DVD Review: HI8: RESURRECTIO (2016)

HI8:  RESURRECTIO
Written & Directed by: Stefan Sierecki
Distributed by:  Black Lava Entertainment

 If you have never heard of Black Lava Entertainment, you are missing out on some of the weirdest underground horror films available today.   The latest one I have seen was called Hi8:  RESURRECTIO from filmmaker Stephan Sierecki.  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the Black Lave Entertainment website:

  In "Hi8“ we follow Steven, a film student who intends to create the goriest horror movie of all time, his graduation film. The only problem is the lack of money. Even his lecturer does not support his plans. He claims the horror movie to be a inacceptable medium and does not honor any artist. Steven is aware that it is difficult to distribute genre movies in Germany but hope dies last. A mysterious website discovered by one of his friends raises hope. A single line framed by flames appears on the screen: 'God's messengers fall into hellfire, the angels' Stephen is not bothered by this phrase for he is more interested in the text's content. His eyes are fixed on the words 'filming', 'money', 'prompt cash'. Clicking the 'Send'-button unleashes an experience which affects his mind, flesh and bones. He will literally witness hell on earth.

 I had never heard of this film going into it, so I had no clue what to expect.   To me this film reminded me of a higher budget version of the AUGUST UNDERGROUND series, but a lower budget version of the HOSTEL films.  They are all in the same vein, though.  It basically follows Steven as he is kidnapped by the new "producers" of his horror film and is forced into a world of horror that Steven could have probably never imagined.  He is forced to torture and kill, all in the name of cinema! 

 The film is very well made, with what looks to be all practical effects, something I am always happy to see in horror films.   The acting is pretty good overall,  especially from the female victim that is caged and put through hell.   At times I actually wondered if they told her what all they would be doing and if some of the screaming and fear was actually real!  

 I'm not a huge fan of the torture films, but if you are into those films, you should definitely check this one out.   Hi8:  RESURRECTIO is available now on DVD and contains the following special features:

*  Teaser #1
*  Teaser #2
*  Trailer
*  English Subtitles
*  Bonus Movies:
-Fütterung der Raubtiere
-Herzstück
-Interimere
-Raum der Ausschweifung
-Tote reden nicht
-Vergeltung
-Weihnachten
*  Bonus CD with the complete Soundtrack (~80min Music)


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

Blu-ray Review: DEVIL'S DOMAIN (2016)

DEVIL'S DOMAIN
Written & Directed by  Jared Cohn
Distributed by MVD Visual

   I knew nothing about this film going into it, in fact, I had never even heard of DEVIL'S DOMAIN.  It sounded like a cool concept, though, so I decided to give it a try!  I am not sure why I have not heard more about this film.  It is a cool film with some originality that is missing from a lot of today's horror films.  Here is the basic story from the film's imdb page:

Devil's Domain tells the story of Lisa Pomson, a troubled, social media obsessed teen, conflicted with her sexuality and her parents misunderstanding of her. When Lisa gets secretly filmed binging, purging, and masturbating the video goes viral and she suffers extreme cyber-bullying. Suicidal, and on the brink of insanity, a beautiful, mysterious stranger (the Devil) strikes up an online relationship with her. They grow close and meet and the stranger offers to help in exchange for a favor. The devil will rid her of the bullies and give Lisa fame and fortune in exchange for a baby. Lisa agrees and as the bullies die one by one, Lisa's conscience kicks in and she regrets doing the deal. To keep Lisa in line, the Devil threatens eternal suffering and the death of her loved ones until she finally succumbs to give the devil a baby that will grow to reign terror upon the world.               

  The film is like a darker FINAL DESTINATION entry with each of  Lisa's bullies dying one by one, each on in a unique and sometimes grotesque way!    The acting is great here, especially from newcomer Madi Vodane  who plays the main character Lisa.  She does an excellent job as the tormented teen, Lisa.  

  One of my favorite parts about this film are the effects.  The filmmakers rely on almost all practical effects which is very rare these days, but it makes a film so much more believable and likeable in my opinion.   It was great to see some good gore in a horror film again.  That is one of my main complaints with horror films these days, most are very light on the gore for some reason. 

  DEVIL'S DOMAIN was very enjoyable and entertaining film that I highly recommend.

