In Search of... (TV Series) The Amityville Horror (1979) User Reviews

50/50 for this episode!

[mm-39 · 7/10 · 14 October 2016]

I am 50/50 toward The Amityville Horror episode! Well crafted episode with inserts from the Amityville Horror movie. The episode explains the events from the book and movie from The Amityville Horror. Black goo, noises, apparition etc are narrated by Nimoy with clips from the movie. Reenactments of the strange incidents cause a chill. The Horror was back up by interview's by Jay Anson(author), Daniel Lutz, George Lutz, Kathy Lutz, Ed Warren (Psychic Investigator) and is wife Lorraine Warren. Regrettably there not much explanation of counter arguments which debunk many claims made by the Lutz family. Neighbors, and others have a different story! Entertaining but a roll your eyes episode. 7 out of 10 episode. In Search of version of tabloid journalism.

A Masterpiece Of Horror

[AaronCapenBanner · 10/10 · 27 September 2014]

Unforgettable episode takes on the controversy surrounding the reputed haunting of 112 Ocean Avenue, where Ron Defeo murdered his entire family, and how 13 months later The Lutz family moved in, only to face 28 days of horror before they fled, never to return. Their account became an engrossing bestselling book by author Jay Anson, later made into a popular feature film in 1979, which this episode uses clips from and mentions. Interviews are conducted with George & Kathy Lutz, Jay Anson, and their priest, in his only camera interview at the time.

Bone-chilling and genuinely frightening outing is miles better than the film, containing effective moments of horror(like the lit-up doll's eyes) that gave children nightmares for years, and still holds up marvelously today. Eerie music, direction and atmosphere make this a highlight of the entire series, and is a masterpiece of TV terror.

Season 4 Episode 3

[Michael_Elliott · 8 August 2016]

In Search Of... "The Amityville Horror" (1979)

Who doesn't know the story of The Amityville Horror? This episode takes a look at the matter and features interviews with the Lutz family, Ed and Loraine Warren, Jay Anson and the priest who witnessed some of the mysterious events inside the house. The episode starts off with Nimoy saying most people didn't know the movie was based on a true story but I very seriously doubt this. With that said, this is certainly one of the best episodes in the series because there are so many interviews with the people connected to the story. It's still debatable what actually happened inside the house but the episode does a very good job at selling the story and selling how the house might still be haunted.

Episode: A

Bunk

[dtucker86 · 10/10 · 1 October 2023]

I remember this episode of In Search Of...came out at the same time The Amityville Horror movie did and it really frightened me as a sixth grader but thankfully I have wised up. Everyone loves a good ghost story and Jay Anson wrote a whale of a tale with his best seller. He is interviewed here as are the Lutz's the unlucky owners of this "haunted" house. Nimoy does his usual masterful narration and there is ample spooky music (an In Search Of...trademark). However IT WAS ALL A HOAX. George and Kathy Lutz and Jay Anson made the whole thing up for money. There have been other families that have lived in that house since they moved out and NONE of them have reported any ghostly activity.