Blu-ray Review: BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA (1973)

BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA
Directed by:  Eddie Romero
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

 Arrow Films continues to keep putting out some of the greatest releases of classic horror, exploitation, and grindhouse flicks.   One of their latest releases is BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA, a great exploitation film from the early 70's.  Here is a synopsis of the film courtesy of the MVD website:

  Before her iconic turn in Coffy, Pam Grier starred alongside Margaret Markov in a grindhouse spin on Stanley Kramer's The Defiant Ones, fusing the Women in Prison film with the emerging Blaxploitation movement for a riotous romp of bullets, babes and blood! Lee (Grier), a tough prostitute and Karen (Markov), a revolutionary, are admitted to a tough women's prison where almost immediately (after some playful showering that prefigures Porky's) they clash. Packed off to a maximum security prison, their transport is ambushed by Karen's guerrilla friends and the two escape into the Filipino jungle. Chained together and with differing escape plans their clash intensifies as Lee wants to retrieve a stash of stolen cash to get her off the island and Karen wants to re-join her revolutionary group. Escape isn't easy as they come up against a series of obstacles including a corrupt cop, a bounty hunter, a sadistic Drug Lord and guerrillas who threaten to turn everything upside down. Chock full of girl fights, gun battles, nudity and humour, Black Mama White Mama, which was also known as Women in Chains and Hot, Hard and Mean, lives up to all its titles as well as featuring a brilliant Sid Haig (Spider Baby, House of 1000 Corpses) as a cowboy bounty hunter and Lynn Borden (Frogs, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry) as a lesbian guard from a script co-written by Jonathan Demme (Caged Heat) and a score sampled by Quentin Tarantino for Kill Bill.

 I have to admit I've always loved the women-in-prison films from the 70's and 80's.   This film is has many elements of that type of film, along with elements of the more extreme ILSA films of the 70's.  The film is also a revenge flick, and an action flick with tons of gun fights and explosions.  Part of this film reminded me of the old Charles Bronson DEATH WISH films.  Pam Grier was excellent as the no holds barred, strong leader of the women.  She never backed down from a fight with fellow prisoners or from the many people after her and her partner once they escaped.

  A special treat for horror fans will be the appearance of genre vet, Sid Haig.   A lot of horror fans these days might only know Haig from his more recent films like HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES, and THE DEVIL'S REJECTS.   If that's how you know him, you will hardly recognize him as Rueben the bounty hunter in this film.  He is always a great actor and brings a certain charm to any character he portrays, and this is no different.

  While not a horror film by any means, it's an exploitation/sexsploitation film at it's finest.  I highly recommend this one to all genre fans!

  BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA is available now from Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
*  Original mono audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Commentary by filmmaker Andrew Leavold, director of The Search for Weng Weng
*  White Mama - An interview with star Margaret Markov
*  Sid’s Filipino Adventure - An interview with star Sid Haig
*  The Mad Director of Blood Island - A previously unseen archive interview with director Eddie Romero
*  Trailer
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sean Phillips


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

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, March 29th, 2016

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's coming out tomorrow, 3/29:

*  CHERRY FALLS  [Blu-ray]
*  THE CITY OF THE DEAD  [Blu-ray]
*  FRIGHTMARE  [Blu-ray]
*  THE HATEFUL EIGHT  [Blu-ray & DVD]
*  LA PETITE MORT  [DVD]
*  MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE / THE DUNWICH  HORROR  [Blu-ray]
*  PIGS  [Blu-ray]
*  THE RED HOUSE  [Blu-ray]
*  SEX WORLD  [Blu-ray]

DVD Review: RIDDLE ROOM (2016)

RIDDLE ROOM
Written & Directed by  Bryan Binder
Distributed by  Breaking Glass Pictures / Vicious Circle Films

 I always enjoy when I come across a film I have never heard of that I end up really enjoying.  RIDDLE ROOM is one I knew nothing about, but thoroughly enjoyed.   Here is the basic plot
from the film's imdb website:

  Emily Burns is being held captive in a room with no idea as to why or how she got there. Determined to escape and return to her daughter and husband, Emily discovers clues within the room that help explain what she's doing there. They even provide clues about who she is...but will they help her escape?

 One thing I really liked about this film is it starts out immediately in the middle of the action.   The woman is already kidnapped and locked in the room.  We don't have any slow parts leading up to this, we just jump in to the immediate action.  

  The film also pretty much takes place entirely in this room.   While having one set might have been for budgetary reasons, it also makes for a very creepy vibe as you almost feel claustrophobic and locked in this room with our main character.   Speaking of our main character, actress Marisa Stober did a wonderful job in this film as Emily, portraying a very believable performance. 

  This film does not have much blood or gore at all, instead it relies on the eerie vibe and creepy characters we see.   In fact, the main kidnapper is one of the creepiest characters I have seen in a while, with his burlap sac mask and creepy electronic disguised voice.

  This is one I would definitely recommend.   RIDDLE ROOM is out now on DVD and contains the following special features:

*  Cast/Crew Interviews
*  Behind the Scenes Feature
*  Cast Auditions
*  Investor Scene
*  Bonus Trailer
*  The Making of "Experiment"


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

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, March 22nd, 2016

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's coming out tomorrow, 3/22:

*  BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA   [Arrow DVD/Blu-ray]
*  THE BLACK SHEEP  [Blu-ray]
*  COWBOYS VS. DINOSAURS  [DVD]
*  CURSE OF THE POLTERGEIST  [DVD]
*  DISTURBING BEHAVIOR  [Blu-ray]
*  DONOVAN'S BRAIN  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  FEAR THE WALKING DEAD:  Season 1  [DVD & Blu-ray]

DVD Review: NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968)

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD
Directed by George A. Romero
Distributed by Cheezy Flicks

 If you consider yourself a true horror fan, then there is no possible way you have never heard or seen George Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.  Most people consider this film to be the first true zombie film, and it is definitely the film that ushered in the modern zombie film.    Here is the basic plot from the Cheezy Flicks website:

  Barbra and Johnny visit their father's grave in a remote cemetery when they are suddenly set upon by zombies. Barbra manages to get away and takes refuge in what seems to be an abandoned farm house. She is soon joined by Ben who stopped at the house in need of gad. Beset by the walking dead all around them Ben does his best to secure the doors and windows. The news reports are grim however with creatures returning to life everywhere. Barbra and Ben are surprised when they realize there are 5 people hiding out in the basement: Harry, Helen, and Judy Copper; and a young couple, Tom and Judy. Dissension sets in almost immediately with Harry Cooper wanting to be in charge. As their situation deteriorates, their chances of surviving the night lessen minute by minute.

  While there are many releases of this zombie classic, I have to say that this is my favorite cover art of any of the NOTLD releases to date.   I love the simplicity of the title on the gravestone and the single skeleton hand rising from the grave.     I doubt I really need to talk much about the film itself, as most everyone has seen it I would hope.  It is a classic zombie film that doesn't need the blood and gore like more modern zombie films.  What it lacks in gore it makes up for in atmosphere and suspense.   This is such an important part of film history, and a copy of this DVD belongs in every horror collectors collections for sure.

  One other reason for picking up this release is an exclusive interview with George Romero as a special feature on this DVD.   It's a lot of fun and lets you see the lighter side of Mr. Romero.
 
  NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD is available now for only $5 from Cheezy Flicks!   Grab your copy today!


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

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, March 15th, 2016

 

 



Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's coming out tomorrow, 3/15:

 

*  THE HATCHING  [DVD]

*  MONSTER DOG  [Blu-ray]

*  PROM RIDE  [DVD]

 

 

Blu-ray Review: THE SINFUL DWARF (1973)

THE SINFUL DWARF
Directed by  Vidal Raski
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

 Wow.  Now I have seen some crazy films in my days, but this one takes a place near the top of the list for sure!  The film is called THE SINFUL DWARF and I doubt you have ever seen a movie quite like this. 

  The film is about a dwarf named Olaf and his mother, who run a boarding house.   Olaf loves to play with toys, including the captive naked women he keeps up in a secret room of the attic!   He also makes extra money by letting local townsmen come over and "visit" the women from time to time.  That's about it.  There really isn't much plot here, as is the case with a lot of the exploitation and sexploitation films of the 70's.  

  Basically you know what you are getting when you go into a movie like this.  You aren't going to get an in-depth plot with a great plot twist or anything.  This is purely a film you watch for the sleaze and depravity shown on screen, and this film delivers both of those things in large quantities.  This is an extremely weird movie to say the least. 

 THE SINFUL DWARF is a must see for fans of strange, obscure cinema.  The Blu-ray is available now and contains the following special features:

*  THE DWARF -- Strong International Version
*  THE ABDUCTED BRIDE -- Alternate US Release VersionThe Harry Novak Story - Featurette On The Sultan Of Sexploitation With American Grindhouse Director Elijah Drenner
*  THE BLUE BALLOON (Dir. Svig Sven) Color / 1973 / 75 mins
*  THE HOTTEST SHOW IN TOWN -- Excerpt From Torben Bille Film
*  The Search For Torben -- Featurette On Effort To Find Cast/Crew From THE SINFUL DWARF
*  The Severin Controversy -- Featurette On The Lasting Effects Of THE SINFUL DWARF
*  Trailers, TV Spot, Radio Spot


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

DVD Review: INTRUDERS (2015)

 

INTRUDERS
Directed by Adam Schindler
Distributed by Momentum Pictures / EntertainmentOne

  I can't tell you how much I love when I come across a movie that I know nothing about that I end up absolutely loving!   INTRUDERS is one of those films, for sure.  I knew absolutely nothing about this film when it arrived for review.   I had never seen the cover, never even heard of it before.  Because of this, I honestly wasn't expecting much out of this film.   I reluctantly put it in to watch, thinking it would be another typical home invasion film, and have to write a mediocre review for it.  I expected a cheap knockoff of THE STRANGERS, YOU'RE NEXT, or some similar films.  Instead, what I got was an extremely suspenseful, intriguing, edge of your seat thriller that is easily one of the most entertaining films I have seen in a long time.
  Before I go any further, here is the basic plot from the film's imdb page: 

  Anna suffers from agoraphobia so crippling that when a trio of criminals break into her house, she cannot bring herself to flee. But what the intruders don't realize is that agoraphobia is not her only problem.

  Ok, a pretty simple plot, but the film itself is not so simple.  What starts off as a typical home invasion film turns into something no one sees coming.  In fact, for full enjoyment of the film, I would suggest not watching the trailer as it does give some things away in the film.  

  Agoraphobia is a real condition, and one I can't really wrap my head around.  The fact that the main character could not even leave her house when it was being invaded is startling to me, and makes the film that much more suspenseful.   As the plot states, that is just one of the conditions she suffers from.  The other is  a deep seeded hatred for those that do wrong to people, sparked by her father molesting her as a young girl.  I don't want to say too much as to not give anything away, but she has rigged her house in such a way that allows her to take revenge on the intruders in a way you could never imagine.   What starts as 3 intruders controlling Anna turns into Anna being in control and playing a cat and mouse game with the intruders.

  Again, I really hate to say too much about this one, as I don't want to spoil anything.  Do yourself a favor and snag a copy of INTRUDERS asap.  This is must have for any horror fan and one that I will definitely be revisiting soon!

  INTRUDERS is available now on DVD and contains the following special features:

*  Behind-the-scenes Featurette
*  Audio Commentary:  Cast & Crew


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

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, March 8th, 2016

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD releases that come out tomorrow, 3/8:

*  666:  A DEMON WITHIN  [DVD]
*  BAD ASS BITCHES  [DVD]
*  BIKINI MAYHEM  [DVD]
*  BUNNI  [DVD]
*  THE DEVIL KNOWS HIS OWN  [DVD]
*  FIELD FREAK  [DVD]
*  FLESH FOR THE INFERNO  [DVD]
*  FRANKENSTEIN   [DVD]
*  LIZZIE  (1957)  [DVD]
*  THE TAKING  [DVD]
*  VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN  [DVD & BD]
*  YOU'RE KILILNG ME  [DVD]

DVD Review: DRILLER: A SEXUAL THRILLER (1984)

DRILLER:  A SEXUAL THRILLER
Distributed by Wild Eye Releasing

  While I normally don't promote adult films on my website, this one had enough horror aspect to it that I figured, what the heck! I mean, come on, you gotta be a little curious about this one, right?! 

  Well, I'm here to tell you that this is one weird movie.  Not that you couldn't tell that just from the cover!  Ha!  Here is the "plot" from the back of the DVD:

  A depraved dungeon full of werewolves, zombies, mutants and hunchbacks converge for creepy copulations and outrageous orgies in this seldom-seen slice of 35mm vintage XXX sex and slime from 1984.
  Unsuspecting female fans of music megastar "Mr. J", including adult film legend Tajia Rae, are subjected to the sick and sinful advances of horribly hung hunchbacks, sex-starved psychos, and the flesh-hungry undead when he leaves the stage from his latest tour and decides to give his groupies the grope of a lifetime!  You will not believe the secret sexual weapon that this shap-shifting superstar unleashes to turn his fans' screams into creams, but it lives up to the title of the film...did we mention it's a musical?

  Ha, so with a plot like that, it's gotta be good, right!  Well, I don't know if I would call it good by any means, but it is so wild and crazy that fans of wild exploitation cinema should get a kick out of it.   Honestly, there is really not much to review here, as reviewing sex scenes really isn't my thing.  I will say the makeup and effects of the creatures are pretty good, although the Michael Jackson werewolf costume is pretty laughable.

  I recommend this one just out of pure novelty.  It definitely has to bee seen to be believed!  DRILLER:  A SEXUAL THRILLER is available now from Wild Eye Releasing and contains the following special features:

*  New Transfer From Original Elements
*  Interview With Producer Timothy Green Beckley
*  Audio Interview with star Esmerelda
*  Image Gallery


CLICK HERE to purchase watch the trailer and purchase the DVD

 

 

Blu-ray Review; THE MUTILATOR (1984)

THE MUTILATOR
Directed by  Buddy Cooper, John Douglass
Distributed by Arrow Video / MVD Entertainment Group

  As many of you know, growing up as a child in the 1980's, I am a huge fan of 80's slasher films.   I was lucky to grow up during the best years of the slasher genre and got a chance to watch many of these great films from the 5 for $5 movie rental place which was just a bike ride away from my house.  While I have seen most of these classic 80's slashers, I still find from time to time a film I have always heard of, but never have seen.   THE MUTILATOR is one of those films.  I'm not sure how, but somehow I always missed this one growing up.   Thankfully I have remedied that now, thanks to the amazing folks at Arrow Video and MVD Distribution.   Here is the basic plot of film from the MVD website:

  BY SWORD. BY PICK. BY AXE. BYE BYE. Although the slasher film was in decline by the mid-1980s, there were still some grisly delights to be had... and they don't come much grislier than writer-director Buddy Cooper's sickening stalk-and-slash classic The Mutilator! When Ed receives a message from his father asking him to go and lock up the family's beach condo for the winter, it seems like the perfect excuse for an alcohol-fuelled few days away with his friends. After all, his dad has forgiven him for accidentally blowing mom away with a shotgun several years ago... hasn't he? But no sooner are the teens on the island than they find themselves stalked by a figure with an axe (and a hook, and an onboard motor) to grind... Originally entitled Fall Break (watch out for the incongruous theme song of the same name!), The Mutilator has earned a reputation amongst horror fans as one of the 'holy grails' of 80s splatter mayhem due to its highly inventive (and not to say, decidedly gruesome) kill sequences, courtesy of FX wizard Mark Shostrom (Videodrome, Evil Dead II). Finally making its long-awaited bow in High-Definition, The Mutilator has returned to terrorize a whole new generation of horror fans!

  Now the first thing you might notice when you watch this film is the acting.  I have to admit it is pretty atrocious.  Even by bad 80's horror movie acting standards!  Ha!  But, I don't think that will keep you from enjoying this film by any means.  It has too much going for it.  We all know what we are here for and that is the great kills and gore, so I'm happy to say that this film delivers on both of those aspects.  One thing I love about 80's films are the practical gore effects.  Back then there was no choice of practical vs. CG effects,  which is an excellent thing in my opinion.  Nothing beats the look of practical effects, which is one reason these old films always hold up better to me than newer films with flimsy CG blood and gore.

  Arrow Video always does a spectacular job with their presentations, both with the films themselves and with the Blu-ray packaging.   The brand new 2K restoration looks amazing for such an old film.   Like most all of Arrow releases, THE MUTILATOR comes with reversible cover art and a booklet telling you all about the film.  It really doesn't get any better than Arrow Video releases in my opinion....to me they have set the bar for other distribution companies to aim for.

THE MUTILATOR is available now on Blu-ray from Arrow Video and MVD Distribution and as always, Arrow Video has loaded down this release with tons of amazing special features including the following:

*  Brand new 2K restoration of the unrated version from original vault materials
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
*  Original mono 1.0 audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Introduction to the film with writer-director Buddy Cooper and assistant special make-up effects artist/assistant editor Edmund Ferrell
*  Audio Commentary with Cooper, Ferrell, co-director John Douglass and star Matt Mitler
*  Audio Commentary with Buddy Cooper and star Ruth Martinez Tutterow
*  Fall Breakers: The Story of The Mutilator - brand new feature-length documentary on the making of the splatter classic featuring interviews with Cooper, Douglass, Ferrell, Mitler, actors Bill Hitchcock, Jack Chatham and more
*  Mutilator Memories - special make-up effects artist Mark Shostrom looks back at one of his earliest projects
*  Tunes for the Dunes - composer Michael Minard reveals how The Mutilator's unique score was created
*  Behind-the-Scenes Reel
*  Screen Tests
*  Alternate Opening Titles
*  Trailers and TV Spots
*  'Fall Break' Theme Song (Original and Instrumental Versions)
*  Opening Sequence Storyboards
*  Motion Stills Gallery
*  Original Fall Break Screenplay (BD/DVD-ROM content)
*  Reversible sleeve featuring two original artworks


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