DVD Review: THE UH-OH SHOW (2009)

  
THE UH-OH SHOW
Written & Directed by:  Herschell Gordon Lewis
Distributed by:  Media Blasters

For those familiar with the work of H.G. Lewis, you know what you are in for with one
of his films.   He is known as the "Godfather of Gore" for good reason.   His films are packed
full of blood and guts and his latest film, THE UH-OH SHOW, is no exception.  Here is the plot from imdb.com:
 
Jill Burton is a reporter who's dead set on getting the scoop behind The Uh-Oh! Show, the gory TV sensation that's sweeping the nation. Get the answer right and win piles of dough, get it wrong and Uh-Oh! it s off with your arms, legs, or more! Fred Finagler, the shows mastermind, feeds the fans depraved cravings by launching an even bloodier reality spectacular filled with Big Bad Wolf attacks, Hansel & Gretel-style torture massacres, and mauling mutilations from the Three Bears and a gore-crazed Goldilocks. It's just the type of prime-time violence Fred needs to keep the ratings high!

 If you are a fan of Mr. Lewis' films, then you will love THE UH-OH SHOW!  Even though this is a new film, it still has a look and feel to it as though it is one of his films from the 60's or 70's.   The film has a hilarious plot centered around a game show where you loose more than just money if you get an answer wrong.   The acting is not the strongest, but let's be honest...that's not what we are really looking for when we watch film from the Godfather of Gore!  We are here for the gore and just like his blood trilogy films from years ago, they are full of the red stuff!  You will witness arms and legs being cut off, as well has a head or two!  What is great is that all this is done with almost all practical effects.  Lewis does join the modern class of filmmakers and does use some CG effects, but they are very minimal.  Mainly just a blood splatter here and there. 

 If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend you check out THE UH-OH SHOW.  They don't make movies like this anymore.  Today's films that contain this much blood and guts are very dark and on a very serious not.  H.G. Lewis knows the gore is over the top, and plays it that way with some tongue-in-cheek humor.  The film is campy and fun, just like Mr. Lewis wanted it to be.  This is another piece of great work from one of the living legends of our time.  

THE UH-OH SHOW is available now on DVD from Media Blasters and contains the following special features:

*  Making of THE UH-OH SHOW
*  Commentary with Herschell Gordon Lewis
*  Commentary with producers Andrew Allan, Andy Lalino, and Mark Ford
*  Commentary with actors Brooke McCarter and Joel D. Wynkoop

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
  

DVD Review: HOSTEL 3 (2011)

  
HOSTEL PART III
Directed by:  Scott Spiegel
Distributed by:  Sony Pictures

 Whether you are a fan of the HOSTEL films or not, I encourage you to check out the newest installment in the franchise, HOSTEL PART III.   This 3rd installment is nothing like I expected and I was very happily surprised by how good this film was.  Before I go any further, here is the plot courtesy of imdb.com:

While attending a bachelor party in Las Vegas, four friends are enticed by two sexy escorts to join them at a private party way off the Strip. Once there, they are horrified to find themselves the subjects of a perverse game of torture, where members of the Elite Hunting Club are hosting the most sadistic show in town.

I enjoyed the first two HOSTEL films....I thought they were gritty and dark, just like I like my horror movies.  Some people got tired of the torture element  (dubbing the films, torture-porn), and I can understand that to some degree.  For those tired of the films just focusing on the torture and gore aspect, HOSTEL 3 will will be a welcome addition for you.

HOSTEL 3 is much more than just torture and gore, although that is definitely a part of the film, but to a much less degree than the first two films.   This new film actually has a good story to it, characters you can actually get into and care about, some good plot twists, and even some humor.   This film literally has something for everyone in it.

The film was directed by Scott Spiegel, who was the Executive Producer on the first two HOSTEL films  (not to mention the same guy who worked with Sam Rami and Bruce Campbell on the EVIL DEAD films!).   I think Mr. Spiegel heard the backlash and negative comments about the first two HOSTEL films and decided to take this a different direction and he definitely succeeded! 

Being direct to DVD, and not having Eli Roth in the director's chair, I honestly wasn't expecting much out of HOSTEL3.   I can honestly say that this 3rd installment is as good, if not better than the first two films.    If you think they guys from THE HANGOVER had a rough time in Vegas, you haven't seen anything yet! 


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Blu-ray Review: THE DEAD (2010)

  
THE DEAD
Written and Directed by: The Ford Brothers
(Howard J. Ford, Jonathan Ford)
Distributed by:  Anchor Bay Entertainment

Last October, I reviewed a zombie film called, THE DEAD  (see review here),   At that time the film was in a limited theatrical run, but now the film is finally out on DVD an Blu-ray thanks to the fine folks at Anchor Bay Entertainment.  For those not familiar with THE DEAD, here is the basic plot from the film's official website:
 
An American mercenary, the sole survivor of a plane crash, has to run the gauntlet across Africa, battling with the living dead. Joining forces with a local military man, desperately searching for his son amongst the chaos, they fight together to survive, in the first Zombie Road-Movie set against the stunning backdrop of Africa.
 
At the time of my original review, I stated that this was "the perfect zombie film".   After seeing the film on Blu-ray, I stand by that statement and have now put this film in the ranks of the early Romero zombie films.   I can't say enough about this film.  If you have not seen this film, do yourself a favor and do so.   I won't say too much more about it, since you can just read my original review, but if you are going to see just one zombie movie this year, make it this one.   Even with a second viewing of the film,  it still got to me and drew me in.  The zombies are ultra realistic looking and there are lots of them all throughout the film.  

