This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, December 29th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 12/29:

*  BONE TOMAHAWK  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SOME KIND OF HATE

Book Reviews: 6-13: A FRIDAY THE 13th MOVIE TRIVIA BOOK and 10-31: A HALLOWEEN MOVIE TRIVIA BOOK

6-13: A FRIDAY THE 13th MOVIE TRIVIA BOOK
by Gene DeRosa
Published by Samson Publishing Company

  FRIDAY THE 13th is probably my favorite horror movie franchise of all time.  I love all the films in the series and I really love reading about the films in various books on this franchise.   Recently I ran across author Gene DeRosa at the Tulsa Comic Con and his trivia books based on the FRIDAY THE 13th films and the HALLOWEEN films! 

  6-13:  A FRIDAY THE 13th MOVIE TRIVIA BOOK is a very comprehensive look at the Jason Voorhees films.   There are some very tough questions here, giving you some wonderful details into the films.  Along with the normal trivia you would find in a book like this, there is also just a lot of great information on the films. DeRosa's book is much more than just a trivia book, it is also a great reference book for the FRIDAY THE 13th films.   Some examples include a great section of the book that lists every actor that has ever played the part of Jason Voorhees and the films they appeared in.  Another is a list of every film in the series and the location the movie takes place in along with all the actual filming locations for each film.   Here are a few more great reference items you will find in this book:

*  A list of the number of kills and type of kills from each film
*  A list of every FRIDAY THE 13th comic book series
*  A list of every survivor from each film
*  A list of every way Jason was killed at the end of each film
*  A kill list of every character killed in the films and how they died


10-31: A HALLOWEEN  MOVIE TRIVIA BOOK
by Gene DeRosa
Published by Samson Publishing Company

 Halloween is another one of my favorite horror film franchises, and just like the FRIDAY THE 13th trivia book above, DeRosa's HALLOWEEN trivia book is just as in-depth and informative.  10-31 is almost twice a thick as the FRIDAY book and in addition to an abundance of great trivia questions, it too is jammed full of useful info and stats.  Lists in this book include:

*  every actor to portray Michael Myers in each film
*  every comic book series produced about the HALLOWEEN films or Michael Myers.
*  pictures of each mask used in each HALLOWEEN film
*  release dates and box office numbers for each film

  As you can see these are more than just trivia books.  These are must have in-depth reference books for fans of these films.  I can't imagine the research that had to go into each of these amazing books.  I highly recommend picking up a copy of each from the Samson Publishing website.  Right now, you can get both books for just $20!


CLICK HERE to purchase the FRIDAY THE 13th TRIVIA BOOK for $9.99
CLICK HERE to purchase the HALLOWEEN TRIVIA BOOK $14.99
CLICK HERE to purchase BOTH books for only $20!

Speaking of Christmas.....how would you like some free Blu-rays?!!!! Blu-ray giveaway #1

 Merry Christmas!  Just when you thought Christmas was over, here comes the 4H blog and the fine folks at Universal Home Entertainment and ThinkJam Distributing giving you the chance to win some FREE Blu-rays of Universal's hottest new upcoming horror Releases!!

 In all, we will be giving away 3 Blu-rays over the next few weeks.  The titles will include M. Night Shyamalan's latest film, THE VISIT.   The frightening sequel SINISTER 2, and Eli Roth's latest film, the terrifying Cannibal film, THE GREEN INFERNO!  

  Needless to say, Christmas is not over yet!   What better time to start this giveaway than right now!!

Up first is M. Night Shyamalan's THE VISIT.  Here is the basic synopsis from the Universal Home Entertainment website:

  When Becca and Tyler are sent to their grandparents' secluded Pennsylvania farm for a weeklong stay, they quickly discover something is not right with the elderly couple. Faced with strange rules and increasingly frightening behavior, the children soon realize it will take all their wits to make it home alive. Critics rave, the latest heart-pounding thriller from the director of The Sixth Sense and Signs and the producer of Paranormal Activity and The Purge is a “deliciously creepy triumph.”** **Scott Mendelson, Forbes.com

  If you didn't get a chance to check out THE VISIT in theaters, now is the time to do so with the upcoming Blu-ray release.  THE VISIT will be released on Blu-ray and DVD January 5th, 2016.  

CLICK HERE for more info and to watch the trailer

  In order to win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post below, and tell me what your favorite M. Night Shyamalan film is.   Include your email so I can contact you.  If you would rather not leave your email address, then just comment and then shoot me an email (zombiehayes@hotmail.com) so I will be able to get in touch with you if you are the winner.  The contest will run from now through Saturday, January 2nd at Winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, January 3rd.   I will send an email to the winner to collect their mailing address, and then the Blur-ray will be sent directly to the winner from ThinkJam right after the film's release date.   Only 1 comment/entry per person please.

 

  

 
 

 

 

I hope you all had a great wonderful Holiday weekend!!

 Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but it was a very busy week this past week getting ready for Christmas!   My family had a wonderful day yesterday, and I hope yours did as well!

 While presents aren't the reason for Christmas, of course, they are a fun added bonus!  Especially if you get some cool horror related presents!!  This year, I just gone one horror related present, but it was a doozy!  I got the Arrow UK release of the HELLRAISER:  SCARLET BOX Blu-ray box set!  This release is pretty amazing and includes the first 3 HELLRAISER films, a 4th disc about the legacy of Clive Barker including some of his short films, and a 200 page hardback book about Clive Barker and the Hellraiser films.   This was my favorite gift for sure this year!


 So, leave me a comment, let me know what your favorite gift was, especially if it was anything horror related!

  Merry Christmas!

Blu-ray Review: BLOOD RAGE (1987)

BLOOD RAGE
Directed by:  John Grissmer
Distributed by Arrow Video / MVD Entertainment Group

 It looks like I am continuing to find hidden horror gems from the 1980's that I somehow missed.   The latest is the amazing Arrow Video release of BLOOD RAGE.  This is another film that I have always heard of, but had never seen.  After finally getting a chance to see it, I am upset that it took me this long to see it.   This is a classic in every sense of the word.   For those unfamiliar, here is the basic plot courtesy of the MVD website:

  IT'S NOT CRANBERRY SAUCE! What do you get if you combine Thanksgiving, American TV star Louise Lasser (Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman), killer 80s synths and some of the most gruesome special effects in all of slasher history courtesy of Ed (Terminator 2) French. Why, it's Blood Rage of course! Todd and Terry seem like sweet kids - that is, until one of them takes an axe to face of a fellow patron at the local drive-in. Todd is blamed for the bloody crime and institutionalised, whilst twin brother Terry goes free. Ten years later and, as the family gathers around the table for a Thanksgiving meal, the news comes in that Todd has escaped - and he's heading their way. But has the killer twin in fact been in their midst all along? One thing's for sure, there WILL be blood... Filmed in 1983 at the tail-end of the slasher golden era but not released until 1987, Blood Rage (also re-cut and released to theatres as Nightmare at Shadow Woods) has been lovingly restored from the original vault materials for its first ever appearance on Blu-ray and DVD. Happy Thankskilling!

  "This Thanksgiving, it's not cranberry sauce"!  Ha!  What a great tagline, and yes, an actual line from the film.   I have a feeling a lot of people might have missed seeing this one, and hopefully with this new release that can be corrected.  This is definitely a film that any horror fan needs to see.  The story is very interesting with the twin aspect, as no one knows for sure who they are dealing with once the commotion starts.  The acting is pretty good, although pretty cheesy at some points.  Also, there is no getting around this film being from the 1980's with the clothes and big hair!  That is part of the film's character, though.

  There were tons of slasher films that came out in the 1980's, but what sets this one apart from all the others is the amazing effects and gore.   The effects were done by genre vet Ed French  and they are truly amazing.   You gotta love practical effects, and BLOOD RAGE is full of them, including a severed hand, severed head, split open head, and a completely chopped up person!  The gore is over the top in this film and while most slashers cut away when they go in for the kill, this one does not.  

  This film instantly goes on my top horror films of all time.  I can't say enough good things about BLOOD RAGE.  Get yourself a copy of this film asap!  You will not be disappointed.

  BLOOD RAGE is available now on Arrow Video in a awesome 3-disc set and contains the following special features:

3-DISC DIRECTOR-APPROVED LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
- Three versions of the film – Blood Rage, the original home video version, Nightmare at Shadow Woods, the theatrical re-cut, and an alternate “composite” cut combining footage from both versions
- Original Stereo 2.0 sound (Uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Marc Schoenbach
- Fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Joseph A. Ziemba, author of BLEEDING SKULL! A 1980s Trash-Horror Odyssey

BLU-RAY DISC 1 & DVD – BLOOD RAGE
- Brand new 2K restoration of the “hard” home video version, transferred from the camera negative and featuring the original title card Slasher
- Audio commentary with director John Grissmer
- Both Sides of the Camera – an interview with producer/actress Marianne Kanter
- Double Jeopardy – an interview with actor Mark Soper
- Jeez, Louise! – an interview with actress Louise Lasser
- Man Behind the Mayhem – an interview with special make-up effects creator Ed French
- Three Minutes with Ted Raimi – an interview with actor Ted Raimi
- Return to Shadow Woods – featurette revisiting the original locations in Jacksonville, Florida
- Alternate opening titles
- Motion still gallery featuring rare behind-the-scenes make-up photos

BLU-RAY DISC 2 – NIGHTMARE AT SHADOW WOODS [LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE]
- Nightmare at Shadow Woods – the re-edited 1987 theatrical cut featuring footage not seen in the Blood Rage home video version
- Alternate composite cut of the feature combining footage from the home video and theatrical versions
- Never-before-seen outtakes


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the BD/DVD combo pack

Blu-ray Review: BLOODY BIRTHDAY (1981)

BLOODY BIRTHDAY
Directed by Ed Hunt
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

  It has always been my opinion that the greatest decade of horror films is the 1980's.  So many great movies came out during this time, and I feel like I have seen most of the more popular ones.  Somehow along the way, I missed this one, though.  The film is BLOODY BIRTHDAY and it is by far one of the best horror films I have watched in quite some time.  Here is the basic plot synopsis courtesy of the Severin Films website:

  Get ready for the rarely seen slasher classic from the ’80s that may also be the most disturbing ‘killer kids’ movies in grindhouse history: Three babies are simultaneously born in the same hospital at the peak of a full solar eclipse. Ten years later, these adorable youngsters suddenly begin a kiddie killing spree of stranglings, shootings, stabbings, beatings and beyond. Can the town’s grown-ups stop these pint-sized serial killers before their blood-soaked birthday bash? K.C. Martel (E.T., Growing Pains), Joe Penny (Jake And The Fat Man), Michael Dudikoff (American Ninja), screen legends Susan Strasberg and Jose Ferrer, and MTV vixen Julie Brown – whose nude bedroom dance remains a landmark of celebrity skin – star in this still-controversial shocker from director Ed Hunt (The Brain, Diary Of A Sinner), now featuring an all-new HD transfer from the original vault elements.

  I love finding gems like this one that I have never seen before.  This is definitely a very unique slasher film, as the killer(s) is a group of 3 young kids.   The kids look sweet and innocent enough, but they are anything but that.   They are a vile group of killers who have no problem with killing off the adults in town, including their own parents and siblings!  Slasher films are usually disturbing to some extent, but that is greatly increased when it is kids doing the killing. 
 
   This is classic 80's horror at it's finest. If you have not seen BLOODY BIRTHDAY,  I suggest you get buy the DVD or Blu-ray asap and give it a watch.  I would honestly put this film in my top 20 horror films of all time!

  BLOODY BIRTHDAY is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Severin Films and contains the following special features:

– Audio Interview With Director Ed Hunt
– Don’t Eat That Cake! Interview With Star Lori Lethin
– A Brief History Of Slasher Films Featurette
– Severin Trailers


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/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, December 15th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 12/15:


*  AXE / KIDNAPPED COED Double Feature  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  BLOOD FACTORY
*  BLOODRAGE  [Blu-ray/DVD combo]
*  BREAD AND CIRCUS
*  THE CAR  [Blu-ray]
*  COUNT DRACULA  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE DUNGEONMASTER / ELIMINATORS Double Feature [Blu-ray]
*  EUGENIE   [Blu-ray/DVD combo]
*  THE LAST HORROR FILM  [Blu-ray]
*  THE LIFE OF DEATH
*  TEENAGE SLUMBER PARTY NIGHTMARE
*  THE TOXIC AVENGER COLLECTION  [Blu-ray]
*  WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLANGE? [Blu-ray/DVD combo]
*  ZOMBIE HIGH   [Blu-ray/DVD combo]

Blu-ray Review: HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD / RATS Double Feature

HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD / RATS  Double Feature
Directed by Bruno Mattei
Distributed by Blue Underground

 Blue Underground continues to put out some of the greatest horror, cult, and exploitation flicks around.   One of their newer releases is this great double feature consisting of two of director Bruno Mattei's best films, HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD, and RATS:  NIGHT OF TERROR.   If you have not seen these films, do yourself a favor and pick up this awesome double feature blu-ray as soon as you can.  Even if you have seen these, you will want this new 1080p HD release of these films, for sure.   Here are the basic plots of each film from the Blue Underground Website:


HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD:
  An accident at a chemical plant unleashes a horrific virus, and an elite SWAT team is sent to New Guinea to investigate. But when they arrive on the hellish island, they discover a plague of flesh-eating zombies as well as a beautiful female reporter who practices nude anthropology. Can the commandos survive this cannibal rampage, uncover a shocking government secret, and still find time for the occasional cross-dressing before the ravenous hordes of the living dead infect the entire world?
  Directed by the notorious Bruno Mattei (THE OTHER HELL), this '80s Italian gut-muncher is infamous for its eye-popping gore, jaw-dropping dialogue and heart-stopping use of inappropriate stock footage. Also known as VIRUS, NIGHT OF THE ZOMBIES and even ZOMBIE CREEPING FLESH, HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD has been newly transferred in shocking High Definition from the original uncut and uncensored negative!


RATS:  NIGHT OF TERROR:
 In the year 225 A.B. (After the Bomb), a group of post-apocalyptic bikers discover an abandoned research laboratory filled with food, water... and thousands of rats. But these are no ordinary vermin; these are super-intelligent mutant rodents with a ravenous appetite for human flesh. Can a bunch of heavily armed but not-too-bright human scavengers survive a night of terror against the most hungry and horrific predators on earth?
  Directed by the notorious Bruno Mattei (WOMEN'S PRISON MASSACRE), this hilarious Italian shocker is filled with over-the-top gore, bottom-of-the-barrel dialogue and attacks by what appear to be thousands of painted guinea pigs, all capped with a twist ending that must be seen to be believed. Also known as RATS OF MANHATTAN and BLOOD KILL, RATS: NIGHT OF TERROR has been newly transferred in flesh-ripping High Definition from the original uncut and uncensored negative!


  Both of these films are classics in my opinion, and perfect examples of early 80's Italian horror films.  Both feature some amazing gore, some impressive sets, and fun story lines.   I have to admit they also both contain some very cheesy dialog, but that is actually some of the character of these films and doesn't take away from the enjoyment of these films at all.

  While I love zombie films, I think between the two films I liked RATS the best.   HOTLD was very good, and reminded me of the early zombie films of George Romero such as DAWN OF THE DEAD and DAY OF THE DEAD, but RATS was the more enjoyable of the two for me.  RATS was a very unique film as it wasn't just a creature film, it was a post-apocalyptic film is well.  It was like MAD MAX meets WILLARD.  I liked the post-apocalyptic part of the story, with most people living underground and only a few groups of outsiders living up top.   The gore was very impressive with this film and since this was before CGI, the filmmakers used actual rats in the filming of the movie.

  If you are a fan of Italian horror, or just like good zombie and killer animal movies, then you will want to pick up this great double feature blu-ray from Blue Underground.  The blu-ray is available now and contains the following special features:

*  Bonded By Blood - Interviews with Co-Writer/Co-Director Claudio Fragasso and Stars Margit Evelyn Newton, Franco Garofalo, Ottaviano Dell'Acqua & Massimo Vanni
*  Hell Rats Of The Living Dead - Interview with Director Bruno Mattei
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  Poster & Still Galleries


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for RATS
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray Double Feature

Blu-ray Review: THUNDERCRACK! (1975)

THUNDERCRACK!
Directed by:  Curt McDowell
Distributed by Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

 Synapse Films is known for releasing some of the greatest horror films, as well as come off-the-wall films as well.  They have some crazy, wild films in their catalog, but I think I just found the weirdest film they have released to date.  The film is called THUNDERCRACK! and it is one of the strangest movies I have ever seen.   Here is the synopsis from the Synapse Films website:

  Witness if you dare… THUNDERCRACK!… the world’s only underground kinky art adult horror film, complete with four men, three women and rampaging circus animals. With the initial setup of an atmospheric gothic tale — a dark and stormy night breakdown featuring a creepy old house on the hill — it quickly turns into an eerie orgy of graphic humor, horror and sex. A tour de force of underground filmmaking with a plot beyond description, this film fully exposes itself with amazing dialogue and trash-noir lighting through which to peer at the pickles, the puke and the polymorphs.
  In 1975, Curt McDowell and writer/actor George Kuchar created the exceptionally perverse and utterly brilliant THUNDERCRACK!, a film not recommended for those with tender sensibilities. A true cult classic that has shocked, excited and amazed audiences worldwide for 40 years, this presentation is the first ever official North American video release!

  This is the 40th Anniversary release of this film, and it amazes me and says a lot about this film that it is still around and even celebrated this many years after it's initial release.   As I mentioned, this is one of the strangest films I have ever seen.   The plot was amazing in that it started out like a horror film, as a group traveling along a country road have car trouble and find refuge in an old creepy house.  It then goes in about 20 different directions, including a sub-plot about one of the men who was recently released from the "loony bin" after his friends tricked him into having sex with a gorilla.  This scene is told from the man's point of view, complete with flashbacks of the event.  Seriously, I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried!  That is honestly about the most tame plot point of this film, everything else pretty much just revolves around the members of the house having sex with everyone (and everything) in the house!

  While I can't say this is a film I will be re-watching anytime soon, I can at least say I have seen it.  Although, now that I think about it, maybe I should not mention to anyone that I actually watched it! Ha!  It's definitely good for a laugh 40 years later, and is a must see for anyone that is into very strange, underground cinema.

THUNDERCRACK! is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Synapse Films and CAV Distribution, and contains the following special features:

*  All-Region (Region Free) Release!
*  Rare archival interview segments with director Curt McDowell presented as audio commentary
*  BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE Bonus Feature - IT CAME FROM KUCHAR (87 mins): Directed by Jennifer Kroot. Documentary about the twin underground filmmakers George and Mike Kuchar
*  BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE: An additional BONUS DVD loaded with fun additional extras! Rare interviews, short films, THUNDERCRACK! audition footage, outtakes and MORE!
*  Multiple language newly-translated removable subtitles in English SDH, French, German and Spanish
*  Chapter Selections


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

Blu-ray Review: CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT (2014)

CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT
Written & Directed by Iván Noel
Distributed by  Artsploitation Films

  Just when you think you have seen it all in a certain horror sub-genre, a film will come along like a breath of fresh air and totally rejuvenate the film's topic.   With CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT, the topic is vampires and this film does just that.   This is not your typical vampire film by any means.  This film focuses on children that have been turned into vampires.  Here is the synopsis from the Artsploitation Films website:

  A secluded colony of child vampires come under attack from vengeful villagers in this darkly funny horror tale by Argentinean filmmaker Ivan Noel. A journalist visits a secluded orphanage where children suffer from an unknown skin disease. She soon learns that they are in fact not children, but vampires aging from 4 to 120 years old and who have been bitten at an early age and forever remain in that physical state. They are led and protected by a strange and deeply religious ex-nurse whose destiny in life is to find these ‘lost souls’ and raise them in her sanctuary. Through religious teachings, nocturnal rituals and the occasional visit to local towns for fresh human blood, she keeps them safe  – that is until a cultish band of men from a nearby village plot to destroy the refuge. Now the children, headed by the 90-year-old grandson of Count Dracula, must defend their way of life.

  As I mentioned before, this is a very original take on the vampire film.  The film has a very unique and interesting story, with a nice plot twist along the way.  While the "children" look like kids, they are actually a variety of ages.  It is very interesting to see what looks like such young kids talk about adult things and engage in adult dialog with the journalist.   There really isn't  much blood and gore in this film, although it is really not needed.  This film focuses more on the vampires and this new society that they live in.   There are few instances of blood, but don't go into this expecting a vampire bloodbath!  Instead, enjoy the interesting story, and what I thought to be some wonderful acting from all those involved.   I highly recommend you check this one out.

  CHILDREN OF THE NIGHT is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Artsploitation Films and includes the following special features:

*  Director's commentary
*  Making of featurette
*  Trailer


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

Blu-ray Review: DEMONOID (1981)

DEMONOID
a.k.a. Macabra
Directed by:  Alfredo Zacarías
Distributed by:  Vinegar Syndrome

  Once again, the great folks at Vinegar Syndrome have given us another great release of an
old classic film. The films is called DEMONOID, and if you have never seen it before, I urge you to check out Vinegar Syndrome's recent blu-ray release of the film.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the film's imdb.com page:

  A British woman visits her husband at the Mexican mine he is attempting to reopen and discovers that the workers refuse to enter the mine fearing an ancient curse. The couple enter the mine to prove there is no danger and inadvertently release a demon which possess people's left hands and forces them to behave in a suitably diabolical manner. The only way for a possessed person to free themselves from this torment is to cut off their left hand after which it scurries away in search of its next victim.

  This film was released back in 1981, but somehow this one had flown under my radar.  I had never seen this film, and in fact, I had never even heard of this film before I got this new blu-ray release of the film.  The transfer is beautiful, it looks great on Blu-ray in this new HD version.   The film itself is lots of fun and includes some great effects and lots of gore, including the opening scene when we witness the possessed hand being chopped off a person for the first time.  From then on we see the mysterious demon hand possess person after person, each ending with a bad result.  The makeup effects are pretty good, although a little dated for sure  (fake blood looked like red paint for some reason in older films).  
 
  This release is an amazing one, with tons of great special features, and one of my favorite things about DVD/BD's.....reversible cover art.  I wish all films came with reversible cover art.  It's a very simple thing, but I love it.  It's a neat way to customize your cover and choose which design to display.

  DEMONOID is available now on blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome and contains the following special features:

*  Region Free Blu-ray and DVD Combo
*  Restored in 2k from 35mm original camera negatives
*  All special features on both Blu-ray and DVD
*  Alternate International version: MACABRA (90 min) * 
*  New video interview with Director Alfredo Zacarias
*  Multiple theatrical trailers and TV spot
*  Reversible cover with International MACABRA artwork
*  Original artwork gallery
*  English SDH Subtitles
*  Optional French soundtrack for MACABRA


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

Congratulation to the winner of the latest 4H blog giveaway!!

 Congratulation to Michael A., the winner of my latest DVD giveaway!  Michael will be getting an awesome MOLD prize pack courtesy of the great folks at Wild Eye Releasing! The prize pack contains a DVD and Limited Edition VHS version of the film MOLD.

Congrats Michael, check your email for a message from me and shoot me your mailing address and your prize will be on it's way! 

Thanks to everyone that entered, and be on the lookout for our next giveaway!!

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, December 1st, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 12/1:

COOTIES  [DVD & Blu-ray]
FEAR THE WALKING DEAD  [DVD & Blu-ray]
GOODNIGHT MOMMY  [DVD & Blu-ray]
L.A. SLASHER
QUEEN OF BLOOD  [Blu-ray]
RETURN TO SENDER  [Blu-ray]
TWICE TOLD TALES  [DVD & Blu-ray]
YAKUZA APOCALYPSE

I'm baaaack!

I am back from vacation and ready to begin regular postings again on the 4H blog!  I hope you all had a great week last week!    

DVD Review: BLOOD SLAUGHTER MASSACRE (2013)

BLOOD SLAUGHTER MASSACRE 
Directed by  Manny Serrano
Distributed by Wild Eye Releasing / MVD Entertainment

  Let me start this review by saying whoever did the cover art for this DVD release is brilliant.  The cover art is very simple, clean design with a depiction of a very creepy looking killer holding a huge bloody knife complete with the reflection of his latest screaming victim.  Kudos to the art department!  Now if only the movie would have been as good as that cover makes it look!  
  Before I go any further, here is the basic plot synopsis from the MVD website:

  Ten years ago, the sleepy suburb of Havenwood was plagued by a string of unsolved murders, by a masked maniac remembered only as The Ripper. Now a new series of killings has begun, and teenagers are turning up dead everywhere. But can The Ripper be stopped this time around? Blood Slaughter Massacre is an incredible homage to slasher movie nostalgia, and featuring a killer 80's style soundtrack.

  First off, with a name like BLOOD SLAUGHTER MASSACRE, you would think you were getting a parody of slasher flicks.  That title just screams sarcasm...but alas, what is presented is a straight, serious slasher flick.  The acting is pretty awful, as is the production quality of the film.   In some spots it looks like a home video camera recorded it and then in other spots it goes in and out of focus.
One thing this movie does have going for it are the kills, including some very gory scenes such as a shower stabbing and a woman getting chainsawed in half!  But...just some good kills don't make the movie a good movie by any means.   The cons definitely outweighed the pros in my opinion on this one.    One major flaw I thought was the editing and running time.  At 113 minutes, I thought there were many times of slow placing and unnecessary dialog.  If they would have tightened this up to a good 'ol 80-90 minutes, I think the film could have been a lot better.

 BLOOD SLAUGHTER MASSACRE is available now on DVD from Wild Eye Releasing and MVD Entertainment.  It contains the following special features:

*  Feature length commentary with Manny Serrano (Director/Writer/Editor), Lindsay Serrano (Producer/A.D./Head of SFX) and Louie Cortes (Writer/Cinematography).
*  Over 12 minutes of deleted scenes
*  Extended scenes
*  A VHS rip of the BSM promo tape, containing the three faux-trailers the film is based upon
*  Demons of the Night - Music Video by Midnight Flashback, with footage from the film
*  Behind-the-scenes featurette
*  The Ripper Action Figure Toy Commercial, starring Johnny Dickie (Slaughter Tales)


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

DVD Review: SNUFF (1976)

SNUFF
Distributed by Blue Underground

  Blue Underground continues to put out some great DVDs and Blu-rays, and one of their latest is the 1976 shock films, SNUFF!   Here is the plot synopsis from the Blue Underground website:

  Deep in South America, a Manson-like cult leader named Satan cavorts with his bevy of beautiful biker-chick followers while compelling them to kill in his name. When sexy American actress Terry London arrives with producer Max Marsh to shoot a new movie there, the creepy cult targets her and her friends with plans of murder, mayhem and the grisly sacrifice of her unborn baby. Is the final bloody massacre only a movie? Or is it the shocking footage of an actual murder committed before the camera?
  Originally lensed as THE SLAUGHTER by notorious filmmakers Michael and Roberta Findlay (SHRIEK OF THE MUTILATED, TAKE ME NAKED), the movie sat on the shelf for five years until enterprising producer/distributor Allan Shackleton devised a controversial new ending and released it as SNUFF. Freshly transferred in High Definition from one of the only remaining prints, now the fascinating true story behind this infamous piece of trash cinema can finally be told... by those who survived!

  I had seen this movie years ago, but I really didn't remember anything about it.  Its a very unique film as it almost feels like 2 movies in one. The first part feels like your watching a movie about the Manson family, with a cult leader that sends his women followers out on a killing streak. Some of the kills are very good and especially brutal for the 1970's.  

 The 2nd part of the film is where we get into the real selling point for the film.   The last part of the film we see a woman strapped down and brutalized, beginning with her fingers being cut off with a pair of pruning shears. This was a remarkably well done effect, as it looks completely real..  In fact, I'm still not sure how they did this effect.  The only thing that lets you know it's fake is the fake blood that is used throughout the film, that looks like a very bright red thick paint.  Other than that, this scene will make even the most veteran horror fan cringe.

  I'm not sure if there were any movies like this before SNUFF, if there are I am not aware.  If this was a first, then this film helped pave the way for movies such as the Japanese Guinea Pig films from the 1980's to the more recent HOSTEL films.  This is one you will definitely want to check out if you are a gore fan.

  SNUFF is available now from Blue Underground and contains the following special features:

*  Shooting Snuff - Interview with Filmmaker Carter Stevens
*  Up To Snuff - Interview with Filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn
*  Porn Buster - Interview with Retired FBI Agent Bill Kelly
*  U.S. Trailer
*  German Trailer
*  Poster & Still Gallery
*  Controversy Gallery
*  SNUFF: The Seventies And Beyond by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
*  Nicolas Winding Refn Intro

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/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, November 17th, 2015

  Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 11/17:


*  BEYOND  [Blu-ray]
*  CEMETERY SISTERS   [DVD]
*  CINCO DE MAYO  [Blu-ray]
*  DEADLIEST PREY   [DVD  & Blu-ray]
*  DEADLY PREY  [DVD  & Blu-ray]
*  DEATH NURSE  [DVD]
*  DEATH NURSE 2  [DVD]
*  FAUST  [Blu-ray]
*  THE HAUNTING OF MORELLA  [DVD]
*  KILLER WORKOUT  [Blu-ray]
*  THE LAST SHOWING  [Blu-ray]
*  MASK MAKER  [Blu-ray]
*  THE RAGE  [Blu-ray]
*  SHOCK 'EM DEAD  [Blu-ray]
*  SPLATTER:  ARCHITECTS OF FEAR  [DVD]
*  TICKED OFF TRANNIES WITH KNIVES
*  TRASHOLOGY  [DVD  & Blu-ray]
*  TROLL/TROLL 2  [Blu-ray]
*  WHITE OF THE EYE  [Blu-ray/DVD combo]

Happy Friday The 13th!!

 

 I hope you all had a wonderful Friday the 13th!  I thought this would be a good time to go back and visit one of my Friday the 13th posts from the past!  This was originally posted here on the 4H blog back on January 13th, 2012!! 

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  Happy Friday the 13th! I hope you all had a great day and stayed out of trouble!  Every Friday the 13th, I like to bring you some Jason Voorhees related post.   This time around, I have chosen the clip of 'Jason at Home' from the Adult Swim show, ROBOT CHICKEN.   Now you can get a glimpse into Jason's personal life when is not ruining campers fun with his machete!  Click the link below to enjoy!

CLICK HERE to watch 'Jason at Home"

Blu-ray Review: MANOS: THE HANDS OF FATE (1966)

MANOS:  THE HANDS OF FATE
Written & Directed by  Harold P. Warren
Distributed by Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

  Every now and then, a film comes along and I have no clue what to say about it in a review.  I think we might have one of those times here.  The film is MANOS:  THE HANDS OF FATE.   Here is the plot synopsis from the films press release:

  Mike (Harold P. Warren) and Maggie (Diane Mahree), on a road trip with their daughter and family dog, take a wrong turn in Texas and become trapped at a weird lodge inhabited by a polygamous pagan cult. They soon find themselves in the middle of a power struggle between caretaker Torgo (John Reynolds), cult leader The Master (Tom Neyman), and two warring factions of the Master's wives. As the family tries to escape, the worshipers of Manos decide their fate...
   MANOS: THE HANDS OF FATE, the sole directorial effort of Texas fertilizer salesman Harold P. Warren, perplexed even the most jaded Drive-In audiences and was deemed by many the worst movie ever made. Nearly lost, the original 16mm Ektachrome film elements have been finally unearthed and lovingly restored by Ben Solovey to create the definitive version of this accidental masterpiece. There's no other movie like MANOS... now in HD with picture and sound unseen since 1966.

  Any time a company puts a review quote on the cover art of the DVD/BD like this one, you know you are in for a treat:

  "The worst film ever made" - Entertainment Weekly

  The fact they would celebrate this quote makes you realize they know this is a bad movie, yet there must have been something likable about it to make a company put money into an all new 2K restoration and a new DVD / Blu-ray release.   If it was truly that bad of a movie, they wouldn't go to all this trouble to release it....right?  Well....yeah, I guess, but it really is bad!!   BUT....I don't know why, but I still kind of liked it.  It's weird I know, but it's like when all your friends think a girl is really ugly, yet for some reason you are kind of attracted to her.  You know she is ugly, yet you still kind of like her for some reason and you really can't figure out why.   That is the best way I can describe this film.  It's an ugly film but has a great personality! 

 Well, that's really all I have to say about this one.  It's one you need to check out for sure, if for no other reason, gather your buddies around and drink some beer, then have your own Mystery Science Theater 3000 live in your living room!  Believe me, there will be plenty of opportunities to crack jokes about this one!

  MANOS:  THE HANDS OF FATE is available now from Synapse Films and CAV Distribution on DVD and Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

*  New 2K restoration
*  Audio Commentary
*  Hands: The Fate of MANOS Featurette
*  Restoring the Hands of Fate Featurette
*  FELT: The Puppet Hands of Fate Featurette
*  Manos: The Hands of Fate: Grindhouse Edition (Blu-ray ONLY Bonus)


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

 
 
 
 

I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE: DEJA VU coming soon!

 
  If you are a fan of the original I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, a.k.a DAY OF THE WOMAN, you are in for some good news!  Director Meir Zarchi  and lead actress Camille Keaton  are returning for a direct sequel to their 1978 film!   The  film will be called I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE:  DEJA VU.   As most of you know, there was a remake of ISOYG back in 2010,  followed by a sequel in 2013 and then part 3 that came out just this year.  While these films share the same name, they had nothing to do with Meir Zarchi's original film. 

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

  Following her rape, Jennifer Hills wrote a best-selling account of her ordeal and of the controversial trial in which she was accused of taking the law into her own hands and brutally killing her assailants. In the small town where the rape and revenge took place, the relatives of the four rapists she killed are furious that the court declared her not guilty and resolve to take justice into their own hands.

 The original ISOYG is one of my favorite horror films.  I am super excited to hear about this new film!   I read about it on the horror website, DreadCentral.com.  Head over there to read the full article and read about more details of this film that is currently in production.


CLICK HERE to read the article from DreadCentral.com

R.I.P. Gunnar Hansen

 Sad news this morning in the horror world.  I awoke to news that genre legend Gunnar Hansen has passed away.   Hansen died Saturday of pancreatic cancer at the age of 68. 

  Hansen was best known for his iconic role as 'Leatherface" in the 1974 film, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, but was cast in many more memorable roles throughout his 40+ year career including roles in films such as HOLLYWOOD CHAINSAW HOOKERS, MOSQUITO, HELLBLOCK 13, and 2013's TEXAS CHAINSAW 3D.   Mr. Hansen also wrote the book, CHAINSAW CONFIDENTIAL, detailing the behind the scenes making of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. 

  I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Hansen at TEXAS FRIGHTMARE WEEKEND back in 2013. He was a very nice man for sure.   Mr. Hansen's role as Leatherface will be one that lives on for many generations to come, and probably forever.  He truly is a legend in the horror community and will be missed by millions of fans all over the world.

 R.I.P.  Gunnar Hansen

DVD Review: FLOWERS (2015)

FLOWERS
Written & Directed by Phil Stevens
Distributed by Unearthed Films and MVD Visual

 If you're one of those horror fans that have been complaining that there are no good, original, new horror films coming out these days, then you have not seen FLOWERS from Director Phil Stevens.  This is a film unlike I've ever seen....it's vile and disgusting, yet beautiful at the same time.  It's probably the closest you will ever get to an gore soaked art film.   Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the MVD Visual website:

  Some don't understand when the roller-coaster of life stops and their life ends. Some go up and others... find themselves in Purgatory to either find redemption or to choose damnation. Where do the murder victims go when they have a chance to choose' A mind-bending, artistic ride down the road to hell. Are you willing to damn yourself or accept salvation'

  Now, I have to be honest with you....I'm not sure I understand this film 100%.  I think that is ok though, I think that leaves it open to multiple interpretations by multiple people.   From what I gather from the film, we are looking at different murder victims who are in purgatory, which in this case is a disgusting, dilapidated old house full of dangers around every corner.   The film is unique in that it features no dialog whatsoever.  What is amazing about that, is that is doesn't need any.  The films is written and acted so well we can get the story from the actresses emotions and mannerisms captured on the film.   The film does contain sound effects and an amazing score which really sets the tone of the film. Also, FLOWERS was filmed with a very drab, yellowish tone, which really helped set the mood for the film as well.

  The films starts with one woman, making her way through a bloody, gore soaked crawlspace of the house.  When she comes up  through a hole in the floor, we now see a different woman.  The film changes between all the women in the "house" very seamlessly.   While this was part of what confused me at first, I soon realized there are multiple victims here and we are seeing all of their struggles, sewn together by the fact they were all victims of the same killer.

  As mentioned before, the acting in this film is amazing.  I know some might say it's easy to act when you don't have to say anything, but I think just the opposite.  I think that is actually harder.   Trying to tell a story with no dialog means that the actors and actresses have to rely on their visuals and emotional expressions only.  All the women in this film did an amazing job, and that was definitely not an easy task from what I saw.   The set pieces were extremely vile and disgusting, and the women in this film were usually right in there with it...being covered in blood, guts, and whatever other bodily liquids and body parts there were!  

  FLOWERS is a film you need to check out soon.   It's not for the easily squeamish, as there are some very disgusting scenes, but it is a very well made film and to me is a home run for first time director Phil Stevens.  I imagine we will see great things in the horror community from Mr. Stevens in the years to come!

  FLOWERS is available now on DVD and 3-Disc Limited Edition DVD from Unearthed Films and MVD Visual.   The single disc version contains the following special features:

*  Commentary with Phil Stevens
*  Commentary with Ronnie Sortor
*  Interview with Bryant w. Lohr Sr
*  Audtion Tape with Makaria Tsapatoris
*  Behind the Scenes Stills
*  Unearthed Trailer Reel
*  Isolated FX Track

The 3-Disc Limited Edition DVD contains all the special features above, plus the following:

*  Floravision: The Making of Flowers
*  Deleted Scenes (with optional Commentary)
*  Storyboards Video Gallery (with optional commentary)
*  Kiss Me Whore Parts 1 & 2 Short Films
*  CD Soundtrack


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the  3-Disc Limited Edition DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Single Disc Edition

DVD Review: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO: THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS (2014)

ELECTRIC BOOGALOO:  THE WILD, UNTOLD STORY OF CANNON FILMS
Written & Directed by  Mark Hartley
Distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

  If you watched a lot of VHS tapes back in the 1980's, there is no doubt you at some point ran across a Cannon Films tape.  Cannon was one of the most popular labels back in the height of the VHS popularity.  This new documentary, ELECTRIC BOOGALOO is a comprehensive look at the rise and fall of Cannon Films.  Here is a brief synopsis of the film from the Warner Brothers website:

  Director Mark Hartley takes us on a hilarious thrill ride through the masterworks of Yoram Globus and the late Menahem Golan, two movie-obsessed immigrant cousins who became Hollywood's ultimate gate-crashers. With hair-trigger randomness, these cousins of chaos churned out a breathtaking cavalcade of hits and misses, made movies out of posters, released a sequel before the original film, botched plots, bounced checks and burned careers - and in so doing, changed the way movies were made and marketed.

  Cannon Films was responsible for some great films back in the 1980's, including MISSING IN ACTION,  DEATH WISH 2,  SUPERMAN IV, THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN, LIFEFORCE, and CYBORG just name a few.  It was very interesting to see how they got the ideas for some of these movies, some of which were almost direct remakes of foreign films.   It was neat getting to see some trailers and clips from these old films, as well as hear about their production issues and problems told straight from the people that were involved.    I saw a lot of films I recognized, but also saw quite a few films I was unfamiliar with.  One of these was a Cannon Film called THE APPLE, which was supposed to be an epic Rock Opera.  Turns out it was a complete flop, but from the scenes showed in this movie, it looked to be one of those "so bad, it's good" type of films.  Needless to say I had to find a copy of this film!  I found a reasonably priced DVD of THE APPLE on ebay.  I can't wait to check it out! 

For a hint at what you will see in ELECTRIC BOOGALOO, check out these clips from the DVD courtesy of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment:

Clip #1
Clip #2
Clip #3
Clip #4
Clip #5


ELECTRIC BOOGALOO is available now on DVD from Warner Bros.  The DVD contains over 25 minutes of deleted scenes and over 30 minutes of trailers!

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

 
 

Blu-ray Review: FRIGHTMARE (1983)

FRIGHTMARE 
a.k.a. THE HORROR STAR
Written & Directed by Norman Thaddeus Vane

  Vinegar Syndrome is quickly becoming one of my favorite DVD/BD distributors.   If you are not familiar with this company, you should be for sure.  They release some great long lost, hard to find exploitation and sexsploitation films along with the grindhouse/drive-in horror features from years ago.   One of their latest releases is FRIGHTMARE, also known as THE HORROR STAR.  This film is from 1983, so don't confuse it with the 1974 Pete Walker film also known as FRIGHTMARE.  Here is the basic synopsis of this film from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

  Conrad Radzoff (Ferdy Mayne) was the biggest name in horror movies for decades until, one day, he died of a heart attack. Determined to celebrate his life, and death, the members of a local horror film society steal his freshly buried corpse and decide to host a party, in his honor, at their old and lavish mansion. Unaware that Radzoff’s interest in horror extended beyond the silver screen and into the black arts, his corpse is soon re-animated and he begins exacting a bloody revenge against those who disturbed his final resting place.
  Slyly combining 80s slasher tropes with an insightful and self reflective look at the meaning of horror movies and death itself, Norman Thaddeus Vane’s FRIGHTMARE (originally known as THE HORROR STAR) is a quick witted and suspenseful tribute to classic horror cinema. With captivating cinematography by Joel King (JUST BEFORE DAWN) and supporting performances from Jeffrey Combs (RE-ANIMATOR), Luca Bercovici and Leon Askin, FRIGHTMARE has been newly restored from its original camera negative and is coming to Blu-ray for the very first time!

  FRIGHTMARE is a must see if you have never had the chance to view it.   It has such a nostalgic feel to it, almost like watching an old Hammer Horror film.  In fact, it's pretty obvious that the character of Conrad Radzoff was inspired by the great Hammer Films actor, Christopher Lee.  The film is part gothic horror and part slasher film, as your typical group of kids is picked off one by one by the killer.   There are some pretty interesting kills in this film, including a woman bursting into flames, and one of the greatest decapitation scenes you will ever see!

  The acting is pretty good overall, with a wonderful performance by Ferdy Mayne  as Conrad Radzoff. Also worth noting is one of "kids" is played by fan favorite Jeffrey Combs .   As you know, Combs would go on to star in RE-ANIMATOR two years later, which to this day is still one of my top five horror movies of all time.  It was fun seeing him in this different kind of role. 

  I highly recommend checking out FRIGHTMARE and all the other great horror titles Vinegar Syndrome has been putting out lately! 

  FRIGHTMARE is available now on DVD/Blu-ray combo from Vinegar Syndrome and contains the following special features:

+  Restored in 2k from 35mm camera negative
+  All extras on both Blu-ray and DVD
+  New video interview with Cinematographer Joel King
+  Archival audio interview with Director Norman Thaddeus Vane
+  Historical commentary track with David Del Valle and David DeCoteau
+  Commentary track by The Hysteria Continues
+  Original theatrical trailer
+  Reversible THE HORROR STAR cover art
+  English SDH subtitles


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD/BD combo