The enduring popularity of The Amityville Horror franchise stems from its purported grounding in a true story, fueling a fascination with its chilling narrative and spawning numerous adaptations. This guide offers a comprehensive roadmap to navigating the various films and documentaries surrounding the infamous case, ensuring you experience the horror in its most compelling form.
Unraveling the Amityville Mystery: Where to Begin?
While subjective, the generally accepted best starting point for exploring The Amityville Horror is the original 1979 film starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder. This movie, based on Jay Anson’s controversial book, provides the foundational narrative of the Lutz family’s 28 days in the haunted house. It sets the tone, introduces the key characters, and establishes the core elements of the horror: demonic activity, psychological disintegration, and the unsettling connection to the previous DeFeo murders. Watching this first allows viewers to understand the subsequent sequels, prequels, and remakes in their proper context.
A Chronological Journey Through Amityville
Once you’ve experienced the original, you can proceed through the franchise chronologically by release date. While the quality varies considerably, each film offers a different perspective on the Amityville mythos. Keep in mind that the connection to the original story becomes increasingly tenuous as the series progresses. Here’s a suggested viewing order:
- The Amityville Horror (1979)
- Amityville II: The Possession (1982) – A prequel focusing on the DeFeo family.
- Amityville 3-D (1983)
- Amityville 4: The Evil Escapes (1989) – Made-for-TV movie.
- Amityville 1992: It’s About Time (1992)
- Amityville: A New Generation (1993)
- Amityville Dollhouse (1996)
- The Amityville Horror (2005) – Remake of the 1979 film.
- Numerous subsequent direct-to-video sequels, each offering diminishing returns in quality and relevance.
The Value of Documentaries
Beyond the fictionalized accounts, several documentaries delve into the real-life events surrounding the Amityville case. These documentaries often present conflicting evidence and perspectives, challenging the narrative presented in the films.
- My Amityville Horror (2012): Featuring Daniel Lutz, one of the Lutz children, offering his perspective decades later. This is often considered a valuable, albeit biased, source.
- Consider searching for investigative documentaries on platforms like YouTube for varying viewpoints.
FAQ: Your Burning Amityville Questions Answered
Here are 12 frequently asked questions designed to enhance your understanding and viewing experience:
FAQ 1: Is The Amityville Horror a true story?
The claim that The Amityville Horror is based on a true story remains highly controversial. The Lutz family claimed to have experienced paranormal activity in their home, but these claims have been widely disputed and debunked by skeptics and investigators. The truth likely lies somewhere between genuine experiences and exaggerated storytelling.
FAQ 2: Which Amityville Horror film is the scariest?
This is subjective, but many consider the original 1979 film to be the most effective in terms of suspense and atmosphere. Its slow-burn approach and psychological horror elements create a more unsettling experience than the later, often more sensationalized, sequels. The original film capitalizes on the mystery and unknown, making it particularly chilling.
FAQ 3: What happened to the Lutz family after they left the Amityville house?
Following their highly publicized departure from the house, the Lutz family struggled to maintain credibility. George Lutz died in 2006, and Kathleen Lutz passed away in 2004. Their individual accounts of the events varied over time, further fueling the controversy surrounding the case. The long-term effects of the alleged haunting on the family are undeniable, regardless of the veracity of their claims.
FAQ 4: Should I watch the remake?
The 2005 remake, starring Ryan Reynolds and Melissa George, offers a more modernized and visually intense take on the original story. While it provides a decent re-telling, it often relies on jump scares and graphic imagery, sacrificing some of the psychological depth of the 1979 film. Whether you enjoy the remake depends on your preference for classic horror versus contemporary thrills.
FAQ 5: What is the significance of the house number 112 Ocean Avenue?
112 Ocean Avenue, the address of the Amityville house, has become synonymous with paranormal activity and horror. It represents the site of the DeFeo family murders and the subsequent alleged haunting of the Lutz family. The house itself has become a cultural symbol of fear and the unknown.
FAQ 6: Who was Ronald DeFeo Jr., and what did he do?
Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings in the Amityville house in 1974. He was convicted of six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. The DeFeo murders serve as the horrific backstory to the Amityville haunting, casting a dark shadow over the property. The DeFeo murders are a documented tragedy, unlike the alleged haunting which remains debated.
FAQ 7: Are there any real-life investigations into the Amityville haunting?
Several paranormal investigators, including Ed and Lorraine Warren, visited the Amityville house. Their findings, like the Lutz family’s claims, remain controversial. Skeptics argue that the alleged evidence of paranormal activity was fabricated or easily explained. The lack of conclusive evidence continues to fuel the debate surrounding the Amityville case.
FAQ 8: Where can I find the Amityville house today?
The house at 112 Ocean Avenue still exists, although it has been renovated and the address has been changed to deter unwanted attention. It remains a private residence and is not open to the public. Respect for the current owners and their privacy is paramount.
FAQ 9: Are all the Amityville Horror sequels connected?
No. While the original film and Amityville II: The Possession have a direct connection (the latter being a prequel), many of the subsequent sequels have only a tangential relationship to the original story. Some simply use the “Amityville” name to capitalize on the franchise’s popularity. Later sequels often diverge significantly from the original narrative.
FAQ 10: What’s the deal with the red eyes in the window?
The iconic image of glowing red eyes peering from the Amityville house’s windows is a recurring motif in the films. This image has become a symbol of the franchise and a representation of the demonic presence within the house. The red eyes are a visual shorthand for the malevolent forces at play.
FAQ 11: What are the main themes explored in The Amityville Horror?
The films explore themes of family dysfunction, psychological trauma, the power of suggestion, and the battle between good and evil. The alleged haunting serves as a catalyst for exposing pre-existing tensions within the Lutz family. The themes resonate with viewers even if they don’t believe in the supernatural.
FAQ 12: Beyond the films, what other resources are available for learning more about the Amityville case?
Numerous books, articles, and websites offer differing perspectives on the Amityville case. Be sure to consult multiple sources and consider the biases of the authors or websites. Look for reputable sources that present both sides of the story. Critical thinking is essential when researching the Amityville case.
Concluding Thoughts: A Legacy of Fear
The Amityville Horror continues to captivate audiences, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Whether you believe in the supernatural or remain skeptical, the story’s enduring appeal lies in its exploration of human fear, family dynamics, and the unsettling possibility of forces beyond our understanding. By following this guide and engaging with the material critically, you can embark on a comprehensive and chilling journey into the heart of Amityville. Remember to consider all perspectives and draw your own conclusions about this enduring mystery.