Blu-ray Review: ZOMBIE (1979)

ZOMBIE
Directed by Lucio Fulci
Distributed by Blue Underground / MVD Distribution

 I have been a huge fan of Lucio Fulci ever since I saw my first film by him.  The first film of his I ever saw was ZOMBIE, on an old clam shell VHS back in my college days.   It has been almost 20 years since I have seen this film, so I was thrilled when I got a chance to review this new 40th Anniversary 4K Blu-ray edition of the film.   Here is a brief synopsis of the new release courtesy of the Blue Underground website:

In Italy, it was considered the 'unofficial sequel' to DAWN OF THE DEAD. In England, it was known as ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS and banned as obscene. In America, it was called ZOMBIE and advertised with the depraved tag line "WE ARE GOING TO EAT YOU!" Tisa Farrow (THE GRIM REAPER), Ian McCulloch (CONTAMINATION), Al Cliver (CANNIBALS), and Richard Johnson (THE HAUNTING) star in this worldwide splatter sensation directed by 'Maestro Of Gore' Lucio Fulci (CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD, THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY) that remains one of the most eye-skewering, skin-ripping, gore-gushingly graphic horror hits of all time!

  The plot of the film is simple.....a woman goes looking for her father on an island he was last known to be at.  That island is, of course, being ravaged by zombies!  The film is known by quite a few other names, such as:  ZOMBI 2, ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS, ISLAND OF THE LIVING DEAD, ISLAND OF THE FLESH-EATERS, and WOODOO. 

  The zombie effects in this film are top notch, and rank among my favorite zombies in film history, especially the worm infested zombie from the original poster and cover art.   This is how I imagine a zombie looking if they were real, decayed with worms oozing from the eye sockets!   Gross!  Along with the great make up and effects is some amazing gore, including the famous splinter in the eyeball scene and multiple neck biting resulting in tons of blood.   There is also that one scene you might have heard about, where a zombie fights a shark!  It really must be seen to be believed, and if you haven't seen it, you are truly missing out! 

  If you have never seen this film, do yourself a favor and watch it asap.   This is one of my favorite zombie films of all time.  Even if you have seen it, do yourself a favor and check out this new blu-ray release, as you have never seen it like this before! 

 ZOMBIE is available now from Blue Underground and contains the following Special Features:

Disc 1 (Blu-ray) Feature Film + Extras:
*  NEW! Audio Commentary #1 with Troy Howarth, Author of Splintered Visions: Lucio Fulci and His Films
*  Audio Commentary #2 with Star Ian McCulloch and Diabolik Magazine Editor Jason J. Slater
*  NEW! When The Earth Spits Out The Dead - Interview with Stephen Thrower, Author of Beyond Terror: The Films of Lucio Fulci
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  TV Spots
*  Radio Spots
*  Poster & Still Gallery
*  Guillermo del Toro Intro

Disc 2 (Blu-ray) Extras:
*  Zombie Wasteland - Interviews with Stars Ian McCulloch, Richard Johnson & Al Cliver, and Actor/Stuntman Ottaviano Dell'Acqua
*  Flesh Eaters on Film - Interview with Co-Producer Fabrizio De Angelis
*  Deadtime Stories - Interviews with Co-Writers Elisa Briganti and (Uncredited) Dardano Sacchetti
*  World of the Dead - Interviews with Cinematographer Sergio Salvati and Production & Costume Designer Walter Patriarca
*  Zombi Italiano - Interviews with Special Make-Up Effects Artists Gianetto De Rossi & Maurizio Trani and Special Effects Artist Gino De Rossi
*  Notes on a Headstone - Interview with Composer Fabio Frizzi
*  All in the Family - Interview with Antonella Fulci
*  Zombie Lover - Award-Winning Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro talks about one of his favorite films

BONUS! ZOMBIE Original Motion Picture Soundtrack CD by Fabio Frizzi

BONUS! Collectable Booklet with new essay by Stephen Thrower


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


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Blu-ray Review: DEATH LINE (1972)

DEATH LINE
a.k.a. RAW MEAT
Directed  by:  Gary Sherman
Distributed by Blue Underground & CAV Distributing

  You might know this film by it's alternate title of RAW MEAT, which is the title used on the old 2003 MGM U.S. DVD release.  I actually had that DVD but had never watched it yet.  I was excited to see that Blue Underground was releasing this new Blu-ray of the film and was glad to get the chance to review it for my website!   Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the Blue Underground website:

 When a prominent politician and a beautiful young woman vanish inside a London subway station, Scotland Yard's Inspector Calhoun (Donald Pleasence of HALLOWEEN) investigates and makes a horrifying discovery. Not only did a group of 19th century tunnel workers survive a cave-in, but they lived for years in a secret underground enclave by consuming the flesh of their own dead. Now the lone descendant of this grisly tribe has surfaced, prowling the streets for fresh victims... and a new mate.
  Norman Rossington (A HARD DAY'S NIGHT), David Ladd (THE WILD GEESE), Sharon Gurney (CRUCIBLE OF HORROR), and the legendary Christopher Lee (HORROR OF DRACULA) also star in this heart-stopping horror classic co-written and directed by Gary Sherman (DEAD & BURIED). Originally recut and released as RAW MEAT in the United States, now DEATH LINE has been freshly transferred and fully restored in 2K from the original uncensored camera negative and comes fully loaded with exclusive new Extras produced for this release!

  I knew nothing about this film going into it, which is the way I like to go into movies I have yet to see.  I was very pleased with this film.   It reminded me of an urban "THE HILLS HAVE EYES".   I have always been fascinated by cannibal films, so this one is a nice addition to the collection.   The film is slow at some points, but overall it kept me entertained for sure.  Some of the gore is very well done, with the best scenes taking place in the cannibal's secret lair down in the subway tunnels.  His lair is full of rotting corpses, all in different stages of decay.

  Another great thing about this film is the presence of the great Donald Pleasence!    Most known for his role of Dr. Loomis in HALLOWEEN, his character here is very entertaining! 

  Blue Underground has gone all out with another amazing release.  DEATH LINE is available now from Blue Underground on a DVD/BD Combo Pack and contains the following special features:

Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Gary Sherman, Producer Paul Maslansky, and Assistant Director Lewis More O'Ferrall

Tales From The Tube - Interview with Co-Writer/Director Gary Sherman and Executive Producers Jay Kanter & Alan Ladd Jr.

From The Depths - Interview with Star David Ladd and Producer Paul Maslansky

Mind The Doors - Interview with Star Hugh Armstrong

DEATH LINE Trailer

RAW MEAT Trailer

RAW MEAT TV Spots

RAW MEAT Radio Spots

Poster & Still Gallery

BONUS Collectable Booklet featuring new writing by authors Michael Gingold and Christopher Gullo

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

 

Blu-ray Review: LOVE CAMP 7 (1969)

LOVE CAMP 7
Directed by  Lee Frost
Distributed by Blue Underground & CAV Distributing

 I have seen a lot of sexploitation and more notably, Nazisploitation films in my movie reviewing career, but somehow had never seen this 1969 gem, which actually ushered in the wave of Nazisploitation films of the 1970's.   While later films of this genre might have improved upon this one, you can't deny the impact this film had on an entire decade of film.   Here is the basic plot from the CAV website:

  The story of LOVE CAMP 7 is based on fact! During the darkest days of World War II, two young American WAC officers volunteer to infiltrate a Nazi Love Camp on a desperate rescue mission. Once inside, they are subjected to horrifying humiliations at the hands of their captors. Can they survive long enough to complete their objective and escape with their lives intact?
  Launching the Nazisploitation craze of the 1970s, LOVE CAMP 7 was the dream child of Writer/Producer/Star Bob Cresse (THE SCAVENGERS), Producer Dave Friedman (BLOOD FEAST), and Director/Cinematographer Lee Frost (THE BLACK GESTAPO). Blue Underground presents the original version of LOVE CAMP 7 in a brand-new 4K restoration from its recently discovered camera negative!
 
  This film will probably seem pretty tame by today's standards, and probably even by standards set by later films of the 1970's in this same genre of film.   I can imagine though at the time of it's release back in 1969, this was probably horribly upsetting and shocking to audiences.    There are still some shocking parts to the film, but overall it is one of the tamer exploitation films I have seen.  

  While not horror by any means, the film does have a crazy scene at the end where the women get their revenge on the Nazi officers.  I don't want to give too much away, but lets just say one of the greatest kills comes from the use of a wine bottle opener! 

  While these films were used mainly as an excuse for showing lots of female flesh, I never really understood how or why these types of movies were so popular. As much as I enjoy seeing these beautiful women, I don't enjoy the story line and plot aspect of them being treated as love slaves for the Nazi officers.   I guess that was part of the point of these films, to make you uncomfortable.  It also serves to make the ending more enjoyable when you see the women get their revenge.  

  The film is well made and well paced, with hardly ever a dull moment.   The new transfer from Blue Underground is excellent, with a very crisp and clear picture.  It looks amazing for a film that is 48 years old!  

  LOVE CAMP 7 is available now on a 2-disc limited edition Blu-ray/DVD combo pack from Blue Underground and CAV and contains the following special features:

• NAZITHON: DECADENCE AND DESTRUCTION
• Theatrical Trailer
• Poster & Still Gallery
• BONUS Collectable Booklet featuring The History of Nazi-Exploitation by Paolo Zelati


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

 
 
 

Blu-ray Review: CIRCUS OF FEAR (1966) / FIVE GOLDEN DRAGONS (1967) Double Feature

CIRCUS OF FEAR / FIVE GOLDEN DRAGONS Double Feature
(a.k.a. PSYCHO CIRCUS)
Directed by  John Moxey / Jeremy Summers
Distributed by  Blue Underground

  Blue Underground has recently released this awesome double feature featuring two films from the 1960's inspired by stories by author Edgar Wallace.   While it includes both CIRCUS OF FEAR and FIVE GOLDEN DRAGONS, my review will mainly focus on CIRCUS OF FEAR., and I must start by saying that this is not a true horror film by any means.  It has a few horror elements in it, but this is definitely more of a mystery/thriller/crime film.  Here is the plot synopsis and some info about the films from the Blue Underground website:


CIRCUS OF FEAR: What begins as a daring daylight armored car heist on London's Tower Bridge leads to a sinister circus where a disfigured lion tamer (Christopher Lee) is one of several suspects in a three-ring nightmare of red herrings, grisly 'accidents' and cold-blooded murder. Klaus Kinski (VENOM), Suzy Kendall (BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE), Margaret Lee (FIVE GOLDEN DRAGONS) and Leo Genn (THE BLOODY JUDGE) co-star in this gripping thriller directed by John Moxey (HORROR HOTEL, THE NIGHT STALKER) and based on a novel by legendary mystery writer Edgar Wallace.

Originally released in America as PSYCHO-CIRCUS in black & white and cut by more than 22 minutes, Blue Underground has now restored the film to its full running time. Presented in a stunning new 2K High Definition transfer from the original British color negative, this is CIRCUS OF FEAR as you've truly never seen it before!

FIVE GOLDEN DRAGONS:
After arriving in Hong Kong, wealthy American playboy Bob Mitchell is the recipient of a strange note found on the body of a dead man. A clue to an illegal gold-trafficking operation, Mitchell is unwittingly thrust into a deadly power struggle between a secretive global crime syndicate and brutal local mobsters. Can he survive long enough to unmask the mysterious FIVE GOLDEN DRAGONS?

An international all-star cast including Bob Cummings (DIAL M FOR MURDER), Margaret Lee (THE BLOODY JUDGE), Rupert Davies (WITCHFINDER GENERAL), Klaus Kinski (FITZCARRALDO), Maria Rohm (EUGENIE), Maria Perschy (THE GHOST GALLEON), Brian Donlevy (HANGMEN ALSO DIE), Dan Duryea (WINCHESTER '73), George Raft (SOME LIKE IT HOT) and Christopher Lee (COUNT DRACULA) star in this thrilling mystery from producer Harry Alan Towers (VENUS IN FURS) and director Jeremy Summers (VENGEANCE OF FU MANCHU). Based on a story by legendary author Edgar Wallace, FIVE GOLDEN DRAGONS has been newly remastered in High Definition from the original uncut negative for its U.S. home video debut!

  So far I have only had a chance to watch CIRCUS OF FEAR, which is a very intriguing film and
not at all what I expected.   As I stated above, it's more of a murder mystery/crime drama  than a horror film, but that didn't keep me from enjoying this film by any means.   In fact, the opening scene involving an armored car robbery on a bridge was a very cool action sequence.   The people that pulled off the heist go to hide out at the circus which is where the majority of the film takes place. 

  The film is full of subplots and plot twists, although to be honest, most of them you can figure out beforehand.  Christopher Lee plays an awesome character, a disfigured knife thrower who wears a mask most of the film.  Lee is one of my all time favorite actors, any movie is greatly improved with the addition of him to the cast!

  The Blu-ray transfer on this disc is stunning.  The picture is crystal clear and just looks wonderful!  I highly suggest you check this out as soon as you can.   This Blu-ray double feature is available now from Blue Underground and contains the following special features:

*  Audio Commentary with Director John Moxey (Circus of Fear)
*  Theatrical Trailers (both)
*  Poster & Still Gallery (both)


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for CIRCUS OF FEAR
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for FIVE GOLDEN DRAGONS
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

 
 

Blu-ray Review: VENOM (1981)

VENOM
Directed by  Piers Haggard
Distributed by Blue Underground

  Tonight's review is of another film I had always heard about, but somehow had never got around to seeing.  The film is called VENOM, and it's a fun mix of creature feature and kidnapping/heist film. 
Here is the basic plot courtesy of the Blue Underground website:

   It was supposed to be the perfect crime: the sexy maid (Susan George of STRAW DOGS), a psychotic chauffeur (Oliver Reed of THE BROOD) and an international terrorist (the legendary Klaus Kinski) kidnap a wealthy ten-year-old boy from his elegant London townhouse. But they didn't count on a murdered cop, a desperate hostage siege, and one very unexpected houseguest: a furious Black Mamba, the most lethal and aggressive snake known to nature. It can attack from ten feet away. Its bite brings excruciating death. And it is on the loose. Now, terror knows no antidote... and the ultimate in slithering mayhem is VENOM.
   Sterling Hayden (THE KILLING), Nicol Williamson (EXCALIBUR) and Sarah Miles (BLOW-UP) co-star in this gripping suspense thriller based on the novel by best-selling author Alan Scholefield and directed by Piers Haggard (THE BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW). VENOM has been newly transferred in 2K High Definition from its negative and features some very real - and extremely deadly - Black Mambas!

  I went into this thinking it was just another run of the mill creature feature, this time featuring a snake.  It's actually a much smarter film than that, with the snake being just part of the main plot.  The main part of the film focuses on the kidnapping of the young boy, and the police stakeout of the house they are holding up in.  While it would have been a pretty good heist film on it's own, why not through a killer snake into the mix!   I have to admit, it made this kidnapping film a lot more interesting!   You never know where the snake is going to be or strike next, which put some extra intensity into the already thrilling film. 

  Some people might go into this film hoping for more of a gory creature feature, so just realize what you are going into and I think you will enjoy this one.  I was definitely a big fan of this movie.  It probably would not be taken seriously if made today, but this is classic 80's cinema at it's best.  The acting was great and the remastered 2K High Definition transfer looks amazing for a film that is 35 years old! 

  VENOM is available now on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and features the following special features:

*  Audio Commentary with Director Piers Haggard
*  Theatrical Trailer
*  TeaserTrailer
*  TV Spots
*  Poster & Still Gallery
*  BONUS Collectable Booklet featuring new writing by Fangoria Editor Michael Gingold


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

Blu-ray Review: ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX (1983)

ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX
Directed by:  Enzo G. Castellari
Distributed by:  Blue Underground

  A couple of months ago I posted my review of Director Enzo G. Castellari's 1990:  THE BRONX WARRIORS.  You can see that review HERE.  Castellari is back with his sequel to that film, ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX.   As much as I enjoyed the original film, I think this might be one of the few times when the sequel is actually better than the first film.   Here is the basic plot of ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX courtesy of the Blue Underground website:

 The year is 2000 and the Bronx has been reduced to a decaying, desolate wasteland infested with swarms of vicious street gangs and outcast scavengers. When an imperialistic mega-corporation plans to rebuild the doomed "No Man's Land" into a perfect metropolis, they unleash their secret army of sadistic death squads to wipe out the few remaining inhabitants. But beneath the twisted rubble, fierce legions of resistance fighters arm themselves for the final onslaught - ready to die for their homeland. And ready to kill for it. 

  As I mentioned above, I think I actually enjoyed this film better than the original.  This film was action packed throughout the entire running time, and even had quite a few instances of some good gore, which is a always a plus in my opinion!  The film is very bloody and violent, and in fact, boasts a body count of 174 deaths!   That's more than any horror movie I think you could find! 

  Now I have to admit, it had it's faults, including some pretty silly dialog and some laughable action scenes.   Some of these include our lead character Trash blowing up a helicopter with about 3 or 4 shots of his pistol!  He also shoots at a van (with what seems like unlimited bullets) until it explodes as well.   Maybe vehicles back in the 80's were just highly explosive compared to today's vehicles and our safety standards!   Although these scenes are a bit silly, they actually give the movie as certain charm and definitely don't take away from the enjoyment of this film.

  I highly recommend this one for all fans of exploitation, grindhouse type cinema.

  ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX is available now on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack from Blue Underground.  As always, Blue Underground has done an amazing job with this package with a beautiful Blu-ray transfer and some great special features including:

*  Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Enzo G. Castellari
*  Enzo G. Castellari and Fabrizio De Angelis In Conversation Part 3
*  The Hunt For Trash - Interview with BRONX WARRIORS Superfan Lance Manley
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  Poster & Still Gallery


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

Blu-ray Review: 1990: THE BRONX WARRIORS (1982)

1990:  THE BRONX WARRIORS
Directed by  Enzo G. Castellari
Distributed by  Blue Underground

 Blue Underground has had some amazing DVD/Blu-ray releases lately, and continue to show why they are one of the best film companies out there with the release of 1990:  THE BRONX WARRIORS.  This is is another cult classic I had heard of before, but I had never seen before.  Here is the plot of the film courtesy of the Blue Underground website:

  It's 1990 and the Bronx has officially been declared a "No Man's Land." The authorities have given up all attempts to restore law and order. When a beautiful young woman runs away from Manhattan into this wasteland of motorcycle gangs and marauding warriors, her corrupt father sends a ruthless mercenary to bring her back at all costs. But gang leader Trash has other plans, uniting the rival outlaws to wage an all-out guerilla war against their corporate oppressors.
  Co-written and directed by Enzo G. Castellari (THE INGLORIOUS BASTARDS), this action-packed post-apocalyptic cult classic is a delirious mix of elements from THE WARRIORS and ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK. Starring Vic Morrow (TWILIGHT ZONE: THE MOVIE), Christopher Connelly (MANHATTAN BABY), Fred Williamson (VIGILANTE), and Mark Gregory (ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX), 1990: THE BRONX WARRIORS has been newly transferred in High Definition and includes exclusive new Extras created especially for this release!

  While not a horror film, it is still a great grindhouse type of exploitation flick, so that's good enough for me to cover it!  As I mentioned, I had never seen this film before, but I immediately fell in love with this one and it will definitely get some repeat viewings from me in the near future.   The first thing I noticed was the remarkable HD transfer.  This looked like a film that was shot just recently with the crystal clear picture it had.    As for the film itself, it was action packed and entertaining all the way through.  There were no real dry or slow sections here...it was paced very well and kept the thoroughly entertained the entire running time.  The film reminded me a lot of THE WARRIORS with all the different gangs making up this new post-apocalyptic Bronx, so if you are a fan of that film, I am sure you will love this one as well. 

  1990:  THE BRONX WARRIORS is available now from Blue Underground and contains the following special features:

*  Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Enzo G. Castellari
*  Enzo G. Castellari and Fabrizio De Angelis In Conversation Part 1
*  Sourcing The Weaponry - Enzo G. Castellari visits the Italian Weapons Rental House of Paolo Ricci
*  Adventures In The Bronx - Interview with Actor/Stuntman Massimo Vanni
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  Poster & Still Gallery


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

 
 

DVD Review: SNUFF (1976)

SNUFF
Distributed by Blue Underground

  Blue Underground continues to put out some great DVDs and Blu-rays, and one of their latest is the 1976 shock films, SNUFF!   Here is the plot synopsis from the Blue Underground website:

  Deep in South America, a Manson-like cult leader named Satan cavorts with his bevy of beautiful biker-chick followers while compelling them to kill in his name. When sexy American actress Terry London arrives with producer Max Marsh to shoot a new movie there, the creepy cult targets her and her friends with plans of murder, mayhem and the grisly sacrifice of her unborn baby. Is the final bloody massacre only a movie? Or is it the shocking footage of an actual murder committed before the camera?
  Originally lensed as THE SLAUGHTER by notorious filmmakers Michael and Roberta Findlay (SHRIEK OF THE MUTILATED, TAKE ME NAKED), the movie sat on the shelf for five years until enterprising producer/distributor Allan Shackleton devised a controversial new ending and released it as SNUFF. Freshly transferred in High Definition from one of the only remaining prints, now the fascinating true story behind this infamous piece of trash cinema can finally be told... by those who survived!

