4K ULTRA HD/BD Review: EVILENKO (2003)

 

EVILENKO

Written & Directed by:  David Grieco

Distributed by:  Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

 Serial killer movies are one of my favorite sub-genres of horror.   I love true crime stories, so was pretty intrigued when this one showed up for review.   EVILENKO is based on the book "The Communist That Ate Children" by David Grieco, who also wrote and directed this film.   That book, and this film, were based on the true story of serial killer Andrei Chikatilo.  Here is a bit about him from Wikipedia: 

  Andrei Romanovich Chikatilo was a Ukrainian-born Soviet serial killer nicknamed "the Butcher of Rostov", "the Rostov Ripper", and "the Red Ripper" who sexually assaulted, murdered, and mutilated at least fifty-two women and children between 1978 and 1990 in the Russian SSFR, the Ukranian SSR, and the Uzbek SSR.

  Chikatilo confessed to fifty-six murders; he was tried for fifty-three murders in April 1992. He was convicted and sentenced to death for fifty-two of these murders in October 1992, although the Supreme Court of Russia ruled in 1993 that insufficient evidence existed to prove his guilt in nine of those killings. Chikatilo was executed by gunshot in February 1994

 I had never heard of this serial killer before, and it got me thinking about how many serial killers there have probably been all over the world that we just don't know about here in the states.   We typically just know about all the U.S. serial killers, so it was interesting to hear about one that was completely new to me. 

 Here is a brief synopsis of the film from the Unearthed Films website:

Based on the shocking true story of the former Soviet Union's most notorious serial killer, this riveting, haunting film explores the mind of a true monster; a man who mutilated and devoured more than 50 children. For years, Andrei Evilenko (Malcolm McDowell, A Clockwork Orange, Gangster No. 1, TV's "Entourage") eluded the obsessive Detective Lesiev (Marton Csokas, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, xXx, Aeon Flux) and the psychiatric profiler Aron Richter (Ronald Pickup, The Chronicles of Narnia). Spurred on by his rabid fury at the gradual crumbling of his precious Soviet Union, Evilenko is a man who will live, die and kill as a communist. The haunting melodies of composer Angelo Badalamenti (Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive) and writer-director David Grieco's stark imagination have created a portrait of a serial killer that will resound in the psyches of us all.

  Let me start by saying that EVILENKO will not be for everyone.   It will be triggering for some, especially those that have been in anyway affected by sexual abuse.  As you would expect from a film about a killer that preyed on small children, the film contains some unnerving subject matter. I will say, though, that most all of the killing are done off screen, with the viewer just seeing the aftermath of Evilenko's butcherings.   While Unearthed Films is known for it's more gorier releases,  this one does seem out of place for an Unearthed Films release, but I assume it is just the extreme subject matter that got this one picked up by them. 

 The film is shot well and wonderfully acted, especially by genre legend Malcolm McDowell who plays the title character/killer.   He does a wonderful job in this role, as he does in every role I have ever seen him in.   My one fault with this film is the pacing, as it does feel very slow and drawn out in parts.  The film has a running time of 111 minutes, which could have been trimmed down in my opinion. 

 The new 4K transfer is stunning, and is sure to be a huge leap from any previous release you might have seen. 

EVILENKO will be released on February 25th, but is available now for preorder.  The 4K/BD combo contains the following special features:

• 4K ULTRA HD + BLU-RAY | LIMITED COLLECTOR'S EDITION CONTENTS
• *  NEW 4K restoration of the original camera negative by Unearthed Films
• *  Blu-ray of the feature film and all new extras
• DISC ONE – FEATURE (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)
• *  NEW 4K restoration of the original camera negative by Unearthed Films presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio in HDR
• *  NEW 2024 Commentary with writer/director David Grieco and actor Malcolm McDowell
• *  DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
• *  Optional English SDH Subtitles
• DISC TWO – FEATURE & EXTRAS (BLU-RAY)
• *  NEW 4K restoration of the original camera negative by Unearthed Films presented in 1080p HD in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio
• *  NEW 2024 Commentary with writer/director David Grieco and actor Malcolm McDowell
• *  DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
• *  Optional English SDH Subtitles
• *  An 81 minute cast and crew interview collection including writer/director David Grieco, actor Malcolm McDowell and composer Angelo Badalamenti
• *  'Evilenko Dossier: Andrei Chikatilo' A 27 minute look at the real-life basis for the character of Evilenko
• *  David Grieco and Malcolm McDowell on 'Evilenko' A 69 Minute interview from 2021
• *  Photo Gallery
• *  Original Trailer

 

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray

CLICK HERE to pre-order the 4K HD/BD combo 

Blu-ray Review: VILLAGE OF DOOM (1983)

 

VILLAGE OF DOOM

Directed by:   Noboru Tanaka

Distributed by:  Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

 Unearthed Films is one of my favorite movie companies out there.  Not only do they release and distribute films that normally wouldn't get a release due to their extreme nature, they also produce their own extreme gore films!   Recently, Unearthed Films created a new line of films called Unearthed Classics.  These are older films that they are releasing that have either been long out of print, or maybe even the first time being released in the U.S.!    Today's review is from the Unearthed Classics line, and it is called VILLAGE OF DOOM.    The film is from 1983, and is one I had never heard of before arriving to me for review!  

 Here is a brief synopsis of the film from the Unearthed Films website:

A classic Japanese true crime story, Village of Doom is a chilling reenactment of the infamous Tsuyama Massacre, a revenge killing spree that occurred on the night of 21 May 1938 in the rural village of Kamo near Tsuyama in Okayama Prefecture. Mutsuo Toi, an emotionally distraught 21-year-old man who had been ostracized by his fellow villagers, went on a violent killing spree that took the lives of 30 people, including his own grandmother. Before finally killing himself, Toi visited his revenge upon the village using a shotgun, Japanese sword and axe. It remains the deadliest mass murder spree in Japanese history.

 The film is based on the true story of the Tsuyama Massacre, something I was not familiar with before this film.   Here is a brief description of the massacre from Wikipedia:

The Tsuyama massacre was a revenge spree killing that occurred on the night of 21 May 1938 in the rural village of Kamo close to Tsuyama in Okayama, Empire of Japan. Mutsuo Toi (都井 睦雄, Toi Mutsuo), a 21-year-old man, killed 30 people, including his grandmother, with a Browning shotgun, katana, and axe, and seriously injured three others before killing himself with the shotgun. It is the deadliest shooting by a lone gunman in Japanese history.

 I always find it so hard to believe that I have gone my whole life never even hearing about some films, especially when they are as good as this one.   I am in tons of horror movie groups on Facebook, and follow lots of horror movie fan accounts on Insta and X, yet somehow this is one that had just slipped by me.   I am not sure how this is not talked about more, because it is definitely worthy of discussion. 

 The film follows a 30ish year old man who lives with his grandmother.  He is a quiet, shy man who is very smart and dreams of being in the military to serve his country.   He is liked by all in his village, but is sometimes taken advantage of by his so called "friends".   This very normal, calm man is instantly changed when he goes to enlist in the military, but is refused due to an illness.   He has been diagnosed with the highly contagious Tuberculosis.   Word spreads quickly around his small town, and he is instantly discriminated against by all the people of his village.  He is also chastised for not serving his country in the military, through no fault of his own.    

 As time passes, this once quiet man get fed up with the way he is treated.   What starts as a minor annoyance grows into pure hatred as the build up of the way he is being treated boils up inside him.   He makes a plan to extract revenge upon his village.   He makes a map and plots out house to house the direction he will go.   He does this in the dead of night, to catch people off guard and while everyone is inside so the streets will be empty for him to navigate without being seen.    This creates some very cool visuals as he straps two flashlights to his head and around his chest, almost giving him the look of some homemade super hero, or I guess in this case, super villian, costume.   Prowling the night in his homemade get up looks very creepy.    He carries out his killing streak using a multitude of weapons including guns, swords, knives, and even an axe. 

 This was an excellent film, and quite topical with todays climate.  Seeing this nice, quiet, young man go from completely normal to a vicious killer was very disturbing.  The movie shows this in such a way that is so realistic, showing the very slow transition, making it so much more realistic and disturbing.   You can see how his transition was created, and you could see the exact exchanges that led to it.  It really makes you think that if we pay more attention to people and how they are treated, maybe we could tell when people are starting to transition to this way of thinking and could stop a something like this from happening in present day.  

I can't recommend VILLAGE OF DOOM enough.   It is a great film that is a must see for all extreme horror fans.   While there is a bit of gore, there is nothing overwhelming, but just the subject matter by itself and the violence our lead takes on innocent people is extreme enough. 

 VILLAGE OF DOOM is available now from Unearthed Films and includes the following Special Features:

• *  Audio commentary by Asian film experts Arne Venema and Mike Leeder
• *  Dark Asia with Megan: Case #57 Japan's Darkest Night, Tsuyama Massacre
• *  Promotional Gallery
• *  Theatrical Trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

CLICK HERE to purchase the BLU-RAY

Check out the first release from Unearthed Films new TOO EXTREME FOR MAINSTREAM line!

  If you are a horror fan, then I'm sure you are well aware of the production/distribution company known as Unearthed Films.   Owned by Stephen Biro, Unearthed Films puts out some of the most disturbing and extreme horror DVDs and Blu-rays.  Well, if that wasn't good enough, they are now rolling out a new line of films called TOO EXTREME FOR MAINSTREAM which will only be available through the Unearthed Films website.   These are films that Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, etc. would refuse to carry due to the nature of the films.   I am super excited about this new line of films, and the first release in this new line has been announced and will be available to pre-order today!

 The first release is the John Wayne Gacy serial killer film, TORMENT.  The film was directed by Adam Ford  and is a great choice for the TOO FXTREME FOR MAINSTREAM film line!  Here is the basic synopsis from the UF website:

Based on the John Wayne Gacy Murders. A young man wakes up after a one night stand and finds himself in the clutches of one of the most notorious serial killers to ever stalk the earth. 

 
There will be 3 different purchasing options for TORMENT, including a super rare "Gacy Bundle" limited to only 20 sets!  The DVD and Blu-ray will also be limited.  They will only be available for pre-order from 4/13 through 5/11.   They will only produce as many copies as they sell during this pre-order time frame.  See below for the different purchasing options:

Option1:
DVD (limited to the number of units sold): $25+shipping

Option 2:
BLU-RAY (limited to the number of units sold):  $30+shipping

Option 3:
THE INFAMOUS GACY BUNDLE  (limited to only 20 sets!):  $395 +shipping

Item included in the Gacy Bundle:

* A one-of-a-kind 9" x 12" painting of John Wayne Gacy by artist Lou Rusconi: Each painting is wrapped and signed by Lou and it will be a mystery which one you will get.

*One letter signed by John Wayne Gacy sent to Merle Allen of The Murder Junkies

*One Novel: "Killer Clown: The John Wayne Gacy Murders" written by Terry Sullivan with Peter T. Maiken

*The DVD "SERIAL KILLER CULTURE" directed by John Borowski

*A Limited Edition Blu-ray of "TORMENT" based on the Gacy murders with a limited edition blood painting cover by artist Ryan Almighty (limited to 20)

*A Limited to 50 signed print of a painting, painted in blood, of Pogo from artist Ryan Almighty 

*A hand painted patch of Pogo the clown made by Jeremi Cruise of ToeTag EFX

 Yes, you read that correctly....the Gacy Bundle will contain a letter hand signed by John Wayne Gacy himself! 

 Unearthed Films has hit a home run with this first release in the TOO EXTREME FOR MAINSTREAM film line.  Pre-order your copy starting tonight at 8pm Eastern time! 


CLICK HERE to visit the Unearthed Films website and pre-order TORMENT on DVD or Blu-ray
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for TORMENT

Blu-ray Review: THE UNNAMABLE (1988)

THE UNNAMABLE
Directed by Jean-Paul Ouellette
Distributed by Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  For years I have had a DVD copy of a film called, THE UNNAMABLE II.   I had never watched it, because I didn't want to see part 2 of something before I had seen part 1.  I assumed I could find the first UNNAMABLE on DVD, but was never able to.  It turns out the first film had never been releases on DVD.  Well, now the search is over and I can add the first film to my collection thanks to the amazing Stephen Biro and Unearthed Films.  Unearthed Films recently bought the rights to THE UNNAMABLE and have released an amazing DVD and Blu-ray of the film with a newly restored 4K transfer. 

  If you are unfamiliar with this film, here is the basic plot synopsis courtesy of the MVD website:

  College students from Miskatonic University who retreat to an early 18th-century mansion for a weekend of lust are stalked by a fatalistic female in this horror film based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft. The demon delights in tearing the limbs off her human victims to carry out a centuries-old family curse.

  This film was released in 1988, and there is no doubt that it is a product of the 80's.   The character's clothing and hair is a dead giveaway.   That's how we looked back then, though, so try to look past the laughable clothing choices of some of these characters.   The story is simple enough, kids are trying to stay in a house that is inhabited by an ancient creature of some sort.  I'm sure it's no surprise to you that the kids meet their demise, one at a time.   There are some gruesome kills and some amazing gore in this film, all by practical effects.   The monster is not really seen until towards the very end of the film, but when it is revealed, it is well worth the wait.   I have no clue what this creature is supposed to be, but it look like it's part goat with it's hooved feet and fur!  

 Unearthed Films has done an amazing job with this release.  The picture quality is very clear and I have to comment on the beautiful slip case cover art!   I have no idea who did that cover art, but it is truly amazing!    Now, I do have to mention one issue I found with this release, and that is the 5.1 DTS-HD Surround Sound has a glitch where the sound effects are doubled.  So basically it sounds like an echo after every sound effect.  This was super annoying, but switching to the original 2.0 Mono soundtrack fixed the issue and it was fine after doing that.   It's a very minor issue, but definitely worthy of a mention.   

 This is a must see in my opinion, especially if you are a fan of  H.P. Lovecraft and films inspired by his stories.

 THE UNNAMABLE is available now on DVD & Blu-ray from Unearthed Classics and MVD Entertainment and includes the following Special Features:

*  4K Scan with color correction and restoration from the original negative.
*  5.1 DTS-HD Surround Sound, 2.0 PCM
*  Video Interview with actors Charles Klausmeyer & Mark Kinsey Stephenson
*  Video Interview with actor Eben Ham
*  Video Interview with actress Laura Albert
*  Video Interview with Mark Parra
*  Video Interviews with R. Christopher Biggs special makeup effects artist & make up artist Camille Calvet
*  Audio Commentary with Charles Klausmeyer, Mark Stephenson, Laura Albert, Eben Ham, Camille Calvet, R. Christopher Biggs
*  Photo Gallery
*  Trailers

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

 

 

Movie Review: THE SONG OF SOLOMON (2017)

THE SONG OF SOLOMON
Written & Directed by Stephen Biro
Distributed by Unearthed Films

  If you have seen any of the films from Unearthed Films, you know you are in for a treat with each new release.  Unearthed Films releases some of the most extreme horror films out there, and founder Stephen Biro will soon be releasing one of their most extreme films yet, one that he just so happened to write and direct!  

  The film is called THE SONG OF SOLOMON, and it is a crazy ride from the beginning that never lets up.  Here is the plot synopsis from Amazon.com:

  Mary witnesses the brutal suicide of her Father. His death unleashes the savage forces of demonic possession in his daughter. The End of Days is upon the world, famine, drought, looting and chaos is ripping the world apart and the Catholic Church is trying to save an innocent soul from the ravages of satanic possession. Wave after wave of holy men are sent to confront the possessed but what is the Holy Church actually doing? The City on Seven Hills is working on the Second Coming of Christ but before He comes back - the Antichrist must rule for seven years. The Song of Solomon's true nature is to unleash an evil the world has been waiting for since the beginning of time.

 Now I know what you might be thinking....haven't possession movies kind of run their course?  It seems like there was a new possession film all the time the past few years.  Well, that might be the case, but I guarantee you there are no possession films of late quite like this one.  

  I will always consider THE EXORCIST as the greatest possession/exorcism movie of all time, but I will never look at it quite the same after seeing THE SONG OF SOLOMON.  I used to think THE EXORCIST was one of the most extreme possession movies, but after seeing Mr. Biro's latest film, it makes THE EXORCIST looks very tame in comparison.   That is a bold statement, I know, but I stand behind it.   For one thing, the film is much bloodier and gorier than most possession films you have seen.   The practical effects are amazing, which is no surprise seeing as how they were done by special effects guru, Marcus Koch  and Jerami Cruise.  Koch and Cruise produced some gut wrenching effects that had my jaw hitting the floor on several occasions.  Secondly, the film's ending is like nothing you have seen before in a possession film.   I will not say much about it so not to spoil it, but I was in disbelief.

  One last thing, I couldn't do a complete review without mentioning the amazing job actress Jessica Cameron  did portraying the possessed girl, Mary.  Her performance was outstanding.  I can't imagine what she went through filming some of the scenes she did.   Well done Jessica!

  THE SONG OF SOLOMON is available to pre-order now on both DVD and Blu-Ray.  The release date is set for August 14th.


CLICK HERE to watch the Red Band Trailer
CLICK HERE to visit Unearthed Film's Facebook Page
CLICK HERE to preorder the DVD
CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-Ray

Blu-ray Review: FRANCESCA (2015)

FRANCESCA
Directed by  Luciano Onetti
Distributed by Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment Group

 Giallo film fans will want to do themselves a favor and pick up a copy of Luciano Onetti's FRANCESCA asap!   I knew nothing about this film going into it and was amazed I have not heard more about it.   Here is the basic plot of the film from the MVD website:

  It's been 15 years since the disappearance of little Francesca, daughter of the renowned poet and playwright, Vittorio Visconti. The community is stalked by a psychopath bent on cleaning the city of "impure and damned souls". Moretti and Succo are the detectives in charge of finding the killer of these "Dantesque" crimes. Francesca has returned, but she is not be the same girl they once knew.

 The first thing that really impressed me with this film was the overall look of it.  Although just made a couple of years ago, it has the exact look and feel of an original Giallo film from the 70's.   In fact, I actually had to look up the film on imdb.com to see if this film was a re-issue of an old film or if it was a new film.  I thought it was a new film, but as I watched I started to question that.   Very well done by the filmmakers. 

  Another thing I noticed was the color of the film, very vibrant in some scenes and reminiscent of Dario Argento's work.  The film also has some very good camera work, includind some impressive shots and camera angles.  There is also some very creepy imagery in this film, which is always a plus in my book.  

  The film is a bit slow moving at times, I have to admit, but honestly I find most Giallo films are like this at some point.  There are a few good kills, and a little blood, but gorehounds need to know that this is not a slasher/splatter flick by any means.  It is a much more art house type of horror film, an intelligent horror film that honestly you don't see too much these days.

  This was a very impressive film to me.  I highly recommend it for anyone that is a fan of the Giallo subgenre.

  FRANCESCA is available now from Unearthed Films and MVD Entertainment.  It was released as an impressive Blu-ray/DVD/CD Limited Collector's Edition combo pack and contains the following special features:

*  Behind the Scenes Featurette
*  Deleted Scenes
*  Interview with Lucianno and Nicolas Onetti
*  Unearthed Trailer Reel


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

Blu-ray Review: ATROZ (2015)

ATROZ
Directed by:  Lex Ortega
Distributed by Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

 I have seen some brutal movies in my time, but ATROZ probably stands alone at the top as the most brutal film I have ever seen.   Here is the basic plot from the film's imdb.com page:

A woman has been brutally struck down by a car and the two drivers have been obtained by the police. The unorthodox commander-in-chief decides to check out the assailant's car for himself and makes a gruesome discovery on a camcorder. The video recorder features the relentless torture and murder of a prostitute. The police decide to deal out some justice of their own -- justice that would make even the criminals cringe -- by interrogating their perpetrators, they discover more videotapes exposing even more sexually deviant torture and murder.

  If I had to compare this film to another, I would say it most reminded me of the AUGUST UNDERGROUND TRILOGY.   Those films were basically home videos of a killer torturing his victims.  ATROZ is basically the same thing, except much better done with a bigger budget and a better story line.  

  The acting in this film is pretty remarkable, it was extremely realistic which really added to the unnerving feeling of the film.   Also worth noting area the gruesome special effects.   ATROZ has some of the most realistic looking blood and gore that I have ever seen put on film.  Some of the effects are so real looking that I actually questioned rather some of this was actually real or not.  Now I know that is a silly thought, but the effects were that good that I actually had that thought for a split second.  That is a huge compliment coming from me, as I have seen tons of gory films in my lifetime!

  ATROZ won't be for everyone, but if you are a fan of the "torture porn" movies such as the aforementioned AUGUST UNDERGROUND films, or such films as the GUINEA PIG series, or even the HOSTEL films, you will definitely want to check this one out for sure.   It's extremely brutal, vile, and downright disgusting in some parts, so take this as your warning! 

  ATROZ is available now on an awesome Limited Collector's Edition DVD/BD/CD combo pack, and contains the following special features:

*  ATROZ:  ORIGINAL SHORT FILM
*  CROWDFUNDING VIDEO
*  BEHIND THE SCENES: MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN
*  BEHIND THE SCENES: PRACTICAL FX
*  BEHIND THE SCENES: PRODUCTION
*  UNEARTHED TRAILERS
*  BTS IMAGE GALLERY
*  CD SOUNDTRACK



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

DVD Review: FLOWERS (2015)

FLOWERS
Written & Directed by Phil Stevens
Distributed by Unearthed Films and MVD Visual

 If you're one of those horror fans that have been complaining that there are no good, original, new horror films coming out these days, then you have not seen FLOWERS from Director Phil Stevens.  This is a film unlike I've ever seen....it's vile and disgusting, yet beautiful at the same time.  It's probably the closest you will ever get to an gore soaked art film.   Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the MVD Visual website:

  Some don't understand when the roller-coaster of life stops and their life ends. Some go up and others... find themselves in Purgatory to either find redemption or to choose damnation. Where do the murder victims go when they have a chance to choose' A mind-bending, artistic ride down the road to hell. Are you willing to damn yourself or accept salvation'

  Now, I have to be honest with you....I'm not sure I understand this film 100%.  I think that is ok though, I think that leaves it open to multiple interpretations by multiple people.   From what I gather from the film, we are looking at different murder victims who are in purgatory, which in this case is a disgusting, dilapidated old house full of dangers around every corner.   The film is unique in that it features no dialog whatsoever.  What is amazing about that, is that is doesn't need any.  The films is written and acted so well we can get the story from the actresses emotions and mannerisms captured on the film.   The film does contain sound effects and an amazing score which really sets the tone of the film. Also, FLOWERS was filmed with a very drab, yellowish tone, which really helped set the mood for the film as well.

  The films starts with one woman, making her way through a bloody, gore soaked crawlspace of the house.  When she comes up  through a hole in the floor, we now see a different woman.  The film changes between all the women in the "house" very seamlessly.   While this was part of what confused me at first, I soon realized there are multiple victims here and we are seeing all of their struggles, sewn together by the fact they were all victims of the same killer.

  As mentioned before, the acting in this film is amazing.  I know some might say it's easy to act when you don't have to say anything, but I think just the opposite.  I think that is actually harder.   Trying to tell a story with no dialog means that the actors and actresses have to rely on their visuals and emotional expressions only.  All the women in this film did an amazing job, and that was definitely not an easy task from what I saw.   The set pieces were extremely vile and disgusting, and the women in this film were usually right in there with it...being covered in blood, guts, and whatever other bodily liquids and body parts there were!  

  FLOWERS is a film you need to check out soon.   It's not for the easily squeamish, as there are some very disgusting scenes, but it is a very well made film and to me is a home run for first time director Phil Stevens.  I imagine we will see great things in the horror community from Mr. Stevens in the years to come!

  FLOWERS is available now on DVD and 3-Disc Limited Edition DVD from Unearthed Films and MVD Visual.   The single disc version contains the following special features:

*  Commentary with Phil Stevens
*  Commentary with Ronnie Sortor
*  Interview with Bryant w. Lohr Sr
*  Audtion Tape with Makaria Tsapatoris
*  Behind the Scenes Stills
*  Unearthed Trailer Reel
*  Isolated FX Track

The 3-Disc Limited Edition DVD contains all the special features above, plus the following:

*  Floravision: The Making of Flowers
*  Deleted Scenes (with optional Commentary)
*  Storyboards Video Gallery (with optional commentary)
*  Kiss Me Whore Parts 1 & 2 Short Films
*  CD Soundtrack


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the  3-Disc Limited Edition DVD
CLICK HERE to purchase the Single Disc Edition

DVD Review: COLLAR (2014)

COLLAR
Written & Directed by  Ryan Nicholson
Distributed by MVD Visual & Unearthed Films

  I have been a big fan of director Ryan Nicholson ever since 2006's LIVE FEED.  After that came the wonderful GUTTERBALLS, and then other great films.  I was super excited to get the chance to review Nicholson's latest feature, COLLAR.  Here is the basic plot from the MVD website:

A rookie cop starts her shift like any other but soon it will all change for the worse. A derelict with a reputation of satanic violence, attacks the officer and collars her with a dog leash which is just the start of his abusive ritual.

  I was super excited going into this film, I was expecting another instant classic like the last few films from this director.  Unfortunately, I viewed what is in my opinion his worst film to date.  If you were to look at all his films and compare, I would have said that COLLAR was one of his earliest films, if not his very first one.  The production quality was horrible, making the film look very cheaply made.  The acting was pretty bad overall, especially from the one of the characters that film the "Bumfight" type videos.  The only really good acting was from star Nick Principe  who played the main character named "Massive".  Nick did a great job as always and gave the film some credibility in the acting category.

 The only real saving grace for me for this film was the gore.  As you would expect from a Ryan Nicholson film, COLLAR has some great gore, but even that is not enough to save the film overall.  I am hoping for better things to come from Mr. Nicholson in the future.  Every film can't be a "home run".  Every director is entitled to a few misses.  Nicholson's next film is the sequel to GUTTERBALLS which I expect to be back on par with his other films. 

  If you have seen COLLAR, let me know what you thought of this film.  I have seen plenty of good reviews for it, so maybe I just missed something with this one.  As with any film review I do, I suggest you take my opinion for what it's worth, and watch the film and see what you think of it.

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

The notorious GUINNEA PIG series is being revived in the new AMERICAN GUINNEA PIG films!

  If you are a fan of horror, especially gore films, then you surely know about the Japanese GUINNEA PIG series of films.  These included the titles DEVIL'S EXPERIMENT, ANDROID OF NOTRE DAME, MERMAID IN A MANHOLE, and FLOWER OF FLESH AND BLOOD as well as  few others.  These films were known for their graphic violence and realistic looking gore.  In fact, they looked so realistic that many times the films were thought to be actual snuff films, launching actual police investigations into the films and their creators.  

  The great folks at Unearthed Films brought these films to the U.S. with an excellent box set years ago.  Now, the founder of Unearthed Films, Stephen Biro, is bringing the Guinea Pig series back in a BIG way!   Mr. Biro will be directing the first  installment of a new revamping of the series called, aptly named, AMERICAN GUINEA PIG!  The first film in this new series is titled BOUQUET OF GUTS AND GORE.   I think that title pretty much sums up what you will see in this new series of films.  I know I am super excited for this new project!  Here are some pics from the first film that will give you a small sampling of what is in store for you with the new AMERICAN GUINEA PIG films!

 

 

  Keep in mind these are the somewhat "tame" pics that I can show on my site!  I have seen some other pics from the film and they look like they are really giving these films all they got in terms of the blood and gore.  Mr. Biro is not holding anything back and it looks like he is going to give us gore fans something we haven't seen in a long time!

  Stay tuned and I will pass on more details once they are available!  Also, like the AMERICAN GUINEA PIG Facebook page for more info and details!