4K Ultra HD Review: SS EXPERIMENT LOVE CAMP (1976)

 

SS EXPERIMENT LOVE CAMP

Directed by:  Sergio Garrone

Distributed by:  88 Films / MVD Entertainment

 I am sure all my readers are aware of exploitation films, and even sexsploitation films, but not all of you might be aware of the exploitation sub-genre called Nazisploitation.  Nazisploitation films contain all the ploitations.....exploitation, sexsploitation, and of course...Nazis!  

 Nazisploitation started back in 1964 with the release of a film called LOVE CAMP 7, but is was 1974's ILSA, SHE WOLF OF THE SS that really gained popularity and started the Nazisploitation rage of the late 70's.   Nazisploitation films were all the rage, with such titles as SALON KITTY (1976), THE GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY (1977),  SS HELL CAMP  (1977), and SS GIRLS (1977) just to name a few.   All these films follow the basic same premise/plot....women are experimented on in many different ways, all to the enjoyment of the SS officers and guards.  They all end (usually) with the women taking over and getting revenge on the SS officers in some brutal way.    

 SS EXPERIMENT LOVE camp is not the best film of the bunch, but it's entertaining enough to justify adding to your Nazisploitation collection  (I assume we all have one of those, right?).   Here is the basic plot from the MVD website:

Possibly the most infamous entry into the Nazisploitation genre, Sergio Garrone's SS Experiment Camp is a harrowing and deliberately triggering experience which, even by today's standards is as powerful as it was when originally released in 1976. From its provocative, tabloid baiting original poster of a naked woman dangling crucified and naked, the movie pushed the boundaries as far as it could. Set during the tail-end of World War II we follow the deranged experiments performed on innocent prisoners of war by the utterly sadistic and evil Colonel von Kleiben in his attempt to create the perfect Aryan race. Shocking, notorious and endlessly exploitative, the movie continues to disgust audiences all over the globe nearly 50 years after its initial release.

 The film is pretty tame by today's standards to be honest.  They are lots of surgeries and mutilations, but most are pretty fake looking.   Most of the torture scenes are not too extreme.  One "torture" was placing a woman in a tub of water and then slowly decreasing the temperature until she is frozen alive.   This effect was actually pretty good, especially for the time. There is of course the lesbian lovemaking scenes that any "Women in Prison" or Nazisploitation film can't go without.   Also, this might be the only film in existence that shows a testicle transplant.  No need to go into details on that, I'll let you get the film and check that out for yourself! 

 I remember watching this film many years ago on DVD, and I remember how dark and grainy the film was.  I'm sure it was a cheap release and it looked like it.    The new release from 88 Films is presented in a brand new 4K remaster, and it looks amazing.   I love seeing older films like this being remastered and cleaned up, to the point where they don't look as old as they did on VHS or DVD. 

 SS EXPERIMENT LOVE CAMP is available now, and includes the following Special Features/Bonus Material:

• *  INCLUDES SLIPCASE WITH ART BY JOEL ROBINSON
• *  BOOKLET WITH NOTES FROM TIM MURRAY AND RACHAEL NISBET
• *  Brand New 4K remaster from the Original Negatives presented in Ultra High Definition (2160p) in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
• *  Presented in Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range (HDR10 Compatible)
• *  High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray in 1.66:1 Aspect Ratio also included
• *  English 2.0 LPCM Stereo with Optional SDH Subtitles
• *  Italian 2.0 LPCM Mono with newly translated English subtitles
• *  Audio Commentary by Italian Cinema Experts Eugenio Ercolani and Nanni Cobretti
• *  Sadistically Yours, Sergio G. - An Interview with Director Sergio Garrone
• *  SSadist Sound - An Interview with Music Historian Pierpaolo De Sanctis
• *  The Alibiso Dynasty - An Interview with Editor Eugenio Alabiso
• *  Framing Exploitation - An Interview with Cinematographer Maurizio Centini
• *  Italian Opening and Closing titles
• *  Original Trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K UHD 

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: LOVE CAMP 7 (1969)

LOVE CAMP 7
Directed by  Lee Frost
Distributed by Blue Underground & CAV Distributing

 I have seen a lot of sexploitation and more notably, Nazisploitation films in my movie reviewing career, but somehow had never seen this 1969 gem, which actually ushered in the wave of Nazisploitation films of the 1970's.   While later films of this genre might have improved upon this one, you can't deny the impact this film had on an entire decade of film.   Here is the basic plot from the CAV website:

  The story of LOVE CAMP 7 is based on fact! During the darkest days of World War II, two young American WAC officers volunteer to infiltrate a Nazi Love Camp on a desperate rescue mission. Once inside, they are subjected to horrifying humiliations at the hands of their captors. Can they survive long enough to complete their objective and escape with their lives intact?
  Launching the Nazisploitation craze of the 1970s, LOVE CAMP 7 was the dream child of Writer/Producer/Star Bob Cresse (THE SCAVENGERS), Producer Dave Friedman (BLOOD FEAST), and Director/Cinematographer Lee Frost (THE BLACK GESTAPO). Blue Underground presents the original version of LOVE CAMP 7 in a brand-new 4K restoration from its recently discovered camera negative!
 
  This film will probably seem pretty tame by today's standards, and probably even by standards set by later films of the 1970's in this same genre of film.   I can imagine though at the time of it's release back in 1969, this was probably horribly upsetting and shocking to audiences.    There are still some shocking parts to the film, but overall it is one of the tamer exploitation films I have seen.  

  While not horror by any means, the film does have a crazy scene at the end where the women get their revenge on the Nazi officers.  I don't want to give too much away, but lets just say one of the greatest kills comes from the use of a wine bottle opener! 

  While these films were used mainly as an excuse for showing lots of female flesh, I never really understood how or why these types of movies were so popular. As much as I enjoy seeing these beautiful women, I don't enjoy the story line and plot aspect of them being treated as love slaves for the Nazi officers.   I guess that was part of the point of these films, to make you uncomfortable.  It also serves to make the ending more enjoyable when you see the women get their revenge.  

  The film is well made and well paced, with hardly ever a dull moment.   The new transfer from Blue Underground is excellent, with a very crisp and clear picture.  It looks amazing for a film that is 48 years old!  

  LOVE CAMP 7 is available now on a 2-disc limited edition Blu-ray/DVD combo pack from Blue Underground and CAV and contains the following special features:

• NAZITHON: DECADENCE AND DESTRUCTION
• Theatrical Trailer
• Poster & Still Gallery
• BONUS Collectable Booklet featuring The History of Nazi-Exploitation by Paolo Zelati


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

 
 
 

Blu-ray Review: SHOCK WAVES (1977)

SHOCK WAVES
Directed by:  Ken Wiederhorn
Distributed by:  Blue Underground

"Beneath The Living... Beyond The Dead... From The Depths of Hell's Ocean!"

  As much of a fan of zombie movies as I am, I am even more a fan of Nazi zombies.  There is something about these two evils that come together into one truly barbaric monster.  SHOCK WAVES is one of the earliest of the Nazi zombie sub-genre.  It is also one of my all time favorites as well.  Here is the synopsis of the SHOCK WAVES blu-ray courtesy of the Blue Underground website:

  In the dark days of World War II, the Nazi High Command ordered its scientists to create a top secret race of indestructible zombie storm troopers - un-living, unfeeling, unstoppable monstrosities that killed with their bare hands. They were known as The Death Corps. No member of this horrific SS unit was ever captured by the Allied Forces - and, somewhere off the coast of Florida, they have survived...
   Peter Cushing (STAR WARS), Brooke Adams (INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS) and John Carradine (THE BOOGEY MAN) star in this suspenseful and genuinely creepy shocker co-written and directed by Ken Wiederhorn (RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD PART II). One of the great horror "sleepers" of the 1970s, SHOCK WAVES has been freshly transferred and fully restored in High Definition from the only known surviving materials!

  One thing you'll immediately notice with this film is the lack of gore.  Unlike a lot of the zombie films of this time period, this film does not rely heavily on the blood and gore.  In fact, most kills are very tame, especially by today's standards.  What the film lacks in gore is completely made up by the film's creepy vibe.  There is something about seeing these zombies rise from the water after being down there for who knows how long, that is very frightening.   The film is very atmospheric and is perfect viewing for a dark, rainy night.

  The new 1080 HD transfer looks extremely good, especially since the last time I watched this film was back on VHS!  The film is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and is an ALL REGIONS disc.

SHOCK WAVES is available now on Blu-ray from Blue Underground and contains the following special features:

* Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Ken Wiederhorn, Make-Up Designer Alan Ormsby and Filmmaker Fred Olen Ray
* Nazi Zombies On A Budget - Interview with Producer/Cinematographer Reuben Trane
* Notes For The Undead - Interview with Composer Richard Einhorn
* Sole Survivor - Interview with Star Brooke Adams
* From FLIPPER To SHOCK WAVES - Interview with Star Luke Halpin
* Theatrical Trailer
* TV Spot
* Radio Spots
* Poster & Still Gallery


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

DVD Review: DEPORTED WOMEN OF THE SS SPECIAL SECTION (1976)

DEPORTED WOMEN OF THE SS  SPECIAL SECTION
Written & Directed by  Rino Di Silvestro
Distributed by Intervision Pictures/Severin Films

 Wow, they just don't make movies like this anymore.  I am a huge fan of exploitation films, and the naziploitation sub-genre.  If you are not familiar with the Naziploitation films, read about them here. I love that Intervision Pictures is re-releasing some of the best naziploitation films ever made.  Last month I reviewed Intervision's release of GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY  (see review here).   Now I am getting to review another of their great releases, DEPORTED WOMEN OF THE SS SPECIAL SECTION!

  This is one of the crazier Naziploitation films I have seen, but still not the craziest.  That title goes to 1976's SALON KITTY.   This one is close second, though, and probably better overall.   Here is the basic plot of the film from the Severin Films website:

  One of the first Italian ‘Nazisploitation’ shockers is also one of the strangest: John Steiner stars as the depraved Commandant of a camp where beautiful women are brutalized, degraded, forced to submit to female officers, and trained to be prostitutes for the Reich. But will a mass escape attempt unleash the most sadistic tortures of all? Lina Polito, Erna Schurer, Sara Sperati and Solvi Stubing co-star in this rancid slab of über-sleaze from writer/director Rino Di Silvestro, now presented totally uncensored including the notorious ‘cork & razor’ scene!

  I think this is one of the better made Naziploitation films from all the ones I have seen.   This one brings something new to the table with some very disturbing scenes, including a "shaving" scene were the actresses actually had their heads  (among other things) shaved.   I can't imagine being an actor in one of these films.  These women went through a lot during the filming I assume.  That really helps with the realistic feel of the film, though.   Don't worry too much about the ladies,though....they get their revenge in the end!  

  If you have never seen a Naziploitation film, this is a good one to start with.  DEPORTED WOMEN OF THE SS SPECIAL SECTION is available now from Intervision Picture Corp.  Intervision has been releasing some great DVD's lately, and I love the retro looking cover artwork they have been using for these films.   The DEPORTED WOMEN OF THE SS SPECIAL SECTION DVD contains the following special features:

*  A Brief History of Sadiconazista- Interview with Film Historian Marcus Stiglegger
*  What Does John Steiner Think?
*  Camp Rino- Interview with Director Rino Di Silvestro
*  Theatrical Trailer


CLICK HERE to buy the DVD

DVD Review: GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY

GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY
Directed by Cesare Canevari
Distributed by Intervision Pictures/Severin Films

  I have always been a huge fan of exploitation films.   I can really appreciate a film that shows something different, something you aren't expecting, and something truly shocking.   There are many different sub-genres to the exploitation films, one of my favorite being the naziploitation films of the later 70's.   GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY is by far one of the craziest of the naziploitation films.  Here is the plot synopsis from the film's imdb.com page:

  Lise Cohen is taken to a special prisoner-of-war camp for female Jews, a camp run as a bordello to entertain the German officers and troops going in to battle. The camp is run with an iron fist by Commandant Starker and his minion Alma. Starker becomes frustrated when Lise demonstrates no fear, and devises cruel experiments to scare her, to no avail. Once she realizes her guilt is unfounded, Lise begins to play Starker's game, but even though she begins living a better life, she doesn't forget the atrocities she has seen and experienced.

  This is one of the better films in the Nazi exploitation film library in every way.  The film is well made and shot well, even if what we are viewing on screen is not a pretty subject.    The movie is hard to watch, of course, and reminds viewers that atrocities such as this actually happened during Hitler's Nazi reign.

  The filmmakers didn't hold anything back when it comes to showing the horrors that the Nazi soldiers put upon the women of the camp.  The women at the camp were basically sex slaves, and were treated very inhumanly, all for the enjoyment of the Nazi Generals and the wicked warden, Alma.   One only has to watch the scene where Alma throws a menstruating woman to a pack of hungry dogs to see just how cruel this woman is.

  The main character Lise figures out quickly that the best way to survive is to form a special sexual relationship with one of the head Generals.  She plays this game the entire time which makes life easier for her inside, even though she has to watch and even participate in some of her fellow inmates deaths.

  GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY is not for the squeamish.  It has some scenes that are extremely hard to watch, but if you like films like SALO, SALON KITTY, and ILSA: SHE WOLF OF THE S.S., you will definitely like this one.

  GESTAPO'S LAST ORGY is available now on DVD from Intervision Pictures and contains the following special features:

*  A Brief History of Sadiconazista- Interview with Film Historian Marcus Stiglegger
*  Theatrical Trailer

  Also, I want to point out the super cool retro looking cover art to this new release.  This DVD cover art is much more fitting to this film than that of previous DVD releases.  This release is totally uncut and uncensored, so you are getting the best cut of the film with this release. 


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

DVD Review: NAZIS AT THE CENTER OF THE EARTH (2012)

NAZIS AT THE CENTER OF THE EARTH
Directed by  Joseph J. Lawson
Distributed by The Asylum Home Entertainment

  Ok, let's be honest. The Asylum isn't exactly known as the company that creates blockbuster movies. In fact, they are known as the company that makes films based on blockbuster movies.  They are usually cheap knock-offs with crazy plot lines, and sub-par acting.  Well, NAZIS AT THE CENTER OF THE EARTH.....is no different.  It's exactly what you would expect from an Asylum film
  Ok, maybe I am being a little hard on this film, with all it's faults, I guess I need to admit that it was fun, and that is what movies are for!  Before I go into any further detail, here is the plot of the film from the film's imdb page:

  Researchers in Antarctica are abducted by a team of masked storm troopers. They are dragged deep underground to a hidden continent in the center of the earth. Here Nazi survivors, their bodies a horrifying patchwork of decaying and regenerated flesh, are planning for the revival of the Third Reich

 

  So the film starts off with some bad CG gunfire and explosions, but when  the research team is taken to the center of the earth, there is actually some pretty cool scenery and cool futuristic landscapes.   The film actually has some pretty good gore effects, some of which are actually practical effects as opposed to CG.  At least they look like practical effects to me.  One in particular is a man who has his face skin peeled off while he is still alive.

 

  The dialog is ok, but is pretty cheesy at some points.  The acting is actually better than most Asylum films I have to admit. Dominique Swain and Jake Busey do a pretty good job headlining the film. 

 

 As crazy as the film's plot is, nothing prepares you for the end of the film, when a giant Hitler/Robot makes an appearance.  Apparently the Nazis have kept Hitler's body (or at least his head, since that is all we see) and have fused it with a mechanical robot body, creating one crazy RoboNazi!!

 

 So, overall, not a great movie by any means, but probably fun if you have a group of friends over and just want to have a good time and laugh a lot.   The movie is available now on DVD and contains the following special features:

 

*  Original Widescreen Presentation

*  5.1 Surround Sound

*  The Making of "Nazis at the Center of the Earth"

*  Gag Reel

*  Trailers

*  Director's Commentary

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer and purchase the DVD
 

 

Check out the upcoming film, FRANKENSTEIN'S ARMY

 









  Check out these awesome teaser trailers for the upcoming film, FRANKENSTEIN'S ARMY, directed by Richard Raaphorst. I love a good Nazi zombie movie, and this one looks like it is going to be a lot of fun! Here is the plot summary from the film's imdb page:

Toward the end of World War II, Russian soldiers pushing into eastern Germany stumble across a secret Nazi lab, one that has unearthed and begun experimenting with the journal of one Dr. Victor Frankenstein. The scientists have used the legendary Frankenstein's work to assemble an army of super-soldiers stitched together from the body parts of their fallen comrades -- a desperate Hitler's last ghastly ploy to escape defeat

 

  FRANKENSTEIN'S ARMY premiered last month in the U.S.A. at the Tribeca Film Festival. It is listed as having a "limited" national release this July. 

CLICK HERE to watch the teaser trailer #1
CLICK HERE to watch the teaser trailer #2

DVD Review: BLOODRAYNE: THE THIRD REICH (unrated version)

BLOODRAYNE:  THE THIRD REICH  (2010)
Directed by:  Uwe Boll
Distributed by:  Phase 4 Films

Last night I watched the film BLOODRAYNE:  THE THIRD REICH.  It is directed by Uwe Boll, who has garnered quite the reputation among us horror fans.....albeit, not a good reputation.  But I have to say, I really enjoyed this film.  It was fun and entertained me the entire time, which is a what a good film should!  Before I go any further with my review, here is the plot synopsis from the Phase 4 Films website:

Half-vampire, half-human, Rayne hides in the shadows slaughtering vampires and those that get in her way. In 1943 Europe, during World War II, Rayne faces her greatest foe, a growing army of undead Nazi soldiers led by Ekart Brand, a top Nazi official turned day-walker. Rayne must team up with a group of resistance fighters to defeat Brand and his vampire army before they reach Berlin to grant Hitler immortality.                           

I liked this film.  I really liked this film.  I know as a true, hardcore horror fan, I am not supposed to say that about any film by Uwe Boll.  It has almost become chic to immediately scoff at any film by Mr. Boll, before even giving it a chance.  But I am proud to stand up and say that I liked this movie.

I have never seen the first two BLOODRAYNE films....mainly because of the reputation of the aforementioned Mr. Boll.  But I am going to go check out those earlier installments now after seeing this third entry into the series.  One great thing about this film, is that you don't have to have seen the first two films to enjoy this one.  I could follow along fine and didn't feel like I was at any disadvantage for not having seen the first two films. 

The film opens up with a great scene of a vampire attack as Rayne explains some of her families background and shows how she became the way she is today.  The film is very faced paced and brings pretty much nonstop action to the screen.  There are very few slow scenes and with only a 79 minute run time, the action is never too far away.

I was impressed with all the battle scenes as Rayne (played by the gorgeous Natassia Malthe) rips into the Nazi soldiers.  Blood flies as she brings her double sworded vengeance upon the German army.   I was impressed with the gore in this film, just one more reason to like this one. The film is shot very nice with some beautiful scenery and good cinematography.

I have checked out some other reviews online, and I seem to be in the minority here....most reviewers did not like the film.  I wonder if you took Uwe Boll's name off the film if they would see the film the same way.  I wonder if they harness a certain negative bias towards Mr. Boll's films based on some of his past films.  That is sad if that is the case, because I think they are missing out on a really enjoyable film here.  Now, the film is not a huge, big-budget blockbuster of course, but you have to understand that going into the film.  It is a fun, horror/action film with beautiful women, lots of cool battle scenes, and lots of blood.  Oh, and did I mention there is a scene of a vampire Hitler?  Whats not to love! 

I encourage you to check this one out.  It is out now on DVD and Blu-ray  from Phase 4 Films.



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




CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Phase 4 Films

DVD Review: BLITZKRIEG: ESCAPE FROM STALAG 69 (2008)

BLITZKRIEG: ESCAPE FROM STALAG 69 was produced, written, and directed by Keith J. Crocker and released by Wild Eye Releasing. Some might remember Mr. Crocker from his past feature film, THE BLOODY APE. This time around, Mr. Crocker goes from a creature film to the forgotten genre of the Nazi exploitation film, in the likes of ISLA: SHE WOLF OF THE SS, SS HELL CAMP, etc. Here is the basic plot from imdb.com:

Enter Stalag 69, where torture is just the Beginning for this bloody band of Nazi Butchers! Germany, 1945. Stalag 69, a POW camp ruled by the sadistic SS commandant Helmet Schultz, is nothing but a blood-soaked playground for this perverse Nazi monster who uses his American, Russian, and British prisoners in cruel and ghastly biochemical weapons experiments. When a group of young, wanton USO girls are captured and fall into the hands of Schultz and his battalion of butchers, the brutality is turned up and the unsuspecting girls are gored, gouged and ground up - all for the pleasure of Schultz and his SS brothers and sisters. Now it's up to the rag-tag survivors of the camp to strike back against their captors and Escape from Stalag 69, alive or on a slab!

BLITZKRIEG is a welcome return to the Nazi exploitation films of the 60's and 70's. The acting is pretty good throughout the film and the blood and makeup effects are excellent. Crocker spares no expense when it comes to recreating the torture scenes reminiscent of Nazi films prior. The Horror the Nazi's shell out to the prisoners is horrible...but it doesn't compare to the Horror that the prisoners give back when they extract their revenge on the Nazi soldiers!

The film is paced pretty well, although I do think a minor flaw is that the film might be a little long. Clocking in at 135 minutes, I feel that there were a few scenes that could have been edited out for a shorter run time. That is just my opinion though, so take that for what it is worth. Overall this was a very fun, entertaining film, which is what every film should be. This film was a vast improvement over Mr. Crockers previous effort, and I look forward to any future projects he is involved with!

The DVD itself is packed with special features, including commentary, trailers, deleted scenes, bloopers, production stills, and more!

CLICK HERE to visit the official BLITZKRIEG website and watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to buy the DVD


CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Wild Eye Relesasing

INGLORIOUS BASTERDS--Tarantinto's Masterpiece

While not true horror, with the violence and blood that this film contains, I don't know where else it would be classified, so I am gonna talk about it here! Plus, it does resemble some old exploitation films from the past, and has a major horror link in that it co-stars Eli Roth (director of CABIN FEVER and the HOSTEL films). Eli actually had a bigger part than I thought he would. (if you read that sentence out of context, it would sound dirty). He played a character nicknamed "The Bear Jew" and was known for clubbing Nazis with his trusty 'ol Louisville Slugger baseball bat. I had been waiting on this film for years, and director Quinten Tarantino did not disappoint. While I have loved ALL his films (ok...I didn't love JACKIE BROWN, but the rest of his films are superb), this has to be considered his 'masterpiece'. I can't say to much to ruin it for those that haven't seen it, but I can say that this is by far my favorite of his films (that distinction belonging to KILL BILL pt 1 before). Brad Pitt's character of Lt. Aldo Raine was excellent, I really like the characters Brad Pitt chooses to play, you can tell he doesn't take himself so seriously that he can't do just cool, kick-ass parts like this. While slow in a just a few parts, even these slow parts are enjoyable thanks to Quentin Tarantino's wonderful dialog. The action scenes are great, and the final climax had some of the most awesome imagery I have seen in a film in a long time. Also, I can't do a review of a Tarantino movie without mentioning the music. Tarantino always picks the perfect songs to go with his films, borrowing heavy from old exploitation films, kung-fu films, and spaghetti westerns from the past. This movie is no different. I always enjoy the soundtracks to Tarantino's films.

This film is a must see, and I rate it 5 out of 5 Nazi scalps!!!