This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 1/31:
(Click a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  2-HEADED SHARK ATTACK
*  DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK 
*  DR. JEKYLL VS. THE WEREWOLF
*  DREAM HOUSE [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  NIGHT TRAIN MURDERS
*  THE SLEEPER [DVD & DVD/VHS combo pack]
*  SPIDER HOLE
*  THE THING [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  UBALDO TERZANI HORROR SHOW

Coming soon: ACID HEAD: THE BUZZARD NUTS COUNTY SLAUGHTER!

 
 I just received a press release for an upcoming movie with quite possibly the best name ever..ACID HEAD:  THE BUZZARD NUTS COUNTY SLAUGHTER!   I get a lot of press releases to go through, but this one definitely caught my eye.  I don't know much about this film, but with a name like that, it's gotta be good!  At least I hope so.  Here is the basic plot of the film from imdb.com, which sounds just as intriguing:
    
Acid scarred teenager : Pheromone Labonza (aka Acid Head) is a bullied, tortured and physically scarred teen-aged former college student; turned vengeful student killer & goth-girl fugitive, that had vanished for a year. One year later, guess who's back to the scene of the crime? Pheromone is now the fabled Acid Head murderess. Witness Acid Head's bloody, lustful vengeance, as she slashes her way though rural Buzzard Nuts County, N.Y.'s lonely roadsides and the sin-soaked Vom College sorority House (which also serves as an underground whorehouse, built on the grave-site of a nefarious top-hatted, evil, demonic force named: Count Dracula, no less).
 
 I don't know much about this film, but from the title and the sound of that plot, this is one I will definitely be checking out once it is available. 

The press release states that the film will be available as a VOD and DVD release in spring 2012 on Amazon, Indieflix, MoviesInsanity.com and TonyWatt.com.

DVD Review: THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE (2010)

 

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

 

THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE

Written & Directed by:  Dustin Mills

Distributed by:  MVD Entertainment Group
  

  

There are few movies nowadays that can truly boast about being original. But I gotta tell you: THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE is definitely one that can claim it. This film, while not the best I’ve seen this year, is probably the most unique.

 

If you are not familiar with THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of MVD:

 

A group of teens are challenged to spend a night in the Wagner mansion on the edge of town. Little do they know the owner (Dr. Wolfgang Wagner) has concocted a monstrosity in the basement and plans to make the hapless teens the creature's first big meal. This is The Puppet Monster Massacre, a wild and raucous love letter to the monster films of the glorious 1980's! Heads will roll and felt will fly in this visually rich splatter-fest. Thrill as an army of over 400 soldiers is helpless against a monstrous menace, Chill as a man collapses from the aroma of a thousand bunny farts, Shriek as puppets make sweet monkey love in a spooky graveyard! This is the low budget film you have been waiting for!

 

First off: this movie is A LOT of fun. I don’t care who you are or what genre you normally watch, THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE will put a smile on your face regardless. It is witty and wildly entertaining, a felt-filled fright-fest of fun!

 

Yes, folks, this is a puppet horror movie. There are no live-action scenes, no human actors, but lots of scares and gore. Yup, that’s right: gore. Heck, there’s even a couple of scenes of puppet nudity. If that’s your thing, then your in for a treat.

 

I have to hand it to the production crew: the blood and gore in this flick is superb. There’s plenty of it, too. But, I have to admit...it’s hard to take it seriously whenever the image preceding the gore is a puppet. Still, you have to admire filmmakers who are willing to slaughter puppets in the name of entertainment!

 

The story works well for this film, and could actually work well in a live-action movie: Dr. Wagner is an ex-Nazi who has created a monster to wreak havoc upon his enemies. Which leaves the quirky (and unknowing) hero to save the day...even if he is scared lintless. The film clocks in at 70 minutes, which means the plot moves quickly.

 

Even so, I would dare to venture that 70 minutes might be a tad too long for this type of film. The novelty of the puppetry wanes after the first 45 minutes or so. THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE could have easily been just as good by running for 50 minutes instead.

 

Still, you can’t help but like this film. I really it overall and am recommending it to anyone that enjoys over-the-top fun.   The DVD is available now from MVD Entertainment group.

 
   
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer (**Warning** trailer contains foul language and puppet nudity)
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
   

Check out the trailer for the film, THE WOMAN

   
 THE WOMAN was on my list of DVD's being released this week.    Hopefully you watched the trailer for it...but I am posting it here for those that didn't click on it to watch the trailer.   This looks like a really messed up film, so naturally I can't wait to see it!   Here is the basic plot from the film's official website:

Family man and lawyer Christoper Cleek (Sean Bridgers) must do what he can to protect his family when he comes into contact with a feral woman (Pollyana McIntosh) living in the woods near his isolated country home. Through a series of harrowing encounters Cleek and his family quickly discover there is more to this woman than anyone would suspect and that sometimes the devil wears a handsome face.

I think this movie looks really disturbing and messed up, so this is my kind of flick for sure!  Have you seen THE WOMAN yet?  If so, please leave a comment and let me know what you thought of the film.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Blu-ray Review: LIPS OF BLOOD (1975)

     
LIPS OF BLOOD
Directed by:  Jean Rollin
Distributed by:  Kino Lorber/Redemption Films

This week, Redemption Films and Kino Lorber Inc have released a collection of films called, The Cinema Of Jean Rollin.  Most of the films have been on DVD before, but I believe this is their first release on the Blu-ray format.  There are 5 films in this collection, and I will be reviewing them all, but up first is the 1975 film, LIPS OF BLOOD.   For those unfamiliar with this film, here is the basic plot of the film from imbd.com:

This erotic vampire film features a young man on a strange quest after recognizing a castle on a poster. He seems to remember the castle from his childhood and eventually finds it with the aid of a strange woman dressed in white. It turns out that his family has been keeping the secret of vampirism from him.

 For those unfamiliar with Jean Rollin, he is a French director that is most known for his female vampire flicks.  His films are the epitome of classic, Euro-horror sexploitation.  While tamer in that realm than some of his other films, he still does not disappoint with LIPS OF BLOOD. 

 I thoroughly enjoyed LIPS OF BLOOD, but I do have to admit that it can be slow in a few parts.  The film clocks in at 87 minutes, but it actually felt much longer to me.   Don't think that means I didn't like the film, that is just a warning to those expecting non-stop vampire action. Rollin's films are very artistic and visual.   The dialog is not the strong part of the film here, Rollins focuses on his visual style.  The film is shot beautifully with wonderful cinematography and some very moody images.   There are some great camera shots and angles which are very aesthetically pleasing. The acting is good overall, although made in 1975, expect some very outdated hairdos and clothing.  

 I have not seen many of Rollin's films, but will be watching all 5 films of the "Cinema of Jean Rollin" collection.  I look forward to seeing his other films, and will be reviewing them all here, so stay tuned!
Until then, check out LIPS OF BLOOD for yourself, available now on DVD and Blu-ray.   Blu-ray features include:

*  Mastered in HD from the 35mm negative
*  French with English Subtitles
*  Introduction by Jean Rollin
*  Interview with star Natalie Perry
*  20 page booklet with an essay by Tim Lucas, editor of Video    Watchdog
*  Original theatrical trailer
*  Original trailers of four other Rollin  films


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer (**WARNING** trailer contains nudity)
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Check out the awesome teaser trailer for the Uwe Boll film, ZOMBIE MASSACRE

 

Wait a minute...did I just use the terms "awesome" and "Uwe Boll film" in the same sentence?  Well, there is a first time for everything!   Actually, I realize why ZOMBIE MASSACRE actually looks good, Uwe Boll is listed as the producer, he did not write or direct the film.  Ok, that explains things! 
Anyway, this looks very cool.  The trailer is very stylistic and contains some very cool imagery.  Here is the basic plot of ZOMBIE MASSACRE from the film's official website:
 
A bacteriological weapon – developed by the US Government to create a super soldier – spreads an epidemic in a quiet little town in the middle of Eastern Europe. All citiziens have been turned into infected zombies. The plan is: to bring an atomic bomb into the nuclear plant of the city to pretend a terrible accident. No one has to know the truth. A commando of mercenaries is hired to do the mission. The battle is on. Hordes of monsters against a bunch of men.
Who will survive?

Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.  Does this look like it could be the next great zombie film?  Also,  watch at the 2:13 mark of the trailer....is it just me or does it look like the zombies are about to break out into a 'Thriller' dance routine?

 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 1/24:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  ALWAYS FROM DARKNESS
*  COLD CREEPY FEELING:  PARANORMAL EXORCISM
*  FASCINATION [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  GODZILLA (Criterion Collection)  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  HEAD CASE
*  THE IRON ROSE [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  LIPS OF BLOOD [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  NAKED NAZI
*  NIGHT OF THE DEAD
*  THE NUDE VAMPIRE [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3 [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  PORN STAR ZOMBIES
*  THE SHIVER OF THE VAMPIRES [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE SUMMER OF MASSACRE [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE WOMAN [DVD & Blu-ray]

DVD Review: WOMEN IN PRISON TRIPLE FEATURE

 

WOMEN IN PRISON TRIPLE FEATURE
(CHAINED HEAT/RED HEAT/JUNGLE WARRIORS)
Distributed by Panik House Entertainment/Synapse Films

Panik House Entertainment has put out an excellent release with the WOMEN IN PRISON TRIPLE FEATURE.  This DVD includes 3 classic sexploitation films, all dealing with...well, women in prison!
The DVD includes CHAINED HEAT, RED HEAT, and JUNGLE WARRIORS. Here are the plots of these films from the Synapse Films/Panik House Entertainment website:

CHAINED HEAT
Linda Blair (The Exorcist) stars as Carol Henderson, a woman sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after accidentally killing a man. With the perverted warden (John Vernon, Animal House) seducing the inmates and two rival gangs fighting a race war, Carol struggles to survive her remaining days in the sleazy slammer. Also stars cult film favorites Sybil Danning, Tamara Dobson and Stella Stevens. Newly re-mastered in anamorphic widescreen and presented totally uncut for the first time in North America!

RED HEAT
Linda Blair heads back to prison as American tourist Christine Carlson, a woman wrongly sentenced to three years in a brutal East German penitentiary after being forced to admit to false charges of espionage. Tormented by the evil prisoner Sofia (Sylvia Kristel, Emmanuelle), Christine must fight for her life as her fiancée tries to rescue her from the sadistic hell behind bars. Presented in Anamorphic Widescreen.

JUNGLE WARRIORS
A group of gorgeous models flies to a South American country to scout locations for a photo session. When their plane is shot down, the models are imprisoned and subjected to horrible torture and rape by an evil drug lord. In an effort to escape, the girls grab some firepower, take revenge, and try to shoot their way to freedom! Stars Sybil Danning and John Vernon. Presented in Anamorphic Widescreen.

So far, I have only watched the first film of the three, CHAINED HEAT.  I have always heard about this film but had never seen it until this release.   The film is exactly what you expect from this type of movie.  It is a reminder of the great grindhouse days of the 70's and 80's.  All three of these films are from the mid 80's and boy does it show!   This adds to the nostalgia of the film, though.  Big hair and bad music reminds us just how crazy the 80's really were!  
The acting in CHAINED HEAT is actually pretty good for this type of film.  The film is full of action, there are really no slow parts in it at all which is good.  Another good thing is this film actually has a  pretty good story to it.  A lot of these types of films don't have much of a story and were obviously just made to capitalize on the female nudity, but this film wasn't made just for that...although there is plenty of that as well!   Also, there is some pretty graphic violence in this film, particularly a  cringe worthy scene were a prisoner is  hooked in the neck  in a bathroom stall.  They don't call it the pokey for nothing!! 

Fans of this subgenre of exploitation film should not pass up this great DVD set.  3 Great movies for the price of one!   The DVD is out now from Panik House Entertainment/Synapse Films.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for CHAINED HEAT
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for RED HEAT
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for JUNGLE WARRIORS
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Stunning news in the WEST MEMPHIS 3 case!! The real killer has confessed...?

 
I have been following the case of the WEST MEMPHIS 3 for years.  If you are unfamiliar with the case, it was a murder case in West Memphis, Arkansas back in 1993.  3 young boys were killed, and although they had no evidence, the state convicted Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley Jr., and Jason Baldwin (known now as the West Memphis 3) of the murders, mainly because they were known as 'hoods', because they listened to heavy metal music and work black clothes.  The police coerced Jessie Misskelley Jr. into a confession and they convicted all three kids based on that.  The police didn't care that Jessie was a mentally challenged young man and couldn't comprehend what all he was saying.  His confession was full of inaccuracies about the case, but the state didn't care.  They convicted these kids and locked them up for over 17 years until they were freed last year after agreeing to enter an Alford plea.

There are a number of people coming forward now saying that one of the murdered boys stepfather, Terry Hobbs, has admitted on several occasions that he killed the 3 boys. You can read all the confession accounts in the full article from NWAHomepage.com.  Here is an excerpt from that article:

A third witness stated that he was at Michael Hobbs Jr's home in 2003 or 2004 when he was told by Hobbs Jr. that the two of them could not go down to the basement to play pool because Michael Hobbs Sr. was down there having a conversation with Hobbs Jr.'s uncle. The witness said that he " listened with Michael Jr. at the top of the stairs. I heard two men talking. One appeared to be very upset even crying and he said 'I am sorry, I regret it.' The other man was trying to console him and said, 'You are in the clear, no one thinks you are a suspect, those guys are already in prison.'"

It is excellent that is is finally coming to light, maybe the West Memphis 3 will finally have their names 100% cleared.  I hate that has taken this long for people to come forward about this, though.  If these people knew that Hobbs did it, or heard him confess, whey are they just now coming out with this info.  This should have been done years ago instead of letting the state wrongfully convict 3 young men. 

Hopefully the truth will be told soon.....


CLICK HERE to read the full article from NWAHomepage.com

DVD Review: LITTLE DEATHS (2011)

 
LITTLE DEATHS
Directed by:  Sean Hogan, Simon Rumley, and Andrew Parkinson
Distributed by:  Image Entertainment

I had no clue what to expect from LITTLE DEATHS.  The cover looked cool, and the pics on the back were very intriguing, but you never know what you are going to get with a lot of films.  I had never even heard of this film, so I had no clue what to expect.  Sometimes the pictures on the cover make a film look better than it is.  I am glad to say for this film, that is not the case.  In fact, the few pictures you see on the back don't do it justice.  Before I go on, here is the basic plot courtesy of Image Entertainment:

Well-to-do home owners Richard and Victoria pose as religious do-gooders and lure homeless girls to their luxurious home. Apartment dwellers Claire and Pete invigorate their love life with a role-playing game with increasingly hazy boundaries. Jen and Frank, once prostitute and pimp, are now trying to make a go of things as an exclusive couple. Jen’s even in therapy with a psychiatrist, who is secretly working with her husband Frank. Each couple is in for a surprise. Richard and Victoria will have the tables turned on them by one of their lady victims; Claire will finally push Pete too far in their sexual game; and Jen and Frank can’t begin to imagine what their conspiring psychiatrist is up to. Little Deaths are little games that sometimes lead to the big one.

This film is very well made and the acting is wonderful. I can't think of a bad performance in any of the 3 parts to this anthology.   The first story, 'House and Home', was my favorite by far.  This story had the most gore, and was the scariest of the 3 to me.   In this one a couple brings home homeless women, promising them a hot bath and hot meal, but only lure them there to play sick and twisted sexual games with them, against their will.  Their latest victim, a homeless woman named Sorrow, is not as helpless as they might think and she puts an end to their little games. I won't say how she does this, but it came as a complete shock to me and was very scary. 

The second story called, 'Mutant Tool', was just messed up.  It is a crazy story about a mutant  that a scientist is harvesting semen from, because it has psychedelic effects when used as a drug.  Yes, you read that right, and I could not have made that up if I wanted to.   Full of weird and creepy visuals, this story is unfortunately the weakest of the three in my opinion. Sci-fi fans might enjoy this segment the best.

Finally, 'Bitch'is the story of a woman with an intense phobia of dogs.  She is in a very destructive relationship with a man she makes dress up as a dog in order to control him.  I guess this gives her a sense of empowerment that she has control over this "dog".  She is very controlling and demanding and eventually her boyfriend has had enough and gets back at her the best way he knows how.  I can't even describe what he does to her.....you will have to see this one to believe it.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed LITTLE DEATHS.  I liked it much better than I thought I would and would recommend it to anyone who is fan of extreme cinema, as there are quite a few very disturbing scenes.


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

DVD Review: SWEET KARMA (2009)

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


SWEET KARMA
Directed by:  Andrew Thomas Hunt
Distributed by:  Phase 4 Films

 

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a good female-revenge flick, so I was pretty happy when Hayes handed me SWEET KARMA to review. The cover is very inviting, after all, with a woman in bra and panties holding a handgun; I mean, how can you not be curious?

  

If you are not familiar with SWEET KARMA, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of Phase 4 FIlms:

  

Karma Balint is a shy, mute Russian girl whose sister Anna left for Canada with bright hopes of making some money for the two of them. When Karma discovers that Anna’s body has been found in the woods, the apparent victim of a Russian mafia hit, Karma sets off to infiltrate the criminal underworld to avenge her sister. Her journey takes her through the twisted underbelly of society leaving behind death and mayhem in her wake.                           

 

I loved this movie. It has a gritty, underworld feel to it and is full of dark themes and overtones. You truly feel for Karma as she searches for her sister’s killers...and you relish the vengeance that she doles out. And, boy, does she dole it out!

  

SWEET KARMA is a vicious film with some excellent ‘revenge’ scenes. The seductive yet fatal ways that Karma gets rid of the killers is almost entrancing to watch; you literally have a hard time pulling your eyes away from the screen! For example, Karma leads one of the men into a restroom where she starts kissing him. Thinking that Karma is an easy dancer, the man lets his guard down...and pays a horrific price for it. Karma tricks him into thinking he’s snorting cocaine off of her breast, but it’s actually laundry detergent. While the guy is floundering around in some massive pain, she knocks him down and then ‘hangs’ him on the hand-rail!

  

The acting in SWEET KARMA is very good, with actress Shera Bechard doing a superb job in the titular role of Karma. Portraying a shy, mute beauty from Russia is not an easy task, I’m sure, but Bechard pulls it off with ease. I look forward to seeing her in future films.

  

SWEET KARMA doesn’t have many special effects, except for some blood, but it’s well done. The film is shot well, although I have to admit that a few of the scenes were pretty dark and hard to make out. Still, that doesn’t detract from the film overall and is a minor inconvenience. 

 

Not to give too much away, but the film has a great twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. I will obviously not spoil it for you, but you should definitely check this one out to see what happens. If you liked I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, you will love SWEET KARMA.

  

-MSB-

  

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
 

True crime fans...check out SERIAL KILLER MAGAZINE!!

 
 I have always been a fan of true crime....from movies to books, if it is a about actually cases, I want to read about them.   I have read many books on killers such as Ed Gein and Albert Fish.  I'm not sure what is about these people that we find so interesting, but a lot of people like to read about them.  I think the popularity with serial killers comes from the fact that most people just cant fathom what they did.  They do stuff that we normally see in horror films.  What makes a person be able to do such heinous things?  These are the questions we like to answer so we look to movies and books about this subject to find out what makes these people who they are. 

 Well, if you are interested in true crime and serial killers, there is a magazine out there that you can not afford to miss.  I'm not sure how I came across this company, but they make tons of great products all dealing with serial killers.  The company is serialkillercalendar.com, and yes, they do make serial killer calendars!   They also make the wonderful Serial Killer Magazine.  

 Serial Killer Magazine is full of info and stories about every serial killer you can think of.  This is a big magazine, with regular issues at 100 pages on glossy pages with a nice card stock glossy cover.   You might think the $20 price tag is a little expensive for a magazine, but keep in mind a lot of reference work  and writing goes into each magazine.  There is also great artwork from a number of different artists.  Also, I don't know if it is like this with every issue, but the issue I read has ZERO ads in it.  You are paying for a full 100 pages of info, not ads!  This is really like more of a small book than a magazine, and is well worth the price in my opinion. 

 Each magazine brings you stories of serial killers....most of whom you have probably heard of, but also some more obscure ones you probably have never heard of.  The issue I read even had some info about serial killers from different countries, something we don't hear much about usually.  The magazines also contains rare interviews with the serial killers, letters written by serial killers, rare F.B.I. file transcripts, and even copies of some of the killers birth certificates, which is very unique.  The issue I read also had a story on how serial killers have influenced slasher films which was a very interesting read.  

Serial Killer Magazine is a must read for any true crime fan.  You can pick up your copy by visiting serialkillercalendar.com today!


CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Serialkillercalendar.com

Book Review: Z.E.O. A ZOMBIE's GUIDE TO GETTING A(HEAD) IN BUSINESS by Scott Kenemore

 
Z.E.O. A ZOMBIES GUIDE TO GETTING A(HEAD) IN BUSINESS
by Scott Kenemore
Published by Skyhorse Publishing

I admit, I am really not much of a reader.  I read horror magazines constantly, but I don't read many books.  I am just not that fast of a reader, nor do I have the time to read much with a full time job, a wife and kids, and this website which I am constantly needing to watch screeners for.  BUT....if the book has the word "zombie" in the title, I will always find a way to make time for it.   I love zombies and anything to do with them.  So if there is a book about zombies, I wanna read it. 

I have read a lot of "Zombie Survival Guide" type books, but I always find it fun to check out a book from the zombie's perspective.  That is exactly what Scott Kenemore's book, Z.E.O. A ZOMBIES GUIDE TO GETTING A(HEAD) IN BUSINESS is.  It is a book written for us workers to help us follow the lead of zombies and get ahead in the corporate world by following the techniques and work ethics of zombies.  Here is a brief description of the book from the Skyhorse Publishing website:
 
A guide for any Joe-lunchbox or aspiring-C.E.O., Z.E.O. illustrates how the lessons learned from zombies and zombie films can be applied—from the typing-pool to the boardroom—to further a professional career, increase personal and corporate wealth, and harness the tools to personal success. Taking up where other business and personal finance books leave off, Z.E.O. provides nuts-and-bolts instructions for taking the inspirational aspects of zombies and adopting them to maximize your own personal effectiveness.
 
What better person...or thing..to teach us how to achieve our goals than a zombie!  As the book tells us, zombies are the perfect role model because they have one goal in mind....brains!   While brains might be the zombies goal, ours might be a promotion or raise at work.   Either way, we all do what we need to to get our "brains".  The zombie will stop at nothing to get brains, therefore we don't need to let anything stand it our way to get our ultimate goal.   The author shows this by describing the different types of zombies and how they all focus and walk, or crawl, towards their goal.  Old rotted zombies might not have much muscle tissue and tendons left, but they still scramble and limp their way to the brains.  Even if a zombie has lost its legs, they will crawl with their arms towards the brains.   Nothing stops these zombies from reaching their goals, so you see, zombies can be a great inspiration to us and great role models in the workplace.

The book is written in a very easy-to-read style is is full of funny tips, pictures, and even some funny zombie motivational posters!   The book is a softcover book with 272 pages and can be found in most bookstores in the humor section, or click the link below to purchase on-line.  I highly recommend this book for any zombie enthusiast like myself!

 
CLICK HERE to purchase the book
CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Skyhorse Publishing
CLICK HERE to view the author's zombie blog

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, January 17th 2012

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 1/17:
(click a title so see a trailer for that film)

*  COLD SWEAT
*  DONNER PASS
*  THE PERFECT STUDENT
*  UNDOCUMENTED

Blu-ray review: DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK (2010)

 
  
DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK
Directed by:  Troy Nixey
Distributed by:  Sony Home Entertainment

 DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK is one of those films that I wanted to see in the theater, but never got the chance to.   I recently was able to check it out on the newly released Blu-ray from Sony Home Entertainment, and overall, I thought this was a wonderful film.  Here is the basic plot from the Sony Home Entertainment website:
 
 Sally, a young girl, moves to Rhode Island to live with her father and his new girlfriend in the 19th-century mansion they are restoring. While exploring the house, Sally starts to hear voices coming from creatures in the basement whose hidden agenda is to claim her as one of their own.

 I knew with a screenplay by Guillermo del Toro, that this was probably going to be a good film.   But not only was the story good, it was just so well made.  The cinematography is amazing, as are the sets and outdoor scenery.  The movie just looks good, from every aspect.   
 
 Another great thing I noticed about this film while watching it, was the great music and sound effects.  The film is full of creepy, moody, music and some wonderful sound effects.  The main ones being the whispering voices that young Sally hears coming from the house.    These voices were very creepy, especially when watching the film in 5.1 surround sound.
 
 Now, don't get me wrong...I really liked this film, but if I have to mention that I was slightly disappointed when I found out the things haunting the house were little creature things.  I really don't know what to call them and they were really never explained.  They look like a cross between a small troll and a chinchilla.   I guess I was just more surprised by this than anything....maybe if I knew going in that this was a "creature feature" type film, I would have been ok with it, but I was expecting a more typical haunted house style film where the house was haunted by more human spirits.  But, if you know about the creatures going in, then maybe you won't be disappointed.  Again, don't think this means I didn't enjoy this film.  I did, and I recommend it to anyone, it just took me off guard, that is all. 
 
The Blu-ray is packed with special features including a Conceptual Art Gallery, and a 3 part Making-Of Documentary which includes "The Story", "Blackwood's Mansion", and "The Creatures".
 
Also, just for fun, check out the official website of the film for a fun interactive search and find game!


CLICK HERE to visit the official website and watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

DVD Review: TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL (2010)

    
TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL
Directed by:  Eli Craig
Distributed by:  Magnet Releasing/Magnolia Home Entertainment

 Sometimes the phrase "modern day cult classic" gets thrown around a little too much when people describe a good horror film.  Those are strong words for sure, and if you are going to use them, the film you are describing better be able to back it up.   Well, I have no doubt that this film can back it up.  TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL is a modern day cult classic.    This is a film that won't be forgotten anytime soon. For those that aren't familiar with it, here is the basic plot of the film from imdb:

Two lovable West Virginian hillbillies, are headed to their "fixer-upper" vacation cabin to drink some beer, do some fishin', and have a good time. But when they run into a group of preppy college kids who assume from their looks that they must be in-bred, chainsaw wielding killers, Tucker & Dale's vacation takes a bloody & hilarious turn for the worse.

 Probably most everyone reading this blog has at least heard of this film, but has everyone seen it yet?  If not, why not?   I am so behind on screeners that I was just able to finally watch this a few days ago and I am kicking myself for not watching it sooner.  Do your self a favor and get your hands on a copy of this film asap. 

 I really have nothing bad to say about this film.  It was a great film in every aspect.  It is hard to pull off a good horror/comedy film, but the filmmakers pulled this one off flawlessly.  The acting in this film is superb, with Alan Tudyk and Tyler Labine in the lead roles of Tucker and Dale.  These guys were perfect for these roles and played them perfectly.  I can't imagine a different actor in either one of these parts. 

  The entire concept of this film was new (to me anyway).  I can't think of another film with this kind of story, where people think the other people are killers but they are just dying on their own.  It is a very unique plot idea, which is hard to find with most horror films these days. 

  I think this film is more comedy than horror, but there is enough of both to satisfy everyone. I know quite a few people who don't necessarily like horror films that loved this film because it was so funny.  I also know a lot of gore fans (including myself) that loved it because of the great gore in this film.  There is something in this film for everyone!

 Words can't do this film justice, so I will stop babbling on about it.  Just go watch it.  I know you will love it!  The DVD comes packed full of special features including:

*  Making of TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL
*  Tucker & Dale ARE Evil:  The College Kid's Point of View
*  Outtakes
*  Storyboards
*  Commentary with Director Eli Craig, Tyler Labine and Alan Tudyk
*  HDNet:  A Look at TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL
*  Theatrical Trailer



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

Happy Friday the 13th!!

Happy Friday the 13th! I hope you all had a great day and stayed out of trouble!  Every Friday the 13th, I like to bring you some Jason Voorhees related post.   This time around, I have choses the clip of 'Jason at Home' from the Adult Swim show, ROBOT CHICKEN.   Now you can get a glimpse into Jason's personal life when is not ruining campers fun with his machete.

CLICK HERE to watch 'Jason at Home"

Zombie books....they aren't just for adults anymore!

   
Thanks to my buddy Caleb for letting me know about this awesome kids book, THAT'S NOT YOUR MOMMY ANYMORE by Matt Mogk.  It's never too early to start your kids reading zombie literature!

Here is the book description from the Amazon.com website:

In the ongoing effort to warn an unprepared world of the rising danger from zombie attacks, one vulnerable group has been left out: small children. That's Not Your Mommy Anymore is an inviting and entertaining story that helps early readers understand that a mom with fresh brain casserole on her mind probably isn't their mommy anymore.
Not just for kids, adult readers are sure to love this hilarious parody as much as the real childrens books they enjoyed in years past.


Ha!  This looks like a great read!  Get your copy by clicking the link below!


CLICK HERE to purchase the book for only $8!

Check out the trailer for the Russian zombie flick, METELETSA: WINTER OF THE DEAD

 
 Check out the awesome trailer for the new zombie film, METELETSA:  WINTER OF THE DEAD.   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the film's official website:

Russian Winter is a terrible thing...... especially if it arrives in mid-July.
Along the street a snowstorm sweeps, behind the snowstorm ... something ghastly creeps! Konstantin - a Moscow journalist, hides from the onslaught with the daughter of a local tycoon in a hardware store. Captain Igor Knyazev kranks up the only working tank, whilst his lover, Dasha is running away from her angry husband, who has learned of the pair's betrayal, and wants revenge, regardless of the weather …
Faced with horrifyingly gripping news material, a dedicated cameraman, Vlad, captures the strange events on video as priest Father Michael gets out his trusty axe ...
Out amidst the icy storm, something raises its hideous head - a Russian zombie - senseless and merciless!


This looks like it is going to be a cool zombie film for sure! I will be sure to keep you posted when I hear about a release date.  I doubt we will get this one in theaters here in the states.  I hope so, but I assume we will see it when it is released on DVD/Blu-ray.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, January 10th 2012

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 1/10/12:
(click a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  A DARKER REALITY
*  DEATH BELL:  BLOODY CAMP
*  GUROZUKA
*  KENNEYVILLE
*  PSYCHOTICA
*  SHRIEK OF THE SASQUATCH
*  THE SUMMER OF MASSACRE

A classic computer game gets a horror twist......

You might remember playing a computer game in elementary school called THE OREGON TRAIL.   It was  mainly text based game where you tried to get your settlers across the country while avoiding such catastrophes as dying of dysentery!   
Well now there is a new twist on the game. A company is creating a spoof of the game where you are traveling across the country avoiding zombies!  It's called THE ORGAN TRAIL.  Check out the full article about the new game by clicking the link below.

CLICK HERE to read the full article from the Los Angeles Times

Check out the new independant horror film, MARY HORROR!

 
A lot of  you might already know this, but my contributing writer I have on the 4H blog, Scott Baker, also has his own blog called SHATTERED RAVINGS.   His blog has actually been around a lot longer than the 4H blog, so it is full of great stuff!  I browse his blog often (as should you).  He does a lot of movie reviews like I do, but he does more than just horror.  He also reviews sci-fi and fantasy films and other genres.  I know I can always find some good horror stuff on his blog though, and recently I came across a post about a new film called MARY HORROR! Here is the plot synopsis from the film's official website:

Mary Horowitz is a normal high school senior who has just moved from Salem Massachusetts to a small corrupt town in New Jersey. Mary’s life has not been going the way she planned. Her grandmother has passed away, her best friend Kelly has been missing for almost two weeks, and she suspects her boyfriend of cheating on the eve of her homecoming dance. A distraught Mary comes home to witness her family being brutally murdered. Being the only one to survive, she is put in a psychiatric prison to be “protected”. As two years pass by, Mary realizes what really happened that night wasn’t what she thought. As the plot unravels, so does Mary. Her time in the ward has changed her into something evil, a member of the walking dead. She realizes the truth and takes revenge on the town and on everyone that wronged her. Follow the life of Mary Horowitz, as she becomes Mary Horror! 

I love independent horror films and always try to support and promote them any way I can.  This film looks like it could be a lot of fun!  Check out the official website to watch the trailer and let me know what you think!


CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website and watch the trailer

Graphic Novel review: SOMETHING ANIMAL from Fanboy Comics

 
SOMETHING ANIMAL
Written by:  Sam Rhodes and Bryant Dillon
Art, Photography, and Design by:  Robert Burrows
Original Story by:  Ben Rhodes
Edited by:  Barbra Dillon

A while back I wrote about a graphic novel and short film called SOMETHING ANIMAL from Fanboy Comics.  Well, the graphic novel is finally out and I recently got my hands on a copy.  For those not familiar with the story, here is the basic plot synopsis from the official website of the graphic novel:

After witnessing his sister's brutal murder, Jack struggles to cope with the disturbing, psychological aftermath. Tormented by images of the attack, Jack finds himself physically ill and unable to eat.

Scared and alone, he is forced to confront a growing thirst for blood and the harsh reality that either his sanity is quickly crumbling or that he is turning into something else... something dark... something animal...

I liked this graphic novel a lot...it is a very simple story and really doesn't have much dialog for a graphic novel.  The majority of the story is told through the artwork of Robert Burrows.  I mentioned in my last post about SOMETHING ANIMAL that the art style is not polished at all.  It is rough and a little distorted at times, but it works perfectly for this dark subject matter.  

I like the story a lot, but I did feel it ended rather abruptly and left many questions to be answered.  I have a feeling this is a just a drop in the bucket of the SOMETHING ANIMAL story.  I think this graphic novel is just setting the background for us and I think this story is really going to take off in a future follow up book.

Get your hands on a copy of SOMETHING ANIMAL before they sell out!  You can get a copy off of the Fanboy Comics website for only $9.99 + shipping!  


CLICK HERE to purchase the graphic novel
CLICK HERE to visit the official website of SOMETHING ANIMAL
CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Fanboy Comics

It's not too late to order your 2012 Pinup Monsters Calendar!!

 

Hey guys and ghouls!  I just thought with the new year here, you might be needing a new calendar to adorn your walls with.  I know what you are probably thinking...."I want a calendar with pinup girls on it, but I also want a horror movie related calendar".  Well fret no more, because now you can have both!!  Trionic Entertainment  has created the amazing 2012 PINUP MONSTERS CALENDAR!!   Here is the official description of the calendar:

Classic movie monsters with a sexy pinup twist. This 12 month calendar combines iconic monsters from the golden age of movies with the classic style of pinup photography. 12 beautiful women recreating classic pinup poses for the horror or pinup lover.

The calendar is on sale over at the Cheezy Flicks website for only $10.99  (plus shipping, I assume).  The back page of this calendar is also a full 12-month 2013 calendar, so you can actually enjoy this calendar for 2 years!!  Get yours today before they are gone!

CLICK HERE to order your Pinup Monsters 2012 Calendar

DVD Review: PSYCHO GOTHIC LOLITA (2010)

   
PSYCHO GOTHIC LOLITA
Directed by:   Gô Ohara
Distributed by:   Media Blasters


When a movie starts out with a be-heading and a scene of a woman being split in half all in the opening scene before the title is even displayed, then that movie is for me!    PSYCHO GOTHIC LOLITA is an amazing film that packs a punch right from the beginning and never lets go. 
Here is the plot description from the back of the DVD:

Yuki once led a peaceful life with her loving parents, but her family's happiness was taken away suddenly one day by a group wearing black cloaks. Her father lost the ability to walk, and her mother was massacred. Yuki, the only one to escape the violence, was left with unanswered questions and profound sorrow. But that sadness soon turned into a smoldering anger and a burning resolve to get to the bottom of the mystery. Fashioning herself into an elegant demon of vengeance, Yuki sets off wearing her jet-black gothic lolita dress in search of payback for her mother's death.

I have a feeling a lot of you might not know about this film, but you definitely should.  This film is like some of the other great Japanese splatter fests like TOKYO GORE POLICE, MACHINE GIRL, and MUTANT GIRLS SQUAD just to name a few.   This one didn't seem to get as much press as those other films did, which is a shame, because I think this is definitely as good as those other films if not better.

I am not sure why Americans haven't learned the art of the splatter movie yet.  I mean, we have films we call splatter movies, but take a look at a Japanese splatter film and you will see that American films don't begin to compare with their Japanese counterparts.  It's a good thing we have access to these films..if not,  we would be missing out on a lot of fun...and blood!

 Like most of the Japanese horror films, this film has a lot of martial arts fighting in it.  The fight sequences are choreographed amazing well and the fight scenes contain some very stylistic camera work.   While all this great, everything comes back to copious amounts of blood and the amazing gore effects.   Gore fans will have a field day with this one.  PSYCHO GOTHIC LOLITA is not to be missed!



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

Flea Market Horror Finds!!!

 

 

 Something you may not know about me....I love Flea Markets!   I love garage sales too, but a Flea Market is like multiple garage sales all under one roof!  You never know what you are going to find, and if you are a collector of anything, a flea market can be a great place to pick up some cheap collectibles.  I collect baseball/basketball cards, books, and comic books, so I am always finding these things at flea markets.  I obviously love movies as well, and almost any flea market you go in will have a booth selling cheap DVD's.  
 I am, of course, always on the lookout for anything horror related, and a recent visit to a new local flea market resulted in some great finds! 
  I first ran across the ALIEN VS. PREDATOR  DVD box set, containing both AVP films.  Cost....$4!   Next (in the same booth), I ran across this awesome Jason Voorhees hockey mask baseball cap! It was even new with the tag still on!  Cost...$1!
  Finally, in booth full of books, I ran across the Battle Royale novel.  BATTLE ROYALE is an awesome film, if you haven't seen it, check it out.  Cost of the Battle Royale book....$2.
 So, I got all this stuff for a total of only $7!!  I was very excited to say the least!  
  If you have never checked out a flea market, thinking it was just antiques and junk, think again and check them out....as you can see, you can find some pretty cool stuff at these places!
  If you have ever found something cool that was horror related at a flea market or garage sale, leave a comment and let us know about it!!

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

Here are the horror related DVD's coming out Tuesday, 1/3/12:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  1313:  ACTOR SLASH MODEL
*  1313:  WICKED STEPBROTHER
*  AMERICAN SCREAM KING
*  ATTACK OF THE VEGAN ZOMBIES
*  DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  DON'T LET HIM IN
*  RED:  WEREWOLF HUNTER
*  SHARK NIGHT  [DVD & Blu-ray]

Highlights this week include DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK and SHARK NIGHT, although take a look at the trailer for DON'T LET HIM IN...that film looks promising  (expect a full review soon!).  Also, I'm not sure how to say this, but those first two 1313 films up there, while technically horror films, they are definitely made for a certain...um...persuasion.  You will see what I mean if you watch the trailers.   Let me know if I missed any releases!!