The House of the Devil (2009) (Limited Edition) Blu-ray Review

4 star unsettling and atmospheric horror tale.

The House of the Devil is a horror/mystery film, written and directed by prominent horror filmmaker Ti West (The Sacrament, In a Valley of Violence,) who really put his stamp on the genre in 2009 with this bold and effective homage to the slasher flicks of the 1980’s.

It is presented here in a Limited Edition and Standard Edition Blu-ray from 28th April 2025, courtesy of Second Sight Films.

“During the 1980’s over 70% of American adults believed in the existence of abusive satanic cults…Another 30% rationalised the lack of evidence due to Government cover-ups…The following is based on true unexplained events.”

Samantha (Jocelin Donahue – The Last Stop in Yuma County, Doctor Sleep) is a college student who has just managed to find her own place to live, to get away from her selfish roommate. Unfortunately, being a student she’s low on funds and although her new landlady (Dee Wallace – Cujo, Critters) generously agrees to waive her deposit, she still needs to earn some money.

She spots a flyer asking for a babysitter and calls to apply, but although they arrange to meet, he is a no show. She is disappointed, but when she gets home, it turns out he has left her a message after all and wants her to work that same night. Her best friend Megan (Greta Gerwig – White Noise, Jackie) agrees to give her a ride, as the location is very remote and she wants to stay with her to make sure she’s okay.

When they arrive, they are greeted by the very sinister Mr Ulman (Tom Noonan – Manhunter, Night of the Wolf), who requests that Megan leave. Against their better judgement and flying in the face of common sense, they agree. This is when Mr Ulman reveals that the job is not really to babysit as advertised, but it’s similar enough and pays enough that she agrees to it anyway.

But what is really going on in this eerie old house on the night of a total eclipse, what are the true motives of Mr Ulman and his wife Vivian (Mary Woronov – Night of the Comet, Death Race 2000) and who is the strange guy (AJ Bowen – You’re Next, The Old Ways) creeping around outside?

“Oh thanks goodness, you’re saving me. And I promise to make this as painless as possible for you.”

The House of the Devil is a well made film, which evokes the spirit of the late seventies and early eighties haunted house/slasher flick, with artful use of filming techniques, music and fashion sense. It also leans heavily into the ‘satanic panic’ fascination of the era.

It is a very slow burner, but it builds tension very well and features the odd moment of brutal and gory action which make it worth the wait. The acting is also excellent, Jocelin Donahue carries the role brilliantly and the presence of legendary scream queen Dee Wallace is also very welcome.

An excellent entry into the horror genre, this release contains lots of new interviews, voice commentary, and a making of featurette and is well worth adding to your collection.

“I can’t tell you how much of a relief it’ll be to get this night behind us. You know, we only arrived in town very recently and we really haven’t had a moment to spare, you know, what with the eclipse.”

The House of the Devil is available now on Limited Edition and Standard Edition Blu-ray.

Special Features

• Audio commentary with Writer-Director Ti West & Actress Jocelin Donahue
• Audio commentary with Writer-Director Ti West, Producers Larry Fessenden & Peter Phok and Sound Designer Graham Reznick
• The Right Vibe: a new interview with Director Ti West
• Satanic Panic: a new interview with Actor Jocelin Donahue
• Slowing Down is Death: a new interview with Actor AJ Bowen
• A Level of Ambition: a new interview with Producer Peter Phok
• Hiding the Seams: a new interview with Composer Jeff Grace
• Writing Through Sound: a new interview with Sound Designer Graham Reznick
• This Night Changes Everything: The Making of The House of the Devil
• In The House of the Devil
• Deleted Scenes
• Trailer

Limited Edition Contents

• Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Nick Charge
• 70-page book with new essays by Martyn Conterio, Ariel Powers-Schaub, Jerome Reuter and Julieann Stipidis plus Behind the Scenes gallery.
• 6 collectors’ art cards