DVD Review: FEAR CABIN - THE LAST WEEKEND OF SUMMER (2024)

 

FEAR CABIN:  THE LAST WEEKEND OF SUMMER

Directed by:  Brian Krainson

Distributed by:  Cleopatra Entertainment / MVD Entertainment

 I always like getting movies that I have never heard of to review.   It's always a surprise and I have found some really good films this way, but I have also found some really bad ones, too.  I guess usually there is a reason you have never heard of a film.   While FEAR CABIN didn't fall into the category of a great film, it wasn't horrible either.  It was right in the middle for me.  I was entertained enough to finish it, but I probably wouldn't watch it again to be honest.  

  I had no idea what to expect from this film, but based on the cover art, I was thinking I was about to watch a creature feature of some sort.  A bigfoot type film, maybe.  Well I was way off.   This film is about witches.  Very strange for a "cabin in the woods" type horror film, so I have to give the filmmakers props for the originality and meshing of sub-genres.  Usually a cabin in the woods film would mean your typical slasher film or maybe a creature feature of some type.   

  The film was just ok.  The acting was actually better than what I was expecting, so that was a nice surprise.  The story was fun about witches from the past possessing the new inhabitants of the cabin, causing them to turn on each other and go on killing streaks.  The problem is that most all the kills happen off screen.  You see someone get yanked into the woods and then the scene is over.  Not great for a horror film.  I assume this is due to lack of budget for effects, but in my mind, you  have to make sure you have good effects if you are going to make this type of movie. 

  This is the directors first feature length film, so not a bad premier. I would love to see what he could do with his next film if he had a bigger budget and an effects artist that could fill in what this film was missing.   

 FEAR CABIN will be available August 12th on DVD and includes the following

Special Features:

*  Trailers

*  Behind the Scenes Footage

CLICK HERE to pre-order/purchase the DVD

Blu-ray Review: MONDO KEYHOLE (1966)

MONDO KEYHOLE  

Written & Directed by:  Jack Hill

Distributed by:  VCI Entertainment / MVD Entertainment

 

  If you are a fan of weird movies, MONDO KEYHOLE is one you will want to check out for sure!  The film was written & directed by Jack Hill, a name very well known to fans of exploitation films.   He wrote and directed many classic films like SPIDER BABY, THE BIG DOLL HOUSE, SWITCHBLADE SISTERS, COFFY, and FOXY BROWN just to name a few!   While I have seen most of his films, it was fun to check out one of Hill's earliest films, MONDO KEYHOLE!

 The story is weird, and can even be slow in some spots, but it is one of the most unique films I have ever seen.   By unique, I mean weird.  It's a weird script with some weird scenes, weird dialog, and weird camera angles and shots.   While I was lost a lot of the times, it kept me entertained just to see what was coming next.   While very tame by today's standards, it was fun to imagine what people must have thought of this film when it came out back in 1966.  This is not your typical black and white film from the 1960's!

 VCI has done an amazing job with this new release.  The film was restored in 2K from the original uncut 35mm camera negative!  The picture quality is amazing for an almost 60 year old film. 

 MONDO KEYHOLE is available now from VCI Entertainment and MVD Entertainment and includes the following special features:

*  New 2025 Commentary by Rob Kelly- noted film historian, podcaster, and artist

*  Archival Commentary by director Jack Hill and Elijah Drenner

*  Psycho-Tronica Poster & Photo Gallery

*  Duel sided Coverwrap

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray/DVD combo

CONGRATS to the winner of the latest 4H Blog Giveaway!!

  A couple of weeks ago, I posted about a giveaway for this cool car emblem from the great folks at Bohopride.  Well, the randomizer picked #3 which I had assigned to our new winner, Becky Baker!  Congrats Becky!  Your car emblem will be on it's way to you soon!   

 Thanks for the few that entered.  I hope we can get more entries for future giveaways!  You have a great chance to win my giveaways, so stay tuned for the next one!

 For those of you that didn't win, you can get your own Horror Car Emblem by clicking HERE!

Check out these awesome new Horror Character Car Emblems from Boho Pride!

   I see a lot of ads on Facebook while scrolling along.  Most of them are dumb and irritating to be honest, but recently while scrolling, I stopped.  I stopped because I saw something that looked really cool and was horror related!    What I saw was an ad for these awesome horror character laser engraved car emblems!

  

 

 You know how all these cars and trucks nowadays have all these different special editions, well now your car or truck can be a special horror edition!   This company called Boho Pride makes all sorts of cool car emblems, along with a huge variety of other products.   Along with the horror emblems, they also have car emblems featuring your favorite bands, sports teams, movies, and TV shows!  

 For my car, I opted for the Jason Voorhees Edition!   Who knew my Subaru could be a Jason Voorhees Edition!   It's fun to think of the features that would come with if it were real!  These are nice, laser engraved, acrylic emblems that are super easy to apply to your car.  Just peel and stick like you would any sticker.   Place it where you want it and you're done!   These are safe for car paint and are strong enough to stay on long term.  My only complaint is that they aren't metal/chrome.  That would look awesome, but I'm sure that would cause them to be much more expensive. 

 I think these are so much fun and I've already had a couple people ask me about my emblem! 

The fine folks at Boho Pride were nice enough to give me a 2nd emblem to give away to one lucky reader of the 4H Blog!   They are supplying this awesome Leatherface Edition emblem!   

  Just leave a comment on this blog post or on the Facebook post on the Hayes Hudson's House of Horror Facebook page and you'll be entered to win! 

  I'll run this contest for 2 weeks, so you can enter now through July 11 at 11:59 pm Central time.   I'll then assign all entrants a number and I'll throw them into the randomizer (random.org) to find our winner!   The contest is open to U.S. residents only. 

If you don't want to take your chance, or if in a couple weeks you find out you are not the winner, you can click below to get your very own Horror Character Car Emblem.  These would make awesome gifts for any occasion! 

CLICK HERE to purchase your very own Laser Engraved Car Emblem!

4K Ultra HD Review: BLUE SUNSHINE (1977)

 

BLUE SUNSHINE

Directed by: Jeff Lieberman

Distributed by:  Synapse Films / MVD Entertainment

 BLUE SUNSHINE is one of those films I have always known about, but have never seen.  I've had an old DVD copy for years, but for some reason just have never popped it in the player.   I finally had a good excuse to watch it with the Synapse Films new 4K Ultra HD release.   This is a beautiful box set that comes with both the Blu-ray, the Ultra HD disc, and a CD soundtrack of the film. It also contains a movie poster, and a booklet called "Tripping on Blue Sunshine" by the director Jeff Lieberman.   This is one of the nicest presentations I have seen in a while, it is truly a beautiful box set. 

 Here is a brief plot synopsis from the Synapse Films website:

 It starts off as a great party-just eight people in a secluded lodge. One of the guests suddenly goes on a shockingly violent, murderous rampage. There is something wrong with his hair, and pure evil in his eyes. What he does to three of the girls there is too hideous to describe. Falsely accused of the brutal killings, Jerry Zipkin (Red Shoe Diaries' Zalman King) goes on the run. More bizarre murders occur, and while trying to clear his name, Jerry discovers the shocking truth: The people losing their hair and turning into violent psychopaths may be connected to a drug each killer took a decade before. A drug known as "Blue Sunshine."

Synapse Films is proud to present Jeff Lieberman's 1977 cult-classic horror film Blue Sunshine in an all-new 4K restoration presented in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) and loaded with hours of supplemental material. This three-disc set contains one 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray, one Blu-ray (1080p) and a CD soundtrack album, and is strictly limited to 4,000 copies.

Our exclusive limited edition features hard chipboard slipcase packaging with stunning new artwork by artist Wes Benscoter. Inside is a dual-wall o-card wrapped around a clear three disc Criterion-style case.

  I had no clue what to expect going into this film.  This was a unique film as most slasher or giallo films have just one killer.  This one has multiple killers.  Basically anyone that took the drug called "Blue Sunshine" a decade ago is now turning into a crazed killer.    The killers look very creepy with balding heads with splotchy hair.  They seem to have no control over their bodies or what they are doing.   It's almost like a zombie movie, but the "zombies" were never dead.   It's a unique horror movie for sure, with some science fiction and drama aspects to it as well.    

 While the movie is a fun watch, what I want to focus on in this review is the packaging.   Synapse Films has spared no expense with this one.   This is one of the most beautiful sets I have seen in awhile. 

As I mentioned above this is a 3 disc set with the BD, the UHD, and CD.  The actual plastic case the disc come in has the original cover art and is housed in a beautiful new slip case.  The slipcase then slides inside a thicker display box with brand new cover art.  

  This new box set is available now, but there were only 4000 units made, so it is a very limited edition set!   The new 4K restoration looks amazing with crystal clear picture and very vibrant colors.  Each set is loaded with the following special features:

• *  4K restoration of the original 35mm camera negative mastered in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• *  Lossless English DTS-HD Master Audio original theatrical mono and a 5.1 surround sound mix supervised by director Jeff Lieberman
• *  Two audio commentaries featuring director Jeff Lieberman
• *  New introduction to the film by director Jeff Lieberman
• *  Archival 2003 interview with director Jeff Lieberman
• *  “Lieberman on Lieberman” video interview
• *  Channel Z “Fantasy Film Festival” interview with Mick Garris and Jeff Lieberman
• *  Fantasia Film Festival 4K Premiere Q&A with moderator Michael Gingold and director Jeff Lieberman
• *  Anti-drug “scare films”: LSD-25 (1967) and LSD: Insight or Insanity? (1968), courtesy of the American Genre Film Archive
• *  Jeff Lieberman’s first film The Ringer (Remastered in 4K by Synapse Films from the original camera negative)
• *  Theatrical trailers
• *  Still gallery
• *  Liner notes booklet by Jeff Lieberman, featuring a chapter on the making of Blue Sunshine from his book Day of the Living Me: Adventures of a Subversive Cult Filmmaker from the Golden Age
• *  Limited edition fold-out poster
• *  Limited edition remastered CD soundtrack (13 tracks)

Act fast and get your copy before they are gone!  

CLICK HERE to purchase the limited edition 4K Ultra HD box set

Movie Review: FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES (2025)

FINAL DESTINATION:  BLOODLINES

Directed by:  Zach Lipovsky & Adam B. Stein

 

 It's been 14 years since the last installment in the FINAL DESTINATION franchise, and I just assumed it was done.   I was pretty sad about this, as the FINAL DESTINATION franchise is one of my favorites.  They are just so much fun, which is strange to say considering the film's subject matter.   Needless to say, I was super excited when I heard they were working on a 6th installment in the series!   Well, the time has come and the film has been released to theaters nation wide!  I had the pleasure of checking out this newest film last night, and I was thoroughly impressed!

 Before I go any further, here is a brief plot synopsis from the Warner Bros. press release:

Plagued by a violent recurring nightmare, college student Stefanie heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle - her grandmother, Iris - and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all

  One thing I was really worried about was that this film was going to be a stale rehash of the previous films, just with different kills.  I am happy to say that the writers of this installment were able to put a fresh spin on it, while still adhering to the FINAL DESTINATION tropes we are used to.   While the past movies focus on the lead seeing the premonition and cheating death, this one had a cool new take on the premonition.  This time it is the lead's grandmother who had a premonition way back in the 1950's, and our lead keeps having a re-occurring nightmare about it.   Somehow her grandmother has avoided death all these years, as she was the last one alive from the incident where she cheated death.  

  Once death finally catches up to the grandmother, the reset of the family (i.e. Bloodline) is now death's target.   We then get the normal one by one death, yet the writers do another great job of throwing in a twist with the order of the deaths.  I won't say anything else on that to avoid any spoilers.   

 The death scenes in this film are just what you'd expect from a FINAL DESTINATION movie.  They are over the top and super gory.   Gore doesn't bother me much in films, and most of it is so unrealistic that I can watch it with no problems.   These FINAL DESTINATION kills are different, and more realistic which caused me to cringe multiple times.   I cringed at not just the kills, but at the smaller things that lead up to the kills, like the man that steps on a shard of glass.  This is done so well that I could feel the pain in my foot and caused me to actually pull my legs up from the floor of the theater.   The kills are fun, and always set up by some weird Rube Goldberg type chain of events. 

  While the FINAL DESTINATION films are all about death, FINAL DESTINATION:  BLOOLINES breathes new life into the franchise.    The film had a 7.1 out of 10 rating on IMDb at the time of this writing, which is an excellent score on that site, especially for a horror film.  Hopefully, with the success of this film, we will have more FINAL DESTINATION installments in our future!

Check out the trailer for FINAL DESTINATION:  BLOODLINES

 

 Check out the film's social media outlets below, and go see FINAL DESTINATION:  BLOODLINES in theaters now!!

Instagram: @finaldestinationmovie

X: @FDMovie

TikTok: @finaldestinationmovie

Facebook: @finaldestinationmovie

CONGRATULATIONS to our latest Giveaway winner!!!

 

  A while back I posted a giveaway for the 1976 Russ Meyer film, UP!   We had a 2 entries in the comments on the blog post, and then 9 entries from the Facebook Page.  I'm not sure why we didn't get more entries for a FREE blu-ray, but I'll work on that for next time.   Anyway, the wait is over and Spot# 10 was chosen by Random.org.   Spot # 10 was Facebook commenter Steve Benningfield!   Congrats Steve!!  Shoot me an email or a message on Facebook Messenger and let me know your shipping address.  I'll get the blu-ray sent out asap!   

 Thanks to all that entered, and don't worry, there will be more chances to win in the future!  Keep checking the blog and following the blog's social media sites to stay up to date on all the new reviews, news, and giveaways!

CLICK HERE to like and follow the 4H Facebook page

CLICK HERE to follow me on Instagram

CLICK HERE to follow me on Twitter [X]

CLICK HERE to follow me on SLASHER

Blu-Ray Giveaway! Win a copy of Severin Film's new release of Russ Meyer's, UP!

 UP! BLU-RAY GIVEAWAY IS LIVE!!

 It's been awhile since I have been provided any giveaway materials, but the great folks at Severin Films were nice enough to provide me a Blu-ray Copy of Russ Meyer's 1976 film, UP!, to pass along to one lucky reader of the 4H Blog!!  

 That's right, a free copy of UP! is UP for grabs, and I'll even pay shipping!  All you have to do is enter the contest!

 I'll run this contest for 1 week, so last eligible entries need to be posted by next Saturday, 5/10,  at 11:59 pm Central time.   

 Please go check out the giveaway post on Hayes Hudson's House of Horror Facebook page to enter:

Hayes Hudson's House of Horror Facebook Page

Or, if you don't use Facebook, just leave your name and email in the comments of this blog post and you'll be entered!

See official rules below, and good luck!!

TO ENTER THE CONTEST, FOLLOW THESE STEPS:  

1. Go to the Facebook Post about the giveaway on the Hayes Hudson's House of Horror Facebook page and like the post and leave a comment, this will automatically enter you in the contest!

2. If you don't have/use Facebook, then leave a comment on this post with your NAME and EMAIL ADDRESS so I can contact you for your shipping info if you are the winner (if valid email address is not given, I will post the winners name on the site and winner will have one week to contact me with their shipping info. If prize is not claimed within one week, prize will be forfeited)

 
3. Only one comment per person. Multiple comments will result in removal of all your comments therefore removing all your chances of winning!

4. Contest is scheduled to end on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Comments must be left by 11:59 Central Time on 5/10 in order to count towards the contest.

5. Contest winner will be chosen by random.org and must agree to let me post their name in a separate post stating who won the prize.

6. Due to shipping costs, contest is open to U.S. Residents only. Thank you for your understanding.

GOOD LUCK!!!

4K Ultra HD Review: UP! (1976) and Blu-Ray Giveaway info!

UP!

Directed by:  Russ Meyer

Distributed by:  Severin Films

  If you are a regular reader of the 4H blog, you have probably seen my reviews for some of Severin Film's new Russ Meyer releases.   

 They recently released VIXEN, SUPERVIXENS, and BENEATH THE VALLEY OF THE ULTRA VIXENS.     Well, they are back at it with a couple more Russ Meyer releases with 1965's MOTORPSYCHO and the 1976 film, UP!   Once again Severin Films has done an amazing job releasing these films in both 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray editions, which were scanned in 4K from the original negative of the films.  Both films also include new and archival Special Features curated in association with The Russ Meyer Trust. 

 Today's review will be of Russ Meyer's UP!   While it's advertised as an Erotic Comedy,  I feel that is a bit misleading.   First off, it's not really that funny in my opinion.  It is however, shocking and perverse....so naturally, I loved it!  Ha!  This is a weird one for sure, and it won't be for everyone, but if you are a fan of Russ Meyer's other films, you will not be disappointed with this one.   Especially if you liked his VIXEN trilogy, as I found this one fit right in and even had some call backs to those earlier films.   

  Here is the plot synopsis from the Severin Films website:

No fairy tale…this! In 1976, producer/director/cinematographer/editor Russ Meyer delivered his penultimate feature film – co-written by BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS screenwriter and Pulitzer Prize winner Roger Ebert – hailed as “jaw-droppingly perverse” (Entertainment Weekly), “Meyer at his most outrageous” (Images Journal) and “definitely not to be confused with the Pixar cartoon” (The Spinning Image): Welcome to a sex-blasted burg in Northern California where sodomized Führers, ravenous piranha, sapphic ecstasy, murder mystery, Shakespearean appropriation and the remarkable Raven De La Croix collide, with Kitten Natividad – in her RM Productions debut – as The Greek Chorus of it all. Janet Wood (THE CENTERFOLD GIRLS) co-stars in “one of Russ Meyer’s best films” (We Are Movie Geeks). 

  If that plot sounds like a lot going and and kind of confusing, well, it summed up this film pretty well!  I'd be lying if I said I understood exactly what was going on with this film.  It's kind of all over the place, and feels like different movies at different times.  In fact, at one point of the the film it felt like a true horror film, complete with a chainsaw massacre that gets very bloody!   I assume this was put in to capitalize on the success of Tobe Hooper's THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE from just a few years before.  Whatever the reason, I'm glad Mr. Meyer included it, because it was by far my favorite part of the film!     One other note that was like a horror film, was the killing of an Adolf Hitler lookalike in his bubble bath by way of Piranha.   That was a strange sentence to type, but anything you write about this film is going to be strange!   

 While not my favorite of the Russ Meyer films I've reviewed so far, it was quite enjoyable and you probably know what to expect if you are a Russ Meyer fan.   He always has some of the most beautiful actresses, all in various states of undress, in his films.  His films all have a certain charm to them.  You can definitely tell a film directed by Mr. Meyer, as they are very unique!   

 If you are looking for a crazy, sex-filled film...this one will be right UP your alley!   See what I did, there?  Ha!   As with all these 4K releases from Severin lately, they look amazing and the picture is crystal clear with very vibrant colors.  It's very impressive considering how old these films are!

UP! is available now in both 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray and contain the following Special Features:

*   Audio Commentary with film historian Elizabeth Purchell

*  No Fairy Tale...This! -  Interview with actress Raven De La Croix

*  Radio Spot

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K Ultra HD 

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Severin Films was kind enough to send me a Blu-ray copy of UP! to give away to one lucky winner!  Stay tuned to the 4H blog for details posted in the next few days!   Be sure to follow the blog by clicking the FOLLOW button under the "Followers" section on the right side of the screen.   Also, be sure to follow the 4H blog on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter [X], and Slasher!

Blu-ray Review: DINNER WITH LEATHERFACE (2024)

 

DINNER WITH LEATHERFACE

Written & Directed by:  Michael Kallio

Distributed by:  Anchor Bay Entertainment  / MVD Entertainment

  I had the honor of meeting Gunnar Hansen many years ago at Texas Frightmare Weekend, the annual Horror Movie Convention I attend each year in the Dallas area.   He was a very kind, soft spoken man, and I remember thinking how crazy it was that he was the actor that portrayed the character of Leatherface in the 1974 film, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE.    He was so kind and polite, and made time for all his fans lined up to see him.   This is a documentary about Mr. Hansen, as told through first hand accounts of actors and crew that worked with him over the years. 

Here is a brief description of the film from IMDb.com:

Documentary about Gunnar Hansen, the actor who portrayed Leatherface in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (1974). Friends, colleagues, filmmakers, and fellow actors share personal stories and discuss the dichotomy between the maniacal chainsaw-wielding character he played on-screen and the very intelligent, creative, soft-spoken man he actually was in real life.

 I love horror movie documentaries, and this was a great one to get the honor of reviewing.   DINNER WITH LEATHERFACE touches briefly on Mr. Hansen's background with him being born in Reykjavik, Iceland, and then moving to the U.S. at the age of 5.   He went to the University of Texas an majored in English and Mathematics.  He worked as a computer operator right out of college and took the role in THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE just to make some extra money during the summer.   I'm sure he thought he'd go right back to his computer operator job, but little did he know the film would be such a hit and would lead him down the road of movie making!   I often wonder while filming if any of the cast/crew had any idea just what exactly they were creating.   THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE is my favorite horror film of all time, and is widely considered one of the best horror films ever made.   It still holds up today, and is just as scary when I watch it now as it was the first time I saw it.   This is undoubtedly largely due to Mr. Hansen's amazing portrayal of Leatherface!

 As I mentioned before, this is basically a set of interviews from some actors and filmmakers that worked directly with Mr. Hansen and they just recount the times they shared with him.  You can tell from all the interviews that he made a deep impact on everyone he worked with.  He was truly loved by all!   

  Interviewees include  Barbara Crampton, Bruce Campbell, Edwin Neal, Kane Hodder, Felissa Rose, Michelle Bauer, Tiffany Shepis, Debbie Rochon, Fred Olen Ray, Betsy Baker, Allen Danziger, Kim Henkel, William Vail, and many more!   

 This was a very touching tribute to Gunner Hansen and is a must see for all his fans!

DINNER WITH LEATHERFACE is available now from Anchor Bay Entertainment and contains the following Special Features:

 *  Audio commentary with writer/director Michael Kallio and editor Josh Wagner

 

 *  Extended Interview with filmmaker and historian MIchael Felsher

 *  Extended interview with fimmaker Jeff Burr

 

 *  Convention Chat with actress Danielle Harris

 

 *  Southern Hospitality Trailer - 2022 Remastered, Recut, HD

 *  Tales of Gunner Hansen

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-Ray

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Movie Review: THE FOREST THROUGH THE TREES (2025)

 

THE FOREST THROUGH THE TREES

Written by:  Charlie Brady & Jason Pitts

Directed by:  Jason Pitts

  Last night, I had the privilege of attending a screening of a new horror feature that was filmed locally here in Northwest Arkansas.   I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting this film to be as good as it was.   Northwest Arkansas actually has quite a large local movie scene,  but we all know how low budget local films can be.   I am happy to say that this did not feel like a low budget film at all.   The movie played out like a much bigger and expensive film than it was.  Local actors and crew came together to film a very interesting and fun horror film!    Here is the basic plot from the Lucid Pictures website:

  Chloe and her step dad, Ken are dealing with the disappearance of Kathy, Chloe’s mother and Ken’s wife. After a painful year, and with the help of Chloe’s friend Ava, they investigate a clue that leads them on a collision course with a dangerous demonic cult. Will they find Kathy? Can Chloe, Ken, and Ava survive the night?

  

 One of the main things I noticed about this film was the acting.  A lot of local films can have everything going for them, but some bad acting can ruin the entire film.   This film was not at risk of that, though, as the acting in this film was top notch.  There was not a bad actor in this film, everyone did a remarkable job!  One role I have to point out was the part of Julian, played by actor Scott Doss.  Mr. Doss was at the screening I attended and I had the pleasure of meeting him.  He was a very kind, soft spoken man which was the exact opposite of his character in this film!  He played the creepy guy character to perfection!  The main character of Chloe was played by Annie Sullivan who also did a remarkable job and is definitely worth a mention.  I could just list everyone in this film, because like I stated before, the entire cast was excellent.

 

   Another thing that can make or break a horror movie is the special effects.   This film did a wonderful job with the effects, a lot of which were practical effects.  There was some CG in this film, but it blended very well most of the time.  There were a few spots where it was very clearly CG, but that is expected with any low budget film.   One practical effect that really stood out to me was a beheading.  This was done so well and was so seamless that it was very realistic!   

 This film had a nice plot twist in it as well, and as we have learned with most horror films, don't trust anyone!  That's all I'll say about that as to not give too much away!  Overall, Director Jason Pitts delivers a home run for his first full length feature film!   

  THE FOREST THROUGH THE TREES is an original, highly entertaining trip through the world of secret societies and cults, and does an excellent job creating a very creepy atmosphere where all is not what is seems!  

 The film was recently picked up for distribution from Bayview Entertainment, so keep an eye out for screenings near you,  and I assume an eventual DVD or Blu-ray release!   I'll make a new post once I have more info on that! 

4K Ultra HD Review: TRICK OR TREAT (1986)

TRICK OR TREAT

Directed by:  Charles Martin Smith

Distributed by:  Synapse Films /  MVD Entertainment

  1986's TRICK OR TREAT is another film to add to my list of films I have always heard and known about, and even owned on DVD for years, but had just never got around to checking out for some reason.  I was excited when Synapse Film's new 4K UHD release arrived for review, as it would finally make me sit down and watch it!    I'm very thankful I got the chance to review this one, because it was a lot of fun!  

 1980's horror films have such a unique feel to them.  That is probably my favorite decade of horror films.  I'm happy to report that TRICK OR TREAT fits right in and is now among one of my favorite 80's horror classics!

 Here is a brief synopsis of the film from the Synapse Films website:

Rock 'n' roll will never die, in this 1980s cult favorite that stars Marc Price (Family Ties) as Eddie Weinbauer, a teenage outcast who idolizes Sammi Curr (Tony Fields), a heavy metal superstar. After Sammi dies a violent death, his spirit returns to help Eddie get even with his high school tormentors. In doing so, Sammi begins to gain control over Eddie's life and brings him deeper into the world of the occult. When Eddie realizes that he has become the tool of Sammi's vengeance, he attempts to stop him, and the horrifying events that follow leave no one unscathed.

Featuring special appearances by Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne, Trick or Treat marked the directorial debut of veteran actor Charles Martin Smith (Never Cry Wolf, Starman) and features a legendary soundtrack by Fastway. Red Shirt Home Video and Synapse Films are proud to present this heavy metal horror classic in an all-new 4K restoration presented in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) with a head-banging 5.1 surround sound mix and loaded with hours of supplemental material including multiple commentary tracks and a feature-length video retrospective! No false metal!

 I always knew that Gene Simmons and Ozzy Osbourne were in this film, but be advised they were both on screen for a matter of seconds.   Looking back at my old DVD makes me laugh as they both got top billing, purely using their names for DVD sales.   Synapse Films' choice in cover art for this  new release is much better and a much more fitting representation of the film. 

 As soon as the movie started and I saw the main character, Eddie, I immediately recognized him.   It was Skippy from Family Ties!    Marc Price did an excellent job in this film and it was fun to see him in something other than that aforementioned sitcom. The story is pretty cool, especially seeing what is basically a demon conjured by playing a heavy metal album backwards.  That is something all our parents warned us about as kids, at least if you are around my age and grew up in the 70's and 80's.   The special effects are fun and actually still hold up pretty well considering the age of the film. 

 The presentation of this film is outstanding.  The 4K restoration creates vivid colors and contrasts and is super clean.   Also of note is the soundtrack, most of which was done by English Heavy Metal Band, FASTWAY.   There is some great music in this film, and I will be putting the soundtrack on my Amazon Music playlist! 

TRICK OR TREAT is available now on 4K UHD from Synapse Films and like most all of Synapse's releases, they have spared no expense when it comes to Special Features!   Special Features include the following:

• Limited edition o-card available on the FIRST PRESSING ONLY!
• 4K restoration from the original 35mm camera negative mastered in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) and approved by Director of Photography Robert Elswit
• Lossless English DTS-HD Master Audio of the original 2.0 theatrical mix and an all-new 5.1 surround sound mix
• Audio commentary with director Charles Martin Smith, moderated by filmmaker Mark Savage
• Audio interviews with writer/producer Michael S. Murphey and writer Rhet Topham, moderated by film historian Michael Felsher
• Audio conversation with Paul Corupe and Allison Lang, authors of Satanic Panic: Pop-Cultural Paranoia in the 1980s
• Rock  & Shock: The Making of “Trick or Treat” - An all-new retrospective featuring director Charles Martin Smith, actors Marc Price, Glen Morgan, Elise Richards, and Larry Sprinkle, writer/producer Joel Soisson, costume designer Jill Ohanneson, assistant set costumer Francine Decoursey, construction foreman Tom Jones, Jr., special make-up effects artist Everett Burrell, music executive producer Stephen E. Smith, composer Christopher Young, and a special appearance by Gene Simmons
• In The Spotlight: A Tribute to Tony Fields featuring interviews with the late actor’s family and friends
• Horror’s Hallowed Grounds: The Filming Locations of “Trick or Treat” with Sean Clark
  
• “After Midnight” music video
  Theatrical Trailers, TV Spots and Radio Spots
• Still Gallery featuring optional audio interview with still photographer Phillip V. Caruso
• Vintage electronic press kit
• Reversible cover artwork
• Region free for worldwide playback

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K UHD edition