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

 

 

Guest Blu-ray Review: CALTIKI: THE IMMORTAL MONSTER (1959)

CALTIKI:  THE IMMORTAL MONSTER
Directed by:  Riccardo Freda and Mario Bava
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  I haven't had a guest review posted on my website in a long time.  I figured it's about time to change that.  You're all probably tired of my ramblings anyway!   This time though, you don't get just one guest reviewer, you get two!  It's not a fellow blogger, or a known writer, either.  Nope, this time the guest review is being done by my twin 10 year old boys!   I don't review too many horror films that the boys can watch with me, so they were super excited to be able to watch this one.  It's a pretty tame black and white horror film from 1959 called CALTIKI:  THE IMMORTAL MONSTER.  Here's the synopsis of the film courtesy of the MVD website:

 Arrow Video presents a collaboration between two giants of Italian cult cinema - Riccardo Freda (The Vampires, The Horrible Dr Hichcock) and Mario Bava (5 Dolls for an August Moon, Blood and Black Lace)! A team of archaeologists led by Dr John Fielding (John Merivale, Circus of Horrors) descends on the ruins of an ancient Mayan city to investigate the mysterious disappearance of its inhabitants. However, the luckless explorers get more than they bargained for when their investigation of a sacrificial pool awakens the monster that dwells beneath its waters - the fearsome and malevolent god Caltiki. Though Riccardo Freda received sole directing credit, a significant portion of the film was in fact the work of Mario Bava, who also served as its cinematographer and was responsible its striking special effects. Drawing on a diverse array of influences, from The Quatermass Experiment to the works of HP Lovecraft, Caltiki the Immortal Monster is a unique and unforgettable sci-fi chiller which showcases these two legendary filmmakers at their most inventive. Presented here for the first time in a newly restored high definition transfer, Caltiki shines - and terrifies! - like never before.

  I've shown my kids THE BLOB (1958) and THE BIRDS (1963), and they loved those, so I figured they would enjoy this one.  I also knew being from 1959 (and doing a little internet research) that it was going to be tame enough to let them watch it.   So here you go, each review is just a short paragraph, but I think they did a pretty good job!   **SPOILER ALERT **  Bewarned, there are some spoilers in these reviews! 

 
  I have not seen too many horror movies in my life but I enjoyed this one. Caltiki came out in 1959 so it was tame enough for me to watch.  This movie had good parts and bad parts. One of my favorite scenes was when Max was running from the police. It was very intense and kept me on the tip of my chair.  Another one of my favorite scenes were when the mother and the baby were crawling outside the windows trying to escape from the monster that was taking over their house.  Something that I really enjoyed about this movie was the music. I think it really fit the movie considering the intensity of it. Also considering the effects were not as great as they are today back in the late 50’s,  these effects were pretty good. A few things bad were that some of the story was sort of hard to follow. Also, they quickly came to the conclusion that you could just burn him, making him not that immortal. Over all the movie was great.  Good for someone who doesn’t want something too scary, but just a little creepy.
   - Levi

  I am not the biggest horror movie fan but I enjoyed “Caltiki the immortal monster” because it was not as scary as some as the new movies coming out today. I liked the scenery on the jungle ruins, they showed a lot of hard work and effort put into them. The music was not often played as in some other movies, but when it was played it sounded really good! The effects were good for the time of 1959. A bad thing that I found was that the natives wore American looking clothing instead of tribal and/or old clothes. Another not so great thing was that they said “You can only kill it with fire but they only tried 2 things, guns and fire.  It’s more like “Caltiki the bullet proof monster”. Also they killed the “immortal” monster and there wasn’t even a twist ending that he was still alive, so much for immortal! Finally the fire effects and fire tanks where really cool! If you love horror movies or even if you're not a big fan like me,  you can still enjoy this movie whoever you are.
  - Luke
 

Well, there you have it.  I couldn't have said it better myself!  I think they did a great job and I found it interesting that they both mentioned the music in the film, pretty good observation I thought.

CALTIKI:  THE IMMORTAL MONSTER is available now from Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

Brand new 2K restoration of the film from the original camera negative

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

Original mono Italian and English soundtracks (lossless on the Blu-ray Disc)

Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack

Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack

New audio commentary by Tim Lucas, author of Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark

New audio commentary by Troy Howarth, author of The Haunted World of Mario Bava and So Deadly, So Perverse: 50 Years of Italian Giallo Films

From Quatermass to Caltiki, a new discussion with author and critic Kim Newman on the influence of classic monster movies on Caltiki

Riccardo Freda, Forgotten Master, an archival interview with critic Stefano Della Casa

The Genesis of Caltiki, an archival interview with filmmaker Luigi Cozzi

Archival introduction to the film by Stefano Della Casa

Alternate opening titles for the US version

Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys

FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by Kat Ellinger and Roberto Curti

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

Blu-ray Review: WE ARE THE FLESH (2016)

WE ARE THE FLESH
Written & Directed by Emiliano Rocha Minter
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  I have seen some strange movies in my life, but WE ARE THE FLESH ranks up there
near the top for sure.   This is one of the newest releases from Arrow Video, who always puts out great films and a quality product, so I went into this one hoping for an amazing experience.  I knew nothing about this film, in fact, I had never even heard of it before.   I was hoping for a new, modern day classic....instead, I got a crazy piece of cinema that I am still not sure exactly what to think of it.  Here is the basic plot courtesy of the MVD website:

  A visionary and bizarre slice of Mexican arthouse cinema, We Are The Flesh is an extraordinary and unsettling film experience, a sexually charged and nightmarish journey into an otherworldly dimension of carnal desire and excess, as well as a powerful allegory on the corrupting power of human desire. A young brother and sister, roaming an apocalyptic city, take refuge in the dilapidated lair of a strange hermit. He puts them to work building a bizarre cavernous structure, where he acts out his insane and depraved fantasies. Trapped in this maddening womb-like world under his malign influence, they find themselves sinking into the realms of dark and forbidden behaviour. Mixing the graphic, powerful imagery of Gaspar Noe's Love and Enter The Void with the surreal, hallucinatory impact of Alejandro Jodorowsky, We Are The Flesh is a bizarre, psychedelic head trip, mixing intense, outrageously explicit imagery with a profound allegory on the nature of existence, to make this an unforgettable, boundary-pushing experience unlike anything you've ever seen.

  Now I will start off by saying this film is extremely well made.  It has some amazing visuals and scenery in the film.   It contains some amazing camera shots and looks like a much bigger budget film than it probably actually was.  That being, said, I honestly have no clue what was going on most of the time during this film.  The plot is very simple, yet very complicated at the same time...if that makes any sense.   There are basically only three actors in the film, and all the "action" takes place in this guy's underground hideout.  So while that's basically the plot, so much stuff happens down in the hideout that it's hard to keep up with.  I honestly don't know what was going on or why.  At one point, the man was having the guy and girl have sex while he watched and pleasured himself as he watched.  I have no clue what this was for, other than sheer shock value, as the film didn't just imply this was happening, but it graphically showed it.
 
  After the man climaxes, he dies...but a little while later he is reborn from a womb like structure down in his cave.  This isn't a figurative re-birth...he literally falls out of a womb in the wall, coming out naked and covered with slime.  Hey, I told you it was weird!    Now I'm sure this is some genius inspirational symbolism for something that went way over my head, but to me it was just flat out weird.  

  I wouldn't say this was a bad film by any means, as it was extremely well made and acted.  I was really impressed that this was the director's first feature length film, so that tells me a lot about this director and the talent he has for future films.  I just felt like this movie was made mainly for the shock factor (graphic sex scene) and to me, it is not one that I would want to re-visit any time soon. 
Now, that being said, remember that this is my opinion and you might love this film.  In fact, I read a few reviews online to see what most people thought of this film, and some people just loved it and deemed it an instant cult classic, while others were kind of on the fence about it (like me) and then some just hated it.   It is really a film you need to watch for yourself and make your own opinion of.

  WE ARE THE FLESH is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Arrow Films and is being distributed in the U.S. by MVD Entertainment.   Special Features include the following:


*  New interviews with director Emiliano Rocha Minter and cast members Noé Hernández, María Evoli and Diego Gamaliel
*  A new video essay by critic Virginie Sélavy
*  Original theatrical trailer
*  Two short films by Emiliano Rocha Minter; Dentro and Videohome
*  Stills gallery
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
*  5.1 surround and uncompressed stereo 2.0 audio options
*  FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic Anton Bitel, and a note from the producer on the film
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork
*  Optional English subtitles   

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

Blu-ray Review: PSYCHOMANIA (1973)

PSYCHOMANIA
Directed by Don Sharp
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

Here is another great example of a film I have always heard about and wanted to see, but just never got the chance to check it out.   I was finally able to see PSYCHOMANIA thanks to the new Arrow Films release, but now that I have seen it, I have to question exactly why this film is considered a cult classic.   Before I go any further, here is the film's basic plot courtesy of the MVD website:

The United States gave motorcycle-mad cinemagoers Easy Rider, The Wild One and The Wild Angels. The United Kingdom gave them Psychomania, the tale of zombie bikers run amok is southern England. The Living Dead are a delinquent biker gang, fond of causing havoc on British roadways and making out in graveyards. Gang leader Tom (Nicky Henson) also has a Satanist for a mother, and when he discovers the secret of immortality, the name of his motley crew takes on a more literal meaning... Directed by Hammer veteran Don Sharp (The Kiss of the Vampire, The Devil-Ship Pirates) and co-starring Beryl Reid (Dr. Phibes Rises Again) and George Sanders (Village of the Damned), Psychomania is a wonderfully offbeat gem, outlandish and eccentric in equal measure.

 Ok, so when I first read the synopsis about zombie bikers, I was pretty excited.  But while watching the film, I was sorely disappointed when the main biker, Tom, came back from the dead.  He came back looking exactly like what he looked like before!  I mean exactly.  Not even some dirt in his hair! He looked as if he was still a normal living person.  This was a huge issue with me because when I expect a zombie biker, I expect at least some rotting flesh.  Is that too much to ask? 
 
 I also expected a much better plot/story from this film.    What I got was a movie that mostly made no sense whatsoever, including a weird subplot about a magical frog.  I honestly have no clue what that was all about.  Some of the dialog was very weird as well, if not completely laughable at times. 
You really can't categorize this film as a horror movie.  There is nothing "horror" about it really. I really don't know how you would categorize this film, other than just plain weird!

 The only thing this film really has going for it is the amazing 2K restoration that Arrow Films gave it.  Arrow releases seem to always have excellent picture and sound quality, and this release is no different.  It's just a shame they spent all this time and effort on such a sub-par film.   This is only my opinion, though, so check it out for yourself and let me know what you think. 
 

  PSYCHOMANIA will be available on Blu-ray from Arrow Films on February 21st, and contains the following special features:

• 2K restoration from preservation negatives
• High Definition (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
• Original 1.0 mono audio (uncompressed on the Blu-ray)
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
• Brand-new interview with star Nicky Henson
• Return of the Living Dead, an archive featurette containing interviews actors Henson, Mary Larkin, Denis Gilmore, Roy Holder and Rocky Taylor
• Sound of Psychomania, an archive interview with composer John Cameron
• Riding Free, an archive interview with Riding Free singer Harvey Andrews
• Hell for Leather, a brand-new featurette on the company who supplied the film s costumes
• Remastering Psychomania, a look at the film s restoration from the original 35mm black and white separation masters
• Theatrical trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by the Twins of Evil
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector s booklet containing writing by Vic Pratt, William Fowler and Andrew Roberts
 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack

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: RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES (1988)

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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: BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR (1989)

BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR
Directed by:  Brian Yuzna
Distributed by: Arrow Video / MVD Distribution

  Have I told you that Arrow Video is becoming my favorite DVD/BD company?  They are constantly putting out amazing releases of some classic horror.   One of their latest releases is of Director Brian Yuzna's classic, BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR!   This is a sequel to the classic film, RE-ANIMATOR, which just so happens to be one of my Top 5 favorite horror films of all time! 
While nothing can compare to the original classic, BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR comes about as close as you can get.  This is an amazing film that re-creates the tone and fun of the first film.  I'll go ahead and toss out the plot synopsis courtesy of the Arrow Films website, although I have a feeling most true horror fans are already well aware of this one:

  The success of Stuart Gordon’s hit horror-comedy Re-animator meant that a sequel was all but inevitable. The resulting follow-up, Bride of Re-animator – this time helmed by director Brian Yuzna (Society, Return of the Living Dead 3) – would prove that there was a good deal more life left in the story of Dr. Herbert West and his ghoulish exploits.
  It is 8 years since the Miskatonic massacre. Unperturbed by the disastrous outcome of his previous meddling with the dead, Dr. West (again played by Jeffrey Combs) continues his research into the phenomenon of re-animation; only this time, he plans to create life – starting with the heart of his young protégé Dan’s dearly deceased, Meg Halsey. Surely nothing could go wrong?
  With special effects master Screaming Mad George (the man behind the infamous “shunting” sequence in Society) on hand to contribute a host of characteristically weird and wonderful creations – including zombified bats and a one-eyed finger spider – Bride of re-animator is a more than worthy successor to Gordon’s original cult classic.

  Again, I wont go into much of the film, as it's over 25 years old, I'm sure most of you have seen it before.  You probably already own this on DVD.  What I want to bring you attention to here is this limited edition release that Arrow has put out.  They have awesome special features with most all of their releases, but this limited edition 3 disc set is truly an amazing release.   Buying this new set, even if you own an older released DVD is a no brainer.  Check out all these special features:

DIRECTOR-APPROVED 3-DISC LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
*  Brand new 2K restorations of the Unrated and R-rated versions of the film, approved by director Brian Yuzna
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
*  Original Stereo 2.0 audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin
*  Limited Edition Collector’s Booklet
*  Limited Edition Packaging

DISCS 1 & 2 – BLU-RAY/DVD – UNRATED VERSION
*  Brand new 2K restoration of the Unrated version
*  Brand new audio commentary with Brian Yuzna
*  Audio Commentary with Brian Yuzna, star Jeffrey Combs, visual effects supervisor Tom
*  Rainone and the effects team including John Buechler, Mike Deak, Bob Kurtzman, Howard Berger and Screaming Mad George
*  Audio Commentary with stars Jeffrey Combs and Bruce Abbott
*  Brian Yuzna Remembers Bride of Re-animator – brand new featurette in which the director looks back at the making of the first Re-animator sequel
*  Splatter Masters: The Special Effects Artists of Bride of Re-animator – Brand new FX featurette with a wealth of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with Robert Kurtzman of KNB, Screaming Mad George, Tony Doublin and John Buechler
*  Getting Ahead in Horror – archive making-of featurette
*  Deleted Scenes

DISC 3 – BLU-RAY – R-RATED VERSION
*  Brand new 2K restoration of the R-rated version


So there you have it....this set has hours of special features for you to enjoy!  This set was released just a few weeks ago, and is already out of print and is selling out fast!  Amazon.com still has a few copies, so get your hands on a copy asap before they are gone!


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

 

 

Blu-ray Review: BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA (1973)

BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA
Directed by:  Eddie Romero
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

 Arrow Films continues to keep putting out some of the greatest releases of classic horror, exploitation, and grindhouse flicks.   One of their latest releases is BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA, a great exploitation film from the early 70's.  Here is a synopsis of the film courtesy of the MVD website:

  Before her iconic turn in Coffy, Pam Grier starred alongside Margaret Markov in a grindhouse spin on Stanley Kramer's The Defiant Ones, fusing the Women in Prison film with the emerging Blaxploitation movement for a riotous romp of bullets, babes and blood! Lee (Grier), a tough prostitute and Karen (Markov), a revolutionary, are admitted to a tough women's prison where almost immediately (after some playful showering that prefigures Porky's) they clash. Packed off to a maximum security prison, their transport is ambushed by Karen's guerrilla friends and the two escape into the Filipino jungle. Chained together and with differing escape plans their clash intensifies as Lee wants to retrieve a stash of stolen cash to get her off the island and Karen wants to re-join her revolutionary group. Escape isn't easy as they come up against a series of obstacles including a corrupt cop, a bounty hunter, a sadistic Drug Lord and guerrillas who threaten to turn everything upside down. Chock full of girl fights, gun battles, nudity and humour, Black Mama White Mama, which was also known as Women in Chains and Hot, Hard and Mean, lives up to all its titles as well as featuring a brilliant Sid Haig (Spider Baby, House of 1000 Corpses) as a cowboy bounty hunter and Lynn Borden (Frogs, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry) as a lesbian guard from a script co-written by Jonathan Demme (Caged Heat) and a score sampled by Quentin Tarantino for Kill Bill.

 I have to admit I've always loved the women-in-prison films from the 70's and 80's.   This film is has many elements of that type of film, along with elements of the more extreme ILSA films of the 70's.  The film is also a revenge flick, and an action flick with tons of gun fights and explosions.  Part of this film reminded me of the old Charles Bronson DEATH WISH films.  Pam Grier was excellent as the no holds barred, strong leader of the women.  She never backed down from a fight with fellow prisoners or from the many people after her and her partner once they escaped.

  A special treat for horror fans will be the appearance of genre vet, Sid Haig.   A lot of horror fans these days might only know Haig from his more recent films like HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES, and THE DEVIL'S REJECTS.   If that's how you know him, you will hardly recognize him as Rueben the bounty hunter in this film.  He is always a great actor and brings a certain charm to any character he portrays, and this is no different.

  While not a horror film by any means, it's an exploitation/sexsploitation film at it's finest.  I highly recommend this one to all genre fans!

  BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA is available now from Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

*  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
*  Commentary by filmmaker Andrew Leavold, director of The Search for Weng Weng
*  White Mama - An interview with star Margaret Markov
*  Sid’s Filipino Adventure - An interview with star Sid Haig
*  The Mad Director of Blood Island - A previously unseen archive interview with director Eddie Romero
*  Trailer
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sean Phillips


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

Blu-ray Review; THE MUTILATOR (1984)

THE MUTILATOR
Directed by  Buddy Cooper, John Douglass
Distributed by Arrow Video / MVD Entertainment Group

  As many of you know, growing up as a child in the 1980's, I am a huge fan of 80's slasher films.   I was lucky to grow up during the best years of the slasher genre and got a chance to watch many of these great films from the 5 for $5 movie rental place which was just a bike ride away from my house.  While I have seen most of these classic 80's slashers, I still find from time to time a film I have always heard of, but never have seen.   THE MUTILATOR is one of those films.  I'm not sure how, but somehow I always missed this one growing up.   Thankfully I have remedied that now, thanks to the amazing folks at Arrow Video and MVD Distribution.   Here is the basic plot of film from the MVD website:

  BY SWORD. BY PICK. BY AXE. BYE BYE. Although the slasher film was in decline by the mid-1980s, there were still some grisly delights to be had... and they don't come much grislier than writer-director Buddy Cooper's sickening stalk-and-slash classic The Mutilator! When Ed receives a message from his father asking him to go and lock up the family's beach condo for the winter, it seems like the perfect excuse for an alcohol-fuelled few days away with his friends. After all, his dad has forgiven him for accidentally blowing mom away with a shotgun several years ago... hasn't he? But no sooner are the teens on the island than they find themselves stalked by a figure with an axe (and a hook, and an onboard motor) to grind... Originally entitled Fall Break (watch out for the incongruous theme song of the same name!), The Mutilator has earned a reputation amongst horror fans as one of the 'holy grails' of 80s splatter mayhem due to its highly inventive (and not to say, decidedly gruesome) kill sequences, courtesy of FX wizard Mark Shostrom (Videodrome, Evil Dead II). Finally making its long-awaited bow in High-Definition, The Mutilator has returned to terrorize a whole new generation of horror fans!

  Now the first thing you might notice when you watch this film is the acting.  I have to admit it is pretty atrocious.  Even by bad 80's horror movie acting standards!  Ha!  But, I don't think that will keep you from enjoying this film by any means.  It has too much going for it.  We all know what we are here for and that is the great kills and gore, so I'm happy to say that this film delivers on both of those aspects.  One thing I love about 80's films are the practical gore effects.  Back then there was no choice of practical vs. CG effects,  which is an excellent thing in my opinion.  Nothing beats the look of practical effects, which is one reason these old films always hold up better to me than newer films with flimsy CG blood and gore.

  Arrow Video always does a spectacular job with their presentations, both with the films themselves and with the Blu-ray packaging.   The brand new 2K restoration looks amazing for such an old film.   Like most all of Arrow releases, THE MUTILATOR comes with reversible cover art and a booklet telling you all about the film.  It really doesn't get any better than Arrow Video releases in my opinion....to me they have set the bar for other distribution companies to aim for.

THE MUTILATOR is available now on Blu-ray from Arrow Video and MVD Distribution and as always, Arrow Video has loaded down this release with tons of amazing special features including the following:

*  Brand new 2K restoration of the unrated version from original vault materials
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
*  Original mono 1.0 audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Introduction to the film with writer-director Buddy Cooper and assistant special make-up effects artist/assistant editor Edmund Ferrell
*  Audio Commentary with Cooper, Ferrell, co-director John Douglass and star Matt Mitler
*  Audio Commentary with Buddy Cooper and star Ruth Martinez Tutterow
*  Fall Breakers: The Story of The Mutilator - brand new feature-length documentary on the making of the splatter classic featuring interviews with Cooper, Douglass, Ferrell, Mitler, actors Bill Hitchcock, Jack Chatham and more
*  Mutilator Memories - special make-up effects artist Mark Shostrom looks back at one of his earliest projects
*  Tunes for the Dunes - composer Michael Minard reveals how The Mutilator's unique score was created
*  Behind-the-Scenes Reel
*  Screen Tests
*  Alternate Opening Titles
*  Trailers and TV Spots
*  'Fall Break' Theme Song (Original and Instrumental Versions)
*  Opening Sequence Storyboards
*  Motion Stills Gallery
*  Original Fall Break Screenplay (BD/DVD-ROM content)
*  Reversible sleeve featuring two original artworks


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

 

 

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: SPIDER BABY (1967)

SPIDER BABY 
a.k.a. THE MADDEST STORY EVER TOLD
Written & Directed by Jack Hill
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment

  Wow!  How did I go this long without seeing this film?!   SPIDER BABY is one of those weird cult classics that I had always heard about, but had never seen.  In fact, I've had an earlier DVD release of this film in my collection for years, but had yet to watch it.   Well, that DVD is obsolete now thanks to the great folks over at Arrow Films.  Arrow continues to put out some of the nicest Blu-ray releases I have ever seen, and this one is no different.   Here is the synopsis of the film from the MVD website:

  The credits dub this "the maddest story ever told", a promise that's well on the way to being fulfilled in the opening scene alone, when Virginia traps and kills a hapless deliveryman in her makeshift web. She's one of three siblings who suffer from a unique genetic disorder that causes them to regress back to childhood, while retaining the physical strength and sexual maturity of adults. Lon Chaney Jr gave one of his most memorable late performances as Bruno, their guardian and protector, who has managed to cover up their crimes until two distant relatives lay claim to their house. When they insist on moving in, Bruno has to cross his fingers and hope that the 'children' behave towards their new guests... This was the first solo feature by Jack Hill, whom Quentin Tarantino dubbed "the Howard Hawks of exploitation filmmaking", and it remains one of his wildest and weirdest.

 This is definitely one of the weirdest and wildest films I have seen, and that is saying a lot!  I can't imagine how audiences reacted to this film back in the late 60's when it was originally released.  I am sure they had never seen anything like this before!
 
  While I sometimes shy away from older, black & white, horror films, I almost always end up really enjoying them.   The black & white is so nostalgic and it's a lot of fun coming across an old classic like this that I haven't seen before.   The picture quality looks amazing on this blu-ray.  Arrow always does a remarkable job with their blu-ray transfers, and this one is no different.

  I knew I was going to like this film from the opening credits, and the opening scene cemented this for me.  In the opening scene we see young Virginia lure a delivery man up to her house and to the window.  Little does the man know he is the 'bug' to Virginia's 'spider' in her sick and twisted game.   Once the 'spider' catches the 'bug', it's all over for poor Mr. delivery man.  Virginia, Elizabeth, and Ralph  (played by Sid Haig of THE DEVIL'S REJECTS) make up the trio of kids who do some awful things.  They are all mentally unstable and no one is safe when they are around! 

  This was such a fun, weird, creepy film.   This is one I will definitely be watching again in the near future.  I highly recommend this one.  If you have never seen SPIDER BABY, do yourself a favor and pick up this new Blu-ray release asap!

 SPIDER BABY is available now on blu-ray from Arrow Films.  It is being distributed here in the U.S. by MVD Entertainment.  Arrow films always contain tons of special features/extras, and this release is no different.  Special Features on SPIDER BABY include:

*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentation of the main feature, available in the UK for the first time
*  Original 2.0 Mono Audio (Uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
*  High Definition transfer of the feature supervised and approved by director Jack Hill
*  English SDH subtitles for deaf and hearing impaired
*  Audio commentary featuring Jack Hill and star Sid Haig
*  Panel discussion from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences FILM-TO-FILM Festival, recorded September 2012, featuring Jack Hill and stars Quinn K. Redeker and Beverly Washburn
*  The Hatching of Spider Baby - Interviews with Jack Hill, Sid Haig, star Mary Mitchel, fan Joe Dante and more on the making of the film
*  Spider Stravinsky: The Cinema Sounds of Ronald Stein - The composer of 'The Terror' and 'Attack of the 50 Foot Woman' among others is remembered by Harlene Stein, Jack Hill, American Cinematheque's Chris D. and others
*  The Merrye House Revisited - Jack Hill revisits the original house that was used as the main location in the film
*  Alternate opening title sequence
*  Extended scene
*  Original Trailer
*  Gallery of behind-the-scenes images
*  The Host (1960) - Jack Hill's early short film featuring Sid Haig in his first starring role [30 mins]
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys
*  Collector's booklet featuring writing on the film by artist and writer Stephen R. Bissette, and an extensive article re-printed from FilmFax: The Magazine of Unusual Film and Television featuring interviews with the cast and crew, illustrated with origin


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