DVD Review: THE DEFINITIVE DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD (2012)

  
THE DEFINITIVE DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD
Directed by Roy Frumkes
Distributed by Synapse Films

If you have never seen the documentary, THE DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD, you need to check this film out asap!  Assuming you are a fan of George A. Romero's 1978 film, DAWN OF THE DEAD, that is.  Of course, I would hope anyone reading this blog is a fan of that great film. Here is the basic synopsis of the documentary from the Synapse Films website:

ROY FRUMKES’ CELEBRATION OF HORROR DIRECTOR GEORGE A. ROMERO GETS RE-EDITED, UPDATED AND RE-MASTERED! THE DEFINITIVE DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD IS AN ALL-NEW VERSION OF THE CLASSIC “MAKING OF” PROJECT BASED ON 1978’s DAWN OF THE DEAD!
George A. Romero, director of the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, is one of the horror genre’s most celebrated filmmakers. Roy Frumkes’ amazing 1978 documentary DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD was an intimate look at Romero’s creative process, with an outstanding collection of interviews, effects demonstrations (courtesy of make-up artist, Tom Savini) and behind-the-scenes footage from the classic horror film, DAWN OF THE DEAD.
This newly re-edited and re-mastered 2012 version of the award-winning documentary contains all-new exclusive material including additional interviews with Romero’s family and friends, candid on-set footage from TWO EVIL EYES, LAND OF THE DEAD, DIARY OF THE DEAD, SURVIVAL OF THE DEAD and many more surprises! THE DEFINITIVE DOCUMENT OF THE DEAD is a loving portrait of a horror legend, and a must-see for any hardcore horror fan!

 This film is very interesting as you get to take a trip back in time and see Romero in his younger years as he directs DAWN OF THE DEAD.  Mr. Romero is almost unrecognizable for those of us that mostly know him with his white hair and beard and his signature thick black frame glasses.  You also get to see the workings of a very young Tom Savini, and the amazing effects work he did.
 It is very interesting hearing some of the behind the scenes things that went on and the filmmakers have spared no expense in getting interviews from all those involved in the film making process and even some of Romero's family and friends.   While this new edition of the documentary film also includes some clips and interviews from his more current films, it is all the info from the DAWN OF THE DEAD film that is the main star here for sure.  It was interesting to me to see the "between the takes" footage of some of the zombies as they go about their normal business while in zombie makeup.  Speaking of zombie makeup, one scene in particular I liked was of Tom Savini transforming a young actress into a zombie, complete with time lapse photography of the make up process.  Very interesting stuff!

The film is available now from Synapse Films, and the DVD includes an all-new audio commentary from Writer/Producer/Director, Roy Frumkes.

Also, while supplies last, you can order the very limited edition Blu-ray of the film from the Synapse Films website.  The exclusive Blu-ray is not sold in stores and includes the following:

*  Limited to 1500 Units!
*  Contains the new DVD version of The Definitive Document of the Dead, along with a high-definition Blu-ray of the original 1979 16mm version.
*  A fold-out poster of the new George A. Romero painting used on the cover, created by Wes Benscoter

Do yourself  a favor and pick up a copy of this film.  No zombie film fan should be without this film!


CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Synapse website exclusive limited edition Blu-ray

Hilarious (yet disturbingly scary) prank video -- Have you seen the "Ghost In The Elevator" video yet?

  











  This could be the best prank ever.  Thanks to my friend David for posting this on my facebook wall a few days ago.  This is one of the greatest hidden camera videos I have seen.  I have seen it pop up on some other people's facebook pages in the last day or so, so it is starting to go viral.  You may have seen it already, but if you have then you know it is worth watching again. 
 This is from a hidden camera show in Brazil. Even if you don't understand what they are saying, you will enjoy the reactions from those being pranked.
  The scenario is that unsuspecting people get on an elevator (with no one else with them) which malfunctions, and the lights go out.  When the lights come back on, there is a ghostly looking young girl holding a baby doll in the elevator with them!  The lights then go out again and when they come back on she is gone!   This is brilliantly executed.  Check it out now for a good laugh!

CLICK HERE to watch the "Ghost In The Elevator" prank!

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 11/27:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)
  
*  6 DEGREES OF HELL [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE APPARITION
*  THE EXPERIMENT:  WHO'S WATCHING YOU
*  RITES OF SPRING

THE DEAD MATTER....now available on Amazon, iTunes, and Redbox!

 
 I can't believe it has been 2 years since we did a review here on the 4H blog for a cool little zombie/vampire flick called, THE DEAD MATTER.  You can read our review by clicking here.  Well, recently I was notified by the film's director, Edward Douglas, the the film has been picked up for a limited time for rent on Redbox!  The film is also now available on Amazon and iTunes! This is a huge accomplishment for a small independent film, so this goes to show you that a lot of people think this is a film you will want to check out for sure!  For those that are not familiar with the film, here is the basic plot:

The film tells the story of a guilt-ridden young woman desperate to contact her deceased brother who discovers a powerful, ancient relic that controls the dead. Her dark obsession drags her into the tangled world of two warring vampire lords, each with his own sinister plans for the artifact, and a vampire hunter who will stop at nothing to destroy it. It’s a mix of classic horror themes with modern twists and a touch of dark humor that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

 THE DEAD MATTER has been in Redboxes across the country for a few weeks now.  I meant to post this sooner and totally forgot until the other night while browsing the Redbox movies (to pick out a movie for my kids) and I ran across THE DEAD MATTER!  It is neat to see that film available in the Redbox!   

 If you haven't seen this film, go down to your local Walgreens or wherever you have a Redbox and check it out!  Even if you have seen it, go check it out and watch it again!  Support indy horror at the Redbox!  Also, Mr. Douglas mentioned that because of this deal, it has opened up the possibilities of a second film!  
 
 
CLICK HERE to visit the official website of the film and watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD from the official website...or
CLICK HERE to check out all the rental / download options like Redbox and iTunes

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!

   
I hope you are having a great Thanksgiving holiday!  I had a great day yesterday with my family and will have round 2 of Turkey this weekend at my wife's parents house.  I am going to take a break from posts for this weekend as I spend time with family and friends!

So, I leave you with this.   Last year at Thanksgiving, I posted a trailer for the killer Turkey movie, THANKSKILLING.  Well, now that killer turkey is back in THANKSKILLING 3!   Where's is Thankskilling 2 you ask...well, kinda a weird story...it's actually a part of THANKSKILLING 3.  Confused yet?  Here is the plot from the film's imdb page to help explain:

In "ThanksKilling 3", the fowl-mouthed villain Turkie is back and hacking his way to find the last copy of "ThanksKilling 2" which has landed in the hands of a group of disturbingly crude puppets. The death toll rises as Turkie carves through the likes of Flowis the rapping grandma, Rhonda the bisexual space worm, Yomi the puppet in search of her mind, and their equally ridiculous friends who all travel through fantastical settings such as the FeatherWorld and Turkey Hell. With the guidance of Uncle Donny (Dan Usaj), the wig-wearing inventor of the PluckMaster 3000, Jefferson (Joe Hartzler), Head of Security at ThanksgivingLand, and a WiseTurkey, the gatekeeper to the FeatherWorld, our collection of raunchy characters hope to fend off the murderous rampage of Turkie, all while trying to help Yomi find her mind.

I don't know about you, but this film had me at "bisexual space worm".  I must now see this movie for sure!  Ha!   Check out the trailer (which has a hilarious EVIL DEAD 2 parody) and have a great Thanksgiving!!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 11/20:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)
  
*  BACKROAD
*  THE CARETAKER
*  DARKLANDS
*  THE DEAD INSIDE
*  DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEE
*  THE LOST REALITIES OF HOG CALLER
*  MARK OF THE DEVIL
*  THE PETE WALKER COLLECTION:  HOUSE OF WHIPCORD/DIE SCREAMING MARIANNE/THE COMEBACK/SCHIZO
*  PORCELAIN MAN
*  PSYCHO HORROR DOUBLE FEATURE:  PSYCHO KICKBOXER/CANVAS OF BLOOD
*  PUPPET MASTER 2 [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PUPPET MASTER 3 [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SCHIZO:  REMASTERED EDITION
*  SLAUGHTER CREEK
*  SLAUGHTER TALES

Blu-ray Review: RE-ANIMATOR (1985)

 
RE-ANIMATOR
Directed by Stuart Gordon
Distributed by  Image Entertainment

  RE-ANIMATOR is one of my all time favorite horror films.  It is perfect in every way and you will never here me say one bad thing about this film.   It is in my top 5 horror films for sure....maybe even cracking the top 3.  I love this film.  I didn't think I could love it any more, but now Image Entertainment has released it onto Blu-ray format, which gives me another reason to love this film.   For those not familiar with the film, here is the plot synopsis from the image entertainment press release:

  Adapted by Dennis Paoli, William J. Norris and Stuart Gordon from the H.P. Lovecraft short story, Re-Animator tells the strange tale of medical student Dan Cain (Bruce Abbot) and his girlfriend Megan Halsey (Barbara Crampton), both of them drawn to odd new student Herbert West (Jeffrey Combs) who’s conducting secret experiments involving the re-animation of dead tissue. When one of the instructors, Dr. Carl Hill (David Gale), stumbles upon their activities, West murders him -- but is brought back to life, now thirsting for revenge as well as lusting after Megan. The final denouement features the re-animated Dr. Hill squaring off against Herbert and Dan in a battle royale within the school’s morgue, complete with resurrected “henchmen” and undoubtedly one of the greatest visual double entendres in all horror cinema!

  As I stated before, I love this movie.   It has everything you'd expect from a mid-80's horror film.  Tons of great gore, some dark humor, some cheesy (but good) dialog and acting, etc.  Jeffrey Combs plays the creepy, weird new scientist Herbert West and is absolutely perfect in the role.  I can't picture anyone else pulling this performance off as well as Combs does.  The film also features the beautiful Barbara Crampton in my favorite of all her roles. She has some truly memorable scenes, especially the "head" scene which anyone who has seen the film will immediately know what I am referring too! 

 Most true horror fans probably already have a DVD copy of this film, but this is definitely one that is worth upgrading to Blu-ray.  The picture and sound quality are superb in this new HD version of the film.

RE-ANIMATOR is available now on DVD and Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

*  Documentary:  "Re-Animator Resurrectus"  [Blu-ray Exclusive]
*  Audio Commentary by Director Stuart Gordon
*  Audio Commentary by Producer Brian Yuzna and Actors
*  Interview with Director Stuart Gordon and Producer Brian Yuzna
*  Interview with Writer Dennis Paoli
*  Interview with Composer Richard Band
*  Music Discussion with Composer Richard Band
*  Interview with Fangoria Magazine Editor Tony Timpone
*  Deleted and Extended Scenes
*  Theatrical Trailer
*  TV Spots


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

DVD Review: THE GIRL IN ROOM 2A (1973)

    
THE GIRL IN ROOM 2A
Directed by William Rose
Distributed by Mondo Macabro / Diabolikdvd.com

I had never heard of THE GIRL IN ROOM 2A until receiving the film in my mailbox.  Upon opening it up and seeing the great retro looking cover art, I was really expecting to be blown away by this film.   I expected a great giallo style horror film in the likes of Dario Argento or Mario Bava.  Well, I have to admit it wasn't as good as I had hoped, but I think it is still worth checking out and is a pretty crazy film for all those that are into weird cinema.  Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Mondo Macabro website:
 

Before HOSTEL there was THE GIRL IN ROOM 2A... A terrifying tale of a young girl who moves into a boarding house run by a kindly older woman, only to discover that the place has a dark and sinister past - young and pretty girls seem to disappear from there without a trace. Where they go and what happens to them is the dreadful secret of GIRL IN ROOM 2A.

For the first time ever on DVD, fully uncut and uncensored, this is a classic slice of 1970's Italian shock cinema. Packed with scary scenes and demented characters, teh film is both full-on horror and an intriguing mystery. What is the secret of Room 2A?

Starring former Miss Italy, Daniela Giordana (star of Bava's Four Times That Night), this is cult movie making at its most extreme. Not to be watched alone!

    
I have to admit, maybe I expected too much from the film.  It did have it's moments and has some very good kills and some very creepy, atmospheric scenes, but there were not enough of these  type of scenes for me to outweigh the often slow, dialog filled sections of the film.  Also, the music in this film is very strange.  While some, if not most, of the soundtrack is what you would expect from an Italian giallo type film such as this, other scenes had some very weird upbeat music that just didn't seem to fit with the tone of the film. 

Something else strange, was that while watching it in English dub, every now and then a scene would switch to Italian dialog with English subtitles at the bottom.  I am assuming these were cut scenes from the original version that had been added back in and didn't have English soundtracks made for them. Kind of interesting, but at the same kind of distracting.  I wold recommend watching the entire thing in Italian with English subtitles so you have some uniformity throughout the film.

Don't be fooled by the trailer I posted below if you watch it.  The trailer is very faded and does not look good from a technical aspect.  The Mondo Macabro DVD looks very good with a new anamorphic transfer of the film.  You would never guess the film was almost 40 years old based on how the picture quality looks.  Now you will know it is from the early 70's immediately by seeing the clothing and the women's big hair.  All part of the charm of this film.  

If you are a big fan of Italian cinema, you will want to check this film out for sure.  But those that are expecting a film like HOSTEL, like the synopsis mentions, will most likely be a little disappointed in this one.

THE GIRL IN ROOM 2A is available on DVD now from Diabolik DVD and contains the following special features:

*  Brand new transfer taken from the negative
*  Filmed interview with films star Daniella Giordano
*  Trailer
*  Extensive notes & text essays on cast and crew
*  Mondo Macabro preview trailer
*  Scene access


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer  (**Warning -Trailer NSFW--contains brief nudity**)
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Check out the trailer for creepy upcoming film, MAMA

 

  This movie looks creepy as hell!  I don't know what it is, but kids can be so creepy!   Check out the trailer for the new film from Executive Producer Guillermo del Toro called MAMA.   Here is the official plot from the film's official website:

  Guillermo del Toro presents Mama, a supernatural thriller that tells the haunting tale of two little girls who disappeared into the woods the day that their parents were killed. When they are rescued years later and begin a new life, they find that someone or something still wants to come tuck them in at night.
  Five years ago, sisters Victoria and Lilly vanished from their suburban neighborhood without a trace. Since then, their Uncle Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and his girlfriend, Annabel (Jessica Chastain), have been madly searching for them. But when, incredibly, the kids are found alive in a decrepit cabin, the couple wonders if the girls are the only guests they have welcomed into their home.
  As Annabel tries to introduce the children to a normal life, she grows convinced of an evil presence in their house. Are the sisters experiencing traumatic stress, or is a ghost coming to visit them? How did the broken girls survive those years all alone? As she answers these disturbing questions, the new mother will find that the whispers she hears at bedtime are coming from the lips of a deadly presence.


MAMA is scheduled to hit theaters January 18th, 2013.   I will be checking this one out for sure!
Watch the trailer and let me know what you think!


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

Graphic Novel Review: IDENTITY THIEF

 
 
IDENTITY THIEF
Written by Bryant Dillon
Art by Meaghan O’Keefe
Produced and Edited by Barbra Dillon
Co-Produced by Sam Rhodes
  
 A while back I did a review for a great graphic novel from Fanboy Comics called, SOMETHING ANIMAL.  You can see that review here.  Fanboy Comics is back with another impressive graphic novel, this one titled IDENTITY THIEF.   Here is the basic plot of the book from the book's official website:

When Daphne and Craig move into a new apartment, they have every reason to believe that they have left their troubled past behind them. Everything seems perfect, but after the discovery of a mysterious hatch in his closet, Craig begins to realize that something disturbingly inhuman is seeking a way into his home, desperate to enter his life in the most intimate and unsettling way possible.
 
This is another great graphic novel from the folks at Fanboy Comics. The story is very interesting and is a fun read.  The art is very interesting. While at first look it might look sort of amateurish, a better way to describe it in my opinion is, raw.   While not as polished as some comic art,  the style of the art gives it a very dark, raw feeling.  For this story, the artwork is perfect.  In fact, in a way it reminds me of the art of Ben Templesmith from the 30 DAYS OF NIGHT series.

An interesting thing about this graphic novel is the limited use of dialog.  While there is dialog throughout, it is very sparse and some pages have no dialog on them at at.  Here you use the art to tell the story, which is interesting as it can leave certain parts of the story open to interpretation by each individual reader.

 Fanboy Comics is doing a great job putting out some great independent comics.  Check out the sites below to learn more about Fanboy Comics and to purchase IDENTITY THIEF.


CLICK HERE to purchase IDENTITY THIEF
CLICK HERE to visit the IDENTITY THIEF website
CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Fanboy Comics

Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary

  Recently I was contacted by filmmaker John Campopiano about a new film he and his film partner, Justin White, were making called UNEARTHED & UNTOLD:  THE PATH TO PET SEMATARY.   The film is an independent documentary on the making of the film PET SEMATARY.  Here is the official plot synopsis of the film from the film's official Facebook page:

  Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary is an independent documentary taking an extensive look at the making of Pet Sematary, the origins of the story, the stories of cast and crew, memories of the Maine locals who helped make the film, and the legacy the film has established among horror fans and scholars of Stephen King's work. In addition to featuring many cast and crew members never before interviewed about their involvement in the film, this documentary will also take fans on a tour of all the filming locations. With never-before-seen photographs and footage from behind-the-scenes, original props from the film, media coverage of the 1988 production, and new stories about the Hollywood production being on location in Maine, Unearthed & Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary is an all-encompassing documentary by fans for the fans.

 

  Check out the film' official Facebook page to keep up with all the news and info about this film.  I am a huge fan of PET SEMATARY, so I personally can't wait to see this documentary.  It sounds like the filmmakers are pulling out all the stops and covering all the bases in what looks to be like a very entertaining look at the making of the PET SEMATARY.

 

CLICK HERE to visit the official Facebook Page for the film

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, November 13th, 2012

   

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 11/13:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  5 DARK SOULS
*  BIGFOOT:  THE LOST COAST TAPES
*  DEVIL'S ANGEL
*  GHOSTMAKER

Win a copy of the classic horror film RE-ANIMATOR on Blu-ray from the Shattered Ravings blog!!

  
 One of my favorite horror films of all time is the classic Stuart Gordon film, RE-ANIMATOR, starring Jeffrey Combs and the beautiful Barbara Crampton.   I assume most of you have seen this film, and if you haven't, please stop what you are doing and go do so now!  Words can't express how good this film is.  It is a true classic of the genre. 
 Well, as some of you know, my buddy Scott (who occasionally does some guest reviews on my blog) runs the Shattered Ravings blog, where he discusses not only horror, but sci-fi and the fantasy genres as well.   Scott is giving away a copy of RE-ANIMATOR on Blu-ray to one lucky winner, and entering is super easy!  Click the link below to go to the contest post and learn how you can enter this awesome giveaway!  The contest ends November 16th, so this is your last week to enter!  Good luck!!


CLICK HERE to view the contest post to find out how to win this awesome prize!!

Have you seen the trailer for Brad Pitt's upcoming zombie film, WOLRD WAR Z?

If not, I suggest you go do so now!  I know a lot of people are complaining about the hordes of CG zombies, but I think it looks awesome.   It's something different that we haven't really seen before, and that is always a good thing for a zombie film.   WORLD WAR Z is based on the book of the same name by Max Brooks.  If you haven't read that book, I highly recommend it.  The book is basically a series of interviews and eye witness accounts of zombie attacks from all over the world.  One  thing we don't see in this trailer is a close up of any of the zombies.....I'm eager to see if they use more practical effects for the close ups.   Either way, I think this movie looks pretty cool and I will definitely be checking this one out in the theater. 
WORLD WAR Z is scheduled to hit theaters on June 21st, 2013.

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

Blu-ray Review: TWINS OF EVIL (1971)

 
TWINS OF EVIL
Directed by  John Hough
Distributed by  Synapse Films

  I am  huge fan of the Hammer Films, although I have to admit I have not really
seen that many. I have enjoyed every Hammer film I have seen so far, but maybe none as much as I enjoyed TWINS OF EVIL!  I knew nothing of this film going into it, but I can see now why this is considered on of the Hammer Production Company's best films.  For those not familiar with this film, here is the plot description from the Synapse Films website:

Two beautiful orphaned identical twins, Maria and Frieda Gellhorn (Playboy centerfold models Mary and Madeleine Collinson), move to the village of Karnstein to live with their uncle Gustav Weil (played by Hammer horror favorite, Peter Cushing), a fanatical puritan and leader of the local witch-hunting “Brotherhood.” The village Count (Damien Thomas, Never Let Me Go), an evil man who secretly practices Satanism, uses black magic and transforms into a vampire. Unhappy with her new life, Frieda seeks escape and tragically falls under the spell of the Count. Now overcome with an insatiable hunger for human blood, Frieda has to hide her secret from her sister, and escape her uncle’s killing grasp!

The acting in this film is very good, although you do get some common 1970's over acting, but that helps to give the film some of it's charm.   Hammer regular Peter Cushing was extremely good in his role of the twin's evil Uncle.  Speaking of the twins, Mary and Madeleine Collinson play twins Maria and Frieda and do a wonderful job. They are great actresses and are extremely easy on the eyes as well! 

The film has some great effects, and even a few good gore scenes, including a remarkable beheading scene that I have to imagine was very shocking at the time of the film's original release.   The film looks remarkable on this Blu-ray edition. You would never know this film was over 40 years old based on how crisp and clear the picture is.   TWINS OF EVIL is available now on a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack  from Synapse Films, and contains the following special features:

* THE FLESH AND THE FURY: X-POSING TWINS OF EVIL (84 mins.) - An all-new, feature-length documentary exploring Hammer's infamous 'Karnstein' trilogy from the origin of Carmilla, to the making of TWINS OF EVIL! Featuring exclusive interviews with director John Hough, star Damien Thomas, cult film director Joe Dante, Video Watchdog editor Tim Lucas, and more!
*  THE PROPS THAT HAMMER BUILT: THE KINSEY COLLECTION – Featurette (Blu-ray Exclusive)
*  Motion Still Gallery (Blu-ray Exclusive)
*  Deleted Scene (Blu-ray Exclusive)
*  Original Theatrical Trailer & TV Spots (Blu-ray Exclusive)
*  Isolated Music & E ffects Track (Blu-ray Exclusive)

 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack

It's Election Day!

 

It's Tuesday, November 6th, which means it is Election Day!  If you haven't already voted, don't forget to go vote today!  Every vote counts, especially in a Presidential race that looks as close as this one is going to be!   Make the Crypt-Keeper proud and cast your vote today!

 



This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, November 6th, 2012

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 11/6:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  AMERICAN NIGHTMARE
*  BAD BUSH
*  DEATH SHIP
*  DOG MAN
*  IMMORTAL KISS:  QUEEN OF THE NIGHT
*  OUTPOST:  BLACK SUN  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE PACT [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  REC 3
*  THEY LIVE (COLLECTOR'S EDITION) [DVD & Blu-ray]

DVD Review: ZOMBIE UNDEAD (2010)

   
-------------Review by contributing writer Scott Baker------------------
 
 
ZOMBIE UNDEAD
Directed by Rhys Davies
Distributed by MVD Visual

One of the coolest aspects of doing reviews for Hayes is that I get to see some films that I probably would never watch otherwise. I suppose I should preface that by stating this aspect is both a good thing AND a bad thing because there are just some films that are better left unwatched. But the good has definitely outweighed the bad in this regard and I’m glad I can offer my reviews to his blog.

This week’s selection is ZOMBIE UNDEAD, a British film that tries to capture some of Danny Boyle’s living dead magic. Unfortunately, where Boyle succeeded, director Rhys Davies did not and the result is a lackluster zombie flick that left me wanting a whole lot more.

If you are unfamiliar with ZOMBIE UNDEAD, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of the DVD cover:

A terrorist detonates a dirty bomb in the heart of a densely-populated city, unleashing a gruesome zombie plague that spreads like wildfire. Sarah’s father was bleeding out, and she knew he would die if she didn’t get him to a hospital fast. The scene that greets them on arrival is one of chaos. The floor, awash with blood, is covered with the bodies of the dying and injured, doctors dart back and forth, clearly overwhelmed. Sarah stumbles back and her world fades to black. Upon regaining consciousness, she is greeted by the uneasy silence of a seemingly deserted building...
 
I have to credit Rhys Davies, however...his heart was definitely in the right place with this one. I see where he was trying to go with ZOMBIE UNDEAD, but he just doesn’t quite get there. The setup in the darkened hospital was a good idea, especially given the number of zombies that a survivor could potentially run across. But for me, the look and feel was way too much like the pilot episode of THE WALKING DEAD. I think this was the major turning away point for me.

The acting is not bad, although some of the British accents are so thick that it’s hard to understand what is being said. The special effects are mediocre, with some of the zombies looking like Halloween costumes, but I suppose that is forgivable considering the budget. And overall, the film is shot pretty well.

But the main negative for ZOMBIE UNDEAD is that it is simply not interesting. I literally found myself bored about 30 minutes in. The characters are two-dimensional for the most part and gave me no reason to be vested in them; the film lacks intensity; and the scares that are supposed to be there are simply not.

As I regularly do after I write a review, I ventured out to IMDB.com to see what other viewers thought of this one as well. Interestingly, this film only garnered 2 stars out of 10 from the 262 people that reviewed it. I would have to agree with that assessment. ZOMBIE UNDEAD is not a bad film overall...it just doesn’t have anything going for it. I would give this one a pass.


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

Yôhei Fukuda's film X-GAME is coming to DVD December 4th!

  As most of you know, I am a huge fan of Japanese horror films.  Not the Ringu and Ju-on movies, but the more bizarre, gory, Japanese horror films that have been coming out in the last few years.  Films such as TOKYO GORE POLICE, MACHINE GIRL, YAKUZA WEAPON, HELLDRIVER, etc.  I love those films with their over the top gore and it looks like we might have a new one to add to the list!  Japanese cinematographer/director Yôhei Fukuda's film X-GAME is coming to DVD this December (12/4) from Danger After Dark films!  Here is the plot synopsis from the film's press release:

  In 'X-GAME,' Hideaki is kidnapped and when he awakens the next day, finds himself in a recreation of his old schoolroom, along with his recently reunited classmates. Trapped and held captive by mysterious hooded figures, each of them must now play a brutally violent, version of the punishment game...or face death. A twisty, horror/mystery 'mash-up' peppered with dark humor and inventive gore, director Yôhei Fukuda's ('Onechanbara: Bikini Samurai Squad aka Chanbara Beauty') shows how revenge is a dish best served cold and not very sweet - Japanese style

  This film looks pretty crazy.  It kinda looks like a mix between SAW and BATTLE ROYALE.  Check out the trailer and see what you think.   X-GAME is available to pre-order now.
 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
 
Pre-order your copy today at:
  
Amazon.com:    http://amzn.to/ShWH1m
Diabolik DVD:  http://bit.ly/QJND7x
TLA Cult:          http://bit.ly/PoUcwS

Sorry, for the lack of posts this week.....oh, and PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4 is a huge letdown....

  Halloween week is obviously a busy week around the Zombie Hayes household, so I apologize for the lack of posts lately.  I have been very busy most nights this week with various Halloween related activities.  Regular posting will resume shortly, I promise. 

 I didn't do a blog post last night because I got a chance to go see PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 4.  I have enjoyed the all the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY films, but I was a little let down with Part 3 and was hoping this new film would redeem the franchise for me, but unfortunately it was worst than part 3 to me.  PA4 had it's moments, including a few jump scares we have all come to love from these films, but when part 4 used a cat jumping in in front of the camera not once, but twice, I knew they had run out of ideas.  A cat jumping into a scene is the oldest jump scare in the book, used in countless numbers of horror films.  I expect better from the PA franchise.

  Oh well.  If you have seen the film, let me know what your thoughts on it are. Is it just me, or was this the weakest of the PA films by far.   Oh, and don't even get me started on the ending!!!