For fans eager to revisit the infamous haunted house tale, The Amityville Horror (specifically the original 1979 film) is available for streaming on various platforms, but options frequently shift. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to finding not just the original, but also its sequels and remakes, along with answers to frequently asked questions about this enduring horror franchise.
Tracking Down The Amityville Horror (1979)
The availability of The Amityville Horror (1979) on streaming services changes depending on licensing agreements. The most reliable way to find where it’s currently streaming is to use resources like JustWatch.com or the Reelgood app. These platforms aggregate streaming options from various providers, allowing you to quickly see where the film is available for rental, purchase, or subscription.
Beyond Streaming: Rental and Purchase Options
If streaming isn’t an option, or you prefer to own a digital or physical copy, consider these avenues:
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Digital Purchase: Platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, and Vudu often have The Amityville Horror available for digital purchase. Owning a digital copy guarantees you can watch it whenever you want, regardless of streaming availability.
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Digital Rental: These same platforms typically offer rental options, allowing you to watch the film for a limited time period (usually 48 hours) after starting playback. This can be a more cost-effective option if you only plan on watching it once.
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Physical Media: For collectors and those who appreciate the tangible, DVD and Blu-ray copies of The Amityville Horror are readily available through online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target, as well as at brick-and-mortar stores.
Exploring the Amityville Universe: Finding Sequels and Remakes
The original The Amityville Horror spawned a vast collection of sequels, prequels, and remakes, of varying quality and relevance. Finding these films requires the same research methods as the original:
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JustWatch and Reelgood: These remain your best tools for tracking down specific sequels and remakes on streaming platforms.
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Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, Apple TV, and Vudu: Check these platforms for digital rental and purchase options for the entire Amityville library.
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Physical Media Marketplaces: Online marketplaces like eBay and specialized horror movie retailers are good resources for finding older or less common Amityville sequels on DVD and Blu-ray. Be cautious when buying from these sources, ensuring the quality and region coding of the discs.
FAQs: Demystifying The Amityville Horror Viewing Experience
FAQ 1: Is the original The Amityville Horror (1979) available on Netflix?
Availability on Netflix is subject to change. The best way to confirm is to search Netflix directly. However, given the constant flux of licensing agreements, it’s not always a reliable streaming home for the film. Always check JustWatch or Reelgood for the most up-to-date information.
FAQ 2: Can I watch The Amityville Horror (2005 Remake) for free with ads?
Some streaming services, like Tubi or Pluto TV, occasionally offer ad-supported free streaming of horror films. However, availability varies. Check these services, as well as YouTube, carefully, and be wary of unofficial or pirated uploads.
FAQ 3: Are there any extended or director’s cuts of The Amityville Horror (1979) available?
No official extended or director’s cut of the original 1979 film is known to exist. The theatrical version is the standard and only available version.
FAQ 4: What is the best order to watch the Amityville Horror movies?
While most sequels are loosely connected and can be watched independently, the chronological order of release is generally recommended:
- The Amityville Horror (1979)
- Amityville II: The Possession (1982)
- Amityville 3-D (1983)
- Amityville 4: The Evil Escapes (1989)
- Amityville: The Curse (1990)
- Amityville 1992: It’s About Time (1992)
- Amityville: A New Generation (1993)
- Amityville: Dollhouse (1996)
- The Amityville Horror (2005 Remake)
- Amityville: The Awakening (2017)
Keep in mind that the quality varies drastically across these films.
FAQ 5: Is Amityville II: The Possession a prequel or a sequel?
Amityville II: The Possession is technically a prequel. It depicts the events that supposedly occurred in the house before the Lutz family moved in, focusing on the DeFeo family murders.
FAQ 6: Where can I find the Amityville 3-D version?
Finding the original 3-D version of Amityville 3-D can be challenging. While regular 2D versions are readily available, locating a copy that preserves the 3-D effects often requires searching for older DVD releases or specialized physical media retailers. 3D televisions compatible with older formats may also be needed.
FAQ 7: What streaming services offer the widest selection of Amityville Horror movies?
No single streaming service consistently carries the entire Amityville Horror franchise. Amazon Prime Video, with its rental and purchase options, often has a broader selection than subscription-based services like Netflix or Hulu.
FAQ 8: Are there any documentaries about the Amityville Horror case?
Yes, several documentaries explore the real-life events that inspired the films, as well as the controversies surrounding the story. Searching for “Amityville Horror documentary” on platforms like YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and various streaming services will yield results. Be critical of the sources and consider different perspectives presented.
FAQ 9: What is the correct spelling: Amityville or Amityvile?
The correct spelling is Amityville.
FAQ 10: Is the house from the original The Amityville Horror film still standing?
Yes, the house used for exterior shots in the original The Amityville Horror film still stands in Toms River, New Jersey. It was modified to resemble the house in Amityville, New York. The actual Amityville house at 112 Ocean Avenue has also been renovated and its address changed.
FAQ 11: What are the main differences between the original The Amityville Horror and the 2005 remake?
The 2005 remake generally follows the same plot as the original, but with updated visuals and some character changes. The remake tends to be more overtly violent and incorporates more supernatural elements. Many critics and viewers prefer the atmospheric dread of the original.
FAQ 12: Is The Amityville Horror based on a true story?
The film is based on the book of the same name, which was presented as a true account by George and Kathy Lutz of their experiences living in the house. However, the veracity of their claims has been widely debated and challenged, with many critics and investigators arguing that the story was largely fabricated. The DeFeo murders, however, did occur. The film blends these facts with the Lutz’s account, which remains controversial.