Blu-Ray Review: PROMPT (2025)

PROMPT

Directed by:  Charles Band

Distributed by:  Full Moon Entertainment / MVD Entertainment

  Today's review is for another Full Moon Entertainment feature.   Full Moon holds a special place in my horror loving heart, as I grew up on the awesome Full Moon films of the 80's and 90's.   It's amazing they are still going strong and producing so many films to this day!   One of their latest features is the sexy A.I. themed film, PROMPT.    Here is the basic plot from the MVD website:

  Prompt (2 Cut Version) is a provocative science fiction horror thriller from director Charles Band that explores the increasingly blurred boundary between artificial intelligence and human desire. When a young woman immerses herself in the world of AI to fulfill her deepest sexual fantasies, what begins as an enticing escape gradually transforms into a disturbing descent where sensual experiences become terrifying realities. As her dependence on the technology grows, she finds herself confronting a shocking truth hidden beneath the artificial intelligence guiding her every interaction.

   Blending psychological suspense with erotic science fiction and horror, the film examines obsession, technology, and the consequences of surrendering reality to artificial intimacy. Charles Band crafts an intimate thriller that steadily builds tension as fantasy gives way to paranoia and danger.

  Now, like a lot of the films I review, I have to preface this with you know what kind of film you're getting into when you watch a Full Moon film.   They don't take themselves too serious, and they aren't trying to make any Oscar worthy films.   What they do try to make are fun, silly films that keep you entertained.   I am happy to say they have succeeded once again with their newest release, PROMPT. 

  The main character, Taylor, is hired to use  an A.I. video generator to create a new ad campaign for a company.  She gets done with that project super quick, so she starts playing around with the A.I video generator for her own personal pleasure.  She can put in any prompt she wants  (hence the film's title) and a video is generated showing her exactly what she wants to see.  She mainly is having the A.I. generator make videos featuring beautiful (and naked) women in all sorts of scenarios.   She is enjoying watching one of the videos when she notices a strange man in the video looking back and watching her.  He is only there for a few seconds and then disappears.   

  As she continues to make these videos, she continues to see this mystery man and wonder who he is, and why is he in her videos when she didn't prompt him?   The answer she gets is a really cool twist that I was really impressed with. 

  The PROMPT Blu-Ray is a super fun release and one I highly recommend.  The picture quality is great and I love the use of all the different colors, especially in the A.I. videos that Taylor makes.   Speaking of Taylor,  that character is played by actress Lilly Bell.  She did a great job and I look forward to seeing her again soon in her lead role in ROBOTICA, another new film coming out soon from Full Moon Entertainment!   PROMPT is a fun film, and comes in at just 62 (or 63) minutes, depending on which cut you watch.  Both cuts are for adults only, so don't let the kiddos around this one!   PROMPT is a  really fun film, based on a very topical subject right now.   

 

  PROMPT is available now on DVD and Blu-Ray and contains the following Special Features:

*  PROMP Videozone - Behind the Scenes featurette

*  Trailer

* 2-cuts of the film, Soft and Hard

 

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-Ray

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Blu-Ray Review: GRADUATION DAY (1981)

GRADUATION DAY

Directed by:  Herb Freed

Distributed by:  Troma Entertainment / MVD Entertainment 

  As many horror films as I have seen, I find it amazing the amount of older horror films I have never watched.  I have had GRADUATION DAY on DVD in my movie collection for years, but have never got around to watching it for some reason.   Turns out, I have been missing out on a really fun slasher all these years!

 Here is the basic plot synopsis from the MVD website:

  It's just weeks before high school graduation and members of the track team are being mysteriously and gruesomely murdered, one at a time. When the team's star runner drops dead at the end of a championship meet, her sister Anne (Patch MacKenzie) comes to town and a series of grisly murders begin. Is Anne responsible? Or is it coach Michaels (Christopher George) who has been fired because of Laura's death? Perhaps it's the campus policeman who is disliked because of his over-zealous drug investigations? Or is it Laura's boyfriend, Kevin (E. Danny Murphy), who can't reconcile himself to Laura's death? You won't want to see Graduation Day alone!

  Slashers are one of my all time favorite sub-genres of horror films, right behind zombie films.   I should really try to watch more of them, as I'm sure I am missing out on seeing some great ones!   GRADUATION DAY isn't great, by any means, but it is a lot of fun!  It's a little dated for sure, but you  have to love the practical effects with all the kills, no matter how cheesy they may seem by today's standards. 

  The kills in GRADUATION DAY are a lot of fun, and some are very creative.  There is quite a bit of blood and gore, including a wonderful decapitation.   Also of note, is a pole vaulter that instead of landing on the soft landing pad, ends up on a pad  filled with sharp metal spikes!  Let's just say that pole vault attempt will be his last.  I hope it was a good one!

  Another fun thing about this film was seeing one of my all time favorite horror actresses, Linnea Quigley.   This was one of hear earliest roles and it is always a treat to see her in something I hadn't seen before!   Also of note, the character of Doris is played a very young Vanna White!  Who new she was ever in a horror film?    This was one of her only roles in a movie, as she would of course go on to host the game show WHEEL OF FORTUNE starting the very next year in 1982.  Vanna continues to co-host that show to this very day!   Will we ever see her return to the horror genre? 

                                         A young Linnea Quigley as Dolores

  Ok, so I while I mentioned that I liked the film, I do have to be honest and say I was a little disappointed with this new Blu-ray release.  The very first thing I noticed was the introduction from Troma founder Lloyd Kaufman that we all expect when starting a Troma release.  The problem is they just recycled the intro used on the DVD version that they released back in 2002.  For this new Blu-ray release, I would have thought Mr. Kaufman could have bothered to make a new intro.   Another issue with this new Blu-ray release is with the sound.  There is a constant buzz/hum throughout the film in the background.  It's louder at some points than others, but it was pretty distracting the entire time. I would have thought that could have been cleaned up for this new release.   As for the picture quality, I never watched it on DVD to have a comparison, but it didn't seem to look much different from most DVDs I watch, so not sure this was really upgraded for the new Blu-ray release. 

  The bottom line is, if you haven't seen this one you need to.  This new Blu-ray release is a great way to do that!   If you have already seen this and own it on DVD, I'm not sure this new Blu-ray release is worth the upgrade to be honest.   So, the film itself is a lot of fun, but the actual release could have been better for sure.   

  GRADUATION DAY is available now on a Tromatic Special Edition Blu-ray and contains the following Special Features:

• *  Classic introduction featuring Lloyd Kaufman
• *  Interviews with Patch Mackenzie, Herb Freed, David Baughn, Martin Jay Sadoff, and Linnea Quigley
• *  Commentaries featuring producer David Baughn and the hosts of 'The Hysteria Continues' podcast
• *  Coming distractions

 

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from Troma Entertainment

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment 

If you like Horror and Baseball Cards like me, then check out this awesome [Monster] Mash up!!

  

  By now you probably realize that I love Horror.  Horror movies, of course, but I love anything Horror related.   What you might not realize about me is that I am a huge collector of Sports Cards!  

 I've collected Baseball cards since around 1985 and then started collecting Basketball cards in the mid 90's when Michael Jordan was at his prime!  I've collected off and on throughout the years, but collecting cards has always been a part of who I am. 

 In addition to Sports cards, many horror films have had tie-in cards produced throughout the years.   The 1988 Topps Fright Flicks cards is on of my favorite Horror card releases.  I always wish there would be more Horror card releases, and apparently the fine folks at THE CRAFTSMAN'S WORKS listened and responded!  

  Their new Graveyard Greats collection is a set of 4 cards featuring Count Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, The Wolfman, and The Mummy.   The cards were inspired by 1970's style baseball cards and the classic monster movies of the 1930's.

 These cards are just like an old baseball card, on card stock with full backs full of info and stats!  These are such fun cards, and need to be in your collection if you are a Horror fan and card collector like me. 

  In addition to the cards, you can get the full card designs on some cool vinyl decals!

  While the cards might be scary, he prices on these are definitely not!   The cards are only $4 each + shipping or $14 + shipping for the full 4-card set.    The vinyl decals are only $7 + shipping each or $20 + shipping for the 4-decal set. 

  Shop the cards today, as they will only be around for a Limited Time!

CLICK HERE to purchase the complete 4-card Graveyard Greats set 

CLICK HERE to purchase the Graveyard Greats individual cards

CLICK HERE to purchase the Graveyard Greats decals

Blu-ray Review: MY ONLY FRIEND'S A CORPSE (2025)

MY ONLY FRIEND'S A CORPSE

Written & Directed by:  Jack Bayless

Distributed by: MVD Entertainment

   I have a feeling today's film for review is one you have never seen or heard of!   I had no clue what this movie was when it arrived in my mailbox for review, but the title was interesting and the cover art was top notch!  

  

   The film is a very low budget horror comedy called, MY ONLY FRIEND'S A CORPSE.  I figured with a title like that, I had to give it a spin!  I'm glad I did, because this was a fun one, for sure!

 Here is the plot synopsis from the MVD website:

  My Only Friend's A Corpse is a DIY horror-comedy from writer-director Jack Bayless that sends an unlikely pair on a grotesque road trip through the supernatural underbelly of the Midwest. Danny, a punk runaway with nowhere to go, discovers a sentient, badly decaying corpse behind a dumpster. Instead of fleeing, he strikes up an improbable friendship with the undead stranger, who soon reveals an ambitious mission: humanity can only be saved by killing God.

  Danny joins the corpse on his quest, and the two set out across the Midwest through a world populated by monsters, demons, angels and other supernatural horrors. What begins as a bizarre adventure grows progressively more violent as Danny is drawn deeper into his companion's apocalyptic plan. With each encounter, the distinction between salvation and destruction becomes harder to recognize, while the friendship between the two remains at the darkly comic center of the story.

 Keep in mind this is very low budget film, so don't go into it expecting a masterpiece of cinema.  What is lacks in polish, it makes up for with charm.   I feel like you could tell this was a film made by someone that truly loves the horror genre. 

 One thing I really liked about this film was that the comedy was not over the top.  It was definitely more of a horror film that comedy, but there were quite a few funny instances along the way, mainly in the dialog between Danny and the corpse.   It's a buddy movie as they travel across the country and come across all sorts of strange beings on the way to their final goal. 

 The make up and effects were also really good for the most part, and it was nice to see all the make up and practical effects.  Some of the monsters they encounter along the way are really terrifying, especially the one they meet at the house where "God" is. 

  The final scene where Danny and the corpse battle "God" was quite hilarious, and not at all what I expected to happen.  

 This was a quick film clocking in at only 70 minutes.  It was well paced and a lot a fun.  I would definitely recommend this one!

  MY ONLY FRIEND'S A CORPSE is available now on DVD and Blu-ray and contains the following Special Features:

*  Audio Commentary from Director Jack Bayless

*  Interview with Cast & Crew Featurette

*  Trailer 

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

CLICK HERE to purchase the BLU-RAY

Blu-ray Review: TAG: THE ASSASSINATION GAME (1982)

TAG:  THE ASSASSINATION GAME

Written & Directed by:  Nick Castle

Distributed by:  Synapse Films / MVD Entertainment

  If the name Nick Castle rings a bell for you, it's because you probably know him as the actor who played Michael Myers in John Carpenter's 1978 classic, HALLOWEEN.   I hate to admit it, but I had no idea he was a director as well.  In fact, he has 13 films he is listed as the director of on his IMDb page.   A lot of these are comedies, including one of my favorites, MAJOR PAYNE.   I guess I don't pay attention to the credits of films much, or maybe I just forgot, but I certainly didn't remember he directed that one!   

  Castle's directorial career began with the subject of today's review.   1982's "TAG:  THE ASSASSINATION GAME".  Here the basic plot synopsis from the Synapse Film's website:

  Before the majority of 1980s college movies were all about nudity, slapstick comedy, beer bongs and bad decisions, TAG: The Assassination Game gave this genre a killer twist. In this 1982 film noir-inspired gem, a group of students turns dorm life into a mock battle royale by playing a game that could never be done on campuses of today.  The rules of TAG are simple. Players try to “murder” each other using rubber-tipped toy dart guns. If you are shot, you are “killed” and taken out of the game permanently until only one player remains. Unfortunately for this year’s TAG players, one sore loser is determined to win at any cost, even if it means murdering his competition for real!

  Let me start off by saying this was an extremely fun film!   I know it doesn't seem like a movie about a psycho killing off college kids should be described as "fun", but it is done in way that it just is.  The film doesn't take itself seriously, and there is some dark humor throughout the film that lightens the mood.  

  What starts as a simple game of campus tag using rubber darts, descends into something more when the reigning champ, Loren Gersh" gets "killed" in a way he felt was unfair.  This infuriates Gersh to the point that he takes "The Assassination Game" moniker to heart, and he trades in his rubber darts for real bullets!  

  Gersh does a good job of hiding his killings.   My favorite was when he was under the bleachers that his next target was sitting on watching track and field practice.  He times his shot perfectly with the starting pistol the coach shoots to start the race, so no one notices his kill!  

 

  Something else that was so much fun about this film, was seeing actors I knew from other films, but really hadn't seen in many other films.   Robert Carradine plays the lead role in TAG.  I pretty much only know his as Lewis Skolnick from the REVENGE OF THE NERDS films.   Linda Hamilton plays the other lead, and we all know her from her many films, but I mainly know her from TERMINATOR 2, of course.  The part of Loren Gersh is played by Bruce Abbott, of RE-ANIMATOR fame. 

  This is a very unique films as it's hard to categorize into one genre.  It's not truly a horror movie, although it does involve killing and shows dead bodies.  It is more action I would say, and a bit of a psychological thriller.  Throw in a love story with Carradine and Hamilton's characters and you truly have a film that has something for everyone in it!

  TAG: THE ASSASSINATION GAME is available now on Blu-ray and contains the following Special Features:

*  Audio Commentary with Director Nick Castle and star Robert Carradine

*  Original Theatrical Trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from Synapse Films

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment

Blu-ray Review: THE MONSTER MASH (2022)

THE MONSTER MASH

Directed by:  Kevin Losani & Richard Terrasi

Distributed by:  Bayview Entertainment

   If you are a fan of anthology films like me, you are going to want to check out Dark Visions Films release of THE MONSTER MASH!   Maybe it's my short attention span, but I love how anthology films are broken down into multiple short films.  It's also always fun to see how they are tied together, as there are multiple fun ways to do that.  This one was done like you were watching a late night creature feature show featuring your host, Dr. Freudstein!  

 Before I go any further, here is a brief plot synopsis from the Bayview Entertainment website:

An anthology throwback to the glorious days of Creature Features that dominated television sets across America. Dr. Freudstein, along with his sidekick Ludwig fumble to create a bio-mechanical experiment all while hosting "The Monster Mash Triple Feature Show”: three gruesome mini horror films: Whispering Hollow Road - A dark shadowy noir with a monstrous twist, The House - A modern gothic tale of lycanthropy, Homebound Horror - A grimy grindhouse tale of revenge of extraterrestrial proportions

 I had no expectations going into this film. I hadn't seen a trailer or heard anything about it.  I'm actually surprised this hasn't been discussed more,  as this film is a lot of fun!  

 The film is made up of 3 short films, all of which were a lot of fun in their own way.  Most anthology films usually have a weak story or two, but that was not the case with this film. 

WHISPERING ROAD -  This is a fun tale of a serial killer on a killer spree. We see the killer kill a prostitute before going on a drive and finding a stranded woman who's car has broken down.  He offers her a ride to the nearest store to use the phone for help, but little does he know the tables are about to be turned on him!   This stranded woman is not a woman at all, and this killer has definitely met his match!

THE HOUSE  -  This was a werewolf film set in a modern time and in a different setting than your usual werewolf films.  A couple goes to look at a house out in the woods.  Apparently the man selling the house really wants to get it sold and does not take "no" for an answer!    This had some great werewolf effects  (better than I expected from a lower budget film to be honest) and some great gore! 

HOMEBOUND HORROR -  This was probably my favorite of all three short films.  It's the story of a marine that has come home to propose to his girlfriend, get married, and start a family.  He  has the case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and somehow gets dragged into a major conflict with a crime lord.   He is shot, stabbed, and has his faced peeled off, then left for dead out in field, but something falls from the sky and takes over his body.  He is now an alien zombie who seeks revenge for those that wronged him.   His repeating of the phrase, "I'm going home", is actually pretty heartbreaking when you realize what all he's going through versus the only thing he wanted to do.   Part crime film, part alien film, and part zombie film, this one has something for everyone.  It's also probably the goriest of the three films.  

 All three films feature a creature of some kind.  I thought that was a cool theme and fit perfectly with the late night creature feature aspect of this anthology.   If you like these kinds of films, you'll want to check this one out for sure!

 THE MONSTER MASH is available now on Blu-ray and contains the following Special Features:

*  The Making of The Monster Mash

*  Director Commentary

*  Behind the Scenes

*  Faux Trailers

CLICK HERE To watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: SWEET MEATS (2025)

SWEET MEATS

Written & Directed by:  Ricky Glore

Distributed by:  Troma Films  / MVD Entertainment

 If you are a fan of Troma films, you basically know what kind of film you are getting into.  SWEET MEATS  is no different and fits perfectly in the Troma films library.   More of a dark comedy than a horror film, it's a fun film that is worth a watch for sure!   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the MVD website:

Bobby Sweet is a country music legend and has been the world-renowned face of 'Sweet Meats' since establishing his first restaurant with his wife. Sometimes a 'secret ingredient' should stay that way.

 If you are looking for a scary horror film, this is not the film for you.  It's not scary at all, but it's not supposed to be.  As I mentioned before, this a horror-comedy, with more of an emphasis on the comedy.  Horror comedy films are tough to make in my opinion.   It's hard to mix totally opposite genres like that and make it work.   I am pleased to say that the people behind SWEET MEATS made it work!    This movie is actually really funny.   It tells the story of a simple man named Bobby that just wants to be a country music star, but gets caught up running a restaurant with his controlling girlfriend.  

  His girlfriend has a plan to make their burgers different than other restaurants using a special kind of meat.   I'm sure you can guess what kind of meat that is!   While the basic premise is not original, the execution of the concept is for sure.    As stated before, Bobby wants to be a country music star, so we are gifted with music performances throughout the film.  They all tell a story, basically about what is happening at that point in the film.  The songs are really funny and some are actually really catchy!  

  Something else that I need to point out about this film is the acting.  In addition to writer, director, and lead actor Ricky Glore doing such a great job, all the actors in this film were really good.   Low budget films,  especially horror-comedy films,  can be ruined by bad acting.  That was not the case here.   Kudos to the entire cast, but especially to the other two leads, Timmy Barron as Bobby's best friend Jerry, and to Eileen Earnest who plays Bobby's girlfriend, Laddie.   These were all very good comedic actors and had great performances. 

  SWEET MEATS is a fun film that I highly recommend checking out! 

SWEET MEATS is available for pre-order now, with a release date set for September 8, 2026.  The Blu-ray contains the following special features:

• *  New Commentary Track
• *  'The Grind' - The Making of Sweet Meats
• *  Evolution of a Song: Writing the Music of Sweet Meats
• *  Cast and Crew Feature-Length Interview
• *  Tromatic Extras

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer 

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: AM I EVIL (2007)

AM I EVIL

Directed by:  Richard Terrasi

Distributed by:  SRS Cinema

  If you have to ask, then you probably are!  After watching this film, I can confirm you definitely are!

  AM I EVIL is the name of today's film that is up for review.   This is another film I have never heard of or seen/read anything about.   After watching it, I'm wondering how that is possible.   

  Now don't get me wrong, this is not a masterpiece of horror cinema by any means, but for a directorial debut, it's a solid film that was very entertaining.   It was also very brutal, much more so than I was expecting. 

 Before I go any further, here is the basic plot synopsis from the SRS website:

Andrew Lakewood seems to be a normal guy. But deep within him is a dark side, hidden, until one day, his thoughts and fantasies become real. "Am In Evil" is a horrific and disturbing character study of a homicidal killer!

 Being a lower budget independent film, I wasn't expecting too much out of this one, but boy was I wrong!  Everything about this film seemed bigger than the budget was.   A lot of independent films are killed by the level of actors they are able to get.   This was not the case with this film.  The acting was excellent, especially from all the actresses that portrayed the victims.   They all did an amazing job and looked truly terrified in many scenes. 

 The film in pretty simple in plot, basically our main character Andrew seduces women, and then brings them back to his place to have sex, and then kill them....although not always in that order!    We are then witnesses to all of Andrew's  depravity, including beheadings and disembowelings!     One of the more disturbing scenes including watching Andrew play in the guts and blood of his latest victim.  Everything is silent except the faint music of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata playing the background.   The visual of seeing such a heinous act while listing to one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever created, was  definitely a shock to your senses!

 If you are a fan of the so called "torture-porn" sub-genre of horror films, this one is a must watch for you.   Be warned, this one is not for the squeamish!

  AM I EVIL is available now on a new 4K Restoration 20th  Anniversary Blu-ray Edition, and includes the following Special Features:

• New 2026 Commentary By Richard Terrasi
• Archival Commentary
• The Making Of Am I Evil
• Behind The Scenes Special Make Up Effects With Mikey Rotella
• Trailer
• "Anyone" Music Video By P-TSD
• SRS Trailers

 

 CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray 

Blu-ray Review: CRADLE OF FEAR (2001)

CRADLE OF FEAR

Directed by:  Alex Chandon

Distributed by:  Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

  Once again I am here to review a film I have always known about, seen the box art countless times when perusing my local video store, yet have never watched.  Hopefully most of you are old enough to remember video stores!   I recall seeing the original DVD cover art on the shelf, but for whatever reason I just never picked it up.  

  Well, I wish I would have back then, because I have been missing out for years on a very interesting and entertaining movie!   Before I go any further, here is the basic plot synopsis from the Unearthed Films website:

Cradle Of Fear (2 Disc Limited Collector's Edition) is a brutal anthology-style horror film centered around notorious child murderer Kemper, who seeks revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment.

Confined to a padded cell in a local asylum, Kemper orchestrates his vengeance from afar, commanding a mysterious figure known only as "The Man" to carry out a series of increasingly savage murders targeting the families of those who put him away. As the body count rises, Detective Nielson--who has a personal history with Kemper--struggles to make sense of the escalating violence and its seemingly supernatural orchestration.

Blending interconnected storylines with extreme gore and shock-driven set pieces, the film has gained a cult reputation as one of the most notorious entries in British horror cinema, featuring Dani Filth of Cradle of Filth in a central role.

 I have always loved Anthology films, and this one is done really well.  Unlike other Anthology films, where they break each story up into it's own chapter, sometimes even putting the new segment title up on screen between each film, this plays as one continuous movie.  In fact, if you didn't know this was an Anthology pic, you would just assume this film was all over the place and made zero sense!  So definitely go  in knowing these are 4 separate stories that just all tie in together. 

  The first story shows you the downside to what was otherwise a satisfying one night stand, complete with a spider-baby hybrid impregnation!

 The second film involves a burglary gone wrong, and shows how things can spiral out of control very quickly when you can't trust your accomplice!

 The third instalment was probably the most interesting to me, as an amputee who is missing his leg goes to extreme measures to get a replacement leg.   Unfortunately, the leg has a mind of it's own and is apparently very upset about being removed from it's original body!

 The final instalment was my personal favorite, as it involves a man who is obsessed with violent images and snuff films on the internet.   He comes across a website where you can can watch real murders.  Not only can you watch, if you pay a fee, you can actually choose how the person is killed.   You get to choose the weapon used, how to use it, and where on the victims body to use it.   This one is terrifying to me, because it makes me wonder if something like this could really be out there on the dark web.  It wouldn't surprise me in this crazy world! 

Now, I have to be honest, this film has not aged well in some aspects.  Certain scenes were very obvious CGI, almost to a laughable degree.  I am mainly talking about a car crash scene that is hard not to snicker at when watching.   That is a very small part though, and didn't keep me from enjoying the film at all.    All the gore effects are done with practical effects and are extremely well done.   Head smashing, stabbings, eye gouging, decapitations, and one of the most realistic amputations I have ever seen on film make up just a few of the incredible gore effects in this film. 

 Unearthed Films has always been the leader in releasing some lesser known, non-mainstream extreme films, especially those with extreme gore.   This newest release is a perfect addition to their already amazing catalog of films. 

 CRADLE OF FEAR is out now on Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

DISC ONE: FEATURE & EXTRAS

• Some Making of Cradle of Fear
• Important Words
• The Special German DVD Making of Thingy Something for Cradle of Fear
• Behind the Scenes
• Gallery
• Trailers

DISC TWO: SHORT FILM COLLECTION & EXTRAS

• Alex Chandon's Shorts Collection Including:
• Chainsaw Scumfuck
• Bad Manor
• Bad Karma
• Drillbit
• Night Pastor
• Bullshit News
• Film Extremes 3 Promo
• Borderline
• Shorts Outtakes
• Shorts Behind the Scenes Gallery
• Shorts Trailers

CLICK HERE to purchase the 2-disc limited collector's edition Blu-ray direct from Unearthed Films

CLICK HERE to purchase the 2-disc limited collector's edition Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment

Blu-ray Review: THE UGLY (1997)

THE UGLY

Written & Directed by:  Scott Reynolds

Distributed by:  Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

  THE UGLY is one of those films that I had always known about, but have never seen.  I feel like it's not talked about much, which is why I probably never made a point to see it.   After watching this film, I am shocked it is not talked about more often. 

Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Unearthed Films website:

 Confined to a mental institution, disturbed young serial killer Simon (The Rule of Jenny Pen's Paolo Rotondo) is tormented by cruel orderlies and his own personal demons including “The Ugly” which compels him to kill. Now at his request, Dr. Karen Schumaker (The Brokenwood Mysteries’ Rebecca Hobbs) arrives to discover whether Simon is fit to be released back into society. As the terrifying secrets within Simon’s mind are revealed, no one will be left unscathed by the horrors about to be unleashed.

  If you are a fan of serial killer films, this one is a must see.  This is New Zealand's answer to THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, and while not on the same level of that film in terms of budget and production values, it's extremely well made and very entertaining.   The acting in this film is very good, especially from the two main stars, Paolo Rotondo who plays the killer (Simon) and from Rebecca Hobbs who plays the Doctor sent to judge whether or not Simon is fit to be released from prison.   They have a great onscreen chemistry.   

 The movie is pretty simple in terms of production and set.   The film pretty much just takes place at the prison Simon is being held at.   Most of the film is the Doctor and Simon talking in an interrogation room.   The doctor is trying to get inside the mind of Simon to figure out why he killed and to figure out if she thinks he will continue to kill if released.    The doctor asks about all his past kills, in which Simon gives us the details.  We are shown flashbacks to each of his kills, so we see the scene he is describing.   Some of these are pretty brutal, and there is a bit of gore.  

 What sets this film apart from all the other Serial Killer films out there, is the addition of this supernatural element.   "The Ugly" is what Simon calls the vision he sees in his head telling him to kill.   It basically a group of what look to be dead people in a living state that torment him until he kills.   Killing is the only way to make "The Ugly" go away,  yet they always come back eventually and he has to kill again to get them to go away.  

 The film does a good job of showing how "The Ugly" started, with a traumatic experience Simon suffered as a child.   I found this very interesting and was glad to find out how "The Ugly" got it's name!

  

  One thing to note about this film was that in all the gore scenes, the blood was black.  It wasn't in black and white as the scene is in full color, but instead of being a crimson red like expected, it's always a dark black color.   I searched around online for an explanation.  Some say that it's black because Simon doesn't view his victims as human.  He sees them more as a machine or entity, and the black is like the oil that makes the machine run.   Another explanation I saw was that it enhanced the film's dream-like, unsettling aesthetic instead of just conventional gore.   Either way it was an interesting choice by the filmmakers.  

  If you haven't seen THE UGLY, I highly recommend it.  If you have the old DVD  (which if memory serves me was an old Blockbuster exclusive),  you'll definitely want to upgrade to this new Blu-ray.  

 THE UGLY is available now from Unearthed Films and contains the following Special Features:

• NEW 4K restoration of the film from the original 35mm interpositive
• NEW Original Theatrical 2.0 Stereo and 4.0 DTS-HD MA Surround
• NEW Commentary with actors Paolo Rotondo and Rebecca Hobbs, moderated by Nathaniel Thompson
• NEW Scott Reynolds short films 'A Game with No Rules' & 'The M1nute'
• NEW 1997 Radio New Zealand Interview with Scott Reynolds
• NEW Isolated Score
• NEW Photo Gallery
• NEW Original Theatrical Trailer
• NEW The Ugly Visual Essay
• NEW Collectable Booklet
• Reversible Cover

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from Unearthed Films

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment