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

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 11/1:

*  CARNAGE PARK  [DVD & BD]
*  DAM SHARKS!  [DVD]
*  DAYLIGHT'S END  [DVD]
*  HAPPY BIRTHDAY  [DVD]
*  HOLIDAYS  [DVD]
*  LAST GIRL STANDING  [DVD]

Book Review: CONFESSIONS OF A SCREAM QUEEN by Matt Beckoff

CONFESSIONS OF A SCREAM QUEEN
by Matt Beckoff
Published by  BearManor Media

  As horror fans, I think we are all familiar with the term "Scream Queen".   These are the legendary actresses that have graced countless horror films and have somewhat of a cult following.    CONFESSIONS OF A SCREAM QUEEN by Matt Beckoff is an amazing look into the minds, hearts, and careers of some of the top scream queens of all time.

  Here is a brief synopsis of the book courtesy of BearManor Media:

  In Confessions of a Scream Queen, writer Matt Beckoff interviews fifteen legendary "ladies of horror".  Spanning over nine decades of cinema, Confessions is filled with entertaining and informative recollections and personal insights  about Hollywood's best-loved horror films.  Included are some rare and never before seen pictures.

  Ok, so first off, let me give you the list of the 15 Scream Queens interviewed in the book.  They are as follows:

Carla Laemmle

Lupita Tovar

Janet Anngallow

Elena Verdugo

Coleen Gray

Kathleen Hughes

Judith O'Dea

Karen Black

Ingrid Pitt

Jessica Harper

Marilyn Burns

Betsy Palmer

Dee Wallace

P. J. Soles

Adrienne Barbeau


 Now, I'll be the first to admit, even with such a huge horror fan that I am, I did not recognize all the names on this list.  I knew most of them, but some I honestly had never heard of.  It was still interesting to read about them though, as I had seen many of the movies they had been in.  

  I was a little disappointed that my favorite Scream Queen of all time wasn't included, which is the amazing Linnea Quigley.  Other than that, I think Mr. Beckoff was able to put together an amazing lineup.   My favorite one to read about was probably Marilyn Burns, who played Sally in the greatest horror film of all time, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE.   I had heard about the uncomfortable shooting conditions before, but it was eye opening to hear it told from the actresses personal witness of it.  Marilyn describes many times in the filming where things that should have been faked were actually real, mainly to save on cost.  She described one instance in which she actually got cut with what she thought was a fake knife.   Years later she found out it was in fact a real knife they filmmakers used, and they planned on using it and actually cutting her all along!    Many instances like this were described, which will make me see TCM a lot differently next time I watch it.


CLICK HERE to purchase the book

Blu-ray Review: ATROZ (2015)

ATROZ
Directed by:  Lex Ortega
Distributed by Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

 I have seen some brutal movies in my time, but ATROZ probably stands alone at the top as the most brutal film I have ever seen.   Here is the basic plot from the film's imdb.com page:

A woman has been brutally struck down by a car and the two drivers have been obtained by the police. The unorthodox commander-in-chief decides to check out the assailant's car for himself and makes a gruesome discovery on a camcorder. The video recorder features the relentless torture and murder of a prostitute. The police decide to deal out some justice of their own -- justice that would make even the criminals cringe -- by interrogating their perpetrators, they discover more videotapes exposing even more sexually deviant torture and murder.

  If I had to compare this film to another, I would say it most reminded me of the AUGUST UNDERGROUND TRILOGY.   Those films were basically home videos of a killer torturing his victims.  ATROZ is basically the same thing, except much better done with a bigger budget and a better story line.  

  The acting in this film is pretty remarkable, it was extremely realistic which really added to the unnerving feeling of the film.   Also worth noting area the gruesome special effects.   ATROZ has some of the most realistic looking blood and gore that I have ever seen put on film.  Some of the effects are so real looking that I actually questioned rather some of this was actually real or not.  Now I know that is a silly thought, but the effects were that good that I actually had that thought for a split second.  That is a huge compliment coming from me, as I have seen tons of gory films in my lifetime!

  ATROZ won't be for everyone, but if you are a fan of the "torture porn" movies such as the aforementioned AUGUST UNDERGROUND films, or such films as the GUINEA PIG series, or even the HOSTEL films, you will definitely want to check this one out for sure.   It's extremely brutal, vile, and downright disgusting in some parts, so take this as your warning! 

  ATROZ is available now on an awesome Limited Collector's Edition DVD/BD/CD combo pack, and contains the following special features:

*  ATROZ:  ORIGINAL SHORT FILM
*  CROWDFUNDING VIDEO
*  BEHIND THE SCENES: MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN
*  BEHIND THE SCENES: PRACTICAL FX
*  BEHIND THE SCENES: PRODUCTION
*  UNEARTHED TRAILERS
*  BTS IMAGE GALLERY
*  CD SOUNDTRACK



CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the BD/DVD/CD combo pack

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, October 25th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 10/25:

*  THE EXORCIST III  [Scream Factory BD]
*  HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS FEAST  [Arrow Box Set BD/DVD combo]
*  LIGHTS OUT  [DVD & BD]
*  MANHATTAN BABY [Blue Underground 3-Disc BD]
*  NIGHTMARE SISTERS  [BD/DVD combo]
*  SIN  [DVD]
*  VOODOO RISING  [DVD]
*  WITHIN THESE WALLS  [DVD]

Check out the awesome Horror Pack subscription service!

  Monthly subscription services seem to be a big things these days. My wife does one for clothes were she gets a new box full of clothes every month.  Well, there is now an awesome monthly subscription service just for us horror DVD/BD collectors out there. It's called Horror Pack and each month you are sent a package of 4 DVDs or Blu-rays, depending on your preference.   Blu-ray plans are less than $25 dollars a month, and DVD plans are less than $20 a month!  Also, the price goes down the longer you sign up for!

  I recently got a Blu-ray horror pack, and here is what I got inside:

 












  My box contained the SAW V (2-Disc Special Edition),  SCAR 3D, MOTIVATIONAL GROWTH, and the classic (and top 5 horror movies of all time, in my opinion) RE-ANIMATOR.     That's a pretty good haul in my opinion for less than $25.  These are all new, still shrink-wrapped Blu-rays, so I feel like you are really getting a good deal with this subscription service.   The Horror Pack also contains a limited edition Horror Pack exclusive DVD/BD from time to time.   

  I really like this concept, it's fun getting a box of DVDs in the mail each month, and not having any clue what's inside!  Check it out and sign up today!


CLICK HERE to view subscription plans and sign up for your own Horror Pack!!

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, October 18th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 10/18:

*  BATES MOTEL:  SEASON FOUR  [BD & DVD]
*  THE CARETAKER  [DVD]
*  CHILD'S PLAY  [Scream Factory BD]
*  GHOST TEAM  [DVD]
*  THE GOOD NEIGHBOR  [DVD]
*  INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE  [BD, 3DBD, 4K, & DVD]
*  NIGHT HAWKS  [Shout! Factory BD]
*  PAN'S LABYRINTH  [Criterion Collection BD & DVD]
*  THE PIT  [BD & DVD]
*  SERIAL KILLER 1  [BD & DVD]
*  VAMPYRES  [DVD]
*  WAXWORK / WAXWORK II Double Feature [BD]
*  WHAT WE BECOME  [BD/DVD combo]

DVD Review: VAMPYRES (2015)

VAMPYRES
Directed by Víctor Matellano
Distributed by Artsploitation Films

  I am a big fan of the 1974 film VAMPYRES, so I was super excited when I saw this remake/re-imaging of the film was coming out this month on DVD.  I hadn't seen the original in years, but I remember loving the creepy, atmospheric imagery of the film.   While the remake doesn't quite match up in terms of the imagery, it's a pretty satisfying film, that makes up for it in an increased amount of blood and gore.   Here is a brief synopsis of the film, courtesy of the Artsploitation website:

In 1974, an English horror film titled VAMPYRES, written and directed by José Ramón Larraz Gil , premiered to an unsuspecting world. Soon, it became a cult horror sensation because of its sensuality, its gruesomeness and its twisted atmosphere. This new version keeps those graphic elements and the twisted atmosphere, but includes more action, more horror and more gore in telling the story of two vamps that “live” in a dark manor where they bring men with the promise of sex orgies that ultimately become blood orgies.

  As mentioned, this film is basically just re-vamped version of the original, but almost every aspect is increased here, especially the blood and gore.  The gore is amazing in this film and includes some of the best throat slashing effects I have seen in quite some time.   One scene in particular that was both gory and just downright creepy was an Elizabeth Bathory inspired scene of our two female vampires in a bathtub, bathing in the blood of a woman with a slashed throat stringed up above.  This was a gruesome scene and was a highlight of the film for me.

  One thing that will probably be noticed by most is the acting.  I have to admit it's pretty bad overall, but lets be honest, we're not watching a film about lesbian vampires for the quality of acting.   We're watching for the nudity and gore, and we get ample amounts of both.  If Jess Franco were alive today, I feel like this is a movie he would have made.  That should tell you what to expect from this one.
 
  VAMPYRES is a fun watch for sure, and I highly recommend it to all fans of the vampire genre.  The DVD is available this coming Tuesday, October 18th and contains the following special features:

*  Interview with Caroline Munroe
*  The Making of Vampyres Featurette
*  Artsploitation Film Trailer


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

Blu-ray Review: SLUGS (1988)

SLUGS
Directed by  Juan Piquer Simón
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group


 I am really loving all the great, classic horror films that Arrow Video has been putting out lately.  Arrow getting U.S. rights and distributing here in the States through MVD Entertainment is one of the greatest things to happen to DVD/BD collecting in quite some time!  Arrow is constantly releasing great horror films, a lot of which I have always heard about, but had never seen.  Such is the case with one of Arrow's newest releases, SLUGS.  I have always known about this film, but somehow it always slipped past me through all my movie watching years.  Well, I'm glad to say I finally got to see it, and it was a lot of fun!   Here is the basic plot from the MVD website:

  THEY SLIME. THEY OOZE. THEY KILL. From celebrated Spanish director Juan Piquer Simon, the man behind the truly demented slasher flick Pieces (1982), comes a terrifying tale of mutant slugs on the rampage in small-town America. The townsfolk of a rural community are dying in strange and gruesome circumstances. Following the trail of horrifically mutilated cadavers, resident health inspector Mike Brady is on the case to piece together the mystery. He soon comes to a terrifying conclusion - giant slugs are breeding in the sewers beneath the town, and they're making a meal of the locals! Based on the novel by acclaimed British horror author Shaun Hutson, Slugs outdoes its creature feature peers by adding an extra dose of gross-out gore into the equation, culminating in one of the most squirm-inducing animal attack movies ever to slither its way across screens.

  The 1980's is my favorite decade of horror films by far, and this film is a good example of why.  A lot of the 80's horror films were pretty cheesy, especially the creature features like this film, but that is what gives them so much character.   A lot of people wouldn't find a slug that scary really....they are slow, and don't really do much, but in this film, they are pretty fast moving and they eat meat, especially human meat! 

  This movie is a lot of fun, and never takes itself too seriously.  The slugs attack in packs in this film, completely overwhelming their victims.  Such was the case in one of my favorite kills, where slugs fill the room and cover the bedroom floor of a young couple messing around in bed.  The naked woman steps out of bed and onto the slugs, slipping in the coating of slime that now covers the floor.  In a mater of seconds, she is covered with the leech like slugs, and covered in her own blood. 

  Speaking of blood, there is a lot of it on screen and tons of gore in general.   The special effects are excellent, especially since this was in the great age of all practical effects!  If you have not seen SLUGS, I highly recommend it.  If you have seen it, I urge you to revisit it, especially since it looks so good on the Blu-ray transfer.  
 
  SLUGS is available now from Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment, and as always, Arrow has packed this release with tons of great special features including:

*  Brand new restoration from original film elements
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
*  Original Uncompressed PCM Stereo audio
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Audio commentary by writer and filmmaker Chris Alexander
*  Here's Slugs In Your Eye - an interview with actor Emilio Linder
*  They Slime, They Ooze, They Kill: The Effects of Slugs - an interview with special effects artist Carlo De Marchis
*  Invasion USA - an interview with art director Gonzalo Gonzalo
*  The Lyons Den - an interview and locations tour with production manager Larry Ann Evans
*  1988 Goya Awards promo reel
*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Wes Benscoter
*  Fully-illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by writer Michael Gingold


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

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, October 11th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 10/11:


*  BLOOD FATHER  [DVD & BD]
*  CARRIE  [Scream Factory BD]
*  CITY IN PANIC  [DVD]
*  DARK WATER  [Arrow DVD/BD Combo]
*  THE DEVIL'S FOREST  [DVD]
*  GHOSTBUSTERS  (2016)  [DVD & BD]
*  THE GIRL IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS  [DVD]
*  INSANE  [DVD]
*  THE INVOKING 2  [DVD]
*  TALES OF POE  [DVD]
*  THE THING  [Scream Factory BD]

Blu-ray Review: MASKS (2011)

MASKS
Written & Directed by  Andreas Marschall
Distributed by  Reelgore Releasing / CAV Distribution

  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Andreas Marschall's MASKS is one of the best horror movies you have never heard of.   I know I had never heard of it, so I assumed it was a brand new film.  Turns out, it was made back in 2011 but just now getting U.S. distribution thanks to the awesome new extreme genre label, ReelGore Releasing.   Here is the basic plot of the film from the ReelGore website:

  Stella longs to be an actress. When she is accepted to a private school in Berlin, her dream seems to come true. But there is something wrong with the “Matteusz Gdula-Institute”. In the seventies, the school´s founder, Matteusz Gdula, practiced a learning style that promised to let students shine by driving them to their mental limits. In the end his method was banned, as mysterious deaths occurred during his lessons and Gdula committed suicide.At night, Stella hears eerie sounds in the corridors of the school. A fellow student disappears. Stella suspects that behind the closed door to the abandoned, forbidden wing of the school lurks a bloody secret.
A secret that kills the students...

  I had no clue what to expect going into this film, but what I got was a an amazing horror film.  Part slasher, part psychological thriller, part giallo, and part arthouse film all rolled up into one very entertaining movie.  

  A few things really stood out for me, the first one being the music used in this film.  The film has a very haunting theme that plays at many times throughout the film.   The theme is amazing and is a perfect, creepy fit for this film.  It's not often that I really pay attention to the music in horror films, but this one demands your attention for sure.  

  Another thing that stood out was the kills/gore.   I have seen tons of horror films and not many make me jump or cringe anymore, but this film made me do both, and at one particular kill, made me do both at the same time.  I actually let out a yell during the first kill that seemed to come out of nowhere and really caught me off guard!

  I also picked up on some nods or inspiration from other famous films/directors, most notably Dario Argento and the film SUSPIRIA.   The acting school here reminded me a lot of the ballet school from SUSPIRIA, both are run by some creepy women and both hold secrets beyond the walls of the schools.   Also, Argento's use of color and color schemes was on display here in full force...and done quite well.    

  This movie was extremely suspenseful, and I am putting this among my top films I have seen this year.   Give it a watch and let me know what you think.     The Blu-ray/DVD/CD combo pack is available now from ReelGore Releasing and contains the following special features:


*  EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK CD
*  BEHIND THE SCENES
*  DELETED SCENES
*  MUSIC VIDEO CLIP
*  TRAILER & SLIDESHOW


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