Long Time Dead (DVD)

Long Time Dead has seen the DVD discount rack before, but now it’s being re-released. Perhaps the distributors are hoping the generic title and non-specific horror cover art will fool some. Not that Long Time Dead isn’t worth seeing — it’s hardly the Citizen Kane of horror, but some may find that it’s not a total wash.

For fans of Ouija, the bad board makes a rare appearance here — and of course, an evil genie is unleashed. Instead of being thankful for his release, the big bad djinn is ticked off and decides to dispatch each and every one of his emancipators. Said emancipators are, of course, horny college stundent in various states of undress. As the night dwindles, the body count rises and suspicions grow… is the so-called evil spirit actually one of their own clique?

While the plot is riddled with clichés, the tone is serious and decent performances (Lukas Haas and Marsha Thomason are among the cast) are aided by an adequate score and competent camera work. The suspense level is held taut and the bloody payoffs are quite good. Unfortunately, the plot can’t sustain itself and boredom inevitably sets in — however, if you stick it out to the final frame, you might just find Long Time Dead worth your while. (Better still, rent Witchboard and The Wishmaster instead; both of those movies have the same themes, and are semi-classics in the low-budget slasher genre.)

The Long Time Dead DVD is not a keeper — there aren’t any additional release materials on it — but for a rental in the bargain bin, you might find it’s worth a look if you haven’t already seen it and there’s nothing else available.

Reviewed by Staci Layne Wilson