Thirteen Ghosts (DVD, 2002, Widescreen)

13 Ghosts

This is a really cool movie and it's kinda scary... The special FX absolutely ROCK but everything else is a little like a bad cup of coffee... it's pretty weak.

The performances are standable but the plot is pretty thin and other than the special effects there is really nothing to this film at all. Oh well... the special effects and the ghosts are so well done it doesn't really matter at all.

Final Verdict:

5/5

Worth buying: Yes... just for the ghosts

I purchased this DVD after I watched the movie on television and was intrigued by it. I know that when it was released (in 2001), it got terrible reviews, but something about it made me want to watch it again. First let me say that I am not a big horror movie fan. I get scared very easily and don't like a lot of blood and gore. Yes, there is some blood in this movie, but not an excessive amount, and I did not consider this movie to have a lot of gore. The acting is so-so. I like Tony Shaloub, but this movie is not the acting highlight of his career. I'd also have to say that F. Murray Abraham fell a long way from Amadaeus. Although Matthew Lillard (Rafkin)overacts terribly, I actually liked him and his character. I also thought that J.R. Bourne's portrayal of Ben Moss(the greedy, slimy lawyer)was very entertaining. I don't know that the rest of the cast had anything to lose by appearing in this movie. The set is very interesting, and according to the Special Features, it was very difficult to film in the glass house. This movie was a remake of the 1960 movie 13 Ghosts, which was directed by William Castle (who always had a "gimmick" to lure people in to his movies), and I think that this version was probably meant to be tongue and cheek to a certain extent. If that was the intent, I think that they succeeded. This is why I give this movie a "Good" rating. I actually found it entertaining. I liked the ghosts, even though several of the ghosts could not have done much to any of the people if they had caught them (what harm can a headless, limbless torso do?) and they were really reaching to think up twelve ghosts (for instance, the giant baby and dire mother?..please). However, I was fascinated by the makeup and manner in which they were presented. To me, the little glimpses of the ghosts made me want to see them in more detail. I was pleased to see that Special Features of the DVD included a look inside the makeup and set design. And even though it was corny, I also enjoyed the segment with the backstories of the ghosts that was included on the DVD. The story synopsis is this...a power crazy man (Cyrus Kriticos) builds a machine that will open the eye of hell, which will give him ultimate power and wealth. It needs 12 ghosts (not just any old ghosts... 12 specific ghosts, to match the signs of the Black Zodiac) to power it up. The 13th ghost, who will cause the eye to open, has to be a person who sacrifices themself in an act of pure love. Dennis Rafkin has helped Cyrus capture the ghosts needed for this machine, but he has not known what Cyrus wanted the ghosts for. Arthur Kriticos, who is Cyrus' nephew, has been told that he has inherited this house because of the death of Cyrus. Arthur and his family are living in less than perfect conditions because of a fire that killed his wife six months before and destroyed their house and belongings. So here we have Arthur, his two children (Bobby and Kathy), the nanny (Maggie), and Rafkin trapped inside this house with 12 ghosts,who just pop up here and there, and are intent on killing them all. Their goal is to escape alive. Add Kalina, who says that she is there to release the ghosts that Cyrus has captured, but who we find is not exactly who she says she is. There is a twist in the last 20 minutes or so of the film that I didn't see coming, and an ending that was unexpected as well. If you like tongue in cheek horror movies, I would recommend this movie. Enjoy!

I found this to be a horror film, but not at the same time. It has all the tension and the gore, but some of the edge was missing. I think it was a bit too much humor here and there, yet not enough to make it a "campy" film. It did stay the true to being a serious film. I definitely liked it enough to watch it more than once and this I attribute to its cast. I thought Tony Shaloub and Matthew Lilliard were very good and, quite honestly, I wasn't sure if they could pull off this movie. They did!! I have this one in my DVD collection with high marks for acting and special effects.

If you are looking for a good scare tonight , look no further. This movie will keep you on the edge of your seat. I love a great shocker & this one was it! A+

highly recommended. This movie has a great storyline and the actors casted are a great choice. All in all a movie recommended for anyone who wants to be scared.

I did not know this was a remake! Anyway, I liked the film. When, I was watching it for the first time, I though "Wow" ghosts in the basement. I tryed to image all the horrible things they could do. Things that did not happen in the film. Then, I wondered if this ghosts where suppose to be scary, why did they just hang back and look scary. This is fine for the first two times I watched but after that I started to wonder.

The ghosts could appear anywhere and yet the ghosts choice to do nothing but scare the humans. It is like Freddy just flashing his claws and not killing anyone in the dream world. A few people did die in this film but was not any of the charecters that where intended to die.

I would not be suprised, if the owner put on this fright fest just for the fun of it. Even in Jurassic Park the lawer dies. That was no suprise but no one I know liked him, anyway.

This film is very predictable but I liked the angry princess. Atleast, she tryed to make contact with the family. I would have liked her to kill that girl but I guess that is where the film just falls short. This could have been a classic but instead the horror was written poorly.

I really liked the begaining. However, the movie sort of went down hill from there.

When you watch THIRTEEN GHOSTS for the first time, you are likely to find it confusing. My advice: watch the Special Features portion of the DVD, which will identify the thirteen ghosts and what each represents. In the movie itself, some of the ghosts play large parts, but others simply flash onto the screen briefly. It's too bad the writer couldn't have found a way to incorporate the ghosts' backstories into the film; it might have been scarier if we knew WHY the ghosts should be feared (other than the fact that they look incredibly gross!) Tony Shalhoub & Matthew Lillard deliver great performances. The house Shalhoub's character inherits is visually stunning; almost every wall is glass, and etched with cryptic runes which will become significant as the plot unfolds. Since the ghosts are only visible through special glasses, but present and able to hurt humans whether the humans can see the ghosts or not, there are some interesting, tricky scenes, as when an invisible ghost tries to drag away Shalhoub's teenage daughter. My advice is to watch the film, watch the special features, then watch the film again to see what you missed the first time. Even better if you watch it on Halloween!

I love this movie also other ones too, this movie is like "Sound of Music" and "Grease" I also like these type of movies musical, well I've been keeping it as part of my collections thanks.

Different take then typical ghost movies. Includes a little twist. It seems like it's a lot shorter then it really is. One of my favorite horror movies for some strange reason

The Story of the movie is Ok.

Rich uncle leaves house to family, they don't know ghost are living in it!
There are even some familiar faces from other horror movies from scream etc.
And of course not to forget the actor from monk.

It's ok I have seen it twice but it's not a must have for your collection!

When I was a kid I really hated it when remakes came along, and a big part of me still really hates it. I mean, many remakes have tarnished the name of a classic for future generations whom do not even know that there was a version previous, or even...shudder...a book that started it all. But I have to admit that I take a great comfort knowing that, in a world of snide movie goers, where horror hardly survives or thrives, I can always count on Dark Castle Entertainment to spit out a horror brain candy movie.
Thirteen ghosts isn't fantastic, it's a little woody despite great actors and acting, but it's really the visual effects that steal the show. You forget that the story is stupid and full of holes because your eyes can't stop looking at torn up, big boobed baby dolls, and dead dudes with spikes all throughout their body, and yes, the beautiful house and they idea that there is a tool to let you see the other side.
I like thirteen ghosts because it's perfect for fall, when you're in the mood for horror that's clean and doesn't require much thought. For that I thank Dark Castle, keep throwing them out there man.

Gruesome, scary, wonderfully enjoying. Not a film for those with a weak stomach or heart. Great cast of characters. Matthew Lillard, who I felt played a great Shaggy in Scooby Doo, shows you he has more than just a humorous side to his abilities. The ever entertaining F Murray Abraham steps up to the plate and knocks another one out of the park with his fantastic performance. Tony Shalhoub helps the movie flow in the direction it was intended to go. You can't help but feel for his character and his family as the horror unfolds from start to finish. Definately an experience you won't soon forget, and one that just might give you a few nightmares afterward. If you like bloody, realistic cut em up and slice them sideways movies then this one was made for you! Enjoy watching it; if you dare!!!!!!!

Now I seen this movie in the theaters and thought that movie was great. Its just been awhile sense I've seen it so now I must have it for my movie collection.

What I like about this item is that its in great condition. I know for sure that it would look good to watch. I decided to buy this movie for my Cousin for Christmas! She's always wanted this DVD!

Thank you Ebay!

~Theresa

Isn't wasn't as good as I thought it would be... The "scarry" scenes were very quick. The acting was very cheesy, too. The concept was good, it just had to come across better.

This is one film I new right away I wanted for my collection....The ghost's are very awesome looking...
I recommend this...

I think this movie has great special effects. It is a funny horror movie if you are into these kind of movies. Would recommend for everyone to see atleast once.

I bought this movie because it was an all time favorite movie of mine. The cost was very cheap and the movie came in great condition. I would definitley buy from this seller again

i love this movie.great effects its just an awesome movie.must seesddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

This movie is great, visually and storyline. The end is a bit abrupt after all of the lead-up but still a great movie. Check out the special features...great descriptions of the ghosts although more would have been nicer.

Well the plot of the movie is simple, a genius with too much money looking to control, trap, and house the most notorious criminal ghosts, in one of the weirdest houses ever seen on the silver screen. Of course you can kind imagine where this is going, that they are being used for some evil master plan. Once trapped the severely angry ghosts who have paid for their horrendous crimes soon escape into the house and its up to a wacky medium and a loving family to control and destroy the place housing the ghosts before the evil Billionaire controls and destroys all of humanity. The driving force of the movie in my opinion is the manner on which these souls are housed with ritualistic writings on their cells and an ever evolving glass house that acts like a puzzle slowly unlocking and unleashing the billionaires master plan. The movie is not a barn burner or anything, but interesting none the less with great special effects and some comedy.

The movie Thirteen Ghosts has a solid plot and an actual story. It is full of suspense and definetly full of gore. If you do not like blood and guts this movie is not for you. This is one movie that I enjoy watching a lot. It surpasses a one time viewing.

Good movie. Keeps your attention.kdbvnjkcbvnjkzbcvbczv,mxzjfdhvnklxcnvkl;cbnvplsjcbvjlcxbvlbVCLbjlzb