Blu-ray Review: A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE (1977)

 

A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE

Directed by:  Antonio Isasi-Isasmendi

Distributed by:  Severin Films / MVD

 Severin Films has always been one of my favorite distribution companies.   They put out some amazing releases of classics that are well known, but then they release some very obscure, hidden gem type titles that you may have never heard of.   Such was the case for me with the recent release of the 1977 film, A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE!   Here is the plot synopsis from the Severin Films website:

  Less than two years after the end of Spain’s oppressive Franco regime, Goya Award winning filmmaker Antonio Isasi (THEY CAME TO ROB LAS VEGAS, SUMMERTIME KILLER) co-wrote and directed the action blockbuster that shocked European audiences and became one of the most culturally-charged survival thrillers of the decade: Best Supporting Actor Oscar® nominee and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Jason Miller (THE EXORCIST, THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON) “gives a fantastic performance” (This Is Quiet Cool) as a political prisoner who escapes custody, only to be relentlessly pursued by a military dictatorship dog driven to hate, hunt and kill. Donatello Award winner Lea Massari (L’AVVENTURA) and Goya Award winners Marisa Paredes (HIGH HEELS) and Juan Antonio Bardem (THE CORRUPTION OF CHRIS MILLER) co-star in “one of a master director’s most significant films” (Madriz), now scanned in 2K from the original camera negative.

  While not a horror film in the regular sense of the word, I feel this film is definitely a close cousin to the horror genre.  While is is definitely more of an Action/Thriller, there are some horror elements to it for sure, including a bit of gore.  You could classify this as a creature feature for sure, in the likes of JAWS, or any other film where animals attack and kill humans.  The dog in this film is trained to kill, and does not give up until he gets his man!   

  At the very beginning, when the star of the film, Aristides, is shown, I knew I had seen that actor somewhere.  After looking on IMDb, I kicked myself for not realizing this was the actor that played Father Karras in 1973's THE EXORCIST.   I don't recall ever seeing him in anything other than THE EXORCIST before, so that was fun to see him in completely different role.   He does some things in this film that Father Karras would definitely not be proud of!

 The action in this film is great, with the intensity of the dog chasing right behind Aristides throughout the film.  There were some very cool camera shots, making it look like we were seeing what was happening through the dog's eyes.  The intensity never lets up, until the film comes to the end with a bang!   Watch the movie and you'll see what I mean!  

 The film is unique in that it starts like a typical 1970's grindhouse type film, but then transitions to more of a political drama/action film in the 2nd half.   That being said, I did feel in 2nd half of the film dragged on a bit in some sections, and the 115 minute run time could have been trimmed down a bit in my opinion.   That is my only complaint with this film, though, as overall I found it very enjoyable and am happy to have discovered this one!  

 One thing I must note, is that this film does depict some violence against the dog, but that dog did his fair share of damage as well!   I know violence against animals bothers some people, so just wanted to throw that out there before you watch it.  Rest assured, through, that no animals were harmed in the filming of this movie.   There is even a disclaimer from the director before the movie starts letting you know this.  

 If you like creature feature type horror films, and action/ survivalist films, you'll want to check this one out for sure!

A DOG CALLED...VENGEANCE is available now from Severin Films and contains the following Special Features:

• A Film Ahead Of Its Time – Appreciation By Ángel Sala, Head Of Programming At The Sitges Film Festival
• Memories Of A Guerilla Woman – Interview With Actress Marisa Paredes
• Daughter Of Titans – Interview With María Isasi, Daughter Of Director Antonio Isasi And Actress Marisa Paredes
• Trailer

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: THE UNNAMABLE (1988)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Help support the upcoming film, ITSY BITSY!

   If you are a fan of creature features, you will definitely want to keep an eye out for the upcoming film, ITSY BITSY.   The film is basically done, but is  currently seeking extra funds through a Kickstarter campaign in order to finish some visual effects, sound, and music. 

 Here is a brief plot synopsis from the film's Kickstarter page:

Itsy Bitsy is an old-school creature film with a terrifying giant spider at the center, but the movie is about more than just about arachnid horror. Kara will have to deal with her internal and familial struggles while saving everyone from becoming spider food. It’s as much a story about people and family as it is about an eight-legged monster. Mixing an emotionally charged character drama with chilling scares, Itsy Bitsy is a movie you’ll be haunted by for years to come.

Check out the trailer and then click the link below to visit the Kickstarter page and help support this film!





CLICK HERE to visit the Kickstarter Page for ITSY BITSY

Guest Blu-ray Review: CALTIKI: THE IMMORTAL MONSTER (1959)

CALTIKI:  THE IMMORTAL MONSTER
Directed by:  Riccardo Freda and Mario Bava
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  I haven't had a guest review posted on my website in a long time.  I figured it's about time to change that.  You're all probably tired of my ramblings anyway!   This time though, you don't get just one guest reviewer, you get two!  It's not a fellow blogger, or a known writer, either.  Nope, this time the guest review is being done by my twin 10 year old boys!   I don't review too many horror films that the boys can watch with me, so they were super excited to be able to watch this one.  It's a pretty tame black and white horror film from 1959 called CALTIKI:  THE IMMORTAL MONSTER.  Here's the synopsis of the film courtesy of the MVD website:

 Arrow Video presents a collaboration between two giants of Italian cult cinema - Riccardo Freda (The Vampires, The Horrible Dr Hichcock) and Mario Bava (5 Dolls for an August Moon, Blood and Black Lace)! A team of archaeologists led by Dr John Fielding (John Merivale, Circus of Horrors) descends on the ruins of an ancient Mayan city to investigate the mysterious disappearance of its inhabitants. However, the luckless explorers get more than they bargained for when their investigation of a sacrificial pool awakens the monster that dwells beneath its waters - the fearsome and malevolent god Caltiki. Though Riccardo Freda received sole directing credit, a significant portion of the film was in fact the work of Mario Bava, who also served as its cinematographer and was responsible its striking special effects. Drawing on a diverse array of influences, from The Quatermass Experiment to the works of HP Lovecraft, Caltiki the Immortal Monster is a unique and unforgettable sci-fi chiller which showcases these two legendary filmmakers at their most inventive. Presented here for the first time in a newly restored high definition transfer, Caltiki shines - and terrifies! - like never before.

  I've shown my kids THE BLOB (1958) and THE BIRDS (1963), and they loved those, so I figured they would enjoy this one.  I also knew being from 1959 (and doing a little internet research) that it was going to be tame enough to let them watch it.   So here you go, each review is just a short paragraph, but I think they did a pretty good job!   **SPOILER ALERT **  Bewarned, there are some spoilers in these reviews! 

 
  I have not seen too many horror movies in my life but I enjoyed this one. Caltiki came out in 1959 so it was tame enough for me to watch.  This movie had good parts and bad parts. One of my favorite scenes was when Max was running from the police. It was very intense and kept me on the tip of my chair.  Another one of my favorite scenes were when the mother and the baby were crawling outside the windows trying to escape from the monster that was taking over their house.  Something that I really enjoyed about this movie was the music. I think it really fit the movie considering the intensity of it. Also considering the effects were not as great as they are today back in the late 50’s,  these effects were pretty good. A few things bad were that some of the story was sort of hard to follow. Also, they quickly came to the conclusion that you could just burn him, making him not that immortal. Over all the movie was great.  Good for someone who doesn’t want something too scary, but just a little creepy.
   - Levi

  I am not the biggest horror movie fan but I enjoyed “Caltiki the immortal monster” because it was not as scary as some as the new movies coming out today. I liked the scenery on the jungle ruins, they showed a lot of hard work and effort put into them. The music was not often played as in some other movies, but when it was played it sounded really good! The effects were good for the time of 1959. A bad thing that I found was that the natives wore American looking clothing instead of tribal and/or old clothes. Another not so great thing was that they said “You can only kill it with fire but they only tried 2 things, guns and fire.  It’s more like “Caltiki the bullet proof monster”. Also they killed the “immortal” monster and there wasn’t even a twist ending that he was still alive, so much for immortal! Finally the fire effects and fire tanks where really cool! If you love horror movies or even if you're not a big fan like me,  you can still enjoy this movie whoever you are.
  - Luke
 

Well, there you have it.  I couldn't have said it better myself!  I think they did a great job and I found it interesting that they both mentioned the music in the film, pretty good observation I thought.

CALTIKI:  THE IMMORTAL MONSTER is available now from Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

Brand new 2K restoration of the film from the original camera negative

High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations

Original mono Italian and English soundtracks (lossless on the Blu-ray Disc)

Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack

Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack

New audio commentary by Tim Lucas, author of Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark

New audio commentary by Troy Howarth, author of The Haunted World of Mario Bava and So Deadly, So Perverse: 50 Years of Italian Giallo Films

From Quatermass to Caltiki, a new discussion with author and critic Kim Newman on the influence of classic monster movies on Caltiki

Riccardo Freda, Forgotten Master, an archival interview with critic Stefano Della Casa

The Genesis of Caltiki, an archival interview with filmmaker Luigi Cozzi

Archival introduction to the film by Stefano Della Casa

Alternate opening titles for the US version

Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys

FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by Kat Ellinger and Roberto Curti

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

Blu-ray Review: THE MONSTER (2016)

 
 
 
THE MONSTER
Written & Directed by Bryan Bertino
Distributed by Lionsgate

  I love a good creature feature, and it seems like that is a sub-genre of horror that we just don't see much of these days.  Nowadays, it's all zombies and Vampires, not that there is anything wrong with that.  I love those types of films, but I just really miss the days of a good creature feature!   Luckily those days are back the the release of THE MONSTER.  A fun creature film that is sure to keep you entertained from start to finish!  Here is the basic plot courtesy of the Lionsgate website:

  Acclaimed horror filmmaker Bryan Bertino (THE STRANGERS) directs this suspenseful and scary film, in which a divorced mother (Zoe Kazan) and her headstrong daughter must make an emergency late-night road trip to see the girl’s father. As they drive through deserted country roads on a stormy night, they suddenly have a startling collision that leaves them shaken but not seriously hurt. Their car, however, is dead, and as they try in vain to get help, they come to realize they are not alone on these desolate backroads — a terrifying evil is lurking in the surrounding woods, intent on never letting them leave.

  This was a very fun film, it was simple in plot, but kept you entertained the entire running time.  The film was very well done, with good acting and great creature effects...all which looked like practical effects.  That is always a plus in my book.   The film did a good job of keeping you in suspense with some very tense moments as the woman and daughter are trapped inside their car with the creature lurking about.   There were some genuine scares as well, and a good amount of blood/gore. 

  One thing I didn't like about the film was the lack of explanation about what this monster was.  Was it an alien, a deformed animal, or something completely different?   While some might like the mystery surrounding this creature...I would have liked to see some explanation.  Was this the first time the monster appeared and started killing?  Seems like if this had happened before, people would know to stay away from this area.  Regardless, I am just a curious person so I really want to know what this monster is and where it is from.  Oh well, maybe that's a story for an eventual sequel (or  prequel)!

  THE MONSTER is available now from Lionsgate Home Entertainment on both DVD and Blu-ray.  I highly recommend this one if you are a fan of creature features.


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

Blu-ray Review: SLUGS (1988)

SLUGS
Directed by  Juan Piquer Simón
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group


 I am really loving all the great, classic horror films that Arrow Video has been putting out lately.  Arrow getting U.S. rights and distributing here in the States through MVD Entertainment is one of the greatest things to happen to DVD/BD collecting in quite some time!  Arrow is constantly releasing great horror films, a lot of which I have always heard about, but had never seen.  Such is the case with one of Arrow's newest releases, SLUGS.  I have always known about this film, but somehow it always slipped past me through all my movie watching years.  Well, I'm glad to say I finally got to see it, and it was a lot of fun!   Here is the basic plot from the MVD website:

  THEY SLIME. THEY OOZE. THEY KILL. From celebrated Spanish director Juan Piquer Simon, the man behind the truly demented slasher flick Pieces (1982), comes a terrifying tale of mutant slugs on the rampage in small-town America. The townsfolk of a rural community are dying in strange and gruesome circumstances. Following the trail of horrifically mutilated cadavers, resident health inspector Mike Brady is on the case to piece together the mystery. He soon comes to a terrifying conclusion - giant slugs are breeding in the sewers beneath the town, and they're making a meal of the locals! Based on the novel by acclaimed British horror author Shaun Hutson, Slugs outdoes its creature feature peers by adding an extra dose of gross-out gore into the equation, culminating in one of the most squirm-inducing animal attack movies ever to slither its way across screens.

  The 1980's is my favorite decade of horror films by far, and this film is a good example of why.  A lot of the 80's horror films were pretty cheesy, especially the creature features like this film, but that is what gives them so much character.   A lot of people wouldn't find a slug that scary really....they are slow, and don't really do much, but in this film, they are pretty fast moving and they eat meat, especially human meat! 

  This movie is a lot of fun, and never takes itself too seriously.  The slugs attack in packs in this film, completely overwhelming their victims.  Such was the case in one of my favorite kills, where slugs fill the room and cover the bedroom floor of a young couple messing around in bed.  The naked woman steps out of bed and onto the slugs, slipping in the coating of slime that now covers the floor.  In a mater of seconds, she is covered with the leech like slugs, and covered in her own blood. 

  Speaking of blood, there is a lot of it on screen and tons of gore in general.   The special effects are excellent, especially since this was in the great age of all practical effects!  If you have not seen SLUGS, I highly recommend it.  If you have seen it, I urge you to revisit it, especially since it looks so good on the Blu-ray transfer.  
 
  SLUGS is available now from Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment, and as always, Arrow has packed this release with tons of great special features including:

*  Brand new restoration from original film elements
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
*  Original Uncompressed PCM Stereo audio
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Audio commentary by writer and filmmaker Chris Alexander
*  Here's Slugs In Your Eye - an interview with actor Emilio Linder
*  They Slime, They Ooze, They Kill: The Effects of Slugs - an interview with special effects artist Carlo De Marchis
*  Invasion USA - an interview with art director Gonzalo Gonzalo
*  The Lyons Den - an interview and locations tour with production manager Larry Ann Evans
*  1988 Goya Awards promo reel
*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Wes Benscoter
*  Fully-illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing by writer Michael Gingold


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

Blu-ray Review: 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: HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD / RATS Double Feature

HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD / RATS  Double Feature
Directed by Bruno Mattei
Distributed by Blue Underground

 Blue Underground continues to put out some of the greatest horror, cult, and exploitation flicks around.   One of their newer releases is this great double feature consisting of two of director Bruno Mattei's best films, HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD, and RATS:  NIGHT OF TERROR.   If you have not seen these films, do yourself a favor and pick up this awesome double feature blu-ray as soon as you can.  Even if you have seen these, you will want this new 1080p HD release of these films, for sure.   Here are the basic plots of each film from the Blue Underground Website:


HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD:
  An accident at a chemical plant unleashes a horrific virus, and an elite SWAT team is sent to New Guinea to investigate. But when they arrive on the hellish island, they discover a plague of flesh-eating zombies as well as a beautiful female reporter who practices nude anthropology. Can the commandos survive this cannibal rampage, uncover a shocking government secret, and still find time for the occasional cross-dressing before the ravenous hordes of the living dead infect the entire world?
  Directed by the notorious Bruno Mattei (THE OTHER HELL), this '80s Italian gut-muncher is infamous for its eye-popping gore, jaw-dropping dialogue and heart-stopping use of inappropriate stock footage. Also known as VIRUS, NIGHT OF THE ZOMBIES and even ZOMBIE CREEPING FLESH, HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD has been newly transferred in shocking High Definition from the original uncut and uncensored negative!


RATS:  NIGHT OF TERROR:
 In the year 225 A.B. (After the Bomb), a group of post-apocalyptic bikers discover an abandoned research laboratory filled with food, water... and thousands of rats. But these are no ordinary vermin; these are super-intelligent mutant rodents with a ravenous appetite for human flesh. Can a bunch of heavily armed but not-too-bright human scavengers survive a night of terror against the most hungry and horrific predators on earth?
  Directed by the notorious Bruno Mattei (WOMEN'S PRISON MASSACRE), this hilarious Italian shocker is filled with over-the-top gore, bottom-of-the-barrel dialogue and attacks by what appear to be thousands of painted guinea pigs, all capped with a twist ending that must be seen to be believed. Also known as RATS OF MANHATTAN and BLOOD KILL, RATS: NIGHT OF TERROR has been newly transferred in flesh-ripping High Definition from the original uncut and uncensored negative!


  Both of these films are classics in my opinion, and perfect examples of early 80's Italian horror films.  Both feature some amazing gore, some impressive sets, and fun story lines.   I have to admit they also both contain some very cheesy dialog, but that is actually some of the character of these films and doesn't take away from the enjoyment of these films at all.

  While I love zombie films, I think between the two films I liked RATS the best.   HOTLD was very good, and reminded me of the early zombie films of George Romero such as DAWN OF THE DEAD and DAY OF THE DEAD, but RATS was the more enjoyable of the two for me.  RATS was a very unique film as it wasn't just a creature film, it was a post-apocalyptic film is well.  It was like MAD MAX meets WILLARD.  I liked the post-apocalyptic part of the story, with most people living underground and only a few groups of outsiders living up top.   The gore was very impressive with this film and since this was before CGI, the filmmakers used actual rats in the filming of the movie.

  If you are a fan of Italian horror, or just like good zombie and killer animal movies, then you will want to pick up this great double feature blu-ray from Blue Underground.  The blu-ray is available now and contains the following special features:

*  Bonded By Blood - Interviews with Co-Writer/Co-Director Claudio Fragasso and Stars Margit Evelyn Newton, Franco Garofalo, Ottaviano Dell'Acqua & Massimo Vanni
*  Hell Rats Of The Living Dead - Interview with Director Bruno Mattei
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  Poster & Still Galleries


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for RATS
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray Double Feature

Blu-ray Review: MOSQUITO (1995)

MOSQUITO
Directed by Gary Jones
Distributed by  Synapse Films / CAV Distributing

  Once again, I am reviewing a film I have always heard of, but have never had the chance to see.  MOSQUITO has long been out of print on DVD, and was going for big bucks on ebay.  I was about to think I would never see this film until now!  The great folks at Synapse Films have put together a remarkable release of this cult favorite!   For those not familiar, here is the basic plot of the film from the Synapse website:

  Science-fiction becomes horrifyingly real for a park full of innocent campers, as a hideous horde of mutated mosquitos viciously attack without warning! A band of survivors flees the bloodthirsty swarm in a death-defying attempt to warn the world of the mosquito menace. Led by a brave young couple and a resourceful government agent, the group realizes their only hope is to take on the bloodthirsty bugs in an explosive final showdown! A chilling blend of sci-fi, humor and old-school horror, MOSQUITO is a tour de force of terror. Starring genre icon Gunnar Hansen (the original “Leatherface” from THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE) and the late, great Ron Asheton (founding member of the punk rock band, The Stooges), MOSQUITO is a gore-drenched tale made with traditional stop-motion and practical effects!

  I love finding hidden gems like this film.  Most of today's new horror films just can't compare to most of these older films.  One thing you'll notice right off the bat with this film is that all of the gore is done by practical effects!  That is a huge plus in my book.  The computer generated effects look really fake most of the time, especially when dealing with blood/gore.   The mosquitos look awesome in this film and the damage they do is pretty crazy.   Most all of the kills come by the stabbing of people with the mosquito's proboscis, but one kill in particular stays on the guy as his blood is sucked from his body by the huge mosquito, resulting in a very gruesome, eye-popping effect! 

   The acting in this film is good all around, and it was really fun to see screen legend Gunnar Hansen (a.k.a. Leatherface) on screen, especially when he yields his trusty chainsaw to take care of the overgrown bugs! I also really enjoyed actor Steve Dixon as the scientist looking for the meteor that hit.   Ron Asheton plays the park ranger that adds some comic relief to the film, which made the film even more fun.  

  I really wished this movie would have been horrible, because then I could have made some funny mosquito themed jokes like, this movie really sucked, or, I don't know what all the buzz was about...I'm sure I could come up with more.   The bottom line is, this movie was an incredibly fun and will be one I will revisit many times, I'm sure.   If you are a fan of creature features, you will want to add this one to your collection for sure! 

  MOSQUITO is available now from Synapse Films and CAV on DVD and Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

*  Audio Commentary with Director Gary Jones, Director of Photography and Co-Writer Tom Chaney, and Producer David Thiry
*  "Bugging Out!" The Making of Mosquito - Featurette
*  Deleted & Extended Scenes with Optional Director Commentary
*  Behind-the-Scenes Footage with Optional Director Commentary
*  Still Gallery
*  Theatrical Trailer
*  Reversible Cover Art


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

Blu-ray Review: EATEN ALIVE (1976)

EATEN ALIVE
Directed by  Tobe Hooper
Distributed by Arrow Video / MVD Entertainment Group

  This is another example of a classic horror film that somehow I had never seen.  Director Tobe Hooper's TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE is probably my favorite horror film of all time.  Actually, it might be my favorite film of all time, period!  It would naturally make sense that I would check up Hooper's follow up to TCM asap!  Why I never have I really couldn't tell you, but better late than never I guess.  I am so thankful to have finally seen this film.  It's not in the same league as TCM, but it is very close and actually has a lot of the feel of the original TCM.  Here is the plot synopsis from the MVD website:

  MEET THE MANIAC & HIS FRIEND. Nearly a decade before he donned Freddy Kruger's famous red and green sweater, horror icon Robert Englund delivered a supremely sleazy performance in Eaten Alive - another essay in taut Southern terror from Tobe Hooper, director of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Deep in the Louisiana bayou sits the ramshackle Starlight Hotel, destination of choice for those who like to check in but not check out! Presided over by the bumbling, mumbling Judd (and his pet croc which he keeps in a large pond out front), the patron of this particular establishment may seem like a good-natured ol' Southern gent - but he has a mean temper on him, and a mighty large scythe to boot... Oozing atmosphere from its every pore (the entire film was shot on a sound-stage at the famous Raleigh Studios, which lends it a queasy, claustrophobic feel) Eaten Alive matches The Texas Chain Saw Massacre for sheer insanity - and even drafts in Chain Saw star Marilyn Burns as the terrorised woman-in-peril, alongside William Finley and Mel Ferrer.

  As mentioned above, this film has a very familiar feel to it.  You can definitely tell this is by the same director that did THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, as it has the same gritty, dirty feeling that TCM did.   In fact, the owner of the motel (played by Neville Brand) could easily be a member of the Sawyer family from TCM, as he has the same crazy feel to him.    Worth noting also is Robert Englund's early performance as Buck.  It was neat seeing "Freddy" in this early role. 

  While this is technically a "creature feature" since it contains a killer crocodile, the real stars of this film are the creepy characters and especially Judd, the hotel owner, who actually feeds the people to the hungry croc.  Judd is the true killer, here....his pet croc being his "weapon" of choice.   

  If you are fan of director Tobe Hooper and especially of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE,  you will definitely want to add this one to your movie collection.

  Arrow Video has recently released EATEN ALIVE in an awesome Blu-ray/DVD combo pack.   Arrow Video has easily become my favorite film company, as they always do a remarkable job with their film restorations, special features, and packaging/artwork.   EATEN ALIVE is available now from Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

*  Brand new 2K restoration of the film from the original camera negative, approved by director Tobe Hooper
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
*  Original Mono audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Audio commentary with co-writer and producer Mardi Rustam, actors Roberta Collins, William Finley and Kyle Richards, and make-up artist Craig Reardon
*  New introduction to the film by Hooper
*  Blood on the Bayou – a brand new interview with Hooper
*  Gator Bait – a brand new interview with star Janus Blythe
*  Monsters and Metaphors – a brand new interview with make-up artist Craig Reardon
*  The Gator Creator – an archive interview with Hooper
*  My Name is Buck – an archive interview with star Robert Englund
*  5ive Minutes with Marilyn Burns – the Texas Chain Saw star discusses her role in Eaten Alive
*  The Butcher of Elmendorf: The Legend of Joe Ball – featurette looking at the true-life story of the South Texas bar owner on whom Eaten Alive is loosely based
*  Original theatrical trailers for the film under its various alternate titles: Eaten Alive, Death Trap, Starlight Slaughter and Horror Hotel
*  TV and Radio Spots
*  Alternate Opening Titles
*  Behind the Scenes Slideshow
*  Stills and Promo Material Gallery
*  Audience Comment Cards
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gary Pullin
*  Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic Brad Stevens, illustrated with original archive stills and posters

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

DVD Review: KILLER MERMAID (2014)

KILLER MERMAID
Directed by  Milan Todorovic
Distributed by  Epic Pictures Group

  I posted the trailer for KILLER MERMAID a while ago on this blog.  I was finally able to sit down and watch the full film and I am happy to report that this film is just as good, if not better, than the trailer led us to believe!    KILLER MERMAID is a Serbian film with the original title being NYMPH.  One thing that was interesting was that the film was marketed as a creature feature type film, with obviously a killer mermaid as the main killer.  The film is actually more of a slasher type film as the caretaker of the mermaid does most of the actual killing.   Here is the basic plot of the film from the Epic Pictures Group website:

Two beautiful young women go on an exotic Mediterranean vacation and uncover the watery lair of a killer mermaid hidden beneath an abandoned military fortress. What was once a carefree adventure becomes a deadly fight for survival.

 This was a very interesting film in that is a perfect mash-up of part creature feature film and part slasher film.  While the mermaid does some killing, the majority of the film centers around the mermaid's caretaker who lives on an island fortress.  The man lives on the island taking care of the mermaid and he kills anyone who comes to the island turning them into fish food, or mermaid food to be more accurate!   When the main characters from the film go to the island to explore, they run across the crazed killer and are picked off one by one. 

  There is some very good gore in this film as the killer picks off the island visitors.  The acting is very good as well.  Some of the Serbian actors were a little hard to understand at times, but overall everyone puts is a very solid performance.  It was great seeing genre fave Kristina Klebe as well, and she does a great job as always. 
  The film is shot very well also, with some cool camera angles, beautiful underwater shots, and contains beautiful scenery throughout the film.  The film was shot mostly all in Montenegro which looks to be a very beautiful place.

  I thoroughly enjoyed KILLER MERMAID. It is a solid horror film with a cool story.  The DVD is available now.

DVD Bonus Features include the following:

*  Making of the Mermaid Featurette
*  Bonus Clip:  Crowdfunding Promo
*  Interviews with Cast and Crew
*  Official Trailer and Additional Trailers from Epic Pictures Group


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

The next great creature feature is a movie about a giant...Crawfish??

 Ha!  I'm loving the new crazy creature features that are coming out lately. Seems as though movie makers are trying to come up with some new ideas for movie monsters.  I blogged early about the ZOMBEAVERS....but now we have a killer crawfish flick called CRAWDADDY! 

  I found out about this film by browsing one of my favorite horror websites, Dread Central.  Here is the plot synopsis of the film from the Dread Central article.  

  Deep in the forest on Clear Lake, an experiment has gone terribly wrong… yet no one knows… until now. A young female biologist who finds odd readings on the lake meets up with a handsome sheriff who is following up on missing campers. Unbeknownst to them, others are being systematically killed by an unforeseen danger. Among the survivors, including the biologist and sheriff, are three teenage ex-gang members, an Eagle Scout, a beautiful teenage blind girl, a Katrina transplant, and a hermit scientist. They eventually find one another and team up to survive the night.
  Holding out at the scientist’s shack, they fight for their lives against the packs of dog-sized crawdads. The scientist reveals his involvement in creating genetically modified super-fish, which were eaten by the crawdad population at the lake, causing them to grow. It wasn’t until the last few days that they became aggressive. Just when the group thinks they’ve succeeded, the king of them all… Crawdaddy… has come to seek revenge for the killing of its spawn. It’s the ultimate sacrifice of the scientist that settles it all.

  Ha!  This sounds great. If done right, this movie could be a lot of fun!   The movie is in pre-production now, so it might be awhile before we get to see this, but I think it will be worth the wait!


CLICK HERE to read the full article.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water....along comes PIRANHA SHARKS!!

 I guess I thought we were done with all the crazy shark/piranha/octopus/dinocroc films for a while, but the fad is not over yet.  Up next is PIRANHA SHARKS from writer/director Leigh Scott .  Here is the basic plot from the film's imdb.com page:

Great white sharks bio-engineered to be the size of piranhas with the purpose of living in rich peoples exotic aquariums, terrorize New York City when they get into the water supply and do what great white sharks do best.

This looks like it will be pretty goofy, but it could be a lot of fun!  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think!


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

DVD Review: SCARECROW (2013)

SCARECROW
Directed by:  Sheldon Wilson
Distributed by:  Cinedigm

  I have to admit, when I saw this was a SyFy movie, I kinda cringed a little bit.  I had not seen any trailer or anything for this movie, so I didn't know what to expect, but I honestly didn't expect much.  Most of the SyFy movies lately have been pretty bad.   Some of the crazy shark movies have been fun, but most of the SyFy films are nothing to get too excited about.  I am happy to say that is not the case with SCARECROW.  SyFy has really stepped it up with what I think is one of the most original creature features made in years.   Here is the plot of the film from the movie's imdb page:

For generations, it was an urban legend that lived in the nightmares of children. Now, the season to rejuvenate the tale will revive a town's darkest fears. With the Scarecrow Festival on the horizon, school teacher Aaron Harris is doling out punishment for six students serving detention, including the moody Tyler, Goth girl Nikki, wrestling team captain Daevon, and straight-A student Jun. Their task: help Aaron's ex-girlfriend Kristen fix her family farm before it's sold. But the cornfields circling the farm come with a legend-and Tyler takes macabre delight in recounting the tale: It never sleeps, it never dies, it can't be stopped, hear their cries. The Scarecrow lives to kill us all. Keep it buried in the fall... When the kids play a terrifying game of cat and mouse in the cornfield with what they believe is a wild animal, Kristen tries to convince them that the Scarecrow is a very real creature of fierce strength and power, rejuvenated by the blood of its prey

 At first the film seems like any other horror film, and the premise is not really that original, but the actual scarecrow creature was the best part of the film and was a very original concept design. At least it was to me. I had never seen anything like it.  I was expecting a guy in a dumb scarecrow costume and was not expecting much out of it.  Instead, the scarecrow in this film is a much darker, creepier, supernatural creature.  This was something I was not expecting and upon first seeing this creature, immediately made me sit up and give this film my full attention. Even with the scarecrow being completely computer generated,  it still looked good and it worked for me.

 The acting in the film was good, most everyone in the film did a great job.  The film also has some good gore, although being a made for TV movie, they had to hold back a little bit with the kill scenes.  I would have loved if this was  not a TV movie where the filmmakers could have gone all out, but even so, this film still served it's purpose as a very entertaining horror film.  This is one I will be watching again very soon.  I highly recommend SCARECROW to any fans of creature features.

SCARECROW will be released on DVD February 25th


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to pre-order the DVD

Check out the trailer for the Irish horror/comedy creature film, GRABBERS!

 












  IFC Midnight films recently released this new horror/comedy film, GRABBERS.  It looks like a fun film and will do for creature films what SHAUN OF THE DEAD did for zombie films!  Here is the plot synopsis from the film's official website:

  Directed by Jon Wright, GRABBERS tells the story of Ciarán O’Shea, a charming but heavy-drinking local Garda who is tasked with greeting Lisa Nolan, a straight-laced young officer who has just arrived to a small fishing village off the West coast of Ireland. Not that there’s much for them to do, aside from dealing with the occasional drunk, and that’s usually O’Shea himself. But strange doings are afoot: the crew of a fishing boat disappears, whales start appearing dead on the shore, a local lobsterman catches a strange tentacled creature in his trap. Soon it becomes clear to Garda O’Shea and Nolan that there’s something big out there, and that it’s hungry. It’s time to rally the villagers, arm the troops…and head to the pub! Starring Richard Coyle (W.E, THE WHISTLEBLOWERS) and Ruth Bradley (LOVE/HATE, TITANIC) GRABBERS is a monster comedy from Irish screenwriter Kevin Lehane.

The film is not out on DVD yet for the U.S, but is available now on Amazon Instant Video and iTunes!


CLICK HERE to visit the official website and watch the trailer

Check out the trailer for another cool huge spider movie, BIG ASS SPIDER!

 
    Last Thursday, I posted about a new movie called SPIDERS 3D.  It looks like a pretty cool creature feature film staring some pretty large spiders.  Upon seeing this post, my buddy Scott Baker mentioned that I should check out the film, BIG ASS SPIDER.  I had never heard of it, so immediately went and watched the trailer and I am hooked!  This movie looks amazing!   I love a good creature feature, and there just aren't that many of them these days, so I am super excited about all these huge spider movies coming out!  Here is the basic plot of BIG ASS SPIDER from the film's imdb page:

  A giant alien spider escapes from a military lab and rampage the city of Los Angeles. When a massive military strike fails, it is up to a team of scientists and one clever exterminator to kill the creature before the city is destroyed.

  This looks like a fun movie for sure!  Hopefully I can do a full review of this film soon! BIG ASS SPIDER will haves its world premiere at the South By Southwest Film Festival this March.
Check out the trailer and let me know in the comments section below what you think!


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Check out the cool short film, SPIDER DANGER!

   
You might remember filmmaker Andrea Ricca from his first short film, THE FURFANGS, which I featured on my website about 2 years ago  (click here to see that post).  Well,  Andrea is back with another great creature feature short film, SPIDER DANGER!   For those that are scared of spiders, you might not want to watch this one!




CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Andrea Ricca and watch SPIDER DANGER

DVD Review: DINOCROC VS. SUPERGATOR (2010)

DINOCROC VS. SUPERGATOR
Directed by:  Jim Wynorski
Distributed by:  Anchor Bay Entertainment

Anchor Bay brings us another of  SyFy's animal mix up movies with DINOCROC VS. SUPERGATOR.    This is another film in the likes of SHARKTOPUS and DINOSHARK that was produced by Roger Corman.   Here is the plot from the Anchor Bay website:


They were created deep within the secret island laboratories of an unscrupulous biotech corporation and grown to horrific proportions...until they both escaped. Bullets won’t stop them. Explosives only make them meaner. And their ravenous reptile appetites for scientists, tourists, S.W.A.T. teams and swimsuit models have only just begun. Now an undercover investigator, a sexy Fish & Game officer, and a cold-blooded swamp hunter known only as ‘The Cajun’ are all in pursuit of the scaly beasts that can outrun SUVs, crush buses, and snack on sleazy producers in hot tubs. But when these monster lizards ultimately meet in battle, will mankind be the defeated species? David Carradine (Kill Bill, Death Race 2000) – in one of his final performances – stars in this epic Syfy smash about the bone-crunching, body-chomping, earth-trembling smackdown of Dinocroc Vs. Supergator!

 If you liked SHARKTOPUS and DINOSHARK, then I don't see any way you would not like DINOCROC VS. SUPERGATOR.   These are all basically the same movie, just with different creatures, and this film is different in that we dont' have any sharks in site.  Now were are dealing with gators and crocs that have been genetically engineered and have grown to massive size.   With the shark movies, you were at least safe if you stayed away from the water, but with these creatures, you are not safe anywhere...land or water. 

 The acting in this film is well....lets face it.  It is just not that good.  In fact, in some instances it is just awful.  But are you really watching this film for the acting?  No.  We watch these types of films for one thing and one thing only, and that is to see the creatures eat people.  Simple enough.  I do have to mention that there is one bright spot when it comes to the acting, and that is of course the legendary David Carradine.  He is not in the film much, but in the few scenes he is in, he brings a huge sense of genre credibility to the film.   It looks like this was one of the the last few films Mr. Carradine did before his untimely death in 2009.

 Now, on to the good part....the creatures eating people!  I think this film had a much higher body count than SHARKTOPUS or DINOCROC...I am not 100% sure on that, so don't quote me, but it definitely felt that way to me.   There was one scene in particular where a woman is literally bitten in half by one of the creatures. It was very well done and very effective.

 If you are a fan of the creature features, you will definitely want to check this one out.  Special features on the DVD include the  trailer and an Audio Commentary with Executive Producer Roger Corman and Director Jim Wynorski (A.K.A.  Jay Andrews).  DINOCROC VS. SUPERGATOR was released on DVD and Blu-ray this past Tuesday, 7/12, so is available now!



CLICK HERE to visit the official website of the film and watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD or Blu-ray



CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Anchor Bay Entertainment

DVD Review: DINOSHARK (2010)

DINOSHARK
Directed by:  Kevin O'Neill
Distributed by:  Anchor Bay Entertainment

Let me start by saying that I love all these cheesy creature features they show on the Sci-Fi...or, sorry, the Sy-Fy network. Anytime I flip by that channel and see a giant snake or weird fish conglomerate, I can't help but stop and watch.    I loved last years SHARKTOPUS film, but somehow I missed DINOSHARK, and after finally getting to see it last night, I have to say I think it is even better than SHARKTOPUS!  Here is the plot from the Anchor Bay website:


It was frozen in glacial ice over 150 million years ago. Global warming has just hatched it in the Arctic. And now, it has traveled to Puerto Vallarta for a massive Mexican buffet of sailors, swimmers, lifeguards, jet skiers, horny tourists, bikini babes and more. It thrives in warm water. Bullets will not pierce its prehistoric armor. And it can leap out of the ocean to devour helicopters and parasailers. Can a rogue fishing boat captain and a sexy science teacher stop this ravenous pliosaur before it takes a monster bite out of the local fiesta and all-girl water polo tournament? Eric Balfour (THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, "24") and Iva Hasperger star – along with award-winning B-movie producer Roger Corman himself – in the top-rated Syfy sensation about the blood-crazed primeval mutation called DINOSHARK!


 DINOSHARK was just as much fun to watch as SHARKTOPUS  (sorry, but it's hard not to compare the two), but I think the creature in DINOSHARK can actually be taken a little more seriously than that of the creature from SHARKTOPUS.  The Sharktopus was silly, but this is basically just an ancient dinosaur thought to be extinct that is an ancestor of our modern day sharks.  So this isn't some crazy mixture of animals like some would expect.  I expected a cross between a T-Rex and a Shark or something crazy like that.  This is a good thing, though, as it can be taken more seriously and actually led to some genuinely creepy parts when you do see people getting attacked.  You can't help but think of JAWS when you see people getting tugged under the water, and the music with the subtle nod to the JAWS theme is very fitting as well.

The film has some great attack scenes including the shark plucking a parasailer right out of the sky! The attack scenes are done well and actually have a good amount of gore in them....we see a few shots of random body parts floating in the water and the scene of a body, or half a body to be exact, washed up on the shore was very well done.   The blood and gore effect were turned up a notch for this one!

The acting in the film was good too, which is always a pleasant surprise with this type of film, and getting to see Roger Corman in front of the camera playing Dr. Reeves was a cool treat.

I think this is only the tip of the ice burg for these creature features..I think we will see many more mixed up animals to come and I wouldn't be surprised if we get to see DINOSHARK vs. SHARKTOPUS someday!  I say keep 'em coming.  These are great, cheesy movies and are just plain fun.  I recommend DINOSHARK for sure! 


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

CLICK HERE to visite the official website of Anchor Bay Entertainment