Blu-ray Review: SWEET MEATS (2025)

SWEET MEATS

Written & Directed by:  Ricky Glore

Distributed by:  Troma Films  / MVD Entertainment

 If you are a fan of Troma films, you basically know what kind of film you are getting into.  SWEET MEATS  is no different and fits perfectly in the Troma films library.   More of a dark comedy than a horror film, it's a fun film that is worth a watch for sure!   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the MVD website:

Bobby Sweet is a country music legend and has been the world-renowned face of 'Sweet Meats' since establishing his first restaurant with his wife. Sometimes a 'secret ingredient' should stay that way.

 If you are looking for a scary horror film, this is not the film for you.  It's not scary at all, but it's not supposed to be.  As I mentioned before, this a horror-comedy, with more of an emphasis on the comedy.  Horror comedy films are tough to make in my opinion.   It's hard to mix totally opposite genres like that and make it work.   I am pleased to say that the people behind SWEET MEATS made it work!    This movie is actually really funny.   It tells the story of a simple man named Bobby that just wants to be a country music star, but gets caught up running a restaurant with his controlling girlfriend.  

  His girlfriend has a plan to make their burgers different than other restaurants using a special kind of meat.   I'm sure you can guess what kind of meat that is!   While the basic premise is not original, the execution of the concept is for sure.    As stated before, Bobby wants to be a country music star, so we are gifted with music performances throughout the film.  They all tell a story, basically about what is happening at that point in the film.  The songs are really funny and some are actually really catchy!  

  Something else that I need to point out about this film is the acting.  In addition to writer, director, and lead actor Ricky Glore doing such a great job, all the actors in this film were really good.   Low budget films,  especially horror-comedy films,  can be ruined by bad acting.  That was not the case here.   Kudos to the entire cast, but especially to the other two leads, Timmy Barron as Bobby's best friend Jerry, and to Eileen Earnest who plays Bobby's girlfriend, Laddie.   These were all very good comedic actors and had great performances. 

  SWEET MEATS is a fun film that I highly recommend checking out! 

SWEET MEATS is available for pre-order now, with a release date set for September 8, 2026.  The Blu-ray contains the following special features:

• *  New Commentary Track
• *  'The Grind' - The Making of Sweet Meats
• *  Evolution of a Song: Writing the Music of Sweet Meats
• *  Cast and Crew Feature-Length Interview
• *  Tromatic Extras

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer 

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray

Blu-Ray Review: TETSUO: THE BULLET MAN (2009)

 

TETSUO:  THE BULLET MAN

Directed by:  Shin'ya Tsukamoto

Distributed by:  Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

  TETSUO :  THE BULLET MAN is the third installment in the TETSUO series.   This follows 1989's TETSUO:  THE IRON MAN and 1992's TETSUO II:  BODY HAMMER.   I went into this one blind as I have never seen the aforementioned films that came before this one.   I don't think you have to have seen them, as it feels like a pretty stand alone film to me, but maybe it would have made a bit more sense if I had seen those prior installments.  

 Here is the plot synopsis from the Unearthed Films website:  

Anthony is a bland and cautious American office worker living in Tokyo with nothing exceptional about him. Or so he thinks. When his young son is killed, Anthony begins a violent and bizarre metamorphosis, his flesh transforming into metal, his body expressing his repressed rage and lust for revenge. Anthony is becoming the weapon that will destroy the man who killed his son and, if his rage cannot be contained, the entire city in the process.

  Now, even though I wasn't sure exactly why what was happening was happening, I still really enjoyed this movie.   It was a fun body-horror film with lots of action.  In fact, it's really  not a horror movie to be honest.  It's much more of a dark action film.   

  The film  is very short with only a 71 minute run time, so it's a quick, fun, action flick that doesn't make you think to much.   Basically we just get scenes of the father taking revenge on the people that killed his son.  He does so in some crazy ways as his body slowly turns into a crazy metal armor and weapon.  It progresses as the film goes on,  so towards the end of the film, he is almost unrecognizable as a person, and is more so just a huge hunk of metal with guns and some sort of light/heat cannon on his torso.  

  This is a weird one for sure, which is my kind of film. The editing is crazy in this film, I actually feel sorry for whoever had to edit it.  It is very choppy and scenes jump from one to another so quickly.  It's all planned this way, and makes for some cool aesthetics, but I just can't imagine having to work on this film and making all those quick cuts.   The film is very cool visually, and as always, Unearthed Films has done an amazing job with the Limited Edition Blu-ray release. 

 TETSUO: THE BULLET MAN is available now and contains the following Special Features:

• *  Audio Commentary with Actor Eric Bossick and Japanese cinema expert Tom Mes
• *  Tetsuo: The Bullet Man - Multi Material Version
• *  Photo Gallery
• *  Trailers

 One thing I have to mention is the Special Feature, "TETSUO: THE BULLET MAN  - MULTI MATERIAL VERSION".    This is a Special Feature I had never seen before.  Basically, it is the full movie, with the complete original audio track, but the video is made up of a compilation of behind the scenes photos, videos, and storyboards.   This was a very interesting and unique way to present a "making of" type feature.   Be sure to check this out on this new Blu-ray release!

  CLICK HERE to purchase the Limited Edition Blu-ray from Unearthed Films

  CLICK HERE to purchase the Limited Edition Blu-ray from the MVD Shop

Blu-ray Review: SCREAM DREAM (1989)

SCREAM DREAM

Directed by:  Donald Farmer

Distributed by:  Visual Vengeance / MVD Entertainment

  Visual Vengeance is back, with another horror film from the 1980's you have probably never heard of!  This was the case for me, at least.   The film  is 1989's SCREAM DREAM from Director Donald Farmer.  Here is the basic plot synopsis of the film from the MVD Entertainment website:

When heavy metal front woman Michelle Shocked is fired from her band for bad press related to Satanic rumors, she proves everyone right by transforming into a bloodthirsty demon who embarks on a spree of killing and possession.

Donald Farmer's Scream Dream is both the perfect example of a regional Shot-On-Video film, and one of the most insane heavy metal horror movies of all time. Made during the height of 1980s 'Satanic Panic' in the USA, Scream Dream is overflowing with rubber monster action, gore-drenched murders, unisex teased hair and more bar band metal music than you can shake a studded wristband at.

  If you are a fan of SOV films, you will want to get your hands on a copy of this one.  If you like the nostalgic feeling of watching movies on VHS, this is the film for you!  

  SCREAM DREAM is not great by any means, and the story is a little lacking, but I still enjoyed it.  It is VERY low budget, so know that going into it.  I was really hoping being newly released on Blu-ray that the picture quality would be vastly improved.  It if is improved any, I sure couldn't tell, and I would have hated to see it before!   I will say though, the rough VHS look of the film gave it some of it's charm, and actually might have helped with the enjoyment of this film. 

  The acting is sub-par, although Gene Amonette who plays the band's manager, Lou, was quite hilarious.  It was probably more so due to the dialog and some of the lines he has in this film than his acting, but either way he was hilarious. 

  The true star of the show here is the gore and the special effects.   While a lot of the kills are offscreen, unfortunately,  the few we do see are very good.   This includes one of the best throat slashing scenes I have seen in quite some time. It was actually very impressive.  The makeup of the demon itself was very good as well, even by today's standards.   I guess I should mention that not ALL of the effects are good.  There is a hand puppet used as a demon that chews on people's necks and ankles and it is quite silly looking. 

 Oh, let me also mention that the heavy metal band in this films is pretty laughable by today's standards.  I guess that's what we considered as heavy metal back then! 

  I will say this for Visual Vengeance,  they do a remarkable job with their marketing of these films and the production value on their physical releases. The cover art, slip covers, and bonuses inside the Blu-ray cases are top notch.  These films they are releasing are getting a lot better of a physical release than they should, most likely!  SCREAM DREAM is no exception to that, as it has some cool treats packed inside!  I do like the fact Visual Vengeance is bringing these lesser known films to the mainstream, though.  I know a lot of people like these old SOV films, so they are definitely catering to that specific audience. 

 SCREAM DREAM releases on July 28 from Visual Vengeance and contains the following Special Features:

• *  SD master version from original tape elements
• *  Commentary with Producer/ Director Donald Farmer
• *  Heavy Metal Horror Primer - Video Essay with Justin Decloux and Adam 'Riot' Thorn
• *  Actor Nick Riggins Interview
• *  Actress Jesse Raye Interview
• *  The Art of the Scream: Special Effects Artist Rick Gonzales Interview
• *  Behind the Scenes Image Gallery
• *  Donald Farmer Theatrical Q&A Excerpts
• *  Trailers
• *  Visual Vengeance trailers
• *  Reversible sleeve featuring original VHS art
• *  Folded mini-poster
• *  ‘Stick Your Own’ VHS sticker set - FIRST PRESSING ONLY
• *  Limited Edition O-Card - FIRST PRESSING ONLY
• *  Limited Edition Scream Dream Guitar Pick - FIRST PRESSING ONLY
• *  Optional English subtitles

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment

Blu-ray Review: AM I EVIL (2007)

AM I EVIL

Directed by:  Richard Terrasi

Distributed by:  SRS Cinema

  If you have to ask, then you probably are!  After watching this film, I can confirm you definitely are!

  AM I EVIL is the name of today's film that is up for review.   This is another film I have never heard of or seen/read anything about.   After watching it, I'm wondering how that is possible.   

  Now don't get me wrong, this is not a masterpiece of horror cinema by any means, but for a directorial debut, it's a solid film that was very entertaining.   It was also very brutal, much more so than I was expecting. 

 Before I go any further, here is the basic plot synopsis from the SRS website:

Andrew Lakewood seems to be a normal guy. But deep within him is a dark side, hidden, until one day, his thoughts and fantasies become real. "Am In Evil" is a horrific and disturbing character study of a homicidal killer!

 Being a lower budget independent film, I wasn't expecting too much out of this one, but boy was I wrong!  Everything about this film seemed bigger than the budget was.   A lot of independent films are killed by the level of actors they are able to get.   This was not the case with this film.  The acting was excellent, especially from all the actresses that portrayed the victims.   They all did an amazing job and looked truly terrified in many scenes. 

 The film in pretty simple in plot, basically our main character Andrew seduces women, and then brings them back to his place to have sex, and then kill them....although not always in that order!    We are then witnesses to all of Andrew's  depravity, including beheadings and disembowelings!     One of the more disturbing scenes including watching Andrew play in the guts and blood of his latest victim.  Everything is silent except the faint music of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata playing the background.   The visual of seeing such a heinous act while listing to one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever created, was  definitely a shock to your senses!

 If you are a fan of the so called "torture-porn" sub-genre of horror films, this one is a must watch for you.   Be warned, this one is not for the squeamish!

  AM I EVIL is available now on a new 4K Restoration 20th  Anniversary Blu-ray Edition, and includes the following Special Features:

• New 2026 Commentary By Richard Terrasi
• Archival Commentary
• The Making Of Am I Evil
• Behind The Scenes Special Make Up Effects With Mikey Rotella
• Trailer
• "Anyone" Music Video By P-TSD
• SRS Trailers

 

 CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray 

Blu-ray Review: MADHOUSE (1974)

MADHOUSE

Directed by:  Jim Clark

Distributed by:  Eureka Video

  Once again I get the privilege of watching and reviewing a film I have always known about, but had never watched for one reason or another.   1974's MADHOUSE stars the legendary Vincent Price, one of my all time favorite horror icons.  I really should make a point of watching all his films.  I have seen many of them, but there are still quite a few I have not.   I was glad to check MADHOUSE off the list of his films I have seen!  

Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Eureka! website!

Paul Toombes (Price) is an actor whose trademark role is the enigmatic and terrifying Dr Death, a skull-faced serial killer and the central antagonist of a long-running series of horror films. When Toombes’ fiancée Ellen (Julie Crosthwait) is murdered in mysterious circumstances by an assailant dressed as Dr Death, the actor wonders if he has succumbed to madness – a question he will be forced to reckon with again when, years later, people begin dying on the set of a new television series based on his most famous character.

  This was such a fun film, and pretty tame by today's standards.  It does have a couple of creepy images, including the skull makeup/mask of the killer and one instance of a woman's head coming off after a decapitation.  I know it sounds bad, but it's one of the cleanest, bloodless decapitations I have ever seen!   It's exactly the type of decapacitation you would expect to see in a rated PG horror film!  That's right, MADHOUSE is rated PG!  Of course, these were the days before the creation of the PG-13 rating, so most likely this is a PG-13 film by today's standards.  

  I thought it was really neat how they used clips from older Vincent Price films in the movie, to show his character's past films.  We see clips from THE HAUNTED PALACE,  THE RAVEN, and THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM, just to name a few. 

 The movie was pretty tame overall, but it kept me entertained for the entire running time, a quick 89 minutes.   Also of note, is an appearance from another Horror icon, Peter Cushing.    You can't go wrong with both Cushing and Price in a film together!  

 I would definitely recommend MADHOUSE to any horror fan.  Don't expect a lot of blood and gore, but do expect the strange charm that comes with any Vincent Price film.  I don't know what it is about him, but I love anything he is involved with!  

MADHOUSE comes out tomorrow, 6/22, and contains the following Special Features:

• Limited edition O-card slipcase featuring original poster artwork [2000 copies]
• Limited edition booklet featuring new writing on Madhouse by genre film expert Christopher Stewardson and an archival interview with director Jim Clark conducted by John Hamilton, originally published in The Dark Side [2000 copies]
• 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray
• Original English mono audio
• Optional English subtitles (SDH)
• New introduction to Madhouse by horror novelist Stephen Laws
• Lights, Camera, Murder! – new video essay on Madhouse by horror and gothic scholar Mary Going
• Audio commentary by film historian David Del Valle
• Archival making-of featurette
• Stills Gallery
• Original theatrical trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray 

Please note, this is a Region B release only.  You must have a Region B player, or Region Free player to play this disc. 

Check out the amazing Horror related artifacts over at Minimuseum.com!!

 

 

  If you are into Horror Collectibles, or any Historical Collectibles, Mini Museum is the place for you!   I don't remember how I found out about this company, but I sure am glad I did!   Mini Museum was launched in 2014 and was founded on a love of Science and History.    This company makes small, historical artifacts in special keepsake display cases.   You can literally own a piece of history!  

 Why am I talking about this on a horror blog?  Well, in addition to the Science and History related items, there are quite a few Horror related items as well!  

 Did you know you can own a piece of brick from Dracula's castle?  That's right, you can own a piece of Cetatea Poenari, which was once the home of Vlad III, better know to you and me as Vlad The Impaler!   

 I love my piece of brick from Dracula's castle, and I also got a vial of soil from the base of the castle.   

  These are awesome artifacts and definitely a cool conversation starter when your friends see this displayed at your house! 

 If these artifacts displays aren't your thing,  you can also get these same specimens in a locket, or necklace!

  You can also get this cool sample card of Dracula's soil which has been sealed with resin into the shape of a coffin!

CLICK HERE to purchase the soil card!

CLICK HERE to purchase the  Castle Brick and Soil Bundle for a special low price!!

  If that's not cool enough, Mini Museum has something new coming up for all you WALKING DEAD fans!   

  A Kickstarter project was made for the creation of one of the coolest WALKING DEAD items I have ever seen!   It's a one of a kind Lucite acrylic display featuring 32 screen-used props, costumes, and set pieces from THE WALKING DEAD!   Item's on this amazing collectible include pieces/specimens from the following items:

*  King County Sheriff's Patch

*  Rick's Boots

*  Walker Blood

*  Carl's T-shirt

*  Glenn's Jersey & Machete

*  Daryl's Vest

*  Hershel's Pants

*  Michonne's Katana

*  D Block Prison Sign

*  The Governor's Shirt

*  Carol's Trench Knife

*  Rick's Shearling

*  Daryl's Bandana & Diamond Knife

*  Terminus Sanctuary Sign

*  Morgan's Staff

*  Alexandria Wall

*  Rick's Hatchet

*  "Lucille" - Negan's Bat

*  Hilltop Brick

*  Savior Lineup

*  Moss Walker

*  The Kingdom Gates

*  Oceanside Cabin Sign

*  Sanctuary Shootout

*  Metal Head Walker

*  The Bridge Dynamite

*  Alpha's Knife

*  Princess' Goggles

*  Commonwealth Brick Wall

*  Daryl's Crossbow Bolt

  

  The Kickstarter campaign has already been fully funded, but you can still pledge and get this awesome acrylic display or some other cool WALKING DEAD items if you hurry!   The Kickstarter campaign will be closing soon!

Blu-ray Review: CRADLE OF FEAR (2001)

CRADLE OF FEAR

Directed by:  Alex Chandon

Distributed by:  Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

  Once again I am here to review a film I have always known about, seen the box art countless times when perusing my local video store, yet have never watched.  Hopefully most of you are old enough to remember video stores!   I recall seeing the original DVD cover art on the shelf, but for whatever reason I just never picked it up.  

  Well, I wish I would have back then, because I have been missing out for years on a very interesting and entertaining movie!   Before I go any further, here is the basic plot synopsis from the Unearthed Films website:

Cradle Of Fear (2 Disc Limited Collector's Edition) is a brutal anthology-style horror film centered around notorious child murderer Kemper, who seeks revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment.

Confined to a padded cell in a local asylum, Kemper orchestrates his vengeance from afar, commanding a mysterious figure known only as "The Man" to carry out a series of increasingly savage murders targeting the families of those who put him away. As the body count rises, Detective Nielson--who has a personal history with Kemper--struggles to make sense of the escalating violence and its seemingly supernatural orchestration.

Blending interconnected storylines with extreme gore and shock-driven set pieces, the film has gained a cult reputation as one of the most notorious entries in British horror cinema, featuring Dani Filth of Cradle of Filth in a central role.

 I have always loved Anthology films, and this one is done really well.  Unlike other Anthology films, where they break each story up into it's own chapter, sometimes even putting the new segment title up on screen between each film, this plays as one continuous movie.  In fact, if you didn't know this was an Anthology pic, you would just assume this film was all over the place and made zero sense!  So definitely go  in knowing these are 4 separate stories that just all tie in together. 

  The first story shows you the downside to what was otherwise a satisfying one night stand, complete with a spider-baby hybrid impregnation!

 The second film involves a burglary gone wrong, and shows how things can spiral out of control very quickly when you can't trust your accomplice!

 The third instalment was probably the most interesting to me, as an amputee who is missing his leg goes to extreme measures to get a replacement leg.   Unfortunately, the leg has a mind of it's own and is apparently very upset about being removed from it's original body!

 The final instalment was my personal favorite, as it involves a man who is obsessed with violent images and snuff films on the internet.   He comes across a website where you can can watch real murders.  Not only can you watch, if you pay a fee, you can actually choose how the person is killed.   You get to choose the weapon used, how to use it, and where on the victims body to use it.   This one is terrifying to me, because it makes me wonder if something like this could really be out there on the dark web.  It wouldn't surprise me in this crazy world! 

Now, I have to be honest, this film has not aged well in some aspects.  Certain scenes were very obvious CGI, almost to a laughable degree.  I am mainly talking about a car crash scene that is hard not to snicker at when watching.   That is a very small part though, and didn't keep me from enjoying the film at all.    All the gore effects are done with practical effects and are extremely well done.   Head smashing, stabbings, eye gouging, decapitations, and one of the most realistic amputations I have ever seen on film make up just a few of the incredible gore effects in this film. 

 Unearthed Films has always been the leader in releasing some lesser known, non-mainstream extreme films, especially those with extreme gore.   This newest release is a perfect addition to their already amazing catalog of films. 

 CRADLE OF FEAR is out now on Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

DISC ONE: FEATURE & EXTRAS

• Some Making of Cradle of Fear
• Important Words
• The Special German DVD Making of Thingy Something for Cradle of Fear
• Behind the Scenes
• Gallery
• Trailers

DISC TWO: SHORT FILM COLLECTION & EXTRAS

• Alex Chandon's Shorts Collection Including:
• Chainsaw Scumfuck
• Bad Manor
• Bad Karma
• Drillbit
• Night Pastor
• Bullshit News
• Film Extremes 3 Promo
• Borderline
• Shorts Outtakes
• Shorts Behind the Scenes Gallery
• Shorts Trailers

CLICK HERE to purchase the 2-disc limited collector's edition Blu-ray direct from Unearthed Films

CLICK HERE to purchase the 2-disc limited collector's edition Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment

Movie Review: MODELS VS. WEREWOLVES (2026)

 

MODELS VS. WEREWOLVES

Directed by:  Danny Draven

Distributed by:  Full Moon Empire

 If you are a fan of Full Moon Films, you are going to love their newest feature!  I had the privilege of attending the world premiere of MODELS VS. WEREWOLVES at this year's Texas Frightmare Weekend on May 23rd.   I am a huge fan of Full Moon, so I was expecting something really fun with this one.  I am happy to say that it did not disappoint.  In fact, it was even more fun and entertaining than I had hoped for!!  

 Now don't get me wrong, if you are not familiar with the films from Full Moon,  you aren't going to see an Oscar winning film by any means, but that is ok.  That is not what Full Moon strives for.  They just put out fun and entertaining films they know their fans will love and they hit a home run with this one!  Here is the basic plot of the film from IMDb.com:

Five young models go to an Airbnb in the woods for a full moon that comes once every five hundred years. What starts off as the perfect girl's trip quickly becomes a nightmare as a pack of ancient werewolves are awoken by the new moon.

 Again, this was such a fun film.  The Werewolf effects were done really well, with a nice blend of CG and practical effects.   The acting was actually really good,  and the dialog was so much fun.  This is definitely a horror/comedy, and the comedy did not disappoint!  It was fun watching in a big crowd of people and hearing everyone's reactions.   This was also one of Full Moon's gorier films, with lots of blood being spewed thanks to the werewolves.   Now I will say the blood effects were a little too CG heavy for my liking, but that didn't keep  me from enjoying this film at all.     Also, I must note that legendary horror actress Dee Wallace makes a small, yet hilarious appearance in this film, and she really holds her own against one of the werewolves!   I really want to say what happens, but I don't want to spoil it, but let's just say it drew a huge laugh and applause from the audience! 

 Horror fans will love this as well as comedy fans.  There is really something for everyone in this latest release from Full Moon!

Check out the trailer for MODELS VS. WEREWOLVES!

MODELS VS. WEREWOLVES will be streaming soon, so keep your eyes out for it!  This is one you won't want to miss!

Blu-ray Review: PICTURE OF A NYMPH (1987)

 

PICTURE OF A NYMPH

Directed by:  Wu Ma

Distributed by:  88 FILMS / MVD Entertainment

"CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON meets THE EVIL DEAD" 

  I love when I come across a film for review that I know nothing about.    PICTURE OF A NYMPH is one of those films.   I had not even heard of this film before it arrived in my mailbox for review.  The film was released in 1987 and I am amazed that it is not more well known.   Maybe it is, and I just somehow missed it, but I never see it talked about in any of my film groups on facebook or other social media platforms.    Hopefully this changes with the amazing new release of the film from the fine folks at 88 FILMS.  

 Before we go any further, her is a brief plot synopsis from the 88 FILMS website:

  A hauntingly beautiful tale of love, art, and the supernatural, Picture of a Nymph (1988) stars Yuen Biao in one of his most tender and visually stunning roles. Set in ancient China, the story follows a gentle scholar whose chance encounter with a mysterious young woman leads to a love that transcends the boundaries of life and death. But when he unwittingly releases a vengeful demon from centuries of imprisonment, the spirit of his beloved becomes the demon’s only hope for regaining power.
To protect her, the scholar paints her likeness, allowing her to hide within the portrait — but his devotion soon draws the wrath of dark forces. Blending romance, fantasy, and dazzling martial arts spectacle, Picture of a Nymph is a visually rich masterpiece of Hong Kong cinema that captures the eternal struggle between passion, sacrifice, and destiny.

  This is a very strange movie, but in a good way.  It's not a horror movie per se, but it definitely has some horror elements to it.   It's actually very hard to describe this film, as there are element of so many different genres.  In fact, I think that's one of the reasons I liked this film so much.  Part Drama, part Fantasy, part Supernatural Horror, with tons of martial arts mixed in....there is definitely something  for everyone here!    

 The film starts out like a pure horror film, with a party walking through the forest getting attacked by an invisible entity.   The first thing I noticed was the homage to 1981's, THE EVIL DEAD.   You get a first person view from this ghost as it moves along the trail towards the group of people.   At least I assume this was an homage....if the filmmakers used that filming style without seeing or knowing about THE EVIL DEAD,  it would be one heck of a coincidence!   

  The rest of the film is more of a martial arts drama film, with lots of supernatural elements mixed in.   Our main character is in love with a ghost, and other ghosts and demons are trying to keep them apart. 

This creates many instances of fighting in some very fun and unique styles.   One scene that was particularly interesting to me was a fight scene involving a man in a sedan chair.  Ghosts appear that are all inside Sedan Chairs as well, and we get a typical fight scene except everyone remains in their Sedan Chairs and the chairs fight each other!   That might be hard to imagine, it's a scene that must be seen to be understood.  It sounds silly, but they make it work! 

  Another scene that was so much fun was a fight with a demon that looked like an old man.  His long gray hair grew extremely long on demand and he used his hair to fight!   This was a very fun scene for sure!

 One thing I have to note is the beauty of this film. the sets, scenes, and cinematography are all amazing.   The release itself is beautiful as well.  The colors in this film really pop on this new release, and the picture quality and clarity is amazing.  You would never know you were watching a film that is over 30 years old just by looking at it.  The new transfer is truly amazing!

 This was such a fun film and one I cannot recommend enough!  If you are a fan of  the Shaw Brothers films, this one will be right up your alley!

  PICTURE OF A NYMPH is available now on an amazing Deluxe Limited Edition Blu-ray set that features the following Special Features:

*  Limited Edition Rigid Slip Case wtih new artwork by Sean Longmore

*  Limited Edition 40 Page Perfect Bound Book

*  Limited Edition Premium Artcard

*  Brand New 2K Restoration from the Original Negative

*  Remastered Original Cantonese Monoaural Soundtrack

*  Newly Translated English Subtitles

*  Audio Commentary by Frank Djeng (NY Asian Film Festival)

*  Audio Commentary by David West

*  Image Gallery

*  Original Trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Limited Edition Blu-ray direct from 88 FILMS

CLICK HERE to purchase the Limited Edition Blu-ray from MVD Shop

Blu-ray Review: HELTER SKELTER (2012)

HELTER SKELTER

Directed by:  Mika Ninagawa

Distributed by:  88 Films / MVD Entertainment

"Why do the Gods give us youth and beauty....then take them away?"

"Youth is beautiful, but beauty isn't youth"

  I love when I get a film in for review that I have never heard of before.  HELTER SKELTER is one of those for sure.   The only HELTER SKELTER film I knew about was the 1976 TV mini-series about Charles Manson and some of the newer films of the same name about the Manson Murders.   This HELTER SKELTER has nothing to do with that at all.   HELTER SKELTER in this case is just a term for total chaos, which is what our main character, Lilico, goes through throughout the film. 

  IMDb.com classifies this film as Body Horror and Psychological Drama.  I wouldn't really call this a horror film by any means, but it does have one bloody scene.  This is definitely more of a very dark drama film.   I just want to make sure to point that out so you don't go into this thinking you are going too see anything scary or frightening.   

  This might be a hard film to review, just because it is so hard to describe.  So much is going on in this film and it's hard to categorize.  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the 88 Films website:

 Top model and fashion idol Lilico (Erika Sawajiri) is used to being the centre of attention – the living epicentre of her own universe and of a multimedia-saturated hyperreality in which everything is airbrushed and colour-adjusted to perfection. When she begins to suffer traumatic side effects from her repeated illegal cosmetic surgery sessions, she finds fame comes at a cost, as she is plunged into a nightmarish world where her sense of self-image and identity begins to fracture. 

 One thing I loved about this film was the cinematography.   The way this movie is filmed  is so interesting, and kudos to whoever edited this film.  So many quick cuts and scene changes had to be a pain to edit.   The most striking thing about this film were the sets and the use of color.    The color in this film is amazing and total eye candy for sure.  

 The film follows Lilico, starting at the height of her popularity.  She is on the cover of every fashion magazine and just a huge star.  She starts to see her popularity fade and a new young model starting to take her place.   To combat this, Lilico goes to a cosmetic surgery center and undergoes multiple surgeries and uses multiple pills and supplements to keep her looking young.    Over time, all these procedures start causing some side effects, starting with dark spots on her body.   Unfortunately she his becoming darker inside as well as she starts becoming a horrible person, and treating people worse and worse, taking advantage of her notoriety and fame. 

 I can't help but think the creators of the film THE SUBSTANCE must have got a lot of inspiration from this film.    THE SUBSTANCE took the same plot and ideas, but multiplied them drastically.    While the character in THE SUBSTANCE turned into a literal monster, Lilico turned into a monster of a person.   

 This is a strange film for sure, but one I thoroughly enjoyed.   I highly recommend it!

 HELTER SKELTER is available now and contains the following Special Features:

*  Numbered OBI Strip [4000]

*  Original and Newly Commissioned Artwork by Luke Insect

*  Booklet Essay by Violet Burns

*  High-Definition Blu-ray Presentation in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio

*  Original Japanese 5.1 / Stereo Audio with New English Subtitles

*  Interviews with Erika Sawaji and Director Mika Ninagawa

*  Behind the Scenes Footage of the Making of Helter Skelter

*  Production Site Press Conference

*  Japanese Premiere Stage Greeting

*  Opening Day Stage Greeting

*  Taipei Film Festival Introduction by Mika Ninagawa

*  Stills Gallery

*  Teasers and Trailers 

*  Region A/B Coding

This was released as a limited edition Blu-ray with a run of only 4000 units, so get your copy before it's gone!

CLICK HERE to purchase the Limited Edition Blu-ray