Blu-ray Review: INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS (1972)

INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS
Written & Directed by Ed Adlum
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

 Severin Films continues to impress me with the titles they have been releasing lately!   One of their latest releases is the VHS classic, INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS!  I remember seeing this VHS on the shelf of my local video store back when I was a kid.   I never watched it back then for some reason, so I was thrilled to get the chance to see it now on Blu-ray!   Unfortunately, the cover art might be the best part of this film! 

 Here is some info about the film from the official press release:

  In 1972, a team of New York City exploitation outlaws that included Ed Adlum (SHRIEK OF THE MUTILATED), Ed Kelleher (PRIME EVIL) and Michael & Roberta Findlay (THE TOUCH OF HER FLESH, SNUFF) – along with first-time assistant cameraman and future award-winning cinematographer Frederick Elmes (ERASERHEAD, BLUE VELVET) – descended on bucolic Westchester County with 8½ bottles of stage blood to make a movie about a Druid cult seeking to resurrect their dead queen. The budget was $24,000. The cast was paid in beer. And the result remains one of the greatest achievements in schlock/shock cinema history. Severin Films is proud to present this “accidental masterpiece” (Horror News) as you’ve never seen it before, now scanned from the original negative for the first time ever and spurting with all-new Special Features.

 I was really hoping to find a rare, awesome, grindhouse film that would immediately become a new personal favorite of mine.  Unfortunately, that is not what I found.   This movie is pretty bad to be completely honest with you.   BUT....it is so bad that it falls into the "so-bad-it's-good" column.   In fact, this would be a great movie to watch with a group of friends while drinking and laughing at the film.  I could see this as being a lot of fun to watch in a group.  Watching by myself was not as fun! 

 So, what's so bad about it you ask?  Well, the first thing I noticed was horrible editing/camera work.  A guy would be talking and then all the sudden it would jump to a close up of his face for 1 second and then back to the original camera angle.  I have no clue what that was for!  Secondly was the horrendous acting.  I guess if the cast is paid in beer, then you can't be too critical of their acting ability.   Also, the lady that played the "Dead Queen" needs to learn that dead people don't breathe!  I could not take her seriously when I could plainly see her chest moving up and down during her scenes! 

 Now, as bad as this was, it did have some scenes that were pretty good, mainly the few scenes they show when they capture people and take them to the shack to drain their blood.   These could have been extremely disturbing, was it not for the ridiculous audio dub of the people...not so much screaming, but just whooping and hollering.   That made what could have been a horrifying scene into something laughable again.  

 INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS was a cool idea, and could have been a great movie if it had more of a budget and better actors.   This is one of the few times I wish someone would remake a film.  I think this film had tons of potential, it just wasn't executed well at all.

 As always, this is just one reviewers opinion.  I encourage everyone to check out the film and make their own decision of it.   Fans of low-budget schlock films might absolutely adore this one!

 INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS is available now on DVD & Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

*  Audio commentary with director Ed Adlum and actress Ortrum Tippel, moderated by Kier-La Janisse, author of House of Psychotic Women
*  Nothing You’d Show Your Mom: Eddie Adlum’s journey through exploitation, coin-op & rock n’ roll 
*  Interview with actor Jack Neubeck
*  Painful Memories: An interview with cinematographer Frederick Elmes
*  Trailer
 

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

Blu-ray Review: EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS (1977)

EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS
Written & Directed by Joe D'Amato
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

  There are so many great sub-genres of horror, but one of my all time favorites is the cannibal film.   The cannibal films were huge back in the 70's and early 80's, with such classics as CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, CANNIBAL APOCALYPSE, and CANNIBAL FEROX just to name a few.  In 1977 the EMANUELLE series of films joined the group with EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS.   Here is the basic synopsis courtesy of the Severin Films website:

  In 1977, infamous filth auteur Joe D’Amato (BEYOND THE DARKNESS, ANTHROPOPHAGUS) combined the insane extremes of eroticism and cannibalism for the most groin-grinding, gut-munching, gore-spewing EuroSleaze saga of them all: When journalist Emanuelle (the ever-luscious Laura Gemser of BLACK EMANUELLE fame) discovers evidence of an extinct cannibal tribe in a Manhattan mental hospital, her investigation will take her to the Amazon jungle for an orgy of carnage that SexGoreMutants calls “…feral, demented and nasty. And in exploitation terms, that’s entertainment!” Gabriele Tinti (EMANUELLE IN AMERICA), Monica Zanchi (SISTER EMANUELLE) and Donald O’Brien (DOCTOR BUTCHER, M.D.) co-star in “the flesh & fear masterpiece from the late great splatter genius” (DVD Beaver) released to ‘80s grindhouses as TRAP THEM AND KILL THEM and now scanned in 2k from original vault elements.

  Once again we are treated to the lovely Laura Gemser as Emanuelle.   This time she is playing a reporter going deep into the Amazon forest to track down one of the last known surviving cannibal tribes.  Needless to say she finds it and all hell breaks loose!   Cannibal films are known for their gore, and this one does not disappoint.   There is tons of blood and lots of intestines being chomped on by the cannibal tribe.  There are some cool booby traps and torture devices as well.  Oh, and speaking of boobies, there are plenty of those on display as well.  That is to be expected, of course, with this being an entry in the Emanuelle series of films. 

 If you are a fan of the EMANUELLE films and/or cannibal films of the 1970's, you will definitely want to check out EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS.   The film is available now on DVD and BD from Severin Films  Special Features include the following:

*  The World Of Nico Fidenco: An Interview With Composer Nico Fidenco
*  A Nun Among The Cannibals: An Interview With Actress Annamaria Clementi
*  O’Brien MD: An Interview With Actor Donal O’Brien
*  From Switzerland To Mato Grosso: An Interview With Actress Monika Zanchi
*  I Am Your Black Queen: Laura Gemser Archive Audio Interview
*  Theatrical Trailer

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

Blu-ray Review: THE BLOOD SPATTERED BRIDE (1972)

THE BLOOD SPATTERED BRIDE
Directed by  Vicente Aranda
Distributed by Mondo Macabro / CAV Distributing

  I always look forward to new releases from Mondo Macabro.   They release some of the best, and lesser known horror films from all over the world.   THE BLOOD SPATTERED BRIDE is one of their films that is a little more well known, I believe.  I actually saw this movie years ago, but I didn't remember much about it at all.   Here is the basic plot of the film from the CAV website:

  Susan, a young bride, travels with her husband to his family’s ancient manor house in the far north of Spain. Susan is a virgin and is very hesitant about her husband's sexual demands. She is also disturbed by her unfamiliar surroundings and wonders if she will ever come to terms with her new married life. She is shocked to discover that all the old portraits of female members of her husband’s family have been locked away in the basement. When she finds them, she discovers that one of the portraits shows a woman holding a strange dagger. The woman’s face has been cut out of the painting. Her name is Mircala Karstein.

  Overall, this is a great classic 70's shocker.   The film is a little slow in parts, and I feel at 102 minutes, it could have been trimmed down some to help with the film's pacing.   That is a very small complaint, though, as the film is great overall.   With a name like THE BLOOD SPATTERED BRIDE, you would expect lots of blood, and the film does not disappoint when it comes to that.   There are some very brutal and bloody scenes, one in particular being a prolonged stabbing scene with copious amounts of spurting blood!  There are also a lot of beautiful and atmospheric scenes, comparable to a some of the vampire films of Jean Rollin.  

 THE BLOOD SPATTERED BRIDE is available now on Blu-ray from Mondo Macabro and CAV Distribution.  The Blu-ray contains the following special features:

- Brand new 4k transfer from film negative
- English/Spanish audio choice
- Newly created English subtitles
- Audio commentary by Samm Deighan and Kat Ellinger
- Interview with cinematographer Fernando Arribas
- Two part interview with actor Simón Andreu
- Interview with Euro Gothic author Jonathan Rigby
- Original trailers and radio spots
- Deleted and alternate scenes
- Mondo Macabro previews


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

 

 

 

Blu-ray Review: DARK WATERS (1994)

DARK WATERS
Directed by:  Mariano Baino
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

  I always love getting films for review that I have never heard of before.  I think of myself as being pretty informed when it comes to horror movies, but every now and then I find a film that I have heard nothing and know nothing about.  DARK WATERS is one of those films.   I went into it not knowing what to expect, I came out of it wondering how this one is not more well known.  Maybe it is more well known and I just missed it somehow.   It's a remarkable film that has some of the creepiest imagery I have seen in a long time.   Here is some more info about the film from the CAV press release:

It has been acclaimed as visually amazing (Videoscope), deeply disturbing (BBC Radio One), a must see for serious horror buffs (Film Review), and compared to the works of Bergman, Bava and Argento. Now experience the modern Nunsploitation masterpiece from co-writer/director Mariano Baino as you've never seen or heard it before: When a young Englishwoman attempts to discover her mysterious connection to a remote island convent, she will unlock an unholy communion of torment, blasphemy and graphic demonic depravity. Louise Salter (INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE) stars in this stunning and horrifying debut (Digitally Obsessed) - filmed on location along the grim Ukraine coast - now transferred in HD from the original 35mm negative and featuring over 4 hours of startling Special Features.

  The film is very strange as it is not very dialog heavy at all....as I mentioned before the imagery is some of the best, and the director lets that take the main stage in the film.   The camera work is amazing and the practical effects are very well done.  While I found it interesting that the film was told more with imagery than with dialog, the lack of dialog could have led to my confusion about the plot/story.   It was a little hard to follow at times, and some things weren't explained as well as I thought they could have been, but honestly this did not keep me from enjoying the film.

 While this film is advertised as a "Nunsploitation masterpiece", this is not your typical Nunsploitation flick at all.  In fact, I would not even begin to put this film in that classification.   This is a dark Italian horror film that just happens to have a plot that revolves around Nuns and a convent.  These are not like any Nuns you have ever seen before....they are almost coven like and very evil.

  This is a very creepy film that I highly recommend for all horror fans, especially Italian horror fans.
DARK WATERS is available now on DVD and BD from Severin Films and CAV Distributing and contains the following special features:

Audio Commentary With Writer / Director Mariano Baino

Lovecraft Made Me Do It Featurette

Let There Be Water Featurette

Controlling the Uncontrollable Featurette

Deep Into the Dark Waters Featurette

Director Intro

Deleted Scenes

Silent Blooper reel With Audio Commentary by Director Mariano Baino

Short Films Of Mariano Baino: Dream Car, Caruncula, Never Ever After

Making of Never Ever After

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

DVD Review: VIOLENT SHIT COLLECTION

VIOLENT SHIT COLLECTION 
Directed by  Andreas Schnaas
Distributed by  Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

  If there has ever been a title that so perfectly described the film, VIOLENT SHIT is the one!    VIOLENT SHIT was made back in 1989 by filmmaker Andreas Schnaas, followed by VIOLENT SHIT 2 in 1992, VIOLENT SHIT 3: INFANTRY OF DOOM in 1999, and then VIOLENT SHIT 4:  KARL THE BUTCHER VS. AXE in 2010.   In this latest release from Synapse Films, all 4 films are collected in this one Special Edition.

  Here is the basic plot synopsis of each film courtesy of CAV:

VIOLENT SHITThe legend of "K. the Butcher Shitter" is born in this German DIY video roughie, shot on the low-fi Video-8 format. A demented killer escapes the police & leaves a trail of blood & gore in his wake. Newly re-mastered by the film’s original producer.
 
VIOLENT SHIT II: MOTHER HOLD MY HAND
Set twenty years after the original film, Karl the Butcher Jr. continues his late father’s legacy. After receiving a machete as a birthday gift from his mother, Karl Jr. turns into a maniacal killer slashing, chopping, shooting & disemboweling his way through the German countryside. Newly re-mastered by the film’s original producer.

VIOLENT SHIT III: INFANTRY OF DOOM (aka ZOMBIE DOOM)
A group of friends get lost at sea & land on a remote island, but they are not alone! Captured by Karl the Butcher Jr. & his father, these men are subjected to a sadistic version of The Most Dangerous Game brought on by the Butcher Shitters and their army of metal-masked killers! Newly re-mastered by the film’s original producer.
 
VIOLENT SHIT 4.0: KARL THE BUTCHER VS. AXE
The year is 2023, & the world has become a desolate wasteland with gangs taking over the streets. Karl the Butcher Jr. returns from the bowels of Hell, on a mission to kill a new mass murderer named Axe. Original English Language Version.
 
BONUS FEATURE: ZOMBIE ’90: EXTREME PESTILENCE
Shot for a reported $2000 between the filming of VIOLENT SHIT 1 & 2, ZOMBIE ’90: EXTREME PESTILENCE follows two bumbling doctors as they investigate a zombie outbreak. After a military plane crash releases strange chemicals into the German countryside, the dead rise to attack the living! Can they be stopped? Transferred from an original PAL 1” master given to us by Cinematographer Steve Aquilina.
 
 I had always heard of these films, but had never seen them.  The DVDs used to be hard to come by and quite expensive to get online.  Luckily Synapse has put out this amazing collection so the films are readily available to everyone now!    I have only watched the first 3 movies so far, but I can already tell how amazing this collection is.  

  The first film is very low budget and looks like it was shot on a VHS camcorder.  It is pretty roughly made, but that does not take away from the enjoyment of it at all.  In fact, it almost makes it feel more real!    The gore is pretty amazing, and of course, all practical effects since it was made back in 1989.  The only negative here is that the blood looks like bright red paint, in fact, it reminded me of the blood from the old Herschell Gordon Lewis films like BLOOD FEAST and COLOR ME BLOOD RED.  
 
  The second film is my favorite of the 3 I've watched so far.  It was amazing to see the difference in quality of film from the first film to part 2.  You could tell the budget was a little more  (although still very low) and looks like it was shot with a slightly better camera.   Again the gore here is amazing.  The special effects look great, and the blood looks much more realistic than in the first film.
 
  The third film gets really crazy, as Karl the Butcher is not the only killer, but he has an entire army of mask wielding maniacs joining him this time!   Again, you can see the progression with each film in terms of quality.   This gore effects were once again amazing, including some genital mutilation scenes that made me have to actually turn away from the screen!   That is quite an accomplishment considering I've watched some nasty stuff and not much bothers me!

  I am really looking forward to checking out part 4 and the bonus movie.  This is a great collection and the $29.95 price tag is a steal for this 5 movie collection!  I highly recommend this DVD set and would say it is a must have for any gore fan!


  The VIOLENT SHIT COLLECTION is available now on DVD from Synapse Films and CAV Distribution.   Special Features include:

*  The first three VIOLENT SHIT films, remastered by the original owners, plus VIOLENT SHIT 4.0: KARL THE BUTCHER VS. AXE
*  Liner notes from Ted Geoghegan (Screenwriter of NIKOS THE IMPALER, & Writer/Director of WE ARE STILL HERE)
*  Special BONUS DVD, including the English dub version of ZOMBIE ’90: EXTREME PESTILENCE & VIOLENT SHIT 4.0: KARL THE BUTCHER VS. AXE
*  Trailers


CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD collection

 

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

 
 
 

DVD Review: THE TRAIL OF DRACULA: FROM FOLKLORE TO SCREEN (2013)

THE TRAIL OF DRACULA
Written & Directed by  David Mitchell
Distributed by Intervision Pictures/Severin Films and CAV Distributing

  I am a big fan of horror documentaries, and this one will rank up near the top of the list of well made docs.   The subject is Dracula.  The film is THE TRAIL OF DRACULA:  FROM FOLKLORE TO SCREEN.    Here is the basic plot from the Severin/Intervision website:

  Diabolical. Seductive. Immortal. Vampires have been an icon of evil in folklore and popular culture for more than three centuries, yet only one name still personifies the ultimate aristocrat of bloodlust. Now join the world’s foremost experts on Dracula – including academics, authors and horror historians – as they explore the untold story of the Transylvanian Count, from the legend of Vlad The Impaler and Bram Stoker’s celebrated novel through its landmark stage productions and classic movie adaptations. It’s a crimson trail of twisted archival materials, startling film clips and rare interviews – featuring Bela Lugosi, John Carradine and Christopher Lee.

  While I thought this was going to be more of a doc about Dracula films, I found out that it focuses a lot more on the folklore and history of Dracula.  It was interesting to hear about the Dracula character from historians and then see how some of that translated over to film.   The film is paced very well, and while you could probably fill up hours and hours with info on Dracula, I thought the 63 minute running time was perfect.  It got to the point, and didn't have time for any slow or dull segments. 

  This is a great horror doc that I would highly recommend.   If documentaries really aren't your thing, then I would recommend buying this DVD based solely on one of the special features.  The DVD contains 94 minutes of Dracula movie trailers.   Almost any Dracula movie you can think of is presented here in this trailer compilation.  This alone is well worth the price of the DVD in my opinion.

 THE TRAIL OF DRACULA is available now on DVD from Intervision Pictures/CAV Distributing and contains the following Special Features:

*  All-New Feature Length Documentary THE TRAIL OF DRACULA

*  Over 90 Minutes of DRACULA Movie Trailers

*  Christopher Lee Reads Bram Stoker’s Dracula

*  Video Interview With Werner Herzog

*  Audio Interviews With Christopher Lee, Udo Kier, Alexander D’Arcy and Francis Lederer

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Blu-ray Review: TENEBRAE (1982)

TENEBRAE
Written & Directed by Dario Argento
Distributed by  Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

  Dario Argento  has always been one of my favorite horror directors.  I have yet to see an Argento film I haven't liked.   I haven't seen all his films by any means, and TENEBRAE is one I had never seen before now.   I am glad to say my streak of never seeing an Argento film I didn't like it still in tact, as TENEBRAE is a great addition to the Argento library.   Here is the basic plot of the film from the Synapse Film's website:

American mystery author Peter Neal (Anthony Franciosa) comes to Italy to promote his newest novel, TENEBRAE. Unfortunately, a razor-wielding serial killer is on the loose, taunting Neal and murdering those around him in gruesome fashion just like the character in his novel. As the mystery surrounding the killings spirals out of control, Neal investigates the crimes on his own, leading to a mind-bending, genre-twisting conclusion that will leave you breathless! Featuring an amazing synth-music score from Claudio Simonetti, Fabio Pignatelli and Massimo Morante (formerly of Italian progressive-rock band, Goblin), this all-new 1080p high-definition TENEBRAE release was created from the original uncut camera negative. Also stars John Saxon (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET), Daria Nicolodi (Dario Argento’s PHENOMENA) and John Steiner (CALIGULA).

  Even though this film came out after SUSPIRIA and INFERNO, it actually feels more like one of his earlier films like CAT O NINE TALES or THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE.  This movie goes back to Argento's Giallo roots, but this time with more blood and gore than most Giallo films provide.   Because of this, you get the best of both worlds in my opinion.....you get the whodunit mystery of a Giallo, but the blood and gore of an 80's slasher film.    As with most all Argento movies, you will find some very impressive camera work on display here.  I also noticed the music of this film which I honestly don't pay much attention to in most movies.  The soundtrack for this film goes along with the film perfectly.  

  Synapse has done an amazing job with this release, and the new transfer looks amazingly clear.   You can buy the film on Blu-ray, DVD, or a special edition Blu-ray/DVD/CD Steelbook  while supplies last.


 TENEBRAE is available now from Synapse Films and contains the following special features:

*  All-new Synapse Films supervised color correction and restoration of a 1080p scan from the original camera negative, presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1
*  Dual English and Italian language options with newly-translated English subtitle tracks for both
*  Audio commentary track featuring film critic and Argento scholar, Maitland McDonagh
*  Rare high-definition 1080p English sequence insert shots, playable within the film via Seamless Branching
*  Feature-length documentary, YELLOW FEVER: THE RISE AND FALL OF THE GIALLO by Rising Productions, chronicling the Giallo film genre from its beginnings as early 20th century crime fiction, to its later influences on the modern slasher film genre
*  Original UNSANE (U.S. version of TENEBRAE) end credits sequence
*  Alternate opening credits sequence
*  Theatrical trailers


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray, or call 734-494-3502 to order the limited edition TENEBRAE Steelbook directly from Synapse.

 

Blu-ray Review: MASKS (2011)

MASKS
Written & Directed by  Andreas Marschall
Distributed by  Reelgore Releasing / CAV Distribution

  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Andreas Marschall's MASKS is one of the best horror movies you have never heard of.   I know I had never heard of it, so I assumed it was a brand new film.  Turns out, it was made back in 2011 but just now getting U.S. distribution thanks to the awesome new extreme genre label, ReelGore Releasing.   Here is the basic plot of the film from the ReelGore website:

  Stella longs to be an actress. When she is accepted to a private school in Berlin, her dream seems to come true. But there is something wrong with the “Matteusz Gdula-Institute”. In the seventies, the school´s founder, Matteusz Gdula, practiced a learning style that promised to let students shine by driving them to their mental limits. In the end his method was banned, as mysterious deaths occurred during his lessons and Gdula committed suicide.At night, Stella hears eerie sounds in the corridors of the school. A fellow student disappears. Stella suspects that behind the closed door to the abandoned, forbidden wing of the school lurks a bloody secret.
A secret that kills the students...

  I had no clue what to expect going into this film, but what I got was a an amazing horror film.  Part slasher, part psychological thriller, part giallo, and part arthouse film all rolled up into one very entertaining movie.  

  A few things really stood out for me, the first one being the music used in this film.  The film has a very haunting theme that plays at many times throughout the film.   The theme is amazing and is a perfect, creepy fit for this film.  It's not often that I really pay attention to the music in horror films, but this one demands your attention for sure.  

  Another thing that stood out was the kills/gore.   I have seen tons of horror films and not many make me jump or cringe anymore, but this film made me do both, and at one particular kill, made me do both at the same time.  I actually let out a yell during the first kill that seemed to come out of nowhere and really caught me off guard!

  I also picked up on some nods or inspiration from other famous films/directors, most notably Dario Argento and the film SUSPIRIA.   The acting school here reminded me a lot of the ballet school from SUSPIRIA, both are run by some creepy women and both hold secrets beyond the walls of the schools.   Also, Argento's use of color and color schemes was on display here in full force...and done quite well.    

  This movie was extremely suspenseful, and I am putting this among my top films I have seen this year.   Give it a watch and let me know what you think.     The Blu-ray/DVD/CD combo pack is available now from ReelGore Releasing and contains the following special features:


*  EXCLUSIVE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK CD
*  BEHIND THE SCENES
*  DELETED SCENES
*  MUSIC VIDEO CLIP
*  TRAILER & SLIDESHOW


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

Blu-ray Review: VIOLENT SHIT: THE MOVIE (2015)

VIOLENT SHIT:  THE MOVIE
Directed by  Luigi Pastore
Distributed by Reelgore Releasing / CAV Distribution

  I have always heard about the 1989 film called VIOLENT SHIT, but I had never had the chance to watch it.  I was very intrigued when I heard about this new remake.    Not only was I excited about the remake itself, but I was excited it was from a new film label called Reelgore Releasing.  If this first release is any indication, we are in store for some good things from Reelgore Releasing in the coming months!   Here is the basic plot of the film from the Reelgore Releasing website:

  Rome is shattered by a series of gruesome murders that paint the Eternal City deep red. Italian Police Inspector Aristide D’Amato and his German counterpart Hans Ebert initiate their criminal investigations. They stumble upon the eccentric Professor Vassago - a master of myths and mysteries - who is linked to Senator Vinci - a corrupt politician – mutually driven by power and perversions.
  The suspicion grows that these atrocious crimes are connected with the return of one of the most heinous serial killers of our time – Karl the Butcher!

 Now, I have to be honest, that plot sounds pretty simple...but when you are watching this film it can actually be sort of confusing at times.  There are also quite a few slow spots, heavy in dialog that seem to go on a bit too long.  But...after that, we are rewarded with some crazy violence and gore, which is what most people watching this film are looking for I would expect.  Some of the gore is excellent, with some scenes actually making me cringe.
 
  For me, the best part of this whole thing isn't the movie itself, but the packaging.  This is an amazing limited edition 3 disc set that contains a DVD of the film, a Blu-ray of the film, and a CD of the soundtrack.   You also get a nice booklet filled with info about the film and stills from the film.

  VIOLENT SHIT:  THE MOVIE is available now from Reelgore Releasing and CAV, and contains the followings special features:

*  MAKING OF THE MOVIE by Director LUIGI PASTORE
*  THE HISTORY OF VIOLENT SHIT – Interview with Producer STEVE AQUILINA
*  TRIBUTE TO LILLI CARATI – The Last Interview
*  INTERVIEWS with members of the cast – VINCENZO PEZZOPANE, MICHELA FORESTA, DANIELA CICCONE, ERIKA KAMESE
*  WORLD OF STARS - INTERVIEWS with members of the cast– GIOVANNI LOMBARDO RADICE, ANTONIO ZEQUILA - & Producer STEVE AQUILINA and Director LUIGI PASTORE
*  TRAILERS & SLIDESHOW


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

 

Blu-ray Review: OBSERVANCE (2015)

OBSERVANCE
Directed by  Joseph Sims-Dennett
Distributed by Artsploitation Films / CAV Distribution

  I love coming across a movie to review that I know nothing about.   Such was the case with OBSERVANCE, an eerie psychological thriller from first time director Joseph Sims-Dennett.   I had not even heard of this film when it showed up in my mailbox for review.  I like going into films without expecting anything.   Before I get to whether I think it's a good movie or not, here's the basic plot from the Artsploitation website:

  Atmospherically creepy and visually unnerving, Australia’s Joseph Sims-Dennett’s startling feature film debut follows Parker, a young man in the grip of grief following the death of his young son, his marriage on the rocks and nearing bankruptcy, but who reluctantly returns to work as a private investigator. His assignment it to observe a woman from an abandoned apartment, and as her watches bizarre happenings surrounding her, he slowly becomes aware that the derelict building he is in has a dark presence which slowly threatens to consume him. A frightening horror tale of a man spiraling into madness and reminiscent of Roman Polanski’s THE TENANT, Hitchcock’s REAR WINDOW, and the works of David Cronenberg and David Lynch.  

  Ok...now that's a lot of fancy names to be throwing around there.  Davd Cronenberg, David Lynch, Polanski, and Hitchcock?   Ok, let's not get ahead of ourselves here.    I say that jokingly, as I know what they mean in terms of the film being similar to the works of those directors, I just wouldn't put this film up in the ranks of their work.    The film is good, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't great which is what I consider the works of those directors mentioned above. 

  I'm really on the fence with this one....it got critical acclaim from the film fests that it showed at, so lots of people really like it.   I thought it was just ok.   It had some great scenes for sure, my favorite being when Parker goes into the woman's home to plant the microphones and she comes home, trapping him in the house trying to find a way out without her seeing him.   This was a very tense part of the film and one I found most enjoyable.  

  The apartment he was watching the woman from is very creepy, and seems to start to affect him personally, from bodily wounds randomly showing up, to him puking a dark black bile like substance.   But, for all these great scenes, there are also some very slow lagging times in the film where it feels like not much is happening.   Also, I would have like to have known why he was hired to watch this woman to begin with....who is she and what is so special about her?  Maybe that's just supposed to be part of the mystery of this film.  

  In terms of technical aspects, the movie is shot very well with some beautiful scenes, and I also noticed the sound, which I tend not to notice in a lot of films.  The cinematographer and sound editors did a remarkable job for sure.

  As always, I urge you to check out the film and decide for yourself, some of you will really like this one I'm sure.  As for me, I might give it a watch again in the future to see if I get more enjoyment out of it the 2nd time.   

  OBSERVANCE is available now on DVD and Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

*  "A Preface to Observance"  (3-minute featurette)
*  Artsploitation Film Trailers


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

Blu-ray Review: JUST DESSERTS: THE MAKING OF "CREEPSHOW" (2007)

JUST DESSERTS:  THE MAKING OF "CREEPSHOW"
Directed by  Michael Felsher
Distributed by  Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

  Rarely does a film's special feature get it's own HD Blu-ray release, but that is just what has happened with JUST DESSERTS:  THE MAKING OF "CREEPSHOW".   After watching it, you can see why.  This is no ordinary "special feature".  Clocking in at 90 minutes, it's a legit feature film itself, that just happens to be about the making of another film.    Here is the basic synopsis of the film from the Synapse Films website:

  In 1982, Author Stephen King and Director George A. Romero collaborated on a feature-film tribute to the controversial EC comics of the 1950s.  Told through five jolting tales of terror, CREEPSHOW has become a celebrated horror classic over the past three decades. With an all-star cast, and featuring groundbreaking special effects by genre legend Tom Savini, CREEPSHOW stands as a horrific and hilarious tribute to the stories that helped influence (and corrupt) a generation of writers and filmmakers.  Now the tales behind the creation of this chilling masterpiece can finally be told!
  Featuring rare behind-the-scenes footage and photographs, JUST DESSERTS: THE MAKING OF “CREEPSHOW” also contains over a dozen interviews, including George A. Romero, Tom Savini, Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins and many others.  These are the terrifying stories behind the film that promised you…“The Most Fun You’ll Ever Have…BEING SCARED!”

  CREEPSHOW has always been one of my favorite horror films of all times.  I love anthology style horror films, and no one has done it better than CREEPSHOW.   George Romero and Stephen King are two masterminds of horror, so a collaboration of those two is bound to be good.   Watching this documentary about the making of the film made me remember just how good CREEPSHOW really is.    I haven't seen it in years,  but after watching JUST DESSERTS, I am really wanting to watch CREEPSHOW again very soon! 

  I am a big fan of "making of" documentaries of horror films, and this is probably one of the greatest I have ever seen.   Other than the strange absence of Stephen King, everyone involved with the movie is on hand here to give you first hand accounts about their experience on the film.  My favorite interviewee was Tom Savini, the mastermind behind the effects of the film.  He is my all time favorite effects person, so seeing him on screen talking about this film was truly awesome.

  Along with the interviews, we get to see tons of behind the scenes photos and footage, along with scenes from CREEPSHOW.   The movie is broken up into segments, talking about each entry in the film, along with a beginning section explaining how the film came to be and the influence the old EC comics had on Romero and King, and on the film itself.   I was a huge fan of EC comics growing up, so that's one reason I always loved this film....it is like watching an old VAULT OF HORROR or TALES FROM THE CRYPT come to life onscreen.

  I cannot recommend JUST DESSERTS enough...it is a must have for any fan of CREEPSHOW.   The special edition Blu-ray is available now from Synapse Films and contains the following special features:

*  Audio Commentary with Director & Editor Michael Felsher
*  Audio Commentary featuring interviews with Actor John Amplas, Property Master Bruce Alan Miller, and Make-Up Effects Assistant Darryl Ferrucci
*  Creepshow Days – An interview with Director of Photography Director Michael Gornick
*  Extended Interview Segments with George A. Romero, Tom Savini, and Bernie Wrightson
*  Behind The Screams – A compilation of on-set video footage from Tom Savini
*  Horror’s Hallowed Grounds with Sean Clark
*  Scream Greats Volume One: Tom Savini, Master of Horror Effects with Optional Audio Commentary with Tom Savini
*  Vintage 1982 Evening Magazine Segment shot on the set of the film, featuring rare cast & crew interviews
*  Behind-The-Scenes of CREEPSHOW Photo Gallery



CLICK HERE to watch a clip of the film
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D. (1980)

DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.
Directed by  Marino Girolami (as Frank Martin)
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

  If you are a fan of Italian zombie films, then you will love DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.   If you are a fan of Italian cannibal films, then you will love DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.  If you are a fan of mad doctor movies, you will also love DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.!   Ha!   This is one horror film that you truly can't categorize into a sub-genre.  It's part zombie film, part cannibal film, and party mad scientist/doctor film.   It's almost as if the filmmakers couldn't figure out what type of horror film they wanted to make, so they just put a little bit of everything into it!  That is fine with me, because it gives us one of the most entertaining horror films I have seen in quite some time!  Here is some basic info and plot synopsis courtesy of the CAV website:

  It sparked riots on 42nd Street, spawned a generation of gorehounds on VHS, and forever set an insane standard for Italian mad doctor/zombie/cannibal carnage worldwide: Ian McCulloch (ZOMBIE), Alexandra Delli Colli (THE NEW YORK RIPPER), Sherry Buchanan (TENTACLES) and Donald O'Brien (EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS) star in this blood orgy of gut-munching, eyeball-gouging and face-chopping originally known as ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST, which a notorious American distributor would then re-edit, re-title and re-release as a certified grindhouse masterpiece.
  Severin Films now presents both films fully restored for the first time ever from original vault elements discovered in Manhattan and Rome, and loaded with all-new Bonus Features that finally reveal the unbelievable truth behind its bizarre history, infamous marketing and still-deviant legacy.

  As I stated above, this is a highly entertaining film, and contains a little bit of everything for every horror fan.  I love Italian zombie films...there is something about their zombies that are just so much better than the ones in our films.  These zombies all look very decayed and dirty, which is how I would think they should look.  It reminded me a lot of Fulci's zombies or the zombies from the 1981 film, BURIAL GROUND.  The gore in this film is pretty amazing, with some very realistic looking throat slits and some guttings.   This film has tons of blood and gore which should satisfy all you gore lovers out there! 

  Included in this awesome set is both cuts of the film, the American cut called DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D. and the original Italian cut called ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST, presented here for the first time ever uncut in HD!    This is the definitive version of this film to have, so I highly suggest pre-ordering this one now!   The film is set for release on July 26th, but can be preordered now from the Severin Films website.  The Blu-ray and DVD will contain the following special features:


DISC 1 DOCTOR BUTCHER MD
*  Featurette: Butchery & Ballyhoo: Interview with Aquarius Releasing's Terry Levine
*  Featurette: Down On The Deuce: Nostalgic Tour Of 42nd Street With Temple Of Shock's Chris Poggiali and Filmmaker Roy Frumkes
*  Roy Frumkes' Segment Of Unfinished Anthology Film 'Tales That Will Tear Your Heart Out'
*  Featurette: The Butcher Mobile: Interview with Gore Gazette Editor & Butcher Mobile Barker Rick Sullivan
*  Featurette: Cutting Doctor Butcher: Interview with Editor Jim Markovic
*  Illustrated Essay: Experiments With A Male Caucasian Brain (...and other memories of 42nd Street) by Gary Hertz
*  Theatrical Trailer
*  Video Release Trailer 1
*  Video Release Trailer 2

DISC 2 ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST
*  Featurette: Voodoo Man: Interview With Star Ian McCulloch
*  Featurette: Blood Of The Zombies: Interview With FX Master Rosario Prestopino
*  Featurette: Filmmaker Enzo Castellari Remembers His Father Director Marino Girolami
*  Featurette: Sherry Holocaust: Interview With Actress Sherryl Buchanan
*  Featurette: Neurosurgery Italian Style -Interview With FX Artist Maurizio Trani
*  Featurette: New York Filming Locations Then Vs. Now. A look at the Big Apple locales as they are today
*  Audio Bonus: Ian McCulloch Sings Down By The River
*  International Trailer
*  German Trailer


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to pre-order the 2-Disc Blu-ray
CLICK HERE to pre-order the 2-Disc DVD

 
 

Blu-ray Review: SYMPTOMS (1974)

SYMPTOMS
Directed by José Ramón Larraz
Distributed by Mondo Macabro / CAV Distributing

  One of my favorite film labels is Mondo Macabro.  They have some of the best releases out there...most of which are very obscure films you might have never heard of before being released by Mondo.   Such is the case with one of their newest releases, SYMPTOMS.  I had never heard or seen anything of this film before getting this new Blu-ray.  I knew nothing about it going in, which is a good thing in my opinion.   Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the CAV Distributing website:

  A dark and haunting study in psychological horror, Symptoms takes us deep into the twisted mind of a damaged girl.
  Helen, who lives alone, invites her new friend Anne to stay with her in a lonely house, lost in the English countryside. The house, the woods that surround it and the figures fleetingly glimpsed through its windows, all seem imbued with a deep sense of mystery. Helen appears to be hiding a secret and the more Anne tries to uncover it, the deeper she is pulled into its dark heart.
  Symptoms was the official UK entry to the Cannes film festival in 1974 and was highly praised at the time. Subsequently the film sank into obscurity and was recently listed as one of the UK’s top 75 “lost films”. This release, taken from the original negative and fully restored, brings this quiet masterpiece back into view, where it can now be appreciated as one of the most under rated films of the 1970s.

  I have to start out by warning you that this is a very slow moving film.  It is not action packed by any means, and there is no gore or real violence.  SYMPTOMS is a very different horror film, one that a lot of people might not be used to.  It's more of an artsy, atmospheric film.  It is very eerie and moody, and just gives you a tense feeling throughout the entire film.  While I am usually blown away with most of Mondo Macabro's releases, I am on the fence with this one.  I didn't dislike it by any means, but it was definitely not one of my favorite films that they have released.  It's somewhere in the middle for me.

  Now, I do have to say that the special features that Mondo has included on this release is reason enough to own the Blu-ray.  The documentary on director Jose Larraz was very entertaining and informative, which was great considering I knew very little about this director before viewing this doc.    Check it out for yourself and see what you think.

SYMPTOMS is out now from Mondo Macabro and CAV Distributing and contains the following special features:

*  On Vampyres and Other Symptoms - documentary about Jose Larraz directed by Celia Novis;
*  Eurotika! - documentary about director Jose Larraz
*  Interview with Angela Pleasence
*  Interview with Lorna Heilbron.
*  Interview with editor Brian Smedley-Aston
*  Mondo Macabro previews
*  Specially commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx


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

 

Blu-ray Review: SORCERESS (1995)

SORCERESS
Directed by Jim Wynorski
Distributed by  Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

  I love coming across a horror movie I have never seen or even heard about.   I like to think I'm "in the know" on most horror films, but I find out everyday there are films that have just missed me somehow.  This is one of those films.  Synapse Films has released the 1995 film SORCERESS to DVD and Blu-ray.   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Synapse Films website:

  Larry Barnes (Larry Poindexter) is on the fast track to a partnership in a prestigious law firm, and his sexy witch wife Erica (Julie Strain, HEAVY METAL 2000) will do anything to keep her husband happy. But Erica makes a fatal mistake when she tries to kill Larry’s main competition for the partnership, Howard Reynolds (Edward Albert, GALAXY OF TERROR). With Howard now crippled for life from Erica’s dark magic, his wife Amelia (Linda Blair, THE EXORCIST) plots her revenge. Using witchcraft and a mystical medallion, Amelia tries to destroy everyone and everything in Larry’s life!
  All the pleasures of the flesh and malevolence of black magic collide in this newly remastered and uncensored version of Jim Wynorski’s SORCERESS (aka TEMPTRESS). Presented for the first time ever from a new 2K scan of the original uncut film element, this release features sex scene footage and additional nudity removed from the original release.

  I had no clue what to expect going into this film. What I got was a fun film full of witchcraft and tons of nudity.  What else would you expect from a film like this?!   This film feels like a typical 80's horror film.  I actually find it hard to believe it was made in 1995.  I would more easily believe this was made in 1985.  Everything about this film screamed 1980's to me, especially the hair and wardrobes of some of the main actors and actresses.
 
  Speaking of the actresses, this movie has some of the most beautiful actresses you will see in a film, and pretty much every single one of them has a nude scene (or multiple nude scenes) throughout the film.  I normally don't mention much about the nudity in films, but this film just had so much of it that a review would not be complete without mentioning it.  It basically feels like you're watching a movie on Cinemax or some other pay channel late at night. This is definitely not a film you want the kids around while watching!

  Other than the nudity, the film was actually pretty tame by today's standards in term of violence/gore. Most violence comes from people being shot, and there is no real gore to speak of in this film.

  While some may be disappointed in the gore/scare factor, or lack thereof,  I think everyone would have to admit they enjoyed watching this film.  If you haven't seen it yet, check it out for sure.  

  SORCERESS will be released on June 14th from Synapse Films and CAV Distributing.


CLICK HERE to pre-order the DVD
CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray

 

DVD Review: E.N.D. (2015)

E.N.D.
Directed by:  Luca Alessandro, Allegra Bernardoni, Domiziano Cristopharo, and Federico Greco
Distributed by One 7 Movies / CAV Distribution

  I am a huge fan of zombie films.  Zombie movies are probably my favorite horror sub-genre.  You never really know what quite to expect when going into a low budget zombie film like this, but I am happy to report that this was a very nice addition to the zombie film genre.  Here is the basic plot from the CAV Distribution website:

  Three different times, three different places, three different steps... of the plague.
  Day 1. Italy. In a funeral home. The owner of the agency, the hearse driver and the make-up man are forced to deal with an epidemic spread by cocaine. Soon, the corpses ready for the burial wake up in their coffins.
  Day 1466. When the epidemic already devoured the whole country, an American soldier and a pregnant woman are surrounded by zombies in a cabin in the woods. When the woman gives birth to her baby, the man understands that he has no more chance for survival.
  Day 2333. The country is divided in two factions. Some of our characters preserved themselves. Some… remained human beings.

  With the release and popularity of the hit T.V. show, THE WALKING DEAD, we have seen a huge surge in the amount of zombie films released over the past few years.  Some of them have been good, but more often they are not very good at all.   While E.N.D. is not the best zombie film I've seen lately, it was a very entertaining addition to my zombie film collection.    One thing about this film I really liked was how it showed the zombie plague from three very different points along the zombie plague timeline, starting with the very first zombie in the first part of the film, to a world filled with zombies in the third/final part of the film.   

  I want to particularly talk about the middle section of the film.  Part 2 was my favorite section of this film by far. I love the setting of a cabin in the woods with zombies coming from any direction.   This section had some of my favorite zombie effects and some of the best kills, including a zombie getting his face spaced in with a cinder block! 

  One thing to take note of with this film was the mixing of practical zombie effects with computer animated zombies.  While you could tell that some of these zombies were completely CG and fake, they were still very creepy with their fluid like movement/motions.

 For a low budget, independent horror film, I think the filmmakers did a remarkable job with this one.  Check it out if you get the chance. 
 
E.N.D. is available now on DVD from CAV Distribution and includes the following special features:

*  Backstage
*  Trailer 1
*  Trailer 2
*  Interview with screenwriter Antonio Tentori
*  Photo gallery


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD