'The Conjuring' is a well made horror film - scary in a fun-house-of-horror pop-corn context.

But it kind of pales in comparison to 'Sinister' from last year in terms of the kind of dread that still stays with you after the movie ends.

Watching it again at home on blu-ray - scary scenes are scary even with the directors commentary turned on.. 'super8' footage + uber-creepy electronica score is really inspired. Didn't expect this from the director of 'the exorcism of emily rose' (entertaining but humdrum, in my opinion).

Some mention of 'exorcist' - i found this more downbeat and depressing than scary - relating to the guilt experienced by the priest and mother - the hospital scenes where Regan is tested with all the scary medical apparatus disturbed me more than the crucifix violation + stabbing segment.