Special features include:

* Filmmaker's Commentary With Howard J. Ford And Jon Ford
* Unearthing THE DEAD:  Behind The Scenes
* Deleted Scenes

THE DEAD was released this week to DVD & Blu-ray so it is available now.  This is one you will want to add to your collection for sure.
 
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, Feburary 14th, 2012

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 2/14:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  THE DEAD  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE DEVIL'S ROCK
*  HUMAN CENTIPEDE II:  FULL SEQUENCE [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  MY PURE JOY
*  PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SWINGERS MASSACRE

Support the new horror documentary, I HEART MONSTER MOVIES

 
Check out the Indiegogo page for a new film by Trionic Entertainment called, I HEART MONSTER MOVIES.   It is a documentary made by and for fans of the horror genre and will features interviews not only with horror legends and icons, but also normal fans of the genre like you and me.

Here is the basic plot of the film from the film's Indeigogo page:

Horror fans come from all walks of life and all types of backgrounds. Do horror fans have anything in common? What draws some people to gore while others run screaming from it? We take an intelligent and insightful look at who horror fans are and what motivates their dedication. This is an in-depth look at horror fans in their own words.

I HEART MONSTER MOVIES is currently in production, and they are raising money to travel to visit and interview more horror actors and icons.   Currentley, they have already interviewed such stars as Tom Savini, Bill Moseley, David J (of Bauhaus and Love and Rockets), Alex Vincent, the Avellan sisters, Linnea Quigley, Sid Haig, Thom Carnell, Elissa Dowling, Michael Gornick, and John Amplas.

Help support this awesome project, and you could get your name in the credits of the film under a special "Thank You" section, as well as T-shirts, DVD's of the film, and more  (depending on your funding level).

CLICK HERE to visit the Indiegogo page for I HEART MONSTER MOVIES and help support this film today!

It's Robots Vs. Zombies in the Dolph Lundgren Sci-Fi/Horror flick, BATTLE OF THE DAMNED

 
I love zombie movies.  Always have, always will.  As many zombie movies that have come out lately, you think I would be getting tired of them, but I am definitly not.  I say keep them coming, even if they are as strange sounding as the new film, BATTLE OF THE DAMNED, which features robots fighting zombies.  Well, at least you can say it's an original plot....I can't say I have seen a movie featuring robots battling zombies.   Here is the simple plot from imdb.com:

Following a deadly viral outbreak, private military soldier Max Gatling leads a handful of survivors and a ragtag band of robots against an army of the infected.

The film stars action vet Dolph Lundgren and is written and directed by Christopher Hatton.  BATTLE OF THE DAMNED is filming this year with a 2013 release.

Check out this cool gift for all you zombie fans!!

 Thanks to my buddy Caleb for alerting me about this cool zombie desk organizer!  Neatoshop.com has these awesome zombie desk organizers which are perfect for the zombie fan that has everything!   This tough, urethane resin zombie head sculpture has holes in his head for your pins, magnatized eyes for your paperclips, and a mouth that can hold business cards or post it notes!    The zombie desk organizer is pretty pricey at $34.95 (+ S&H), but I think it is well worth it.  These are all hand crafted and hand painted, so no two pieces are the same.

 
CLICK HERE to purchase your zombie desk organizer!

Space Nazis from the moon!! Check out the trailer for the epic sci-fi film, IRON SKY

 
WOW!!  That is all I can say after just watching the trailer for a new sci-fi film called, IRON SKY!  This film looks amazing to me.  Here is the plot from the film's official website:
 
  In the last moments of World War II, a secret Nazi space program evaded destruction by fleeing to the Dark Side of the Moon. During 70 years of utter secrecy, the Nazis construct a gigantic space fortress with a massive armada of flying saucers.
  When American astronaut James Washington (Christopher Kirby) puts down his Lunar Lander a bit too close to the secret Nazi base, the Moon Führer (Udo Kier) decides the glorious moment of retaking the Earth has arrived sooner than expected. Washington claims the mission is just a publicity stunt for the President of the United States (Stephanie Paul), but what else could the man be but a scout for the imminent attack by Earth forces? The Fourth Reich must act!
  Two Nazi officers, ruthless Klaus Adler (Götz Otto) and idealistic Renate Richter (Julia Dietze), travel to Earth to prepare the invasion. In the end when the Moon Nazi UFO armada darkens the skies, ready to strike at the unprepared Earth, every man, woman and nation alike, must re-evaluate their priorities.


Check out the trailer, and let me know what you think.  I think this will be a must see for sure!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, Feburary 7th, 2012

Here are this week's horror related DVD's coming out 2/7:
(Click a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  FILTH TO ASHES, FLESH TO DUST  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  STORMHOUSE
*  SUPER SHARK

DVD Review: HUMAN NATURE (2004)

 
------Review by contributing writer Scott Baker------
    

HUMAN NATURE

Written & Directed by Vince D'Amato

  
 

 For me, horror films can be broken up into different categories. For example, there is the SCARIER-THAN-ALL-HELL category. This is what I would use to classify movies like INSIDIOUS and PARANORMAL ACTIVITY. Then, you have AWESOME-GORE films like Peter Jackson’s DEAD ALIVE. There’s also TONGUE-IN-CHEEK-AWESOMENESS such as Sam Raimi’s masterpieces like EVIL DEAD and ARMY OF DARKNESS. It’s fun trying to figure out where your favorite films fall.

   

But, unfortunately, there’s a downside to categorization as well. Why? Well, for all the movies that suck, you have to find a category for them as well. Is it LOW-BUDGET-BUT-CRAPPILY-DONE? Or is it TOO-STUPID-TO-EXIST? Categorizing the sucky films can be fun as well, but it can also be mind-numbing.

 

The subject of today’s review is just that: mind-numbingly boring. The film is titled HUMAN NATURE and it was truly an endeavor of stamina to watch. If you are not familiar with HUMAN NATURE, here is the synopsis courtesy of the DVD case:

 

Inspired by a true story, HUMAN NATURE documents the shocking life of a married man who abducts and tortures women in his garage, while keeping his wife, who longs for his attention, in the dark.

 

Ok...I know what you’re thinking. The basic premise sounds promising. I know Hayes is a huge fan of serial killer movies, and they hold a special place in my heart as well. BUT...these movies need to have substance. They need to be more than just remakes of every other serial killer flick we’ve seen. Unfortunately, HUMAN NATURE brings nothing new to the table and even lacks enough gore or suspense to keep the audience awake.

 

I understand this is a low-budget film, but the cinematography is bland and the acting is horrible. Not to mention the fact that the audio is so low that I had to crank my surround sound up just to hear what the actors were saying. But when the “action” started, the sound threatened to blow my speakers. Not sure if this is a transfer glitch from post-production to disk, but it definitely needs to be addressed.

 

Part of what irritated me so much about HUMAN NATURE is that nothing is ever really explained (or maybe it was and I just missed it because I couldn’t hear the explanation). We have a guy that kidnaps women and tortures and kills them in his garage...while his conveniently-idiotic wife stays in the house and never asks questions. Not only is this unrealistic, it’s boring as well. “Oh look...he got another girl...I wonder what he’ll do this time? Oh...guess he’s going to torture her...” (YAWN)

 

Don’t get me wrong...many of the serial killer flicks I’ve seen have been entertaining and suspenseful. But they were unique in some form or fashion. Jason (oh yeah...I’m going here, old school) was basically a sadistic kid out to revenge his mom; Freddy could enter your dreams; Jigsaw set up elaborate devices...these guys all had their own flair. Which is something you have to have to survive in the Horror genre. HUMAN NATURE lacks flair, entertainment, interest, and even sensibility.

 

For me, this film is a big fail. I would not recommend wasting your time on this one.

 
 

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Check out the cool trailer for the upcoming film, GOD BLESS AMERICA

 
 Have you heard of the film GOD BLESS AMERICA from writer/director Bobcat Goldthwait?  Well, if you haven't, check out the trailer below.  I think this film looks very promising.  It's probably more of a dark comedy, but still has some very horrific elements to it!  Here is the basic plot from imdb.com:

Loveless, jobless, possibly terminally ill, Frank has had enough of the downward spiral of America. With nothing left to lose, Frank takes his gun and offs the stupidest, cruelest, and most repellent members of society. He finds an unusual accomplice: 16-year-old Roxy, who shares his sense of rage and disenfranchisement.

GOD BLESS AMERICA premiers On Demand April 6th, and in theaters May 11th.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Check out the creepy trailer for Eric Hurt's horror thriller, HOUSE HUNTING

 
 I just got a press release for the film HOUSE HUNTING, and I jut had to share it.  I knew nothing about this film before reading the press release, but it looks like it is going to be a very fun film.  It is a haunted house flick, which I love.  Here is the basic plot courtesy of Phase 4 Films:

Two families attend an open house in the hopes of finding their dream home. Upon entering, their dream quickly becomes a hellish nightmare when they realize that every attempt to leave takes them right back to the front door. Stuck in this purgatory, the two families are haunted by the deserted home’s former owner with the declaration that only one of the two families will be able to call this house their home.
 
  Phase 4 Films has released some wonderful genre films lately, and it looks like this will be another great one to add to the list!  The film is directed by Eric Hurt, and is being released on Video On Demand by Phase 4 Films.  In fact, the film is available now on Comcast, Cox, Insight and Cable Vision!   Check out this film asap!  Let me know what you think of it once you see it!

Also, you gotta love the cool, retro looking movie poster!   Very nice!
 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

DVD Review: THE SUMMER OF MASSACRE (2011)

  
THE SUMMER OF MASSACRE
Directed by:  Joe Castro
Distributed by Breaking Glass Pictures

I know most of you have seen tons of slasher films, but can you say you have seen the movie that holds the Guinness Book Of World Records for the highest body count in a single film?   That record is 155 kills ant the movie is called THE SUMMMER OF MASSACRE.   I am proud to say that I have now seen this record holding film.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the breaking glass pictures website:

 Director-Writer, Joe Castro (Terror Toons 1&2, The Jackhammer Massacre) introduces another original tale -- the first anthology slasher film which presents eight killers in 5 gorefest tales. Featuring Brinke Stevens (Slumber Party Massacre), Nick Principe (Laid to Rest), and Cleve Hall (Nightmare), plus a never before recorded gore epic body count with more than 150 onscreen deaths.

 Ungodly brutal beatings turns Chris, a young man, into a fiend that sets off a bloody, like never before seen, rampage. Beauty is truly only skin deep - Watch a young paraplegic, whose body is also wrecked with spinal bifida, fight for her life as her older, beautiful sister tries to murder her.

 It’s been 36 years since Jesse’s loving mother was raped by his biological father. Now, after hiding and running their entire lives in fear of this murderous rapist --- He has found them!A group of Christian teenagers are stalked, mamed and burned by a local legend in a haunted forest.

 Three legendary serial killers terrorize downtown Los Angeles by murdering countless innocent souls and the killer plan is to go out with a real bang.

 There’s nothing like the sweltering heat of summer to set off a massacre. The Summer of Massacre is a 100 mph slasher ride that never slows down. Packed with enough gore and insanity to send you looking for your barf bag.

 Well, they are right about the gore. It is non stop  Never does the film go for over a minute before you see the splattering of the red stuff.   The film is set up as an anthology which I always enjoy.  Most all the films are nothing but killing, except for the segment titled 'Lump' which actually does have a good plot and a clever twist at the end.   'Lump' is about a mentally challenged girl (with a lump on her face) who here beautiful sister can't stand.  The sister takes "lump" hiking with her and her friends and basically shoves her wheelchair over a cliff.  The girl survives the fall and then seeks revenge on her sister and her sisters friends. 

 With a 155 kills in this film, you think this would be the greatest slasher film of all time.  Unfortunately, there is one big problem.  All of the kills are done with CG.  ALL OF THEM.  And it is not good CG either.  In fact, it's not even bad CG.  It is horrible CG.   While some of the kills are cool and look good, the majority of them look so fact they are almost funny.   Take for instance a man killed by having a TV remote shoved in his mouth which somehow warrants the CG blood to fly!  And dont' get me started on the guy killed by having a bag of ice held over his face for about 5 seconds which causes his head to turn gray as if he were frozen to death.  Really?

 Ok, sorry, you know I hate CG effects in horror films.   But even some CG effects are necessary and are ok, but there is no excuse for the horrible CG effects found here.    Despite the GG, I still enjoyed this film, but I can't think about how good this film could have been if they would have cut the kills in half and spent more time and/or money on practical effects, or even some better CG effects.   This is definitely a case of the film maker's choosing quantity over quality. 

 THE SUMMER OF MASSACRE is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Breaking Glass Pictures.

Special Features include:

* Director's Commentary
* Director's Diary  (Behind the Scenes)
* Interview with Bring Stevens
* Cast Auditions
* Joe Castro's "Childhood Massacre" short film


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 1/31:
(Click a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  2-HEADED SHARK ATTACK
*  DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK 
*  DR. JEKYLL VS. THE WEREWOLF
*  DREAM HOUSE [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  NIGHT TRAIN MURDERS
*  THE SLEEPER [DVD & DVD/VHS combo pack]
*  SPIDER HOLE
*  THE THING [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  UBALDO TERZANI HORROR SHOW

Coming soon: ACID HEAD: THE BUZZARD NUTS COUNTY SLAUGHTER!

 
 I just received a press release for an upcoming movie with quite possibly the best name ever..ACID HEAD:  THE BUZZARD NUTS COUNTY SLAUGHTER!   I get a lot of press releases to go through, but this one definitely caught my eye.  I don't know much about this film, but with a name like that, it's gotta be good!  At least I hope so.  Here is the basic plot of the film from imdb.com, which sounds just as intriguing:
    
Acid scarred teenager : Pheromone Labonza (aka Acid Head) is a bullied, tortured and physically scarred teen-aged former college student; turned vengeful student killer & goth-girl fugitive, that had vanished for a year. One year later, guess who's back to the scene of the crime? Pheromone is now the fabled Acid Head murderess. Witness Acid Head's bloody, lustful vengeance, as she slashes her way though rural Buzzard Nuts County, N.Y.'s lonely roadsides and the sin-soaked Vom College sorority House (which also serves as an underground whorehouse, built on the grave-site of a nefarious top-hatted, evil, demonic force named: Count Dracula, no less).
 
 I don't know much about this film, but from the title and the sound of that plot, this is one I will definitely be checking out once it is available. 

The press release states that the film will be available as a VOD and DVD release in spring 2012 on Amazon, Indieflix, MoviesInsanity.com and TonyWatt.com.

DVD Review: THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE (2010)

 

------Review by contributing writer Scott Baker------
     

 

THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE

Written & Directed by:  Dustin Mills

Distributed by:  MVD Entertainment Group
  

  

There are few movies nowadays that can truly boast about being original. But I gotta tell you: THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE is definitely one that can claim it. This film, while not the best I’ve seen this year, is probably the most unique.

 

If you are not familiar with THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of MVD:

 

A group of teens are challenged to spend a night in the Wagner mansion on the edge of town. Little do they know the owner (Dr. Wolfgang Wagner) has concocted a monstrosity in the basement and plans to make the hapless teens the creature's first big meal. This is The Puppet Monster Massacre, a wild and raucous love letter to the monster films of the glorious 1980's! Heads will roll and felt will fly in this visually rich splatter-fest. Thrill as an army of over 400 soldiers is helpless against a monstrous menace, Chill as a man collapses from the aroma of a thousand bunny farts, Shriek as puppets make sweet monkey love in a spooky graveyard! This is the low budget film you have been waiting for!

 

First off: this movie is A LOT of fun. I don’t care who you are or what genre you normally watch, THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE will put a smile on your face regardless. It is witty and wildly entertaining, a felt-filled fright-fest of fun!

 

Yes, folks, this is a puppet horror movie. There are no live-action scenes, no human actors, but lots of scares and gore. Yup, that’s right: gore. Heck, there’s even a couple of scenes of puppet nudity. If that’s your thing, then your in for a treat.

 

I have to hand it to the production crew: the blood and gore in this flick is superb. There’s plenty of it, too. But, I have to admit...it’s hard to take it seriously whenever the image preceding the gore is a puppet. Still, you have to admire filmmakers who are willing to slaughter puppets in the name of entertainment!

 

The story works well for this film, and could actually work well in a live-action movie: Dr. Wagner is an ex-Nazi who has created a monster to wreak havoc upon his enemies. Which leaves the quirky (and unknowing) hero to save the day...even if he is scared lintless. The film clocks in at 70 minutes, which means the plot moves quickly.

 

Even so, I would dare to venture that 70 minutes might be a tad too long for this type of film. The novelty of the puppetry wanes after the first 45 minutes or so. THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE could have easily been just as good by running for 50 minutes instead.

 

Still, you can’t help but like this film. I really it overall and am recommending it to anyone that enjoys over-the-top fun.   The DVD is available now from MVD Entertainment group.

 
   
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer (**Warning** trailer contains foul language and puppet nudity)
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
   

Check out the trailer for the film, THE WOMAN

   
 THE WOMAN was on my list of DVD's being released this week.    Hopefully you watched the trailer for it...but I am posting it here for those that didn't click on it to watch the trailer.   This looks like a really messed up film, so naturally I can't wait to see it!   Here is the basic plot from the film's official website:

Family man and lawyer Christoper Cleek (Sean Bridgers) must do what he can to protect his family when he comes into contact with a feral woman (Pollyana McIntosh) living in the woods near his isolated country home. Through a series of harrowing encounters Cleek and his family quickly discover there is more to this woman than anyone would suspect and that sometimes the devil wears a handsome face.

I think this movie looks really disturbing and messed up, so this is my kind of flick for sure!  Have you seen THE WOMAN yet?  If so, please leave a comment and let me know what you thought of the film.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Blu-ray Review: LIPS OF BLOOD (1975)

     
LIPS OF BLOOD
Directed by:  Jean Rollin
Distributed by:  Kino Lorber/Redemption Films

This week, Redemption Films and Kino Lorber Inc have released a collection of films called, The Cinema Of Jean Rollin.  Most of the films have been on DVD before, but I believe this is their first release on the Blu-ray format.  There are 5 films in this collection, and I will be reviewing them all, but up first is the 1975 film, LIPS OF BLOOD.   For those unfamiliar with this film, here is the basic plot of the film from imbd.com:

This erotic vampire film features a young man on a strange quest after recognizing a castle on a poster. He seems to remember the castle from his childhood and eventually finds it with the aid of a strange woman dressed in white. It turns out that his family has been keeping the secret of vampirism from him.

 For those unfamiliar with Jean Rollin, he is a French director that is most known for his female vampire flicks.  His films are the epitome of classic, Euro-horror sexploitation.  While tamer in that realm than some of his other films, he still does not disappoint with LIPS OF BLOOD. 

 I thoroughly enjoyed LIPS OF BLOOD, but I do have to admit that it can be slow in a few parts.  The film clocks in at 87 minutes, but it actually felt much longer to me.   Don't think that means I didn't like the film, that is just a warning to those expecting non-stop vampire action. Rollin's films are very artistic and visual.   The dialog is not the strong part of the film here, Rollins focuses on his visual style.  The film is shot beautifully with wonderful cinematography and some very moody images.   There are some great camera shots and angles which are very aesthetically pleasing. The acting is good overall, although made in 1975, expect some very outdated hairdos and clothing.  

 I have not seen many of Rollin's films, but will be watching all 5 films of the "Cinema of Jean Rollin" collection.  I look forward to seeing his other films, and will be reviewing them all here, so stay tuned!
Until then, check out LIPS OF BLOOD for yourself, available now on DVD and Blu-ray.   Blu-ray features include:

*  Mastered in HD from the 35mm negative
*  French with English Subtitles
*  Introduction by Jean Rollin
*  Interview with star Natalie Perry
*  20 page booklet with an essay by Tim Lucas, editor of Video    Watchdog
*  Original theatrical trailer
*  Original trailers of four other Rollin  films


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer (**WARNING** trailer contains nudity)
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Check out the awesome teaser trailer for the Uwe Boll film, ZOMBIE MASSACRE

 

Wait a minute...did I just use the terms "awesome" and "Uwe Boll film" in the same sentence?  Well, there is a first time for everything!   Actually, I realize why ZOMBIE MASSACRE actually looks good, Uwe Boll is listed as the producer, he did not write or direct the film.  Ok, that explains things! 
Anyway, this looks very cool.  The trailer is very stylistic and contains some very cool imagery.  Here is the basic plot of ZOMBIE MASSACRE from the film's official website:
 
A bacteriological weapon – developed by the US Government to create a super soldier – spreads an epidemic in a quiet little town in the middle of Eastern Europe. All citiziens have been turned into infected zombies. The plan is: to bring an atomic bomb into the nuclear plant of the city to pretend a terrible accident. No one has to know the truth. A commando of mercenaries is hired to do the mission. The battle is on. Hordes of monsters against a bunch of men.
Who will survive?

Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.  Does this look like it could be the next great zombie film?  Also,  watch at the 2:13 mark of the trailer....is it just me or does it look like the zombies are about to break out into a 'Thriller' dance routine?

 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 1/24:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  ALWAYS FROM DARKNESS
*  COLD CREEPY FEELING:  PARANORMAL EXORCISM
*  FASCINATION [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  GODZILLA (Criterion Collection)  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  HEAD CASE
*  THE IRON ROSE [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  LIPS OF BLOOD [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  NAKED NAZI
*  NIGHT OF THE DEAD
*  THE NUDE VAMPIRE [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PORN STAR ZOMBIES
*  THE SHIVER OF THE VAMPIRES [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE SUMMER OF MASSACRE [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE WOMAN [DVD & Blu-ray]

DVD Review: WOMEN IN PRISON TRIPLE FEATURE

 

WOMEN IN PRISON TRIPLE FEATURE
(CHAINED HEAT/RED HEAT/JUNGLE WARRIORS)
Distributed by Panik House Entertainment/Synapse Films

Panik House Entertainment has put out an excellent release with the WOMEN IN PRISON TRIPLE FEATURE.  This DVD includes 3 classic sexploitation films, all dealing with...well, women in prison!
The DVD includes CHAINED HEAT, RED HEAT, and JUNGLE WARRIORS. Here are the plots of these films from the Synapse Films/Panik House Entertainment website:

CHAINED HEAT
Linda Blair (The Exorcist) stars as Carol Henderson, a woman sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after accidentally killing a man. With the perverted warden (John Vernon, Animal House) seducing the inmates and two rival gangs fighting a race war, Carol struggles to survive her remaining days in the sleazy slammer. Also stars cult film favorites Sybil Danning, Tamara Dobson and Stella Stevens. Newly re-mastered in anamorphic widescreen and presented totally uncut for the first time in North America!

RED HEAT
Linda Blair heads back to prison as American tourist Christine Carlson, a woman wrongly sentenced to three years in a brutal East German penitentiary after being forced to admit to false charges of espionage. Tormented by the evil prisoner Sofia (Sylvia Kristel, Emmanuelle), Christine must fight for her life as her fiancée tries to rescue her from the sadistic hell behind bars. Presented in Anamorphic Widescreen.

JUNGLE WARRIORS
A group of gorgeous models flies to a South American country to scout locations for a photo session. When their plane is shot down, the models are imprisoned and subjected to horrible torture and rape by an evil drug lord. In an effort to escape, the girls grab some firepower, take revenge, and try to shoot their way to freedom! Stars Sybil Danning and John Vernon. Presented in Anamorphic Widescreen.

So far, I have only watched the first film of the three, CHAINED HEAT.  I have always heard about this film but had never seen it until this release.   The film is exactly what you expect from this type of movie.  It is a reminder of the great grindhouse days of the 70's and 80's.  All three of these films are from the mid 80's and boy does it show!   This adds to the nostalgia of the film, though.  Big hair and bad music reminds us just how crazy the 80's really were!  
The acting in CHAINED HEAT is actually pretty good for this type of film.  The film is full of action, there are really no slow parts in it at all which is good.  Another good thing is this film actually has a  pretty good story to it.  A lot of these types of films don't have much of a story and were obviously just made to capitalize on the female nudity, but this film wasn't made just for that...although there is plenty of that as well!   Also, there is some pretty graphic violence in this film, particularly a  cringe worthy scene were a prisoner is  hooked in the neck  in a bathroom stall.  They don't call it the pokey for nothing!! 

Fans of this subgenre of exploitation film should not pass up this great DVD set.  3 Great movies for the price of one!   The DVD is out now from Panik House Entertainment/Synapse Films.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for CHAINED HEAT
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for RED HEAT
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for JUNGLE WARRIORS
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Stunning news in the WEST MEMPHIS 3 case!! The real killer has confessed...?

 
I have been following the case of the WEST MEMPHIS 3 for years.  If you are unfamiliar with the case, it was a murder case in West Memphis, Arkansas back in 1993.  3 young boys were killed, and although they had no evidence, the state convicted Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley Jr., and Jason Baldwin (known now as the West Memphis 3) of the murders, mainly because they were known as 'hoods', because they listened to heavy metal music and work black clothes.  The police coerced Jessie Misskelley Jr. into a confession and they convicted all three kids based on that.  The police didn't care that Jessie was a mentally challenged young man and couldn't comprehend what all he was saying.  His confession was full of inaccuracies about the case, but the state didn't care.  They convicted these kids and locked them up for over 17 years until they were freed last year after agreeing to enter an Alford plea.

There are a number of people coming forward now saying that one of the murdered boys stepfather, Terry Hobbs, has admitted on several occasions that he killed the 3 boys. You can read all the confession accounts in the full article from NWAHomepage.com.  Here is an excerpt from that article:

A third witness stated that he was at Michael Hobbs Jr's home in 2003 or 2004 when he was told by Hobbs Jr. that the two of them could not go down to the basement to play pool because Michael Hobbs Sr. was down there having a conversation with Hobbs Jr.'s uncle. The witness said that he " listened with Michael Jr. at the top of the stairs. I heard two men talking. One appeared to be very upset even crying and he said 'I am sorry, I regret it.' The other man was trying to console him and said, 'You are in the clear, no one thinks you are a suspect, those guys are already in prison.'"

It is excellent that is is finally coming to light, maybe the West Memphis 3 will finally have their names 100% cleared.  I hate that has taken this long for people to come forward about this, though.  If these people knew that Hobbs did it, or heard him confess, whey are they just now coming out with this info.  This should have been done years ago instead of letting the state wrongfully convict 3 young men. 

Hopefully the truth will be told soon.....


CLICK HERE to read the full article from NWAHomepage.com

DVD Review: LITTLE DEATHS (2011)

 
LITTLE DEATHS
Directed by:  Sean Hogan, Simon Rumley, and Andrew Parkinson
Distributed by:  Image Entertainment

I had no clue what to expect from LITTLE DEATHS.  The cover looked cool, and the pics on the back were very intriguing, but you never know what you are going to get with a lot of films.  I had never even heard of this film, so I had no clue what to expect.  Sometimes the pictures on the cover make a film look better than it is.  I am glad to say for this film, that is not the case.  In fact, the few pictures you see on the back don't do it justice.  Before I go on, here is the basic plot courtesy of Image Entertainment:

Well-to-do home owners Richard and Victoria pose as religious do-gooders and lure homeless girls to their luxurious home. Apartment dwellers Claire and Pete invigorate their love life with a role-playing game with increasingly hazy boundaries. Jen and Frank, once prostitute and pimp, are now trying to make a go of things as an exclusive couple. Jen’s even in therapy with a psychiatrist, who is secretly working with her husband Frank. Each couple is in for a surprise. Richard and Victoria will have the tables turned on them by one of their lady victims; Claire will finally push Pete too far in their sexual game; and Jen and Frank can’t begin to imagine what their conspiring psychiatrist is up to. Little Deaths are little games that sometimes lead to the big one.

This film is very well made and the acting is wonderful. I can't think of a bad performance in any of the 3 parts to this anthology.   The first story, 'House and Home', was my favorite by far.  This story had the most gore, and was the scariest of the 3 to me.   In this one a couple brings home homeless women, promising them a hot bath and hot meal, but only lure them there to play sick and twisted sexual games with them, against their will.  Their latest victim, a homeless woman named Sorrow, is not as helpless as they might think and she puts an end to their little games. I won't say how she does this, but it came as a complete shock to me and was very scary. 

The second story called, 'Mutant Tool', was just messed up.  It is a crazy story about a mutant  that a scientist is harvesting semen from, because it has psychedelic effects when used as a drug.  Yes, you read that right, and I could not have made that up if I wanted to.   Full of weird and creepy visuals, this story is unfortunately the weakest of the three in my opinion. Sci-fi fans might enjoy this segment the best.

Finally, 'Bitch'is the story of a woman with an intense phobia of dogs.  She is in a very destructive relationship with a man she makes dress up as a dog in order to control him.  I guess this gives her a sense of empowerment that she has control over this "dog".  She is very controlling and demanding and eventually her boyfriend has had enough and gets back at her the best way he knows how.  I can't even describe what he does to her.....you will have to see this one to believe it.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed LITTLE DEATHS.  I liked it much better than I thought I would and would recommend it to anyone who is fan of extreme cinema, as there are quite a few very disturbing scenes.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

DVD Review: SWEET KARMA (2009)

 ------Review by contributing writer Scott Baker------


SWEET KARMA
Directed by:  Andrew Thomas Hunt
Distributed by:  Phase 4 Films

 

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a good female-revenge flick, so I was pretty happy when Hayes handed me SWEET KARMA to review. The cover is very inviting, after all, with a woman in bra and panties holding a handgun; I mean, how can you not be curious?

  

If you are not familiar with SWEET KARMA, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of Phase 4 FIlms:

  

Karma Balint is a shy, mute Russian girl whose sister Anna left for Canada with bright hopes of making some money for the two of them. When Karma discovers that Anna’s body has been found in the woods, the apparent victim of a Russian mafia hit, Karma sets off to infiltrate the criminal underworld to avenge her sister. Her journey takes her through the twisted underbelly of society leaving behind death and mayhem in her wake.                           

 

I loved this movie. It has a gritty, underworld feel to it and is full of dark themes and overtones. You truly feel for Karma as she searches for her sister’s killers...and you relish the vengeance that she doles out. And, boy, does she dole it out!

  

SWEET KARMA is a vicious film with some excellent ‘revenge’ scenes. The seductive yet fatal ways that Karma gets rid of the killers is almost entrancing to watch; you literally have a hard time pulling your eyes away from the screen! For example, Karma leads one of the men into a restroom where she starts kissing him. Thinking that Karma is an easy dancer, the man lets his guard down...and pays a horrific price for it. Karma tricks him into thinking he’s snorting cocaine off of her breast, but it’s actually laundry detergent. While the guy is floundering around in some massive pain, she knocks him down and then ‘hangs’ him on the hand-rail!

  

The acting in SWEET KARMA is very good, with actress Shera Bechard doing a superb job in the titular role of Karma. Portraying a shy, mute beauty from Russia is not an easy task, I’m sure, but Bechard pulls it off with ease. I look forward to seeing her in future films.

  

SWEET KARMA doesn’t have many special effects, except for some blood, but it’s well done. The film is shot well, although I have to admit that a few of the scenes were pretty dark and hard to make out. Still, that doesn’t detract from the film overall and is a minor inconvenience. 

 

Not to give too much away, but the film has a great twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. I will obviously not spoil it for you, but you should definitely check this one out to see what happens. If you liked I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, you will love SWEET KARMA.

  

-MSB-

  

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
 

True crime fans...check out SERIAL KILLER MAGAZINE!!

 
 I have always been a fan of true crime....from movies to books, if it is a about actually cases, I want to read about them.   I have read many books on killers such as Ed Gein and Albert Fish.  I'm not sure what is about these people that we find so interesting, but a lot of people like to read about them.  I think the popularity with serial killers comes from the fact that most people just cant fathom what they did.  They do stuff that we normally see in horror films.  What makes a person be able to do such heinous things?  These are the questions we like to answer so we look to movies and books about this subject to find out what makes these people who they are. 

 Well, if you are interested in true crime and serial killers, there is a magazine out there that you can not afford to miss.  I'm not sure how I came across this company, but they make tons of great products all dealing with serial killers.  The company is serialkillercalendar.com, and yes, they do make serial killer calendars!   They also make the wonderful Serial Killer Magazine.  

 Serial Killer Magazine is full of info and stories about every serial killer you can think of.  This is a big magazine, with regular issues at 100 pages on glossy pages with a nice card stock glossy cover.   You might think the $20 price tag is a little expensive for a magazine, but keep in mind a lot of reference work  and writing goes into each magazine.  There is also great artwork from a number of different artists.  Also, I don't know if it is like this with every issue, but the issue I read has ZERO ads in it.  You are paying for a full 100 pages of info, not ads!  This is really like more of a small book than a magazine, and is well worth the price in my opinion. 

 Each magazine brings you stories of serial killers....most of whom you have probably heard of, but also some more obscure ones you probably have never heard of.  The issue I read even had some info about serial killers from different countries, something we don't hear much about usually.  The magazines also contains rare interviews with the serial killers, letters written by serial killers, rare F.B.I. file transcripts, and even copies of some of the killers birth certificates, which is very unique.  The issue I read also had a story on how serial killers have influenced slasher films which was a very interesting read.  

Serial Killer Magazine is a must read for any true crime fan.  You can pick up your copy by visiting serialkillercalendar.com today!


CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Serialkillercalendar.com

Book Review: Z.E.O. A ZOMBIE's GUIDE TO GETTING A(HEAD) IN BUSINESS by Scott Kenemore

 
Z.E.O. A ZOMBIES GUIDE TO GETTING A(HEAD) IN BUSINESS
by Scott Kenemore
Published by Skyhorse Publishing

I admit, I am really not much of a reader.  I read horror magazines constantly, but I don't read many books.  I am just not that fast of a reader, nor do I have the time to read much with a full time job, a wife and kids, and this website which I am constantly needing to watch screeners for.  BUT....if the book has the word "zombie" in the title, I will always find a way to make time for it.   I love zombies and anything to do with them.  So if there is a book about zombies, I wanna read it. 

I have read a lot of "Zombie Survival Guide" type books, but I always find it fun to check out a book from the zombie's perspective.  That is exactly what Scott Kenemore's book, Z.E.O. A ZOMBIES GUIDE TO GETTING A(HEAD) IN BUSINESS is.  It is a book written for us workers to help us follow the lead of zombies and get ahead in the corporate world by following the techniques and work ethics of zombies.  Here is a brief description of the book from the Skyhorse Publishing website:
 
A guide for any Joe-lunchbox or aspiring-C.E.O., Z.E.O. illustrates how the lessons learned from zombies and zombie films can be applied—from the typing-pool to the boardroom—to further a professional career, increase personal and corporate wealth, and harness the tools to personal success. Taking up where other business and personal finance books leave off, Z.E.O. provides nuts-and-bolts instructions for taking the inspirational aspects of zombies and adopting them to maximize your own personal effectiveness.
 
What better person...or thing..to teach us how to achieve our goals than a zombie!  As the book tells us, zombies are the perfect role model because they have one goal in mind....brains!   While brains might be the zombies goal, ours might be a promotion or raise at work.   Either way, we all do what we need to to get our "brains".  The zombie will stop at nothing to get brains, therefore we don't need to let anything stand it our way to get our ultimate goal.   The author shows this by describing the different types of zombies and how they all focus and walk, or crawl, towards their goal.  Old rotted zombies might not have much muscle tissue and tendons left, but they still scramble and limp their way to the brains.  Even if a zombie has lost its legs, they will crawl with their arms towards the brains.   Nothing stops these zombies from reaching their goals, so you see, zombies can be a great inspiration to us and great role models in the workplace.

The book is written in a very easy-to-read style is is full of funny tips, pictures, and even some funny zombie motivational posters!   The book is a softcover book with 272 pages and can be found in most bookstores in the humor section, or click the link below to purchase on-line.  I highly recommend this book for any zombie enthusiast like myself!

 
CLICK HERE to purchase the book
CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Skyhorse Publishing
CLICK HERE to view the author's zombie blog