This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, February 28th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 2/28:

*  3 HOURS TIL DEAD  [DVD]
*  APE 3D  [BD]
*  CHILD EATER  [DVD]
*  THE CREATURE BELOW  [DVD]
*  DEADTIME STORIES  [Scream Factory BD]
*  HARBINGER  [DVD]
*  MOTHER OF ALL LIES  [DVD]
*  SLAUGHTERHOUSE  [Vinegar Syndrome BD]
*  SHUT IN  [DVD & BD]
*  TERRITORIAL BEHAVIOR  [DVD]
*  WHEN DINOSAURS RULED THE EARTH  [BD]

DVD Review: THE TRAIL OF DRACULA: FROM FOLKLORE TO SCREEN (2013)

THE TRAIL OF DRACULA
Written & Directed by  David Mitchell
Distributed by Intervision Pictures/Severin Films and CAV Distributing

  I am a big fan of horror documentaries, and this one will rank up near the top of the list of well made docs.   The subject is Dracula.  The film is THE TRAIL OF DRACULA:  FROM FOLKLORE TO SCREEN.    Here is the basic plot from the Severin/Intervision website:

  Diabolical. Seductive. Immortal. Vampires have been an icon of evil in folklore and popular culture for more than three centuries, yet only one name still personifies the ultimate aristocrat of bloodlust. Now join the world’s foremost experts on Dracula – including academics, authors and horror historians – as they explore the untold story of the Transylvanian Count, from the legend of Vlad The Impaler and Bram Stoker’s celebrated novel through its landmark stage productions and classic movie adaptations. It’s a crimson trail of twisted archival materials, startling film clips and rare interviews – featuring Bela Lugosi, John Carradine and Christopher Lee.

  While I thought this was going to be more of a doc about Dracula films, I found out that it focuses a lot more on the folklore and history of Dracula.  It was interesting to hear about the Dracula character from historians and then see how some of that translated over to film.   The film is paced very well, and while you could probably fill up hours and hours with info on Dracula, I thought the 63 minute running time was perfect.  It got to the point, and didn't have time for any slow or dull segments. 

  This is a great horror doc that I would highly recommend.   If documentaries really aren't your thing, then I would recommend buying this DVD based solely on one of the special features.  The DVD contains 94 minutes of Dracula movie trailers.   Almost any Dracula movie you can think of is presented here in this trailer compilation.  This alone is well worth the price of the DVD in my opinion.

 THE TRAIL OF DRACULA is available now on DVD from Intervision Pictures/CAV Distributing and contains the following Special Features:

*  All-New Feature Length Documentary THE TRAIL OF DRACULA

*  Over 90 Minutes of DRACULA Movie Trailers

*  Christopher Lee Reads Bram Stoker’s Dracula

*  Video Interview With Werner Herzog

*  Audio Interviews With Christopher Lee, Udo Kier, Alexander D’Arcy and Francis Lederer

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, February 21st

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 2/21:

*  BLACK WIDOWS  [DVD & BD]
*  IT WATCHES  [DVD]
*  KILL, GRANNY, KILL  [DVD]
*  NEEDLESTICK  [DVD & BD]
*  PSYCHOMANIA  [Arrow BD/DVD combo]

DVD Review: KILLJOY'S PSYCHO CIRCUS (2016)

KILLJOY'S PSYCHO CIRCUS
Written & Directed by  John Lechago           
Distributed by:  Full Moon Entertainment

 It's hard to believe that the character of Killjoy is back in his 5th film!  This one is titled KILLJOY'S PSYCHO CIRCUS.  To me this character should have about 2 or 3 films, but people must really like this killer clown, because Full Moon keeps making these films and I bet a 6th one is on the horizon! 
Here is the basic plot of this latest chapter in the Killjoy story courtesy of the Full Moon Direct website:

 Your favorite Demon Clown KILLJOY (Trent Haaga) is BACK! Along with his gruesome crew BATTY BOOP (Victoria De Mare), PUNCHY The Hobo Clown (Al Burke), Freakshow (Tai Chan Ngo) and new sidekick HANDY (Tim Chizmar) - they are out of HELL to terrorize Earthly mortals…
   Killjoy, the demon clown and his gruesome crew - Batty Boop, Punchy and Freakshow have finally made it to Earth! Killjoy has settled in and is starring in his own web series called PSYCHO CIRCUS. But two years down the road, Killjoy discovers that life here on Earth is a drag - filled with inconveniences such as eating, breathing, taxes, immigration and mortal sex!
  More problems arise as Killjoy’s love interest Batty Boop leaves after a bitter lover's quarrel, not to mention that Killjoy is now semi-mortal! But the challenges of being famous are nothing compared to the challenges of staying alive. After being tried for letting Killjoy escape, BEELZEBUB can only redeem himself by trapping Killjoy's spirit and bringing it back to Hell. Killjoy must find a way to unite his gang of clowns to defeat Beelzebub and his Six-Psychos!
  It all comes together in an EPIC space-battle in KILLJOY'S PSYCHO CIRCUS!

 Ok, I have to admit I am probably not the best reviewer to review this one.  I have never been a big fan of the Killjoy character and films for some reason.   I have seen most all of them, and to me they are all just...ok.   Now, that being said, I did enjoy this latest film a little more than I was expecting.   I really had no hopes for it, but found myself to be pretty entertained through most of the film. 
 
  My favorite parts of the film were when Killjoy was hosting his online show, Killjoy's Psycho Circus.  Those were fun segments, especially the segment when Killjoy interviewed actor Trent Haaga, who is the actor that plays Killjoy onscreen!   So yes Trent was basically interviewing himself.  This was a fun segment and Trent was very enjoyable to watch both in and out of his clown makeup.   The dialog between these "two" was very funny and enjoyable. 

  The rest of the film is just pure craziness, which is pretty much like every other Killjoy film is to me.   Although this one got really crazy with the addition of the space and spaceships plot.   I say "plot" lightly, because it was pretty much all over the place at times.   As I said, I have never been a huge fan of these films, but if you are a Killjoy fan, I  have a feeling you will really like this one. 

  KILLJOY'S PSYCHO CIRCUS  is available now on DVD from Full Moon Direct, click the links below to watch the trailer and purchase your copy!


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

DVD Review: KILLER RACK (2015)

KILLER RACK
Directed by  Greg Lamberson
Distributed by  Camp Motion Pictures

  With a name like that, it's gotta be good!  Right?  Well, I gotta hand it to the filmmakers for the amazing play on words, and I can't believe it's never been done until now!  The film is KILLER RACK and I am proud to say it is lots of fun!   Here is the plot synopsis from the Camp Motion Pictures website:

  From the director of Slime City comes a screwball horror comedy about a murderous set of monstrous mammaries: Killer Rack!
  In a world that prizes breast size over accomplishments, Betty Downer just can’t get a break.  Scorned by her co-workers, ridiculed by her boyfriend and overlooked by her boss, Betty impulsively books breast enhancement surgery with the Elder Gods-worshipping Dr. Cate Thulu...and then all hell breaks loose!

  First off, go into this film realizing it's more of a comedy than it is a horror film, although there are elements of horror all throughout it, as well as some fun, over the top gore.   It is very campy and silly, but that makes it a lot of fun!  The film reminds me a lot of a Troma film, especially since even Lloyd Kaufman  has a brief cameo in the film! Also, the wonderful Debbie Rochon  is in the film as the mad doctor, Cate Thulu.  Again, great play on words there!  The film also has one of my new genre favorites, the beautiful Brooke Lewis as the voice of the "killer rack".  Yes, the boobs talk.  I told you it was pretty silly!

  Not only do the boobs talk, but they kill!  Yes, they might look good at first, but if you happen to get an up close and personal look at them, you can kiss your hand or even head goodbye!   The killer rack has a mouth/teeth where the nipples usually are and they get a lot of action!    This is where some great gore comes into play, as well as some very cheesy CGI effects when the boobs sprout tentacle like things that come out and kill!   I guess if you got implants from Dr. Cate Thulu, that is bound to happen!

  If you like fun, campy horror, check out KILLER RACK.  It is available now from Camp Motion Pictures and contains the following special features:

*  Commentary Track
*  Deleted Scenes
*  Behind the Scenes Featurette
*  Bonus Short Films
*  Trailers


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

 
 

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, February 14th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 2/14:

*  3 SISTERS  [DVD]
*  BIGFOOT:  THE MOVIE  [DVD]
*  BLOOD BROTHERS  [DVD]
*  THE BURNINGMORE DEATHS  [DVD]
*  CATATONIA  [DVD]
*  CITY OF DEAD MEN  [DVD & BD]
*  CREATURE LAKE  [DVD]
*  THE CROOKED MAN  [DVD]
*  DEATH ROT  [DVD]
*  EASTER BUNNY BLOODBATH  [DVD]
*  FRESHWATER  [DVD]
*  THE HORDE  [DVD]
*  I HEART U  [DVD]
*  IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE  [BD]
*  KILLER CLOWNS  [DVD]
*  SISTERS OF THE PLAGUE  [DVD]
*  STAKE LAND 2  [DVD & BD]
*  SUDDENLY IN THE DARK  [BD]
*  SUGAR SKULL GIRLS  [DVD]
*  TRIPPIN'  [DVD]
*  TUMBLING DOLL OF FLESH  [DVD]
*  ZOMBIE EXS  [DVD]

M. Night Shyamalan's SPLIT is tearing it up at the box office!

   If you have not seen M. Night Shyamalan's newest film, SPLIT, it looks like you need to go check it out.  I have not seen it yet, but I plan on doing so this week!   The film has spent quite a few weeks at the #1 spot grossing over $112 Million Dollars as of today.  That is extremely impressive for a film with an estimated budget of only $9 Million Dollars! 

