A lot of fantasy in this horror. Luckily 80's Speilberg fantasy is good (if you like the style). This movie felt more fantasy than horror. As someone said the effects didn't age well; they look Disney. Some are still good or fun. I've seen this a few times and it's never stayed with me. Not my type of horror but I can see why it would have an audience. Very of its day. I remember people used to mention this movie a lot in the 80's and 90's. Not scary either.

Without going into a complete analysis of this film, the thing that makes this horror picture stick out is that it's about love and the unconditional bond that lies within a healthy nuclear family.

There's something indescribably beautiful about seeing a family hold on to each other the way they do in this film - some people might call it corny but personally, it makes gives me a little hope in humanity.

It's a rare horror film in that it doesn't focus solely on effects or scares - it's a ghost story that hones in on having a soul to begin with.

this is a really great no bullshit movie, only movie I've seen where people act rationally to everything and there's no unnecessary jump scares.

This is clearly a Steven Spielberg movie (and with the statement from the camera operators confirming it), but I ain't complaining. Tobe Hooper already has my deepest respects for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 1 & 2, so it doesn't matter how much involved he was for Poltergeist. The result is still a fun film to pop on during the Halloween season and get wrapped up in the sensational characters and set pieces. I wanted to catch up on this for Halloween Horror Nights as I had never seen this before. I have to say, the shot choices are excellent. The contrast with the figures silhouettes against the bright blue light illuminating from the portal, is a beautiful sight. Despite it's 80's effects and compositing, it adds to the cheesy charm of an otherwise dramatic film. This was The Conjuring of it's time; the parents concerned for their child kind of gives off the same vibe. I'm glad I got around to it and it's definitely going into my collection. What else to say? It's a Spielberg classic.

“They’re here.” From Steven Spielberg and Tobe Hooper comes the seminal horror film Poltergeist. The story follows a family that begins to experience strange phenomenon at their house, but when things turn violent they seek out help from a team of paranormal researches. The casting of Heather O’Rourke is inspired, as she has a natural charisma and an innocence about her that juxtaposes the malevolence of the evil spirits of the house. Additionally, the score is incredibly well-done and captures the ethereal quality of the film. And, Hooper does an extraordinary job at creating some frightful scenes that are quite terrifying. Poltergeist is an iconic horror film and set a new standard for the genre.

They are already here. Be warned.

First time viewing, thanks 70mmpodcast for putting it on my radar this month. A lot of fun and the horror elements are light enough that I think even people who hate the genre can get into this one. Watched it in 4k, and it looks phenomenal, would recommend!

The epilepsy warnings are no joke though, strobing lights are a good 80% of the entire film.

My go-to Halloween film. I watch it every year on 31st without fail. Love it!


:ghost:⚰⚰:skull:⚰⚰:ghost:

I realize this changes from horror to spectacle along the way, but it is still my favorite ghost story movie. I think because it focuses on the haunting and not the cause and somehow "remedying" the ghosts cause of haunting and trying to put the spirits "to rest." It's there, but it isn't the focus. The focus is crazy haunting action with a solid set of performances at the core from the central family. Particularly a young Oliver Robins steals every scene he is scared in. His is a true childhood terror performance worthy of great praise.

This movie is STILL the scariest movie I have ever seen. This coming from someone who has watched her fair share of horror movies. Poltergeist is TERRIFYING!

Really liked this film, had me on the edge of my seat at quite a few instances. 7.4/10.

Not my favorite Steven Spielberg related project, but a solid one nonetheless. I’ve always heard great things about this movie, and I can see the appeal to many. Unfortunately, it’s not my horror niche. It’s biggest knock may be not seeing it until it’s a 40 year old film and having it be rather dated in many areas. I can still respect it for what it is and I am excited to continue my Poltergeist related binge tomorrow.

Rating: 3/5 - 7.5/10 - Worth Watching

hard to see a good horror like this.something happens must be a cause.

Esperaba una película muy distinta. Y ya ven, una riqueza Spielberiana.

Great story! Though the special effects are kind of dated, the movie was quite good.

so oldschool but so beautiful + funny :)

I'll spare myself a serious review here, I mean, it's Poltergeist.
I'd rather make the point that the real creepiness comes from the family. How crazily quiet the family is in the second half of the movie, while the furniture just flies around. After all, these are no longer subtle signs that can be belittled or ignored.
Who stays in the house, sure, the daughter is kind of stuck there, but still to stay so calm and in the house shows the true insanity.
From a certain point, you are also simply to blame for what else happens.

Great horror movie. Never forget what Hollywood did to Heather O’Rourke, poor girl.