John Landis isn't  really a horror director. Even his 2 films that could reasonably fit within the genre ("An American Werewolf in London" & "Innocent Blood") are essentially black comedies. Still, this "Masters of Horror" episode by Landis (his second) is one of the better ones from Season Two.

George Wendt plays Harold, a single, middle-aged suburbanite who's found a way to create the idyllic family...by abducting strangers, burning off their flesh with acid and dressing up the skeletal remains. When a new couple moves in across the street, he becomes smitten with the wife, especially since he and his current "wife" are feuding. Later, when the husband disappears, Harold sees this as the perfect opportunity to bring her into the fold. But, without trying to give too much away, his neighbors aren't quite who they seem. "Family" isn't so much a horror film as it is a very black comedy, bolstered by a clever screenplay by Brent Hanley (who also wrote the vastly underappreciated "Frailty") and an outstanding performance by Wendt. As Harold, Wendt wisely plays the character as though he were completely sane, which makes him a truly creepy individual indeed. The climax has a pretty nifty twist, but you can kind of see some of it coming about half-way through.

Anchor Bay has done a great job with the transfer of this episode. It is presented in 1.78:1 widescreen, belying its TV origins, and sports accurate black tones & a blemish-free picture. The audio rendered in 5.1 Dolby Digital & 2.0 Dolby Surround. In short, this "Masters of Horror" episode looks and sounds as good as any feature film you'd care to mention.

A commentary by Landis and/or Wendt would have been cool, but writer Hanley provides one that is pretty good. Also included is "Skin and Bones," a making-off featurette, and "Terror Tracks," about the music score. Rounding out the extras are storyboards, a still gallery, a text bio of Landis and the original screenplay on DVD-ROM. Not the most abundant batch of extras for a "MoH" DVD, but not bad.

Though not a horror movie per se, "Family" is a wickedly fun installment in the "MoH" series that also provides a few gruesome shocks along the way. It's also one of Landis' better directorial efforts of late, right along with the "MoH" episode from Season One, "Deer Woman." Highly recommended.