Blu-ray Review: THE SLAYER (1982)

THE SLAYER
Written & Directed by  J.S. Cardone
Distributed by Arrow Video / MVD Entertainment Group

 Arrow Video continues to put out some of the best horror releases available.  THE SLAYER is a great film that I had honestly never heard of before.  I love that Arrow is introducing us to some classic, yet lesser known, horror films.  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the MVD website:

  IS IT A NIGHTMARE? OR IS IT... THE SLAYER? One of the most sought-after titles for slasher fans everywhere, The Slayer finally rises from the ashes of obscurity in a brand new 4K transfer courtesy of Arrow Video. Two young couples set off to a secluded island for what promises to be a restful retreat. But the peace is short-lived: as a storm batters the island, troubled artist Kay begins to sense that a malevolent presence is here with them, stalking them at every turn. Is she losing her mind, or are her childhood nightmares of a demonic assailant coming to terrifying life? Previously only available on home video in truncated or full screen versions, The Slayer - whose nightmares-seeping-into-reality theme predates a certain Wes Craven classic by several years - comes lovingly restored from the original negative in a stunning transfer that will be a revelation to fans both old and new.

 I love horror films from the 1980's.  In fact, I think that is the greatest decade for horror films.   Arrow Video has been putting out so many great horror films lately, and the majority have been these great 80's classics, some more obscure than others. 

  This film is one any 80's horror film fan will want to check out.  Now I will admit it is a little slow at the start, but the 2nd half of the film picks up and makes up for the sluggish first half.    The film is set on a remote island which immediately sets up the eerie tone, knowing how secluded the characters are from other people and any possibility of getting help.  Add in the storm that is headed their way and that completes the very creepy tone of the film, and gives us some of the films more atmospheric and dark visuals.

 As with any horror film from the 80's, we get some great jump scares, some great kill scenes and some great gore, all done with practical effects, of course.  Beheadings, pitch-forkings, hangings, etc are all on display in this film.  At times the film almost feels like an arthouse style horror film, something reminiscent of a Jean Rollin or Jess Franco film mixed with a typical 80's slasher.  This is a film very worthy of a watch!  Also, I have to mention the monster/creature that we finally get to see at the end.  It is one of the most terrifying and frightening creatures I have ever seen in a film, yet we only get to see it for a few seconds.  I really wish we would have seen more of this creature throughout the film!

  THE SLAYER is available now from MVD and Arrow Video and contains the following special features:

*  Brand new restoration from a 4K scan of the original negative
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
*  Original Uncompressed Mono Audio
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Brand new interviews with cast and crew
*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Justin Osbourn
*  FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector’s booklet featuring new liner notes by writer Lee Gambin


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

 

 

Blu-ray Review: SLUGS (1988)

SLUGS
Directed by  Juan Piquer Simón
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group


 I am really loving all the great, classic horror films that Arrow Video has been putting out lately.  Arrow getting U.S. rights and distributing here in the States through MVD Entertainment is one of the greatest things to happen to DVD/BD collecting in quite some time!  Arrow is constantly releasing great horror films, a lot of which I have always heard about, but had never seen.  Such is the case with one of Arrow's newest releases, SLUGS.  I have always known about this film, but somehow it always slipped past me through all my movie watching years.  Well, I'm glad to say I finally got to see it, and it was a lot of fun!   Here is the basic plot from the MVD website:

  THEY SLIME. THEY OOZE. THEY KILL. From celebrated Spanish director Juan Piquer Simon, the man behind the truly demented slasher flick Pieces (1982), comes a terrifying tale of mutant slugs on the rampage in small-town America. The townsfolk of a rural community are dying in strange and gruesome circumstances. Following the trail of horrifically mutilated cadavers, resident health inspector Mike Brady is on the case to piece together the mystery. He soon comes to a terrifying conclusion - giant slugs are breeding in the sewers beneath the town, and they're making a meal of the locals! Based on the novel by acclaimed British horror author Shaun Hutson, Slugs outdoes its creature feature peers by adding an extra dose of gross-out gore into the equation, culminating in one of the most squirm-inducing animal attack movies ever to slither its way across screens.

  The 1980's is my favorite decade of horror films by far, and this film is a good example of why.  A lot of the 80's horror films were pretty cheesy, especially the creature features like this film, but that is what gives them so much character.   A lot of people wouldn't find a slug that scary really....they are slow, and don't really do much, but in this film, they are pretty fast moving and they eat meat, especially human meat! 

  This movie is a lot of fun, and never takes itself too seriously.  The slugs attack in packs in this film, completely overwhelming their victims.  Such was the case in one of my favorite kills, where slugs fill the room and cover the bedroom floor of a young couple messing around in bed.  The naked woman steps out of bed and onto the slugs, slipping in the coating of slime that now covers the floor.  In a mater of seconds, she is covered with the leech like slugs, and covered in her own blood. 

  Speaking of blood, there is a lot of it on screen and tons of gore in general.   The special effects are excellent, especially since this was in the great age of all practical effects!  If you have not seen SLUGS, I highly recommend it.  If you have seen it, I urge you to revisit it, especially since it looks so good on the Blu-ray transfer.  
 
  SLUGS is available now from Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment, and as always, Arrow has packed this release with tons of great special features including:

*  Brand new restoration from original film elements
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
*  Original Uncompressed PCM Stereo audio
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Audio commentary by writer and filmmaker Chris Alexander
*  Here's Slugs In Your Eye - an interview with actor Emilio Linder
*  They Slime, They Ooze, They Kill: The Effects of Slugs - an interview with special effects artist Carlo De Marchis
*  Invasion USA - an interview with art director Gonzalo Gonzalo
*  The Lyons Den - an interview and locations tour with production manager Larry Ann Evans
*  1988 Goya Awards promo reel
*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Wes Benscoter
*  Fully-illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by writer Michael Gingold


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

Blu-ray Review: MICROWAVE MASSACRE (1983)

MICROWAVE MASSACRE
Directed by  Wayne Berwick
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  Finally!  I have always heard of MICROWAVE MASSACRE, but trying to get my hands on a copy of it was extremely hard to do!  The DVD was out of print for a long time, so copies were extremely pricey.  Luckily, the great folks at Arrow Video have released this film on an amazing Blu-ray/DVD combo pack!    For those not familiar with the film, here is the basic plot from the MVD website:

 THEY CAME FOR DINNER...TO FIND THEY WERE IT!! Microwave Massacre stars legendary stand-up comedian and actor Jackie Vernon as Donald, a disgruntled construction worker whose wife's predilection for haute cuisine drives him to cannibalism. Donald unwittingly stumbles upon a solution to his two major problems in his life - his nagging wife and his lack of tasty meals - when, one night, he bludgeons his better half to death with a pepper grinder in a drunken rage. Thinking on his feet, Donald dismembers the body and sets about microwaving the remains, which turn out to be rather delicious. Trouble is, now he's got a taste for human flesh that needs satisfying... Eschewing all notions of good taste, Wayne Berwick's Microwave Massacre is a deliciously depraved exercise in political incorrectness that has gone on to gain a cult following thanks to a characteristically deadpan performance from lead Vernon, who delivers such choice lines as "I'm so hungry I could eat a whore". Vegetarians need not apply!

  Now I must warn you, the cover of the old DVD release touted this film as "The worst horror movie ever made".   So going into this film, I was kind of expecting a "so bad, it's good" type of experience.  Well, I am proud to say that is exactly what I got.   I would definitely not consider this the worst horror movie ever made, I have seen far worse for sure!  That being said, it was pretty bad over all, but it was also extremely fun and  full of character. The dialog is pretty cheesy, and the blood/gore is pretty fake looking, but that is all part of the charm that this film displays. 

The film reminded me of a cross between a Troma film and a Herschell Gordon Lewis film.  If you are fans of those type of movies, you will love this one.   This movie was so much fun, I definitely see myself watching it again in the near future.  This is a must have for cheesy B-grade (or maybe even C-grade) horror!   

