This was one of several co-production efforts from actors Alvy Moore (best known as Hank Kimball on TV's "Green Acres") and veteran character actor L.Q. Jones, and followed their occult-themed "The Witchmaker" feature, made the year before.

The producing team were wise to hire underrated cinematographer John Arthur Morrill, whose very wide compositions enhance the trapped family's sense of isolation, and enriches the otherwise low-budget production with a bungled narrative and incoherent finale.

Columbia's DVD beautifully presents the film without visible flaws, and while the reds and greens have received slightly unnatural chroma enhancements, the "Brotherhood" print is very clean, with sharp detail and effective night contrast.

The audio is standard mono, but it's an intentionally textured mix, combining minimal underscore, disturbing breaks of silence, and ordinary sound which add tension to the film's secretive storyline.

The disc's extras are three non-anamorphic trailers, but there's an unusually wide array of languages - indicating the producing team had emboldened their little production with as many affordable chances at international play.

For a more detailed and candid examination of Moore and Jones' filmmaking ventures, fans should definitely check out the outstanding and lively commentary track for their excellent film version of Harlan Ellison's take, "A Boy And His Dog," made in 1975.

© 2002 Mark R. Hasan