DVD Review: ZOMBIES: THE BEGINNING (2007)

ZOMBIES:  THE BEGINNING
Directed by Bruno Mattei (as Vincent Dawn)
Distributed by Intervision Pictures/Severin Films

 I am loving these releases that Intervision Picture Corp. has been putting out lately!  Their latest releases are Brunto Mattei's  ISLAND OF THE LIVING DEAD, and the subject of tonight's review, ZOMBIES:  THE BEGINNING.   Here is some info about the film from the Intervision website:

  For his final film, the late sleaze maestro Bruno Mattei – notorious director of MONDO CANNIBAL, RATS: NIGHT OF TERROR and HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD – delivers his ultimate over-the-top masterpiece: In this insane rip-off of ALIENS, Mattei (aka ‘Vincent Dawn’) packs the screen with shredding flesh, munching guts, exploding heads, undead births, borrowed footage, stolen plots, zombie midgets and more. Yvette Yzon (ISLAND OF THE LIVING DEAD), Alvin Anson (THE GREAT RAID) and Diana Croyston (THE JAIL: THE WOMEN’S HELL) star in this mind-blowing mash-up from the producer of IN THE LAND OF THE CANNIBALS, now presented uncut and uncensored for the first time ever in America!

  If you have seen any of Bruno Mattei's films, at least his later films, you know what to expect going into this. The films are dubbed in English and the dubbing is just awful.  I don't know how they choose these voice actors to read the parts but some of them have a completely different voice than what it looks like they should have! Also, the dialog is pretty awful, and actually laughable at times.  Now don't get me wrong, while there are a lot of things wrong with this film, just like any Bruno Mattei film, it entertains for sure, and that is really all we are asking for as horror fans, isn't it?  In fact, some might put this in the "so-bad-it's-good" category.

  While the acting and dubbing might not be that great, the movie itself is full of some great gore and zombie carnage, including a midget zombie and a zombie baby popping out of it's mother's stomach!  One thing you have to say about Mattei's films is that they are fun, and this one is no exception.  This is a fun film that I would highly recommend to fans of B-movies and low budget horror films.

  ZOMBIES:  THE BEGINNING is available now from Intervision Pictures and contains the following Special Features:

*  Zombie Genisys - featurette with screenwriter Anonio Tentori
*  Original Trailer
*  Widescreen version of the film


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

Check out the trailer for the new Fox TV series, WAYWARD PINES

  When I first watched this trailer, I was thinking I was watching a trailer for what was going to be a crazy new horror film.   At the end of the trailer when I saw the Fox logo is when I realized this was actually a new TV series coming out.  The show is called WAYWARD PINES and it looks really good.   The show stars Matt Dillon, Juliette Lewis, and Terrence Howard and is produced by M. Night Shyamalan.  The show centers around a creepy town where once you are there, you can never leave.  You have to follow the rules and do exactly what you are told at all times.  The show is being compared movies such as THE STEPFORD WIVES, SILENT HILL, CHILDREN OF THE CORN, and even the TV show TWIN PEAKS.

  WAYWARD PINES is  a 10 episode movie event that will premiere on the FOX Channel on Thursday, May 14th, at 9/8c.   Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.  I know I will be watching this for sure!


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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, February 24th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 2/24:
(Click on a title to watch the trailer)

*  AMITYVILLE DEATH HOUSE
*  A CANDLE FOR THE DEVIL
*  FINAL PRAYER
*  GOD TOLD ME TO  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE HOUSE OF LAST THINGS
*  THE INTRUDERS
*  NEW YEARS EVIL  [Blu-ray]
*  TAETER CITY:  CITY OF CANNIBALS
*  VANISH   [Blu-ray]
*  ZOMBIEWORLD

DVD Review: HOUSE OF FLESH MANNEQUINS (2009)

HOUSE OF FLESH MANNEQUINS
Written & Directed by Domiziano Cristopharo
Distributed by MVD Visual

  So this might be the hardest review I have ever written. Not only because I really don't know if I liked this movie or not, but because I'm not even sure I know what I just watched!  Here is the plot from the MVD website:

"House of Flesh Mannequins" is a nostalgic homage to the classic "fantastic" films of the 70's with movie sets that resemble live stages. The film itself is divided in 3 acts, and boasts authentic period costumes and hair. The cinematography of Mirco Sgarzi successfully recreates the "personality" and atmosphere of some of Fulci and Argento's best work. This is film made by those who love the cinema. A movie rich with winks and clever nods that the most die hard Euro-Horror film fans will enjoy: from David Lynch to the surrealism of films from the 30's. The film also features international adult film stars and "regular" actors sharing the screen for the very first time. Extreme body art performers were used in the film's torture sequences,ensuring that everything you see is 100% real. Quite disturbing but yet compelling. HOUSE OF FLESH MANNEQUINS presents a compelling case against the use of gratuitous violence on TV as well as the self-righteous, sanctimonious ways that society chooses to confront children's issues.

  I don't think I have ever come across a film that is both utterly repulsive yet brilliant at the same time. This could be that movie.  I definitely saw spots of true art on film, while other spots were just plain nonsense.  The description above mentions similarities to Fulci and Argento.  I did not see this at all.  If I had to compare this film to another film maker it would be Tinto Brass.  In fact, one scene in particular seemed to be directly influenced by a similar scene in Brass' SALON KITTY.

  One interesting thing about his film is that most everything you see in terms of the torture scenes were 100% real using actual Extreme Body Art performers.  That was definitely a plus and gave the movie it's realism.

  Well, I'm not sure I could recommend this to most fans of mainstream horror.  If you are into graphic, extreme horror or film in general, then you will most definitely want to check this one out.
The DVD is available now from MVD and contains the following special features:

*  5 Snuff Films featured in the movie
*  Special Make up Effects Featurette
*  Interviews with Cast & Crew
*  Italian Subtitles

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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, February 17th, 2015

  Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 2/17:
(Click on a title to watch the trailer)

*  ALL SAINTS EVE
*  ALTER
*  ANIMAL  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  BEYOND
*  THE CASEBOOK OF EDDIE BREWER
*  DR. MORDRID MASTER OF THE UNKNOWN  [Blu-ray]
*  HILLBILLY HORROR SHOW VOL. 2
*  LAST HOUSE ON CEMETERY LANE
*  MALIGNANT
*  MOTIVATIONAL GROWTH  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PHANTOM OF THE OPERA [Blu-ray]
*  TWILIGHT HUNTERS
*  V/H/S:  VIRAL  [DVD & Blu-ray]

It's not too late to stock up on your favorite FULL MOON films during their massive 50% OFF Valentine's Day sale!!

 








 




  I hope you all had a wonderful Valentines Day!  If you didn't get what you really wanted for Valentine's Day (which I assume is tons of Full Moon movies), well you are in luck!   The Full Moon Valentine's Day sale is still going now through Monday, February 16th!    Don't miss out on your last chance to get tons of great DVD's, Blu-rays, and Toys for 50% off the normal price.  This is a great sale so stock up while you can! 


CLICK HERE to visit the Full Moon website
CLICK HERE to watch a Valentine's Day message from Charles Band and some of the classic Full Moon Scream Queens!

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, February 10th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that came out today, 2/10:
(Click on a title to watch the trailer)


*  DEAD WALKERS:  RISE OF THE 4TH REICH
*  DON'T LOOK NOW  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  FARM
*  FEAR CLINIC
*  FRANKENSTEIN VS. THE MUMMY
*  ISLAND OF THE LIVING DEAD
*  THE LEGEND OF BLACK ANNIE
*  LOVE AT FIRST BITE/ONCE BITTEN Double Feature  [Blu-ray]
*  NEKROMANTIK 2  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  POKER NIGHT  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PREDESTINATION  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PROOF OF THE DEVIL
*  VAMPIRE'S KISS/HIGH SPIRITS  [Blu-ray]
*  Z NATION Season 1
*  ZOMBIES:  THE BEGINNING

Have you watched the trailer for the POLTERGEIST remake yet?

 If not, do yourself a favor and check it out now!  I haven't really been too excited about any new horror films coming out lately, but this one looks like it could be really good!  I loved the original POLTERGEIST and can't wait to see what producer Sam Raimi's Ghost House Pictures does with this new film.  Here is the plot of the new film from the movie's imdb.com page:

  Legendary filmmaker Sam Raimi and director Gil Kenan reimagine and contemporize the classic tale about a family whose suburban home is invaded by angry spirits. When the terrifying apparitions escalate their attacks and take the youngest daughter, the family must come together to rescue her.

  POLTERGEIST is scheduled to hit theaters on July 24, 2015 in both 2D and 3D versions.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Book Review: THE ART OF HAMMER by Marcus Hearn

THE ART OF HAMMER
Published by Titan Books

 As some of you may know, Titan Books is one of this best publishers in business when it comes to film related books.  They have books about many films, but their books on the old Hammer Films are really spectacular.  The one I am reviewing today is titled, THE ART OF HAMMER:  POSTERS FROM THE ARCHIVE OF HAMMER FILMS.
Here is the description of the book from the Titan Books website:

  Hammer is almost as well known for the way it promoted its films as for the films themselves. The legendary British production company supported each new release with eye-catching posters that have become classics of their kind.
  This is the first collection of these iconic posters, with nearly 300 examples drawn from Hammer’s own archive, and private collections worldwide. Some are well remembered, most are extremely rare.
  The Art of Hammer is a testament to the company’s pioneering mastery of film promotion, and a celebration of movie art at its best.

  This is by far one of the best horror related books I have ever had the pleasure of looking at.  I can't say reading, because this is not really a book you read.  Inside this book you will find nothing but hundreds of movie posters from all of the Hammer films...some you will remember, and some films you've probably never heard of.  You will find multiple posters for various films, different versions, artwork, etc.  All the photos are in glorious color on glossy paper and the posters are showcased by decade (1950-59, 1960-69, and 1970-79).

  This is one of the prettiest poster books you will ever see.   The book is presented in a hardback with slipcover and contains 199 pages.  This is a big, beautiful book that would be perfect on the coffee table of any horror fan.   Do yourself a favor and check out this book or any of the other great books that Titan Books has to offer!


CLICK HERE to purchase the book

Blu-ray Review: DRACULA UNTOLD (2014)

DRACULA UNTOLD
Directed by  Gary Shore
Distributed by  Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

  I used to think I wasn't a big fan of vampire films, but I have seen quite a few lately that I have really enjoyed.  The latest is last year's hit film, DRACULA UNTOLD, which turned out to be even better than I expected it to be.   Here is the film's plot synopsis courtesy of the film's official website:

  Witness the origin story of one of legend's most captivating figures in the action-adventure, Dracula Untold. The year is 1462 and Transylvania has enjoyed a prolonged period of peace under the just and fair rule of the battle-weary Vlad III (Luke Evans, Fast & Furious 6, The Hobbit series), the prince of Wallachia. But when Sultan Mehmed II (Dominic Cooper, Captain America: The First Avenger) demands 1,000 of Wallachia's boys – including Vlad's own son – become child soldiers in his army, Vlad must enter into a Faustian bargain to save his family and his people. He gains the strength of 100 men, the speed of a falling star, and the power to crush his enemies. In exchange, he's inflicted with an insatiable thirst for human blood that could force him into a life of darkness and destroy all that he holds dear.

  This film was a very interesting take on the Dracula story.  I honestly have never been a big fan of vampire films  (I'm more of a zombie type guy), so I know very little about the Dracula story.  I don't think I had ever heard much of a background story about Dracula, so it was interesting to see how and why he became a vampire.  He is shown as a hero in this film, the good guy, which is something I have never associated Dracula with.

  The film was a very well done.  The acting was superb from everyone involved and the cinematography was amazing.  The scenery and some of the shots were tremendous, and while most all of it was CG, it still looked great.  While the film is a vampire movie first and foremost, it was also war/battle movie similar to the likes of a film like 300.   The battle scenes were spectacular and it was nice to see the good mix of horror and action.    

  DRACULA UNTOLD is a film I would highly recommend.  The films was great and is actually pretty family friendly overall.  If you have older kids, they could probably watch this film as there was not any real gore and no explicit sex scenes.   Now don't get me wrong, I love my horror with lots of gore and nudity, but it is nice every now and then to find a fun film in the horror genre that the whole family can enjoy together.

  DRACULA UNTOLD is available now on DVD and Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

Luke Evans: Creating a Legend  (Blu-ray exclusive)

Alternate Opening with Optional Commentary by Director Gary Shore and Production Designer François Audouy  (Blu-ray exclusive)

Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Director Gary Shore and Production Designer François Audouy  (Blu-ray exclusive)

Day in the Life - Luke Evans

Dracula Retold

Slaying 1000

The Land of Dracula  (Blu-ray exclusive)

Feature Commentary with Director Gary Shore and Production Designer François Audouy

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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 2/3:
(Click on a title to watch the trailer)

*  90210 SHARK ATTACK
*  ABCs OF DEATH 2   [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  AXE TO GRIND
*  BLEEDING HEARTS
*  DRACULA UNTOLD  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  DEMON'S ROOK
*  EXISTS
*  JURASSIC CITY
*  OUIJA  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SCAVENGER KILLERS
*  STARRY EYES  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  ZOMBIE KILLERS:  ELEPHANT'S GRAVEYARD