Book Review: THE ART OF HORROR

THE ART OF HORROR

Edited by:  Stephen Jones

Published by:  Applause Books

 

  

  If you are not familiar with Applause Books, here is a bit about them from their website:

Applause Theatre & Cinema Books

Now in its fourth decade, Applause Theatre & Cinema Books is America's foremost publisher of theatre, cinema, and TV books. Our books range from biographies of film and theatre luminaries to playscripts, librettos, monologue books, and explorations of film, TV, and theatre history. Applause is an imprint of Globe Pequot.

  I am a huge fan of horror art books, they are so much fun to look through and they contain the history of horror films right at your fingertips.   THE ART OF HORROR:  AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY is one of the best horror art books I have come across.  This beautiful coffee table sized book is a must have for all fans of the horror genre. 

 Here is more about this book, again from the Applause Books website:

The Art of Horror – a celebration of frightful images, compiled and presented by some of the genre's most respected names. While acknowledging the beginnings of horror-related art in legends and folk tales, the focus of the book is on how the genre has presented itself to the world since the creations of Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley first became part of the public consciousness in the 19th century. It's all here: from early engravings – via dust jackets, book illustrations, pulp magazines, movie posters, comic books, and paintings – to today's artists working entirely in the digital realm. Editor Stephen Jones and his stellar team of contributors have sourced visuals from archives and private collections (including their own) worldwide, ensuring an unprecedented selection that is accessible to those discovering the genre, while also including many images that will be rare and unfamiliar to even the most committed fan. From the shockingly lurid to the hauntingly beautiful – including images of vampires, werewolves, zombies, ghosts, demons, serial killers, alien invaders, and more – every aspect of the genre is represented in ten themed chapters. Quotes from artists/illustrators, and a selection from writers and filmmakers, are featured throughout.

  I have read a few of these type books in the past, but this is one of the best ones by far!   While a lot of art books just show art and have a caption with a little description about it, this book goes way beyond that with in depth articles about the art, the actors, the films and the characters.  This is much more than just an art book, so by calling it that I feel I am doing it a little disservice.  

  This book doesn't just cover one aspect of horror, it covers it all!   From ancient Egyptian wall drawings found in pyramids representing horrors in real life, to the modern day slasher and monster films.   I like that it also doesn't just cover one type of media.   While there is a ton of horror film art, it also has the art from old comic books and horror magazines.

  THE ART OF HORROR is available now and should be in any horror fan's library!    Here are some pics of what the book looks like on the inside.    Do yourself a favor and grab this book while you can!

CLICK HERE to purchase the book from Amazon

Blu-ray Review: A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE (1977)

 

A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE

Directed by:  Antonio Isasi-Isasmendi

Distributed by:  Severin Films / MVD

 Severin Films has always been one of my favorite distribution companies.   They put out some amazing releases of classics that are well known, but then they release some very obscure, hidden gem type titles that you may have never heard of.   Such was the case for me with the recent release of the 1977 film, A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE!   Here is the plot synopsis from the Severin Films website:

  Less than two years after the end of Spain’s oppressive Franco regime, Goya Award winning filmmaker Antonio Isasi (THEY CAME TO ROB LAS VEGAS, SUMMERTIME KILLER) co-wrote and directed the action blockbuster that shocked European audiences and became one of the most culturally-charged survival thrillers of the decade: Best Supporting Actor Oscar® nominee and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Jason Miller (THE EXORCIST, THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON) “gives a fantastic performance” (This Is Quiet Cool) as a political prisoner who escapes custody, only to be relentlessly pursued by a military dictatorship dog driven to hate, hunt and kill. Donatello Award winner Lea Massari (L’AVVENTURA) and Goya Award winners Marisa Paredes (HIGH HEELS) and Juan Antonio Bardem (THE CORRUPTION OF CHRIS MILLER) co-star in “one of a master director’s most significant films” (Madriz), now scanned in 2K from the original camera negative.

  While not a horror film in the regular sense of the word, I feel this film is definitely a close cousin to the horror genre.  While is is definitely more of an Action/Thriller, there are some horror elements to it for sure, including a bit of gore.  You could classify this as a creature feature for sure, in the likes of JAWS, or any other film where animals attack and kill humans.  The dog in this film is trained to kill, and does not give up until he gets his man!   

  At the very beginning, when the star of the film, Aristides, is shown, I knew I had seen that actor somewhere.  After looking on IMDb, I kicked myself for not realizing this was the actor that played Father Karras in 1973's THE EXORCIST.   I don't recall ever seeing him in anything other than THE EXORCIST before, so that was fun to see him in completely different role.   He does some things in this film that Father Karras would definitely not be proud of!

 The action in this film is great, with the intensity of the dog chasing right behind Aristides throughout the film.  There were some very cool camera shots, making it look like we were seeing what was happening through the dog's eyes.  The intensity never lets up, until the film comes to the end with a bang!   Watch the movie and you'll see what I mean!  

 The film is unique in that it starts like a typical 1970's grindhouse type film, but then transitions to more of a political drama/action film in the 2nd half.   That being said, I did feel in 2nd half of the film dragged on a bit in some sections, and the 115 minute run time could have been trimmed down a bit in my opinion.   That is my only complaint with this film, though, as overall I found it very enjoyable and am happy to have discovered this one!  

 One thing I must note, is that this film does depict some violence against the dog, but that dog did his fair share of damage as well!   I know violence against animals bothers some people, so just wanted to throw that out there before you watch it.  Rest assured, through, that no animals were harmed in the filming of this movie.   There is even a disclaimer from the director before the movie starts letting you know this.  

 If you like creature feature type horror films, and action/ survivalist films, you'll want to check this one out for sure!

A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE is available now from Severin Films and contains the following Special Features:

• A Film Ahead Of Its Time – Appreciation By Ángel Sala, Head Of Programming At The Sitges Film Festival
• Memories Of A Guerilla Woman – Interview With Actress Marisa Paredes
• Daughter Of Titans – Interview With María Isasi, Daughter Of Director Antonio Isasi And Actress Marisa Paredes
• Trailer

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

4K ULTRA HD Review: THE CONVENT (2000)

 

THE CONVENT 

Directed by:  Mike Mendez

Distributed by:  Synapse Films / MVD

  I am not sure how this film avoided my radar, but not only have I never seen THE CONVENT, I have never even heard of it!   I find this very odd, as it was so much fun!   How did I miss this one all these years!!   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Synapse Films website:

In 1960, a young woman named Christine enters St. Francis Boarding School for Girls and lays waste to the resident nuns. Four decades later, a group of college students head to the long-abandoned building late one night to tag it with their fraternity letters, little knowing that rumors of the place being haunted are terrifyingly true. Stir in a couple of disapproving cops and a band of unlikely Satanists, and the table is set for a feast of demonic infestation and bloodshed that only the grown-up Christine (Adrienne Barbeau, THE FOG, SWAMP THING) can possibly stop.

  

 This film had me hooked from the very beginning.  In fact, this might be one of the coolest movie openings of all time.  The movie shows us young  Christine going into a convent and wreaking havoc, shooting up the place, and burning the priest and nuns.  This is done in slow motion, to the tune of "You Don't Own Me" by Lesley Gore.  This is such an effective opening, and the music is perfect for this opening scene.   

  We don't really know why Christine is doing this, but later in the film we get the full story of why she did it from the adult Christine, played by horror legend Adrienne Barbeau.   Speaking of horror royalty, we also get to see the great Bill Moseley in this film, although I was not a fan of his part.  He plays a cop alongside an interesting casting choice in rapper Coolio.  They play a very comedic pair, which was very reminiscent of the horribly out of place cops in THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT.  The comic relief was not needed in that film, and it wasn't needed here either. 

  

  This film reminded me of movies like, DEMONS, and NIGHT OF THE DEMONS.  If you liked those films, you will love this one.   Although made in 2000, it had more of a feel of a 80's or 90's film, and that is a compliment for sure!    The film was full of some great practical effects, and the makeup effects on the main demon were amazing, utilizing some sort of glowing make up to make it look like her veins were glowing a cool blue color.  Very well done!  

 While I never saw an older version to compare it to, I have to say that his 4K UHD version looks amazing.   Very vibrant colors and super sharp picture!  If you have an older DVD of this film, you'll definitely want to do yourself a favor and make an upgrade to the 4K Ultra HD disc!

  THE CONVENT is available now from Synapse Films and MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

• *Limited Edition Combo (4K UHD + Blu-ray) Release of only 4000 units total
• *Limited Edition Slipcover only on this combo release
• *4K remaster of the uncut version supervised and approved by director, Mike Mendez
• *Mastered in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• *5.1 stereo surround mix from the original 16-track audio masters
• *Cast and crew audio commentary, featuring director Mike Mendez
• *“Lords of Hell” audio commentary featuring Saul and Dickie-Boy
• *Video tour of both THE CONVENT and KILLERS film locations
• *Vintage “Making of” featurette
• *Vintage original studio Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
• *“It’s Always Something with a Virgin” Liner notes booklet from Corey Danna
• *Deleted scene
• *Gore outtakes
• *Still gallery
• *Promotional trailers
• *Reversible cover art

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K UHD

Blu-ray Review: DOLL GRAVEYARD (2005)

 

DOLL GRAVEYARD

Directed by:  Charles Band

Distributed by:  Full Moon Features

 Full Moon Films has always been one of my favorite horror film companies.  They were a staple of my childhood, especially their Puppet Master films.   They have many "puppet" films in their film library, such as DOLLMAN VS. DEMONIC TOYS, BLOOD DOLLS, OOGA BOOGA, and the aforementioned PUPPET MASTER films.   I have always really enjoyed the creepy doll movies, so I was super excited to get a chance to see DOLL GRAVEYARD.    This is one of the few Full Moon "puppet" films I haven't ever seen before.  

 Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Full Moon Horror Website:

 In 1905 a lonely 12-year-old girl named Sophia escapes the miseries of her home life by playing with her creepy handmade dolls. When her abusive father forces her to bury her beloved playthings in the backyard, she "slips" and breaks her neck. To cover up his negligence, Sophie's father decides to entomb his child's body right along with her "friends". 

 100 years later, young Guy Fillbrook and his family move into the very same house and when playing out back he inadvertently unearths the buried dolls.  Except now, Sophia's vengeful spirit has possessed the dolls and they come screaming to life, protecting Guy from any and all who dares to torment him. The more they kill, the more powerful they become and the corpses begin to pile up. 

 Can Sophia's otherworldly rampage be stopped? Or will the entire Fillbrook family end up in the doll graveyard?

 As I stated before, I love the "puppet" films that Full Moon puts out.  They have a such a cool character to them, and I have always been a fan of stop motion animation.   DOLL GRAVEYARD was like revisiting my childhood, it has all the charm and character of the puppet films I watched as a kid.   The dolls in this film looked really cool, all having their own unique look and methods of killing.  I really liked the baby doll that opened it's whole face to take a bite out of it's victims!   I recognized a few of these dolls from other Full Moon features, especially Torch from the Puppet Master series and what I assume is the first appearance of Ooga Booga.  The Samurai doll looked familiar to me as well, but I am not sure where I might have seen that one before, if at all.   I'm sure there is a Full Moon super fan out there that can let me know what movie it was from or if it was an original concept for this film. 

 

 The story is very simple and everything takes place in one setting, so it is not a movie you have to think about too much at all.  You can just sit back and enjoy the doll carnage!  One thing of note was the gore in this film, I felt it was a bit more than the other doll films and I always appreciate the use of practical effects over CG.  The scene of the dolls raising from their grave was also super fun and very well done!   

 Overall, I really enjoyed DOLL GRAVEYARD.  This is one that will definitely be going in my collection and I will definitely re-visit in the future. 

DOLL GRAVEYARD  is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Full Moon, and contains the following special features:

* Making of Featurette

* Blooper Reel

* Full Moon Trailers

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: COCAINE WEREWOLF (2024)

 

COCAINE WEREWOLF

Directed by:  Mark Polonia

Distributed by:  Cleopatra Entertainment / MVD

  If you don't know the name Mark Polonia, then you probably aren't a fan of campy B-movies.   His first directing credit is from 1985 and he shows 88 directing credits to date.  If my math is right, that is over 2 movies a year!  How is that even possible?   Well, take a look at any of his films and you will see how it is possible!   He makes super cheap B (or let's be honest, even C) films on a shoestring budget, and most films look like they could have been made in a matter of days, with minimal sets and very little production value.   Also, he obviously isn't wasting time interviewing and finding the best actors in the area!   Mr. Polonia has brought us such "classics" as SPLATTER FARM, PETER ROTTENTAIL, EMPIRE OF THE APES, SHARKENSTEIN, SHARK ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND, SHARKULA, and my personal favorite title, NOAH'S SHARK!    This is just to name a few, check out his IMDb page to see the full list of these amazingly titled films!  

 Now don't get me wrong, it sounds like I might be bashing this man, but he is obviously one of the hardest working people in the horror industry and people must like his movies or he wouldn't keep making them.  While they are not Oscar worthy by any means,  some of them are very fun and entertaining, which is mostly what all of us ask of our horror films. 

  COCAINE WEREWOLF is no different, it was not a "good" movie by any sense of the word, but it kept me entertained and I had fun watching it.   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the MVD website:

In COCAINE WEREWOLF, cocaine, cash and a crew filming a low-budget horror movie in the eerie woods of northern Pennsylvania clash when an unexpected visit from a blood-thirsty werewolf literally enters the picture! A Gothic Industrial Rock soundtrack especially created for the film (courtesy of Cleopatra Records) perfectly sets the mood for one wild and crazy 'howling at the moon' bloody affair!

Cocaine, cash and a crew filming a low-budget horror movie in the eerie woods of northern Pennsylvania clash when an unexpected visit from a blood-thirsty werewolf literally enters the picture

  One thing I would highly suggest, is that you watch this with a group of friends that also like campy horror films.  I watched it by myself, but I feel this would have been a lot of fun watching with some buddies and making jokes along the way.    Having a few drinks of your choice would probably also help as well!  

  If you are looking for something that is actually scary, you'll definitely want to look somewhere else.  This movie does not take itself seriously at all, and there is actually quite a bit of a comedic element to it.  Most of the comedy is intentional for sure, but I'm sure some was not!  I loved the opening scene and appreciated getting to see the Werewolf within the first few minutes and already getting a great kill scene.   The Werewolf swipes at a guys head and of course, his head goes flying off his body.  Who knew it was so easy to loose one's head!  

  The Werewolf costume was pretty cheesy, and looked like something you'd buy at your nearest Spirit Halloween store, but it did it's job for this film.   My main complaint was the amount of CG blood and gore.  Practical effects are so much better, but I guess CG blood is cheaper and requires no mess and clean up.  

  So, COCAINE WEREWOLF wasn't the greatest Werewolf film ever made, but it was fun.  Would I watch it again?  Probably not, but I'm not mad I watched it!  Also, some people love these types of films, and Mr. Polonia has quite a fan following, so this will be right up their alley!  

 COCAINE WEREWOLF is available now on DVD and Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

*  Trailer

*  Slideshow

*  Director's Commentary

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-Ray Review: QUADRANT (2024)

 

QUADRANT

Directed by:  Charles Band

Distributed by:  Full Moon Features

 If you are like me, you grew up on Full Moon movies.  I grew up in the 80's and 90's which was the hayday for Full Moon.    I have a special place in my heart for films such as Puppet Master, Demonic Toys, Subspecies, Arcade, etc.  All those films had a feel good charm to them.   They were scary as a kid, but not too scary.  The effects were fun and the stories were interesting.   I have to admit, I have felt recently that Full Moon had lost that charm.  The movies coming out lately seemed rushed and cheap and there were too many Giantess movies and those awful Barbie & Kendra movies  (sorry Charles!).   For this reason, I wasn't expecting too much from QUADRANT, but man was I wrong!   In fact, when I first saw the cover, I assumed this was an older Full Moon film I had just never heard of somehow that was getting a Blu-ray upgrade.  Come to find out, this is a brand new Full Moon movie and I am happy to report that this has all the charm of those Full Moon films from the 80's and 90's!   

Here is the plot synopsis from the Full Moon Features website:

Developed by scientists Harry and Meg, the "Quadrant" helmet allows your mind to transport you into a world where all your phobias and nightmares are real, while also granting you the strength to defeat them, liberating you from their control forever.

But the Quadrant experiment is about to go horribly wrong. When Erin, a young girl who’s obsessed with Jack the Ripper uses the device to actually BECOME the Ripper, she unleashes a reign of terror, first in her mind in an AI version of old London created by the Quadrant, and then in reality, where she now stalks the contemporary city streets, seeking out victims for her blade.

The only way to stop this savage new Ripper is for an even more vicious killer to enter the artificial Quadrant-verse and bring her down. What ensues is a brutal, bloody battle, murderer against murderer, both in this world and the surreal, dangerous, synthetic world of Quadrant!

  This is the most I have enjoyed a Full Moon film in a long time to be honest.   As I mentioned before, I love the old stuff Full Moon put out, but I haven't been the biggest fan of the newer stuff.  Well, I am happy to say that Full Moon is back to it's original glory!   

  QUADRANT was so enjoyable! It truly felt like one of Full Moon's films from the 80's or 90's, although with much better effects than those films had, of course!   This film was shot in a really cool way, with the scenes that you see while the characters are wearing the AI headset being very dreamlike, and sometimes nightmarish.  Erin's view inside the helmet is in Black & White, except for the blood which is a popping crimson read in contrast to the B&W.   My first thought was that it was like seeing a live action graphic novel.   It reminded me of Sin City in the basic look of it. 

  

  It was interesting to see Erin's progression as she uses the AI helmet to get into the mind of Jack the Ripper, eventually transforming herself into the 19th century killer.  

  This film has everything you've come to expect from a Full Moon film.  I honestly can't recommend this one enough!  

  QUADRANT is the first entry into Full Moon's new sub-label, PULP NOIR.   These films are to be a bit edgier, darker, and scarier than the rest of the Full Moon library.   I, for one, am very excited about this!   The Pulp Noir collection will consists of 10 new films and there is a Patreon you can subscribe to in order to help support and fund these films.  There are some awesome perks like signed copies of each shooting script, exclusive videos from the set, and even a chance to come hang out on set!  Click the link below to check out the Full Moon/Pulp Noir Patreon. 

QUADRANT is available now on VHS, DVD and BD and contains the following special features:

* Videozone:  Behind the Scenes of Quadrant

* Quadrant Table Read with Actors

* Pulp Noir Announcement Video

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the VHS, DVD, or BD

CLICK HERE to view the Patreon

CIRCUS OF THE DEAD 2 Indigogo campaign is LIVE!!!

 

 The long anticipated CIRCUS OF THE DEAD 2 Indigogo campaign is LIVE!!   In fact, it just went live today at 08:00 CST, and it reached it's $10K goal in a matter of hours!!  The campaign was updated with a new stretch goal of $30K, and as of this post, it is already over $28K!   Obviously there is a LOT of excitement for this new chapter of Papa Corn and his circus freaks!   Here is a message from Writer/Director Billy "Bloody Bill"Pon about the film. 

 

 CLICK HERE to back this project!!!

CIRCUS OF THE DEAD 2 Indigogo campaign launching tomorrow, Friday the 13th!!

 If you are a fan of  CIRCUS OF THE DEAD, then you are in for a treat!  The circus is back in town!!

 Director Billy "Bloody Bill" Pon brought us one of the best independent horror features  I have ever seen back in 2014 with the original CIRCUS OF THE DEAD.   10 years later, he is back to bring you part 2, but he needs your help!!  

  The CIRCUS OF THE DEAD 2 crowdfunding campaign on Indigogo will go live tomorrow, Friday the 13th! Billy needs as many people as possible to donate on that first day to help trigger the algorithm to make it a trending campaign, and get more eyes on it.   Please help Billy out, and help all us horror movie lovers out, by donating on 9/13!    I don't know what the perks will be, but knowing Billy, I'm sure there will be some interesting ones in addition to the normal DVDs, Blu-Rays, etc. 

  If you have never seen CIRCUS OF THE DEAD, do yourself a favor and watch it asap!   It is disturbing, gory, demented, and just plain fun!   It's available to stream on multiple platforms including Tubi, Prime, Pluto, Freevee, Vudu, and more.   Once you see this film, you'll realize why I am so excited that part 2 is in the works!

CLICK HERE to go to Indigogo.com and search for the CIRCUS OF THE DEAD 2 campaign

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for the original CIRCUS OF THE DEAD so you can get a taste of what you will be in for with this new film

4K UHD Review: DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW DOUBLE FEATURE

 

DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW 

Directed by:  Frank De Felitta

DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW 2

Directed by:  J.D. Feigelson

Distributed by:    VCI Entertainment / MVD

  I have always considered the original DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW one of the best made for TV horror moves ever made.   I still stand by that today.  I have seen it multiple times and it never gets old to me.  It is a true classic.   Somehow, I completely missed that a part 2 was ever made!   I was so glad to find this awesome double feature that contains both the original and part 2!  

 

  A review of the original DNOTS was actually published on my blog years ago by contributing writer, Scott Baker  (see that review HERE).   So for the purpose of this review, I will mainly be focusing on part 2.   If you are not familiar with these films, here is the plot synopsis for each one courtesy of the VCI Entertainment website:

Dark Night of the Scarecrow (Orig): When young Marylee Williams (Tonya Crowe) is found viciously mauled, all hell breaks loose in her small rural town. Officious postmaster Otis P. Hazelrigg (Charles Durning) leads a gang of bigots in pursuit of the suspect: her mentally challenged friend Bubba Ritter (Larry Drake). Finding him hiding inside a scarecrow, they exact brutal mob ‘justice’…only to discover a tragic mistake! Now a strange apparition stalks the land seeking each of them out, as the legend of the Scarecrow begins.

Dark Night of the Scarecrow #2: A dark terror lies just below the surface of the small-town Chris Rhymer (Amber Wedding) and her young son Jeremy (Aiden Shurr) have settled in. One day while looking for Jeremy, she comes upon a weathered old scarecrow, and realizing that is only an inert effigy, she tells it her secret for being there. Now, suddenly after forty years, a dark terror stalks the cornfields. Is it on a mission of revenge or is it protecting Chris from outside threats? The legend of the Scarecrow continues. 

  Again, I never knew a sequel to DNOTS existed, so this was quite a treat for me to be discovering this film for this first time!    While I admit it started off a bit slow, it definitely got better as the movie went on.   The film looks kind of cheaply made, and I assume it was, but it actually worked well for this film because it truly felt like a made for TV movie like the original.   I remember thinking as I watched the sequel that whoever made this film must have been a huge fan of the original.   They really got the look of the scarecrow to match the original, and there were many throwbacks to the first film that were a lot of fun.   Well, come to find out the director of part 2 was actually the writer on the original film!  

  Unlike the original film, we actually see some of the kills in this film.   The original's kills were all offscreen, which is not surprising since it was made for TV.   I was glad to see a little more gore in part 2, although it was still light on gore compared to other films this days.  I really liked the look of the scarecrow in part 2.  It as very similar to the look of the original, except this time it had glowing eyes in some scenes which made it extra creepy.  I also really liked the way the scarecrow moved...it was almost in a jerky manor, not fluid at all.  It almost remined me of stop motion in the way the scarecrow's head moved. 

  While part 2 isn't nearly as enjoyable as the original, it was highly entertaining and a very nice homage to the first film.   If you already own DNOTS on DVD or BD, you'll want to get this new edition not only for part 2, but the 4K release is an amazing upgrade from the previous releases.   The picture is crystal clear, which I expected for the sequel, but even the original film is so clean and like I have never seen before.  After seeing how good part 2 looked, I had to check out the original on 4K as well and I was in awe of how good it looked for a film that is over 40 years old.   

The DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROWS DOUBLE FEATURE is available now from VCI Entertainment and contains the following Special Features:

*New 2023 DNOTS Triple Fan Commentary Track Hosted by Heath Holland (Cereal Midnight Podcaster) and featuring Robert Kelly noted film historian and artist, and super-fan Amanda Reyes, expert extraordinaire on TV movies, author, podcaster! 
*Original DNOTS Commentary Track with Writer J.D. Feigelson and Director Frank DeFelitta *New 2023 DNOTS2 Commentary by J.D. Feigelson 
*Video Feature - “Bubba Didn’t Do It: 30 Years of the Scarecrow” by Daniel Griffith 
*Video Feature – DNOTS Cast Reunion Q&A Recorded at the 2011 Frightfest Film Festival *1981 CBS World Premiere Broadcast Promo 
*1985 CBS Network Re-Broadcast Promo 
*Photo Gallery – Behind the Scenes

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-Ray
CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K Ultra HD

Blu-Ray Review: THE CRIPPLED MASTERS (1979)

 

THE CRIPPLED MASTERS

Directed by:  Chi Lo  (as Joe Law)

Distributed by:  Film Masters / MVD 

  If you are a fan of Kung Fu movies, and weird Grindhouse flicks, do I have a film for you!   This is Kung Fu like you have never seen before!   Frankie Shum and Jackie Conn star in this bizarre film about two Kung Fu masters that have mastered the martial art despite their disabilities (one born without arms, and one born with underdeveloped legs).  Together they form one master of Kung Fu in THE CRIPPLED MASTERS!

 Here is the official synopsis from the official press release:

Directed by Chi Lo aka Joe Law (Magic Swords, Hong men xiong di, Hei lung), the film tells the story of two martial arts artists, one who has lost both arms and the other who has lost both legs, as they seek revenge against the villainous master who disabled them. Portrayed by Sung-Chuan Shen aka Jackie Conn and Chao-Ming Kang aka Frankie Shum—who in real-life are martial arts artists with disabilities—they endure rigorous training, forming a deep bond as they rely on resourcefulness and determination to master their unique fighting styles … and to avoid challenges from other martial artists and the master’s henchman. Also starring Li Chung Keng, Chen Mu Chuan and Ho Chiu.

  I haven't seen too many Kung Fu movies, but I have seen a handful and have enjoyed what I have seen.  One of my favorites is the 1976 film, MASTER OF THE FLYING GUILLOTINE.  I like that one so much due to it's nice mixture of Kung Fu and Horror, it is not your typical Kung Fu film.   I put THE CRIPPLED MASTERS up there in that same category as well.  Kung Fu purists might night like this one, but I found it highly enjoyable.  It's just goofy, weird, and fun.   

  While the two main actors were born with their disabilities, in the film we see one of them get their arms cut off and the other get his legs crippled due to being tortured with acid.   The characters don't let this stop them, and they train with a Kung Fu master to become skilled martial artists.   The novelty of them coming together to create one unstoppable Kung Fu master is pretty unique.   

  I know DVD versions of this film have been around for years, but you'll definitely want to check out this newly restored version.  In fact, one of the special features is a side by side comparison of the film's original print and the new restored version.   The clean up Film Masters did on this print is pretty amazing!    For fans of crazy cinema, this one is a must see!

  THE CRIPPLED MASTERS is available now for on Newly Restored DVD and Blu-ray from Film Masters, and contains the following Special Features:

*  A new documentary, from Ballyhoo Motion Pictures, Kings of Kung Fu: Releasing the Legends, narrated by author/researcher Chris Poggiali

*  Original raw scan of the film (SD)

*  Before/after examples of restoration

*  Liner notes provided by disability advocate Lawrence Carter-Long

*  Commentary by Will Sloan and Justin Decloux of The Important Cinema Club

*  Compilation of Kung Fu trailers (SD) from Something Weird Video

*  A recut of the original theatrical trailer from restored elements

*  An original raw theatrical trailer

*  Mandarin-language track.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-Ray

4K Ultra HD Review: NIGHT OF THE BLOOD MONSTER (1970)

 

NIGHT OF THE BLOOD MONSTER (aka THE BLOODY JUDGE)

Directed by:  Jess Franco

Distributed by:  Blue Underground / MVD

  If you like films about witches and period war films, you've come to the right place! The infamous Jess Franco brings you, NIGHT OF THE BLOOD MONSTER, or THE BLOODY JUDGE, which is actually the title I prefer, as there is no monster in this film!   Christopher Lee stars at the Judge that is sentencing innocent women to acts of torture and even death due to them being charged as practicing witchcraft.  There are also some very realistic battle scenes, and like most Jess Franco movies, it doesn't all makes sense!  Here is a brief synopsis from the Blue Underground website:

Christopher Lee (THE WICKER MAN) gives one of his most unforgettable performances as Judge Jeffreys, the infamous 17th Century witchfinder whose unholy obsession with a luscious wench (Maria Rohm of EUGENIE) fuels a jaw-dropping spree of torture, brutality and flesh-ripping perversion. Howard Vernon (SUCCUBUS), Margaret Lee (FIVE GOLDEN DRAGONS), Maria Schell (99 WOMEN) and Oscar® nominee Leo Genn (QUO VADIS) co-star in this landmark epic of sexual violence and sadism, complete with a superb score by Bruno Nicolai (COUNT DRACULA) and directed with spectacularly deviant glee by the one and only Jess Franco (VENUS IN FURS).

 I'm not going to pretend that this is some masterpiece by any means, although for a Jess Franco film, it is actually very impressive and I would assume one of his bigger budget films in his filmography.  It looks like much more of a mainstream film that I am used to seeing from his films.   The plot is a bit hard to follow, at least it was for me.  The mix of politics and war into the Salem witch trail type plot was hard to get around.   The torture scenes were dispersed in strange places in my opinion, but they did keep the film entertaining, as they were the best parts of the film to me.   The torture scenes are actually pretty tame compared to more recent movies, but there was one scene in particular that was very disturbing and realistic which was a scene of a woman's hand getting chopped off in a guillotine.  This scene happens very quickly and really catches you off guard....just don't rewind it like I did and pause right before she gets her hand cut off, as you will see a laughable fake hand that is a completely different color than her real hand.  Maybe this wasn't as noticeable on older releases, but it was hard to miss in 4K! 

 Speaking of 4K, this new release from Blue Underground is a beautiful 4K Ultra HD edition.   If you didn't know this film was from 1970, you would never guess by the look of this transfer.  It looks as if it could have been shot recently with such picture clarity and vibrant colors.   Even if you have the old BLOODY JUDGE dvd, you will want to make the upgrade to this new release.  Also, for us lover of physical media, it comes with a beautiful slip cover featuring some great new cover art!

Also, check out all these amazing special features that are included on the discs:

Disc 1 (4K UHD Blu-ray) Feature Film + Extras:

• Audio Commentary #1 with Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson
• Audio Commentary #2 with Film Historians Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw
• Audio Commentary #3 with Film Historians David Flint and Adrian Smith

Disc 2 (Blu-ray) Feature Film + Extras:

• Audio Commentary #1 with Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson
• Audio Commentary #2 with Film Historians Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw
• Audio Commentary #3 with Film Historians David Flint and Adrian Smith
• Bloody Jess – Interviews with Director Jess Franco and Star Christopher Lee
• Judgement Day – Interview with Stephen Thrower, Author of “Murderous Passions: The Delirious Cinema of Jesus Franco”
• In The Shadows – Interviews with Filmmaker Alan Birkinshaw and Author Stephen Thrower on Harry Alan Towers
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes
• Trailers and TV Spot
• Still Galleries

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K Ultra HD / BD combo