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!! 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

  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

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

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that came out tomorrow, 11/3:

*  BLOODSUCKING BASTARDS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  CHARLIE'S FARM  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  DARK WAS THE NIGHT  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE DIABOLICOL  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  EXPRESSWAY TO YOUR SKULL
*  THE FINAL GIRLS  [DVD & Blu-ray]*  FLESH FOR THE BEAST:  TSUKIKO'S CURSE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  KRAMPUS:  THE CHRISTMAS DEVIL
*  KRAMPUS:  THE RECKONING
*  LAVALANTULA
*  MEXICO BARBARO 
*  SECRETS OF A PSYCHOPATH
*  SOME KIND OF HATE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  STUNG  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  TENDERNESS OF THE WOLVES  [DVD/Blu-ray Arrow Combo]
*  TIGER HOUSE  [DVD & Blu-ray]