 MICROWAVE MASSACRE will be available on 8/16 and will contain the following special features:

*  Brand new 2K restoration of the original camera negative
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
*  Original Mono audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Brand new audio commentary with writer-producer Craig Muckler moderated by Mike Tristano
*  Brand new making-of featurette including interviews with Muckler, director Wayne Berwick and actor Loren Schein
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork to be revealed
*  First pressing only: fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Nightmare USA author Stephen Thrower


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

 

Blu-ray Review: THE STUFF (1985)

THE STUFF
Written & Directed by  Larry Cohen
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  There are quite a few horror films I remember fondly from my childhood, and THE STUFF is one of those for sure!  The film came out when I was 9 years old, but I probably didn't see it until a few years after that.  I remember seeing it at a sleepover at a kid's house who had HBO!  That was a big deal back then, as not as many homes had HBO as they do today.   THE STUFF was coming on and we all quietly gathered around to watch it, knowing we would get in trouble if his parents came out of their room for any reason and saw us.  Luckily they didn't, so I got to see the entire film, and luckily Arrow Video has released this classic on a beautiful Blu-ray edition so I can enjoy it for years to come, and even introduce my kids to it someday!  Here is the basic plot if you're not familiar with the film courtesy of the MVD website:

  Are you eating it ...or is it eating you? The Stuff is the new dessert taking supermarket shelves by storm. It's delicious, low in calories and - better still - doesn't stain the family carpet... What's not to like?! Well, for a start it has a life of its own, and we're not talking friendly live bacteria... Young Jason seems to be the only one who doesn't love The Stuff - in fact he won't go anywhere near it, after having seen the pudding crawling around the fridge one night. What's more, everyone who eats The Stuff has started acting really weird... Now, teaming up with wise-cracking industrial saboteur "Mo", Jason must put a stop to The Stuff and the organization behind it or face a gooey, gloopy demise. Coming courtesy of horror auteur Larry Cohen (director of the It's Alive series and scribe behind the Maniac Cop trilogy), The Stuff is a titillating treat for the taste-buds which blends elements of films such as Street Trash with the straight-up B-movie flavor of The Blob. So grab a spoon and dig on into The Stuff - the taste that delivers... much more than you bargained for!

  This is one of my favorite horror films for sure.  It might be considered toward the cheesy side by todays standards, but it still holds up pretty good overall.  The concept is very cool, and pretty original I believe.    While the acting is pretty bad overall, the movie more than makes up for that with the awesome story line (albeit with a few plot holes) and some great effects.   

  One scene in particular reminded me a lot of 1982's THE THING.  A man's head (played by the great Garrett Morris) has his head stretched and ripped open by The Stuff.  Being from the 80's, the film is all practical effects which is always a plus.   80's horror films have such a unique quality to them, it's hard to put my finger on, but you know them when you see them.  This is as perfect example of a great 80's horror film and one every horror fan needs to have in their collection!

  As always, Arrow Video has done a remarkable job with both the restoration and extras of the film, as well as the amazing packaging of the film.  This Blu-ray is available now and contains the following Special Features:

*  New High Definition restoration of the film from a brand new 2K scan of the original camera negative
*  Original stereo 1.0 uncompressed PCM Mono audio
*  Optional English SDH subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  "Can't Get Enough of The Stuff: Making Larry Cohen's Classic Creature Feature" - Documentary featuring Larry Cohen, producer Paul Kurta, actress Andrea Marcovicci, Steve Neill (mechanical makeup effects) and Kim Newman
*  Introduction and trailer commentary by director and The Stuff fan Darren Bousman (Saw II, Saw III)
*  Original Trailer
*  Reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin
*  Collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Joel Harley, illustrated with original stills and promotional materials


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

 

 

Blu-ray Review: THE ZERO BOYS (1986)

THE ZERO BOYS
Directed by  Nico Mastorakis
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  If you recognize the name of Director Nico Mastorakis, it's probably from his infamous 1976 film, ISLAND OF DEATH.     That was the only film I had ever seen of his until watching this new release from Arrow Films titled, THE ZERO BOYS.   While not as wild and depraved as ISLAND OF DEATH, it is a great film by this legendary director.  Here is the basic plot from the MVD website:

   From cult director Nico Mastorakis, the man behind such eclectic offerings as the controversial Island of Death and the Oliver Reed-starring actioner Hired to Kill, comes The Zero Boys - the genre-bending '80s classic with gruesome sequences that anticipate the torture porn horrors of Hostel and Saw. For a group of young friends, a weekend of survival games in the wilderness turns into a genuine battle of life and death when one of their number turns up dead. Finding themselves hunted by a bloodthirsty band of maniacs intent on slaughtering them one-by-one, the self-styled "Zero Boys" must now play their war games for real. Starring Kelli Maroney (Night of the Comet, Chopping Mall) and featuring an early score from the legendary Hans Zimmer (Inception, The Dark Knight Trilogy), The Zero Boys mixes action, survival and all-out slasher movie elements in a thrilling horror yarn that falls somewhere between Friday the 13th and Deliverance.

  I had never even heard of this movie before I got it for review.   This really surprises me, as I was huge into horror movies as a kid, and this came out when I was 10 years old...I should have seen this one.  Somehow, this one slipped past me.  Luckily, this film holds up 30 years later!   This was an extremely fun film which started out pretty silly with all the paintball stuff, but transformed into an action packed slasher film.

  One thing I noticed multiple times throughout the film was the amazing camera shot and cinematography.   One scene in particular made me say "Wow!" out loud and demanded a rewind to see it again.  This is a scene when one of the girls is in the car and looks out and sees the killer for the first time.  He is standing there holding a knife  and all you can see is his silhouette in front of the dark blue of the night sky.   This scene can be seen briefly in the trailer below, but looks so much better on the Blu-ray of the film.

  Another thing I noticed about this film was how much ahead of it's time it was.  There is part of the film where the guys find a video camera set up in the barn pointed at an empty chair.  Later they find a TV which is broadcasting what is happening in the barn through the video camera setup.   This was a very unique twist to the film and reminded me of something you'd see in more modern horror films.

  As always, Arrow Video has done an amazing job with this release.  Their releases are always packed full of great special features and this one is no different.   THE ZERO BOYS is available now on Arrow Blu-ray/DVD combo from MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

*  Brand new 2K restoration of the film, approved by writer-director Nico Mastorakis
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
*  Original Stereo audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Audio Commentary with star Kelli Maroney, moderated by Shock Till You Drop’s Chris Alexander
*  Nico Mastorakis on… Nico Mastorakis – brand new interview with Mastorakis on the making of The Zero Boys
*  Brand new interview with star Kelli Maroney
*  Brand new interview with star Nicole Rio
*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Stills Gallery
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys
*  Fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by critic James Oliver


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

 

 

Blu-ray Review: BLOOD RAGE (1987)

BLOOD RAGE
Directed by:  John Grissmer
Distributed by Arrow Video / MVD Entertainment Group

 It looks like I am continuing to find hidden horror gems from the 1980's that I somehow missed.   The latest is the amazing Arrow Video release of BLOOD RAGE.  This is another film that I have always heard of, but had never seen.  After finally getting a chance to see it, I am upset that it took me this long to see it.   This is a classic in every sense of the word.   For those unfamiliar, here is the basic plot courtesy of the MVD website:

  IT'S NOT CRANBERRY SAUCE! What do you get if you combine Thanksgiving, American TV star Louise Lasser (Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman), killer 80s synths and some of the most gruesome special effects in all of slasher history courtesy of Ed (Terminator 2) French. Why, it's Blood Rage of course! Todd and Terry seem like sweet kids - that is, until one of them takes an axe to face of a fellow patron at the local drive-in. Todd is blamed for the bloody crime and institutionalised, whilst twin brother Terry goes free. Ten years later and, as the family gathers around the table for a Thanksgiving meal, the news comes in that Todd has escaped - and he's heading their way. But has the killer twin in fact been in their midst all along? One thing's for sure, there WILL be blood... Filmed in 1983 at the tail-end of the slasher golden era but not released until 1987, Blood Rage (also re-cut and released to theatres as Nightmare at Shadow Woods) has been lovingly restored from the original vault materials for its first ever appearance on Blu-ray and DVD. Happy Thankskilling!

  "This Thanksgiving, it's not cranberry sauce"!  Ha!  What a great tagline, and yes, an actual line from the film.   I have a feeling a lot of people might have missed seeing this one, and hopefully with this new release that can be corrected.  This is definitely a film that any horror fan needs to see.  The story is very interesting with the twin aspect, as no one knows for sure who they are dealing with once the commotion starts.  The acting is pretty good, although pretty cheesy at some points.  Also, there is no getting around this film being from the 1980's with the clothes and big hair!  That is part of the film's character, though.

  There were tons of slasher films that came out in the 1980's, but what sets this one apart from all the others is the amazing effects and gore.   The effects were done by genre vet Ed French  and they are truly amazing.   You gotta love practical effects, and BLOOD RAGE is full of them, including a severed hand, severed head, split open head, and a completely chopped up person!  The gore is over the top in this film and while most slashers cut away when they go in for the kill, this one does not.  

  This film instantly goes on my top horror films of all time.  I can't say enough good things about BLOOD RAGE.  Get yourself a copy of this film asap!  You will not be disappointed.

  BLOOD RAGE is available now on Arrow Video in a awesome 3-disc set and contains the following special features:

3-DISC DIRECTOR-APPROVED LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
- Three versions of the film – Blood Rage, the original home video version, Nightmare at Shadow Woods, the theatrical re-cut, and an alternate “composite” cut combining footage from both versions
- Original Stereo 2.0 sound (Uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
- Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
- Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Marc Schoenbach
- Fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Joseph A. Ziemba, author of BLEEDING SKULL! A 1980s Trash-Horror Odyssey

BLU-RAY DISC 1 & DVD – BLOOD RAGE
- Brand new 2K restoration of the “hard” home video version, transferred from the camera negative and featuring the original title card Slasher
- Audio commentary with director John Grissmer
- Both Sides of the Camera – an interview with producer/actress Marianne Kanter
- Double Jeopardy – an interview with actor Mark Soper
- Jeez, Louise! – an interview with actress Louise Lasser
- Man Behind the Mayhem – an interview with special make-up effects creator Ed French
- Three Minutes with Ted Raimi – an interview with actor Ted Raimi
- Return to Shadow Woods – featurette revisiting the original locations in Jacksonville, Florida
- Alternate opening titles
- Motion still gallery featuring rare behind-the-scenes make-up photos

BLU-RAY DISC 2 – NIGHTMARE AT SHADOW WOODS [LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE]
- Nightmare at Shadow Woods – the re-edited 1987 theatrical cut featuring footage not seen in the Blood Rage home video version
- Alternate composite cut of the feature combining footage from the home video and theatrical versions
- Never-before-seen outtakes


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

Blu-ray Review: BLOODY BIRTHDAY (1981)

BLOODY BIRTHDAY
Directed by Ed Hunt
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

  It has always been my opinion that the greatest decade of horror films is the 1980's.  So many great movies came out during this time, and I feel like I have seen most of the more popular ones.  Somehow along the way, I missed this one, though.  The film is BLOODY BIRTHDAY and it is by far one of the best horror films I have watched in quite some time.  Here is the basic plot synopsis courtesy of the Severin Films website:

  Get ready for the rarely seen slasher classic from the ’80s that may also be the most disturbing ‘killer kids’ movies in grindhouse history: Three babies are simultaneously born in the same hospital at the peak of a full solar eclipse. Ten years later, these adorable youngsters suddenly begin a kiddie killing spree of stranglings, shootings, stabbings, beatings and beyond. Can the town’s grown-ups stop these pint-sized serial killers before their blood-soaked birthday bash? K.C. Martel (E.T., Growing Pains), Joe Penny (Jake And The Fat Man), Michael Dudikoff (American Ninja), screen legends Susan Strasberg and Jose Ferrer, and MTV vixen Julie Brown – whose nude bedroom dance remains a landmark of celebrity skin – star in this still-controversial shocker from director Ed Hunt (The Brain, Diary Of A Sinner), now featuring an all-new HD transfer from the original vault elements.