  I know a few horror fans that have not been a big fan of Shyamalan's lately based on his last few films, but it looks like this one is definitely finding a fan base!   Here is a little bit about the film from the film's official website:

  Writer/director/producer M. Night Shyamalan returns to the captivating grip of The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable and Signs with Split, an original thriller that delves into the mysterious recesses of one man’s fractured, gifted mind. Following last year’s breakout hit The Visit, Shyamalan reunites with producer Jason Blum (The Purge and Insidious series, The Gift) for the film.
  While the mental divisions of those with dissociative identity disorder have long fascinated and eluded science, it is believed that some can also manifest unique physical attributes for each personality, a cognitive and physiological prism within a single being.
  Though Kevin (James McAvoy) has evidenced 23 personalities to his trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley), there remains one still submerged who is set to materialize and dominate all the others. Compelled to abduct three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey (Anya Taylor-Joy, The Witch), Kevin reaches a war for survival among all of those contained within him—as well as everyone around him—as the walls between his compartments shatter apart.
  For Split, Shyamalan and Blum reassemble their core team from The Visit, the No. 1-grossing horror film of 2015. Their fellow collaborators include producer Marc Bienstock and executive producers Ashwin Rajan and Steven Schneider.


Check out the trailer if you haven't yet:





If you have seen the film, please leave a comment below and let me know what you thought of the film.


CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

Blu-ray Review: PSYCHOMANIA (1973)

PSYCHOMANIA
Directed by Don Sharp
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

Here is another great example of a film I have always heard about and wanted to see, but just never got the chance to check it out.   I was finally able to see PSYCHOMANIA thanks to the new Arrow Films release, but now that I have seen it, I have to question exactly why this film is considered a cult classic.   Before I go any further, here is the film's basic plot courtesy of the MVD website:

The United States gave motorcycle-mad cinemagoers Easy Rider, The Wild One and The Wild Angels. The United Kingdom gave them Psychomania, the tale of zombie bikers run amok is southern England. The Living Dead are a delinquent biker gang, fond of causing havoc on British roadways and making out in graveyards. Gang leader Tom (Nicky Henson) also has a Satanist for a mother, and when he discovers the secret of immortality, the name of his motley crew takes on a more literal meaning... Directed by Hammer veteran Don Sharp (The Kiss of the Vampire, The Devil-Ship Pirates) and co-starring Beryl Reid (Dr. Phibes Rises Again) and George Sanders (Village of the Damned), Psychomania is a wonderfully offbeat gem, outlandish and eccentric in equal measure.

 Ok, so when I first read the synopsis about zombie bikers, I was pretty excited.  But while watching the film, I was sorely disappointed when the main biker, Tom, came back from the dead.  He came back looking exactly like what he looked like before!  I mean exactly.  Not even some dirt in his hair! He looked as if he was still a normal living person.  This was a huge issue with me because when I expect a zombie biker, I expect at least some rotting flesh.  Is that too much to ask? 
 
 I also expected a much better plot/story from this film.    What I got was a movie that mostly made no sense whatsoever, including a weird subplot about a magical frog.  I honestly have no clue what that was all about.  Some of the dialog was very weird as well, if not completely laughable at times. 
You really can't categorize this film as a horror movie.  There is nothing "horror" about it really. I really don't know how you would categorize this film, other than just plain weird!

 The only thing this film really has going for it is the amazing 2K restoration that Arrow Films gave it.  Arrow releases seem to always have excellent picture and sound quality, and this release is no different.  It's just a shame they spent all this time and effort on such a sub-par film.   This is only my opinion, though, so check it out for yourself and let me know what you think. 
 

  PSYCHOMANIA will be available on Blu-ray from Arrow Films on February 21st, and contains the following special features:

• 2K restoration from preservation negatives
• High Definition (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
• Original 1.0 mono audio (uncompressed on the Blu-ray)
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
• Brand-new interview with star Nicky Henson
• Return of the Living Dead, an archive featurette containing interviews actors Henson, Mary Larkin, Denis Gilmore, Roy Holder and Rocky Taylor
• Sound of Psychomania, an archive interview with composer John Cameron
• Riding Free, an archive interview with Riding Free singer Harvey Andrews
• Hell for Leather, a brand-new featurette on the company who supplied the film s costumes
• Remastering Psychomania, a look at the film s restoration from the original 35mm black and white separation masters
• Theatrical trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by the Twins of Evil
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector s booklet containing writing by Vic Pratt, William Fowler and Andrew Roberts
 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, February 7th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 2/7:

*  ABATTOIR  [DVD]
*  ANTIBIRTH  [DVD/BD Combo]
*  CANDILAND  [DVD]
*  DEAD WEST  [DVD]
*  DR. ORLOFF'S MONSTER  [DVD & BD]
*  FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED  [DVD]
*  FROM DUSK TILL DAWN:  SEASON 3  [DVD & BD]
*  PARANORMAL ABDUCTION  [DVD]
*  PENNY DREADFUL:  THE COMPLETE SERIES  [DVD & BD]
*  THE PRIESTS:  EXORCISM  [DVD]
*  RECOVERY [DVD]
*  WILD BEASTS  [DVD & BD]

Blu-ray Review: SLIME CITY / SLIME CITY MASSACRE

SLIME CITY / SLIME CITY MASSACRE
Written & Directed by  Greg Lamberson
Distributed by  Camp Motion Pictures

  There is no doubt in my mind the 1980's were the greatest decade of horror movies.   Some may argue that, but the films of the 80's had such character to them.    SLIME CITY is a perfect 80's horror film, full of gross, over the top gore.  This is a film I had heard about for a while, but I had never had the chance to see until now.
  Here are the plot synopsis' of both films courtesy of the Camp Motion Pictures website:

SLIME CITY
  When Alex (Robert Sabin) and his virginal girlfriend Lori (Mary Huner) move into a New York City apartment, they fall victim to blood-thirsty supernatural forces that have horrifying plans for them. The apartment is haunted by the restless spirits of an occultist named Zachary and his fanatical followers who had committed mass suicide years before. Seduced by a mysterious woman, Alex is gradually possessed by the diabolical Zachary. Only Lori can battle the putrid powers of darkness and save Alex\'s soul when he transforms into a murdering, melting monster…a hideous slime-splattered demon that cannot be stopped.

SLIME CITY MASSACRE
  In a bombed out city, four fugitives stumble across the remains of a cult, accidentally consuming an elixir that transforms them into hideous, oozing slime creatures.   When real estate tycoon Ronald Crump hires mercenaries to wipe out the homeless population, an all-out war breaks out between the slime heads, cannibal mutants and hired killers – a bloody, merciless battle that will determine for once and for all, who will control Slime City.


  If you are a fan of nasty gore, these are the films for you.  These aren't typical, realistic blood and gore effects, though.  No, these are sickening, nasty over the top gooey green and yellow gore.   This is especially true of the original film.   When the main actor begins to turn into the oozing killer, he starts secreting a vile yellow and green puss like substance.  It gets worse and worst until eventually he is covered in it.  The only thing that temporarily cures him is the adrenaline he gets from killing someone.  
 
 The effects in SLIME CITY are truly wonderful.  Mainly this is because they are all practical effects.  The blood and puss flows like fountains in this film.  It is a really disgusting, so make sure you're not eating anything while watching this film.   The film really doesn't have much of a plot other than the guy turns into a puss monster and kills someone to return back to normal.  Then it happens again and again.  This is ok though, as it makes for a truly entertaining film that you don't have to think about much, just sit back and enjoy the nastiness! 

  SLIME CITY MASSACRE is the sequel to SLIME CITY.  While it looks to have a little bigger budget, and is a better made film overall, I felt like it lacked the character and campiness that the first film had.  It had it's great moments, though, including Debbie Rochon as a completely melted goo monster in a bathtub  (with just her face sticking out of the orange goo) and the film stars the beautiful Brooke Lewis, so that is always a plus!

  Both films look great on Blu-ray.  The double feature blu is available now from Camp Motion Pictures and contains the following special features:

SLIME CITY
*  2006 Commentary Track
*  2016 Commentary Track
*  Making Slime Extra
*  Slime Heads Mini-Doc
*  Slime City Trailers

SLIME CITY MASSACRE
*  2016 Commentary Track
*  Bloopers
*  Behind the Scenes
*  Interview With Composter MARS
*  Slime City Survivors Webisodes
*  Deleted Scenes
*  Trailers


CLICK HERE to watch a trailer for SLIME CITY
CLICK HERE to watch a trailer for SLIME CITY MASSACRE
CLICK HERE to buy the Blu-ray double feature