Well Go USA to release the PHANTASM SPECIAL EDITION BOX SET!!

  Recently you might have seen that the company Well Go USA released the first PHANTASM film and the new 5th film (PHANTASM:  RAVAGER) on Blu-ray.    That was a quite a treat, but now we are in for an even bigger treat as Well Go USA has announced they will release the entire PHANTASM series on a Special Edition Box Set coming out April 11th!   

  Here is a look at what will be included in the 6-disc set courtesy of Well Go USA:


The all-new bonus materials included in THE PHANTASM COLLECTION break down as follows:
Disc 1: PHANTASM

• Audio Commentary with writer/director Don Coscarelli, co-producer Paul Pepperman and visual consultant Roberto Quezada
• Additional home movie footage

Disc 3: PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD

• “Balls of Steel: Bob Ivy’s Stunt for the Ages - The Phantasm III Car Stunt” – This featurette shows the planning and behind-the-scenes footage of the dangerous stunt performed in the film and includes recently rediscovered material.
• “It’s Never Over: The Making of PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD” – This featurette  includes  interviews with Don Coscarelli, A. Michael Baldwin, Reggie Bannister, Bill Thornbury,
  Gloria Lynn Henry, Stuntman Bob Ivy, director of photography Christopher Chomyn, composer/sound designer Christopher L. Stone, sphere designer/mechanical effects artist Kerry Prior, special makeup effects designer Dean Gates and Production Assistant Kristen Deem.
• Audio Commentary with writer/director Don Coscarelli and editor Norman Buckley
• Behind the Scenes Compilation

Disc 4: PHANTASM IV: OBLIVION

• “Death is No Escape: The Making of PHANTASM IV: OBLIVION” – This featurette includes interviews with Don Coscarelli, A. Michael Baldwin, Reggie Bannister, Bill Thornbury,
  special makeup effects artist Gigi Bannister, stunt co-ordinator/actor Bob Ivy, director of photography Christopher Chomyn, composer/sound designer Christopher L. Stone, sphere designer/mechanical effects designer Kerry Prior, cameraman Justin Zaharczuk and special makeup effects artist Robert Kurtzman.
• Behind the Scenes Compilation
• Phantasm sequels Conceptual Art Gallery by Justin Zaharczuk

Disc 5: PHANTASM V: RAVAGER

• “The Making of PHANTASM V: RAVAGER” featurette
• Interview with actor A. Michael Baldwin
• Interview with actress Kat Lester
• Interview with actor Stephan Jutras
• Behind the Scenes Promo with Angus Scrimm Tribute
• Phantasm V Red Credit Sequence

Disc 6: BONUS DISC

• “Phantasm and You” – a comic recap of the first 4 films by PHANTASM V: RAVAGER director David Hartman
• Flashback Weekend Chicago Convention Panel Discussion (2008)
• Flashback Weekend Chicago Convention Cast Panel (2014)
• Flashback Weekend concert performance by Kat Lester
• 2016 Fantastic Fest Premiere and Q&A

Also included with the collection is Phantasm Compendium, a 120-page book featuring exclusive interviews and rare, behind-the-scenes photos chronicling the history and impact of the franchise, plus a 21” x 27” reversible poster featuring the iconic original theatrical artwork.


This set looks like it will be an amazing collection!   The box set will be released on April 11th, and you can pre-order your set by clicking the link below!


CLICK HERE to pre-order the PHANTASM Box Set from Amazon.com

Blu-ray Review: RIGOR MORTIS

RIGOR MORTIS
Directed by Juno Mak
Distributed by WELL GO USA

 I recently watched RIGOR MORTIS, not having any clue what to expect going into this film. The film has a first time director, and a crazy sounding plot, so I went into this completely blindfolded.  I came out of it, though, with my eyes wide open and looking forward to the next film from Juno Mak.   This film is a treat for your eyes with some of the most visually stunning effects I have seen in some time.  Before I go any further, here is the plot of the film courtesy of the Well Go USA website:

  A washed-up actor, desperate and suicidal, moves into a haunted apartment building where supernatural creatures, ghost hunters, Taoist exorcists, and the souls of the undead are among his neighbors

  The plot sounds pretty simple, yet the film was actually a little confusing to me at times.  Mainly because of the ghost aspect and not really knowing if who, or what, you are seeing is actually "real" or not.   The plot really is not that important though, when watching a film that is just this visually beautiful!   The effects and creepy imagery are the star of the show here and do not disappoint.  Throw in a healthy dose of some of the greatest martial arts action I have seen in quite some time, and you have one movie that will blow you away. 

  Turn down the lights, crank up the surround sound and get ready for a fun ride!  I have a big fan of RIGOR MORTIS and highly recommend it!   RIGOR MORTIS is out now on DVD and Blu-ray from Well Go USA Home Entertainment.


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

Blu-ray Review: KILL ZOMBIE!

 
KILL ZOMBIE
Directed by  Martijn Smits and Erwin van den Eshof
Distributed by  Well Go USA

  I have a feeling a lot of you have probably never heard of this movie, but you should have!  KILL ZOMBIE! is a hilarious horror-comedy from the Netherlands that succeeds at being both gory and funny.  Here is the plot synopsis from the Well Go USA website:

  A Russian Space station crashes in Amsterdam, releasing a deadly virus that turns everyday citizens into flesh-craving psychopaths. Aziz (Yahya Gaier), his brother Mo (Ouled Radi) and several strangers emerge from jail, oblivious to the mayhem until they team up with a local police officer (Gigi Ravelli). After receiving a desperate call for help, this unlikely band of heroes sets out on an insane rescue mission - and it's going to take a seriously crazy plan if they want to get out alive...

 I am always a little nervous when it comes to horror-comedies, because most of the time they are just really not that good.  I was worried about that when I started watching KILL ZOMBIE!, but I soon realized that this was not going to be the case with this film.  The film is hilarious with some laugh-out-loud moments for me.  The acting was great, and the production value seems very high.  The post-apocalyptic look of the film is very well done.  I also enjoyed the zombie effects, complete with gross green slimy stuff mixed with their blood. You see a lot of this splattered all over the place, which is a good thing, except that most all of the effects are CG.   That is probably my only complaint about this film, but that is a very minor complaint.  I usually hate when horror movies use CG blood and effects in movies, but I guess I didn't mind it as much in this film since it was more of a comedy.   Since the CG blood splatters have almost a slight goofy look to them, it really takes away from the eerie feeling in a straight horror film, but since this is more of a comedy, it actually kind of works.

  If you are a fan of horror-comedies, especially zombie comedies like SHAUN OF THE DEAD, you definitely need to give KILL ZOMBIE! a shot.  The movie is available now from Well Go USA on DVD and Blu-ray.


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

Blu-ray Review: THE SEASONING HOUSE (2012)

  
THE SEASONING HOUSE
Directed by Paul Hyett
Distributed by WELL GO USA

  From the looks of the Blu-ray cover I was expecting some cheesy, Japanese style horror film...like along the lines of RINGU or the JU-ON films.  The cover image just reminded me of that for some reason.  Well, I am happy to say that THE SEASONING HOUSE is nothing like that at all. In fact, it's not really a horror film at all, although it does contain some horror aspects. More on that later, first, here is the basic plot synopsis from the Well Go USA website:

  The Seasoning House - where young girls are prostituted to the military. Angel (Rosie Day), an orphaned deaf mute, is enslaved to care for them. She moves between the walls and crawlspaces, planning her escape. Planning her ingenious and brutal revenge.

  This film is more of a dark drama/suspense/thriller...it's not a true horror film by any means.  The acting in this film is superb and some scenes look like they really took a lot effort from the actors.   The film was shot well and just looks good.  One thing I could not get over was how good some of the kill scenes were.  One scene in particular that was so good was a stabbing scene.  I have never seen such a realistic stabbing scene in a movie before. This scene made me cringe many times, something that most movies can't do.  This scene was super bloody and extremely brutal.  It's hard to watch so be warned!

 This shows to be Director Paul Hyett's first feature film according to his imdb.com page.   This is very impressive and I can't wait to check out more from Mr. Hyett in the future!  THE SEASONING HOUSE is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Well Go USA.   I highly recommend this one!!


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

Blu-ray Review: ZOMBIE HUNTER (2013)

 
ZOMBIE HUNTER
Directed by:  K. King
Distributed by:  Well Go USA Entertainment

  I love a good zombie movie, and I love most any film with Danny Trejo in it, so the latest zombie film from Well Go USA seemed like a perfect match!  The film is ZOMBIE HUNTER and while it wasn't quite as good as I hoped, it was still a very fun film and worth a watch. If nothing else, for the crazy gore in a couple of scenes.  If you're not familiar with the film, here is the plot from the Well Go USA website:

When a street drug turns junkies into an army of giant, mutant flesh-eaters, no hope is left - but one man remains. Hunter's got nothing left but a beat-up Camero, a trunk full of guns and booze, and a vendetta.
He crashes into a small group of survivors, led by an ax-wielding priest named Jesus (Danny Trejo). They're searching for the promised land - but does it even exist? They better pray for a miracle, because the zombies are hot on their heels. And the psychotic clown with a chainsaw? You don't even wanna know.

  Ha, ok...the crazy clown part was probably my favorite part of the movie.  He was creepy as hell and does some crazy damage with that chainsaw!  Overall I really liked this film. It is very stylish and shot is a very cool, unique way. It reminds me of a music video at times.

  This film has tons of gore, which normally would always be a good thing. The only problem is that all of the gore is CG.  There are no practical effects in this film.  There are tons of beheadings, chopped off limbs, etc....but it is all computer animation.  Some of it looks ok, but most of it looks like the cheesy CG it is.   That is one thing that really bothered me.  If it weren't for that, this would have been a much better film.  I know it is cheaper and easier than practical effects, but CG will never look as good as the real thing. 

  The only other issue I had with this release is that there are no special features.  I have really come to love the "making of" type documentaries that accompany most DVD's and Blu-rays these days.  It is weird to have a bare bones Blu-ray release like this.   Ok, so that's all my gripes with this film, other than that I enjoyed the film and recommend you check it out.

  Director K. King has no other credits on his imdb page other than ZOMBIE HUNTER, so that is pretty impressive that he started his career with this film.  I expect big things out of Mr. King in the future!


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

Blu-ray Review: DEAD BALL (2011)

  
DEAD BALL
Directed by Yudai Yamaguchi
Distributed by Well Go USA

  Director Yudai Yamaguchi is back with another great action - horror - splatter film, DEAD BALL.  You might remember Yamaguchi from the last film of his I reviewed on my blog called YAKUZA WEAPON (you can read that review here).  He definitely knows how to make a fun splatter film!  Here is the basic plot of DEAD BALL from the Well Go USA website:

  Baseball prodigy Jubeh Yakyu (Tak Sakaguchi) is the most feared and dangerous juvenile delinquent in all of Japan. After accidentally causing the death of his father with a super-powered fireball pitch, Jubeh swore off baseball, but his life of crime leaves him in the Pterodactyl Juvenile Reformatory, at the mercy of Headmistress Ishihara, the granddaughter of a World War II Nazi collaborator, and her sadistic assistant, Ilsa.
  Despite having sworn never to play baseball again, Jubeh is presented with an ultimatum: join the reformatory team, The Gauntlets, in the national tournament, or witness the death of his innocent cellmate. Jubeh is now in a fight for his life against the sexy but deadly "psycho butcher girls" of the St. Black Dahlia High School. These teams are literally playing for blood!

  Ok, I know it sounds kinda weird, and it is, but it is a crazy film and is definitely worth a watch.  I have to say I am a huge fan of the main actor, Tak Sakaguchi.  He was awesome in YAKUZA WEAPON and is just as cool in this film, even showing some lighter, comedic range to his acting.
  This film is full of great gore as you would expect, although I have to admit some of it doesn't look that great being as it is mostly CG, but that doesn't take away from the fun aspect of the film.   This is apparently a follow up to director Yamaguchi's earlier zombie baseball film, BATTLEFIELD BASEBALL which I have not yet seen, but plan on doing so after seeing this film!

  DEAD BALL is available now on DVD and Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

*  Spinoff Short
*  Making of DEAD BALL Featurette
*  Cast Interviews
*  Sushi Typhoon Trailers


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

Crazy Japanese movie alert! It's the splatter sports comedy film, DEADBALL!

 Ahh...those crazy Japanese and their crazy ass films.  You just gotta love 'em!  I am a huge fan of  Japanese horror films.  I don't think I have ever seen a splatter/sports/comedy movie though!  That will change soon hopefully, as I hope to get my hands on a copy of Yudai Yamaguchi’s DEADBALL!  The movie looks pretty crazy!  Here is some info about the film from the Sushi Typhoon website:

GRAB YOUR BAT AND HOLD ONTO YOUR BALLS….IT’S GAME TIME!!

Baseball prodigy Jubeh Yakyu (Tak Sakaguchi) is the most feared and dangerous juvenile delinquent in all of Japan. After accidentally causing the death of his father with a super-powered, deadly fireball pitch, Jubeh swore off baseball and became a criminal and now, at 17, has been sent to the Pterodactyl Juvenile Reformatory for hardened criminals. Headmistress Ishihara, the granddaughter of a World War II Nazi collaborator, runs the institution with an iron fist and the enthusiastic help of her sadistic assistant, Ilsa. After arriving at the hellhole, Jubeh soon learns from governor Mifune that his long-lost, younger brother Musashi had also done time there after a murder spree, but had since died mysteriously.

Despite having sworn never to play baseball again, Jubeh is presented with an ultimatum by governor Mifune: join the reformatory team, The Gauntlets, in the national tournament for juvenile inmates, or witness the death of his innocent cellmate Four Eyes (Mari Hoshino). With the knowledge that the death of his brother is somehow connected to the team, Jubeh agrees, and Gauntlet training begins. Their first opponents: the sexy but deadly “psycho butcher girls” of the St. Black Dahlia High School, a team of literal man-killers. And so the splatterific baseball tournament begins, but Jubeh soon learns that he is not only fighting to win the game, but also to save his own life!

A hilariously offensive, politically incorrect sports splatter comedy, DEADBALL is director Yudai Yamaguchi’s follow-up to his earlier zombie baseball classic BATTLEFIELD BASEBALL, and once again features action star Tak Sakaguchi (VERSUS, BE A MAN! SAMURAI SCHOOL). A riotous, over-the-top epic of excess, DEADBALL is the movie for the psycho sports fan in all of us, and more fun than a prison cavity search!


I am not sure about a release date yet, but once I find out I will let you know, and hopefully will be able to a do a full review of the film.

CLICK HERE to go to the Sushi Typhoon website and watch the trailer

DVD Review: BIKINI GIRLS ON ICE (2009)

 

 
BIKINI GIRLS ON ICE
Written and Directed by:  Geoff Klein
Distributed by:  Well Go USA Entertainment

Don't let the title fool you....BIKINI GIRLS ON ICE is not a movie about girls ice-skating in bikinis.  No, the "on ice" in this film refers to literally putting the girls on ice...like in as an ice chest...after they have been killed.  Oh, and as you can probably guess, they are all wearing bikinis.
Here is a more detailed plot from the Well Go USA website:

Stranded on their way to a bikini car-wash fundraiser, a group of hot college girls find refuge in an abandoned gas station on the outskirts of town. Soon their broken down bus is the least of their worries as a maniac axe-man mechanic starts picking them off one by one.
Scared, alone and miles from help, the girls are faced with a psycho killer who wants to put these hot girls on ice. Instead of struggling to raise small change, the honeys are now in the biggest fight of their lives.

When I saw that Well Go USA was distributing this film, I was excited.  I have loved all their films up to this point.  I don't think I have ever done a negative review for them, so I was expecting great things from BIKINI GIRLS ON ICE.  Unfortunately, all winning streaks must eventually come to an end, and I am afraid BGOI is the film that has ended that streak of positive film reviews. 

Now don't get me wrong, this film is not awful.  I have seen worse...MUCH worse of films when it comes to slasher flicks.  It just wasn't as good as I hoped/thought it would be.  

The film is shot well and both looks and sounds great.  The filmmakers definitely know what they are doing in that aspect.  The problem is with the delivery.  First off, this is a typical slasher flick where hot girls are picked off one by one by a crazy killer.  We have seen that time and time again and to be successful with that formula in today's horror market, you have to bring something new with it to the table.  Unfortunately, there is nothing new here....except for every girls is in a bikini the entire time, but even that is not enough to add to a slasher film to make it unique...although it definitely didn't hurt matters either!  All the women in this film are gorgeous with perfect bodies, and they are showing them off the entire time (although in bikinis only...there is surprisingly very little actual nudity for a film with that title), so that helps the enjoyment factor a little bit.

The film does have a few good gore shots, most notably a throat cutting scene that is very realistic looking, but overall it is very tame with the kill scenes.  Except for the previously mentioned throat cutting scene, every other kill is an off camera kill, with the camera cutting away before we see anything happen.  The camera doesn't even cut back to show what happened, usually we just see some blood fly in the air or onto a wall and that is it, the scene ends or cuts to a scene of the killer taking the girl to the ice chest  and laying her on ice. 

This brings up some questions that I think needed answered in order to bring a lot more enjoyment to this film.  Why is the killer putting the girls on ice?   Does he need to preserve them in order to do something with them later?   And even more basic that that, why is he killing them at all?   We get absolutely zero back story when it comes to the killer...something that bothered me the entire time I was watching this film.   Maybe the filmmakers were saving this back story for a sequel or a prequel, assuming they will make another BIKINI GIRLS ON ICE film.    Hopefully they will and they can explain the killers back story, as I think that would help tremendously.

In director Geoff Klein's defense, this was his directorial debut.  I see some very positive things in this film and a glimmer of hope for his future films.  I hope Mr. Klein takes this review (and other negative reviews) not as bashing his film, but a form of constructive criticism.  This was not bad for a first effort and I can see a lot of potential for his future directorial efforts.

Special features on the DVD and Blu-ray include:

* Behind the Scenes
* Bloopers
* Deleted Scenes
* Trailer


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website




CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Well Go USA

Blu-ray Review: JU-ON WHITE GHOST / JU-ON BLACK GHOST (2009)

JU-ON WHITE GHOST
Directed by: Ryûta Miyake

JU-ON BLACK GHOST
Directed by:  Mari Asato

  I have to be honest....I am not a big fan of ghost stories or films.  I have always been more of a slasher flick and zombie guy, so I really wasn't too excited about seeing these latest 2 JU-ON films.   I am glad to say that after watching these excellent films, that I may be coming around to the good old ghost story.  In fact, I may even go watch the original JU-ON film which I have actually never seen!  Both these films are excellent and are being distributed together on the same DVD/Blu-ray by the fine folks at Well Go USA.  Here is the plot synopsis for both films from the Well Go USA website:


JU-ON: WHITE GHOST tells the story of senior high school student Arkane whose strong ESP power induces him into seeing Mirai, the fragic ghost of an old school friend.

JU-ON: BLACK GHOST tells the chilling story of a young woman called Fukie who discovers that she's carrying an unborn 'grudge', which vengefully curses all those around her.


  Both these movies are perfect examples of what movies in this sub-genre of horror films should be.  They were both very creepy and unnerving.   JU-ON WHITE GHOST was filled with creepy imagery and visuals, and a haunting soundtrack that was as creepy as the film itself.  The film was very well made and the acting was spectacular.    The real thrill was the creepy ghost that keeps showing up....an old lady in a white night gown that causes each character to die in different and unique ways.  Check out the trailer for the scene when the ghost first appears.....I can't describe the sound she makes, but is a creepy as hell!  Watch the trailer and you will hear it.....gives me chills just thinking about it. 

  While I enjoyed the JU-ON WHITE GHOST immensely, and thought it to be my favorite one after watching the first part of JU-ON BLACK GHOST......eventually BLACK GHOST kicked in to high gear and never backed off.   JU-ON BLACK GHOST became my favorite of the two films, mainly due to one major scene.   The character of Fukie is carrying a cystoma, her twin sister that she absorbed while in the womb.   After years of lying dormant, the cystoma becomes active and wants to finally be out and free of Fukie.  The scene when Fukie's unborn twin sister finally makes her "appearance" is just crazy...that's the only word to describe it.  

  Both films clock in at just at an hour each, which I liked because there were no "filler" scenes...these films are great from start to finish and I highly recommend them for all fans of horror....even those like me that aren't big fans of ghost films.  Give this one a chance and I think you will be pleasantly surprised how good a ghost film can be!


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

Blu-ray Review: BLOOD (2009)

BLOOD
Directed by: Ten Shimoyama
Distributed by: Well Go USA

First off, let me start by saying that I have never been a huge fan of the Vampire sub-genre of horror films.  I guess I was always more of a zombie kind of guy.   Those romantic vampire movies of late have not helped my opinion of vampire films in any way, that's for sure.  But..things are starting to change.  With last year's LET ME IN  ( a remake of the 2008 Swedish film LET THE RIGHT ONE IN), and now this film, the Japanese film BLOOD, I just might be on track to becoming a vampire fan after all!  Here is the plot of BLOOD from the Well Go USA website:

Police Detective Hoshino (Kanji Tsuda) investigates the murder of a maid at a mansion belonging to Miyako Rozmberk (Sugimoto), a seductive vampire mistress and "cougar" all in one. Ukyo Kuronuma (Jun Kaname), an Edo-era swordsman who was turned into a vampire by Miyako is fingered for the crime but before anything can be done about it Hoshino ends up under Miyako's spell as well. This leads Hoshino and Ukyo to battle one another for the privilege of staying with Miyako for eternity.

I am a huge fan of martial arts films, and love the new wave of martial arts/horror flicks we have seen lately  (MACHINE GIRL, TOKYO GORE POLICE, etc).  These films always have a ton of martial arts action and a ton of blood.  BLOOD is no exception.  This film is a full of awesome martial arts action, in fact, it starts of with an awesome sword fight set in the snow (more on this in a minute).  The fighting scenes in this film are as good as you will see in any other martial arts movie.  The fighting choreographed very well and looks extremely realistic.   While the martial arts action is an impressive part of this film, it is not the main part, so even if you aren't into martial arts films, you should still have plenty to like about this film from a horror fan's perspective.

The Cinematography in this movie is spectacular.  That is not something I really notice with most films, so when I do notice, I know that there is something special about it.  The camera work is amazing with some really cool camera shots and angles.

One of the main things I liked about this film was the use of color.  As stated before, the film opens with a sword fight in the snow.  This occurs at night and when blood is spilled, it is a bright red contrast against the otherwise dark blue and black colors that dominate the scene.  I noticed this a few times throughout the movie.  They blood really stands out against the muted background colors.

I thoroughly enjoyed BLOOD and highly recommend it.  If you've seen it already, leave a comment and let me know what you thought of the film!


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

DVD Review: HARD REVENGE MILLY / HARD REVENGE MILLY: BLOODY BATTLE [Double Feature]

------Review by contributing writer Scott Baker------

HARD REVENGE MILLY/ HARD REVENGE MILLY: BLOODY BATTLE (double feature)
Directed by Takanori Tsujimoto

Courtesy of Well Go USA, Inc.
Released: 2008 / 2009

Let me summarize my review of this double feature with a single sentence: these are two of the best Japanese action films I’ve seen in a long time.

I know that’s a bold statement to make, but I mean it whole-heartedly. Both films are amazing in every aspect. They grab you violently by the throat from the very beginning and don’t let go for well over an hour. I loved every minute of them.

Here is an overall plot summary of both films, from the back of the DVD:

HARD REVENGE MILLY

In post-apocalyptic Japan, Yokohama City has become an epicenter of violence ruled by a vicious gang. The worst of the new breed of criminals are “The Jack Brothers”. When The Jack Brothers viciously murder Milly’s husband and daughter, leaving her to die, she vows revenge. She learns the art of sword combat from a master swordsman named Jubei and eventually sets off to confront The Jack Brothers and fulfill her destiny.

HARD REVENGE MILLY: BLOODY BATTLE

After Milly eliminates The Jack Brothers to avenge her family, a beautiful girl named Haru approaches her for help avenging her own boyfriend. Milly initially brushes her off, but eventually recognizes her passion for vengeance and agrees to train her. Soon, an intense admirer of Jack’s named Ikki and his brother Hyuma arrive to take them on. Milly makes short work of their minions and neutralizes Hyuma, but the cyborg-armed Ikki manages to injure her severely. Will she be able to survive and help Haru exact revenge?

Although the plot has enough material to create an 8-hour mini-series, the films are surprisingly short. The first film clocks in at around 40 minutes, while the second runs a little longer, around an hour and 15 minutes or so. But while their combined length is about that of a standard Hollywood movie, the short lengths of time for each film are perfect. There’s no long, drawn out scenes that shouldn’t be there, but there’s nothing omitted from the storyline, either.

Visually, the films are shot very well. I love the cinematography in both films, especially in the fight scenes. While some of them are room-encompassing far away shots, many of the camera angles are turbulent, shaky shots that put your right in the middle of the action. And for those scenes with no fighting, the stark imagery that is used gives a surreal aspect to almost every shot, giving each an almost Kubrick-like feel.

And speaking of the fight scenes, there’s enough blood and gore in each battle to placate even the most die-hard of horror fans. Even the simplest of flesh-wounds bring forth a crimson fountain. Before long, the floor is so coated in blood and gore that some of the characters have a hard time keeping their footing! It’s truly awesome to watch.

Both films boast excellent casts as well, with actress Miki Mizuno portraying the titular character in each. Mizuno is superb as Milly, giving depth and emotion to a character that would stereotypically be viewed as cold and lifeless. I believe these movies could have floundered in obscurity as low-budget failures if the wrong woman had been cast as Milly. Thankfully, the casting team struck gold with Mizuno.

If I were forced to find a flaw with either movie, I don’t think I could. These films know exactly what they are and they don’t try to be anything but entertaining. And entertaining they certainly are! If you like martial-arts action and can stomach some serious bloodletting, then definitely give these two a go.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for HARD REVENGE MILLY

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for HARD REVENGE MILLY: BLOODY BATTLE

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD double feature

DVD Review: NEGATIVE HAPPY CHAINSAW EDGE (2007)

Don't worry, you read that title right. While the title might be a little less than remarkable, the actual movie is truly amazing experience. NEGATIVE HAPPY CHAINSAW EDGE is a Japanese film that is distributed here in the U.S. by Well Go USA, Inc. Here is the plot synopsis from the Well Go USA, Inc. website:

Yosuke, a typical slacker kid dozing his way through school, showing nothing in the way of ambition as he quietly mulls over the death of a close friend the year before. He is clever enough and full of smart comments but just doesn't seem to see the point of much in life. That changes when he meets Eri by chance, late one night. She is a beautiful young girl, herself nursing a tragic loss, and for Yosuke it is love at first sight. So what to do when a giant falls from the sky, determined to do battle with Eri (the young girl armed with a brace of hidden knives, as this is obviously a regular occurrence)? Yosuke finds his purpose-he must help the girl he loves, never mind the fact that she is far stronger and better equipped for this battle than he.

h

The film is an amazing mixture of genres. It is part martial arts film, part romance, part comedy, and part Horror, of course. Every aspect of the film is impressive, good acting, excellent music and a good story. I would have liked some explanation of why the huge, chainsaw toting monster is after Eri, and where he comes from, but it is not necessary to enjoy the film.

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The main thing I loved about this film is how visually stunning it is. You probably have not seen a Horror film that could be considered a thing of beauty, but that it exactly what you will find with this film. The cinematography and visual effects are nothing less than stellar. From the close ups and details of a snowflake, to the monster falling from the sky with the moon as the backdrop, every scene is a true piece of art. My only complaint comes in the middle of the film. The film got a little slow to me, as it shifted its focus to more of the romance story between Yosuke and Eri. My wife watched the film with me, and she enjoyed this part of the movie, so that just shows you that there is something in this film for everyone! But don't worry, our Chainsaw wielding monster was right back in action for the final battle.

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Words can't do this movie justice, neither can the grainy trailer (but watch it anyway by clicking below). Watching this film on a HD T.V. would be a remarkable experience. This is one you will definitely want to add to your home dvd library.

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CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Well Go USA, Inc.