DVD Review: KILLER RACK (2015)

KILLER RACK
Directed by  Greg Lamberson
Distributed by  Camp Motion Pictures

  With a name like that, it's gotta be good!  Right?  Well, I gotta hand it to the filmmakers for the amazing play on words, and I can't believe it's never been done until now!  The film is KILLER RACK and I am proud to say it is lots of fun!   Here is the plot synopsis from the Camp Motion Pictures website:

  From the director of Slime City comes a screwball horror comedy about a murderous set of monstrous mammaries: Killer Rack!
  In a world that prizes breast size over accomplishments, Betty Downer just can’t get a break.  Scorned by her co-workers, ridiculed by her boyfriend and overlooked by her boss, Betty impulsively books breast enhancement surgery with the Elder Gods-worshipping Dr. Cate Thulu...and then all hell breaks loose!

  First off, go into this film realizing it's more of a comedy than it is a horror film, although there are elements of horror all throughout it, as well as some fun, over the top gore.   It is very campy and silly, but that makes it a lot of fun!  The film reminds me a lot of a Troma film, especially since even Lloyd Kaufman  has a brief cameo in the film! Also, the wonderful Debbie Rochon  is in the film as the mad doctor, Cate Thulu.  Again, great play on words there!  The film also has one of my new genre favorites, the beautiful Brooke Lewis as the voice of the "killer rack".  Yes, the boobs talk.  I told you it was pretty silly!

  Not only do the boobs talk, but they kill!  Yes, they might look good at first, but if you happen to get an up close and personal look at them, you can kiss your hand or even head goodbye!   The killer rack has a mouth/teeth where the nipples usually are and they get a lot of action!    This is where some great gore comes into play, as well as some very cheesy CGI effects when the boobs sprout tentacle like things that come out and kill!   I guess if you got implants from Dr. Cate Thulu, that is bound to happen!

  If you like fun, campy horror, check out KILLER RACK.  It is available now from Camp Motion Pictures and contains the following special features:

*  Commentary Track
*  Deleted Scenes
*  Behind the Scenes Featurette
*  Bonus Short Films
*  Trailers


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

 
 

Blu-ray Review: SLIME CITY / SLIME CITY MASSACRE

SLIME CITY / SLIME CITY MASSACRE
Written & Directed by  Greg Lamberson
Distributed by  Camp Motion Pictures

  There is no doubt in my mind the 1980's were the greatest decade of horror movies.   Some may argue that, but the films of the 80's had such character to them.    SLIME CITY is a perfect 80's horror film, full of gross, over the top gore.  This is a film I had heard about for a while, but I had never had the chance to see until now.
  Here are the plot synopsis' of both films courtesy of the Camp Motion Pictures website:

SLIME CITY
  When Alex (Robert Sabin) and his virginal girlfriend Lori (Mary Huner) move into a New York City apartment, they fall victim to blood-thirsty supernatural forces that have horrifying plans for them. The apartment is haunted by the restless spirits of an occultist named Zachary and his fanatical followers who had committed mass suicide years before. Seduced by a mysterious woman, Alex is gradually possessed by the diabolical Zachary. Only Lori can battle the putrid powers of darkness and save Alex\'s soul when he transforms into a murdering, melting monster…a hideous slime-splattered demon that cannot be stopped.

SLIME CITY MASSACRE
  In a bombed out city, four fugitives stumble across the remains of a cult, accidentally consuming an elixir that transforms them into hideous, oozing slime creatures.   When real estate tycoon Ronald Crump hires mercenaries to wipe out the homeless population, an all-out war breaks out between the slime heads, cannibal mutants and hired killers – a bloody, merciless battle that will determine for once and for all, who will control Slime City.


  If you are a fan of nasty gore, these are the films for you.  These aren't typical, realistic blood and gore effects, though.  No, these are sickening, nasty over the top gooey green and yellow gore.   This is especially true of the original film.   When the main actor begins to turn into the oozing killer, he starts secreting a vile yellow and green puss like substance.  It gets worse and worst until eventually he is covered in it.  The only thing that temporarily cures him is the adrenaline he gets from killing someone.  
 
 The effects in SLIME CITY are truly wonderful.  Mainly this is because they are all practical effects.  The blood and puss flows like fountains in this film.  It is a really disgusting, so make sure you're not eating anything while watching this film.   The film really doesn't have much of a plot other than the guy turns into a puss monster and kills someone to return back to normal.  Then it happens again and again.  This is ok though, as it makes for a truly entertaining film that you don't have to think about much, just sit back and enjoy the nastiness! 

  SLIME CITY MASSACRE is the sequel to SLIME CITY.  While it looks to have a little bigger budget, and is a better made film overall, I felt like it lacked the character and campiness that the first film had.  It had it's great moments, though, including Debbie Rochon as a completely melted goo monster in a bathtub  (with just her face sticking out of the orange goo) and the film stars the beautiful Brooke Lewis, so that is always a plus!

  Both films look great on Blu-ray.  The double feature blu is available now from Camp Motion Pictures and contains the following special features:

SLIME CITY
*  2006 Commentary Track
*  2016 Commentary Track
*  Making Slime Extra
*  Slime Heads Mini-Doc
*  Slime City Trailers

SLIME CITY MASSACRE
*  2016 Commentary Track
*  Bloopers
*  Behind the Scenes
*  Interview With Composter MARS
*  Slime City Survivors Webisodes
*  Deleted Scenes
*  Trailers


CLICK HERE to watch a trailer for SLIME CITY
CLICK HERE to watch a trailer for SLIME CITY MASSACRE
CLICK HERE to buy the Blu-ray double feature

Blu-ray Review: RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH: VOLUME 1

RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH:  VOLUME 1
Directed by Lloyd Kaufman
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

  I can't tell you how happy I am to have seen this film.  I grew up loving Troma movies, they were great back in the 80s and 90's.   But there haven't been any good original Troma movies in quite some time in my opinion.  Troma hasn't put out on original movie in years.  Now they put out tons of DVD's each year, but they are just films that Troma has bought the rights to distribute....they aren't true Troma made films.   I grew up loving the TOXIC AVENGER films and films like SGT. KABUKIMAN N.Y.P.D.  I was extremely excited back in 2006 when a new Troma film was coming out.  That film was POULTRYGEIST:  NIGHT OF THE CHICKEN DEAD.   As excited as I was, I was a little let down by the film....it just didn't live up to the Troma standard I was used to.  Well, Troma is back with RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH:  VOLUME 1, and I am proud to say that this is exactly what a Troma movie should be.  This feels like a Troma movie straight out of the 1980s when Troma was in it's prime.   Here is the plot synopsis from the RTNH official website:

  Quentin Tarantino has been a fan and friend of Troma for years, and when he made Kill Bill in two volumes to create an “Event Film,” Lloyd Kaufman took note. “Michael Herz and I decided that to mark Troma’s 40th year we, too, would produce an ‘Event Film’ in two volumes just like Quentin did,” says Kaufman, “except slightly less lavish in the budget area.” Return to Nuke ‘Em High: Vol. 1 & 2, directed by Lloyd Kaufman, is a hilarious, thoughtful sci-fi “Event Film” with themes ripped straight from today’s headlines: the contamination and degradation of the world’s food supply, rampant bullying, and LGBTQ love triumphing over prejudice and violence. The film, a revisiting of Troma’s 1986 Class of Nuke ‘Em High is in the same vein as other classics such as Class of 1984, Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, and Carrie, but seen through the unique vision of Lloyd Kaufman and the Troma Team. Welcome to Tromaville High School where, unfortunately, the glee club has mutated into a vicious gang of Cretins. Chrissy and Lauren, two innocent lesbian lovers, must fight not only the Cretins, mutants and monsters but also the evil Tromorganic Foodstuffs Conglomerate. Can they and Kevin the Wonder Duck save Tromaville High School and the world?

  I honestly don't remember the last time I had this much fun watching a Troma film.  This movie had everything you would expect from a Troma film and more.  One great thing about this movie was the humor.  While some jokes did fall a little flat, most were laugh out loud hilarious.  The movie was well written and paced perfectly.  There were never any slow or dull moments throughout the film's run time. All the great Troma characters and stereotypes were present, but also present were some great young actresses who played the leads of Chrissy and Lauren.  I expect to see much more from these two actresses in the future.  Oh, and I couldn't do a review of a Troma horror film without mentioning the crazy, over-the-top gore. There is plenty of that on hand here, so gore hounds will not be disappointed!

  RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH:  VOLUME 1 will be available on DVD and Blu-ray on March 18th from Anchor Bay Entertainment.  Special features include the following:

·         Audio Commentary with Actors Zac Amico, Clay von Carlowitz, Catherine Corcoran, Stuart Kiczek and Asta Parades;

·         Audio Commentary with Writer/Producer/Director Lloyd Kaufman, Producer Justin A. Martell, Executive Producer Matt Manjourides, Associate Producer Regina Katz and Writer Travis Campbell;

·         Casting Conundrum;

·         Pre-Production Hell with Mein-Kauf (Man);

·         Special (Ed) Effects;

·         Cell-U-Lloyd Kaufman: 40 Years of TROMAtising The World;

·         “Architects of Fear – Edison Device” Music Video

·         Return To Nuke ‘Em High, Vol. 2 trailer 

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

DVD Review: TRAILERS FROM HELL VOL. 2 (2011)

TRAILERS FROM HELL VOL. 2
Distributed by Shout! Factory


 Back in August of 2010, I reviewed the first volume of TRAILERS FROM HELL (click here to see that review).  I love trailer compilation DVDs and these are some of the best.  Not only do you get some great old movie trailers, you get commentary and inside info about the films from some of film's great horror and b-movie directors.
Here is some basic info on the TFHV2 DVD from the Shout! Factory website:

The award-winning Trailers From Hell website is the brainchild of noted film director Joe Dante (Gremlins, The Howling) in which some of the best known names in the horror/sci-fi genre provide amusing commentary on rare vintage cult film trailers. (Viewers also have the choice of watching them without the critique as well.) Trailers From Hell! Vol. 1 (released last year) included most of this material but in Vol. 2, the trailers are only exclusively available in this DVD set. Entertaining coming attractions from long lost cult films including Donovan’s Brain, Little Shop of Horrors, The Invisible Ghost, Fire Maidens from Outer Space, Flesh Gordon, Deep Red, Gorgo!, Ski Troop Attack and many more! Includes commentary by Joe Dante, Mick Garris, Guillermo Del Toro, John Landis and Roger Corman.
This DVD also includes a bonus movie, one of Roger Corman’s first hits, Little Shop of Horrors! Featuring Jack Nicholson in one of his first roles, the film is seen for the first time in a new anamorphic widescreen transfer.


TRAILERS FROM HELL VOL. 2 is a great new addition to this franchise, and a must own since these trailers/commentary are exclusive to this DVD.   You will see some trailers for films you have seen, some for films you have heard about but have never seen, and then some you have never even heard of.    I especially liked seeing the trailer for a 1969 Jack Hill film called PIT STOP starring a very young Sid Haig.   I had never heard of PIT STOP, so it was very interesting to see the trailer and hear from director Jack Hill about the film. 

 Some of my favorite directors when it comes to these trailers are Guillermo del Toro and John Landis.  Both of these guys have great personalities and Landis especially always seems to be having a lot of fun and will make you laugh.   

 I like the variety of films that they have put together for this volume.    You get the classic oldies as you would expect, but they have also included some newer films like Troma's TERROR FIRMER with commentary from director Lloyd Kaufman! 

The DVD clocks in at  88 minutes and is fun way to see clips from a lot of cool movies.  Included as a bonus is Roger Corman's 1960 feature film,  THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS...and in Widescreen for the first time on DVD!

This is a must have for cinema fans like myself.  Get your copy today!!

 

CLICK HERE for a sample clip from TRAILERS FROM HELL VOL. 2
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

DVD Review: THE LIFE OF DEATH

 
 
THE LIFE OF DEATH
A Documentary by Kevin J. Lindenmuth

I recently had the chance to watch a great documentary called, THE LIFE OF DEATH by filmmaker, Kevin J. Lindenmuth and Brimstone Media Productions. The film is about a subject that most people don't want to talk about or deal with...the subject of death. Here is the basic premise of the film from the official website:

For most everyone (alive that is), death is something that looms far off on the horizon. And although it is an unavoidable reality the perception of it differs widely from person to person.
This documentary explores how death is perceived by an eclectic group of individuals who work in the media and how it influences (or not) how they go about their lives and their work. This includes such people as spiritual journalist David Crumm, Troma head honcho Lloyd Kaufman, Author/artist Bob Fingerman, authors Jack Ketchum (OFF SEASON) and Keith R.A. DeCandido, special effects artist Tom Sullivan (EVIL DEAD), filmmaker Scooter McCrae (SHATTER DEAD), professional Tarot Card reader Sasha Graham, "Scream Queens" Debbie Rochon and Caroline Munro (DR. PHIBES, MANIAC), along with a host of others.
Through serious, hilarious and poignant interviews, you will see how the concept of death has taken on a life of its own in the 21st Century.

I have to admit, I wasn't super excited about sitting down and watching a documentary about death.  I mean, this isn't the blood and gore type film I usually like to watch.  But I am glad I did.  This is an amazingly in-depth look into the death, or more specifically, how we as humans perceive death.

Through a number of excellent interviews with genre icons such as Lloyd Kaufman, Debbie Rochon, Tom Sullivan, Tony Timpone, and Jack Ketchum just to name a few, we get very personal answers to such questions as, "What do you think happens after you die?" and "How do you want to die?"

It is very interesting to hear all the different answers to the same questions....everyone has a different view or opinion of death, proving that we really know nothing about it.   Some of the personal stories  are very effective and are very touching and emotional. 

This documentary reminded me of a class I took in college called "Death and Dying".  It was an interesting class that made people open up and talk about this subject matter that most people usually try to avoid talking about .  It is not a fun subject at all, but it is a topic that is very important to understand and be able to discuss.  This film is a good way to open the doors to discussion about death.



CLICK HERE to visit the official website and watch clips of the film
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD on Amazon.com or

For an autographed copy by the producer/director send check or money order for $24.95 to: (includes shipping)

Brimstone Media Productions, LLC
7900 State Street
Brighton, MI 48116