  I had seen this movie years ago, but I really didn't remember anything about it.  Its a very unique film as it almost feels like 2 movies in one. The first part feels like your watching a movie about the Manson family, with a cult leader that sends his women followers out on a killing streak. Some of the kills are very good and especially brutal for the 1970's.  

 The 2nd part of the film is where we get into the real selling point for the film.   The last part of the film we see a woman strapped down and brutalized, beginning with her fingers being cut off with a pair of pruning shears. This was a remarkably well done effect, as it looks completely real..  In fact, I'm still not sure how they did this effect.  The only thing that lets you know it's fake is the fake blood that is used throughout the film, that looks like a very bright red thick paint.  Other than that, this scene will make even the most veteran horror fan cringe.

  I'm not sure if there were any movies like this before SNUFF, if there are I am not aware.  If this was a first, then this film helped pave the way for movies such as the Japanese Guinea Pig films from the 1980's to the more recent HOSTEL films.  This is one you will definitely want to check out if you are a gore fan.

  SNUFF is available now from Blue Underground and contains the following special features:

*  Shooting Snuff - Interview with Filmmaker Carter Stevens
*  Up To Snuff - Interview with Filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn
*  Porn Buster - Interview with Retired FBI Agent Bill Kelly
*  U.S. Trailer
*  German Trailer
*  Poster & Still Gallery
*  Controversy Gallery
*  SNUFF: The Seventies And Beyond by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
*  Nicolas Winding Refn Intro

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

Blu-ray Review: GOD TOLD ME TO (1976)

GOD TOLD ME TO
Written & Directed by  Larry Cohen
Distributed by Blue Underground

 I remember seeing this movie years ago, but I really didn't remember too much about it.  I do remember the picture was so grainy, it was hard to watch.   I am happy to report that the great folks over at Blue Underground have released a beautiful version of this film.   GOD TOLD ME TO is now on Blu ray and it looks amazing.   Here is the basic plot from the Blu Underground website:

A rooftop sniper guns down 14 pedestrians on the streets of New York City. A mild-mannered dad takes a shotgun and blows away his wife and children. A cop goes on a sudden shooting spree at the St. Patrick's Day Parade. And each of these unlikely killers makes the same dying confession: "God told me to." Now a repressed Catholic NYPD detective (Tony Lo Bianco of THE HONEYMOON KILLERS and THE FRENCH CONNECTION) must uncover a netherworld of deranged faith, alien insemination and his own unholy connection to a homicidal messiah with a perverse plan for the soul of mankind.

  This is by far one of the strangest films I have ever seen.  I guess being written and directed by Larry Cohen, this shouldn't have come as a surprise to me.   The film feels like two different movies stuck together.  The first half you have what I was expecting, a film about people going crazy and killing other people for what seems to be no real reason whatsoever.  This is one of the scariest films I have seen in a while, not in a ghost, zombie, vampire, or monster sort of way, but scary in the sense that this could happen at any time, and as we've seen as recently as a few weeks ago in Charleston, SC, things like this do happen all the time.   This film was somber reminder that we are never really safe and are never guaranteed another day here on earth.  Our life can be taken at any time at any place by any psycho with a gun.   Ok, this review is getting too deep and depressing, lets now look at the second half of the film.
 
  The second part of this film is like a different film entirely.  The second half now centers on an alien abduction and insemination, virgin births, and our main character seeing a God like vision.  I'll be honest, the second half of the movie downright strange.  It's a good strange, though, one that will definitely keep you entertained.   

   GOD TOLD ME TO is a must see in my opinion.   The film is available now on a beautiful Blu-ray release from Blue Underground and contains the following special features:

*  Audio Commentary with Writer/Producer/Director Larry Cohen
*  Heaven & Hell On Earth - Interview with Star Tony Lo Bianco
*  Bloody Good Times - Interview with Special Effects Artist Steve Neill
*  God Told Me To Bone - New Beverly Q&A with Larry Cohen
*  Lincoln Center Q&A with Larry Cohen
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  TV Spots
*  Poster & Still Gallery


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

Blu-ray Review: SHOCK WAVES (1977)

SHOCK WAVES
Directed by:  Ken Wiederhorn
Distributed by:  Blue Underground

"Beneath The Living... Beyond The Dead... From The Depths of Hell's Ocean!"

  As much of a fan of zombie movies as I am, I am even more a fan of Nazi zombies.  There is something about these two evils that come together into one truly barbaric monster.  SHOCK WAVES is one of the earliest of the Nazi zombie sub-genre.  It is also one of my all time favorites as well.  Here is the synopsis of the SHOCK WAVES blu-ray courtesy of the Blue Underground website:

  In the dark days of World War II, the Nazi High Command ordered its scientists to create a top secret race of indestructible zombie storm troopers - un-living, unfeeling, unstoppable monstrosities that killed with their bare hands. They were known as The Death Corps. No member of this horrific SS unit was ever captured by the Allied Forces - and, somewhere off the coast of Florida, they have survived...
   Peter Cushing (STAR WARS), Brooke Adams (INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS) and John Carradine (THE BOOGEY MAN) star in this suspenseful and genuinely creepy shocker co-written and directed by Ken Wiederhorn (RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD PART II). One of the great horror "sleepers" of the 1970s, SHOCK WAVES has been freshly transferred and fully restored in High Definition from the only known surviving materials!

  One thing you'll immediately notice with this film is the lack of gore.  Unlike a lot of the zombie films of this time period, this film does not rely heavily on the blood and gore.  In fact, most kills are very tame, especially by today's standards.  What the film lacks in gore is completely made up by the film's creepy vibe.  There is something about seeing these zombies rise from the water after being down there for who knows how long, that is very frightening.   The film is very atmospheric and is perfect viewing for a dark, rainy night.

  The new 1080 HD transfer looks extremely good, especially since the last time I watched this film was back on VHS!  The film is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and is an ALL REGIONS disc.

SHOCK WAVES is available now on Blu-ray from Blue Underground and contains the following special features:

* Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Ken Wiederhorn, Make-Up Designer Alan Ormsby and Filmmaker Fred Olen Ray
* Nazi Zombies On A Budget - Interview with Producer/Cinematographer Reuben Trane
* Notes For The Undead - Interview with Composer Richard Einhorn
* Sole Survivor - Interview with Star Brooke Adams
* From FLIPPER To SHOCK WAVES - Interview with Star Luke Halpin
* Theatrical Trailer
* TV Spot
* Radio Spots
* Poster & Still Gallery


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

Blu-ray Review: MANIAC COP 2

 
MANIAC COP 2
Directed by William Lustig
Written by Larry Cohen
Distributed by Blue Underground

I am a pretty big fan of the first MANIAC COP film.  I hadn't seen it until I reviewed it on this blog a couple of years ago  (see that review here).  So needless to say, I had never seen the two sequels of the film. I have never known too many sequels that matched the original in terms of enjoyment, let along surpass the original, but I really think MANIAC COP 2 managed to do this!  It is at least as good as the original, but I would go as far as to say this one is even better. I enjoyed it more, anyway.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Blue Underground website:

  The "Maniac Cop" is back from the dead and stalking the streets of New York once more. Officer Matt Cordell was once a hero, but after being framed by corrupt superiors and brutally assaulted in prison, he sets out on a macabre mission of vengeance, teaming up with a vicious serial killer to track down those that wronged him and make them pay... with their lives!

  This was a very cool film with a simple plot, just the maniac cop going around killing people, but it was done so well that you have to give it credit when it comes to the cinematography and general camera work.  That is the one thing that really stuck out for me was the camera work, something that normally goes unnoticed and under appreciated in most films.  There were a couple of car chase scenes that were done remarkably well, leading me to ask myself how there were able to get some of those camera shots.

  I also liked that the maniac cop had some more creative kills in this film, my favorite being when he handcuffs a woman to the steering wheel of a car through the window  (she was standing outside the car), then puts the car in neutral and pushes it down the downhill street!  This was another instance of some great camera work and some great stunt work as you could tell this was actually a performed stunt, not a computer trick or green screened.

  I would encourage you check out MANIAC COP 2, especially if you are a fan of the first film.  MANIAC COP 2 is available now on a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and contains the following
special features:

*  Audio Commentary with Director William Lustig and Filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn
*  Back On The Beat - The Making Of MANIAC COP 2
*  Cinefamily Q&A with Director William Lustig
*  Deleted Scene
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  Poster & Still Gallery
*  Isolated Music Track
*  Enhanced for D-Box Motion Control Systems


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