The infamous Amityville Horror franchise has once again made headlines as the trademark for the name has been federally registered for a new series of horror films and TV shows by MGM. This comes after the original trademark, registered in 2002 for a series of nonfiction books about the paranormal, was canceled in 2008.
The Amityville house, known for its dark history and paranormal activity, has undergone renovations and a change in address since the release of the first film. Despite being currently occupied, the house still attracts curious visitors, although its Street View image on Google Maps remains blurred out, with Google Maps declining to provide details on the request.
Not everyone is pleased with the resurgence of the Amityville franchise. Amityville mayor Dennis M. Siry responded to inquiries about the story with a simple plea: “Please don’t.” Film historian Bryan Thomas Norton also expressed his disapproval of the new movies, stating that Amityville holds little value in the horror movie genre.
Paula M. Uruburu, a professor emeritus in literature and film at Hofstra University, who grew up near the Amityville house, emphasizes the tragedy behind the horror story. She recalls the real horror of the murder of the family that once lived in the house and hopes that the focus on the “Amityville” movies does not overshadow this tragic event.
Despite differing opinions on the franchise, Uruburu acknowledges that “Amityville” has become synonymous with horror and will likely remain a lasting symbol of fear. Love it or hate it, the name “Amityville” continues to evoke a sense of dread and unease in popular culture.
