Blu-ray Review: TAG: THE ASSASSINATION GAME (1982)

TAG:  THE ASSASSINATION GAME

Written & Directed by:  Nick Castle

Distributed by:  Synapse Films / MVD Entertainment

  If the name Nick Castle rings a bell for you, it's because you probably know him as the actor who played Michael Myers in John Carpenter's 1978 classic, HALLOWEEN.   I hate to admit it, but I had no idea he was a director as well.  In fact, he has 13 films he is listed as the director of on his IMDb page.   A lot of these are comedies, including one of my favorites, MAJOR PAYNE.   I guess I don't pay attention to the credits of films much, or maybe I just forgot, but I certainly didn't remember he directed that one!   

  Castle's directorial career began with the subject of today's review.   1982's "TAG:  THE ASSASSINATION GAME".  Here the basic plot synopsis from the Synapse Film's website:

  Before the majority of 1980s college movies were all about nudity, slapstick comedy, beer bongs and bad decisions, TAG: The Assassination Game gave this genre a killer twist. In this 1982 film noir-inspired gem, a group of students turns dorm life into a mock battle royale by playing a game that could never be done on campuses of today.  The rules of TAG are simple. Players try to “murder” each other using rubber-tipped toy dart guns. If you are shot, you are “killed” and taken out of the game permanently until only one player remains. Unfortunately for this year’s TAG players, one sore loser is determined to win at any cost, even if it means murdering his competition for real!

  Let me start off by saying this was an extremely fun film!   I know it doesn't seem like a movie about a psycho killing off college kids should be described as "fun", but it is done in way that it just is.  The film doesn't take itself seriously, and there is some dark humor throughout the film that lightens the mood.  

  What starts as a simple game of campus tag using rubber darts, descends into something more when the reigning champ, Loren Gersh" gets "killed" in a way he felt was unfair.  This infuriates Gersh to the point that he takes "The Assassination Game" moniker to heart, and he trades in his rubber darts for real bullets!  

  Gersh does a good job of hiding his killings.   My favorite was when he was under the bleachers that his next target was sitting on watching track and field practice.  He times his shot perfectly with the starting pistol the coach shoots to start the race, so no one notices his kill!  

 

  Something else that was so much fun about this film, was seeing actors I knew from other films, but really hadn't seen in many other films.   Robert Carradine plays the lead role in TAG.  I pretty much only know his as Lewis Skolnick from the REVENGE OF THE NERDS films.   Linda Hamilton plays the other lead, and we all know her from her many films, but I mainly know her from TERMINATOR 2, of course.  The part of Loren Gersh is played by Bruce Abbott, of RE-ANIMATOR fame. 

  This is a very unique films as it's hard to categorize into one genre.  It's not truly a horror movie, although it does involve killing and shows dead bodies.  It is more action I would say, and a bit of a psychological thriller.  Throw in a love story with Carradine and Hamilton's characters and you truly have a film that has something for everyone in it!

  TAG: THE ASSASSINATION GAME is available now on Blu-ray and contains the following Special Features:

*  Audio Commentary with Director Nick Castle and star Robert Carradine

*  Original Theatrical Trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from Synapse Films

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment

Blu-ray Review: DREAM EATER (2025)

DREAM EATER

Written & Directed by:  Jay Drakulic, Mallory Drumm, & Alex Lee Williams

Distributed by:  Alliance Entertainment / The Horror Section

 In 2025, Eli Roth created a new company to help get their horror films distribution.  That company is called THE HORROR SECTION, and one of the first releases is the film DREAM EATER.   I knew nothing about this film going into it, but with "Eli Roth Presents" above the title, I knew I wanted to check it out.   I'll be honest, I didn't really have super high expectations for it, as found footage films have been done to death lately it seems.  I am happy to say that this film blew away my expectations and was a fresh and actually very scary and disturbing entry into what had become a very saturated sub-genre in recent years, in my opinion. 

Here is the basic plot synopsis from The Horror Section's website:

  A filmmaker documents her boyfriend's violent parasomnia during their holiday at a remote cabin in the woods, and as his sleepwalking gets worse, she believes the cause might be something far more sinister. 

  It's a simple plot, but it is not a simple film by any means.   I can honestly say this is one of the best found footage films I have ever seen.   While a lot of found footage films start off super slow and only have a pay off at the very end  (I'm looking at you BLAIR WITCH PROJECT), this film had me hooked from the very beginning.   The main character's sleep walking starts from the very beginning and just gets progressively worse with each episode.   It was scary to think what he was going to do the next night, since you knew it was going to be even worse.  It really made you feel for his girlfriend, knowing that every night she was going to have to deal with a progressively worse bout of his sleep walking.   

  The film does have a crazy climax at the end, but the whole film was a crazy ride.    Just the anticipation of what was coming each night was very uncomfortable.   The acting in this film was great, and you really had a connection to these characters, so that made you feel even worse with what was going on.  

  Out of the many scary and uncomfortable scenes, one I found particularly disturbing was actually very tame on the surface.   While Mallory (the girlfriend) goes out looking for Alex  (the sleepwalker), she goes into the shed behind the cabin and finds a stack of drawings that Alex has done, all showing a dark, shrouded character.   What's interesting is that as she thumbs through the stack of sketches, each one gets more disturbing than the last.  The character becomes bigger and the picture as a whole becomes darker with each one she skims through.  I loved the correlations of these sketches and his episodes, showing how each one gets progressively worse. 

  

  One thing I really noticed that I don't in a lot of films, was the music.  The score for this film was very unnerving.  A simple tune whistled with a very eerie sound.   Check out the trailer and you'll know what I am talking about as soon as you hear it. 

 As impressive enough as this film is, even more impressive is the fact that the 3 writers and directors are also the main actors in the film.  It was done a very moderate budget, but the film doesn't look or feel that way.   They made the most of what they had and it paid off  for sure!   

 Watch DREAM EATER with the lights down, and the volume up and buckle in for a wild and scary ride!  

  DREAM EATER is available now on Collector's Edition Blu-ray and contains the following Special Features:

*  Director's Commentary

*  Behind the Scenes Featurette with Eli Roth

*  Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery

*  Trailers

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-Ray Review: HIGHWAY TO HELL (1990)

HIGHWAY TO HELL

Directed by:  Bret McCormick

Distributed by:  Visual Vengeance / Wild Eye Releasing / MVD Distribution

  The only HIGHWAY TO HELL film I had ever heard of was the 1991 horror/dark comedy film from director Ate De Jong.    Look up the film and I'm sure you'll recognize the iconic cover art that was in every Blockbuster and Mom and Pop video store back in the 1990's.   

  When this HIGHWAY TO HELL arrived for my review, I assumed it was that movie with different cover art.   That is not the case.  This is actually a completely different film that came out one year before in 1990.  This is more of an exploitation road adventure movie, and as bad as it was, it was still quite a fun watch!   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the MVD website:

Convicted mass-murderer Toby Gilmore has escaped from prison, and the open desert becomes his playground for sadism and destruction. Determined to stop him after failing to execute him years earlier, officer Earl Dent (Richard Harrison) sets out on a relentless pursuit that turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse. But Gilmore has taken a hostage--Fran Tucker, a young woman caught in the wrong place at the worst possible time. As the chase hurtles across backroads and wastelands, Dent closes in, each mile bringing he and Gilmore closer to an explosive reckoning on the highway to hell.

Shot in rural Texas, Highway to Hell stands as a prime example of the regional, low-budget filmmaking that fueled America's video boom of the 1980s and '90s. Originally released on VHS via Rae Don Home Video, the film showcases director Bret McCormick (The Abomination, Repligator), a key figure in the Texas exploitation underground, whose raw energy and ingenuity turn poverty row resources into a fast-paced, sun-baked thriller that captures the true spirit and grit of independent genre cinema.

 This is a very low budget film and it shows.  The acting is not great, the effects are pretty bad, but like I mentioned before, this was still a lot of fun to watch.   It might be a case of laughing AT the film versus laughing WITH the film, though, as I assume this was supposed to be a serious film at the time.   The film follows our killer, Toby Gilmore, as he carjacks his way across country with the law on his tail.  No one is safe from Gilmore, not women or even children!  Gilmore will do anything he has to survive and not go back to prison. 

 Some laughable moments include our killer shooting a truck with one shot from a pistol and it exploding into a huge fireball.   Another is Gilmore shooting a helicopter out of the sky with his pistol, also with a huge explosion!   That pistol he carries must pack quite a punch!

 While the film might not be exceptional by any means, this physical release of the film is for sure.  Visual Vengeance spared no expense on giving this film quite the stellar release.   The film has reversible cover art and an awesome slip case.  There are tons of Special Features including the following:

* Region Free Blu-ray

* SD master from original tape elements

* Commentary with director Bret McCormick

* Director Bret McCormick interview

* Red Hot Asphalt:  actor Richard Harrison interview

* Road Trip: actress Blue Thompson interview

* Writing A Road Map to Hell:  screenwriter Gary Kennamer interview

* Actor Tom Fegan interview

* Image Gallery

* Bonus Movie: REDNECK COUNTY FEVER (1992), directed by Gary Kennamer

* REDNECK COUNTY FEVER - Commentary track with Bret McCormick and Gary Kennamer

* REDNECK COUNTY FEVER - Bret McCormick interview

* REDNECK COUNTY FEVER - Gary Kennamer interview

* Visual Vengeance trailers

* "Stick Your Own" VHS Sticker set

* Reversible sleeve featuring original VHS art

* Folded REDNECK COUNTY FEVER mini-poster

* Optional English Subtitles

* Limited Edition O-Card featuring original poster art (First Pressing Only)

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: GARDEN OF LOVE (2003)

GARDEN OF LOVE

Directed by:  Olaf Ittenbach

Distributed by:  Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

 If you are a fan of Director Olaf Ittenbach, then you probably already know about this film.  I have known about Ittenbach for a while now, but I can honestly say I have never seen any of his films.  I heard all the hype around his film DARD DIVORCE, and even tracked down a copy on DVD, but have yet to watch it.  Apparently his films are supposed to be pretty extreme and graphic.  Well, if all his films are like GARDEN OF LOVE, then I can definitely confirm that that is the case.  

Here is the plot synopsis from the Unearthed Films website:

The story of a young woman tormented by bloody visions of a past she can't really remember. All she knows is that all of her family was slaughtered when she was very young. Now, the spirits of the dead lusts for vengeance and they want Rebecca to guide those responsible to them. Rebecca reluctantly agrees and bloodspurting chaos ensues.

  This film was previously released on DVD under the alternative title, THE HAUNTING OF REBECCA VERLAINE. So if you have seen that, just know this is the same film.  But...you'll probably want to do yourself a favor and upgrade to this new Blu-ray, as the picture and colors look amazing!

  If you are a gorehound, you are going to LOVE this one.   Did you like the opening scene of TERRIFIER 3?  Well, if so, you are going to love the opening of this film. In fact, this reminded me so much of TERRIFIER 3, that I have no doubts the makers of that film were a fan of Ittenbach and this film in particular. The similarities are uncanny.   

  The gore is definitely the main star here, but unlike other films that are just made to showcase the gore and effects, this one actually has a really cool story with a nice twist ending.    This film definitely  has more substance than most gore films I am used to watching.  That being said, I have to keep focus on the gore here, as there is so much of it, and it is all so well done.   Throat slashings, beheadings, appendages being ripped of, face splittings, and disembowelments are just a few of the things you will witness in this film.  The fact that it is all done with practical effects makes it that much better. 

 If you have not seen this film, I highly recommend it.  This is one I am glad to add to my collection and will be re-visiting very soon.   This film also makes be want to check out some of Ittenbach's other films!   

 GARDEN OF LOVE is available now on Blu-ray from Unearthed Films, and contains the following Special Features:

*  Making of Garden of Love

*  A Look Behind Garden of Love

*  New Outtakes

*  New Photo Gallery

*  Trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from Unearthed Films

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment

4K UHD Review: RE-ANIMATOR (1985)

RE-ANIMATOR

Directed by:  Stuart Gordon

Distributed by:  Second Sight Films

 If you haven't seen Stuart Gordon's RE-ANIMATOR, stop what you are doing right now and go watch it.  It's in my list of top 5 horror films of all time.  It's a classic film that never gets old, no matter how many times I watch it.  Here is the basic plot synopsis from IMDb.com:

After an odd new medical student arrives on campus, a dedicated local and his girlfriend become involved in bizarre experiments centering around the re-animation of dead tissue.

