Blu-ray Review: ABC's OF DEATH 2 (2014)

ABCs OF DEATH 2
Directed by:  Multiple Directors
Distributed by Magnolia Home Entertainment

  2012's ABCs OF DEATH was one of my favorite horror films of recent years.  I loved the concept of 26 directors each taking a different letter of the alphabet and making a short film about death based on one word (or short phrase) that starts with their given letter.  It seemed like a very tough project to put together, but it was worth it for sure.   Well, 26 new directors are back for a 2nd go around in the ABCs OF DEATH 2.   I honestly didn't think part 2 would be as good as the first one, but I am happy to report that I think it wasn't just as good, I think this 2nd installment even surpasses the first film.

Here is a complete list of directors and a plot synopsis for each of their segments from the film's Wikipedia page:

A is for Amateur (directed by E. L. Katz)
A hitman's meticulously planned hit doesn't go quite as planned.

B is for Badger (directed by Julian Barratt)
A wildlife documentary goes awry when the team encounters a giant badger.

C is for Capital Punishment (directed by Julian Gilbey)
A man is violently beheaded for a crime he didn't commit.

D is for Deloused (directed by Robert Morgan)
A stop-motion animated short about a large bug that helps an executed man get revenge on his killers.

E is for Equilibrium (directed by Alejandro Brugués)
Two castaways have their friendship tested when a beautiful woman washes ashore.

F is for Falling (directed by Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado)
An Israeli woman is caught in a tree by her parachute and is found by a hostile Palestinian boy.

G is for Grandad (directed by Jim Hosking)
A young man discovers his grandfather has been sleeping under his bed.

H is for Head Games (directed by Bill Plympton)
A man and woman kiss, which turns into a surreal power struggle.

I is for Invincible (directed by Erik Matti)
A family tries to kill the matriarch for her inheritance.

J is for Jesus (directed by Dennison Ramalho)
A young man is violently martyred for being a homosexual.

K is for Knell (directed by Kristina Buozyte and Bruno Samper)
A woman experiences the effects of a black liquid that turns people into killers.

L is for Legacy (directed by Lancelot Odawa Imasuen)
A ritual sacrifice goes horribly wrong.

M is for Masticate (directed by Robert Boocheck)
A man runs down a street in slow motion, attempts to eat someone, and is shot by police. It's revealed that he did bath salts 34 minutes earlier.

N is for Nexus (directed by Larry Fessenden)
A man hurries to meet his girlfriend on Halloween.

O is for Ochlocracy (mob rule) (directed by Hajime Ohata)
A woman is sentenced to death by a courtroom full of zombies.

P is for P-P-P-P SCARY! (directed by Todd Rohal)
An homage to black and white comedy in which three prisoners encounter a strange man and a baby.

Q is for Questionnaire (directed by Rodney Ascher)
A man takes an intelligence test on the street, juxtaposed with footage of the man's brain being transferred to a gorilla.

R is for Roulette (directed by Marven Kren)
Two men and a woman play Russian roulette while hidden in a basement.

S is for Split (directed by Juan Martinez Moreno)
A woman is attacked in her home while on the phone with her husband.

T is for Torture Porn (directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska)
A woman (Tristan Risk) is treated misogynistically at an audition, but when asked to strip, reveals tentacles where her vagina should be.

U is for Utopia (directed by Vincenzo Natali)
An unattractive man is singled out in a mall full of seemingly perfect people and publicly executed.

V is for Vacation (directed by Jerome Sable)
Two men are killed by a prostitute they hired while on the phone with one man's girlfriend.

W is for Wish (directed by Steven Kostanski)
Two kids wish themselves into a fantasy world, only to be violently taken prisoner by the villain.

X is for Xylophone (directed by Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo)
A babysitter (Béatrice Dalle) is emotionally affected by a child's xylophone playing.

Y is for Youth (directed by Soichi Umezawa)
A young girl violently fantasizes about the deaths of her abusive family.

Z is for Zygote (directed by Chris Nash)
A pregnant woman has been staving off birth for 13 years and living with a 13-year-old inside her stomach.

  While most all of the short films are excellent, just like the first film there were a handful that I just didn't care for at all.  Overall though, this is one of the best films I have seen this year (Ok, so it's just January 31st, but I have a feeling I would still say that even if it were later in the year)! 
  This is one you will definitely want to check out and add to your DVD/Blu-ray collection!  ABCs OF DEATH 2 is available Tuesday, 2/3, from Magnolia Home Entertainment and contains tons of special features, including "Behind the Scenes", "Making Of" and "Still Galleries" for almost every letter/segment!


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

 

 

 

DVD Review: BIG DRIVER (2014)

BIG DRIVER
Directed by Mikael Salomon
Distributed by Lionsgate

 Here is another film I had never heard of before it arrived on my doorstep for review.   The first thing I noticed was the description on the cover that said "From a story by Stephen King".  I was immediately intrigued and then was even more so after reading the plot synopsis.    Here is the basic plot of the film from the Lionsgate website:

  From best-selling author Stephen King comes BIG DRIVER, starring Maria Bello, Olympia Dukakis, Joan Jett, and Will Harris. Tess Thorne, a famous writer, faces a long drive home following a book signing. On a lonely New England road, her tire blows out, leaving her stranded. Relieved when another driver stops and offers assistance, Tess quickly discovers her savior is actually a serial killer who assaults her. Left for dead, Tess escapes, determined to find her attacker and seek revenge...

  I love rape-revenge films.  I always have, ever since I watched THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT and I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE years ago.  I love seeing the bad guys get what's coming to them, so when I read that this was a rape-revenge film, I was really looking forward to checking it out.  I am glad to say that this film did not disappoint!  In fact, I am really surprised I haven't heard more buzz about this film. 

  First off, the acting in the film was excellent.  There was  not a bad performance in the entire film, which is always a bonus.  Maria Bello does a remarkable job as the main character and was a perfect choice for the roll.  

  The film was shot very well and was paced extremely well.  Clocking in right at 90 minutes, the film was the perfect length that never had much of a dull or slow moment.  The film kept me entertained the entire running time.

  Another great thing about this film, is that not only was  it rape-revenge style horror film, it also had a very interesting and unique twist to it.   In the film, the main character in an author and throughout the film she is constantly seeing and conversing with characters from the books she has written.   This really come into play as she is in the midst of her revenge sequence.  This gave the film an almost supernatural/psychological feel to it.

  BIG DRIVER was a big hit in my book.   I would highly recommend this one to anyone looking for a fresh, new take on the rape-revenge sub-genre of horror films.  The film is available now on DVD from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.


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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, January 27th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 1/27:
(Click on a title to watch the trailer)

*  BIG DRIVER
*  BOMBSHELL BLOODBATH
*  FEED THE GODS 
*  MAS NEGRO QUE LA NOCHE
*  MISS MEADOWS
*  OPEN WINDOWS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE UNLIVING
*  WHY DON'T YOU PLAY IN HELL  [DVD & Blu-ray]

Check out the gruesome short film, HE TOOK HIS SKIN OFF FOR ME

 While browsing on one of my favorite movie websites, Moviepilot.com, I ran across a short film entitled, HE TOOK HIS SKIN OFF FOR ME.   The story is that of a man that takes his skin off for his girlfriend.  That it...there is no explanation of why or how he did this, other than just because his girlfriend wanted him to.  The story is actually very touching in parts, and even darkly comedic in others.

 The film was directed by Ben Aston and was his London Film School graduate project.


CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website and watch the short film

Blu-ray Review: CHRISTMAS EVIL

CHRISTMAS EVIL
a.k.a. YOU BETTER WATCH OUT

Written & Directed by  Lewis Jackson
Distributed by Vinegar Syndrome

  I have to admit I had never heard of CHRISTMAS EVIL when it was sent to me for review.  I have seen what I thought was most all of these Christmas related horror films, but somehow this one has alluded me all these years.  I love Christmas themed horror movies for some reason.  I guess the vast differences in feelings you get from horrible things happening during what is normally one of, if not, the happiest times of the year just really works for me.  My favorite Christmas themed horror film has been SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, but after viewing Vinegar Syndrome's release of CHRISTMAS EVIL, I think I have a new favorite!   Here is the plot synopsis from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

 When he was a boy, Harry idolized Santa Claus, but one Christmas Eve, he witnessed something horrifying that forever shattered his innocent understanding of Santa. Now an adult, Harry wants to embody the pure Santa Claus he grew up loving. He works at a toy factory and keeps records of who’s been naughty and nice, but the spirit of Christmas isn’t what it used to be and he can’t take it. So, garbed in his red suit, Harry decides that the only thing he can do is to become Santa himself and make all of the naughty townspeople pay…in blood!

  This is a film I will be sure to revisit over and over.  In fact, I think I have found me a new holiday tradition!  CHRISTMAS EVIL is a very well made film on all levels.  I found the acting to be great, especially from lead actor Brandon Maggart , who gives a great performance as a man who has some obvious mental issues!  His character keeps a list of all the neighborhood kids and writes down anytime he sees any of them do anything wrong.  Some of these lists are pretty funny and include such awful things such as "picks his nose" and "improper body hygiene"!  Ha!    The film has some dark comedy intertwined into it, but the film is mainly a straight horror flick, and a fine one at that!  Great camera work, great music, great acting.....CHRISTMAS EVIL has it all!

  I also must comment on the Blu-ray transfer of this film.  The picture quality is remarkable and if it weren't for the horrible clothes and big hair, I would have never believed this film was from the 80's.  The picture clarity was remarkable.  

Vinegar Syndrome has done an excellent job releasing Lewis Jackson’s cult favorite Christmas Evil newly restored in 4k and on blu-ray for the first time!  Special Features include the following:

+ Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack | Region Free | DTS-HD Master Audio
+ Restored in 4k from 35mm archival elements
+ Commentary track with Lewis Jackson
+ Commentary track with Lewis Jackson & Brandon Maggart
+ Commentary track with Lewis Jackson & John Waters
+ Archival video interviews with Lewis Jackson & Brandon Maggart
+ Original theatrical trailer
+ Deleted scenes & screen tests
+ Storyboards & comment cards gallery


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, January 20th, 2015

 Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 1/20:
(Click on a title to watch the trailer)

*  ANNABELLE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  ATTACK OF THE MORNINGSIDE MONSTER
*  BATTLEDROID
*  COLLAR:  LIMITED NUDE EDITION
*  A DATE WITH GHOSTS
*  GNOME ALONE
*  HANSEL VS. GRETEL
*  IN THE HOUSE OF FLIES
*  LIZZIE BORDEN'S REVENGE
*  POSSESSION:  THE INGLODA WITHIN
*  THANKSKILLING  (DVD COMBO PACK)
*  WOLVES

Did you know famous horror director Lucio Fulci made a western?

 I sure didn't...not until I ran across a copy of his film FOUR OF THE APOCALYPSE on ebay!  A Spaghetti Western by Fulci is something I had to see for myself.  Maybe most everyone knew this, but somehow I had never heard of this film before.   I won the auction on ebay, so hopefully will be checking it out soon!    Fulci is best known to us horror fans for his great gore filled films such as ZOMBIE, CAT IN THE BRAIN, and THE BEYOND.  It should be interesting to see what he did with a western! 
  Click the link below to watch the trailer and let me know what you think!  If you have seen this film, please comment and let me know how it is!


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Check out the trailer for the upcoming horror/comedy film, WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS

  If you are a fan of horror-comedies, then you will definitely want to check out the trailer for the upcoming film, WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS.  Here is the basic plot from the film's imdb page:

 Follow the lives of Viago (Taika Waititi), Deacon (Jonathan Brugh), and Vladislav (Jemaine Clement) - three flatmates who are just trying to get by and overcome life's obstacles-like being immortal vampires who must feast on human blood. Hundreds of years old, the vampires are finding that beyond sunlight catastrophes, hitting the main artery, and not being able to get a sense of their wardrobe without a reflection-modern society has them struggling with the mundane like paying rent, keeping up with the chore wheel, trying to get into nightclubs, and overcoming flatmate conflicts.

