User Reviews

I saw this movie for the first time around 7 years ago. Not that long ago, but long enough where 3-D movies were still an attraction, and were around to go to on special occasions or once in a while. Now that they're everywhere and every movie is in 3-D, movies like this one would most likely not be funded because there are big budget 3-D films out there that could make a fortune, and people will definitely go to see them instead of this. And really, this isn't even a very good movie, but, the 3-D is the best I've ever seen, and far superb to 3-D films I've seen even recently. The story isn't great, and the plot is pretty muddled, but this film is a vessel to show off amazing 3-D effects, and as a 3-D vessel, this is pretty darn impressive.

The story follows a young man named Johnny, whose father just passed away. Johnny goes to a castle his dad left him and meets Mr. D (voiced by Harry Shearer of the Simpsons), who is actually the Devil. Johnny wants to be a rock and roll star, like his father was, so naturally Satan wants him to sell his soul. Following the basic plot is a string of special effect scenes, which make up 80% of the movie.

This movie, as a film, probably deserves about a 3/10. I would never watch this on home video, unless the new 3-D TV's did this thing justice to make it as amazing as it was in Imax. As a 3-D movie, I'd give it a 10. Where movie's currently are being put in 3-D just to make more money, this movie was clearly built for 3-D. And it's really good 3-D. Parts of the movie are right in front of your face, and I don't just mean things pop out, I mean the entire film looks like it's happening right in front of your face. This 3-D is so good, that it makes up somewhat for the stupid characters, and the dumb plot, and the idiotic ending.

Where I would normally dislike a movie with a bad plot and good effects, I actually didn't dislike this. It's a very engulfing experience, and the 3-D helps make this very watchable.

My rating: ** 1/2 out of ****. Not rated, contains some mild language and violence. 40 mins.

I liked this short film. Although the premise sounds gimmicky, it's definitely quite the experience. There is lots of stylised imagery and fascinating visuals with a consistent scenario that elevated above the average tech demo.

Do yourself a favor - forget about the plot of this film and see it for

what it was meant to be seen for: eye candy. That's why Imax was

invented! This film is especially favorable, seeing as how it's in 3-D.

The story is about Johnny, the son of a former rock star mother who left

when he was only 3 years old and totally kept out-of-touch with him

until she died. Upon her death, Johnny recieved a letter from her lawyer

stating that he had inherited her castle and that he needed to be there

immediately - that's where the film starts. Johnny's limo pulls up to

the castle and upon his entry, Johnny discovers it's all an evil trap

set up by the devil himself to get Johnny to sign a contract to be a

famous rock star like his mother. What ensues is a journey through the

tortured lives of those who tried to renig on their contracts. The film

not very graphic, but can be engrossing. There's lots of skeletons,

creepy little green cherubs, weird singing monkey robots and Mephisto,

Mr. D's right-hand-man. So the plot is kind of corny, but this film is

still worth seeing - it's like a better version of Disneyland's Haunted

Mansion, except with somewhat of a plot! The music is EXCELLENT! Belgian

band Arid's lead singer, Jasper Steverlinck, plays Johnny and Kyoko

Baerston of Lunascape (also Belgian) does an excellent job portraying

Johnny's mother (and she Goth-dances too!). At the end of it all we're

treated to a live performance of Arid's "Little Things of Venom," an

excellent song which permeats throughout the Haunted Castle. Check it

out!!! 10 out of 10..

DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY...You will have more fun burning it than wasting it on this garbage. This movie is not about a castle but about selling your soul to the devil or as referred in the movie as "Mr.D." (Not Scary but Stupid) I don't know where to begin but...the CGI was junk after the first 10 minutes, I've seen better 3D virtually everywhere else, the singing was horrific, the plot was worse (wait, there was no plot), and the actors might as well of quit and gone back to washing dishes. To top it off, the movie is only 38 minutes long, that includes 10 minutes of credits. The movie was sooo short, I didn't even have time to finish my popcorn. This movie is nothing but vile rubbish with no message to convey. I usually love IMAX films, but this ranks at the top of my worst-ever film list. Please, do not waste your money, you will be kicking yourself afterwards.

I had never seen an IMAX movie before I saw this, so naturally I was excited to see it, unaware of the 40 minutes of torture awaiting me.

This film has the dumbest plot in history. An untalented rock star (Jasper Steverlinck - Who? Exactly.) returns to his mom's haunted castle where he encounters the devil (Harry Shearer), who is going by the name of Mr. D (*cringe*) and is forcing rock stars to work for him, or else he kills themwith guilotines and crap. "Mr. D" also killed Jaspy's mom (who is equally untalented in music as her son) and is now trying to get Jasper to work for him (God only knows what Mr. D sees in this hack). We're forced to watch this cringefest and listen to the worst music ever for a slow and painful 40 minutes. We hear the main characters song (which seems to be the only song he knows) like 5 times.

Seeing this was the first time I've ever wanted to walk out of a movie, but the IMAX had us in locked seats like on a roller coaster (not sure if that's how all IMAX movies are?). It made me feel like Alex in A Clockwork Orange. Your humble commenter was boo-hoo-hoo-ing for the credits to roll. Of course, wants they came along, we got to hear Japser's song all the way through again. :(

0/10 - AVOID AT ALL COSTS

After reading of the disagreements between IMAX and the producers, I decided that the film simply *had* to be seen, if for no other reason than the support of free artist endeavour, unfettered by the dictates of the machinery used to present it. The visual aesthetics of current 3D projection technology were also a strong drawing point.

First, the up side. Much of the film is computer-generated, usually quite obviously so, but this detracts very little from the beauty of the images on the screen. By way of introduction, the film begins with the viewer flying over a vast expanse of seascape and hillside, circling an ominous castle...getting ever closer and closer. This echo of early Imax films (i.e. North of Superior) is highly effective as a means to draw the viewer into the world subsequently created. The illusion of depth and solidity is maintained, and increased, throughout this rather short offering by clever viewpoints, slow panning and circling, and the creation of interior spaces and movements that had some of the audience gasping in discomfort, yet loving the "ride". Textures were sumptuous, perspectives both nightmarish and realistic, though the meshing of computer-generated surroundings and human actor(s) was somewhat disconnected or abstract at points. The 3D effect was never lost, though oft-times had a cartoonish quality to it. The music was geared to a 15-25 year-old audience, with some of it having an unearthly beauty that sent shivers along my spine.

The disturbing images are inadvertently humourous, lacking even the "horror punch" present in everyday hellfire-and-brimstone preaching, letalone the creepy-crawly quality present in "Nightmare Before Christmas".

The down side? The plot isn't much, characters lack depth, and trite philosophy underlies much of the dialogue on the screen. The technology is barely tolerable, with rather heavy eyegear needed to complete the illusions of visual depth. Watching three hours with this equipment on one's head would be physically painful, if not impossible. Though I soon adapted to the equipment I had to move my head, rather than my eyes, to look at different sections of the screen, in order to avoid a disconcerting strobing effect. This is hardly "ergonomic".

All in all, worth seeing as an almost-spectacular demonstration of a technology in its primitive stages of development, and a visual genre still in formation. More will come our way, and further refinements will no doubt amaze us in years to come.

First I am glad I didn't pay to see this. I was able to attend a staff preview and I wasn't the only one who was of the opinion that this movie is possibly the worst IMAX ever. I personally put it up there with Solar Max on my list of bad movies.

Second, since the movie came out it 2001, there have been so many advancements in 3D animation, perhaps that is why I wasn't impressed with visuals which were fuzzy at times because our IMAX isn't a 3D theater. Maybe IMAX will try again when they can spend a little more money on cleaning up the film so that it doesn't have a jittery effect. Oh and maybe they could spend some time on story and suspense when they do a thriller.

Lastly I don't recommend the film to venues that cater to audiences with small children- Unless you are running it at a time that draws more adults and teens. Anyone running this film should have staff that are prepared to answer the question "What is the film about?" and "would it scare my child?".

This film is nothing short of astounding. The first thing you have to do when you go to see it is shut your mind off. Some viewers have complained that the plot is very thin.....no kidding! This is not "The Godfather"...its HAUNTED CASTLE for pete's sake! This movie reminded me of going through a ride-through haunted house at an amusement park except that the visuals were stunning and the ride was 40 minutes long. If you enjoy animated films but find yourself being annoyed by the wide-eyed Disney-esque characters and the 90 minute running time (that should have and could have been only 60 or less) then this is the film for you. Colorful?....yes. Ingenious?....for sure. Tacky songs sung by talking lobsters.....no! (There are two fantastic trancy/Gothic songs in this film though). I have seen many IMAX films and this to me was the most enjoyable. Some of the scenes were actually genuinely creepy too (like the ones that looked like they were in a closed down church). If you get the chance to see this film in an IMAX theater - grab it!!

On a recent trip to Las Vegas I had the pleasure to see this movie in an IMAX theater and was totally blown away. I highly recommend seeing this movie in the Imax experience.It has some of the best visual and sound effects that I had ever had the pleasure to witness. Not to mention the soundtrack (that woman has a beautiful voice). I highly recommend this movie in any format but IMAX is the best.

I saw this one on an IMAX screen and loved it. The 3D technology has come a long way since the red and blue glasses days. The home DVD is worth the price just for the song that the ghost mother sings at the beginning of the movie (even if you don't order the 3D hardware). It's very captivating. The roller coaster ride through hell is awesome with the 3D effect. Some parts are genuinely creepy, particularly the torture room scene where several CGI characters are subjected to some very imaginative painful deaths. Probably not something you would want to explain to younger children. The credits at the end show up as floating bubbles. The credits are as impressive with the 3D effect as the whole rest of the movie. I really enjoyed this short film.

I once saw a 3D IMAX movie before, a documentary about the wildlife in the Galapagos Islands. That movie was amazing, as the 3D is really good and makes you feel like you are right THERE.

This movie's 3D also made me feel like I was right there, but unfortunately this was a place where I did not want to be. The scenery was dismal and ugly, the plot made little sense, the dialogue was awful... I would give more details about how bad it was but I can't bear to go back and think about it again. I would have walked out but I was trapped by this handrail that they lower in the IMAX theatre. Maybe that's why it's there...

There were some cool 3D effects; there was a neat rollercoaster ride (through hell though) , and my favorite effect was one where there were two parallel worlds connected by a window that you could look through. Unfortunately, what I saw when I looked through was neither scary nor entertaining, just revolting.

A bad movie in 3D is still a bad movie. I highly recommend 3D IMAX if you haven't seen it before --- just not this one.

To watch the "Haunted Castle" in all of its 3-D glory is simply an awesome experience! I love watching the "Haunted Castle" in my basement, with lights off & Dolby 5.1 surround sound pumping out of every speaker. Everyone I have shown this movie to loves it and has commented on how cool it is. The combination of the fantastic 3D effects plus surround sound give this little flick something truly special! I'd give the "Haunted Castle" 100 stars if I could.....just because it is so cool.

This movie would not be nearly as entertaining in 2D or with average sound. If your lucky enough to own a pair of LCD shutter glasses and have a semi decent surround system --and you have not seen the "Haunted Castle"-- I would seriously recommend you stop what your doing and purchase it immediately.

For all you other suckers out there- get yourselves some shutter glasses, get that TV cranked up and check out the "Haunted Castle". It is sure to cast it's spell on you!

I just saw this tonight and found it to be Artistic Divinity. I'm pretty sure that the IMAX movies are mainly about their ability to be aesthetically pleasing and interesting on a 6 story screen and not so much about their Oscar award winning potential. The design, originality and artistic integrity of this movie were outstanding. The plot was just as interesting as it had to be to neatly and intriguingly tie it all together. I'm telling everyone I know to see this film. It has artistically inspired me and I left the theater feeling totally invigorated.

Coolness!! Oh, and it reminded me and my father a lot of the Myst series of computer games ... which we LOVE. So that definitely made it even better.

Well, not the BEST movie I've ever seen, but it deffinetly is one of my favourites! It had just a few things I like about a movie; rock music, gothic, very hot guy, lots of horror. It was a fun roller coaster ride through a bone chilling gothic castle. I'm glad there was a plot line, as thin and flimsy as it was. It was still a potentially strong plot line, and I think if they had focused a bit more on strengthening the plot, and perhaps made it a longer movie, it would have been excellent. But after all, it was an Imax movie, so you can't expect box office masterpieces jumping out from those screens. Nonetheless, it was VERY enjoyable, and I intend to buy the DVD and if I can, the soundtrack. I LOVE that song he sings at the beginning and end.

IMAX would rather you didn't see this movie, because it is rated PG, and that isn't the "IMAX Experience" they want you to have. I guess basically that means nWave didn't go about making this movie the same way most "approved by IMAX" large format (15/70) films are made. But none of the politics behind the film-making process matter to you, the viewer, do they? The 3D effects in the opening sequence alone make it worth taking a look at the film, then Johnny's mom's song is so amazingly engrossing...

If you aren't quite into the recent trend in 15/70 films that involve a fiction story (rather than being educational documentaries), no biggie, there's enough eye candy to get you through the 38 min. run time without boring you to death.

This has to be one of the best 3D IMAX movies that I've seen! But everyone else that I know whose seen it hated it. Probably because too many people look for a decent plot instead of its visuals. It sort of makes you think that people don't care about the quality of a presentation.

Now I admit, the story was...bad. But let's face it, 3D movies in general don't have great plots. If they did, people would be too busy focusing on the story than the 3D effects.

In general, this is one the best IMAX 3D movies I've seen mainly for their 3D effects. Don't see it in 2D, you'll be very disappointed if you did.

I took my family to see this while visiting Moody Gardens, TX. We were sure to make the latest showing at night to get the late night effect. It was well worth the wait. What a world the graphics put us through. The most angelic voice of the mother balances the horrific hellish scenes. From Satan to heavenly scenes with the mothers presence we were thrilled. It had the good verses evil feel. We would of went right back in to see it over again if that were allowed. My daughter and I really wanted to find more music from the mother. We noticed some people leaving before the end song was done. I think the mother should have sang another song instead. Check it out. The 3D was one of the best we've seen from Science Spectrum to even Disney 3D's. It's playing now in Moody Gardens.

I got the virtual fx system that came with the 2 wireless glasses and some movies. The fist movie I popped in and watched was the Haunted Castle. I have been to a few IMAX movies in 3d and I knew it was not going to live up to that par, but it was still good. If you can watch the movie with the lights off and the sound on wither it's a stereo system or some head phones, you should enjoy this movie. Yes while watching it, you may feel like your in a video game, but the music and effects of 3d effects should help you out there. All in all this movie is good. Of if you get a chance, watch the special features as the directors and cast are in 3D.

Great Imax- graphics rocked. A little gory yet good for effect. it would probably scare the crap out of little kids. Awesome movie- keeps you on the edge of your seat and also makes you want to close your eyes. I f you want a lot of horror go see Jeepers-Creepers; but if you only want a little scare, go see this movie.

Wow! Shucks! What can i say Two worlds collide the intricate plot had me and my family really warped in the fantastic film! WoW! The music was incredible - loved the free pair of sunglasses that came with the DVD! bit fake having a roller coaster in a castle so i gave it 9/10 but otherwise perfect for birthday or Christmas!!! It was an emotional voyage as the bereaved mother fought to save her son from selling his soul to the fantastically voiced Mr D. (Harry Shearer). I felt that the enjambement was unreal and the castle provided perfect pathetic fallacy! I have not seen a better interpretation of an evil overlord who controls immortal singers since pearl harbour. watch it. period.

This stood out to me enough that I remembered it and went looking for what the movie was. It's the reason I kept attending IMAX shows in Vegas, none leaving this kind of impression. I'm sure by today's standards it is dated, but they did a stand out job on this show. It was great to watch! I would absolutely watch this again, was looking to see if it's available anywhere. I'm sure some of the affects--wind, bouncing around--that come with the IMAX experience helped. All that said, the film itself was engaging, though I would definitely say that one would need to watch it in 3D to get the proper experience. I would love to see this again.

I saw this movie a while ago... and it was a total waste of my life.. to think what i could of been doing instead of watching this movie. dont ask me why they made it 3D, cause 3d or 2d it was a waste of mine and there money. sooo if u want to pay for a movie where u sit there and wait for it to end.. i advice to to see this, otherwise dont bother.

Haunted Castle is at it's best a very dark, gothic cautionary tale about doing anything for fame. Unfortunately it goes to some fairly violent extremes to prove it's point. Played in IMAX theaters across America it is billed as a simple, animated trip through a haunted castle. This draws parents with children who might already be at wherever is housing the IMAX screen (aquariums, zoos, etc...) to bring their children in, where they are confronted with a plot about a young musician being enticed by Satan (referred to innocuously as "Mr. D") to sell his soul for eternity. Only a brief part of the film takes place in the actual mansion; the rest is a literal journey through the depths of hell where "Johnny" (whose eyes we see through) is shown how various dead musician's souls are being tortured. (Most vivid in my mind is the opera singer who is strung to a rack and slowly lowered into a vat of acid and barracuda.) The film's 3D effects are mind boggling but often misplaced if not neglected, and there are at least two scenes that play like over-produced music videos. (The last five or six minutes of the film are essentially the credits played VERY SLOWLY over a "performance" by Johnny's band.) In all, if you are not easily grossed out or terrified and don't mind some boring moments, the film is visually stunning, but NOT FOR CHILDREN.