Blu-ray Review: ANTHROPOPHAGOUS (1980)

ANTHROPOPHAGOUS
Directed by  Joe D'Amato
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

 I remember watching this film over 18 years ago back when I was in college.   I remember browsing the video shelves and my eyes landing on the cover featuring a man eating his own intestines.  Obviously, that was a movie I had to check out!   I honestly don't remember anything about that film, other than that iconic scene.  

 I was very excited when I saw Severin Films was releasing this film on Blu-ray!   This was one I definitely needed to re-visit and I'm so glad I got the opportunity!  Here is the basic plot courtesy of the film's imdb page:

A group of tourists become stranded on an uninhabited island where they are stalked by an insane, violent, and grotesque killer that slaughtered the town's former residents.

  If you couldn't tell from the cover photo, this film's main goal is shock factor.  It goes for the throat (literally) and never lets go.   The film starts out with a brutal hatchet to the head killing, which actually looked pretty realistic.  The film never gives up and the gore factor only gets worse from there.   The plot is really simple, and the film can actually be a little slow at times, but it makes up for it with the awesome gore effects and creepiness factor.   The killer on the island is one of the creepiest killers I have ever seen in film.  He makes my skin crawl just thinking about him.  He never talks throughout the film, and only makes grunting and moaning sounds.  I am not sure who or what he is, as the movie never really explains it, but he is almost zombie like in his movements and mannerisms.

 If you want great acting, great character development, and a thought provoking story, this might not be the film for you.  If you are looking for an extremely fun film with tons of gore, then this is a must see!   ANTHROPOPHAGOUS is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Severin Films.  Special Features include:

*  Don’t Fear The Man-Eater: Interview with Writer/Star Luigi Montefiori a.k.a. George Eastman
*  The Man Who Killed The Anthropophagus: Interview with Actor Saverio Vallone
*  Cannibal Frenzy: Interview with FX Artist Pietro Tenoglio
*  Brother And Sister In Editing: Interview With Editor Bruno Micheli
*  Inside Zora’s Mouth: Interview with Actress Zora Kerova
*  Trailers
*  Reversible Wrap


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

Blu-ray Review: BURIAL GROUND (1981)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Blu-ray Review: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II

THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II
Directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman
Distributed by  Troma Entertainment / CAV Distribution

  If you are a fan of Troma films, then you definitely know about the TOXIC AVENGER films.  This is probably the #1 film series I think about when I hear the word Troma.   The Toxic Avenger character is by far their most popular character and I would assume most profitable.  He is truly a unique super hero!   Now, I have to admit, I had only seen the first Toxic Avenger film before now, so I was very happy when I saw that THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II had now been released on Blu-ray!  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Troma website:

  Toxie’s mean, green, and back on the screen! Melvin Junko was a nerdy 98lb weakling until he fell into a vat of toxic waste, turning him into the first ever superhuman superhero from New Jersey. This time the hideously deformed creature of superhuman size and strength takes on Tokyo. The Toxic Avenger Part II is a spectacular sequel with even more ingenious special effects, even more bizarre action, and even more unbelievably famous fight scenes. He’s come a long way from Tromaville, baby!

  Now usually sequels are not nearly as good as the original, but I have to say that I think THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II is just as good as the first.  I loved this film from the very opening scene till the end credits.    Like most of Troma's films, the film does not take itself seriously at all.  It is a cheesy movie with crazy dialog and some corny humor, and the typical Troma style gross out humor as well.   What this movie had that I wasn't expecting, though, was some excellent gore!  Most of the gore is pretty over the top and ridiculously unrealistic, but there was some gore in this film that looked amazingly real and actually made me cringe at times.  Part II of this film series also gives us some crazy, over the top fight scenes. 

If you were a fan of the original TOXIC AVENGER, you will definitely want to get your hands on a copy of this new Blu-ray.  THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II is available now on a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and contains the following special features:

*  Lovingly remastered HD presentation
*  New intro by Lloyd Kaufman
*  Director's commentary
*  Up close and personal with Toxie
*  A word from Troma's villainess Lisa Gaye
*  The Toxic Avenger on Japanese TV
*  The Toxic Avenger Saga trailers
*  The American Cinematheque honors 40 Years of Troma


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

Blu-ray Review: ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE (2006)

 
ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE
Directed by Jonathan Levine
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

  This is one film that I have been looking forward to seeing for years.   I heard about this movie years ago, and periodically there would be news of a DVD release date, but that date would come and go and the release kept being delayed.  Finally, ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE has been released by the great folks at Anchor Bay Entertainment!   I am happy to say, it was worth the wait!  This was one of the most enjoyable horror films I have seen this year!  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Anchor Bay website:

  Amber Heard (Machete Kills) stars as Mandy Lane, an untouchable Texas high-school beauty who is invited by her classmates to a weekend getaway at a secluded ranch. But as the sun goes down and the party rages on, the festivities take a disturbing turn. And for lovely Mandy Lane, a night of endless horror has just begun. Anson Mount (“Hell On Wheels”), Whitney Able (Monsters) and Michael Welch (The Twilight Saga) co-star in this acclaimed and controversial shocker from director Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies).

  As I said before, this film was definitely worth the wait.  I really enjoyed this film for a number of reasons.  The main thing I loved about this film was the style of it.  It was shot very well and in a cool style, with some different scene fades, and some other shots I am not used to in a horror film.  It's hard for me to really describe, but you will see what I mean about the shooting style when you see it. 

  Another great thing about this film is the acting.  I thought it was done very well with not a weak actor in the group.   The story is one we have seen before  (kids go to a camp/cabin/whatever and get picked off one by one), but this film managed to bring a nice twist to this overly done plot theme.   I can't say I didn't see it coming, and you will most definitely figure out who the killer is before it is revealed, but there is still a nice twist at the end that you probably wont see coming.  

  I highly recommend this film for any fan of slasher flicks.  ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Anchor Bay Films, and includes Feature Commentary with Director Jonathan Levine.


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

Blu-ray Review: THE BLACK WATERS OF ECHO'S POND

THE BLACK WATERS OF ECHO'S POND
Directed by Gabriel Bologna
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

  It feels like it's been a while since my last film review!  With the packing, and moving, and then unpacking, and then the death of my old computer, I guess it has been a while since my last review post.  Well, I am happy to say I am starting back up with a good one!   The film is THE BLACK WATERS OF ECHO'S POND.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Anchor Bay website:

  During a Turkish archaeological dig early last century, an ancient board game said to have entertained demons was unearthed. Now nearly 90 years later, a group of vacationing friends – including a cynic (Danielle Harris of HALLOWEEN), a rich jerk (James Duval DONNIEof  DARKO), a slutty starlet (Mircea Monroe of “Hart Of Dixie”), a jock (Nick Menell of FRIDAY THE 13TH) and prudish twin sisters (Electra & Elise Avellan of GRINDHOUSE) – discover the game hidden in an old house on a remote Maine island. And with a roll of the dice, their darkest secrets will unleash all the greed, jealously and lusts of Hell itself. Richard Tyson (BLACK HAWK DOWN) and Robert Patrick (TERMINATOR 2: JUDGEMENT DAY) co-star in this gory shocker that Horror.com calls “good ol’ fashioned horror movie fun!”

 This was a very fun film, but I do have to admit it is slow at times.  Stick with it though, because the ending is pretty brutal and contains a very cool plot twist.  The acting is mediocre, although Danielle Harris does a great job as always, and there is just something about the Avellan twins that I love, so they are always fun to watch.  
  The effects in this film are very good, and I am happy to report there is quite a bit of blood and gore in this movie, including an awesome chainsaw scene at the end! 
  Check this one out if you get the chance.  THE BLACK WATERS OF ECHO'S POND is available now on DVD and Blu-ray and includes an Alternate Opening  as the only special feature.


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