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.

 

DVD Review: MEMORY OF THE DEAD

 
MEMORY OF THE DEAD
Directed by Valentín Javier Diment
Distributed by Artsploitation Films

  I have said it before and I will say it again...I LOVE foreign horror films!  There are so many great horror movies being made all over the world, you owe it to yourself to check out some of these great foreign films!  I just watched a film from Argentina called MEMORY OF THE DEAD.  This was a visually stunning film that was heavily influenced by some of the top names in horror.   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Artsploitation website:

  A stylish supernatural shocker that has been a hit at film festivals around the world. Argentina’s Memory of the Dead boasts some terrifying FX setpieces bathed in a candy-colored visual palette that makes Mario Bava’s gothic classics look monochromatic by comparison. Following the sudden death of her husband, Alicia assembles all his friends at a vast country manor for a reading of his final letter. But Alicia also has other plans in mind – helping her husband return from the grave with a spell that will put all of the gathered guests in mortal danger. Scary, hysterical and packed with mind-boggling visuals, Memory of the Dead is the cinematic equivalent of a funhouse ride.

  I love the reference comparing this film to a funhouse ride.  That is spot on as there is something different going on with each person in the house...a different surprise around every corner!  There are some crazy death sequences in this film, and just some crazy visuals all throughout the film.   One thing I noticed from the beginning was the excellent camera work.  There are some very cool shots throughout the film, great camera angles and such.

  It's interesting that this film was compared to a Mario Bava film in the plot synopsis.  I can totally see that, but I can also see influences from Dario Argento  (use of color),  and most of all, Sam Raimi and the EVIL DEAD films.  There are a few scenes taken directly from the EVIL DEAD films, a nice homage for sure!

  Fans of gore will be thrilled by this film...there are some crazy gore effects in this film, some that truly made me cringe, and I don't get bothered by too much!

  I highly suggest you check out MEMORY OF THE DEAD.  The DVD is available now from Artsploitation Films.


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

Blu-ray review: THE LORDS OF SALEM

    
THE LORDS OF SALEM
Written & Directed by Rob Zombie
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

 I know I am a little late on this review, but better late than never I guess.  THE LORDS OF SALEM is Rob Zombie's latest film which opened back in April of this year in limited theaters.  I didn't think I was going to be able to see this film in the theater, because it was not playing in any theaters around me at the time of it's release.  But a few weeks later, the next city over started playing it so I was able to go see it.   This film had been really hyped up, and being a huge fan of Rob Zombie's previous films, I was super excited to see this film.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Anchor Bay website:

  It has been called “disturbing” (Los Angeles Times), “nerve-shattering” (Chicago Reader) and “Rob Zombie’s masterpiece” (Loudwire.com). From the nightmare mind of writer/director Rob Zombie comes the terrifying story of Salem, Massachusetts radio DJ Heidi LaRoc (Sheri Moon Zombie of THE DEVIL’S REJECTS) who receives a mysterious record labeled “a gift from The Lords”. But when Heidi plays the disc, its bizarre sounds will trigger visions of the town’s depraved past, release the darkness within her own damaged soul, and unleash the long-awaited vengeance of Satan himself. Bruce Davison (WILLARD) and a coven of genre legends co-star in this stunning witchcraft shocker that Beyond Hollywood calls “a full-on piece of satanic madness…

 I have to admit, when seeing the film in the theater, I was not blown away like I expected to be.  I didn't hate the film either, it seems as though I was just sort of on the fence about this one.  From reading other reviews it seems like you either loved it or hated it.  I was just indifferent to it upon first viewing.  I remember leaving the theater confused, and perplexed, wondering exactly what I had just seen.
 The film had it's pros and cons, and upon second viewing with the Anchor Bay Blu-ray release, I was able to find more pros than cons the second time around.   The movie was more enjoyable to me the second time around, maybe because I knew what to expect and I wasn't expecting a masterpiece like I was upon my first viewing.  I have to say that the acting in this film was excellent, especially from the seasoned veterans such as Bruce Davison, Dee Wallace, Meg Foster, and Patricia Quinn.  The film was also extremely good visually.  There are some very creepy visuals and a very good used of color in this film, reminiscent of the way color was used in Dario Argento's Three Mothers trilogy.

If you saw this film in the theater and felt a bit let down, I encourage you to give it a second viewing on home video.  THE LORDS OF SALEM is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Anchor Bay Entertainment.

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

Check out VCI Entertainment's Huge 50% OFF Memorial Day Sale!!

  Check out this great message I just got in my email!  The great folks over at VCI Entertainment are having a huge 50% sale on their website!!   For those that don't know, VCI Entertainment is a distributor of some great classic films on DVD and Blu-ray (click HERE to see the list of their horror films). They have some great movies, including films from Dario Argento, William Castle, and Mario Bava, just to name a few! 
Here is the message I just received about this great sale:


  In honor of our troops, VCI Entertainment is offering all DVDs and
Blu-rays at 50% OFF our suggested retail price. Click here to visit our homepage.

  Enter the code VCIMEMDAY to receive the additional savings from our already discounted price. This code expires at 11:59 pm CST, Monday, May 27, 2013.
 

Thank You,

Christopher Rowe
Public Relations DirectorVCI Entertainment

 

All sales over $50.00 qualify for free ground shipping for any U.S. address.
This is a "website only" special, only available at vcient.com.
Offer valid once per customer and may not be combined with any other offer.

No, thank YOU Mr. Rowe and to all the great people at VCI Entertainment for honoring our troops and giving us movie buffs a great deal on some great DVD's and Blu-rays!

Dario Argento's next film is DRACULA 3D??

According to Shocktillyoudrop.com, legendary filmmaker Dario Argento will be writing and directing a new Dracula film that will begin filming in Italy next January. And...if that isn't cool enough news, it is also being reported that it will be in 3D! (Yes, I am one of the few that actually love all the new 3D movies!). I hope this report is true....nothing is mentioned about it on Argento's imdb page. Maybe it is too early and just hasn't been posted on there yet. I hope this is true, as I would love to see what Mr. Argento could do with this classic tale. What do you think? Is this a project that you would be excited to see?