I don’t know if you’ve ever watched the series, “Sightings.” It was one of those shows that focused on the supernatural, taking us into haunted houses and the like. More often than not the production was kind if cheesy, but it was entertaining enough. More often than not there wasn’t a whole lot of real proof of supernatural activity, but occasionally things turned out to be a little more interesting then even the show’s crew expected. “Sightings: Heartland Ghost” claims to be about one of those stories that turned out to be true. It was originally produced for Showtime and stars Beau Bridges as the TV director behind the series, who is more interested in ratings than whether or not a story is true. Here the crew visits a Provincial 19th century home that is recently purchased by a young couple, Jeff and Pam Mason (Gabriel Olds and Nia Long). They are ‘haunted’ by strange dreams and moving objects, and it is believed the house is haunted by young girl. As the “Sightings” crew gets involved and brings in some professional paranormal investigators.

As they dig deep into the history of the home, they find some unsettling facts dating back to the days of slavery.

I certainly didn’t expect much at first as I used to watch “Sightings”, and pretty much figured this would be no more than a long commercial for the show, but it turned out to be an above average ghost story. The story was actually pretty involved, and at times was kind of creepy. Of course, the most shocking thing about the movie was that there was quite a bit of nudity. I mean, I realized it was made for Showtime, but I was still surprised and appalled. (Excuse me while I rewind this one scene….)

There aren’t any extras on this Paramount release, which was a little disappointing. More than anything, I would have liked to have seen the episode of “Sightings” that this move was based on, considering the fact that they push the idea that it is a ‘true story.’ It would have also been nice to see some interviews with the real family, or perhaps real members of the “Sightings” crew.

I would like to take a moment to comment on the unusual case that houses the DVD. Well, it’s not really that unusual as it looks just like any other DVD case, but this one locks. It has two tabs on the side that opens that have to be flipped up before you can open the case. I’m guessing this makes it harder to steal a DVD from the store, as some people have been known to use a razor to slit the plastic on just that side, then open the case just enough to slip the DVD out. These extra tabs would make it all the harder.

“Sightings: Heartland Ghost” is certainly not the greatest ghost story ever told, and there are times that some of the acting is a bit stilted. But the storyline is still pretty good, and there are some pretty creepy moments here and there. It’s just not a ghost story I recommend watching with the kids. (Excuse me while I rewind this one scene again….)

Directed by: Brian Trenchard Smith
Starring: Beau Bridges, Nia Long, Miguel Ferrer
Extras: None
Specifications: Full Screen, Dolby Digital
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 3/2/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: R (For Some Sexuality and Brief Violence)
Website

We'll give Sightings: Heartland Ghost a B-.