point for the skeptic in Mike. Despite the warnings of the hotel manager (Samuel L. Jackson, BLACK SNAKE MOAN), Mike resolves to stay in the haunted room. No one has lasted more than an hour in 1408, and Mike has his work cut out for him.
Though Cusack got his acting pedigree in comedies, he proves he's able to adeptly carry a horror film. He's in practically every frame of the film, often alone, and he's great at making the audience share in his fear. This is the second English-language film from director Mikael Hafstrom (DERAILED), and he does a good job of establishing tension. A lot of the credit is due to the film's sound crew, whose detailed work goes far in giving 1408 its unsettling feeling. Like THE SHINING, this is based on writing from horror master Stephen King, and it's a similarly creepy tale set in a hotel. But in its execution, 1408 is far more indebted to classic horror films such as the original 1963 version of THE HAUNTING.
DVD Features
2-Disc Set Collectors Edition Full Frame - 1.33 Disc 1: Widescreen - 1.85 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English, French Subtitles - English, Spanish - Optional Additional Release Material: Featurette: "Inside Room" Interviews: John Cusack - Star Trailers: Theatrical Trailer Disc 2: EXTENDED DIRECTOR'S CUT WITH ALTERNATE ENDINGS Widescreen - 1.85 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Subtitles - English, Spanish - Optional Additional Release Material: Featurette: "The Secrets of 1408" Deleted Scenes With Commentary Audio Commentary: Mikael Hafstrom - Director; Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski - Writers
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