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: 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: THE CITY OF THE DEAD (1960)

THE CITY OF THE DEAD
Directed by:  John Llewellyn Moxey
Distributed by VCI Entertainment

  I always love when I come across a movie for review that I know nothing about.    I pride myself on being very knowledgeable about most horror films, but there are always a few that have flown under my radar and I have just not had the chance to see or even know about.   Such is the case with tonight's review,  THE CITY OF THE DEAD, also known as HORROR HOTEL.    Here is the basic plot of the film from the VCI website:

  A college student, Nan Barlow is researching the history of witchcraft. Taunted by her brother and fiancé, who have voiced their concern over her silly notions, Nan arms herself with resolve and drives into the small New England village of Whitewood. She is glad that at least she was able to count on the support of her professor. A bit anxious but consumed with curiosity, she will soon embark herself on the journey of her life!

  First off, I have to mention the title of this film threw me off a little.  I knew nothing about the film, so going by the title I thought I was getting into an old zombie film.   Instead, I was treated with a very interesting and eerie film about witchcraft in the same vein as a film like MARK OF THE DEVIL.   The main thing that I really noticed and enjoyed about this film was the very creepy imagery and scenery.  The filmmakers used tons of fog in the filming of this picture, and it is amazing how a little fog will make a scene look so spooky!   This film was shot very well with some great cinematography.   

  I will admit that the film is a little slow moving at some points, but I find that with a lot of the old black and white horror films from the 1960's.  Regardless, that did not keep me from enjoying the film overall by any means.   This is an intriguing story full of mystery and suspense!

  VCI has done a remarkable job with the transfer on this Blu-ray.  The picture quality is superb and is crystal clear.  

  THE CITY OF THE DEAD is now available on Blu-ray from VCI Entertainment and contains the following special features:

*  Horror Hotel, the American Version of City of the Dead
*  Feature length Commentary by Bruce Hallenbeck
*  2nd Feature length Commentary with actor Christopher Lee
*  3rd Commentary by Director John Moxey
*  Interview with Christopher Lee
*  Interview with Venetia Stevenson
*  Interview with Director John Moxey
*  Theatrical Trailer
*  Photo Gallery
*  Liner Notes by Mike Kenny, Film Reviewer
*  English Subtitles


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

Blu-ray Review: FRIGHTMARE (1983)

FRIGHTMARE 
a.k.a. THE HORROR STAR
Written & Directed by Norman Thaddeus Vane

  Vinegar Syndrome is quickly becoming one of my favorite DVD/BD distributors.   If you are not familiar with this company, you should be for sure.  They release some great long lost, hard to find exploitation and sexsploitation films along with the grindhouse/drive-in horror features from years ago.   One of their latest releases is FRIGHTMARE, also known as THE HORROR STAR.  This film is from 1983, so don't confuse it with the 1974 Pete Walker film also known as FRIGHTMARE.  Here is the basic synopsis of this film from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

  Conrad Radzoff (Ferdy Mayne) was the biggest name in horror movies for decades until, one day, he died of a heart attack. Determined to celebrate his life, and death, the members of a local horror film society steal his freshly buried corpse and decide to host a party, in his honor, at their old and lavish mansion. Unaware that Radzoff’s interest in horror extended beyond the silver screen and into the black arts, his corpse is soon re-animated and he begins exacting a bloody revenge against those who disturbed his final resting place.
  Slyly combining 80s slasher tropes with an insightful and self reflective look at the meaning of horror movies and death itself, Norman Thaddeus Vane’s FRIGHTMARE (originally known as THE HORROR STAR) is a quick witted and suspenseful tribute to classic horror cinema. With captivating cinematography by Joel King (JUST BEFORE DAWN) and supporting performances from Jeffrey Combs (RE-ANIMATOR), Luca Bercovici and Leon Askin, FRIGHTMARE has been newly restored from its original camera negative and is coming to Blu-ray for the very first time!

  FRIGHTMARE is a must see if you have never had the chance to view it.   It has such a nostalgic feel to it, almost like watching an old Hammer Horror film.  In fact, it's pretty obvious that the character of Conrad Radzoff was inspired by the great Hammer Films actor, Christopher Lee.  The film is part gothic horror and part slasher film, as your typical group of kids is picked off one by one by the killer.   There are some pretty interesting kills in this film, including a woman bursting into flames, and one of the greatest decapitation scenes you will ever see!

  The acting is pretty good overall, with a wonderful performance by Ferdy Mayne  as Conrad Radzoff. Also worth noting is one of "kids" is played by fan favorite Jeffrey Combs .   As you know, Combs would go on to star in RE-ANIMATOR two years later, which to this day is still one of my top five horror movies of all time.  It was fun seeing him in this different kind of role. 

  I highly recommend checking out FRIGHTMARE and all the other great horror titles Vinegar Syndrome has been putting out lately! 

  FRIGHTMARE is available now on DVD/Blu-ray combo from Vinegar Syndrome and contains the following special features:

+  Restored in 2k from 35mm camera negative
+  All extras on both Blu-ray and DVD
+  New video interview with Cinematographer Joel King
+  Archival audio interview with Director Norman Thaddeus Vane
+  Historical commentary track with David Del Valle and David DeCoteau
+  Commentary track by The Hysteria Continues
+  Original theatrical trailer
+  Reversible THE HORROR STAR cover art
+  English SDH subtitles


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD/BD combo

Check out the trailer for the new Hammer film, THE RESIDENT

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THE RESIDENT is the newest film from the the reformed Hammer Studios, and stars Hilary Swank and legendary Hammer actor, Christopher Lee . The film is written and directed by Antti Jokinen. Here is the basic plot from imdb.com:

When a young doctor suspects she may not be alone in her new Brooklyn loft, she learns that her landlord has formed a frightening obsession with her

I don't know about you, but I am really excited about this film after seeing the trailer for it. Christopher Lee looks really creepy, and I am glad to see him back in this kind of role.

THE RESIDENT is currently planned for DVD release on March 29th of this year.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer