"The mansion, a gigantic and rickety invention, represents what most people would automatically picture after hearing the words "haunted house." It's dark and creepy, and it's a wonder that Scott's character even agreed to live there. While the house provides the aura of dread that pervades the movie, the restraint shown by director Peter Medak is just as responsible for the effectiveness of the tale. Instead of inundating us with over-the-top haunted house hijinks, he bides his time by waiting before introducing the ghostly happenings - a weird noise here, a horrifying vision there - which provides a satisfyingly ominous atmosphere." - Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress