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

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 9/1:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)


*  ARMY OF FRANKENSTEINS   [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  BACKCOUNTRY   [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE BEAST OF XMOORE
*  THE BLOOD LANDS   [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE CURSE OF DOWNERS GROVE   [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  DARK WAS THE NIGHT
*  EXETER
*  EXTINCTION
*  THE HARVEST   [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  LOST AFTER DARK   [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  MAD MAX:  FURY ROAD  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE ORIGINALS:  SEASON 2  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PARANORMAL ISLAND
*  RIKI-OH:  THE STORY OF RICKY
*  RUN, HIDE, DIE

Check out the trailer for the must see horror-comedy, THE FINAL GIRLS

  I am a big fan of horror-comedy films when done right.  The problem is that very few are done right. It's a fine line between horror and being funny vs. being stupid.  Unfortunately, most horror-comedy films are pretty dumb.  This one looks very promising, though!   The film is called THE FINAL GIRLS and it looks like it is going to be lots of fun!  Here is the basic plot of the film from it's imdb.com page:

  A young woman grieving the loss of her mother, a famous scream queen from the 1980s, finds herself pulled into the world of her mom's most famous movie. Reunited, the women must fight off the film's maniacal killer.

  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.  This is one I am really looking forward to!   THE FINAL GIRLS has a release date set for October 9th of this year.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

DVD Review: i-LIVED (2015)

i-LIVED
Directed by  Franck Khalfoun
Distributed by XLrator Media

  I recently got the privilege of checking out a new horror film called i-LIVED.  This was a very interesting film with a fun interactive experience...more on that later.  Here is the basic plot synopsis from the film's press release:

 Josh Fosse is a 20-something guy whose life is going nowhere. His girl left, his rent is late, and he lacks a real job. He is trying to make it as an app reviewer online and decides to review a self help app called i-Lived for fun. He's signs on and immediately his life turns around. He meets the girl of his dreams and he gets a job offer he can't refuse. Convinced it's him and not the app, he signs out... and loses everything. He signs on again but this time the terms are different, the app is asking him to do things that are out of his moral comfort zone... but essential to becoming the success the app tells him he can be

  This is one of the better films I have seen this year.  It kept me thoroughly entertained and I honestly don't have a negative thing to say about it.   The acting was superb by all involved and the film was shot very well.  The film has a very intriguing story which was very fun to watch pan out.    What made this film extra fun was the interactive "Second Screen" experience.   By downloading the i-LIVED app from your smartphone's app store, you will have access to this interactive experience that runs parallel with the film.  You will get [fake] text messages throughout the film, just like the ones that are being sent to the main character on screen!  The interactive app also utilizes your phone's flash, and speakers for some very spooky scares.  Also, there are little inside jokes sent to your phone during a scene, some of which are laugh out loud funny!  It would be a lot different watching this movie without the app, but I bet it would still be pretty enjoyable.   I think this app adds an extra element to the film, though, that you really need to check out.  I can really see this idea going places and improving, especially as our phones and tablets continue to improve.  

  Be sure to check out i-LIVED as soon as you can.  The DVD is out now on DVD from XLrator Media.


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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, August 25th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 8/25:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  ANIMALS
*  ATOM:  THE AMAZING ZOMBIE KILLER
*  BEG
*  CLIVE BARKER'S ORIGINS:  SALOME & THE FORBIDDEN
*  THE DISEMBODIED
*  DOCTOR SPINE
*  EVIL BONG 420
*  THE LONG ISLAND SERIAL KILLER
*  METAMORPHOSIS / BEYOND DARKNESS  [Blu-ray]
*  MORBID
*  NOCTURNAL ACTIVITY
*  PURGATORIUM
*  THE SENDER  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SORROW  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE WALKING DEAD Season 5  [DVD & Blu-ray]

Check out the trailer for the upcoming film, BITE!

 Ugh..this film looks downright disgusting.  So, naturally I can't wait to see it!  The film is called BITE and is being directed by Chad Archibald.  The film was produced by Black Fawn Films and Breakthrough Entertainment.  Here is the basic plot of the movie from the film's official website:

While on her bachelorette party getaway, Casey, the bride to be, gets a seemingly harmless bite from an unknown insect. After returning home with cold feet, Casey tries to call off her wedding but before she's able to, she starts exhibiting insect like traits. Between her physical transformation and her wedding anxiety, Casey succumbs to her new instincts and begins creating a hive that not only houses her translucent eggs, but feeds on the flesh of others. As her transformation becomes complete, Casey discovers that everything can change with a single bite.

  The film is playing film festivals now and there have been reports of people fainting and getting sick (puking) from watching this film.  If that isn't an excellent incentive to watch this film, then I don't know what is!   Hopefully I will have more info on a release date in the near future.


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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, August 18th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 8/18:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  BURN, WITCH, BURN  [Blu-ray]
*  CUB  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  DEVIL HUNTER / CANNIBAL TERROR Double Feature  [Blu-ray]
*  EJECTA  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  HAMMER FILMS COLLECTION Vol. 1
*  KANTEMIR
*  NIGHTMARE CASTLE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  NOMADS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  SOMETIMES AUNT MARTHA DOES DREADFUL THINGS
*  THE WIFE KILLER
*  WILLIAM CASTLE HORROR COLLECTION

Blu-ray review: HORSEHEAD (2014)

HORSEHEAD
Directed by  Romain Basset
Distributed by  Artsploitation Films

  Wow.  This is a visually stunning film, and an amazing achievement in film making in my opinion.  I have to admit, though, I can't say I understand it 100%.  Heck, I'm about 50/50 on understanding this thing.  The film is called HORSEHEAD and it is a basically a nightmare shown on film.   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Artsploitation Films website:

  Haunting and horrific, surreal and shocking, HORSEHEAD is a new horror-fantasy that pays tribute to the classic European shockers of Dario Argento and Mario Bava while also remaining a unique film with its own vision, delivering unforgettable images that both disturb and enchant. Director Romain Basset’s tale follows beautiful young Jessica (Lilly-Fleur Pointeaux) as she returns to her family’s countryside estate for her grandmother’s funeral. Haunted by recurring nightmares of a horse-headed monster, Jessica attempts to put her studies of “lucid dreaming” to good use, as she semi-consciously navigates through this dream landscape, trying to discover the secrets behind this sinister apparition. But Jessica must also cope with a hostile mother (The Beyond‘s Catriona MacColl), and the growing realization that the death of her grandmother was actually a suicide triggered by the woman’s past traumas and visions. HORSEHEAD is a feverish, ethereal journey through the world of nightmares.

  If you are a into visuals and symbolism, then this is definitely a film for you!  The film is shot beautifully with some amazing sets.   The acting is very good from everyone involved.   Like I mentioned above, I didn't understand a lot of this film, it's one I will need to watch a 2nd or even 3rd time to understand all the symbolism probably.  Even with the lack of understanding a lot of the film, that didn't take away any of the enjoyment factor whatsoever.  Basically, you can sit back watch and enjoy the visuals on display, some of which are beautiful, and some of which are downright terrifying.

  This is the first feature film from director Romain Basset, and is an amazing first effort in my opinion.  I can't wait to see what his future projects consist of!  This is a must see in my opinion. Check it out and let me know what you think.  If you've already seen the film, please leave a comment below and let us know what you thought of the film.
 
  HORSEHEAD is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Artsploitation Films.  Special features include the following:

*  Trailer
*  Inside Horsehead - The Making Of
*  Four Short Films


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer  (NSFW)
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray / DVD

DVD Review: LAKE PLACID VS. ANACONDA (2015)

LAKE PLACID VS. ANACONDA
Directed by  A.B. Stone
Distributed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

  With a title like that, it's gotta be good...right?  Well, LAKE PLACID VS. ANACONDA won't be winning any awards any time soon, but it achieves what it sets out to do which is entertain you with some mindless crocodile vs. giant snake action!   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the film's press release:

  Anacondas large enough to crush an SUV. Crocodiles strong enough to leap onto speedboats. When they’re not hunting for human prey, they’re more than willing to take on each other. Get ready for a non-stop bloodbath unlike anything you’ve seen before in this heart-pounding battle between mutated crocodiles and genetically engineered anacondas. Packed with hot sorority girls, big guns, and jaws massive enough to swallow a human in one bite, this is one screaming good time!

  If you're wondering what to expect with this film, keep in mind this was made for the SyFy  network.  If you are familiar with the movies they've been putting out lately, you will know exactly what you are in for with this film.   Let me start by saying that most of the acting in this movie is atrocious...except for horror icon Robert Englund, who is way out of his league with this film in my opinion.  But, we don't really watch these movies for the characters and the acting do we.  With a film like this, we are here for some great crocodile and anaconda action, and luckily, the film delivers when it comes to that.  

  Now again, realizing this is a SyFy movie, the creature effects are not something you will find in a big budget blockbuster film.   The animals are all CGI and it shows, very badly at some times.  If you can keep from letting that bother you, then you will be able to sit back and just enjoy the crazy croc vs. snake carnage!  The crocodile kills people, the anaconda kills people, then they fight each other in a crazy reptile title match!   While it's not the best of the LAKE PLACID or ANACONDA series, it is still a very fun creature feature that should keep you entertained for the entire running time.

LAKE PLACID VS. ANACONDA is available now on DVD from Sony Home Entertainment.

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

 
 
 

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, August 11th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 8/11:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  BLOODY HOMECOMING / VARSITY BLOOD
*  DEAD SILENCE  [Blu-ray]
*  HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH  [Blu-ray]
*  HORROR HOUSE ON HIGHWAY 6
*  I-LIVED
*  THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS  [Blu-ray]
*  POLTERGEIST ACTIVITY
*  THE RAIN KILLER
*  ROBOT OVERLORDS
*  UNFRIENDED  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  WAR GODS OF THE DEEP  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  ZOMBIE RESURRECTION

"FEAR, INC." Commences Production in Los Angeles

Check out this press release I recently got.  Sounds like we are in for a real treat with this one!

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LOS ANGELES, Aug. 6, 2015 –Lone Suspect announces that production will commence today in Los Angeles on its latest feature film FEAR, INC.  Written by Luke Barnett and directed by Vincent Masciale, who are best known for their viral videos on Will Ferrell’s “Funny or Die,” the film stars Lucas Neff (“Raising Hope”), Caitlin Stasey (TV’s “Reign”), Chris Marquette (ALPHA DOG) and Stephanie Drake (“Mad Men”).  The supporting cast is rounded out with Naomi Grossman (“American Horror Story”), Ashlynn Yennie (THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE), Patrick Renner (THE SANDLOT), Ronnie Gene Blevins (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES) and Richard Riehle (OFFICE SPACE).

Luke Barnett, Vincent Masciale along with Heather Kasprzak and Natalie Masciale are producing FEAR, INC. under their Lone Suspect banner. Gabriel Cowan and John Suits of New Artists Alliance as well as Tanner Thomason and Frank Masciale are executive producing the film.

FEAR, INC. follows a company of degenerates who can be hired for a premium to bring your greatest fears to life. But when horror junkie Joe Foster's customized scare seemingly begins, he and his friends must decide if this company is there to scare them, or make them pawns in their own sick game.

"With the self referential humor of films like SCREAM and CABIN IN THE WOODS and our background with Funny or Die, the goal is to add a large comedic element to the dark material," said director Vincent Masciale.
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 I love the idea of the comedic element being added to the horror film.  If done right, it can make for an extremely enjoyable film!   Hopefully I can post more news on this new film as it becomes available.

DVD Review: THE WIFE KILLER (1976)

THE WIFE KILLER
Written by  Thanos Leivaditis
Directed by Kostas Karagiannis (as Dacosta Carayan)
Distributed by Mondo Macabro / CAV Distributing

  I am a big fan of foreign horror films, but one country's films I am not very familiar with is Greece.   In fact, the only Greek horror film I could name you was ISLAND OF DEATH.  Well, now I can add a 2nd film to my Greek knowledge.   The film is called THE WIFE KILLER, or DEATH KISS as it was originally known.  I honestly don't think I would classify this as a true horror film.  It is more of a Giallo type crime film in my opinion.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the CAV website: 

Penniless playboy Captain Jim is in hock to his rich older wife, Helen. She has even bought him the fancy yacht that now bears his name. But Jim does not want to be Helen’s toy boy any more. He wants to marry his lover, Laura. He pays a psychopathic killer of women to murder Helen so that he will inherit his wife’s millions. But the psycho killer has his own plans. Suspecting Jim will double cross him, he engineers a complex scheme that will give him the upper hand. Very much in the style of the violent and baroque “Giallo” thrillers from 1970s Italy, The Wife Killer is a twisted, shocking and brutal exploration of the devious male psyche. Previously only released to cinemas in a cut version, this is the first official DVD release of the film in the U.S., complete and uncensored.

 As I mentioned, this is not what I would really refer to as a true "horror" film, although there is a lot of killing and blood.  The film is a crime drama, and a very good one at that.  I must admit, when I first started watching this film, I was afraid it was going to be a very boring, dull film, as it starts off very slow.  Stick with it, though, and you will be rewarded with a very entertaining film, full of plot twists and some great double crossing by the likes of the killer.

 While this won't be for everyone, if you are a fan of crime dramas and particularly 70's Italian Giallo films, you will definitely want to give this film a watch.

THE WIFE KILLER will be available on DVD August 18th, and will contain the following special features:

- Brand new transfer from film negative
- Uncut Version
- Greek/English audio choices
- Newly created optional subtitles
- Extensive production notes
- Interview with producer
- Documentary on Greek Cult Cinema
- Trailers
- Mondo Macabro previews


CLICK HERE to pre-order the DVD

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, August 4th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that came out today, 8/4:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)


*  3-HEADED SHARK ATTACK
*  ALWAYS WATCHING
*  APPETITES
*  BLACK  BOX
*  BURYING THE EX
*  INNER DEMONS
*  LAKE PLACID VS. ANACONDA
*  THE NIGHTMARE   [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  TOOLBOX MURDERS 2   [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  TORMENTED
*  WYRMWOOD:  ROAD OF THE DEAD  [DVD & Blu-ray]