This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, November 29th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 11/29:

*  DEATH MACHINES  [DVD & BD]
*  DON'T BREATH   [DVD & BD]
*  SACRIFICE  [BD]

Blu-ray Review: SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA (1988)

SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA
Directed by:  David DeCoteau
Distributed by:  Full Moon Features

  I am a huge fan of Full Moon Films....they have some great, cheesy films that have brought horror fans years of entertainment and continue to do so to this day.  While I have seen a lot of Full Moon films,  there are plenty of classic ones I have just never got around to seeing for one reason or another.   SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA is one of those films.  I have always heard of this title, but have never seen it until now.   Here is the plot synopsis from the Full Moon Direct website:

  In a bowling alley from hell...there's only one way to score!

  There are no freshmen in the college of love, and they're about to graduate to madcap mayhem when a sorority prank goes crazy. Out to steal a trophy from a local bowling alley, the kids accidentally unleash the imp -- a sadistic little spirit with a diabolical sense of humor. He creates demons and loves sexy women. He's the original party animal, inviting you to come along and die laughing -- just like everybody else.

  The Sorority Babes won't live through initiation, but don't blame that cute little killer. He's evil by nature and funny as hell. And even if you can take a joke, it kills you.

  Linnea Quigley, Andras Jones, Robin Rochelle, Hal Havins and Brinke Stevens star in the much anticipated Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama. Restored from the original 35mm camera negative and with some exclusive extra features, including the oldest Behind-The-Scenes feature Full Moon has ever presented, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama is so funny it just might kill you!

  The first thing I noticed with this film is that is stars 3 of the greatest scream queens around...Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, and Michelle Bauer.  They are staples of a lot of Full Moon films, so seeming them together in the same film was a lot of fun.   In fact, everything about this film is a lot of fun!   It was originally titled THE IMP as the film focuses on an imp that is released from a bowling trophy.  I don't think the film ever explains why the imp is trapped in a bowling trophy, but being a Full Moon film, I didn't really expect it to!  Ha!   The imp is pretty evil, and turns some of the girls into demons, but he is pretty funny while doing it!  He throws out the one liners and reminds me a lot of  the Black Devil Doll.  

  The acting in the film leaves a lot to be desired, but that is expected with a cheesy 80's horror flick like this.   It doesn't take away from the movie at all.  The one thing that did bug me was the character of Jimmie played by Hal Havins.  This is one of the most irritating characters I have seen in a while.  Hal is the same person that plays Stooge in NIGHT OF THE DEMONS that also came out in 1988.  He is the big, jock character. He is annoying in that film too, and he basically plays the same character in this film.  Luckily, Jimmie is one of the first ones to fall victim to the imp, getting his head torn off by the demons and then having it used as a bowling ball! 

  While Jimmie's head might have been a gutter ball, SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA is a perfect strike in my opinion!   It's a quick 80 minutes that is fun the entire running time.   The film was recently released on a brand new Blu-ray and it is quite an improvement compared to the older DVD release.  The Blu-ray contains the following special features:

*  Tales from the Bowling Alley! Never-before-seen behind the scenes featurette!
*  NEW audio commentary with director David DeCoteau, writer Sergei Hasenecz and Scream Queen Brinke Stevens.
*  Full Moon Trailers

 I need to point out that the behind the scenes featurette is an amazing addition to this Blu-ray.  I am really surprised the filmmakers thought to film a behind the scenes feature way back in 1988.   It is as much fun as the film is, especially the exclusive interview with the imp itself!   This is a must have Blu-ray in my opinion!


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

 

Blu-ray Review: TENEBRAE (1982)

TENEBRAE
Written & Directed by Dario Argento
Distributed by  Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

  Dario Argento  has always been one of my favorite horror directors.  I have yet to see an Argento film I haven't liked.   I haven't seen all his films by any means, and TENEBRAE is one I had never seen before now.   I am glad to say my streak of never seeing an Argento film I didn't like it still in tact, as TENEBRAE is a great addition to the Argento library.   Here is the basic plot of the film from the Synapse Film's website:

American mystery author Peter Neal (Anthony Franciosa) comes to Italy to promote his newest novel, TENEBRAE. Unfortunately, a razor-wielding serial killer is on the loose, taunting Neal and murdering those around him in gruesome fashion just like the character in his novel. As the mystery surrounding the killings spirals out of control, Neal investigates the crimes on his own, leading to a mind-bending, genre-twisting conclusion that will leave you breathless! Featuring an amazing synth-music score from Claudio Simonetti, Fabio Pignatelli and Massimo Morante (formerly of Italian progressive-rock band, Goblin), this all-new 1080p high-definition TENEBRAE release was created from the original uncut camera negative. Also stars John Saxon (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET), Daria Nicolodi (Dario Argento’s PHENOMENA) and John Steiner (CALIGULA).

  Even though this film came out after SUSPIRIA and INFERNO, it actually feels more like one of his earlier films like CAT O NINE TALES or THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE.  This movie goes back to Argento's Giallo roots, but this time with more blood and gore than most Giallo films provide.   Because of this, you get the best of both worlds in my opinion.....you get the whodunit mystery of a Giallo, but the blood and gore of an 80's slasher film.    As with most all Argento movies, you will find some very impressive camera work on display here.  I also noticed the music of this film which I honestly don't pay much attention to in most movies.  The soundtrack for this film goes along with the film perfectly.  

  Synapse has done an amazing job with this release, and the new transfer looks amazingly clear.   You can buy the film on Blu-ray, DVD, or a special edition Blu-ray/DVD/CD Steelbook  while supplies last.


 TENEBRAE is available now from Synapse Films and contains the following special features:

*  All-new Synapse Films supervised color correction and restoration of a 1080p scan from the original camera negative, presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1
*  Dual English and Italian language options with newly-translated English subtitle tracks for both
*  Audio commentary track featuring film critic and Argento scholar, Maitland McDonagh
*  Rare high-definition 1080p English sequence insert shots, playable within the film via Seamless Branching
*  Feature-length documentary, YELLOW FEVER: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE GIALLO by Rising Productions, chronicling the Giallo film genre from its beginnings as early 20th century crime fiction, to its later influences on the modern slasher film genre
*  Original UNSANE (U.S. version of TENEBRAE) end credits sequence
*  Alternate opening credits sequence
*  Theatrical trailers


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray, or call 734-494-3502 to order the limited edition TENEBRAE Steelbook directly from Synapse.

 

Blu-ray Review: THE CURSE OF DOCTOR WOLFFENSTEIN (2015)

THE CURSE OF DOCTOR WOLFFENSTEIN
Written & Directed by Marc Rohnstock
Distributed by Reel Gore Releasing

  Not many horror movies really affect me any more.  I've seen so many, it really takes something new, original, or truly brutal to affect me these days.  When I find a movie that can do that, I can really appreciate that film.   THE CURSE OF DOCTOR WOLFFENSTEIN is one of those films.  Not so much in originality, but this movie affected me in just how brutal it was.  I've seen some brutal stuff before, but this comes out near the top for sure.  More on that in a minute, but first, here is the basic plot synopsis of the film from the Reel Gore Releasing website:

  80 years ago, the diabolical Dr. Victor Wolffenstein wanted nothing more than to be immortal. His tireless quest led him to create a vaccine that did just that, but also infected his body with a flesh-rotting form of necrosis. As the Doctor’s limbs literally fell apart, he tried to replace them by using the crudely removed arms and legs of the local villagers who, in order to stop Wolffenstein’s reign of terror, captured him and buried him alive for his crimes.
  In present day, five teenagers plan to attend an out of town rave that goes awry, and end up stranded in the village, when the evil and still decaying Dr. Wolffenstein wakes up, screaming for vengeance! The unlucky teens land squarely within sight of the malevolent medic, and, with the help of his latest creation, the Infiltrator, Dr. Wolffenstein lures them to his secret hideaway with the intention of curing his necrosis and ending his Curse once and for all. Will anyone survive Wolffenstein’s skin melting, limb-hacking Wrath?

 Now first, I'll get a couple of negative things out of the way.  First off, the acting leaves something to be desired, and some of the characters are downright annoying.  We can look past that, though, as we really aren't watching a film like this to study and appreciate the acting ability, am I right?  Also, the plot seems simple enough, but the film is actually confusing at times.  I also wish the film was a tad bit shorter.  It has a running time 115 minutes which I felt was a little long for this type of film, and it did have a few scenes that seemed unnecessarily long.  An edit of about 95-100 minutes would have helped the flow of this film tremendously, I believe.

  Now I hope I didn't run you off by the few negatives, because honestly those are very minute points and don't take away from the film overall.   If you are checking out this movie, more than likely it's for the gore and if that is the case, you will not be disappointed in the least!   As I stated earlier, this movie really affected me with it's brutality.    There is tons of gore in this film, including tons of machete to the head kills, complete with generous amounts of spurting blood!   There is one scene in particular where the Doctor has a room full of people he has captured.  He has them all chained up in order to do his experiments on when needed.  At one point in the film he is angered and bursts into the room of his captives, and begins killing each one....one by one with his machete in a cavalcade of blood and gore. This scene was brutal in many ways, the gore being the most obvious, but also I thought about the captives having to see this happening, knowing as he went down the line that their turn was next.  Watching this scene actually gave me a sick feeling in my stomach, it was almost too much killing to handle!   So, kudos to the filmmakers for that!  Ha!  

  If you are a fan of blood and gore, which I assume we all are, then you will definitely want to check out  THE CURSE OF DOCTOR WOLFFENSTEIN.  The blu-ray/DVD combo pack is available now from Reel Gore Releasing and includes the following special features:

*  COLLECTIBLE BLU-RAY/DVD O-CARD AND SLEEVE
*  BEHIND THE SCENES
*  BLOOPERS
*  SHORT FILM
*  TRAILER & SLIDESHOW


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the blu-ray/DVD combo pack

 

 

Blu-ray Review: HORROR HOUSE ON HIGHWAY 5 (1985)

HORROR HOUSE ON HIGHWAY 5
Written & Directed by  Richard Casey
Distributed by Vinegar Syndrome

  I love old grindhouse and exploitation type films, and HORROR HOUSE ON HIGHWAY 5 is a great example of this type of film.  The film is not without it's flaws, but it was very enjoyable to me.   Here is the basic plot from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

  A mysterious killer, wearing a Nixon mask, terrorizes and murders a young couple. A professor assigns his students a project investigating the strange events connected to a possibly dead Nazi scientist, Dr. Fredrick Bartholomew. The doctor's assistant kidnaps students, holding them hostage and torturing them. Meanwhile, Nixon stalks the night!

 Ha!  If that plot synopsis sounds confusing, it's because it is.  Let's get the few negative things out of the way.  The plot is kind of all over the place in this film, but that doesn't take too much away from the enjoyment of the film in my opinion.   The acting is downright atrocious...and that does take a little bit away from the film, unfortunately.

  Now to the good stuff, which is the most important part of any horror film....the kills.  While overall pretty tame by today's standards, there were a couple of kills that were very well done.  The main one was the metal garden rake to the guys head.  This is a great effect that looked extremely realistic.  The films also has a nice grindhouse vibe to it, as well as a slasher and almost Giallo feel to it in some parts.  In other parts, it's more of a capture/torture type film. Hey, as I stated before, the movie is a mess plot wise!  Ha! All this gives it a very unique and fun character, though.

  While the movie is far from perfect.....and I mean extremely far, it is still fun film and worth a watch in my opinion.

  HORROR HOUSE ON HIGHWAY 5 is available now on a Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD combo  (only 3,000 units made) from Vinegar Syndrome.  Special Features include the following:

*  All extras on both formats
*  Region free Blu-ray and DVD combo pack
*  Scanned and restored in 2k from 16mm archival elements
*  “Return to Horror House on Highway 5” – making of featurette
*  Commentary track with director Richard Casey
*  “Beach Party with Vom” – music video directed by Richard Casey (the impetus for Horror House on Highway 5)
*  Alternate full frame presentation of Horror House on Highway 5
*  Reversible cover artwork by Kevin Thomas


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

 

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, November 15th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 11/15:


*  555 [DVD]
*  DEAD RINGERS  [SCREAM Factory Blu-ray]
*  THE LIVING AND THE DEAD  [DVD]

Help support the feature length KLAGGER movie!

 
 Some of you may remember the KLAGGER short film from a few years back.  Well, the team behind that want to bring KLAGGER to us as a new feature length film!!   In order to do this, though, they need our help!   

  There is a KLAGGER Kickstarter page where you can make a contribution to help support this film.   In doing so, you will be treated to some excellent perks, including digital codes of the film, DVDs of the feature film and short film, screen used props, and the always awesome perk of having your name in the closing credits of the film!

  Here is some more info about this project from the KLAGGER Kickstarter page:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Our short film, KLAGGER became a film festival and horror convention favorite since it's first screening at the Oklahoma Horror Film Festival. With your help, we are expanding the success of KLAGGER into a feature-length movie to be filmed in 2017. Many individuals, both public and private will help our monster terrify the world when KLAGGER is released in theatres, VOD, Bluray and Netflix! This Kickstarter Campaign represents YOU GUYS, the social media horror fans that want to see the kind of well-made, KILLER HORROR FILMS we all love!  

  Our specific Kickstarter goal is $15,964.00 Here's the breakdown -

  KLAGGER tells the story of Joseph Klagger, a maintenance worker who is killed in a boiler explosion back in 1977. After the accident, his body was never found and the factory became a shuttered tomb. Years later, a demolition crew arrives to implode the building with explosives and awakens KLAGGER from the dead!

The film will be a serious, horror/drama combining a plot driven story with strong performances and lots of bloody, monster-type action. Produced in Abilene, Texas under the banner of CANDON FILMS which represents the Crow Brothers - Casey and Gene.

  So, how does your Kickstarter contribution make KLAGGER move forward? First, it will assist us in securing our principal location which is a decommissioned power plant owned by American Electric Power. You saw it in the concept trailer. This place is both haunting and awe inspiring! It not only serves as KLAGGER'S final resting place but will also have sets constructed inside so that other scenes can be filmed there - just like a Hollywood soundstage!

  Next is special effects. This movie has many scenes that involve the actions of a supernatural creature and he has to look amazing! To achieve that , we are approaching the task with a combination of 90% practical F/X provided by makeup genius Chris Richard Hanson and 10% CGI elements. Your contribution covers the time and materials required to make KLAGGER terrifyingly realistic! Our Kickstarter incentives provide an opportunity for a serious horror fan to own the KLAGGER head and arm piece actually worn by actor John Harlan!

  The final portion will go toward hiring a casting director who can provide the kind of contacts an independent production like ours needs to bring in really good actors as well as insurance and attorney fees. 

  The grand total is $15,964 If additional funds are contributed which exceed the goal they will be used for travel expenses to film festivals and conventions where you can meet KLAGGER face-to-face!

CLICK HERE to help support the KLAGGER feature length film

 

Blu-ray Review: BURIAL GROUND (1981)

BURIAL GROUND
Directed by  Andrea Bianchi
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

  Severin Films continues to put out some of the greatest horror films of all time.  One of their most recent releases is Andrea Bianchi's BURIAL GROUND, a fun filled zombie film that is probably one of the weirdest zombie films you have ever seen.   Here is the basic plot from the Severin Films website:

  For his only foray into the zombie genre, psychosexual sleaze maestro Andrea Bianchi (MALABIMBA: THE MALICIOUS WHORE) unleashes enough flesh-ripping, gut-chomping and depraved oedipal mayhem to set insane new standards in Italian horror: Mariangela Giordano (of SATAN’S BABY DOLL and MALABIMBA fame) stars in the splatter classic about a cursed country estate besieged by horny houseguests, undead Etruscans and the unusual relationship between a mother (Giordano) and her mega-creepy young son (disturbingly portrayed by diminutive adult actor Peter Bark) that will trigger perhaps the most jaw-dropping scenes in grindhouse history. Severin Films is improbably proud to present the definitive version of this gorehound/sex-fiend favorite, now packed with all-new Extras and featuring a 2k scan and restoration from a film element recently discovered beneath the floorboards of a Trastevere church rectory.

  This is one of my favorite zombie films of all time...top 5 for sure.  It has a very simple plot that is easy to follow, leaving you with nothing to do other than sit back and enjoy the zombie carnage.  There is plenty of that to enjoy here for sure!  This movie has some great looking zombies in my opinion.  Now some are pretty goofy looking, but overall I think they are very well done.  You can see quite a few homages to other zombie movies in this film, especially Lucio Fulci's ZOMBIE, ANTHROPOPHAGUS, and TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD.   There may be others, but those were the main ones that stood out to me.  In fact, one of the zombies was a direct homage to the main zombie from Fulci's ZOMBIE, with the worms in the eye sockets.   Very well done effect in Fulci's film and in this one.

   BURIAL GROUND is a perfect 85 minutes long.  The movie doesn't have hardly any slow points and remains entertaining through the entire running time.  As I stated above, this is quite a weird zombie movie, as one of the subplots involves the character of young Michael (played by adult Peter Bark) and his obsession with his Mom.  You'll see when watching this film why an adult was required for some of those scenes! 

  BURIAL GROUND is a must see for any zombie fan.  It is available now from Severin Films and contains the following special features:

*  New restored 2k scan with full shot by shot color correction
*  English and Italian Language Audio Tracks
*  Villa Parisi – Legacy of Terror: Featurette on the historic house location
*  Peter Still Lives: Festival Q&A with actor Peter Bark
*  Just for the Money: Interview with actor Simone Mattioli
*  The Smell Of Death: Interviews with Producer Gabriele Crisanti and Actress Mariangela Giordano
*  Deleted/ Extended Scenes/ Shots
*  Theatrical Trailer


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

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, November 8th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 11/8:

*  ACROSS THE RIVER  [DVD]
*  BUBBA HO-TEP  [Scream Factory Blu-ray]
*  DEAD SILENCE  [DVD]
*  GOREGASM   [DVD]
*  HALLOWEED  [DVD]
*  THE HOSPITAL 2  [DVD]
*  THE INITIATION  [Arrow Blu-ray]
*  LONE WOLF AND CUB COLLECTION  [Criterion Collection Blu-ray]

Blu-ray Review: COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE (1973)

COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE 
Directed by Javier Aguirre
Distributed by Vinegar Syndrome

  Here is another example of a great horror movie that I have never heard of.   Vinegar Syndrome continues to release some of the best horror, cult, exploitation films out there, and this one is no different.   COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE stars Spanish screen legend Paul Naschy  as Count Dracula in this romantic, yet tragic tale of the classic vampire.
   Here is the basic  plot from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

After their carriage breaks down and their driver is killed in a freak accident, a group of young women are forced to spend the night in a strange and isolated former sanatorium, which has just been purchased by the secretive Dr. Marlow (Paul Naschy). Unbeknownst to the visitors, Dr. Marlow is actually Count Dracula, and stalking the sanatorium are his recently turned vampire slaves. Soon the guests begin to be attacked by the ravenous bloodsuckers, while Dracula sets his sights on the beautiful virgin Karen, deciding to offer her his hand in marriage…

  This film is very reminiscent of the old Hammer Horror films.  In fact, I think it is safe to say that is the blueprint the filmmakers were following here, right down to the gorgeous and buxom women that the film features.  This film was much gorier than I expected, which is always a good thing in my opinion!   The special effects in this film are pretty amazing especially considering this film is over 40 years old!  One scene in particular that showcases this in particular was at the very beginning when a man gets an axe to the head, then falls down a flight of stairs.  I did not see it coming and it was quite startling.

  The film has a some great scenery, and no, I'm not talking about the buxom women this time!  Shot in Madrid, Spain, there is some very beautiful settings including the castle that Count Dracula lives in.  Many scenes throughout the film are very creepy and atmospheric.

  This film is a must watch for any Dracula fan in my opinion.  If you like the old Hammer Horror films that featured Dracula, you should love this one just as well!

  COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE is available now from Vinegar Syndrome and contains the following Special Features:

*  All extras on both formats
*  Region free Blu-ray and DVD combo pack
*  Scanned & restored in 2k from 35mm internegative
*  Commentary track with director Javier Aguirre and lead actor Paul Naschy, moderated by Angel Gomez Rivero
*  New video interview with actress Mirta Miller
*  Includes both the English dub and original Spanish language soundtrack
*  International theatrical trailer
*  Still gallery
*  8 page booklet by Mirek Lipinski
*  English and Spanish subtitles
*  Reversible cover artwork


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD/BD combo pack

Blu-ray Review: WHAT THE PEEPER SAW (1972)

WHAT THE PEEPER SAW
Directed by  James Kelley  and  Andrea Bianchi
Distributed by  VCI Entertainment

  I always love finding movies I have never heard of, and WHAT THE PEEPER SAW falls into that category.   I knew nothing about this film going into it, which really surprises me.  It is a very intriguing entry into the "killer kid" horror subgenre, so I was surprised I had never seen or heard of it before.  Here is the basic plot courtesy of the VCI Entertainment website:

  In this stylish and atmospheric psychological thriller, a wealthy author's wife's comfortable life turns into a terrifying nightmare when her young stepson starts exhibiting strange behavior. The fiendish child is out to destroy all the trust and love between his father and stepmother with his surreptitious pranks. Horror unfolds as the boy devilishly plots to drive a wedge deeper and deeper between them. But is the child really a fiend, or is he the victim of his neurotic stepmother’s paranoia?

  First off, this movie could never be made in today's day and age.  There are some very taboo subjects in this film, mainly having to do with the young boy Marcus (Mark Lester) and his step mom, played by the amazingly gorgeous Britt Ekland.  The main mystery in the film is whether or not Marcus killed his birth mother.  The stepmother decides to get to the bottom of it and find out the truth, even if that means enticing the boy to talk by stripping nude in front of him!

 The film is more of a thriller than a true horror film.  It's not bloody at all, but it does have some very creepy imagery.  One scene in particular shows Marcus staring into the pool as a dead woman floats by.  It's revealed he is seeing things because in reality it's a just a ball that floats by.  This shows the viewer the mindset of Marcus and sets a very moody and eerie tone for the film.  This kid obviously has some major issues. 

  The film is shot well and the acting is very good.  The newly restored HD transfer looks excellent. 
This is an interesting film for sure, one that I recommend checking out.

  WHAT THE PEEPER SAW is available now from VCI Entertainment and includes the following special features:

*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Original TV Teaser Spot


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