 Now that is a very basic plot synopsis about a film that is anything but basic.  This is a brilliant film that keeps you entertained from start to finish.  The gore effects are amazing and very plentiful!   This was before the age of CGI, so you get to enjoy nothing but gooey practical effects.   The acting is top notch with Jeffrey Combs giving a great performance as Dr. Herbert West and the amazing Barbara Crampton as the Dean of the college's daughter, Megan Halsey.  I assume most horror fans have seen this film, so I am not going to go into any more details about the film itself.  We all know it's amazing.  I am going to focus this review more on the newest physical release of the film from Second Sight Films.   As always, Second Sight has done an amazing job on this new 4K release.   They spare no expense when it comes to extras and presentation. 

 The picture quality of this new 4K release is amazing. Crystal clear picture and vibrant colors.   This is definitely worth the upgrade from your old DVD or Blu-ray copies that I know we all have sitting on our shelves!  

 As great as this movie obviously is, the Special Features are what really steal the show here.  The film itself is really only a small part of this release.  There are hours and hours of special features that go really in depth into the making of this film.   Here is a list of all the Special Features included on this new release:

• New 4K restoration approved by Producer Brian Yuzna

• Presented in HDR with Dolby Vision

• Includes the Integral Version in HD

• New Audio Commentary by Eddie Falvey

• Audio Commentary with Director Stuart Gordon

• Audio Commentary with Producer Brian Yuzna and Actors Bruce Abbott, Jeffrey Combs, Barbara Crampton and Robert Sampson

• The Cosmic Horror of HP Lovecraft: a video essay by Mike Muncer

• Re-Animator at 40: conversation with Actors Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton, and Producer Brian Yuzna

• Piece By Piece: Cutting Re-Animator: an interview with Editor Lee Percy

• Suzie Sorority and The Good College Boy: an interview with Actor Carolyn Purdy-Gordon

• The Horror of it All: The Legacy and Impact of Re-Animator

• Barbara Crampton in Conversation

• A Guide to Lovecraftian Cinema

• Re-Animator Resurrectus

• Interview with Director Stuart Gordon and Producer Brian Yuzna

• Interview with Writer Dennis Paoli

• Interview with Composer Richard Band

• Interview with former Fangoria Editor Tony Timpone

• Extended Scenes

• Deleted Scene

• Theatrical Trailer

• TV Spots Still

• Gallery

 The commentary tracks and new conversations with the cast and crew are extremely interesting and is worth the price of this release alone.  Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Second Sight Films new RE-ANIMATOR release asap!  

 Second Sight released this film in two versions, a standard 1 disk 4K version, and a limited edition 3 disk box set with a rigid slipcase with new artwork by artist Krishna Shenoi, a 120 page book with  new essays by Sean Abley, Becky Darke, Lindsay Hallam, Josh Hurtado, Michelle Kisner, Justin LaLiberty, Phil Nobile Jr and Heather Wixson, and 6 collectors arts cards.   

  At the time of this post, it looks like the Limited Edition box set is sold out everywhere I look.  If I find a site that still has them, I'll update this post!   You can still get the standard edition by clicking below. 

CLICK HERE to purchase the RE-ANIMATOR 4K UHD Standard Edition

Blu-ray Review: THE LAST HORROR FILM (1982)

THE LAST HORROR FILM

Directed by:  David Winters

Distributed by:  Troma Films / MVD Entertainment

  Anytime I get a Troma film to review, I am super excited.  I love Troma films, and not just the ones they produce, but the ones they buy to distribute as well.  They get some great horror films, most of which are B movies or even C grade movies if we're being honest, but one thing they always are is fun!   THE LAST HORROR FILM is no different.    I have always heard about this film, but I have never seen it before.  I was glad to finally get the chance with this new special edition Blu-ray release from Troma Films. 

Here is the plot synopsis from the Troma Films website:

Joe Spinnel (THE GODFATHER, ROCKY, MANIAC) plays Vinny, a cab driver with dreams of being a major Hollywood producer.  Determined to have Jenna Bates (Bond-girl Caroline Munro) star in his first film, Vinny follows her to the Cannes Film Festival where she’s busy promoting her latest horror flick.  He becomes obsessed with Jenna. He becomes FANATIC!  Once in Cannes, FANATIC begins to reveal the dangerous and deadly side of obsession and the stalking begins!  The suspense and eroticism in FANATIC are surpassed only be its blood-chilling horror as this Hollywood scream-queen learns about true fear and paranoia. The cabbie/wanna-be producer fixates pn his “leading lady” and he’ll do anything to get her!  First Jenna’s entourage is murdered one by one. Then bodies begin to disappear.  Even worse, when Jenna calls the cops to investigate they begin to doubt her. Could it be a publicity stunt for her next movie?  Or else has her mad stalker finally gone over the edge?  Who else will get in the FANATIC’S path on his way to have Jenna, and when will the carnage in Cannes end?

 The film stars Joe Spinell who plays a mentally deranged man who has a creepy obsession with actress Jana Bates, played by the beautiful Caroline Munro.   You'll probably recognize actor Joe Spinell from his starring role in 1980's MANIAC.   He does a great job playing a creepy, obsessed fan.  

  Vinny wants Jana to star in the horror movie is making, so he follows her to the Cannes Film Festival where she is there promoting her new film.   He hopes to be able to talk to her about his project, but her entourage of handlers, agents, and security is always keeping him from getting close enough to her to pitch her his film.  One by one Jana's entourage is picked off, leaving him with a chance to finally get his hands on her.   This film is a lot of fun, because all throughout the film we get to see Vinny watching various horror films, I assume to get ideas for his feature film.   The films within this film are a lot of fun, and is where we get most of the great gore effects in this film.   I was really impressed with the gore in this film, especially the cutting open of a man and ripping his still barely beating heart out of his chest!   These are top notch effects for sure!  Also, kudos to the filmmakers for the twist ending....I can usually pick out the killer in these films, but this one caught me off guard for sure!

 Some fun little trivia tidbit here, Jana mentions the next film she is working on is a horror movie called "SCREAM".   Also, in one of the shots of a movie theater marquee, we see the theater is playing a movie called "STAB"!    Could this film be the inspiration for Wes Craven's SCREAM from 1996?   If you haven't seen THE LAST HORROR FILM before, now is a great time to check it out.   If you have seen it, or even have it on DVD,  now is a great time to upgrade to this new blu-ray release!

 THE LAST HORROR FILM is available now from Troma Films and MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

• * Introduction by Lloyd Kaufman
• * Audio Commentaries
• * Interviews
• * The Last Horror Fim Trailer
• * Mr. Robbie - A Short Film By Buddy Giovinazzo
• * Highlights From The Tromadance Film Festival
• * A Full Episode Of Kabukiman's Cocktail Corner
• * Troma Trailers

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

  

  

Blu-ray Review: THE UNNAMABLE (1988)

THE UNNAMABLE
Directed by Jean-Paul Ouellette
Distributed by Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  For years I have had a DVD copy of a film called, THE UNNAMABLE II.   I had never watched it, because I didn't want to see part 2 of something before I had seen part 1.  I assumed I could find the first UNNAMABLE on DVD, but was never able to.  It turns out the first film had never been releases on DVD.  Well, now the search is over and I can add the first film to my collection thanks to the amazing Stephen Biro and Unearthed Films.  Unearthed Films recently bought the rights to THE UNNAMABLE and have released an amazing DVD and Blu-ray of the film with a newly restored 4K transfer. 

  If you are unfamiliar with this film, here is the basic plot synopsis courtesy of the MVD website:

  College students from Miskatonic University who retreat to an early 18th-century mansion for a weekend of lust are stalked by a fatalistic female in this horror film based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft. The demon delights in tearing the limbs off her human victims to carry out a centuries-old family curse.

  This film was released in 1988, and there is no doubt that it is a product of the 80's.   The character's clothing and hair is a dead giveaway.   That's how we looked back then, though, so try to look past the laughable clothing choices of some of these characters.   The story is simple enough, kids are trying to stay in a house that is inhabited by an ancient creature of some sort.  I'm sure it's no surprise to you that the kids meet their demise, one at a time.   There are some gruesome kills and some amazing gore in this film, all by practical effects.   The monster is not really seen until towards the very end of the film, but when it is revealed, it is well worth the wait.   I have no clue what this creature is supposed to be, but it look like it's part goat with it's hooved feet and fur!  

 Unearthed Films has done an amazing job with this release.  The picture quality is very clear and I have to comment on the beautiful slip case cover art!   I have no idea who did that cover art, but it is truly amazing!    Now, I do have to mention one issue I found with this release, and that is the 5.1 DTS-HD Surround Sound has a glitch where the sound effects are doubled.  So basically it sounds like an echo after every sound effect.  This was super annoying, but switching to the original 2.0 Mono soundtrack fixed the issue and it was fine after doing that.   It's a very minor issue, but definitely worthy of a mention.   

 This is a must see in my opinion, especially if you are a fan of  H.P. Lovecraft and films inspired by his stories.

 THE UNNAMABLE is available now on DVD & Blu-ray from Unearthed Classics and MVD Entertainment and includes the following Special Features:

*  4K Scan with color correction and restoration from the original negative.
*  5.1 DTS-HD Surround Sound, 2.0 PCM
*  Video Interview with actors Charles Klausmeyer & Mark Kinsey Stephenson
*  Video Interview with actor Eben Ham
*  Video Interview with actress Laura Albert
*  Video Interview with Mark Parra
*  Video Interviews with R. Christopher Biggs special makeup effects artist & make up artist Camille Calvet
*  Audio Commentary with Charles Klausmeyer, Mark Stephenson, Laura Albert, Eben Ham, Camille Calvet, R. Christopher Biggs
*  Photo Gallery
*  Trailers

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

 

 

Well Go USA to release the PHANTASM SPECIAL EDITION BOX SET!!

  Recently you might have seen that the company Well Go USA released the first PHANTASM film and the new 5th film (PHANTASM:  RAVAGER) on Blu-ray.    That was a quite a treat, but now we are in for an even bigger treat as Well Go USA has announced they will release the entire PHANTASM series on a Special Edition Box Set coming out April 11th!   

  Here is a look at what will be included in the 6-disc set courtesy of Well Go USA:


The all-new bonus materials included in THE PHANTASM COLLECTION break down as follows:
Disc 1: PHANTASM

• Audio Commentary with writer/director Don Coscarelli, co-producer Paul Pepperman and visual consultant Roberto Quezada
• Additional home movie footage

Disc 3: PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD

• “Balls of Steel: Bob Ivy’s Stunt for the Ages - The Phantasm III Car Stunt” – This featurette shows the planning and behind-the-scenes footage of the dangerous stunt performed in the film and includes recently rediscovered material.
• “It’s Never Over: The Making of PHANTASM III: LORD OF THE DEAD” – This featurette  includes  interviews with Don Coscarelli, A. Michael Baldwin, Reggie Bannister, Bill Thornbury,
  Gloria Lynn Henry, Stuntman Bob Ivy, director of photography Christopher Chomyn, composer/sound designer Christopher L. Stone, sphere designer/mechanical effects artist Kerry Prior, special makeup effects designer Dean Gates and Production Assistant Kristen Deem.
• Audio Commentary with writer/director Don Coscarelli and editor Norman Buckley
• Behind the Scenes Compilation

Disc 4: PHANTASM IV: OBLIVION

• “Death is No Escape: The Making of PHANTASM IV: OBLIVION” – This featurette includes interviews with Don Coscarelli, A. Michael Baldwin, Reggie Bannister, Bill Thornbury,
  special makeup effects artist Gigi Bannister, stunt co-ordinator/actor Bob Ivy, director of photography Christopher Chomyn, composer/sound designer Christopher L. Stone, sphere designer/mechanical effects designer Kerry Prior, cameraman Justin Zaharczuk and special makeup effects artist Robert Kurtzman.
• Behind the Scenes Compilation
• Phantasm sequels Conceptual Art Gallery by Justin Zaharczuk

Disc 5: PHANTASM V: RAVAGER

• “The Making of PHANTASM V: RAVAGER” featurette
• Interview with actor A. Michael Baldwin
• Interview with actress Kat Lester
• Interview with actor Stephan Jutras
• Behind the Scenes Promo with Angus Scrimm Tribute
• Phantasm V Red Credit Sequence

Disc 6: BONUS DISC

• “Phantasm and You” – a comic recap of the first 4 films by PHANTASM V: RAVAGER director David Hartman
• Flashback Weekend Chicago Convention Panel Discussion (2008)
• Flashback Weekend Chicago Convention Cast Panel (2014)
• Flashback Weekend concert performance by Kat Lester
• 2016 Fantastic Fest Premiere and Q&A

Also included with the collection is Phantasm Compendium, a 120-page book featuring exclusive interviews and rare, behind-the-scenes photos chronicling the history and impact of the franchise, plus a 21” x 27” reversible poster featuring the iconic original theatrical artwork.


This set looks like it will be an amazing collection!   The box set will be released on April 11th, and you can pre-order your set by clicking the link below!


CLICK HERE to pre-order the PHANTASM Box Set from Amazon.com

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: 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

Take a look at the limited edition blu-ray of the thrillers A MEASURE OF THE SIN and BLIND

  I recently got a press release for a great looking 2-disc limited edition Blu-ray of the films A MEASURE OF THE SIN and BLIND from Brink Vision.  I just watched the trailer and these films look excellent!   Also, when Brink Vision says they are releasing this Blu-ray in a limited edition, they are not kidding....the Blu-ray is limited to only 200 copies!

ANNOUNCEMENT – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A MEASURE OF THE SIN/BLIND BLU-RAY

 

“2-Disc Limited Edition (200 Copies) Blu-Ray of two feature-length films sold exclusively through BrinkVision.

This limited collector’s set is hand-numbered and signed by director Jeff Wedding includes all new special features

 

BrinkVision is releasing a very limited 2 disc Blu-ray collector’s edition of the critically acclaimed thriller A Measure of the Sin and mystery thriller Blind. This 2-disc blu-ray is packed with tons of bonus content, hand numbered with reverse sleeve, and signed by director Jeff Wedding. Only 200 copies will ever be made of this collector's edition, and will only be for sale exclusively through the BrinkVision website, so get them before they are gone forever!

A MEASURE OF THE SIN

SPECIAL FEATURES

-Feature Film without Narration

-Isolated Score & Effects Track

-Audio Commentary with Director Jeff Wedding

  and Original Story Author Kristy Nielsen

-Audio Commentary with Director Jeff Wedding,

  Actor/Producer Katie Groshong and Actor Stephen Jackson

-Audio Commentary with Director Jeff Wedding

-Gracie: The Diary of a Coma Patient, a Super-8mm

  Short Film (28mins - 2006)

-Promotional Artwork

-Stills Gallery

-Easter Egg

-Trailers

 

BLIND

SPECIAL FEATURES

-Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Co-Director

  Jeff Wedding, Co-Writer/Co-Director Steve Wedding,

  Producer Ryan Jackson, and Editor David Bowen

- Isolated Score Track

- Vintage Making-of Featurette

- Perry’s Wait, a 35mm Short Film (24mins - 2004)

- Promotional Artwork

- Stills Gallery

- Trailers

 

Price: $24.95

PRE-SALE DATE: 05/13/2016

STREET DATE: 05/24/2016

 

A Measure of the Sin:

Every childhood is normal to the child who lives it. For Meredith that means an enchanted seclusion that is shattered when she is deprived of her mother. Desperate and alone, Meredith must join a household with other women and their children, a sinister man who controls every facet of her existence, and a vicious bear that only she can see. As life in this world becomes increasingly strange and frightening, Meredith realizes that she must flee, even though she fears she has not learned enough to survive on her own.

Blind:

For happily married detective Richard Larson, the hunt for a demented serial killer gets personal when he begins to experience mysterious visions of the killer’s victims - before their bodies are discovered! The trail of evidence points to Clive Rudolph, a seemingly affable locksmith with a disturbing past. When yet another woman is abducted, the tension mounts as the race to save her life grows ever more desperate. But the closer Detective Larson comes to uncovering the facts, the nearer he gets to exposing a shattering secret that will haunt him forever

 
Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZXNuEDWOuE
 
Retail Link:

 

http://www.brinkvision.com/filmdetails/87/a-measure-of-the-sin-blind-blu-ray--limited-edition