Book Review: DEATH BY UMBRELLA: THE 100 WEIRDEST HORROR MOVIE WEAPONS

DEATH BY UMBRELLA:  THE 100 WEIRDEST HORROR MOVIE WEAPONS
Written by:  Christopher Lombardo and Jeff Kirschner
Published by:   Bearmanor Media

  I don't do as many book reviews on the site as I'd like to, so I am trying to change that.  Expect more book reviews in the coming months, as there have been some amazing horror related books released lately!  

  One of the best I have found lately is the book DEATH BY UMBRELLA, an easy read with 100 different short essays on the strangest deaths imaginable in horror films.  This is perfect for the short attention spanned person such as myself.   Each entry is no more than a page or two, so is nice to just read a few entries whenever I have just a few minutes to spare.

  This is an extremely fun book, with 100 of the best kills from horror movies spanning many years.   The authors split the kills/weapons up into 7 chapters/categories, including kills by weapons found around the home, in the kitchen, sports and recreation, machinery, tight squeezes, and more.

  Here are some of the more crazy weapons described in this book:

*  Umbrellas - used in both SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT 2 and STITCHES
*  Coffee Maker - used in LEPRECHAUN 2
*  Ear of Corn - used in SLEEPWALKERS
*  Electric Toothbrush - used in BOOGEYMAN 2
*  Mounted Deer Antlers - used in SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT
*  Condom - used in KILLER CONDOM
*  Basketball - used in DEADLY FRIEND
*  Fishing Lure - used in BLOOD HOOK

  Read about these and  92 other crazy weapons in DEATH BY UMBRELLA!   This book is available now from Bearmanor Media.  I highly recommend this fun book for all horror fans!


CLICK HERE to purchase the Hardcover edition
CLICK HERE to purchase the Paperback edition

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, July 26th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 7/26:


*  THE BOY WHO CRIED WEREWOLF [BD]
*  CONSUMPTION  [DVD]
*  DEADLY PICKUP  [DVD]
*  DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.  [BD & DVD]
*  EXORCIST HOUSE OF EVIL  [DVD]
*  FIVE MILES TO MIDNIGHT  [BD & DVD]
*  HARDCORE HENRY  [BD & DVD]
* THE INVITATION  [BD/DVD combo]
*  JACOB'S HAMMER  [BD & DVD]
*  KILLERS THRILLER COLLECTION (Baby Yaga, Night Train Murders, Strip Nude For Your Killer)  [3-Disc BD]
*  LISTENING  [DVD]
*  MONSTROSITY/TEENAGE ZOMBIES Double Feature  [DVD]
*  THE NIGHT SEEKERS  [DVD]
*  THE PERFECT HUSBAND [BD & DVD]
*  PETEY WHEATSTRAW [BD]
*  RIVER  [BD & DVD]
*  THE ZOMBIE KING  [DVD]

The BLAIR WITCH 3 trailer is here!!

  As you may have heard by now, director Adam Wingard's new horror film, which has had the title "THE WOODS", is actually the  next instalment in the BLAIR WITCH PROJECT films!   The fake title was used to keep it a secret for as long as possible, but it has now been revealed that this is BLAIR WITCH 3.   The film is titled just BLAIR WITCH, and is supposed to be a direct sequel to the original BLAIR WITCH PROJECT.   This is what 2000's BOOK OF SHADOWS:  BLAIR WITCH 2 should have been, but as you recall the filmmakers took that "sequel" in a completely different direction.  I am glad we have a true sequel to the first film now. 

Here is the basic plot synopsis from I found from an article about the film on the Dread Central website:

A group of college students venture into the Black Hills Forest in Maryland to uncover the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of James’ sister who many believe is connected to the legend of the Blair Witch. At first the group is hopeful, especially when a pair of locals offer to act as guides through the dark and winding woods, but as the endless night wears on, the group is visited by a menacing presence. Slowly, they begin to realize the legend is all too real and more sinister than they could have imagined.


Check out the trailer below and let me know what you think....I think this film looks like it is
going to super scary and a great follow up to the original!




CLICK HERE to check out the film's official website

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, July 19th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 7/19:

*  BAD MOON  [Blu-ray]
*  BITTEN:  SEASON 3 [DVD]
*  BRIDGEND  [DVD]
*  CAGED:  FEMALE HOSTAGES  [DVD]
*  THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD  [Scream Factory Blu-ray]

Blu-ray Review: DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D. (1980)

DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.
Directed by  Marino Girolami (as Frank Martin)
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

  If you are a fan of Italian zombie films, then you will love DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.   If you are a fan of Italian cannibal films, then you will love DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.  If you are a fan of mad doctor movies, you will also love DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.!   Ha!   This is one horror film that you truly can't categorize into a sub-genre.  It's part zombie film, part cannibal film, and party mad scientist/doctor film.   It's almost as if the filmmakers couldn't figure out what type of horror film they wanted to make, so they just put a little bit of everything into it!  That is fine with me, because it gives us one of the most entertaining horror films I have seen in quite some time!  Here is some basic info and plot synopsis courtesy of the CAV website:

  It sparked riots on 42nd Street, spawned a generation of gorehounds on VHS, and forever set an insane standard for Italian mad doctor/zombie/cannibal carnage worldwide: Ian McCulloch (ZOMBIE), Alexandra Delli Colli (THE NEW YORK RIPPER), Sherry Buchanan (TENTACLES) and Donald O'Brien (EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS) star in this blood orgy of gut-munching, eyeball-gouging and face-chopping originally known as ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST, which a notorious American distributor would then re-edit, re-title and re-release as a certified grindhouse masterpiece.
  Severin Films now presents both films fully restored for the first time ever from original vault elements discovered in Manhattan and Rome, and loaded with all-new Bonus Features that finally reveal the unbelievable truth behind its bizarre history, infamous marketing and still-deviant legacy.

  As I stated above, this is a highly entertaining film, and contains a little bit of everything for every horror fan.  I love Italian zombie films...there is something about their zombies that are just so much better than the ones in our films.  These zombies all look very decayed and dirty, which is how I would think they should look.  It reminded me a lot of Fulci's zombies or the zombies from the 1981 film, BURIAL GROUND.  The gore in this film is pretty amazing, with some very realistic looking throat slits and some guttings.   This film has tons of blood and gore which should satisfy all you gore lovers out there! 

  Included in this awesome set is both cuts of the film, the American cut called DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D. and the original Italian cut called ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST, presented here for the first time ever uncut in HD!    This is the definitive version of this film to have, so I highly suggest pre-ordering this one now!   The film is set for release on July 26th, but can be preordered now from the Severin Films website.  The Blu-ray and DVD will contain the following special features:


DISC 1 DOCTOR BUTCHER MD
*  Featurette: Butchery & Ballyhoo: Interview with Aquarius Releasing's Terry Levine
*  Featurette: Down On The Deuce: Nostalgic Tour Of 42nd Street With Temple Of Shock's Chris Poggiali and Filmmaker Roy Frumkes
*  Roy Frumkes' Segment Of Unfinished Anthology Film 'Tales That Will Tear Your Heart Out'
*  Featurette: The Butcher Mobile: Interview with Gore Gazette Editor & Butcher Mobile Barker Rick Sullivan
*  Featurette: Cutting Doctor Butcher: Interview with Editor Jim Markovic
*  Illustrated Essay: Experiments With A Male Caucasian Brain (...and other memories of 42nd Street) by Gary Hertz
*  Theatrical Trailer
*  Video Release Trailer 1
*  Video Release Trailer 2

DISC 2 ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST
*  Featurette: Voodoo Man: Interview With Star Ian McCulloch
*  Featurette: Blood Of The Zombies: Interview With FX Master Rosario Prestopino
*  Featurette: Filmmaker Enzo Castellari Remembers His Father Director Marino Girolami
*  Featurette: Sherry Holocaust: Interview With Actress Sherryl Buchanan
*  Featurette: Neurosurgery Italian Style -Interview With FX Artist Maurizio Trani
*  Featurette: New York Filming Locations Then Vs. Now. A look at the Big Apple locales as they are today
*  Audio Bonus: Ian McCulloch Sings Down By The River
*  International Trailer
*  German Trailer


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to pre-order the 2-Disc Blu-ray
CLICK HERE to pre-order the 2-Disc DVD

 
 

Blu Ray Review: THE CITY OF THE DEAD (1960)

THE CITY OF THE DEAD
Directed by:  John Llewellyn Moxey
Distributed by VCI Entertainment

  I always love when I come across a movie for review that I know nothing about.    I pride myself on being very knowledgeable about most horror films, but there are always a few that have flown under my radar and I have just not had the chance to see or even know about.   Such is the case with tonight's review,  THE CITY OF THE DEAD, also known as HORROR HOTEL.    Here is the basic plot of the film from the VCI website:

  A college student, Nan Barlow is researching the history of witchcraft. Taunted by her brother and fiancé, who have voiced their concern over her silly notions, Nan arms herself with resolve and drives into the small New England village of Whitewood. She is glad that at least she was able to count on the support of her professor. A bit anxious but consumed with curiosity, she will soon embark herself on the journey of her life!

  First off, I have to mention the title of this film threw me off a little.  I knew nothing about the film, so going by the title I thought I was getting into an old zombie film.   Instead, I was treated with a very interesting and eerie film about witchcraft in the same vein as a film like MARK OF THE DEVIL.   The main thing that I really noticed and enjoyed about this film was the very creepy imagery and scenery.  The filmmakers used tons of fog in the filming of this picture, and it is amazing how a little fog will make a scene look so spooky!   This film was shot very well with some great cinematography.   

  I will admit that the film is a little slow moving at some points, but I find that with a lot of the old black and white horror films from the 1960's.  Regardless, that did not keep me from enjoying the film overall by any means.   This is an intriguing story full of mystery and suspense!

  VCI has done a remarkable job with the transfer on this Blu-ray.  The picture quality is superb and is crystal clear.  

  THE CITY OF THE DEAD is now available on Blu-ray from VCI Entertainment and contains the following special features:

*  Horror Hotel, the American Version of City of the Dead
*  Feature length Commentary by Bruce Hallenbeck
*  2nd Feature length Commentary with actor Christopher Lee
*  3rd Commentary by Director John Moxey
*  Interview with Christopher Lee
*  Interview with Venetia Stevenson
*  Interview with Director John Moxey
*  Theatrical Trailer
*  Photo Gallery
*  Liner Notes by Mike Kenny, Film Reviewer
*  English Subtitles


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

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, July 12th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 7/12:

*  13 CAMERAS  [DVD]
*  CARNIVAL OF SOULS  [Criterion Collection BD]
*  CAT IN THE BRAIN  [Grindhouse Releasing DVD/BD combo]
*  FRANKENSTEIN:  DAY OF THE BEAST  [DVD]
*  GREEN ROOM  [DVD & BD]
*  HUNTERS  [BD]
*  iZOMBIE:  COMPLETE 2ND SEASON  [DVD & BD]
*  JUST DESSERTS:  THE MAKING OF CREEPSHOW  [BD]
*  MILFS VS. ZOMBIES  [DVD]
*  MODEL HUNGER   [DVD]
*  ROAD GAMES  [BD]
*  SEXY SISTERS  [Full Moon's Jess Franco Collection DVD]
*  SLASHER:  SEASON 1  [DVD & BD]
*  SODOMANIAC  [DVD]
*  VANISHED  [DVD]

Blu-ray Review: RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES (1988)

RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES
Directed by:  John De Bello
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  Just when you think it's safe to go back to the produce isle comes RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES!   I have to admit, I had never seen this film before now. It's a cult classic that I have always known about, but somehow just never managed to watch.  Here is the plot of the film from the MVD website:

  THE VEGETABLES OF DOOM! The killer tomatoes are back! But this time around, they're going to have to contend with late '80s George Clooney and his wicked mullet... Is it a fruit? Is it a vegetable? Nope, it's Return of the Killer Tomatoes! Ten years on from the Great Tomato War, mankind lives in fear of another uprising by the waxy red menace. Meanwhile, Professor Gangreen - played with gusto by the great John Astin from TV's The Addams Family - sets out to pursue his own evil ends by creating a burgeoning army of tomato militia men (who, somewhat conveniently, look just like regular men). Following on from the 1978 cult classic Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, Return of the Killer Tomatoes came armed with a healthy sense of its own ridiculousness and would expand upon a franchise that now comprises four films, two TV series and a video game. So what are you waiting for? Make Return of the Killer Tomatoes one of your five-a-day now!

  Ok, you know what you are getting yourself into as soon as you put in a movie about killer tomatoes.  You expect cheesiness and that's exactly what you get.  This is 80's cinema at it's finest and it is a lot of fun! The first thing this film made me think of was some of the old Troma films, like CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH, and TOXIC AVENGER.   If you love those types of movies, then you will love this one for sure!  It follows the exact same mold of those films.  

  One thing I always knew about this film was that it had George Clooney  in it.  I expected a very small role, but he was one of the main stars in the film.  It was interesting to see him acting at such a young age, and while most of the acting  (or over-acting to be more precise) was pretty bad, you could see at early in his career he was way ahead of most of the other actors.
 
  Overall this was an extremely fun film that I encourage you all to check out.  Arrow Films has done another great job with this release.  RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES is available now from Arrow Films and MVD.  The Blu-ray contains the following special features:

*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
*  Original Stereo audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Brand new audio commentary with writer-director John De Bello
*  Brand new interview with star Anthony Starke
*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matthew Griffin
*  Fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by critic James Oliver


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

Check out the latest Blu-ray giveaway over at the SHATTERED RAVINGS Blog!

  Check out the latest Blu-ray giveaway over at my buddy Scott's website, SHATTERED RAVINGS.  He is giving away 2 copies of the film CHRONICLES OF THE GHOSTLY TRIBE.  Here is the basic plot of the film:

  The Mongolian Border, 1979: Massive fossils of unknown creatures are discovered in the mountains, and the research team assigned to excavate the remains includes acclaimed Professor Yang (Wang Qingxiang), Hu Bayi (Mark Chao), and Ping (Yao Chen), the professor’s beautiful daughter. When a freak explosion triggers a rockslide, only a handful of explorers survive the fall to the mountain’s floor…unearthing an ancient temple and the hideous creatures waiting within.
N  ow living a quiet but tormented life as a librarian, Hu studies demonology manuscripts, seeking answers for that fateful day. Little does he know Professor Yang has just been found wandering the mountains thousands of miles from where he supposedly died; a young woman with amnesia was just discovered in a recently-uncovered tomb; and a Northern Chinese mining town has just been ravaged by giant, ravenous beasts…


CLICK HERE to visit the contest post and enter for your chance to win!

Happy 4th of July from Hayes Hudson's House of Horror!!

  I hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends, cooking out, swimming, and shooting fireworks!   Why not finish off the day watching the essential 4th of July film, UNCLE SAM!   It's a great, gore-filled celebration of America! 




 Have fun!