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 

Blu-ray Review: LUTHER THE GEEK (1989)

LUTHER THE GEEK

Directed by:  Carlton J. Albright

Distributed by:  Troma Films / MVD Entertainment

 If you are familiar with Troma Films, you usually know what to expect going into a film.  There is a difference, though, in a true Troma produced film and one that Troma just picked up the distribution rights to.  A Troma produced film are films such as THE TOXIC AVENGER, TROMEO AND JULIET,  CLASS OF NUKE'EM HIGH, and POULTRYGEIST, just to name a few.  They are silly and crude (think lot of bathroom humor).   LUTHER THE GEEK does not fit your normal Troma Film stereo type, as this is just one that they picked up the distribution rights to.  Now don't get me wrong, I love the crazy Troma films and all their non-pc humor, but this film is just not that kind, so I wanted you to be aware of that for sure.  While I wouldn't say this is a serious horror film by any means  (the killer does bawk like a chicken most of the film), but it is more serious compared to those above mentioned Troma titles. 

Before I go any further, here is the basic plot of the film from courtesy of the Troma Films website:

A young country boy is plunged into the depts of homicidal madness after witnessing the strange expolits of a carnival “geek,” a caged drunk so desperate for whisky that he bites the heads off live chickens in front of a freak show audience. Thirty years later, Luther is all grown up and out on parole, after spending his childhood behind bars for a series of grisly murders. Armed with only a pair of razor-sharp metal dentures and only able to communicate thorugh chicken clucks, Luther restarts his bloody rampage as he terrorizes the citizens of a small town and takes a young mother and her family hostage in their isolated farmhouse.

  I had no clue what to expect going into this one.   As much as I love Troma Films, and collect them, this is one I had never seen.  I've owned the DVD for years, but had just never got around to watching it.  I was glad when the newly released Blu-ray arrived for review, as it gave me an excuse to watch this film finally.  I had been curious about it for years, and after watching it,  I'm a little upset it took me this long to see it.  

  

  LUTHER THE GEEK is an excellent horror film from the 1980's.   While it barely counts as an 80's horror film having been released in 1989, it definitely has the 80's horror movie feel to it.    One thing I was really impressed with was the gore and the amounts of it.  Luther made himself some dentures with metal teeth filed down to sharp points, so he can really do some damage!  And boy does he do some damage!   He uses his new metal teeth to go on a killing spree, with his method of choice being to rip out the neck and jugular of his victims.   Actor Edward Terry does a remarkable job and plays this part of a twisted killer to perfection.  He gives off such a creepy vibe, especially when he is taunting his victims with his clucks and bawks like a chicken. 

 One thing to note here, this is Director Carlton J Albright's only Directing credit on IMDb.  I find that very odd, as this was such a well made film, especially for it's time.   I would have loved to see what else he could of done with more horror films.   He did write and produce one of my all time favorite (yet little known) horror movies, THE CHILDREN. That film came out in 1980 and is a must see.   If  you haven't seen THE CHILDREN or LUTHER THE GEEK, get both and make a night of it with an amazing double feature!  

 

 LUTHER THE GEEK is available now on Blu-ray and contains the following Special Features:

• * Original Lloyd Kaufman DVD Intro
• * Carlton J. Albright’s Blu-Ray Intro
• * Director’s Commentary with Carlton J. Albright
• * Classic Interview With Director Carlton J. Albright
• * Classic Interview with William Albright
• * A Conversation With Carlton: An Interview With Carlton Albright
• * Fowl Play: An Interview With Jerry Clarke
• * Fowl Takes
• * Troma’s Freak Show
• * INNARDS! Music Video
• * Radiation March
• * Troma Trailers

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

4K UHD Review: MAXXXINE (2024)

MAXXXINE

Written & Directed by:  Ti West

Distributed by:  Second Sight Films

 The final installment in Ti West's X Trilogy, MAXXXINE is once again a very different style of film as the first two films.  X was a dark and grimy 70's style horror film, while PEARL was a vibrant and colorful nod to old Hollywood, disguised as a horror film.   MAXXXINE is set in 1980's Hollywood and was very reminiscent of Hollywood slashers of the 80's.  

 Here is the basic plot synopsis, courtesy of Second Sight Films:

An adult film star in 80s Los Angeles tries to cross over to the mainstream by starring in a new horror film, but her past soon catches up with her and friends and colleagues start turning up dead.

  This film immediately made me think of Robert Vincent O'Neil's 1984 film, ANGEL.   While that film focused on a serial killer targeting prostitutes,  the killer in MAXXXINE was targeting female adult film actresses.  West did an amazing job of making this film feel like you were watching something straight from the 80's.  The wardrobes and hair styles were spot on.  Also worth noting was the amazing soundtrack featuring tons of 1980's hit songs.  

  Mia Goth again stars as Maxine Minx, the character she portrayed in the original film, X.   If you'll remember from my review of PEARL, she also plays the character of Pearl, the woman that owned the farm Maxine shot the adult film at in X.   Confused?  I was too at first, but somehow Mia Goth pulls it off and makes it work.  I think that is a testament to the talent that she is. 

  As with the previous installments, there are some great effects, with lots of blood and gore.  One scene in particular made me physically cringe, and I expect most males that watched this did the same.  That should be a good hint and what part of the body that effect involved!  

 Director Ti West once again does a wonderful job and makes another very stylistic horror film, and a nice wrap up to the X trilogy.   While I personally think MAXXXINE was the weakest of the 3 films, it was still very good and definitely worth a watch.     Second Sight Films again does a remarkable job with this 4K release.  The picture and sound quality is amazing, and as you can see below, these releases are loaded with some awesome Special Features!

MAXXXINE is available now in 4K UHD and a 4K UHD Limited Edition set.   The standard edition contains the following Special Features:

• Presented in HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

• New audio commentary commentary by Bill Ackerman & Amanda Reyes

• Back to the Blank Page: a new interview with Director Ti West

• Money on the Screen: a new interview with Producer Jacob Jaffke
  
  
• B-Movie Aesthetic: a new interview with Director of Photography Eliot Rockett 
  
  
• Curating Space: a new audio interview with Production Designer Jason Kisvarday
  
  

• The Whole World's Gonna Know My Name: Kat Hughes on MaXXXine

• The Belly of the Beast

• XXX Marks the Spot

• Hollywood is a Killer

• Q&A with Ti West

The Limited Edition set contains all the Special Features from the standard edition, plus the following extras:

• Rigid slipcase with new artwork by OC Agency Group

• 120-page book with new essays by Reyna Cervantes, Sarah Miles, Sam Moore, James Rose, Rebecca Sayce and Michelle Swope

• 6 collectors' art cards 

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K UHD

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K UHD Limited Edition set

Book Review: BREATHE IN, BLEED OUT by Brian McAuley (2025)

BREATHE IN, BLEED OUT

Written by:  Brian McAuley

Published by:  Sourcebooks

 I don't get the chance to review horror books as much as I'd like to, so I was super excited when BREATHE IN, BLEED OUT showed up in my mailbox for review!   This new book from author Brian McAuley is one of the best new horror books I have read in a long time.  I am not a quick reader by any means, but I was able to finish this one in just a couple of weeks, which is really good for me.  I'd pick it up anytime I had some free time and sometimes could not put it down, because I had to see what happened next!   

  Here is the basic plot of the book from the sourcebooks website:

 Hannah has been running from her demons ever since she emerged from a harrowing wilderness trip without her fiancé. No one knows exactly what happened the day Ben died, and Hannah would like to keep it that way... even if his ghost still haunts her with vivid waking nightmares that are ruining her life. So when her friend group gets an exclusive invitation to a restorative spiritual retreat in Joshua Tree, Hannah reluctantly agrees in search of a fresh start.

 Despite her skepticism of the strange Guru Pax and his belief in the supernatural world, Hannah soon finds healing through all the yoga, sound baths, and hot springs offered at the tech-free haven. But this peaceful journey of self-discovery quickly descends into a violent fight for self-preservation when a mysterious killer starts picking off retreat attendees in increasingly gruesome ways. As the body count rises and Hannah's sanity frays, she'll have to confront her dark past and uncover the true nature of a ruthless monster hellbent on killing her vibe for good.

 While the book has been described as MIDSOMMAR meets SCREAM, I think it's closer to MIDSOMMAR meets MY BLOODY VALENTINE.   The reason being, is there is an old legend about a man named Waylon Barlow, an old miner wearing overalls and carrying a pick axe.   The image I got in my head instantly reminded me of the killer from MY BLOODY VALENTINE.  

 The book definitely had a MIDSOMMAR feeling to it, as the group of friends go to a tech-free spiritual healing retreat.   Basically this is what MIDSOMMAR would have been if it would have been a slasher flick rather than the strange film it was.  

 This book started right in on some action, with our main character Hannah dragging her dead boyfriend  Ben through the snow.  We don't get any explanation as to what happened here, but we will in the end.    Hannah is haunted throughout the book by Ben, and she's been through a lot which makes her imagine some very weird things.   That keeps this story interesting, as we are never quite sure what Hannah is describing is real or not.   Once the group of friends start being picked off one by one,  everyone becomes a suspect at some point.  Now I like to pride myself on being able to figure things like this out, and I thought I had it figured out, but then the author threw not just one twist at us at the end, but two twists that had me in disbelief.  

 This book is very well written and is a very easy read.   It plays out like a horror movie in your head as you read.  I could see the details of the kill scenes in my head as they were described to me as I read them.   I could definitely see this one being made into a film at some point in the future.   This is a great book that I can not recommend enough!  Grab a copy of this book while you can!

 BREATHE IN, BLEED OUT is available now at all major retailers, or you can purchase it directly from the sourcebooks website

 CLICK HERE to purchase BREATHE IN, BLEED OUT

4K Ultra HD Review: ALICE, SWEET ALICE (1976)

 ALICE, SWEET ALICE

Directed by:  Alfred Sole

Distributed by:  Arrow Video / MVD Entertainment

 I love an old classic horror film.  I love slasher films.  I really love old classic slasher films that I have never seen before.   That's right, I am confessing that I call myself a horror movie buff, but I have never seen the 1976 film, ALICE, SWEET ALICE.   I have heard of it forever, but for some reason just had never sat down to watch it.  Well, that changed now with Arrow Video's new 4K UHD edition that just came out this week! 

Here is the plot synopsis from the Arrow Films website:

 A young Brooke Shields meets an untimely end in this religious-themed proto slasher par excellence from director Alfred Sole.

 On the day of her first communion, young Karen (Brooke Shields) is savagely murdered by an unknown assailant in a yellow rain mac and creepy translucent mask. But the nightmare is far from over - as the knife-wielding maniac strikes again and again, Karen's bereaved parents are forced to confront the possibility that Karen's wayward sister Alice might be the one behind the mask.

 Bearing influences from the likes of Hitchcock, the then-booming Italian giallo film and more specifically, Nicolas Roeg's Don't Look Now, Alice, Sweet Alice is an absolutely essential - if often overlooked - entry in the canon of 1970s American horror.

 This is a unique film, as it feels like a perfect blend of slasher and giallo films.   It was originally titled COMMUNION, but released theatrically as ALICE, SWEET ALICE.  It was then re-released under the new title, HOLY TERROR to play on the fact that new star Brooke Shields was in the film.   In fact, they even changed the opening credits to give her top billing, even though she was only in the film for about the first 10 minutes!    There is a special feature on this release that shows all three openings on split screen at the same time to compare, which was very interesting. 

 ALICE, SWEET ALICE was more than just a slasher film, as in most slashers you know who is doing the killing.  This movie was a great mystery as well, as we did not know who the killer was until it was reveled.  At least, I didn't figure it until it was reveled, which came as quite a shock to me.  I had a list of 2 or three people I thought it was, but I was very wrong!    

  If you are a fan of Arrow Video, you know that they are one of the best physical media companies around.   They have always been known for great releases with tons of great special features.  This release is no different, and this new 4K UHD version looks and sounds amazing!  It's always so interesting to me that they can make a movie that is almost 50 years old look so crisp and clean, like it was just filmed recently.   If you are fan of slashers, giallos, or just really good murder mysteries, do yourself a favor and check out this new release of ALICE, SWEET ALICE!  

  ALICE, SWEET ALICE is available now from Arrow Video and MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

• Brand new 4K restoration by Arrow Films from the original camera negative
• 4K (2160p) Ultra HD presentations of three versions via seamless branching: Communion (original), Alice, Sweet Alice (theatrical) and Holy Terror (re-release)
• Original lossless mono audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Brand new audio commentary with Richard Harland Smith
• Archival audio commentary with co-writer/director Alfred Sole and editor M. Edward Salier
• First Communion: Alfred Sole Remembers Alice, Sweet Alice - director Alfred Sole looks back on his 1976 classic
• Alice on My Mind - a brand new interview with composer Stephen Lawrence
• In the Name of the Father
• brand new interview with actor Niles McMaster
• Sweet Memories: Dante Tomaselli on Alice, Sweet Alice - filmmaker Dante Tomaselli, cousin of Alfred Sole, discusses his longtime connection to the film
• Lost Childhood: The Locations of Alice, Sweet Alice
• a tour of the original Alice, Sweet Alice shooting locations hosted by author Michael Gingold
• Deleted scenes
• Split-screen version comparison
• Trailer and TV Spot
• Image gallery, including the original screenplay
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx
• Illustrated collectors booklet featuring new writing on the film by Michael Blyth

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K UHD Limited Edition set

Blu-ray Review: THE SLAYER (1982)

THE SLAYER
Written & Directed by  J.S. Cardone
Distributed by Arrow Video / MVD Entertainment Group

 Arrow Video continues to put out some of the best horror releases available.  THE SLAYER is a great film that I had honestly never heard of before.  I love that Arrow is introducing us to some classic, yet lesser known, horror films.  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the MVD website:

  IS IT A NIGHTMARE? OR IS IT... THE SLAYER? One of the most sought-after titles for slasher fans everywhere, The Slayer finally rises from the ashes of obscurity in a brand new 4K transfer courtesy of Arrow Video. Two young couples set off to a secluded island for what promises to be a restful retreat. But the peace is short-lived: as a storm batters the island, troubled artist Kay begins to sense that a malevolent presence is here with them, stalking them at every turn. Is she losing her mind, or are her childhood nightmares of a demonic assailant coming to terrifying life? Previously only available on home video in truncated or full screen versions, The Slayer - whose nightmares-seeping-into-reality theme predates a certain Wes Craven classic by several years - comes lovingly restored from the original negative in a stunning transfer that will be a revelation to fans both old and new.

 I love horror films from the 1980's.  In fact, I think that is the greatest decade for horror films.   Arrow Video has been putting out so many great horror films lately, and the majority have been these great 80's classics, some more obscure than others. 

  This film is one any 80's horror film fan will want to check out.  Now I will admit it is a little slow at the start, but the 2nd half of the film picks up and makes up for the sluggish first half.    The film is set on a remote island which immediately sets up the eerie tone, knowing how secluded the characters are from other people and any possibility of getting help.  Add in the storm that is headed their way and that completes the very creepy tone of the film, and gives us some of the films more atmospheric and dark visuals.

 As with any horror film from the 80's, we get some great jump scares, some great kill scenes and some great gore, all done with practical effects, of course.  Beheadings, pitch-forkings, hangings, etc are all on display in this film.  At times the film almost feels like an arthouse style horror film, something reminiscent of a Jean Rollin or Jess Franco film mixed with a typical 80's slasher.  This is a film very worthy of a watch!  Also, I have to mention the monster/creature that we finally get to see at the end.  It is one of the most terrifying and frightening creatures I have ever seen in a film, yet we only get to see it for a few seconds.  I really wish we would have seen more of this creature throughout the film!

  THE SLAYER is available now from MVD and Arrow Video and contains the following special features:

*  Brand new restoration from a 4K scan of the original negative
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
*  Original Uncompressed Mono Audio
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Brand new interviews with cast and crew
*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Justin Osbourn
*  FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector’s booklet featuring new liner notes by writer Lee Gambin


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the BD/DVD combo

 

 

Blu-ray Review: POOL PARTY MASSACRE (2017)

POOL PARTY MASSACRE
Written & Directed by:  Drew Marvick
Produced & Distributed by:  Floating Eye Films

  I have always been a fan of low budget independent horror films, but I have to admit that there are way more bad ones than there are good ones.  Every now and then, though, you'll find a diamond in the rough and POOL PARTY MASSACRE is the shiniest diamond I have seen in a long time!   This is what independent horror should be like!  Here is the basic plot of the film from the official website:

  POOL PARTY MASSACRE BEGINS AS BLAIR WINTHORPE, A SPOILED ROTTEN COLLEGE AGED DAUGHTER OF WEALTHY PARENTS, IS PLANNING A POOL PARTY FOR A FEW FRIENDS AT HER PARENTS MANSION. WITH BLAIRE DETERMINED TO HAVE A RELAXING DAY BY THE POOL, AND ALL OF HER SELF ABSORBED FRIENDS FOCUSING ON THEMSELVES, NONE OF THEM SEEM TO NOTICE THAT THERE IS AN UNKNOWN KILLER IN THE HOUSE STALKING THEM. ONE BY ONE AS PARTY GUESTS ENTER THE HOUSE TO MAKE PHONE CALLS, HAVE SEX, REFILL DRINKS OR EVEN MASTURBATE, THEY ARE BRUTALLY MURDERED BY THE MYSTERIOUS KILLER. USING VARIOUS WEAPONS FOUND IN THE GARAGE, THE FACELESS KILLER CONTINUES TO MURDER AS MANY PEOPLE AS HE CAN IN CREATIVE AND BLOODY WAYS. WHAT STARTED OUT AS A RELAXING DAY BY THE POOL, QUICKLY BECOMES THE WORST POOL PARTY EVER.

  My only complaint with this film is it's running time.   It clocked in at 79 minutes, but as fun of a time as I was having with this film, I wanted it to last much longer!  That is not really a complaint at all, of course, just a testament to how much fun this movie was!  

  You can tell this movie was made by a true horror fan.  Director Drew Marvick delivers everything you'd want in a slasher film including tons of babes, boobs, and blood...lots of blood!   The gore in this film was great, and I was happy to see all practical effects....something that is very rare these days, especially in low budget independent films such as this.    The movie is very fast paced with hardly any slow/down times.  The kills come fast and often and each one was different and unique from one another.  The killer basically just goes down the line using tools found on the workbench pegboard, replacing each one to it's correct spot after use, although quite a bit bloodier than we he took it off the pegboard!    

  The film had some humor mixed in as well, which I usually don't like in my horror films, but with this style of film it worked well.   POOL PARTY MASSACRE is Director Drew Marvick's first feature length film according to his imdb page.   If that is the case, I can not wait to see what else we get from this great talent in the future!   Way to hit a home run as soon as you step up to the plate, Mr. Marvick!   Indie horror is alive and well!

 If you are a slasher film fan, or a horror fan in general, you need to check out this classic piece of cheesy slasher fun!   The DVD and Blu-ray is available now and the Blu-ray Special Features include:

*  Director's Commentary with Drew Marvick and his Mom
*  Cast Commentary with Nick Byer, Jen Marvick, and Kristen Noel McKusick
*  Location Tour
*  Gag Reel
*  Making of Featurette


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

 

 

Blu-ray Review: THE ORPHAN KILLER (2011)

THE ORPHAN KILLER
Written & Directed by  Matt Farnsworth
Distributed by Reel Gore Releasing

  I was happy to see that the fine folks over at Reel Gore Releasing got their hands on this film.  THE ORPHAN KILLER is well deserving of a wide release, and I really can't believe it's taken this long!  The film came out back in 2011, and I actually reviewed the film way back then after getting a screener copy direct from the director Matt Farnsworth.    I watched the film a few nights ago and it was every bit as good as I remember from seeing it 6 years ago.  I went back and read the review I did back then and it was spot on.  No need to say the same thing twice, so here is my review I did of the film from back in 2011 reprinted here with just a few small changes....enjoy!

