Blu-ray Review: CURTAINS

  
CURTAINS
Directed by  Richard Ciupka (as Jonathan Stryker)
Distributed by Synapse films / CAV Distributing Corp

  The only thing I love more than watching one of my favorite 80's slasher flicks, is watching an 80's slasher flick nowadays that I have never seen before!  Such was the case with the 1983 classic, CURTAINS.   I had never really heard much about this movie, but I remember always seeing the VHS box back when I worked at a video rental store.  For some reason I just never checked it out.  I hate I missed out on seeing such a great film so long ago, but I love that I get to see it now on Blu-ray thanks to Synapse films!    If you are unfamiliar with this film like I was, here is the synopsis courtesy of the Synapse films website:

  A group of women gather for a weekend casting call at the secluded mansion of director Jonathan Stryker (Vernon). He’s searching for the perfect woman to play the role of the crazed character “Audra”, and these women are just dying for the chance to play her! Stryker’s last star, Samantha Sherwood (Eggar), is so determined to get the part, she committed herself to an asylum to prepare for the role. Unfortunately for all, a crazed killer in a disgusting “hag” mask is viciously murdering everyone one by one. Who will survive the final curtain call?

  This is a great film, and while it is a slasher film, it feels more like an Italian Giallo film, which makes sense being an early 80's slasher.  The modern slasher film derived from the Giallo sub-genre, so I guess this is a bridge piece where you can see the two horror sub-genres crossing paths.   There is not much blood/gore which is more the Giallo characteristic, but it has all the makings of a Slasher film as well, with some very unique and crazy kills.   One in particular involves the killer wearing an ultra creepy "old lady" mask as she ice skates across a frozen pond to get to her victim.  The close up of her skates in slow motion really builds the tension, and I just can't get over how creepy of an image this is.

  Another creepy aspect of this film (as if the creepy old lady mask wasn't enough), is the presence of a creepy doll throughout the film (as seen on the Blu-ray cover).  Killer dolls in movies always scare me, so this was a nice added feature to go along with the already creepy vibe given off by this film.   The film is also a mystery, or a "who-done-it" type film, as we don't know who the killer is until the very end, although I have to say I have seen enough of these type films by now, I caught on to who the killer was very early in the film, as you will probably too.  Regardless, it is still a very enjoyable film that I am very glad to have finally got the chance to view.

  This film is a must see for 80's slasher films.  CURTAINS is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Synapse films, and contains the following special features:

*  Brand-New 2K High-Definition Transfer from Original Vault Materials
*  5.1 Surround Remix Specifically Created for This Release
*  THE ULTIMATE NIGHTMARE: THE MAKING OF “CURTAINS” – An All-New retrospective featuring interviews with Director Richard Ciupka, Stars Lesleh Donaldson & Lynne Griffin, Editor Michael MacLaverty, Special Make-Up Effects Creator Greg Cannom, and Composer Paul Zaza
*  CIUPKA - A FILM-MAKER IN TRANSITION - Director Gordon Thornes vintage documentary short, featuring rare behind-the-scenes footage from CURTAINS (Blu-ray exclusive)
*  Audio Commentary with Stars Lesleh Donaldson & Lynne Griffin
*  Audio Interview with Producer Peter R. Simpson
*  Audio Interview with Star Samantha Eggar
*  Theatrical Trailer


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

I'm back!!

Ok, not back from the dead as the pic might suggest, but I am back from Summer vacation!  Regular blog posts will begin again immediately!  Thanks!

-Zombie Hayes

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, July 29th, 2014

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 7/29
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  BLIND DEAD:  THE COMPLETE SAGA
*  CURTAINS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE DEN
*  I'LL KILL YOU, I'LL BURY YOU, I'LL SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE TOO
*  THE PYRAMID
*  TWIN PEAKS:   THE ENTIRE MYSTERY  [Blu-ray]

Hayes Hudson's House of Horror is taking a vacation!

 I just wanted to let you all know that I am going to be taking about a week off from blogging for a much needed vacation, so don't expect any new posts over the next week or so.  Once I'm back, I'll start up the blog posts again!   Thanks!!












-Zombie Hayes

The Sci-Fi classic TRANCERS now available on Blu-ray!

  I thought all you Sci-Fi fans might like to know that the classic Sci-Fi film, TRANCERS, is now available on Blu-ray!   For those not familiar with this film, here is the basic plot synopsis from the film's imdb.com page:

Jack Deth is a kind of cop/bounty hunter in the bleak Los Angeles of the future. He's become obssessed with chasing Whistler - an evil criminal who uses powerful hypnotic powers to convert people into zombie like creatures known as trancers. Whistler has managed to escape through time travel and is loose in 1980s L.A. but Deth is on his trail.

 TRANCERS is available on Blu-ray for the first time from fullmoondirect.com, and has been remastered with AMAZING Widescreen color correction, 5.1 surround sound, and an incredible amount of extras including the following special features:

* Audio Commentary by Tim Thomserson and Charles Band
* Daniel Griffith's Trancers Featurette
* Rare Interview with Tim Thomerson, Helen Hunt, and Megan Ward
* Complete Trancers: City of Lost Angels Segment from the Pulsepounders Trilogy
* Rare Stills Gallery
* Rare Full Moon Trailers

 Hopefully, I will have a full review of the film coming soon!!

CLICK HERE to order the Blu-ray!
CLICK HERE to watch an excerpt from the Trancers Featurette exclusively available on the Blu-ray

DVD Review: SCARLET FRY'S HORRORAMA

  I have seen and reviewed a few of director Walter Ruether's movies before on this website.  First, back in 2010 with  NIGHTMARE ALLEY (see that review here), then SCARLET FRY'S JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST back in 2011 (see that review here), and finally DEATH BY VHS just last year (see that review here).

 These are all very low budget movies, made by someone who obviously loves the horror genre. What director Walter Ruether lacks in terms of budget is made up for in his fun stories and gore effects. Ok, let's be honest, the gore effects are not state of the art by any means...they are cheap, practical, fun effects, which is why I like them.

   This latest review is actually for one of Mr. Ruether's earliest films, called SCARLET FRY'S HORRORAMA.   Host Scarlet Fry takes you on a trip through 6 short segments in this horror anthology. This film is actually my favorite of Ruether's films, I believe. This film was made back in 1989 and watching this immediately brought back memories of the VHS days. The transfer looks like a VHS film, and the sound is not great, which makes you feel like you are watching an old VHS. This is how you would have seen the film back when it was originally released and brought upon me a very fun, nostalgic feeling.

   As I mentioned earlier, the film is broken up into 6 segments or short films. Some are better than others, but all are entertaining and fun.  A couple of my favorite segments were "IN THE SACK" about a psycho woman who makes an evening with her one you will always remember...or should I say, dis-member!  My other favorite was "MANWICH", mainly because of the awesome gore scene involving a chainsaw and a man's leg.   The rest of the segments were good too, you will see everything from zombies attacking people in a graveyard, to a abusive wife who abuses her husband one too many times, which turns out to be the last time!

  Like I mentioned before, this film is very low budget, and it looks every bit of the 25 years old that is, but if you go into it knowing what to expect, I think you will really enjoy this film.  I know I did!

 SCARLET FRY'S HORRORAMA is now available in a 25th Anniversary Edition DVD, loaded with bonus features such as a trailer, music video, and an interview with Walter Ruether. This new DVD is available directly from the director, Walter Ruether, for only $15 in the U.S (or $35 overseas) by emailing him directly at waltruether@yahoo.com.  Mr. Ruether will even sign the DVD for you at no additional charge!


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer


Also, Mr. Ruether is already hard at work on his next feature, SCREAM MACHINE, but he needs our help!   An Indiegogo campaign is underway to help raise funds for this new film!  There are tons of great perks for donating to this new film!

CLICK HERE to visit the SCREAM MACHINE indiegogo page

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, July 15th, 2014

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 7/15
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  DEADLY EYES  [DVD/Blu-ray Combo]
*  KILLER LEGENDS
*  MUNECOS INFERNALES
*  OPEN GRAVE [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SCANNERS (CRITERION COLLECTION)  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE SURROGATE
*  SX_TAPE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  TOXIN
*  TORMENT
*  UNDER THE SKIN  [DVD & Blu-ray]

Check out the trailer for the upcoming film, DRACULA: UNTOLD

 I have always been a zombie fan, but Vampire movies are starting to slowly become one of my favorite sub-genres of horror.  The latest vampire film is called DRACULA: UNTOLD and tells the story about how the man we know as "Dracula" came to be.  

  This trailer looks great, sort of a Dracula film with a the fighting and style of a film like 300 mixed in.  I will be checking this one out in theaters for sure!   The film is directed by Gary Shore , who from the looks of his imdb.com page is a first time feature director.  This film seems like a huge undertaking for a new director, but from the looks of the trailer, he did an amazing job!

   DRACULA: UNTOLD will be released to theaters  October 17th of this year.  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think about this one...are you excited to see this one?



CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

It's World Cup [Zombie] Fever with GOAL OF THE DEAD!

  I just watched the trailer for a new foreign zombie film called, GOAL OF THE DEAD.  I figured with the World Cup going on right now it would be the perfect time to feature this new soccer, or I mean, fùtbol film, on the blog.  I can't say I have ever seen a zombie film based around this sport, so this should be a fun one to check out!  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Fearnet.com feature on the film:

 For the Olympique de Paris soccer team, this away match scheduled against Caplongue was merely supposed to be one last chore before the end of the professional season. Yet no one could ever have imagined that an unknown rabies-like infection was going to spread like wildfire, turning this small town's inhabitants into ultra-violent and highly contagious creatures. For Samuel, the former golden boy who is nearing retirement, Idriss, the arrogant wunderkind, Coubert, the team's depressed coach and Solène, the young ambitious journalist, this will turn into the most important confrontation of their lives.

  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, July 8th, 2014

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 7/8
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  ART OF DARKNESS
*  THE BABY  [Blu-ray]
*  THE BACKPACKER
*  BANANA MOTHERF#CK#R
*  BLOODY BIRTHDAY [Blu-ray]
*  BLOODY MOON  [Blu-ray]
*  FAVOR
*  HUNTING THE LEGEND
*  RIGOR MORTIS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SERIAL KILLER CULTURE
*  STAGE FRIGHT  (2014)  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THIRTY PROOF COIL

DVD Review: GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY

GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY
Directed by Cesare Canevari
Distributed by Intervision Pictures/Severin Films

  I have always been a huge fan of exploitation films.   I can really appreciate a film that shows something different, something you aren't expecting, and something truly shocking.   There are many different sub-genres to the exploitation films, one of my favorite being the naziploitation films of the later 70's.   GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY is by far one of the craziest of the naziploitation films.  Here is the plot synopsis from the film's imdb.com page:

  Lise Cohen is taken to a special prisoner-of-war camp for female Jews, a camp run as a bordello to entertain the German officers and troops going in to battle. The camp is run with an iron fist by Commandant Starker and his minion Alma. Starker becomes frustrated when Lise demonstrates no fear, and devises cruel experiments to scare her, to no avail. Once she realizes her guilt is unfounded, Lise begins to play Starker's game, but even though she begins living a better life, she doesn't forget the atrocities she has seen and experienced.

  This is one of the better films in the Nazi exploitation film library in every way.  The film is well made and shot well, even if what we are viewing on screen is not a pretty subject.    The movie is hard to watch, of course, and reminds viewers that atrocities such as this actually happened during Hitler's Nazi reign.

  The filmmakers didn't hold anything back when it comes to showing the horrors that the Nazi soldiers put upon the women of the camp.  The women at the camp were basically sex slaves, and were treated very inhumanly, all for the enjoyment of the Nazi Generals and the wicked warden, Alma.   One only has to watch the scene where Alma throws a menstruating woman to a pack of hungry dogs to see just how cruel this woman is.

  The main character Lise figures out quickly that the best way to survive is to form a special sexual relationship with one of the head Generals.  She plays this game the entire time which makes life easier for her inside, even though she has to watch and even participate in some of her fellow inmates deaths.

  GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY is not for the squeamish.  It has some scenes that are extremely hard to watch, but if you like films like SALO, SALON KITTY, and ILSA: SHE WOLF OF THE S.S., you will definitely like this one.

  GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY is available now on DVD from Intervision Pictures and contains the following special features:

*  A Brief History of Sadiconazista- Interview with Film Historian Marcus Stiglegger
*  Theatrical Trailer

  Also, I want to point out the super cool retro looking cover art to this new release.  This DVD cover art is much more fitting to this film than that of previous DVD releases.  This release is totally uncut and uncensored, so you are getting the best cut of the film with this release. 


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

Check out the trailer for the upcoming zombie comedy, LIFE AFTER BETH

  Have you seen the trailer for the upcoming zombie comedy film, LIFE AFTER BETH?  I am on the fence about this one...it could really go either way.  Parts of this look like it could be really funny.   The plot is simple...a boy looses his girlfriend, only to have her rise from the grave a zombie. 
  I love horror themed comedies if they are done well, especially zombie comedies.  Watch the trailer and leave me a comment to let me know what you think about this one!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer