Blu-ray Review: NIGHTMARE WEEKEND (1986)

NIGHTMARE WEEKEND
Directed by  Henri Sala           
Distributed by Vinegar Syndrome

  Let me start by saying I LOVE the 80's.  I love everything about that decade.  It is the decade I grew up in and have such fond memories from.  I love the wacky music, the crazy clothes and the weird and wild movies.    I truly think the 1980s was the best decade for horror films, followed closely by the 1970's.    NIGHTMARE WEEKEND is a perfect example of a wild, crazy, 1980's horror film.   Here is the basic plot from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

  A brilliant computer scientist has just finished work on his greatest creation: a super computer with the ability to transform the personalities of bad and disobedient people. In anticipation of sharing his work with the scientific community, the scientist invites a fellow expert to test the machine on a group of debauched young women. Little does he know that his colleague intends to use the computer to turn their subjects into bloodthirsty mutants!
  Made by a French crew in Florida, NIGHTMARE WEEKEND is a non-stop assault on the senses. Head explosions, gratuitous nudity and softcore sex, bikers, roller-skating, and a telepathic hand puppet named George rank NIGHTMARE WEEKEND among the weirdest and most jaw droppingly absurd horror films of the 1980s. Long available only in low quality transfers of the R rated version, Vinegar Syndrome presents this forgotten trash masterpiece fully uncut and in widescreen, on Blu-ray for the first time!

  You can tell this film is from the 80's as it is very dated with the wardrobe and props, but I have to admit it was fun seeing guys with huge Walkmans and earphones and women doing jazzercize and roller skating!    While that was a lot fun and brought back some memories, the film itself was a lot of fun, although it was very strange.  In fact, one of the main characters is a talking hand puppet.  I still don't quite get how he fit into this film, but the actors act like he is just any other co-star and act totally normal with the puppet as a character.  Very weird for sure...and again, only from a movie from the 80's! 

   The film has some great gore scenes for fans of that (aren't we all), some great kills, and some great action, including a killer car that is controlled by a video game!?  Ha!  Did I mention how crazy and weird this film was?   This is a film you will need to check out for sure if you have never seen it.  This is such a nostalgic 80s flick and one that surely belongs in any DVD/BD collector's library!

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

*  Blu-ray/DVD Combo | Region Free | 1.85:1 OAR
*  Restored in 2k from 35mm internegative
*  All extras on both Blu-ray and DVD
*  “THANK GOD IT’S MONDAY” – Surviving Nightmare Weekend with Dean Gates (23min)
*  “KILLER WEEKEND” – An Interview with Marc Gottlieb (13min)
*  Alternate R rated edits
*  Original theatrical trailer
*  Reversible artwork
*  English SDH subtitles


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

Blu-ray Review: MORITURIS (2011)

MORITURIS
Directed by:  Raffaele Picchio
Distributed by Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

  Very seldom do I get a movie to review that I have never heard of, but that was the case with MORITURIS.   I am really surprised that I had never heard of this one, as it was a very fun, entertaining horror film!  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Synapse website:

  Two lovely Romanian girls take a trip with three Italian men to a rumored midnight rave in the middle of a dark forest. As the gang proceeds on foot to their final destination, a mysterious graveyard is discovered, a shockingly vile plot twist is revealed and bloodthirsty undead Roman gladiators rise from the dead to torture and mutilate their victims! For the two women, an already terrifying night is about to get much, much worse, as the zombified warriors hunt down the group to tear their heads off! Will anyone survive the night? An interesting mix of old school 1980s Italian horror, with a touch of the brutality of Wes Craven’s THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, MORITURIS is an unflinching, strong, cruel and extremely violent film featuring gruesome effects from Italian SPFX maestro, Sergio Stivaletti (DEMONS, DEMONS 2, DELLAMORTE DELLAMORE, Dario Argento’s OPERA).

  This film is very strange to say the least.....the first half is very uncomfortable rape/revenge type film while the 2nd half is just a completely crazy kill fest involving zombie Roman Gladiators.  I know it sounds weird and it is, but somehow it works and makes for a very fun film!  While there is not as much gore as I had hoped, what we do see if very well done.   The picture quality with this Blu-ray release is very good as is the acting.   Synapse always puts out some of the best films and this one is a very nice addition to their catalog. 

  This is a great film that all horror fans should check out.  Horror fans are always complaining that no good, original horror films come out these days.  Well, I for one have never seen resurrected Roman Gladiators rise from the dead and kill young adults in the middle of the forest.  This one definitely brings something new to the table!  Check this one out for sure!

  MORITURIS is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Synapse Films and contains the following special features:

*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Reversible Cover Art


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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 9/22:

*  ALLELUIA  [Blu-ray]
*  BLEADING LADY [Blu-ray]
*  FATAL PROPOSAL
*  JUDY:  THE NAME FOR TERROR
*  THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW: 40th Anniversary edition [Blu-ray]
*  THE SENTINEL  [Blu-ray]
*  THE WOODS  [Blu-ray]

It's GIVEAWAY time!!! Enter to win an awesome DVD/VHS prizepack from Wild Eye Releasing!

 Wow, I had no idea it has been sooo long since I've done a giveaway here on the 4H blog!  So, let's not make it any longer....let's do a giveaway right now!!  Up for grabs is what I consider one of my greatest prizes ever!  This is a LIMITED EDITION Collectors VHS / DVD bundle of the film MOLD! courtesy of the fine folks at Wild Eye Releasing!   Enter for your chance to win this awesome prize, completely FREE!  That's right, I'll even pay the shipping to you (U.S. only).  You've got nothing to loose!  Tell your friends! Enter today!

TO ENTER THE CONTEST, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

1. If you are not already, become a FOLLOWER of this blog! (Click the JOIN THIS SITE button under the "Followers" section of the blog on the right hand side). Ok, I'm feeling nice, you don't HAVE to become a follower of this blog to enter, but I sure would appreciate it!  
     

2. Leave a comment on this post with your NAME and EMAIL ADDRESS so I can contact you for your shipping info if you are the winner (if valid email address is not given, I will post the winners name on the site and winner will have one week to contact me with their shipping info. If prize is not claimed within one week, prize will be forfeited). For an extra entry, share the link to this contest on your facebook, twitter, myspace, google+, etc. Put in the comment where you shared the link and post a link to it if possible.

3. Only one comment per person. Multiple comments will result in removal of all your comments therefore removing all your chances of winning!

4. Contest is scheduled to end on Wednesday, October 14th, 2015. Comments must be left by the end of the day on 10/14  in order to count towards the contest.

5. Contest winner will be chosen by random.org and must agree to let me post their name in a separate post stating who won the prize.

6. Due to shipping costs, contest is open to U.S. Residents only. Thank you for your understanding.

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

Blu-ray Review: TROMA'S WAR (1988)

TROMA'S WAR
Directed by  Michael Herz, &  Lloyd Kaufman
Distributed by Troma Entertainment

  I can't tell you how much I love Troma films.....they are just so goofy and wild. They are impossible not to like.   TROMA'S WAR is one of Troma's films that I had never seen before, and I can't believe I went this long without seeing it.  While I love most all of Troma's films, this one catapulted to the top of my favorite's list for sure!   Here is a brief synopsis of the film courtesy of the Troma website:

  TROMA’S WAR is Troma’s masterpiece. Directed by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz, TROMA’S WAR is packed with gargantuan battle scenes, heart stopping stunts, and never-before-seen special effects. TROMA’S WAR is the action film that all good citizens of the world can be proud of and enjoy! TROMA’S WAR is Troma’s answer to PLATOON and APOCALYPSE NOW. It is the first war picture that combines satire, sex, special effects make-up, stunts, gore and a beautiful love story.
   A small group of typical Tromaville citizens find themselves in the path of a terrorist army controlled by the power elite. The freedom of Tromaville and the world is at stake! TROMA’S WAR creates new kinds of heroes. A used car salesman, a handsome environmentalist, an obese junk-food gourmand, a seventy-year-old housewife, some sensational young women, a year old jingoistic baby and more sensational women all become deadly soldiers in the most unusual and explosive, action-packed combat film ever produced by the Troma Team.

  To me, this is Troma's true masterpiece. While the Toxic Avenger films might be more popular, TROMA'S WAR is probably the best made Troma film I have seen.  You can tell the budget was high on this film.  The acting is good, although some of it is very campy which is very typical of most all Troma films.   There are a lot of characters in this film, all of which are fun to watch in their own unique ways.  Aside from the silliness of the film, it is actually quite action packed with lots of gun play and tons of explosions!

  This is one I will definitely be revisiting soon.  If you are a fan of Troma films, this one is a must have in your collection.

  TROMA'S WAR is available now on Blu-ray which contains the following special features:

*  Director's commentary
*  London's War
*  Post war reflections
*  Kill-O-Meter
*  2 minutes with Rof
*  Veteran's Day: a post-tromatic reunion
*  Original theatrical trailer
*  Troma trailers


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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, September 15th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 9/15:


*  ALETA VAMPIRE MISTRESS
*  BUZZARD
*  CREATURE WITH THE ATOM BRAIN
*  DOLLFACE
*  DUST DEVIL
*  HALLOWEEN 6: THE PRODUCER'S CUT  [Blu-ray]
*  HAUNTING AT THE RECTORY
*  HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS  [Blu-ray]
*  THE LEGACY  [Blu-ray]

Blu-ray Review: ANGST (1983)

ANGST
Directed by:  Gerald Kargl
Distributed by Cult Epics / CAV Distributing

 Cult Epics has been putting out some wonderful films lately, and this latest release is no different.   Their latest release is the Austrian film ANGST from 1983.  Here is the basic synopsis from the CAV website:

  ANGST, photographed by legendary Oscar-winning Polish animator/experimentalist Zbig Rybczynski and scored by Krautrock synth god Klaus Schulze (Tangerine Dream), is one hell of a gorgeously stylized and shockingly visceral experience: a forgotten classic on the fringes of the slasher cycle. Erwin Leder (Das Boot, Schindler's List) plays a maniacal killer based on the real-life serial murderer Werner Kniesek. As he stalks through the bland Viennese countryside, Schulze's music pulses darkly, and Zbig's innovative "first-person" camerawork grabs you by the throat, never letting go. Angst is one film that, without any empty hyperbole, we can guarantee you'll never, ever forget.

 This is definitely one of those films that will stay with you long after you view it.  To say it's disturbing is an understatement.   The film focus on a psychopath that knows nothing more than killing.  Once he is released from prison, he can't help but continue on his killing streak.  The film is very realistic and has a very dark, disturbing feel to it.  That is a great accomplishment of the filmmakers for sure.   The acting is also very good by everyone involved, especially by Erwin Leder who plays the part of the killer.

  The camerawork is something that really sets this film apart from others like it.  The cinematography of ANGST is amazing, with some very good camera shots and setups.  These shots really let you get inside the mind of the killer as you follow directly behind him as he goes about his killings.

  I'm sure I won't be the first reviewer to compare this to the classic serial killer film, HENRY:  PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER.   This film reminded me of that film in spots, but ANGST was the better of the two films in my opinion, as it just feels more real.   Kudos to director  for this great film.  I find it very strange, and sad, that this was Director Gerald Kargl's only film!  If this was his first feature film, I would have loved to have seen more by this great filmmaker.

 ANGST is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Cult Epics and CAV Distribution.  Special Features include the following:

- New High-definition Transfer
- Optional playback with or without Prologue
- New Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Introduction by Gaspar Noé (2015)
- Featurette: Erwin Leder in Fear (2015)
- Interview with Gerald Kargl by Jorg Buttgeriet (2003)
- Interview with cinematographer Zbigniew Rybzcynski (2004)
- Audio Commentary by Gerald Kargl conducted by film critic Marcus Stiglegger
- New HD Trailer

The Blu-ray also includes the following:
- 40 Page booklet which includes Interviews with Gerald Kargl, Erwin Leder, Silvia Rabenreither, Illustrated with rare photos and Werner Kniesek original Kurier articles.
- Colectible Blu-ray Slipcase and Sleeve


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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, September 8th, 2015

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that came out today, 9/8:

*  ANGST   [Blu-ray]
*  THE EDITOR  [DVD/Blu-ray combo]
*  MORITURIS:  LEGIONS OF THE DEAD  [Blu-ray]
*  SHOCKER  [Blu-ray]
*  SUPERNATURAL:  SEASON 10  [DVD & Blu-ray]

DVD Review: CLIVE BARKER ORIGINS: SALOME AND THE FORBIDDEN

CLIVE BARKER ORIGINS:  SALOME AND THE FORBIDDEN
Written and Directed by:  Clive Barker
Distributed by MVD Entertainment

  If you are a fan of Clive Barker, you will definitely want to check out SALOME & THE FORBIDDEN,  two short films made by Barker back in the 70's.   SALOME was made in 1973 when Barker was only 21 years old.  THE FORBIDDEN was filmed in 1978 when Barker was 26.   It is very interesting to get to see these early works of Mr. Barker's.   These two short films have been released together on one DVD from MVD.  Here is a bit about the films from the MVD website:

  In 1970s Liverpool, Clive Barker and a small group of friends from college made two short films. "Salome" (1973) and "The Forbidden" (1978) feature early footage of Barker, who also did most of the special effects, and Doug Bradley, who went on to fame as Pinhead in the "Hellraiser" films. Also included are interviews with Barker, Bradley and other key players. Contains graphic violence and nudity. "Salome" is an 18-minute version of the tale based on the Oscar Wilde play and "The Forbidden" is a 35-minute short.

  These films are very strange to say the least.  There is very little to no dialog in the films.  They are very "art-house" type films full of weird, creepy imagery and scenes.  Seeing as how they were shot in the 70's on pretty cheap film equipment, the quality is pretty bad so keep that in mind when you go to view these films.  Also, if there were plots for these films, I sure couldn't find them upon viewing these short films.  I'm not sure if plot is really what Barker was concentrating on here, though.   I think these were filmed more as a showcase for his special effects and creepy imagery.

  It's pretty amazing to see what Barker went on to do when you compare these early films to his more modern stuff.  I think everyone would agree that the HELLRAISER films were his greatest achievement.  Some of the imagery is similar and it is very interesting to see how he started his career.  

  Included on this DVD is a great interview with a young Clive Barker about his early films.  This was a very interesting interview I had never seen before and to me, makes this DVD worth the purchase for sure.   The DVD is available now from MVD.


CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

 

 

 

 

Blu-ray Review: DER TODESKING (1990)

DER TODESKING
Written & Directed by Jörg Buttgereit
Distributed by Cult Epics / CAV Distributing

  If you are familiar with the films of Jorg Buttgereit, you will know what you are in for when you go into your first viewing of DER TODESKING (The Death King).  Buttgereit is the mastermind behind the cult films, NEKROMANTIK and NEKROMANTIK 2.   With DER TODESKING, Buttgereit has once again given us a very powerful film.  His films are shocking to say the least, but you can't help but want to watch.   As vile and disgusting as the subject matter and scenes might be, Buttgereit somehow manages to find beauty in them at the same time.  Here is the basic plot of DER TODESKING from Cult Epics:

Cult Epics presents the third release in the series Corpse F##king Art; Jorg Buttgereit’s powerful masterpiece Der Todesking (aka The Death King), made in-between Nekromantik (1987) and Nekromantik 2 (1991). Seven stories on Death and Suicide, each taking place on a different day of the week, enframed by the decomposition of a human body. Warning: extremely graphic.

 That's it...pretty basic.  This film focuses on death, both murders and suicides.  While hard to watch, it's even harder to turn away.    I love Buttgereit's film style with his great camera angles and choice of music. This film was a little different than his others in that it is basically 7 scenes, each for a day of the week, put together to form the film.  Each day focuses on a different set of characters and situations, all resulting in death in some manner.  In between each day we get a scene of a decaying corpse, that gets progressively worse during each of the 7 days.  Again, the film can be hard to watch, as death is something that most people are not comfortable with.  Death is just as much a part of life as life itself is, so it is not something we should shy away from when it comes to a film's subject matter.  I can understand, though, how some people might find this film disturbing, so watch at your own risk.

DER TODESKING is available now on limited edition DVD and Blu-ray from Cult Epics and
contains the following special features:

* New Director’s Approved HD transfer (taken from the original 16mm negative)
* New Introduction by Jorg Buttgereit (2015)
* Audio Commentary by Jorg Buttgereit and co-author Franz Rodenkirchen
* The Making of Der Todesking
* Still Photo Gallery
* JB HD Trailers
* Corpse F##king Art (Documentary) 1983, 60 Minutes, HD transfer
* Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
* The first 3000 Blu-ray copies include Collectible Artwork
* 25th Anniversary (Silver embossed) Slipcover and Corpse F##king Art Postcard


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

 

 

 

 

Check out the "HELL AND BACK" trailer

  You don't see many rated R stop-motion animation films, but that is exactly what HELL AND BACK is.   The movie is about a couple of friends that set out to rescue one of their friends that has been dragged to Hell.  It's obviously more comedy than horror, but I think it will be a lot of fun!  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think!

  HELL AND BACK will be released in theaters October 2nd of this year.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer