R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour—The Series, Volume One

Based on works by YA horror author R.L. Stine (of Goosebumps fame), this initial volume from the 2011 first season of the Hub-aired series compiles five episodes, kicking off with the disturbingly entertaining two-parter “Really You.” Spoiled ‘tween Lilly (Bailee Madison) is super excited about the arrival of her life-sized doll from an American Girl-like company. Bratty Lilly shows off her new toy—lookalike “Lilly D.”—to her jealous friends, mocking them for only having small, less-expensive dolls, but becomes enraged when one of the girls mentions that her own doll says that Lilly D. doesn't like Lilly. Following a tantrum, Lilly's mom (Alisen Down) not only takes the doll away, but also adds disproportionate punishment (i.e., Lilly D. is served breakfast first). When Lilly witnesses the creepily mobile Lilly D. wrecking mom's laptop (among other vicious pranks), no one will believe her, although her older brother (Connor Price) becomes convinced of her innocence and sets out to discover the truth about the evil toy. Also featuring the bullying tale “The Dead Body,” holiday episode “A Creature Was Stirring,” and “Nightmare Inn,” DVD extras include a “behind-the-screams” featurette. R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour—The Series, Volume Two is also newly available. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)