  DEVIL'S DOMAIN is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Cleopatra Entertainment and MVD Visual.   Bonus features include the following:

*  Slide Show
*  Extended Scenes
*  Behind the Scenes


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

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

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 12/19:


*  AMERICAN GOTHIC  [BD]
*  EYE IN THE LABYRINTH  [DVD]
*  HEAD HUNTER  [DVD]
*  LEATHERFACE  [DVD & BD]
*  MOTHER  [DVD, BD, & 4K]

Blu-ray review: ED WOOD'S "THE VIOLENT YEARS"

THE VIOLENT YEARS
Written by:  Edward D. Wood Jr.
Directed by:  William Morgan
Distributed by AGFA & MVD Visual

  When I saw the name of this film was ED WOOD'S "THE VIOLENT YEARS", I was assuming he directed the film.  It turns out, Ed Wood was the writer for this film.  The movie was directed by William Morgan, which probably explains why the film was not nearly as bad as I was expecting it to be when I was assuming Wood was the director!   Don't worry though, if you are a fan of Ed Wood's awful films, this one will still be a hit with you!  Here is the synopsis from the MVD website:

'I shot a cop -- SO WHAT!' So say the girl gang killers in THE VIOLENT YEARS! Written by Ed Wood (PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE), this is the story of teenage hellcats who live for gas station hijackings, pajama party orgies, and murder! From Wood's deranged dialogue to the scene where the girls perform a 'man attack,' this is an essential expose on crime, gender politics, and sweater-stealing.

 Well, first off I have to mention that I know this isn't really a horror film.  So what's it doing on horror website you might say?  Well, as mentioned above it was written by Ed Wood, and that's a good enough reason for me.  Wood is known for directing some awful films, but I have to tell you, he's not much of a writer either!  Ha!   In fact, the dialog is one of the best things about this film.  It's really bad, but in a "so bad, it's good" kind of way.  I knew I was in for a treat when a group of men were talking about the violent spree the  group of girls were on and one said "When will these kids learn"?   The other man's response was "These aren't kids, they're morons"!   Ha!  Classic Ed Wood dialog right there!  

Another thing I loved about this film were the effects, or lack thereof.   Anytime someone got shot, there was no blood or even a bullet hole, they would just hold their hand over where they had apparently been shot and fall to the ground.   It was confusing at times because I didn't know if they had actually been shot or not, but I just took their word for it!  Ha!  This movie is no masterpiece by any means, but it does have a certain charm to it.  It kept me entertained the entire running time, so that's good.  Although I must note the running time in only 65 minutes, so I'm not sure if I could have made it if it was any longer!  

  THE VIOLENT YEARS is available now on Blu-ray from AGFA and MVD Visual and contains the following Special Features:

*  New 4K scan from the original 35mm camera negative
*  Commentary track with filmmaker Frank Henenlotter and Ed Wood biographer Rudolph Grey
*  Gutter-noir trailers from the Something Weird vault
*  Memorbilia Scrapbook
*  BONUS MOVIE:   "Anatomy of a Psycho" -1961 presented in a new 2K scan from an original 35mm theatrical print


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

 

 

 

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, December 5th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 12/5:

*  60 SECONDS TO DIE  [DVD]
*  BETTER WATCH OUT  [DVD & BD]
*  THE CRUCIFIXION  [DVD & BD]
*  HOWARD LOVECRAFT AND THE UNDERSEA KINGDOM  [DVD & BD]
*  SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT  [Scream Factory BD]
*  THE SOUND  [DVD]
*  TWIN PEAKS:  LIMITED EVENT SERIES  [DVD & BD]
*  WEREWOLVES OF THE THIRD REICH  [DVD]
*  THE WITCH WHO CAME FROM THE SEA  [Arrow BD]

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, November 28th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 11/28:


*  DEATH DREAM  [Blue Underground DVD/BD combo]
*  MISERY [Scream Factory BD]
*  REMEMORY  [DVD & BD]
*  SUPER DARK TIMES  [DVD]

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, November 21st

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 11/21:

*  DAUGHTER OF DR. JEKYLL  [DVD]
*  SCARECROWD  [DVD]


Looks to be super slow week when it comes to Horror movie releases this week!  Will probably be slow through the holidays....

Blu-ray Review: SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS (1977)

SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS
Directed by Greydon Clark
Distributed by VCI Entertainment / MVD Entertainment Group

  I always love coming across films that not only have I never seen, but that I have never even heard of!    SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS  is one of those films.   I'll be honest, as soon as I saw the cover art for this film I had a hunch I was going to like this film!   Here is the basic plot of the film from the VCI website:

  Benedict High School's cheerleaders aren't shy and sweet. The football team knows them well – and Billy, the school's disturbed janitor, would like to. In the locker room, the girls shower and dress, unaware of the evil eyes which secretly watch them. They don't know that a curse has been placed on their clothes. And they don't know that their trip to the first big game of the season might sideline them for eternity. Will the cheerleaders succumb to the dark ritual of sexual sacrifice and death that's been plotted for them? Only those who dare watch will know!

  I'll start by saying that I have a real fondness for 1970's horror films.  There are some really fun 70's horror films and this is definitely one of them.   I do have to admit that this film won't be for everyone, and as much as I liked it, there were some slow parts that even I could have done without.  The running time clocks in at 93 minutes, which doesn't seem to long, but some parts did seem to drag on at times.  I think a little tighter editing and something closer to a 83 minute running time could have really improved this film.  Even so, this is one you'll want to check out. 

  SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS is full of crazy characters and some really cheesy 70's dialog, but that is really what gives it a lot of it's charms.   I was also surprised at the lack of killing and gore...it has very little killing and no gore at all that I recall.  This film is more about the storyline than effects or scares. It's a fun tale that just gets crazier and crazier as the film goes on.

  SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS is available now on Blu-ray/DVD combo from VCI Entertainment and MVD Visual.  Special features include:

*  Behind the scenes Photo Gallery

*  Commentary by Director Greydon Clark

*  Commentary by genre film director David DeCoteau and film historian and journalist, David Del Valle

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

 

The classic arcade game RAMPAGE is headed to the big screen!

   If you are a child of the 80's like me, chances are you grew up playing the arcade game RAMPAGE.  It was such a fun game with a very easy concept.....giant mutated animals destroying stuff.   Here is a brief description of the characters from the RAMPAGE Wikipedia site:

  The game's protagonists are George, a King Kong-like gigantic gorilla transformed by an experimental vitamin, Lizzie, a Godzilla-like dinosaur/lizard transformed by a radioactive lake, and Ralph, a giant werewolf transformed by a food additive. As monsters, they need to raze all buildings in a high-rise city to advance to the next level, eating people and destroying helicopters, tanks, taxis, police cars, boats, and trolleys along the way

 Now, a major motion picture is coming out based on the game and it looks like it is going to be tons of fun!  The film stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson  and Jeffrey Dean Morgan  (Negan from THE WALKING DEAD).   

  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think!   While it looks like it could be a bit cheesy, I think we are in for a fun time with some great monster mayhem!   RAMPAGE has a theatrical release date of 4/20/18


 CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, November 14th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 11/14:

*  AMITYVILLE:  THE AWAKENING  [DVD & BD]
*  ATTACK OF THE PUPPET PEOPLE  [BD]
*  GEORGE A. ROMERO:  BETWEEN NIGHT AND DAWN [Arrow BD set]
*  J.D.'S REVENGE  [Arrow BD]
*  NIGHTKILL [DVD & BD]
*  THE THINGY:  CONFESSIONS OF A TEENAGE PLACENTA  [Troma BD]

Check out the trailer for ASH VS. EVIL DEAD Season 3!

 
Are you a fan of ASH VS. EVIL DEAD on Starz?  If so, check out the trailer for the upcoming 3rd season!   It premieres Sunday, February 25th on Starz!

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, November 7th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 11/7:

*  THE AFTERMATH  [BD]
*  THE BURNING BED  [BD]
*  DARKMAN II  [Scream Factory BD]
*  DARKMAN III  [Scream Factory BD]
*  DARKNESS RISING  [DVD & BD]
*  DEAD STILL  [DVD]
*  DEMON HOLE  [DVD]
*  GHASTLIES  [BD]
*  KILLING GROUND  [Scream Factory DVD & BD]
*  MOTHER KRAMPUS [DVD & BD]
*  SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS  [BD]
*  THE SPANISH CHAINSAW MASSACRE  [DVD]
*  THE TORMENTING  [DVD]
*  THE UNTAMED  [DVD & BD]

Sorry for the lack of posts lately!

  Greetings to all my fellow horror fans and 4H blog readers!  I want to apologize for the lack of posts lately.  It's a been a very busy last few weeks for me with some trips out of town, lots of evening activities for the kiddos, and just life in general.  I will try to get back to posting on a more regular basis as soon as everything calms down a bit!   Thanks for sticking with me and to show my appreciation....how about I do a FREE DVD giveaway soon!   This is one you will not want to miss out on....stay tuned!!


Zombie Hayes

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, October 17th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 10/17:

*  BLACK GHOSTS  [DVD]
*  A DEVIL'S WIND  [DVD]
*  DREAMING PURPLE NEON  [DVD]
*  ESCAPE ROOM  [DVD]
*  FRANKENSHARK  [BD]
*  GRANNY OF THE DEAD  [DVD]
*  LILITH'S HELL  [DVD]
*  RAWHEAD REX   [DVD & BD]
*  RED CHRISTMAS  [DVD & BD]
*  REVENGE OF THE DEAD  [DVD]
*  ROLLING VENGENCE   [DVD & BD]
*  SPACESHIP TERROR   [DVD & BD]
*  SUMMER OF FEAR   [DVD & BD]
*  THE TERROR WITHIN II  [DVD]

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, October 10th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 10/10:

*  DEMONIC  [DVD]
*  THE GREEN SLIME  [BD]
*  KILL BABY KILL  [DVD & BD]
*  KISS THE GIRLS  [BD]
*  THE LURE  [Criterion Collection DVD & BD]
*  OPEN WATER 3:  CAGE DIVE  [DVD & BD]
*  THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES   [Scream Factory DVD/BD combo]
*  TEMPLE  [DVD]
*  WISH  UPON  [DVD &  BD]

Blu-ray Review: CHILDREN OF THE CORN (1984)

CHILDREN OF THE CORN
Directed by Fritz Kiersch
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

 I was super excited to hear that CHILDREN OF THE CORN was getting the Arrow Video Blu-ray treatment.  I saw this film about 20 years ago, but hadn't seen it since, so I was looking forward to checking this film out again.  If you're not familiar with the story, here is the basic plot from the MVD website:

   A young couple on a road trip find themselves lost in the back roads of rural Nebraska, eventually winding up in the seemingly abandoned town of Gatlin. But the town is far from empty - as the pair soon discover, it's inhabited by a twisted cult of murderous children thirsty for another blood sacrifice...
  Adapted from King's eponymous short story first published in 1977 and starring Linda Hamilton (The Terminator), Children of the Corn has gone on to spawn one of the most enduring horror franchises of all time.

  Movies featuring creepy kids have always been a favorite of mine. There is just something so creepy about killer kids.  I guess since kids are supposed to be so nice and innocent, that it is extra scary to see them like this.  CHILDREN OF THE CORN is full of creepy kids, and the film starts off with a bang when it shows you the day the kids killed all the adults and took over the town of Gatlin.   This was an extremely disturbing and effective scene, and did a remarkable job of setting the tone for the rest of the film.   The film then jumps to present day when the traveling adults get lost and find themselves in the worst place imaginable,  the town of Gatlin.

  Aside from the opening scene, the film is rather tame, with little gore throughout the rest of the film.  The film maintains it's intensity and sense of terror throughout the film's running time, though.   This is easily one of my favorite Stephen King film adaptations, although I'll be honest....I've never read the short story this film is based on.  Because of that, I can not speak to how well the film matches up with the original story.  On it's own it is an extremely entertaining film that I highly recommend.  
 
  The new Arrow  Blu-ray video quality is amazing.  The 2K restoration is beautiful and looks like it was shot just recently.  It's amazing to think this film is over 30 years old!   This new Blu-ray is a must have in your horror collection!

 CHILDREN OF THE CORN is available now on Blu-ray from Arrow Films and MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

*  Brand new 2K restoration from the original camera negative
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
*  Original stereo and 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio options
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Brand new audio commentary with horror journalist Justin Beahm and Children of the Corn historian John Sullivan
*  Audio commentary with director Fritz Kiersch, producer Terrence Kirby and actors John Franklin and Courtney Gains
*  Harvesting Horror - retrospective documentary featuring interviews with Fritz Kiersch, John Franklin and Courtney Gains
*  It Was the Eighties! - an interview with actress Linda Hamilton
*  And a Child Shall Lead Them - a brand new interview with actors Julie Maddalena and John Philbin
*  Field of Nightmares - a brand new interview with writer George Goldsmith
*  Stephen King on a Shoestring - an interview with producer Donald P. Borchers
*  Welcome to Gatlin: The Sights & Sounds of Children of the Corn - interviews with production designer Craig Stearns and composer Jonathan Elias
*  Return to Gatlin - a look back at the iconic filming locations in Iowa with host John Sullivan
*  Cut from the Cornfield - an interview with actor Rich Kleinberg on the infamous 'lost' Blue Man Scene
*  Disciples of the Crow - 1983 short film adaptation of Stephen King's story
*  Storyboard gallery
*  Original theatrical trailer
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin
*  FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Fully illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by John Sullivan and Lee Gambin 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, October 3rd

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 10/3:

*  976-EVIL  [BD]
*  AMERICAN HORROR STORY:  ROANOKE  [DVD & BD]
*  BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER  [DVD & BD]
*  CHUCKY:  COMPLETE 7 MOVIE COLLECTION  [DVD & BD]
*  CULT OF CHUCKY  [DVD & BD]
*  DEVIL'S WHISPER  [DVD]
*  DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING  [Arrow DVD/BD combo]
*  A GHOST STORY  [DVD & BD]
*  HAUNTERS:  THE ART OF THE SCARE  [BD]
*  iZOMBIE:  COMPLETE 3RD SEASON  [BD]
*  JACKALS  [DVD & BD]
*  KILL ANOTHER DAY  [DVD]
*  NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION  [BD]
*  POPCORN  [DVD & BD]
*  STONE COLD DEAD  [DVD & BD]
*  VAMPYR  [Criterion Collection BD]
*  WITHIN  [DVD]
*  WOLVES AT THE DOOR  [DVD]

Blu-ray Review: SPIDER (1991)

SPIDER
a.k.a. Zirneklis
Directed by  Vasili Mass
Distributed by Mondo Macabro / CAV Distributing

  I love when I come across films that I have never seen and better yet, even heard of!  Vasili Mass' SPIDER was this kind of film.   The film shows to be the only directing credit to Mass' resume.   Being released under the Mondo Macabro label, I knew I was in for a treat.   Mondo always puts out such rare and weird films!   Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the CAV website:

  Vita, a beautiful teenage girl, is asked by a controversial artist to pose as the Virgin Mary for a painting. She visits his studio and finds herself swept up into the bizarre world of the artist and his bohemian friends. She seems to see his paintings come to life and is pursued by strange shadowy figures. Later she has nightmarish visions of the artist visiting her at night in the form of a huge spider. The next morning she finds marks on her body that look like the bites of a large insect.
  Vita’s mother becomes worried about her and sends the girl off to stay with relatives in the countryside, believing that the change of environment will help her to recover. However, it seems the dark forces that threatened Vita in the city have followed her and an ancient evil is being awakened that feeds off Vita’s burgeoning sexuality.
  This Latvian shot, Russian language film was produced in the post Glasnost years of the former Soviet Union, when the barriers were down and previously unacceptable material was being explored for the first time. This is one of the very few sex-horror films to come out of that period and still stands today as a daring and unique production, packed with elaborate and astonishing visual sequences of morbid eroticism.

   I really don't know how to describe and/or review SPIDER.  I really liked the film, as I love weird cinema.  Usually the weirder the better for me.  I feel, though, that this is one you must actually see for yourself to come to a conclusion on.  I don't think you can take the opinion of a random online reviewer/blogger.  I have a felling a lot of people will love this film and a lot will hate it.   It seems to me to be one of those films that doesn't fall in the middle with most people.    I personally loved this film, but I can definitely understand those that don't care for it.   

  The plot seems simple enough when reading it, but the film doesn't make it that easy to understand.  There are also a couple of sections of the film that move really slow.   What I loved about this film was the crazy imagery of it.  I was shocked to see it was made in 1991, as this film looks much older than that to me.  It looks like a film from the 1970's and reminded me of the works of Jean Rollin.  It was very atmospheric and very visual.

  If you are a fan of weird films, this is one you don't want to  miss!  SPIDER is available now on Blu-ray from Mondo Macabro.  This is the first time this film has been released in the U.S.  The Blu-ray contains the following Special Features:


- Newly created English subtitles
- Interview with director
- Rare on set footage
- Mondo Macabro previews
- Cover art from Gilles Vranckx


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

 

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

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 9/26:

*  47 METERS DOWN  [DVD & BD]
*  AFTER MIDNIGHT  [BD]
*  THE BLACK ROOM [BD]
*  CABIN 28  [DVD]
*  CHANNEL ZERO:  CANDLE COVE - Season 1  [DVD]
*  CYBORG 2087 [DVD & BD]
*  THE DEAD NEXT DOOR  [BD]
*  THE DEVIL'S CANDY  [BD]
*  THE DEVIL'S HONEY  [DVD & BD]
*  DIMENSION 5  [DVD & BD]
*  DWELLING  [DVD]
*  FRAMES OF FEAR  [DVD]
*  IT STAINS THE SANDS RED  [DVD & BD]
*  KILLER BARBYS  [BD]
*  LAKE FEAR 2:  THE SWAMP  [DVD]
*  LYCAN  [DVD & BD]
*  ORGY OF THE DEAD  [DVD/BD combo]
*  PSYCHOS IN LOVE  [DVD/BD combo]
*  A QUIET PLACE IN THE COUNTRY  [BD]
*  RED NET  [DVD & BD]

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

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 9/19:

*  BATES MOTEL:  SEASON 5  [DVD & BD]
*  BATES MOTEL:  COMPLETE SERIES  [DVD & BD]
*  DEADLY DREAMS  [DVD]
*  GHOST HOUSE  [DVD]
*  INNOCENT BLOOD  [BD]
*  THE LOST WORLD (1925) [BD]
*  STARSHIP TROOPERS:  TRAITOR OF MARS  [DVD & BD]
*  SWEET SIXTEEN  [DVD]

Help support the upcoming film, ITSY BITSY!

   If you are a fan of creature features, you will definitely want to keep an eye out for the upcoming film, ITSY BITSY.   The film is basically done, but is  currently seeking extra funds through a Kickstarter campaign in order to finish some visual effects, sound, and music. 

 Here is a brief plot synopsis from the film's Kickstarter page:

Itsy Bitsy is an old-school creature film with a terrifying giant spider at the center, but the movie is about more than just about arachnid horror. Kara will have to deal with her internal and familial struggles while saving everyone from becoming spider food. It’s as much a story about people and family as it is about an eight-legged monster. Mixing an emotionally charged character drama with chilling scares, Itsy Bitsy is a movie you’ll be haunted by for years to come.

Check out the trailer and then click the link below to visit the Kickstarter page and help support this film!





CLICK HERE to visit the Kickstarter Page for ITSY BITSY

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

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 9/12:

*  CANNIBAL COPO  [DVD]
*  IT COMES AT NIGHT  [DVD & BD]
*  CONVOY OF GIRLS  [DVD]
*  THE CREEP BEHIND THE CAMERA [BD]
*  CREEPY CLOWNS  [DVD]
*  DEAD AGAIN IN TOMBSTONE   [DVD & BD]
*  THE FOX WITH A VELVET TAIL  [BD]
*  THE HATRED  [DVD]
*  THE MUMMY  [DVD & BD]
*  NIGHT GALLERY:  COMPLETE SERIES  [DVD]
*  PHANTASM COLLECTION  [DVD]
*  PHENOMENA  [BD]
*  THE RESURRECTED  [BD]
*  SPIDER  [BD]

Blu-ray Review: BAG BOY LOVER BOY (2014)

BAG BOY LOVER BOY
Directed by:  Andres Torres
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

 I have seen some weird movies in my day, but this one is up there at the top of the list!  BAG BOY LOVER BOY is the film you'd get if NAPOLEON DYNAMITE and AMERICAN PSYCHO had a love child together.  It has some horrible murders in it, all carried out by such an odd, socially awkward character named Albert.    Here is a brief synopsis of the film from the Severin Films website:

  It has been hailed as “raw, funny and twisted” (PopOptiq), condemned as “soul-crushing and dripping with filth” (NextProjection.com), and cheered as “a fresh new outsider vision” (Fantasia) at film festivals around the world. In this “sincerely disturbing” (Indiewire) debut from co-writer/director Andres Torres, a slow-witted misfit named Albert (Jon Wachter, giving what HorrorNews calls “the best male performance in a horror film this year”) sells hot dogs all night from the most unsanitary food cart in downtown Manhattan. But when he’s invited to become the new model for a manipulative fetish photographer (Theodore Bouloukos), Albert will be exposed to a seething city underbelly where desire masquerades as perversion and depravity poses as art. It may shock you. You might even be appalled. But you have never seen anything quite like BAG BOY LOVER BOY.

 This really is one of the strangest horror films I have ever seen, and I highly doubt you have ever seen anything like it.  The main character of Albert is one of the most awkward characters you will ever see in a film.    He is very gullible and naïve, which gets him into a situation that spins out of his control.   Parts of the film can be slow at times, but like NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, even in slow parts you can't help be entertained by the characters on screen.  The main thing you'll notice from this film is the characters strange voice and speech style, it's sure to stick in your head long after the film is over. 

  BAG BOY LOVER BOY is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Severin Films and CAV Distribution and contains the following special features:

• Audio Commentary With Director Andres Torres, Actor Theodore Bouloukos and Editor Charlie Williams
• The Student Films of Actor Jon Wachter: GOT LIGHT and THE NEVER-STARTING STORY
• Trailer

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

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, September 5th

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 9/5:

*  AMERICAN PSYCHO  2  [BD]
*  THE BASEMENT  [DVD]
*  A DARK SONG  [DVD & BD]
*  MIDNIGHT FRIGHT SHOW  [DVD]
*  RAW  [DVD]
*  THE REAL STORY:  SCREAM  [DVD]
*  THE SPELL  [Scream Fatory BD]
*  VAMPIRE WARS  [DVD]

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

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 8/29:

*  AMSTERDAMNED  [Blue Underground DVD/BD Combo]
*  DEMON [DVD]
*  THE EVIL IN US  [DVD]
*  THE HOLLOW ONE  [DVD]
*  KING OF HORROR COLLECTION  [BD]
*  THE MANSTER  [Shout! Factory BD]
*  THE SLAYER  [Arrow DVD/BD Combo]
*  SNAPSHOT  [Vinegar Syndrome DVD/BD Combo]
*  TIMEBOMB  [Shout! Factory BD]

Today we lost another Horror legend....R.I.P. Tobe Hooper (1943 - 2017)

  The horror world lost another great legend in the death of director Tobe Hooper.  Hooper was the director of my favorite horror film of all time, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE.   He died at the age of 74.    I personally feel that THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE is the perfect horror film.   No film has frightened me the way that one did, and still does to this day no matter how many times I have seen it.  
  While THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE was my favorite Tobe Hooper directed film, he had lots of other great ones!    Here are my top 5 films directed by Tobe Hooper:

1.  THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE
2.  POLTERGEIST
3.  THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2
4.  THE FUNHOUSE
5.  EATEN ALIVE
 
 Thanks for the great films Mr. Hooper!   While you have moved on, your films will remain with us forever.   Thank you!

This week's horror related DVD and Blu-ray releases, August 22nd:

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that came out today, 8/22:

*  ASH VS. EVIL DEAD:  SEASON 2  [DVD & BD]
*  DARK SILENCE  [DVD]
*  DEAD STORY  [DVD]
*  THE DOMICILE  [DVD]
*  EFFECTS  [BD]
*  HITLER'S LAST TRAIN
*  HOLIDAY HORRORS TRIPLE FEATURE  [DVD]
*  JEZEBETH  [BD]
*  LUCIFER:  SEASON 2  [DVD & BD]
*  ROOT OF DARKNESS  [DVD]
*  THE WALKING DEAD:  SEASON 7  [DVD & BD]
*  ZOMBIES HAVE FALLEN  [DVD]

Check out the upcoming George Romero Blu-ray box set from Arrow Video!

  If you are a DVD/BD collector, you probably know that Arrow Video is one of the best film companies out there. They have made some amazing box sets lately, but this upcoming set looks to be one of the best yet!   It's called GEORGE ROMERO:  BETWEEN NIGHT AND DAWN and it features three of his films that he made between his zombie classics NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and DAWN OF THE DEAD.    The films included are 1971's THERE'S ALWAYS VANILLA, 1972's SEASON OF THE WITCH, and 1973's THE CRAZIES.    This limited edition box set comes with tons of special features!  Here is the complete list:

High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard DVD presentations

English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

Reversible sleeves for each film featuring original and newly-commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx

Limited Edition 60-page booklet featuring new writing on the films

THERE’S ALWAYS VANILLA

Brand new restoration from original film elements

Brand new audio commentary by Travis Crawford

Brand new interviews with actors Judith Ridley and Richard Ricci, producer Russ Streiner and sound recordist Gary Streiner

Digging Up the Dead – The Lost Films of George A. Romero – archive interview with Romero looking at his early films There’s Always Vanilla and Season of the Witch

Trailer

SEASON OF THE WITCH

Brand new 4K restoration from original film elements

Alternate extended cut

Brand new audio commentary by Travis Crawford

When Romero met Del Toro – celebrated filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro sits down with George Romero for this candid career-spanning conversation

The Secret Life of Jack's Wife – archive interview with actress Jan White

Alternate Opening Titles

Trailers

THE CRAZIES

Brand new 4K restoration from original film elements

Brand new audio commentary by Travis Crawford

Romero Was Here – featurette revisiting the Crazies filming locations in Evans City, PA

Never Before Seen BTS footage

2016 Q&A with Lynn Lowry from Abertoir Film Festival

Alternate Opening Titles

Trailers

 GEORGE ROMERO:  BETWEEN NIGHT AND DAWN will be released on 10/24/17, but is available for pre-order now from the MVD webshop.

 CLICK HERE to pre-order the box set

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

Here are this week's horror related DVD/BD's that come out tomorrow, 8/15:

*  ALIEN:  COVENANT  [DVD, BD, & 4K]
*  BLUEBEARD  [DVD &  BD]
*  ONE DARK NIGHT  [BD]
*  ORION  [DVD & BD]
*  PET SEMATARY  [BD]
*  THE SCAREHOUSE  [BD]

Blu-ray Review: RE-ANIMATOR (1985)

RE-ANIMATOR
Directed by Stuart Gordon
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  I love when I get a movie to review that just so happens to be one of my favorite horror films of all time!  It gives me a good excuse to go back and visit it again.   Tonight's review is one of those films.   I first saw RE-ANIMATOR when I was in the 6th grade and I fell in love with it.  I still love it to this day.  It is one of the few films I can watch over and over and never get bored with it.  
Here is the plot synopsis from the MVD press release:

  One of the most wildly popular horror movies of all-time, Stuart Gordon's enduring splatter-comedy classic Re-Animator returns to Blu-ray in a stunning restoration packed with special features!
  When medical student Dean Cain advertises for a roommate, he soon finds one in the form of Dr. Herbert West. Initially a little eccentric, it some becomes clear that West entertains some seriously outlandish theories - specifically, the possibility of re-animating the dead. It's not long before Dean finds himself under West's influence, and embroiled in a serious of ghoulish experiments which threaten to go wildly out of control...
  Based on H.P. Lovecraft's classic terror tale Herbert West - Reanimator and featuring a standout performance from Jeffrey Combs as the deliciously deranged West, Re-Animator remains the ground-zero of '80s splatter mayhem and one of the genre's finest hours.

  I had the chance to watch this film years ago at a Horror Convention in Little Rock, AR with Jeffrey Combs and Stuart Gordon in attendance.   It was fun to see this film on the big screen, especially with the director sitting 2 rows in front of me!   It was just as fun watching it at home though, especially with this great new release from Arrow Video.  This film is crazy with some great over the top gore effects, and like most films from this time period, all are practical effects.   The film is also full of dark humor throughout.  Jeffrey Combs was the perfect actor to play Dr. West, and the beautiful Barbara Crampton is great as always.

  I can't recommend RE-ANIMATOR enough.  If you have never seen it, please do so asap!  If you have seen it, revisit it and especially check out this new release.

  I was so happy when I heard Arrow Video was releasing this film.  As you know, Arrow is one of the top DVD/BD companies out there, always putting tons of effort into their releases.   RE-ANIMATOR is available now and contains the following special features:

2 DISC LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:  

- 4K restorations of the Unrated and Integral versions 

- High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation

- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing 

- Exclusive digipak packaging featuring newly commissioned artwork by Justin Erickson 

- Collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by journalist Michael Gingold 

- Re-Animator comic book 

- 4 x postcard-sized lobby card reproductions

DISC 1 - UNRATED VERSION

- Unrated version [86 mins] 

- Mono, Stereo and 5.1 DTS-HD MA Surround Audio Options

- Isolated Score

- Brand new audio commentary with director Stuart Gordon and actors Graham Skipper and Jesse Merlin of Re-Animator: The Musical

- Audio commentary with Stuart Gordon

- Audio commentary with producer Brian Yuzna, actors Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton, Bruce Abbott and Robert Sampson

- Re-Animator: Resurrectus - feature-length documentary on the making of the film, featuring extensive interviews with cast and crew

- Interviews with director Stuart Gordon and producer Brian Yuzna, writer Dennis Paoli, composer Richard Band and former Fangoria editor Tony Timpone

- Music discussion with composer Richard Band

- Barbara Crampton in Conversation - the Re-Animator star sits down with journalist Alan Jones for this career-spanning 2015 interview

- The Catastrophe of Success: Stuart Gordon and The Organic Theater - director Stuart Gordon discusses his early theater roots and his continued commitment to the stage

- Theater of Blood - Re-Animator: The Musical lyricist Mark Nutter on adapting the cult classic for musical theater

- Extended Scenes

- Deleted Scene

- Trailer & TV Spots

- Still Gallery

- Screenplay (BD-ROM Content)
 

DISC 2 - INTEGRAL VERSION - LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE

- Integral Version, available in the US for the first time! [105 mins] 

- 5.1 DTS-HD MA Surround Audio

- A Guide to Lovecraftian Cinema - Chris Lackey, host of the H.P. Lovecraft Literary Podcast, provides a comprehensive look at the many cinematic incarnations of Lovecraft's work

- Doug Bradley's Spinechillers: Herbert West-Reanimator - actor Jeffrey Combs reads H.P. Lovecraft's original classic short story
 

'RE-ANIMATOR® ' THE COMIC - LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE

- 92-page perfect-bound booklet containing Re-Animator, the original 1991 comic book adaptation of the movie, reprinted in its entirety

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