  I love finding gems like this one that I have never seen before.  This is definitely a very unique slasher film, as the killer(s) is a group of 3 young kids.   The kids look sweet and innocent enough, but they are anything but that.   They are a vile group of killers who have no problem with killing off the adults in town, including their own parents and siblings!  Slasher films are usually disturbing to some extent, but that is greatly increased when it is kids doing the killing. 
 
   This is classic 80's horror at it's finest. If you have not seen BLOODY BIRTHDAY,  I suggest you get buy the DVD or Blu-ray asap and give it a watch.  I would honestly put this film in my top 20 horror films of all time!

  BLOODY BIRTHDAY is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Severin Films and contains the following special features:

– Audio Interview With Director Ed Hunt
– Don’t Eat That Cake! Interview With Star Lori Lethin
– A Brief History Of Slasher Films Featurette
– Severin Trailers


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

 

 

Blu-ray Review: HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD / RATS Double Feature

HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD / RATS  Double Feature
Directed by Bruno Mattei
Distributed by Blue Underground

 Blue Underground continues to put out some of the greatest horror, cult, and exploitation flicks around.   One of their newer releases is this great double feature consisting of two of director Bruno Mattei's best films, HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD, and RATS:  NIGHT OF TERROR.   If you have not seen these films, do yourself a favor and pick up this awesome double feature blu-ray as soon as you can.  Even if you have seen these, you will want this new 1080p HD release of these films, for sure.   Here are the basic plots of each film from the Blue Underground Website:


HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD:
  An accident at a chemical plant unleashes a horrific virus, and an elite SWAT team is sent to New Guinea to investigate. But when they arrive on the hellish island, they discover a plague of flesh-eating zombies as well as a beautiful female reporter who practices nude anthropology. Can the commandos survive this cannibal rampage, uncover a shocking government secret, and still find time for the occasional cross-dressing before the ravenous hordes of the living dead infect the entire world?
  Directed by the notorious Bruno Mattei (THE OTHER HELL), this '80s Italian gut-muncher is infamous for its eye-popping gore, jaw-dropping dialogue and heart-stopping use of inappropriate stock footage. Also known as VIRUS, NIGHT OF THE ZOMBIES and even ZOMBIE CREEPING FLESH, HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD has been newly transferred in shocking High Definition from the original uncut and uncensored negative!


RATS:  NIGHT OF TERROR:
 In the year 225 A.B. (After the Bomb), a group of post-apocalyptic bikers discover an abandoned research laboratory filled with food, water... and thousands of rats. But these are no ordinary vermin; these are super-intelligent mutant rodents with a ravenous appetite for human flesh. Can a bunch of heavily armed but not-too-bright human scavengers survive a night of terror against the most hungry and horrific predators on earth?
  Directed by the notorious Bruno Mattei (WOMEN'S PRISON MASSACRE), this hilarious Italian shocker is filled with over-the-top gore, bottom-of-the-barrel dialogue and attacks by what appear to be thousands of painted guinea pigs, all capped with a twist ending that must be seen to be believed. Also known as RATS OF MANHATTAN and BLOOD KILL, RATS: NIGHT OF TERROR has been newly transferred in flesh-ripping High Definition from the original uncut and uncensored negative!


  Both of these films are classics in my opinion, and perfect examples of early 80's Italian horror films.  Both feature some amazing gore, some impressive sets, and fun story lines.   I have to admit they also both contain some very cheesy dialog, but that is actually some of the character of these films and doesn't take away from the enjoyment of these films at all.