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  If you haven't run across a mention of THE ORPHAN KILLER on facebook, I would be very surprised.  I have seen many horror fans talking about this film online (esp. on facebook) and I finally got a chance to see what everyone was talking about.  THE ORPHAN KILLER has been hyped up to be a "New Horror Icon"...well, I had  my doubts to be honest, that is a huge statement to live up to.  Luckily, I was not disappointed in any way and I have to agree that THE ORPHAN KILLER is here to stay, and could someday be seen along the likes of Jason, Freddy, and Leatherface when it comes to discussions about the greatest horror movie killers. Before I go any further, here is the basic plot synopsis from imdb.com:

The Orphan Killer is a tour de force murder flick that defies classification. It goes far beyond current trends in gore and breaks open a new suffering genre of horror. Marcus Miller is a serial murderer hellbent on teaching his estranged sister Audrey what it means to have family loyalty. His lessons are taught in massive doses of vulgar and unimaginable pain. Throughout her brutal torture we learn that Marcus is not the only Miller with Killer in the bloodline as Audrey proves to be a formidable adversary.

   Ok, lets get the technical aspects out of the way first.  The film was shot very well and looked crystal clear on my Blu-ray edition of the film.  The cinematography for this film is amazing for a lower budget film such as this.  The acting in this film was excellent as well, especially that of Diane Foster who plays Audrey.   She very convincingly portrays real terror while she is in her torture scenes.   

 The film is timed perfectly, and director Matt Farnsworth packs a lot of action into the film's quick 84 minute run time.   There are never any slow or dull moments in this film.  It is non stop brutal action from the time you hit play until the time the credits role.  The back story of the killer is explained nicely through a series of flashbacks to when Marcus and Audrey were kids in the orphanage. This was a cool way to see why Marcus is the killer he is today.

   Ok, now on to the good stuff....the plot synopsis tells you that the film "goes far beyond current trends in gore".  That my friends, is a major understatement.   The gore in this film is over the top and goes far beyond what we are used to seeing in today's "gore" films.   Some of these effects could make Tom Savini proud!  You will know what I am talking about when you see the machete to the face scene.....grisly, grotesque, and just amazingly well done.  The blood flows freely in this film, so you gore hounds will not be disappointed in any way!   
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  Well, there ya go!  I couldn't have said it better myself! Wait, nevermind!  Ha!   THE ORPHAN KILLER is available now from Reel Gore Releasing and includes the following special features:

*  BEHIND THE MURDER - Exclusive Video Diary
*  Teaser
*  Trailer
*  Music Clip
*  Slideshow


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

Blu-ray Review: HORROR HOUSE ON HIGHWAY 5 (1985)

HORROR HOUSE ON HIGHWAY 5
Written & Directed by  Richard Casey
Distributed by Vinegar Syndrome

  I love old grindhouse and exploitation type films, and HORROR HOUSE ON HIGHWAY 5 is a great example of this type of film.  The film is not without it's flaws, but it was very enjoyable to me.   Here is the basic plot from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

  A mysterious killer, wearing a Nixon mask, terrorizes and murders a young couple. A professor assigns his students a project investigating the strange events connected to a possibly dead Nazi scientist, Dr. Fredrick Bartholomew. The doctor's assistant kidnaps students, holding them hostage and torturing them. Meanwhile, Nixon stalks the night!

 Ha!  If that plot synopsis sounds confusing, it's because it is.  Let's get the few negative things out of the way.  The plot is kind of all over the place in this film, but that doesn't take too much away from the enjoyment of the film in my opinion.   The acting is downright atrocious...and that does take a little bit away from the film, unfortunately.

  Now to the good stuff, which is the most important part of any horror film....the kills.  While overall pretty tame by today's standards, there were a couple of kills that were very well done.  The main one was the metal garden rake to the guys head.  This is a great effect that looked extremely realistic.  The films also has a nice grindhouse vibe to it, as well as a slasher and almost Giallo feel to it in some parts.  In other parts, it's more of a capture/torture type film. Hey, as I stated before, the movie is a mess plot wise!  Ha! All this gives it a very unique and fun character, though.

  While the movie is far from perfect.....and I mean extremely far, it is still fun film and worth a watch in my opinion.

  HORROR HOUSE ON HIGHWAY 5 is available now on a Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD combo  (only 3,000 units made) from Vinegar Syndrome.  Special Features include the following:

*  All extras on both formats
*  Region free Blu-ray and DVD combo pack
*  Scanned and restored in 2k from 16mm archival elements
*  “Return to Horror House on Highway 5” – making of featurette
*  Commentary track with director Richard Casey
*  “Beach Party with Vom” – music video directed by Richard Casey (the impetus for Horror House on Highway 5)
*  Alternate full frame presentation of Horror House on Highway 5
*  Reversible cover artwork by Kevin Thomas


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

 

Help support the feature length KLAGGER movie!

 
 Some of you may remember the KLAGGER short film from a few years back.  Well, the team behind that want to bring KLAGGER to us as a new feature length film!!   In order to do this, though, they need our help!   

  There is a KLAGGER Kickstarter page where you can make a contribution to help support this film.   In doing so, you will be treated to some excellent perks, including digital codes of the film, DVDs of the feature film and short film, screen used props, and the always awesome perk of having your name in the closing credits of the film!

  Here is some more info about this project from the KLAGGER Kickstarter page:

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  Our short film, KLAGGER became a film festival and horror convention favorite since it's first screening at the Oklahoma Horror Film Festival. With your help, we are expanding the success of KLAGGER into a feature-length movie to be filmed in 2017. Many individuals, both public and private will help our monster terrify the world when KLAGGER is released in theatres, VOD, Bluray and Netflix! This Kickstarter Campaign represents YOU GUYS, the social media horror fans that want to see the kind of well-made, KILLER HORROR FILMS we all love!  

  Our specific Kickstarter goal is $15,964.00 Here's the breakdown -

  KLAGGER tells the story of Joseph Klagger, a maintenance worker who is killed in a boiler explosion back in 1977. After the accident, his body was never found and the factory became a shuttered tomb. Years later, a demolition crew arrives to implode the building with explosives and awakens KLAGGER from the dead!

The film will be a serious, horror/drama combining a plot driven story with strong performances and lots of bloody, monster-type action. Produced in Abilene, Texas under the banner of CANDON FILMS which represents the Crow Brothers - Casey and Gene.

  So, how does your Kickstarter contribution make KLAGGER move forward? First, it will assist us in securing our principal location which is a decommissioned power plant owned by American Electric Power. You saw it in the concept trailer. This place is both haunting and awe inspiring! It not only serves as KLAGGER'S final resting place but will also have sets constructed inside so that other scenes can be filmed there - just like a Hollywood soundstage!

  Next is special effects. This movie has many scenes that involve the actions of a supernatural creature and he has to look amazing! To achieve that , we are approaching the task with a combination of 90% practical F/X provided by makeup genius Chris Richard Hanson and 10% CGI elements. Your contribution covers the time and materials required to make KLAGGER terrifyingly realistic! Our Kickstarter incentives provide an opportunity for a serious horror fan to own the KLAGGER head and arm piece actually worn by actor John Harlan!

  The final portion will go toward hiring a casting director who can provide the kind of contacts an independent production like ours needs to bring in really good actors as well as insurance and attorney fees. 

  The grand total is $15,964 If additional funds are contributed which exceed the goal they will be used for travel expenses to film festivals and conventions where you can meet KLAGGER face-to-face!

CLICK HERE to help support the KLAGGER feature length film