DVD 104 mins
PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
The Skeleton Key
Universal Studios (8/12/2005)
In Collection
#560

Seen It:
No

Owner:
Ben
Horror, Thriller
USA  /  English

Kate Hudson Caroline Ellis
Peter Sarsgaard
Joy Bryant
Gina Rowlands Violet
John Hurt Ben Ellis
Peter Sarsgaard

Director Iain Softley

Steeped in rain, humidity, and eerie bayou atmosphere, The Skeleton Key is an entertaining supernatural thriller that makes excellent use of its Louisiana locations. New Orleans and the rural environs of Terrebonne Parish are crucial in setting up the creepy circumstances that find compassionate caregiver Caroline Ellis (Kate Hudson) newly employed at the backwater plantation home of Violet (Gena Rowlands) and her invalid husband Ben (John Hurt), who's been rendered mute and seemingly helpless by a recent stroke. The place is rife with mystery, shrouded in the secrets of a suspicious past and, under Violet's stern supervision, plagued by superstition involving the use of Hoodoo magic spells (not to be confused with Voodoo, as explored in the similarly suspenseful Angel Heart) intended to protect the house from harm. But Caroline soon discovers the source of the mystery, and why Ben (who can barely utter a word) is so desperate to escape his seemingly comfortable domesticity. There are a few loopholes in the screenplay by prolific horror writer Ehren Kruger (The Ring and The Brothers Grimm), but director Iain Softley (Wings of the Dove) expertly emphasizes the edgy air of mystery, pushing some effective shocks while encouraging fine work from Hudson, Peter Sarsgaard (as Violet's lawyer) and especially Rowlands, who's genuinely disturbing as Skeleton Key nears a twist ending that's undeniably effective. --Jeff Shannon

Edition Details
Edition Widescreen Edition
Barcode 025192585029
Region Region 1
Release Date 11/15/2005
Packaging Jewel w/Slip cover
Screen Ratio 2.35 Anamorphic
Subtitles French; Spanish
Audio Tracks Dolby Digital 5.1 - Spanish
English Dolby Digital 5.1
French Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
No. of Disks/Tapes 1

Features
"The Making of..." Documentary
Additional Scenes
Director's Commentary
Featurettes
Personal Details
Purchase Date 11/15/2005
Purchase Price $16.99
Store Best Buy
Condition New (Still Sealed)
Current Value $19.99
Links Amazon US