  Check out the trailer and leave me a comment to let me know what you think.  I think this film looks absolutely hilarious!   WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS has a release date for this February the 13th.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, January 13th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 1/13:
(Click on a title to watch the trailer)


*  ALIEN ABDUCTION
*  HONEYMOON  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  JESSABELLE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  LUCY  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  MONSTER MADNESS:  THE GOTHIC REVIVAL OF HORROR
*  NIGHT CREW
*  NOT HUMAN
*  SCORPION KING 4:  QUEST FOR POWER
*  SUPERNOVA  [Blu-ray]
*  VALLEY OF THE WITCH
*  VENUS FLY TRAP

DVD Review: KILLER MERMAID (2014)

KILLER MERMAID
Directed by  Milan Todorovic
Distributed by  Epic Pictures Group

  I posted the trailer for KILLER MERMAID a while ago on this blog.  I was finally able to sit down and watch the full film and I am happy to report that this film is just as good, if not better, than the trailer led us to believe!    KILLER MERMAID is a Serbian film with the original title being NYMPH.  One thing that was interesting was that the film was marketed as a creature feature type film, with obviously a killer mermaid as the main killer.  The film is actually more of a slasher type film as the caretaker of the mermaid does most of the actual killing.   Here is the basic plot of the film from the Epic Pictures Group website:

Two beautiful young women go on an exotic Mediterranean vacation and uncover the watery lair of a killer mermaid hidden beneath an abandoned military fortress. What was once a carefree adventure becomes a deadly fight for survival.

 This was a very interesting film in that is a perfect mash-up of part creature feature film and part slasher film.  While the mermaid does some killing, the majority of the film centers around the mermaid's caretaker who lives on an island fortress.  The man lives on the island taking care of the mermaid and he kills anyone who comes to the island turning them into fish food, or mermaid food to be more accurate!   When the main characters from the film go to the island to explore, they run across the crazed killer and are picked off one by one. 

  There is some very good gore in this film as the killer picks off the island visitors.  The acting is very good as well.  Some of the Serbian actors were a little hard to understand at times, but overall everyone puts is a very solid performance.  It was great seeing genre fave Kristina Klebe as well, and she does a great job as always. 
  The film is shot very well also, with some cool camera angles, beautiful underwater shots, and contains beautiful scenery throughout the film.  The film was shot mostly all in Montenegro which looks to be a very beautiful place.

  I thoroughly enjoyed KILLER MERMAID. It is a solid horror film with a cool story.  The DVD is available now.

DVD Bonus Features include the following:

*  Making of the Mermaid Featurette
*  Bonus Clip:  Crowdfunding Promo
*  Interviews with Cast and Crew
*  Official Trailer and Additional Trailers from Epic Pictures Group


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

Check out the trailer for the Aussie Zombie film, WYRMWOOD: ROAD OF THE DEAD

Check out the awesome trailer for the upcoming film, WYRMWOOD:  ROAD OF THE DEAD.   The film is the first feature length film from director Kiah Roache-Turner, and from the looks of this trailer, I think we are all in for a treat!  Here is the plot synopsis from the film's imdb page:

Barry is a talented mechanic and family man whose life is torn apart on the eve of a zombie apocalypse. His sister, Brooke, is kidnapped by a sinister team of gas-mask wearing soldiers & experimented on by a psychotic doctor. While Brooke plans her escape Barry goes out on the road to find her & teams up with Benny, a fellow survivor - together they must arm themselves and prepare to battle their way through hordes of flesh-eating monsters in a harsh Australian bushland.

WYRMWOOD will be released on February 13th On Demand and in select theaters.  Click below to watch 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, January 6th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 1/6
(Click on a title to watch the trailer)


*  CANDYMAN 2:  FAREWELL TO THE FLESH  [Blu-ray]
*  ESPIRITISMO
*  FINDERS KEEPERS
*  THE GUEST [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  HORNS [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE HOUSES OCTOBER BUILT
*  NINJA ZOMBIES
*  NO GOOD DEED  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SICK:  SURVIVE THE NIGHT

This 1-minute short film is one of the creepiest things you'll see...

 Who knew you could pack such a punch into just a 1 minute short film!  TUCK ME IN from director Ignacio F. Rodó is a very well made, super creepy film, and is only one minute long!  Turn down the lights and check out TUCK ME IN!

Happy New Years!!

 I hope you all had a wonderful (and safe) New Year's celebration!  Enjoy the day with your friends and family, and watch a great horror movie!  I suggest you watch the 1980 classic NEW YEAR'S EVIL!    Ok, I honestly don't know if it's good or not, I admit I have never seen it.  It looks pretty campy from the trailer, though, so I bet I would love it!  I will be looking for a DVD copy of this one for sure!  Check out the trailer and let me know if you have ever seen this one!