  While I love zombie films, I think between the two films I liked RATS the best.   HOTLD was very good, and reminded me of the early zombie films of George Romero such as DAWN OF THE DEAD and DAY OF THE DEAD, but RATS was the more enjoyable of the two for me.  RATS was a very unique film as it wasn't just a creature film, it was a post-apocalyptic film is well.  It was like MAD MAX meets WILLARD.  I liked the post-apocalyptic part of the story, with most people living underground and only a few groups of outsiders living up top.   The gore was very impressive with this film and since this was before CGI, the filmmakers used actual rats in the filming of the movie.

  If you are a fan of Italian horror, or just like good zombie and killer animal movies, then you will want to pick up this great double feature blu-ray from Blue Underground.  The blu-ray is available now and contains the following special features:

*  Bonded By Blood - Interviews with Co-Writer/Co-Director Claudio Fragasso and Stars Margit Evelyn Newton, Franco Garofalo, Ottaviano Dell'Acqua & Massimo Vanni
*  Hell Rats Of The Living Dead - Interview with Director Bruno Mattei
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  Poster & Still Galleries


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for RATS
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray Double Feature

Blu-ray Review: NIGHTMARE WEEKEND (1986)

NIGHTMARE WEEKEND
Directed by  Henri Sala           
Distributed by Vinegar Syndrome

  Let me start by saying I LOVE the 80's.  I love everything about that decade.  It is the decade I grew up in and have such fond memories from.  I love the wacky music, the crazy clothes and the weird and wild movies.    I truly think the 1980s was the best decade for horror films, followed closely by the 1970's.    NIGHTMARE WEEKEND is a perfect example of a wild, crazy, 1980's horror film.   Here is the basic plot from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

  A brilliant computer scientist has just finished work on his greatest creation: a super computer with the ability to transform the personalities of bad and disobedient people. In anticipation of sharing his work with the scientific community, the scientist invites a fellow expert to test the machine on a group of debauched young women. Little does he know that his colleague intends to use the computer to turn their subjects into bloodthirsty mutants!
  Made by a French crew in Florida, NIGHTMARE WEEKEND is a non-stop assault on the senses. Head explosions, gratuitous nudity and softcore sex, bikers, roller-skating, and a telepathic hand puppet named George rank NIGHTMARE WEEKEND among the weirdest and most jaw droppingly absurd horror films of the 1980s. Long available only in low quality transfers of the R rated version, Vinegar Syndrome presents this forgotten trash masterpiece fully uncut and in widescreen, on Blu-ray for the first time!

  You can tell this film is from the 80's as it is very dated with the wardrobe and props, but I have to admit it was fun seeing guys with huge Walkmans and earphones and women doing jazzercize and roller skating!    While that was a lot fun and brought back some memories, the film itself was a lot of fun, although it was very strange.  In fact, one of the main characters is a talking hand puppet.  I still don't quite get how he fit into this film, but the actors act like he is just any other co-star and act totally normal with the puppet as a character.  Very weird for sure...and again, only from a movie from the 80's! 

   The film has some great gore scenes for fans of that (aren't we all), some great kills, and some great action, including a killer car that is controlled by a video game!?  Ha!  Did I mention how crazy and weird this film was?   This is a film you will need to check out for sure if you have never seen it.  This is such a nostalgic 80s flick and one that surely belongs in any DVD/BD collector's library!

  NIGHTMARE WEEKEND is available now on DVD/Blu-ray combo pack from Vinegar Syndrome and contains the following special features:

*  Blu-ray/DVD Combo | Region Free | 1.85:1 OAR
*  Restored in 2k from 35mm internegative
*  All extras on both Blu-ray and DVD
*  “THANK GOD IT’S MONDAY” – Surviving Nightmare Weekend with Dean Gates (23min)
*  “KILLER WEEKEND” – An Interview with Marc Gottlieb (13min)
*  Alternate R rated edits
*  Original theatrical trailer
*  Reversible artwork
*  English SDH subtitles


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