This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, March 1st, 2016

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD releases that come out tomorrow, 3/1:

*  ALFRED HITCHCOCK:  THE MASTERPIECE COLLECTION  [Blu-ray]
*  THE BOY  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  DEAR GOD NO!  [Blu-ray]
*  THE FEAR OF DARKNESS  [DVD]
*  HOME  [DVD]
*  INTRUDERS  [DVD]
*  KILL OR BE KILLED  [DVD]
*  LUST OF THE DEAD 4  [DVD]
*  NARCOPOLIS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PIECES  [Blu-ray/CD combo]
*  SCREAM AT THE DEVIL  [DVD]
*  THE SINFUL DWARF  [Blu-ray]
*  TRANFORMATIONS  [Blul-ray]
*  ZOOMBIES  [DVD]

Blu-ray Review: DEATHGASM (2015)

DEATHGASM
Written & Directed by  Jason Lei Howden
Distributed by Dark Sky Films

  I had no clue what to expect going into this film.  I knew nothing about it and had not seen any trailers or pics from the film.  To be honest, I wasn't really expecting much out of this one, but what I got blew me away.  This is by far one of the most enjoyable films I have seen in years!  Not since the EVIL DEAD films have I enjoyed gore so much!   Here is the plot synopsis of the film from the Dark Sky Films website:

  High School is Hell! Metal-thrashing Brodie is an outcast in a sea of jocks and cheerleaders until he meets a kindred spirit in fellow metalhead Zakk. After starting their own band, Brodie and Zakk’s resentment of the suburban wasteland leads them to a mysterious piece of sheet music said to grant Ultimate Power to whoever plays it. But the music also summons an ancient evil entity known as Aeloth The Blind One, who threatens to tear apart existence itself. Their classmates and family become inhabited by demonic forces, tearing out their own eyes and turning into psychotic murderers… and this is only the beginning!
  It’s up to Brodie, Zakk and their group of friends to stop a force of pure evil from devouring all of mankind. A blood-soaked and hilarious horror comedy, DEATHGASM features an amazing original soundtrack of fist-banging metal and practical effects to satisfy metalheads and splatter fans alike. DEATHGASM will gush bodily fluids, rain limbs and tickle your funny bone, before tearing it out and giving you a stiff beating with it.

  This film is one of the goriest I have seen in quite a while, which is an excellent thing!  On top of that, the effects in this film look to all be practical effects which is also an excellent thing!   The film reminded me of other gorefests, such as EVIL DEAD, RE-ANIMATOR, and DEAD ALIVE just to name a few.   They don't make horror movies like this a lot these days, so I am very thankful for director Jason Lei Howden  for creating this remarkable film.  Also worth noting is the great soundtrack.  If you are heavy metal fan, you are in for a treat with the great music throughout the film.

  Every aspect of this film is spot on, from the acting and camera work, to the above mentioned gore effects.   While the film is a horror films, it is also a dark comedy and Howden does a great job mixing the two genres together.   Making a horror comedy can be very hard to do, as you have to find just the right balance of comedy and horror.   Filmmakers wanting to make a horror/comedy film should use DEATHGASM as the gold standard on how to achieve such a film.

  DEATHGASM is a must see in my opinion.  It is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Dark Sky Films and contains the following special features:

*  Commentary with Writer-Director Jason Lei Howden
*  Featurettes
*  Music Video:  Bulletbelt- "Deathgasm"
*  Trailers/Teasers


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

DVD Review: EXCESS FLESH (2015)

EXCESS FLESH 
Directed by   Patrick Kennelly
Distributed by Midnight Releasing

  A lot of films sound like they are going to be extreme, or the trailer makes them up to be and then they let us down.  EXCESS FLESH is NOT one of those films!  This film was even more extreme and disturbing than I thought it would be!  

Here is the plot synopsis from the film's official press release: 

  Jill is obsessed with her new roommate Jennifer, a promiscuous and sexy hotshot in the LA Fashion scene.  New to the city and recently single, Jill is unable to keep up as she binges and purges to stay thin; eventually hating herself and everyone around her.  Her jealousy and rage spiral out of control -- Jennifer has everything, and Jill wants to be just like her.  If Jill can’t BE Jennifer, she must destroy her.

  This film reminds me a lot of MARTYRS or INSIDE.   Not in terms of plot, but in terms of the extremeness of the film.  The film is very graphic and disturbing.   Jill obviously has some very deep emotional and mental issues, and they all come to a head once she snaps and begins keeping Jennifer locked up in their apartment.   Jill treats Jennifer in an extreme way, making her eat like a dog out of a bowl, or not letting her eat at all.

  The film is very artistic at some points, and then very dirty and graphic at others.  It has an interesting balance of beauty and repulsion, all mixed together.   The acting is wonderful by all involved, especially by our two main characters.   Both are very convincing as a captor and victim.  The film also has an excellent soundtrack, with some "music" that is more of just noise and static at some points, which really highlights the disturbing scenes occurring on screen at the time.

  I can't say enough good things about this film!  This is a must see and a must have for any horror DVD collectors out there.  EXCESS FLESH will be available via DVD and VOD March 8th, 2016!  Check out the links below to stay up to date on news and DVD release info!


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

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, February 23rd, 2016

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD releases that come out tomorrow, 2/23:

*  AMERICAN HORROR PROJECT  Vol. 1  [Blu-ray]
*  THE BEES  [Blu-ray]
*  BIGFOOT VS. ZOMBIES  [DVD]
*  CHILDREN SHOULDN'T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS  [Blu-ray]
*  THE CURSE / THE CURSE II  [Blu-ray]
*  DEMONOID  [Blu-ray/DVD combo]
*  THE EMBALMER / RED HEADED CORPSE  [DVD]
*  THE EXECUTIONER Part 2 / FROZEN SCREAM  [DVD]
*  FRANKENSTEIN  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  GRINDHOUSE HORROR SHOW  [DVD]
*  HOUSE OF AFFLICTIONS   [DVD]
*  SECRET IN THEIR EYES  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW   [Blu-ray]
*  UPSIDEDOWN CROSS  [DVD]
*  VOICES FROM THE GRAVE   [DVD]
*  WHORE  [DVD]

Congratulations to the winner of my latest Blu-ray giveaway!

  Congratulations to the winner of my latest Blu-ray giveaway courtesy of Universal Home Entertainment and ThinkJam Distributing!!   Up for grabs was a Blu-ray copy of SINISTER 2! 

The results are in, and the random number generator picked comment/entry # 7 which belongs to Matthew Baker.

  Congratulations Matthew!!  I'll be in touch to get your mailing address, and your Blu-ray will be sent to you directly from ThinkJam. 

  Congrats, and don't worry if you didn't win this time.  Check back often as I have more DVD's ready to give away!!

 Thanks to all those that entered!

Blu-ray Review: THE GREEN INFERNO (2013)

THE GREEN INFERNO
Directed by:   Eli Roth
Distributed by:  Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

  If you are a horror movie fan, then you have surely heard about Eli Roth's latest film, THE GREEN INFERNO.   It was made a few years ago, but then was in distribution limbo for quite sometime.  Luckily the great folks at Universal Pictures took a chance on the film and it was given a wide theatrical release back in September of last year.   If you failed to catch this film at the theater, it is available now on DVD and Blu-ray, so get your hands on a copy asap.    Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Universal website:

  The mastermind behind the Hostel franchise and Cabin Fever, horror auteur Eli Roth, serves up a feast of gut-wrenching terror in the gruesome fear-fest The Green Inferno. Determined to protect the Amazon rainforest, a group of student activists fly to Peru only to crash-land deep in the jungle. Captured by a pack of bloodthirsty cannibals, the survivors suffer unspeakable acts of butchery at the hands of the very tribe they were trying to save. A non-stop barrage of carnage and chills, The Green Inferno is an unhinged blast!

  One of my favorite sub-genres of horror is the Cannibal film.   There is something extremely disturbing with the thought of humans that hunt, kill, and eat other humans.    We were given many cannibal films back in the 70's and early 80's, most notable were CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST and CANNIBAL FEROX.     I love these films and assumed this sub-genre was dead.  I assumed no filmmaker wanted to tackle such a taboo subject matter such as cannibalism.   Thank goodness my assumption was wrong and what better filmmaker to bring us as a new cannibal film than master of horror, Eli Roth!

  Mr. Roth brings back true horror with this latest project.   If you are tired of all the PG-13 horror films coming out lately, you will be glad to finally see a true, rated R horror film.   The film definitely earns it's R rating.   There is some extremely graphic gore in this film, as you would expect with a cannibal film.   The story line is good as well, with a nice little twist at the end.   The acting was great throughout the film, and the camera work was excellent.    

  If I had to find a flaw with this film, it was the bit of comic relief Roth threw in concerning some pot and the cannibals getting high.  That part just seemed silly to me and sort of ruined the flow of the dark subject matter the rest of the film has.    But that is just one little gripe.  Overall I loved this movie and really welcome the cannibal sub-genre back thanks to Eli Roth.  I hope other filmmakers take note and we can see some other cannibal films in the near future!

  THE GREEN INFERNO is available now on DVD and Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

*  Photo Gallery
*  Feature Commentary with Co-Writer/Director/Producer Eli Roth, Producer Nicolas Lopez, and Stars Lorenza Izzo, Aaron Burns, Kirby Bliss Blanton, and Daryl Sabara.


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 and Blu-ray releases, February 16th, 2016

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD releases that come out tomorrow, 2/16:

*  CURSE OF THE FACELESS MAN  [BD]
*  FRANKENSTEIN:  THE COMPLETE MINI SERIES EVENT  [DVD & BD]
*  THE MUTILATOR  [Arrow BD/DVD combo]
*  RIDDLE ROOM
*  THE VINCENT PRICE COLLECTION VOL. 3  [BD]

Blu-ray Review: A LIZARD IN A WOMAN'S SKIN (1971)

A LIZARD IN A WOMAN'S SKIN
Directe by:  Lucio Fulci
Distributed by Mondo Macabro / CAV Distributing

  Let me start by saying I am a huge fan of Luico Fulci.  I have loved every single film I have seen of his, from his classic zombie epics to his early giallo films.  While I have seen most of Fulci's popular films, A LIZARD IN A WOMAN'S SKIN somehow never crossed my path.  I was super excited going into a Fulci film that I had never seen before.  I built this film up in my head and really hoped I was not setting myself up for a let-down.  Luckily, not only was I not let down, I was blown away by how good of a film this is.   Needless to say I was not disappointed.  

  Here is the basic plot synopsis from the official press release:

  Mondo Macabro is very proud to present A Lizard In A Women's Skin, released in HD on Blu-ray for the very first time in North America. Carol Hammond, the frustrated wife of a successful London lawyer, is having bizarre, erotic dreams about her uninhibited neighbor, Julia Durer, who presides over noisy, sex and drug filled parties in the house next door. One night, Carol's dreams culminate in violent death and she wakes to find her nightmares have become reality - Julia has been murdered and Carol is the main suspect. This frightening discovery is just the beginning of a labyrinthine psycho sexual shocker which takes the viewer on a wild ride through a series of frequently breathtaking set pieces that set new standards for the Italian thriller.
  This first US Blu-ray release of the film, taken from the original negative, is the longest, uncut version currently available and comes with a host of exclusive extras. Directed by controversial film maker Lucio Fulci (The New York Ripper, House by the Cemetery, Zombie), Lizard in a Woman's Skin is considered by many critics to be his finest achievement.

  While I would probably say that THE BEYOND is my favorite Fulci film, LIZARD ranks right up there near the top for sure.   This film is quite a bit different from Fulci's other films that focus on more gore and shock.   This one really doesn't have that much gore to speak of, but don't let that turn you off of this film.   While the film doesn't focus on the gore, there are still a few great scenes including one with some dissected dogs that was almost too disgusting to stomach!

  The film has some amazing imagery and some fantastic dream sequences.  While I won't pretend I understood everything that was happening at all times, I enjoyed seeing it happen non the less.   The dream sequences were very moody and atmospheric and felt like an arthouse style of film at some points.  

  This one was a lot different that a lot of his films, but I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed it.  This is a must see for any Fulci fans out there!

  A LIZARD IN A WOMAN'S SKIN is available now from Mondo Macabro and CAV Distributing and contains the following special features:

*  Brand new HD transfer from film negative
*  Shedding the Skin - documentary
*  Dr Lucio Fulci's Day for Night - directed by Antonietta De Lillo - interview with Lucio Fulci
*  Interview with writer Stephen Thrower
*  Interview with actor Tony Adams
*  Audio commentary with Kris Gavin
*  Two original trailers
*  Radio spots
*  Italian/English Language/subtitle choices

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

 

 

 

Enter for your chance to win a FREE Blu-ray of SINISTER 2!!

  It's time for another Blu-ray Giveway from the 4H blog and the fine folks at Universal Home Entertainment and ThinkJam Distributing!  Universal and ThinkJam are giving you the chance to win some FREE Blu-rays of Universal's hottest new horror Releases!!

  We've already given away a copy of M. Night Shyamalan's latest film, THE VISIT, and Eli Roth's latest film, THE GREEN INFERNO.   Our last giveaway is here and this time we are giving away a blul-ray copy of the frightening sequel SINISTER 2!

 Here is the basic synopsis of SINISTER 2 from the Universal Home Entertainment website:

  The sequel to the 2012 sleeper hit horror movie. In the aftermath of the shocking events in Sinister, a protective mother (Shannyn Sossamon of Wayward Pines) and her nine-year-old twin sons (real-life brothers Robert and Dartanian Sloan) find themselves marked for death in a rural house as the evil spirit of Bughuul continues to spread with frightening intensity.

   If you didn't get a chance to check out SINISTER 2 in theaters, now is the time to do so with the Blu-ray release.  SINISTER 2 was released on Blu-ray and DVD January 12th, 2016, but you can win a copy FREE by entering my latest contest today!!

CLICK HERE for more info and to watch the trailer

  In order to win, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post below, and tell me what your favorite horror sequel is.   Include your email so I can contact you.  If you would rather not leave your email address, then just comment on the post and then shoot me an email (zombiehayes@hotmail.com) so I will be able to get in touch with you if you are the winner.  The contest will run from now through Saturday, January 17th and the winner will be chosen at random on Thursday, January 18th.   I will send an email to the winner to collect their mailing address, and then the Blu-ray will be sent directly to the winner from ThinkJam.   Only 1 comment/entry per person please.

Thanks, and GOOD LUCK!!

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, February 9th, 2016

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD releases that come out tomorrow, 2/9:

*  CONVERGENCE   [DVD & BD]
*  CRIMSON PEAK  [DVD & BD]
*  CUT HERE OUT
*  E.N.D
*  FREAKS OF NATURE  [DVD & BD]
*  HANGMAN
*  A LIZARD IN A WOMAN'S SKIN  [BD]
*  RED KROKODIL
*  SOCIOPATHIA
*  ZOMBIE CROC

DVD Review: BLOOD PUNCH (2014)

BLOOD PUNCH
Directed by:  Madellaine Paxson
Distributed by:  Midnight Releasing


  If you are one of those horror fans that complains about there not being any new or original ideas when it comes to horror movies these days, then you will definitely want to check out BLOOD PUNCH from Midnight Releasing.   Here is the plot synopsis courtesy of Midnight Releasing:

On the promise of the ultimate drug score, brilliant chemistry student Milton breaks out of court mandated rehab to follow the mysterious and seductive Skylar and her boyfriend, Russell, to an isolated hunting lodge, where they intend to produce enough meth to set them up for life. Caught in the middle of a love-triangle, Milton and Skylar murder Russell, burying his body in the woods. The next morning they are horrified to find him alive and well, with no memory of the day before. Forced into an endless cycle of death, carnage, and mayhem, Milton is desperate for answers and a way out. But the truth is more horrifying than he could have ever imagined, nothing is as it seems, and there is no one to trust–least of all himself.

  So the film basically centers on a guy and girl who are secluded in a cabin in the woods.  The girl's boyfriend then finds them and goes to the cabin and is killed.  Then he comes back, and they kill him again.  Each day the boyfriend keeps showing up and the guy and girl have to dispose of him in any way they can.    This leads to some very entertaining kills, and provides lots of good gore and bloody effects.

  The film is shot very well with a production value that looks much better than what it's actual budget was I am suspecting.   The acting is excellent from all involved and it's cast perfectly.  Actor Ari Boyland does an excellent job as the psycho boyfriend.  I have to imagine getting killed in a horror movie would be a lot of fun, to think this guy got to do it over and over again with each time being a different kill!   I imaging this film was a lot of fun to shoot.  Actors Milo Cawthorne and Olivia Tennet also give wonderful performances.  Acting can really hurt a horror movie like this, so I was very glad to see such a great job from the entire cast.  

  While we might see this "ground hog day" type of situation is other genres, most notably comedy films, I can't think of any horror film where this has been used before.   Horror is a perfect use of this kind of repetitiveness, and makes for a very fun and entertaining film.  

  I highly recommend this one if you haven't seen it yet.  BLOOD PUNCH is available now from Midnight Releasing and contains the following special features:

*  Deleted Scenes
*  Outtakes
*  Test Footage


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

 
 
 

Blu-ray Review: BLOODY KNUCKLES (2014)

BLOODY KNUCKLES
Written & Directed by Matt O'Mahoney
Distributed by:  Artsploitation Films

  Very seldom can you mix horror with comedy and make a good film.  Good horror comedies are few and far between for me, but every now and then a film can mix the two elements just right and come away with a great film.  Luckily, writer/director Matt O'Mahoney has managed to do just that with the great comedy/horror film, BLOODY KNUCKLES.  Here is the basic plot courtesy of the Artsploitation Films website:

  Travis, an underground comic book artist with a penchant for obscene caricatures, upsets a Chinatown crime lord who responds by cutting off the young man’s hand. As a despondent, drunken Travis wallows in post-severed hand depression, his decomposing limb returns to life and is determined to exact revenge. Soon, Travis and his mischievous appendage join forces with a masked S&M superhero to rid the city of evil. Filmmaker Matt O.’s debut feature strips Canada of its “land of nice” image with this deliriously offensive, gory, and happily un-PC horror-comedy!

  Now I have to admit, some of the humor in this film is a bit childish and crass, but I admit I laughed out loud multiple times.   If you don't like crude humor, you will probably not like this film, but if you can appreciate some good rude humor (like I do), then this will be your type of film.   In addition to the humor, the horror aspect of this film is just as much in the forefront and is a huge part of what makes this movie so good for me.   There is some great effects and gore on display here, most of which look to be practical effects, which is always a plus in my opinion.  

  The film looks great, and I have a feeling it looks like a much bigger budget film that it probably was.   The film is shot and edited well, contains great camerawork and all the actors do a wonderful job.   This was a top notch production which is amazing considering this is writer/director Matt O'Mahoney's first feature length production!  I look forward to seeing more from this great filmmaker in the future!

  Check out BLOODY KNUCKLES if you get the chance.  It is a fun film and well worth your time (and money).   The DVD and Blu-ray are available now and contain the following special features:

*  Director's Commentary
*  Deleted Scenes
*  Short Films "Electric Fence" and "Adjust Tracking"
*  Featurettes


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 and Blu-ray releases, February 2nd, 2016

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 2/2:

*  ALL HALLOWS EVE 2
*  EXTRAORDINARY TALES  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  HALF HUMAN
*  HELLIONS  [DVD &  Blu-ray]
*  HE NEVER DIED
*  HIGHWAY TO HELL
*  JULIA
*  THE LAST WITCH HUNTER  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE LIZZY BORDEN CHRONICLES:  SEASON 1 
*  MARTYRS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  NIGHT OF THE WILD
*  QUARANTINE L.A.
*  RAGE [Blu-ray]
*  ROUGH CUT
*  UNCAGED
*  VISIONS
*  ZOMBIE FIGHT CLUB