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

Book Review: THE ART OF HAMMER by Marcus Hearn

THE ART OF HAMMER
Published by Titan Books

 As some of you may know, Titan Books is one of this best publishers in business when it comes to film related books.  They have books about many films, but their books on the old Hammer Films are really spectacular.  The one I am reviewing today is titled, THE ART OF HAMMER:  POSTERS FROM THE ARCHIVE OF HAMMER FILMS.
Here is the description of the book from the Titan Books website:

  Hammer is almost as well known for the way it promoted its films as for the films themselves. The legendary British production company supported each new release with eye-catching posters that have become classics of their kind.
  This is the first collection of these iconic posters, with nearly 300 examples drawn from Hammer’s own archive, and private collections worldwide. Some are well remembered, most are extremely rare.
  The Art of Hammer is a testament to the company’s pioneering mastery of film promotion, and a celebration of movie art at its best.

  This is by far one of the best horror related books I have ever had the pleasure of looking at.  I can't say reading, because this is not really a book you read.  Inside this book you will find nothing but hundreds of movie posters from all of the Hammer films...some you will remember, and some films you've probably never heard of.  You will find multiple posters for various films, different versions, artwork, etc.  All the photos are in glorious color on glossy paper and the posters are showcased by decade (1950-59, 1960-69, and 1970-79).

  This is one of the prettiest poster books you will ever see.   The book is presented in a hardback with slipcover and contains 199 pages.  This is a big, beautiful book that would be perfect on the coffee table of any horror fan.   Do yourself a favor and check out this book or any of the other great books that Titan Books has to offer!


CLICK HERE to purchase the book

Blu-ray Review: COUNTESS DRACULA (1971)

  
COUNTESS DRACULA
Directed by Peter Sasdy
Distributed by Synapse Films and CAV

  Thank you Synapse Films for another gorgeous release of another classic horror film.  The latest Hammer Horror film from Synapse is the great COUNTESS DRACULA starring the beautiful Ingrid Pitt.  Here is the plot synopsis from the Synapse Films website:

  The beautiful Ingrid Pitt (The Wicker Man, Where Eagles Dare) stars as Elisabeth Nádasdy, an aging Hungarian Countess who discovers she can reverse her aging by bathing in the blood of young women. While in her youthful state, the Countess falls for the handsome Lt. Imre Toth (Sandor Elès), and impersonates her own daughter to win his affections. Soon, girls in the village go missing… kidnapped and murdered by the Countess and her steward, Julie (Patience Collier) to satiate her horrifying bloodlust. Can Elisabeth live a life of deception with her grotesque lust for blood to stay eternally young, or will her ghoulish secret finally be revealed? Co-starring Nigel Green (Jason and the Argonauts, Zulu).

  Considered “one of the more underrated films from the latter days of the Hammer Films dynasty“ (Donald Guarisco, Allmovie.com), Countess Dracula is based on the real-life Hungarian Countess Elizabeth Bathory, a woman accused of torturing and murdering more than 600 girls.

 I am huge fan of Hammer Horror films.  They had such a unique vibe to them.  I can't really explain it, but there is a certain style you can see when watching a Hammer film and I love it.  COUNTESS DRACULA was another very enjoyable Hammer film.   The movie was shot well and acted well, and I loved the story.  I have always enjoyed stories and movies about the infamous Elizabeth Bathory, and this is another one I can add to my list of enjoyable films.  Ingrid Pitt did an amazing job as the title character in this film.   She is a joy to watch on screen, and really makes this movie.   Some people will say that this film is slow, and I can see that.  It is slow at some points but even then if you are a fan of Hammer horror films, you will probably enjoy the dialog like I did.   This film won't be for everyone, but if you are a fan of Hammer films, you will definitely want to add this one to your collection!

  COUNTESS DRACULA is out now on Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and contains the following special features:

*  Audio commentary with actress Ingrid Pitt, director Peter Sasdy, screenwriter Jeremy Paul and author Jonathan Sothcott
*  Immortal Countess: The Cinematic Life of Ingrid Pitt – Featurette
*  Archival Audio Interview with Ingrid Pitt
*  Still Gallery
*  Theatrical Trailer
*  Reversible Cover Artwork


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

Blu-ray Review: HANDS OF THE RIPPER (1971)

HANDS OF THE RIPPER
Directed by  Peter Sasdy
Distributed by Synapse Films / CAV

 If you are a fan of Hammer horror films, you will definitely want to take a look at HANDS OF THE RIPPER.  This is one Hammer film I had never seen before.  Synapse Films has recently released this film onto a great Blu-ray/DVD combo pack so now is the perfect time to check out this great film!   Here is the plot synopsis of the film courtesy of the Synapse Films website:

An infant girl watches in horror as her father, the infamous “Jack the Ripper”, brutally murders her mother. Years later, young Anna (Angharad Rees) is now under the care of a fake psychic and has been forced into prostitution. At the end of a séance one evening, a woman is mysteriously killed. Dr. John Pritchard (Eric Porter) suspects Anna is the murderer but cannot understand how she could do this unspeakable act. Using new Freudian psychoanalysis techniques, Pritchard experiments on Anna and discovers a shocking secret. The spirit of the “Ripper” is alive and well, and may be possessing his own daughter! Can this evil be stopped before it’s too late?
   
  The back cover states that this film is widely recognized as one of the most gruesome Hammer horror films ever made. It wasn't really gruesome by today's standards, but considering the film came out in 1971, I bet it was quite shocking for it's time. Don't get me wrong, the film still holds up very well, even by today's standards.

  If you have never seen a Hammer film, this would be a great one to start with.  The plot is easy to follow and stays suspenseful throughout the film.  The film reminds me of Italian giallo films, but mixed with a slasher film.  In fact, this could be a film that paved the way for all the slasher films of the 1980's.  The film has some very painful death scenes, including the final scene of the film that was shot very well.   The film is very stylish in the way the it was filmed, especially the opening credits scene.  The use of pauses during the opening flashback scene of Anna as a young girl was a very cool effect.

  HANDS OF THE RIPPER is available now from Synapse films on a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, and includes the following special features:

*  THE DEVIL'S BLOODY PLAYTHING:  POSSESSED BY THE HANDS OF THE RIPPER -- Featurette
*  SLAUGHTER OF INNOCENCE:  THE EVOLUTION OF HAMMER GORE -- Motion Still Gallery
*  U.S. Television Introduction
*  Original Theatrical Trailer and TV Spots
*  HANDS OF THE RIPPER -- Motion Still Gallery
*  Isolated Music & Effects Track (Blu-ray Only)
*  Reversible Cover Art


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

DVD Review: THE RESIDENT (2011)

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THE RESIDENT

Directed by:  Antti Jokinen

Distributed by:  Image Entertainment

I just watched...no, experienced the latest Hammer Films production of THE RESIDENT.  This is Hammer's follow up to last years, LET ME IN, and this is two "home runs" in a row.   While it will be hard to top the genius that was LET ME IN, this latest film from Hammer Films is a worthy followup, and one I enjoyed almost just as much.  NOTE:  Slight Spoiler Alert.  If you want to go into this film knowing nothing, please do not read this review until after you have seen the film.  Although, nothing in the review below tells you anything that you don't find out too early in the film. Here is the films synopsis from the Image Entertainment website:

Juliet (Academy Award-winner Hilary Swank, Million Dollar Baby), a beautiful doctor, has found the perfect New York apartment to start a new life after separating from her husband. It's got spacious rooms, a spectacular view, and a handy, handsome landlord. But there are secrets behind every wall and terror in every room as Juliet gets the unnerving feeling that she is not alone. She is being watched. She is being stalked. And no one is safe when she discovers the relentless horror on her doorstep. But how do you stop an evil that you can't see...until it's too late? Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Grey's Anatomy) and screen legend Christopher Lee (The Lord of the Rings) costar in this pulse-pounding shocker from famed horror studio Hammer Films (Let Me In).

While there are many great aspects of this film, I have to start with the acting.  I have never been a huge fan of Hilary Swank, but after seeing her in this film, that opinion has changed.  Swank did an outstanding job playing a woman who was wronged by her husband.  She comes across at first as emotionally weak and vulnerable, yet she does a remarkable job of going from victim to a strong woman who stands her ground and stands up for herself.

 
Jeffrey Dean Morgan probably gives the best performance overall. He plays the stalker of Swanks character in the film, who watches her through peepholes in her walls and also from within her apartment at times! While at first very charming and polite, he does a complete 180 and plays one of the most menacing, creepy characters ever caught on film. While this might be somewhat of a spoiler, you find this out pretty early in the film, so it's not like a surprise ending that is being ruined. Just look at the DVD cover and you can tell who the "bad guy" is. 

 

Also worth noting is the amazing Christopher Lee.  While he has a very small role in the film, with little screen time, he manages to set a very eerie vibe for the film.  Christopher Lee seems to get better with age and is in a time in his life where he is at his most creepy and sinister.  If you want to make your Horror movie better, just hire this man.  He should be in every scary movie in my opinion!

 

While the acting was superb, everything else about this film is wonderful as well.  The music is great, setting a very creepy tone. Also worth noting is the use of light and shadows.  When Swank's character hears things in her apartment, the camera will scan the room and sometimes you will catch a glimpse of a shadow of the person watching her, but you never see who it is at first.  Later we find that it was Morgan's character Max, the building's owner.  He hides in her apartment, sometimes slipping a sleeping agent into her drinks, and then watches her as she sleeps.  The thought of someone watching you from just inches away as you sleep is a very scary thought to me.  

 
While all the characters are great, the apartment building is almost a character in itself.  It is a very old building with lots of hidden rooms and access ways to all the rooms, used by Max to get from room to room and sneak into the apartments.   The chase through this hidden inner hallway is a great scene, with an ending you won't want to miss!
 
Overall, this is one of the better movies I have seen in a while.  While it is more thriller/suspense than actual Horror, it is still a very scary, creepy film that I would highly recommend to any Horror fan.  THE RESIDENT was released today, 3/29, so check your local stores or click the link below to purchase!

 

 

 CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

 CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

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