Saturday, March 31, 2012

Check out the cool HORROR FILM ALPHABET poster by artist Stephen Wildish

Thanks to my buddy Caleb for sending me the link to this awesome horror poster.  It is the HORROR FILM ALPHABET poster by graphic designer Stephen Wildish.   Stephen has taken each letter of the alphabet and assigned it a movie starting with that letter.  This is very cool and I am sad to say I can not get all 26 of these movie references...can you?




CLICK HERE to purchase the poster
CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Stephen Wildish

Friday, March 30, 2012

Be a VIP on the set of the latest Full Moon Entertainment film, ZOMBIES VS. STRIPPERS!!!

The great folks at Full Moon entertainment have always been about the fans, and now they are taking that one step further by actually giving you the chance to be on set for the filming of their new film, ZOMBIES VS. STRIPPERS!!





Here is the official press release from Full Moon Entertainment:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 29, 2012, Los Angeles, CA – Full Moon is going into production on what is sure to be an instant cult classic: Zombies Vs. Strippers. The sheer mayhem that comes with a set full of zombies and strippers has to be seen in person to be believed… And that’s exactly what Full Moon is offering fans right now! This is your chance to BE onset during the shooting of Zombies Vs. Strippers! With the Zombie VIP Set Experience, you’ll get to immerse yourself in a Full Moon movie like no fan ever has before!
The Zombie VIP Set Experience includes:
  • an all-access pass to the Zombies Vs. Strippers movie set for ONE day
  • an all-expense-paid trip to Los Angeles, CA, which will include roundtrip airfare*, 4 star hotel**, and transportation to and from the set
  • unprecedented behind the scenes access to the movie making process, including meeting Charles Band, eating meals with the cast and crew on set, and watching the shooting of the movie from off camera
  • photo ops with the cast and crew by Full Moon’s professional onset photographer
  • a special Zombies Vs. Strippers prize pack including a grab bag of Full Moon merchandise, a copy of Zombies Vs. Strippers when it is available on DVD, and a copy of the Zombies Vs. Strippers script signed by Charles Band

*Airfare is included for U.S. residents. Any international purchasers will be billed additional charges for travel, including Canada or Mexico.
**Filming will take place from 4/9-4/18. Hotel stay will be for two nights. Exact travel dates will be scheduled to coincide with the most exciting days of filming.
After purchasing, arrangements will be made with you regarding what works best for your schedule and ours during the production dates (April 9th-16th). Please include accurate contact info.

The Zombie VIP Set Experience is available in two different packages:
  • $2500 for one person
  • $3900 for two people
To purchase, click here

Because of the unique and exclusive nature of this deal, there are only TEN packages available. Not TEN one person packages and TEN two person packages; TEN packages total and then it’s gone!
The Zombie VIP Set Experience is available right now! Get in on it and be a part of Full Moon film making history!
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Wow!  What a very cool way to get behind the scenes of a film!  The price tag might look big, but for all you get and the once in a lifetime experience you will have, I think is a bargain.   So, if you have the money and time, I think you should definitely give this some thought!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

The Turnpike Killer Retro ‘80s Horror “Big Box” Collector’s Edition VHS/DVD Combo with Full Color VHS Poster Available June 22, 2012!!


I just got a press release about a very cool collector's edition DVD/VHS combo pack for a film called THE TURNPIKE KILLER.   I love that VHS is making somewhat of a comeback, even if it is mainly as a collectors item.  VHS holds a special place in my heart because that's what I grew up with and watched my favorite horror films on. 

Here is the info from the press release describing what all you will get with this collectors set:

New York, NY – NEW YORK HORROR FILM PRODUCTIONS, a new motion picture production company, unleashes a bone chilling collection of never seen before '80s style horror/exploitation movies as it’s debut release!
“THE TURNPIKE KILLER” - the long awaited slasher/occult feature film by Evan Makrogiannis and Brian Weaver. Uncut on VHS!!!
“THE TURNPIKE KILLER”- limited edition DVD featuring uncensored cover art and the following bonus movies:
-“DONUTS AND A DOUBLE HOMICIDE - The Making of a Micro-Budget Horror Movie in New York City” – a full-length documentary about the making of “THE TURNPIKE KILLER”.
-“DEVIL MOON” – a throwback to classic werewolf movies and other cult 80’s favorites, such as “The Monster Squad” and the original “Fright Night”.
All of this old school horror is packaged in a retro, VHS BIG BOX!!! VHS Box cover poster features a Frank Frazetta inspired painting by distinguished NYPD homicide composite artist and 80’s VHS graphic artist Robert Philios.
Special bonus in this cult COLLECTOR’S VHS BIG BOX is a VHS poster autographed by horror icon RUBY LAROCCA!


Holy cow, that is ton of cool stuff!!!     The main focus, of course, is THE TURNPIKE KILLER, a film in which I had never heard of before now.  It looks to be a great throwback to the slasher films I grew up with as a kid.   Here is the basic plot of the film:

In the city that never sleeps, a killer prowls the streets at night. Over a span of
ten years the butchered remains of New York City women have been found dumped along the New Jersey Turnpike. The sadistic fiend behind these horrid murders has been coined “The Turnpike Killer”. His search for the “chosen one” has left a seemingly endless trail of bloodshed and brutality. NYPD Homicide Detective Lloyd is on the job but still, “The Turnpike Killer” evades capture. Keep off the streets at night, stay out of the tunnels and avoid the bridges. You cannot escape him when all roads lead to death.
 

Here is the trailer for THE TURNPIKE KILLER:



And check out this creepy"found footage" from the Turnpike Killer himself:



THE TURNPIKE KILLER will be released June 22nd of this year, but to pre-order THE TURNPIKE KILLER for the slashed down price of $24.99 (reduced from street price of $29.99) visit here:

http://www.turnpikekiller.com


This is a very cool collectible, so don't miss your chance to get your hands on a copy of this!!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Blu-ray Review: BATTLE ROYALE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION

  

BATTLE ROYALE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION
Directed by:  Kinji Fukasaku
Distributed by:  Anchor Bay Entertainment

 
 FINALLY!!   That is what I screamed when I heard that Anchor Bay was releasing BATTLE ROYALE 1 & 2 for the first time ever in North America!    If you have never seen these films, do yourself a favor and do so asap!   I had seen BATTLE ROYALE a couple of years ago, but I had never seen BATTLE ROYALE II:  REQUIEM until I watched it as part of the awesome complete collection set Anchor Bay has released. 

 The timing of this release is perfect, and intentional of course, due to the theatrical release of THE HUNGER GAMES, which a lot of people feel is a rip-off of BATTLE ROYALE.  I have not seen THE HUNGER GAMES yet, so I can't make that accusation, although the plots do sound very similar.

 BATTLE ROYALE is a about a Japanese society that has seen an increase in juvenile crime and over population.  To take care of both issues, the government has created Battle Royale, an annual game in which a random 9th grade class is selected to participate.  The rules are simple, kill or be killed.  The kids are taken to an island and are given a map and a weapon of some sort. They are to kill each other off any way they can until there is only one student left, who is declared the winner.

 This is one of my favorite Japanese films of all time.  It is beautifully shot with the island providing some very nice scenery.   The subject matter is pretty crazy and seeing kids kill kids is very unsettling and caused quite a stir upon the films initial release.   The acting in the film is very good from all involved, and I especially love how the teacher that runs the game delivers some of his lines.
The movie has some very violent scenes, especially those involving collars worn around the contestant's necks.  There are certain "danger zones" on the island and if you are in one of these danger zones at certain times, then the collar explodes, as does the wearer's neck!  The provides some excellent gore for sure.

BATTLE ROYALE II:  REQUIEM is a much different film than the first, but just as good I think in a different way.   The plot is similar to the first, except the government has changed the rules.  Now instead of killing each other, the kids must find and kill a terrorist living on an island intent on overthrowing the government and killing all adults for making the kids kill each other in the first film.
I won't tell you who the terrorist is as I don't want to give anything away if you haven't seen the first film.

BATTLE ROYALE II is more like a war movie than the first film.  In fact, it reminded me of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN but with kids at some points.   My buddy Scott from The Shattered Ravings blog compared it to BLACK HAWK DOWN which I can definitely see as well.   As with most any war film, BR2 is very bloody and action packed.  This is a great sequel and continues the story perfectly.   The basic concept from the first film is still there, but it is different enough where it doesn't feel like they made it for no reason other than make more money based on the recognizable BATTLE ROYALE title. 

BATTLE ROYALE:  THE COMPLETE COLLECTION is available now, along with a single disc version of just the first film on DVD or Blu-ray.    I highly suggest you get the complete collection, though, as you will definitely want to check out part 2.  Also, the complete collection comes with a 4th disc full of the following special features:


*  Audition & Rehearsal Footage
*  Special Effects Comparison Featurette
*  The Making of Battle Royale
*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Basketball Scene Rehearsals
*  Special Edition TV Spot
*  Behind-The-Scenes Featurette
*  Battle Royale Press Conference
*  TV Spot: Tarantino Version
*  Tokyo International Film Festival 2000
*  Filming On-Set
*  Battle Royale Documentary
*  Instructional Video: Birthday Version

This is must own DVD/Blu-ray set in my opinion.   Get your hands on a copy of this one as
soon as possible!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for BATTLE ROYALE
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for BATTLE ROYALE II:  REQUIEM
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray or DVD


 

Monday, March 26, 2012

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, March 27th, 2012

 
Here are the horror related DVD's and Blu-rays coming out Tuesday, 3/27:
(Click on a title to see a trailer of that film)

CAMEL SPIDERS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
DIE
THE GIRL IN ROOM 2A
THE GRUESOME DEATH OF TOMMY PISTOL
MAGDALENA:  THE DEVIL INSIDE THE FEMALE

Sunday, March 25, 2012

DVD Review: FAN OF THE DEAD (2007)

-------------Review by contributing writer Scott Baker------------------
   
FAN OF THE DEAD
Distributed by:  Cheezy Flicks

  Let’s face it: to fans like me, George Romero is almost a deity. The man has an amazing imagination and his track record of films prove it. He is a myth, a legend, and a reality, all rolled into one. So when Hayes offered me this documentary to review, I knew it was right for me.
 
  If you’re not familiar with FAN OF THE DEAD, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of the Cheezy Flicks website:
 
  In 1968, George Romero traumatized a whole generation with his legendary and revolutionary "Night of the Living Dead", which truly marks the birth of modern horror movies. This movie was followed by the cult classic "Dawn of the Dead" in 1978 and the apocalyptical "Day of the Dead" in 1985 and Night of the Living Dead (1990). The George Romero trilogy became instant classics. With a worldwide community of fans, the phenomenon is not without evoking the Star Wars mania! Camera in hand, Nicolas Garreau crossed the Atlantic Ocean from France to realize his dream. Roaming the steep roads day and night of a sometimes lugubrious Pennsylvania countryside, he found the locations and people who made the Romero zombie trilogy come alive. This DVD contains exclusive interviews with cast and crew members and reveals all the filming locations of the trilogy including locations not known to the public, like the missile launch pad of "Day of the Dead" and the real basement used in "Night of the Living Dead - 1968", a guided tour of the mall with Ken Foree and others, along with extras and bonus footage.
 
  I was surprised to find out that this documentary was actually a French-made production. The narrator/director is Nicolas Garreau and this film is actually a compilation of video clips that he put together from a trip he made to the United States a few years back. But what makes Garreau’s trip unique is that he used it to visit several of the filming locations of Romero’s films.
 
  In addition to the DEAD films, Romero had other noted works, such as CREEPSHOW. Garreau visits several locations in the DEAD genre as well as a couple from CREEPSHOW as well. During each visit, he manages to squeeze in some history as well as notable facts for each location.
 
  Probably the best section of FAN OF THE DEAD for me was when Garreau visits the Pittsburgh Comic Convention and gets to interact with several of the stars of the original DAWN OF THE DEAD, including Ken Foree and David Early. He then gets to tag along with them as they visit the mall where much of the film was shot. The stars point out specific locations for scenes in the film and tell interesting stories about the shoot as well.
 
  Because it’s a documentary, there’s really nothing to note as far as cinematography, acting, or special effects go. But there is plenty of information crammed into this hour-long film. Give this one a look if you want to see one man’s pilgrimage to his zombie-Graceland. 
 
-MSB-
 

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

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Fight off zombies in the ZOMBIE SHOPPING MALL EXPERIENCE!!

   


  This has to be the coolest thing I have heard about in quite some time.  Thanks again to my buddy Caleb for sending me this story.   A group of zombie fans over in England have created the ZOMBIE SHOPPING MALL EXPERIENCE!  They have taken an abandoned shopping mall....filled it with movie quality zombies, and let a group of you and your friends go through the mall and battle the zombies with air soft rifles and weapons.   The website states that "Using state of the art special effects and large, blood-inducing props you’ll tackle a series of computer game like missions in a full-on 'run and gun' gore fest".   The even lasts about 3 hours and the thought of doing video game like missions sounds really interesting.
 
This is super cool, so any readers near London need to check this out for sure.  The shopping mall that this event is being held in will be demolished at some point, so this truly could be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

CLICK HERE to read the full story

Friday, March 23, 2012

DVD Review: TRAILERS FROM HELL VOL. 2 (2011)

TRAILERS FROM HELL VOL. 2
Distributed by Shout! Factory


 Back in August of 2010, I reviewed the first volume of TRAILERS FROM HELL (click here to see that review).  I love trailer compilation DVDs and these are some of the best.  Not only do you get some great old movie trailers, you get commentary and inside info about the films from some of film's great horror and b-movie directors.
Here is some basic info on the TFHV2 DVD from the Shout! Factory website:

The award-winning Trailers From Hell website is the brainchild of noted film director Joe Dante (Gremlins, The Howling) in which some of the best known names in the horror/sci-fi genre provide amusing commentary on rare vintage cult film trailers. (Viewers also have the choice of watching them without the critique as well.) Trailers From Hell! Vol. 1 (released last year) included most of this material but in Vol. 2, the trailers are only exclusively available in this DVD set. Entertaining coming attractions from long lost cult films including Donovan’s Brain, Little Shop of Horrors, The Invisible Ghost, Fire Maidens from Outer Space, Flesh Gordon, Deep Red, Gorgo!, Ski Troop Attack and many more! Includes commentary by Joe Dante, Mick Garris, Guillermo Del Toro, John Landis and Roger Corman.
This DVD also includes a bonus movie, one of Roger Corman’s first hits, Little Shop of Horrors! Featuring Jack Nicholson in one of his first roles, the film is
seen for the first time in a new anamorphic widescreen transfer.


TRAILERS FROM HELL VOL. 2 is a great new addition to this franchise, and a must own since these trailers/commentary are exclusive to this DVD.   You will see some trailers for films you have seen, some for films you have heard about but have never seen, and then some you have never even heard of.    I especially liked seeing the trailer for a 1969 Jack Hill film called PIT STOP starring a very young Sid Haig.   I had never heard of PIT STOP, so it was very interesting to see the trailer and hear from director Jack Hill about the film. 

 Some of my favorite directors when it comes to these trailers are Guillermo del Toro and John Landis.  Both of these guys have great personalities and Landis especially always seems to be having a lot of fun and will make you laugh.   

 I like the variety of films that they have put together for this volume.    You get the classic oldies as you would expect, but they have also included some newer films like Troma's TERROR FIRMER with commentary from director Lloyd Kaufman

The DVD clocks in at  88 minutes and is fun way to see clips from a lot of cool movies.  Included as a bonus is Roger Corman's 1960 feature film,  THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS...and in Widescreen for the first time on DVD!

This is a must have for cinema fans like myself.  Get your copy today!!

 

CLICK HERE for a sample clip from TRAILERS FROM HELL VOL. 2
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD


Thursday, March 22, 2012

Check out the cool trailer for the upcoming film, CHERNOBYL DIARIES

  

Thanks to my buddy Caleb for telling me about this one.  CHERNOBYL DIARIES looks to be a very cool and creepy film.  Here is the basic plot from imdb.com:
 
Six tourists hire an extreme tour guide who takes them to the abandoned city Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. During their exploration, they soon discover they are not alone.
 
The film is set to be released May 25th of this year.  I will be checking this one out for sure. Check out the trailer and let me know what you think!
 

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

DVD Review: ABSENTIA (2011)

  

  
ABSENTIA
Written & Directed by:   Mike Flanagan
Distributed by:  Phase 4 Films

 I had never heard of the film, ABSENTIA, before it arrived in my mailbox, so to be honest, I wasn't super excited or motivated to watch it.  There are so many horror films that come and go without much notice, and usually it is for a good reason.  You have to weed through a lot of bad films to find a good one, and I am happy to say this film is a "needle in the haystack" of horror films.  Everyone should know about this film and it is a shame that it hasn't received more fanfare.  
Here is the basic plot of the film from the Phase 4 Films website:
 
 Tricia's husband has been missing for seven years. Her younger sister Callie comes to live with her as the pressure mounts to finally declare him 'dead in absentia.' As Tricia sifts through the wreckage and tries to move on with her life, Callie finds herself drawn to an ominous tunnel near the house. As she begins to link it to other mysterious disappearances, she comes to the realization that his presumed death might be anything but 'natural.' Soon it becomes clear that the ghostly force at work in the tunnel might have set its sights on Callie and Tricia too.                            
 
 I loved everything about this film.   I would be lying if I said I understood it completely, but that is part of what makes me like it so much.  It is not a simple "I-saw-that-coming" type of horror film.  This is a smart horror film with a great story with many different levels.  What you think is basic supernatural type of film turns into almost a creature feature towards the end.  I wont say much more about that in fear of spoiling anything for you.
 
 On paper, I really shouldn't have liked this film so much.  There is no blood or gore to speak of (although there is a messed up looking body at one point), no special effects for the most part, and not  any slasher like killing.   Heck, there is not even the typical horror movie nudity thrown in to this film.  ABSENTIA is too smart for that and is above that.   What you do get is brilliant acting by everyone involved  (especially by the two female leads, played by Katie Parker and Courtney Bell).
 
 The film is very suspenseful and really plays to the dark and dreadful emotions of loosing a loved one.  Not just loosing a loved one, but the fear of a loved one going missing and having to declare them "dead in absentia" even though the slight chance is out there that he or she may still be alive.   That lack of closure would be a horrible feeling and Bell emotes this feeling with perfection in her portrayal of Tricia, who's husband went missing 7 years ago.
 
 Please do yourself a favor and check out ABSENTIA as soon as you can.  You will not be disappointed.  ABSENTIA was released on DVD on March 13, so should be available at a store near you, or order from the link below.   Special features on the DVD include:

*  ABSENTIA:  A Retrospective
*  Producer and Actor Commentary
*  Camera Test Teaser
*  Deleted Scenes
*  Trailer

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

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, March 20th, 2012

 
 
Here are the horror related DVD's released today, 3/20:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

BATTLE ROYALE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  BATTLE ROYALE COMPLETE COLLECTION  [DVD & Blu-ray]
    (Includes BATTLE ROYALE and BATTLE ROYALE 2)
CREATURE
THE HILLS HAVE EYES Pt. 2  [Blu-ray]
STRIP NUDE FOR YOUR KILLER  [Blu-ray]

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Michigan State University to offer summer class entitled, "SURVIVING THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE".

  
   

I saw this on MSN.com a while back and I just had to share it.   Michigan State University will be offering a course entitled, "SURVIVING THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE".   The film will be taught by professor Glen Stutzky  (who gets my vote as coolest teacher....well, ever) and will use the Zombie Apocalypse as a metaphor for true catastrophes that could happen to us.  Professor Stutzky even made a cool short zombie film to promote the class!
Here is the full article from the MSN.com website:

Get ready, America, because the zombie apocalypse starts on May 14. At least that's the case at Michigan State, where the School of Social Work is offering a summer course that teaches participants how to survive an undead uprising. "Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse" will be taught by professor Glen Stutzky, who introduces the class in a Walking Dead-worthy (and surprisingly graphic) YouTube video. "In times of catastrophe, some people find their humanity. Others lose it," he says ominously.
According to the official description, students will use "the idea of a Zombie apocalypse to learn about the nature, scope and impact of catastrophic events."

CLICK HERE to watch the short film

Saturday, March 17, 2012

DVD Review: 2012 ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE (2011)

  
 
2012 ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
Directed by:  Nick Lyon
Distributed by The Asylum

I am always happy to watch a new zombie film.  Zombie movies are my favorite sub-genre of horror films by far, so I was super excited when 2012 ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE showed up in my mailbox.  I knew nothing about this film so I was excited to check it out.  Now I have seen some pretty bad zombie movies, so I was hoping to not be disappointed, and I am happy to say that not only was I not disappointed, but I was pleasantly surprised!  I thoroughly enjoyed this one.   Here is the basic plot synopsis from The Asylum website:
Months after a zombie plague has wiped out 90 percent of the American population, a small group of survivors fight their way cross-country to a rumored refuge on the island of Catalina.

Now it wouldn't be fair to compare this with the bigger budget theatrical zombie films.   Take this film for what it is and that is a low budget zombie film which hopes to entertain, and I think it accomplished that for sure.   While a lot of films from The Asylum can be either hit or miss, I think they did a great job with this one. 

The acting in the film is pretty good, Ving Rhames certainly helps the cast, but I admit cringed at some of his corny one-liners, ha!  But that was all in part of the fun.  Cheesy dialog and low budget films go hand in hand!   I was also impressed with the sets and cinematography of this film.   The empty streets were impressive, and looked really cool when being filled up with hordes of zombies! 

The most impressive part of this film, for me though, was the zombies themselves.  So many straight to DVD zombie films have really crappy zombie make up and effects.  The zombies from 2012 ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE actually looked really good.   The filmmakers did a great job of mixing both practical effects and CG effects, with most of the CG being pretty unnoticeable.   Well...that is until we get to the scene of the survivors fighting off the zombie tiger.   Yes, that's right...there is a scene where Ving Rhames battles a zombie tiger.   The tiger is obviously all CG and it shows.   Aside from that, most all of the other zombie effects are very well done.

If you are a fan of zombie films like I am, check this one out for sure.  The DVD is available now and includes the following special features:

*  The Making of ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE
*  Gag Reel
*  Trailers


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer and purchase the DVD

Friday, March 16, 2012

The first trailer for the highly anticipated Tim Burton and Johnny Depp film, DARK SHADOWS, is here!!

The wait is over, the trailer for the new Tim Burton film, DARK SHADOWS, has hit the web.  The trailer looks great and I was surprised to see the film has quite a humorous tone to it.  
 The film is based on the 1966 TV series of the same name.   DARK SHADOWS stars Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer and Eva Green and is scheduled to hit theaters on May 11.



CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Check out the trailer for the scary airplane flick, 7500


As if flying wasn't scary enough already, check out the trailer that shows you that flying could be a lot worse!  You could be like these guys and encounter some sort of mysterious force on your plane.   7500 stars Leslie Bibb, Amy Smart, and Ryan Kwanten (Jason Stackhouse from TRUE BLOOD) and is directed by Takashi Shimizu (GRUDGE, GRUDGE 2).  The film is scheduled for theatrical release on August 31 of this year.

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of the film and watch the trailer

Monday, March 12, 2012

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, March 13th, 2012


Here are the horror related DVD's and Blu-rays coming out Tuesday, 3/13:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

11th AGGRESSION
ABSENTIA
*  AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR
*  THE BURNING MOON
KILLER'S MOON [DVD & Blu-ray]
MY PURE JOY
UNEARTHED
VIRGIN WITCH [DVD & Blu-ray]
WOUND

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Scarlett Johansson to star as Janet Leigh in upcoming making of PSYCHO film!?

 
 I just read in the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine that film star Scarlett Johansson is set to star in the upcoming film, ALFRED  HITCHCOCK AND THE MAKING OF PSYCHO, as Janet Leigh.     The film will also star Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock,  Helen Mirren as Hitchcock's wife, and James D'Arcy as Anthony Perkins.
  I find it strange for a feature film to be made about the making of a film.  I'm not sure anything like this has been done before.  And I think things will get really confusing when the DVD comes out and one of the special features is "The Making of Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho"!
 This could be a very cool project, and Anthony Hopkins as Hitchcock should be very interesting!

CLICK HERE To read the full article from The Hollywood Reporter

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Check out the very creepy trailer for the abduction film, THE BUNNY GAME

 
 
First off, let me warn you that the trailer below if very brutal and graphic, so it is definitely not safe for work or if kids are around...watch at your own discretion.  THE BUNNY GAME is the latest film from writer/director Adam Rehmeier, and while recently banned in the U.K., it will be released in the US in July of this year.  The rights to the U.S. release were recently picked up by the newly formed company, AUTONOMY PICTURES.   Autonomy Pictures says it is "a filmmaker-driven company dedicated to producing and distributing boundary-pushing, uncompromising cinema on a worldwide scale".   Sounds pretty good, and if the first film THE BUNNY GAME is any indication of the type of films they will release, I think we are all in for a real treat!!

Here is the plot of the THE BUNNY GAME from the Autonomy Pictures website:

  Emaciated and living on the streets in a drug induced fog, hapless prostitute Sylvia “Bunny” Gray, moves listlessly from one “trick” to the next. Throwing caution to the wind with each new encounter, whatever life she has left, is about to spiral into pure madness.
  What starts off as another rendezvous in the cab of a tractor trailer with a trucker named JR, aka “Hog,” turns horrific as Bunny is abducted, stripped, bound in chains, and shaved bald. She is at the mercy of a maniac and will find herself fighting for her life.
  Already banned in the UK, Adam Rehmeier’s nightmarish (yet cautionary) tale shatters viewers’ perceptions of “torture porn” with its bleak and nihilistic narrative. A story of one man’s quest to break a woman’s mind, body, and soul; THE BUNNY GAME is an unapologetic essay on the evil that is possible when you have nothing left to lose.

Check this trailer out for sure, while the "torture-porn" sub-genre is getting old in a lot of peoples eyes, this one looks to be very different and even very artistic at times based on scenes in this trailer.  I will be checking this one out for sure once it is released.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Friday, March 9, 2012

DVD Review: THE BURNING MOON (1997)

  
THE BURNING MOON
Written & Directed by:  Olaf Ittenbach
Distributed by Intervision Picture Corp./CAV Distributing

 I don't know about you, but I had never heard of THE BURNING MOON until it showed up in my mailbox a few weeks ago.  Here is the plot synopsis from the CAV website:

 In 1992, writer/director/special effects master Olaf Ittenbach changed the face of video horror, force-fed its ripped-out eyeballs to screaming audiences, then used a drill, machete and shotgun on its still-twitching torso: Ittenbach himself stars as a degenerate junkie who babysits his young sister with two bedtime stories of the damned. First, an escaped serial killer turns date night into a graphic family massacre. Then a country priest on a rape and murder spree leads to a disturbingly explicit descent into Hell. It became the VHS that shocked America. It has been banned in its Motherland for nearly 20 years. And it remains perhaps the most violent and depraved shot-on-video saga in history. This is THE BURNING MOON.
 

 I must say that if you are a fan of gore, you will love THE BURNING MOON.  The movie is full of the red stuff and does some things I have never seen before in a film, including an awful teeth drilling scene that sent chills up my spine! 

 The acting is pretty bad honestly, and the film quality is pretty bad, which normally would be a bad thing.  But in this case, it is almost fitting for the film.  It reminded me of watching an old VHS copy of a movie when I was a kid back in the 80's.  I was actually really surprised to see the production date listed as 1997, because the film actually looks and feels quite a bit older than that to me.

 The story lines are ok, nothing really special, but lets face it.  You aren't going to watch this film hoping for a fulfilling story and great character and plot development.  You are going to watch it for the gore and with that, you will not be let down.

 If you can stomach the gore, give this one a look for sure.  The DVD is set to be released next Tuesday, March 13th and will contain the following special features:

* Making of Burning Moon (47 minutes)
* Trailer for the film
* Trailers for other Intervision films
* Reversible Cover Art


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


Thursday, March 8, 2012

If THE WALKING DEAD was a 1980's sitcom, I think it would look something like this......

    
 
Yes, if our favorite zombie show had come out back in the 80's,  I think the opening
of the show would go a little like this.   I am not sure who created this, but it is hilarious!

Thanks to frequent contributor Caleb Schoeppe for letting me know about this!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Movie Review: FATHER'S DAY (2011)

 
FATHER'S DAY
Written & Directed by:  ASTRON-6
Distributed by:  Troma Entertainment


FATHER'S DAY is another movie filmed the style of an old grindhouse film.   Many filmmakers have tried this technique, but none that I have seen have captured that true grindhouse style quite like FATHER'S DAY has.  Here is the basic plot from imdb.com:

Ahab, a man obsessed with exacting a brutal, violent revenge on the man who murdered his dad, joins John, an eager priest, and Twink, a hot-headed street hustler, on an epic quest to find and defeat this mythical monster known as Chris Fuchman AKA The Father's Day Killer.
 
This is one crazy movie.  I can guarantee you that you have not seen a movie quite like this before.  The movie is done in perfect style that reminds you of watching a film late at night on TV back in the 70's or early 80's including a TV station introduction of the film and a commercial break in the middle of the film advertising the late movie coming on after FATHER'S DAY, called, STAR RAIDERS, which looks hilarious by the way.
 
The film is great and has something in it for everyone.  There is action, some humor, and loads of great gore, including a nasty scene where a man literally vomits his guts out!   Gross!
 
This movie is actually very hard to describe, because there is just so much going on.  The film gets especially crazy at the end when the the main characters descend into Hell to fight the Father's Day killer, who is a gigantic demon they three men must do battle against.
 
This movie is sick, twisted, perverted, and everything in between, so naturally, I loved it!
Check this one out if you have the chance.  FATHER'S DAY is in theaters around the country now in a limited release, and here is some info on the upcoming DVD/Blu-ray release from the Troma Entertainment press release:

"The 3-disc limited edition will now be released on June 12, just in time for Father's Day. It's the perfect gift for your father or abusive step-father! Only 10,000 numbered copies will be available, and the release will contain the film on blu-ray, a full length making-of documentary on DVD, a CD soundtrack and the many other bonuses for which Troma is known."
 
Oh, and did I mention Lloyd Kaufman plays God in the film?  That is reason enough to watch it right there!  This is one of Troma's better works lately and shows the true talent behind the Astron-6 team.  They are filmmakers to keep an eye on for sure!

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


Monday, March 5, 2012

This week's Horror related DVD releases: Tuesday, March 6th, 2012


Here are this week's horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases for Tuesday, March 7th:
(click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

1313:  BIGFOOT ISLAND
1313:  UFO INVASION
EDGAR ALLAN POE'S REQUIEM FOR THE DAMNED
THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS  [Blu-ray]
PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE  [Blu-ray]
SHACKLED

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Check out the great zombie short film, REST


My buddy Caleb has been flooding my inbox with some great stuff lately that he thought my blog readers might enjoy, and he has really outdone himself this time!  Caleb recently told me about this zombie short film called REST, by filmmaker Cole Schreiber.   The film tells the story of a fallen WWI soldier who rises from the dead, but instead of searching for brains, he goes searching for his late wife.  The zombie travels by land and sea in order to see his beautiful wife again.  
 This film is extremely well done, with some of the best cinematography I have seen in a while, especially in a short film.  The film is about 12 minutes long.  Check this one out for sure!


CLICK HERE to watch the short film REST

Saturday, March 3, 2012

It's official.....I am a certified Zombie Hunter!


Yep, that's right.  I am now an official zombie hunter and I have the permit to prove it displayed proudly on the back window of my SUV!    It can take a lot to become an official zombie hunter, like weapons training and survival training.....or you can just shell out $3.95 (plus a dollar shipping charge) and buy your permit from the great folks at WeirdStickers.com.  Either way you can join the zombie hunting army and together we can defend our country against the rising army of the undead! 
Get your zombie hunting permit today!!

Friday, March 2, 2012

Who knew bed sheets could be so scary!!

   
 
Thanks to regular contributor Caleb Schoeppe for sending me a link to what could be the coolest bed comforter set ever made.  Yes, I know bed sheets and comforters aren't usually what you are looking to read about when you come to this website, but this is definitely worth mentioning.  
 Designer Melissa Christie has made what has to be the coolest comforter and pillow cases I have ever seen.  Check out the pick below.   This is called the "Never Sleep Alone" Bed set.  Melissa sold it on the Etsy shopping site, and I don't know what amount it sold for, but by looking at this, whatever that lucky person paid for this set got a great deal.  This bed set is priceless!  Who wouldn't want to sleep on a bed with zombie arms reaching up for you and a huge blood stain on your pillow cases!  Well done, Melissa! 

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Check out the cool short film, SPIDER DANGER!

   
You might remember filmmaker Andrea Ricca from his first short film, THE FURFANGS, which I featured on my website about 2 years ago  (click here to see that post).  Well,  Andrea is back with another great creature feature short film, SPIDER DANGER!   For those that are scared of spiders, you might not want to watch this one!




CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Andrea Ricca and watch SPIDER DANGER