Blu-ray Review: SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS (1977)

SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS
Directed by Greydon Clark
Distributed by VCI Entertainment / MVD Entertainment Group

  I always love coming across films that not only have I never seen, but that I have never even heard of!    SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS  is one of those films.   I'll be honest, as soon as I saw the cover art for this film I had a hunch I was going to like this film!   Here is the basic plot of the film from the VCI website:

  Benedict High School's cheerleaders aren't shy and sweet. The football team knows them well – and Billy, the school's disturbed janitor, would like to. In the locker room, the girls shower and dress, unaware of the evil eyes which secretly watch them. They don't know that a curse has been placed on their clothes. And they don't know that their trip to the first big game of the season might sideline them for eternity. Will the cheerleaders succumb to the dark ritual of sexual sacrifice and death that's been plotted for them? Only those who dare watch will know!

  I'll start by saying that I have a real fondness for 1970's horror films.  There are some really fun 70's horror films and this is definitely one of them.   I do have to admit that this film won't be for everyone, and as much as I liked it, there were some slow parts that even I could have done without.  The running time clocks in at 93 minutes, which doesn't seem to long, but some parts did seem to drag on at times.  I think a little tighter editing and something closer to a 83 minute running time could have really improved this film.  Even so, this is one you'll want to check out. 

  SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS is full of crazy characters and some really cheesy 70's dialog, but that is really what gives it a lot of it's charms.   I was also surprised at the lack of killing and gore...it has very little killing and no gore at all that I recall.  This film is more about the storyline than effects or scares. It's a fun tale that just gets crazier and crazier as the film goes on.

  SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS is available now on Blu-ray/DVD combo from VCI Entertainment and MVD Visual.  Special features include:

*  Behind the scenes Photo Gallery

*  Commentary by Director Greydon Clark

*  Commentary by genre film director David DeCoteau and film historian and journalist, David Del Valle

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

 

Blu-ray Review: WHAT THE PEEPER SAW (1972)

WHAT THE PEEPER SAW
Directed by  James Kelley  and  Andrea Bianchi
Distributed by  VCI Entertainment

  I always love finding movies I have never heard of, and WHAT THE PEEPER SAW falls into that category.   I knew nothing about this film going into it, which really surprises me.  It is a very intriguing entry into the "killer kid" horror subgenre, so I was surprised I had never seen or heard of it before.  Here is the basic plot courtesy of the VCI Entertainment website:

  In this stylish and atmospheric psychological thriller, a wealthy author's wife's comfortable life turns into a terrifying nightmare when her young stepson starts exhibiting strange behavior. The fiendish child is out to destroy all the trust and love between his father and stepmother with his surreptitious pranks. Horror unfolds as the boy devilishly plots to drive a wedge deeper and deeper between them. But is the child really a fiend, or is he the victim of his neurotic stepmother’s paranoia?

  First off, this movie could never be made in today's day and age.  There are some very taboo subjects in this film, mainly having to do with the young boy Marcus (Mark Lester) and his step mom, played by the amazingly gorgeous Britt Ekland.  The main mystery in the film is whether or not Marcus killed his birth mother.  The stepmother decides to get to the bottom of it and find out the truth, even if that means enticing the boy to talk by stripping nude in front of him!

 The film is more of a thriller than a true horror film.  It's not bloody at all, but it does have some very creepy imagery.  One scene in particular shows Marcus staring into the pool as a dead woman floats by.  It's revealed he is seeing things because in reality it's a just a ball that floats by.  This shows the viewer the mindset of Marcus and sets a very moody and eerie tone for the film.  This kid obviously has some major issues. 

  The film is shot well and the acting is very good.  The newly restored HD transfer looks excellent. 
This is an interesting film for sure, one that I recommend checking out.

  WHAT THE PEEPER SAW is available now from VCI Entertainment and includes the following special features:

*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Original TV Teaser Spot


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

 
 

Blu-ray Review: CHILDREN SHOULDN'T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS (1972)

CHILDREN SHOULDN'T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS
Directed by  Bob Clark
Distributed by VCI Entertainment

 Tonight's review is another great example of a film I've always heard about, but have never had the chance to see.   CHILDREN SHOULDN'T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS  is a must have for any zombie film fan.  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the VCI website:

 Led by a mean-spirited director, Alan (Alan Ormsby), a theater troupe travels by boat to a small island graveyard for buried criminals. Using a grimoire, Alan begins a séance to raise the dead. The group finds more than they bargained for when the dead return from their graves, forcing the troupe to take refuge in an old abandoned caretaker’s house. Can they stay put until daylight against the undead onslaught, or do they flee into the pitch black night? Will anyone survive?

  First off, let me be more accurate in my statement from above.  This film is  must have for any low-budget and campy zombie film fan.  I think TV shows like THE WALKING DEAD and big budget zombie films have us used to amazing looking zombies and effects.   You gotta remember this film is from the early 70's, so the zombie makeup/effects are a lot different from what we see nowadays.  I'm not saying they are bad by any means, but just different.    

  I have to admit the films starts off pretty slowly.  I checked the running time and it is listed as 87 minutes, but this film seemed quite a bit longer than that.  It's slow going in the beginning, but stick with it and you will be rewarded with a really fun zombie film.  Once the zombie action does start, it never lets up.  This film has some great camera angles and some very creepy scenes and imagery.   One of my favorite scenes is when it is pitch black outside, and the people locked in the house point a flashlight out the window to see the zombies.   The camera pan to the right and all you see is pitch blackness until a zombie comes into sight under the light of the flashlight.  This is very spooky and a very effective scene.  

  One more thing worth noting was the sound/music.  A lot of the film is set out in a graveyard and the background music and sound effects are very eerie.  If you could isolate that background music and sounds it would be the perfect haunted house music.   

  CHILDREN SHOULDN'T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS is available now from VCI Entertainment.   The film looks great on this newly restored film transfer and includes the following amazing special features:

*  Liner Notes written by Mike Kenny, Mike’s Pop Culture Playhouse
*  Reversable Coverwrap with Optional Fan-Inspired 3rd Cover Art
*  Commentary Track with Alan Ormsby, Jane Daly and Anya Cronin: accompanies the HD feature
*  Bonus: Complete alternate “U.K.” version, with commentary by Alan Ormsby hosted by David      Gregory, Severin Films
*  Memories of Bob Clark: A tribute to the late Director.
*  Grindhouse Q&A
*  Confessions of a Grave Digger: Interview with Ken Goch
*  Photo Gallery
*  “Dead Girls Don’t Say No” Music video by The Deadthings
*  “Cemetery Mary” Music video by The Deadthings
*  Tribute Video
*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Radio Spots with Alan Ormsby


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

Check out these great Black Friday/Cyber Monday DVD/Blu-ray sales!!

 









 I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!!   As you know, today is the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday!   Well, you don't have to go out and face the crowds  today, as lots of online retailers are offering Black Friday deals on their online stores!   Horror fans should definitely take advantage of these following Black Friday deals from some popular movie companies, most of which last all weekend long:


VCI Entertainment is offering 55% off on all their DVDs and Blu-rays!!! VCI has tons of classic horror movies on their site.  Click the pic below to go to the VCI site and us the CYBER55 promo code at checkout to get the discount!

Severin Films has a great 40% off sale and a buy 2 get a free DVD/Blu ray deal!!  Here is the info from the Severin Films site:

Starting Midnight this Friday, November 29th EST the Severin store will be knocking 40% off the price of all Severin and Intervision catalogue DVD and Blu-ray titles in stock. PLUS with every two discs purchased you get to choose a free INGLORIOUS BASTARDS, HARDWARE or BIRDEMIC disc to go with your order. Just specify in the notes with your order your choice of freebie out of HARDWARE single DVD or Blu-ray, INGLORIOUS single DVD or Blu-ray, or BIRDEMIC DVD or Blu-ray. If you order four discs then choose two freebies and so on. Please note that the catalog sale does not include the latest release HOT NIGHTS OF LINDA or HOUSE ON STRAW HILL but everything else is fair game while stock lasts! Sale ends at 11.59pm on Sunday, December 1st so stop by www.severin-films.com/store!


Full Moon Entertainment is offering a great deal where if you subscribe to their streaming service for 3 months (about $18), then you get 3 free DVDs or Blu-rays!! 

Happy Father's Day!! Take advantage of this great 50% off Father's Day Sale from VCI Entertainment!!

  Happy Father's Day to all you horror loving Dads out there!  Buy yourself a treat this Father's day like a great DVD from VCI Entertainment!! For those that aren't familiar with VCI Entertainment, they are a company devoted to preserving classic films on DVD.  You can find a bunch of old classic horror movies on their website, and for the rest of today and all day tomorrow, you can get any of their DVD's for 50% off during their huge Father's Day Sale!! 

  The sale excludes all pre-order and coming soon items. The discount is 50% off of the SRP. Offer valid 6/14/2013 - 6/17/2013. Enter coupon code FATHER at checkout to redeem.

This offer Expires: Midnight Monday, 6/17/2013, so hurry up and take advantage of this great deal!!


CLICK HERE to visit VCI Entertainment's Horror selection

Check out VCI Entertainment's Huge 50% OFF Memorial Day Sale!!

  Check out this great message I just got in my email!  The great folks over at VCI Entertainment are having a huge 50% sale on their website!!   For those that don't know, VCI Entertainment is a distributor of some great classic films on DVD and Blu-ray (click HERE to see the list of their horror films). They have some great movies, including films from Dario Argento, William Castle, and Mario Bava, just to name a few! 
Here is the message I just received about this great sale:


  In honor of our troops, VCI Entertainment is offering all DVDs and
Blu-rays at 50% OFF our suggested retail price. Click here to visit our homepage.

  Enter the code VCIMEMDAY to receive the additional savings from our already discounted price. This code expires at 11:59 pm CST, Monday, May 27, 2013.
 

Thank You,

Christopher Rowe
Public Relations DirectorVCI Entertainment

 

All sales over $50.00 qualify for free ground shipping for any U.S. address.
This is a "website only" special, only available at vcient.com.
Offer valid once per customer and may not be combined with any other offer.

No, thank YOU Mr. Rowe and to all the great people at VCI Entertainment for honoring our troops and giving us movie buffs a great deal on some great DVD's and Blu-rays!

DVD Review: DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW (1981)

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------Review by contributing writer Scott Baker------

DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW

Directed by Frank De Felitta

Courtesy of VCI Entertainment

Original Release: 1981

DVD Release: 2010

I’m going to be sentimental for a moment: this film holds a special place in my heart because it was one of the first horror movies I ever watched. I first had the pleasure of seeing it way back in the day, when it aired on TV (I want to say it was on CBS, but don’t quote me on that). I wasn’t supposed to watch it because I was only a wee lad (I think I was seven at the time)…but I had a knack for being sneaky. This skill might have been a curse instead of a blessing though because this film haunted me for a long time after I saw it.

If you’ve never heard of Dark Night of the Scarecrow, you’re probably not alone. I was only recently released on DVD. The plot is basically this:

Bubba Ritter is a mentally handicapped man in his 20s who has the mind of a child. He lives in a small town in the South and enjoys playing with the local children. One day, a young girl Bubba is playing with is mauled by a dog. Bubba fights the dog off and then, confused and unsure of what to do, carries the injured girl to her house and leaves her on the porch. Some of the men in the town believe Bubba is the one that hurt the girl and hunt him down. Bubba flees and hides in a scarecrow’s clothes out in the field. But the men find him and shoot him in cold blood. The men stand trial but are let go on a technicality. Shortly thereafter, the men who were involved in the shooting begin to die mysteriously and a lone scarecrow figure is the only one around when it happens…

I had the pleasure of seeing this film again at the 2010 Texas Frightmare and I’m happy to say it’s just as good and as scary as it was when I saw it for the first time. Actor Larry Drake portrays Bubba and does an amazing job with the part. Drake will forever always be Dr. Giggles to me, but this role is for sure a close second.

The supporting cast is also full of notable Hollywood icons. Charles Durning , who is one of the hardest working men in Hollywood, does an outstanding job of portraying the ring-leader of the killers. And Robert F. Lyons is perfect as one of his accomplices, Skeeter Norris.

One of the coolest things about this film is that there’s no profanity and practically no gore…and it’s still creepy as hell! It takes a talented filmmaker to pull something like that off. The cinematography really helps accentuate the mood, too, with long, stationary shots and dark, bleak tones.

I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I would have to say that the only disappointing aspect to the film IS the lack of gore. I say that probably because I’m so used to seeing it in modern horror movies that a film without it seems to be missing something. Not to mention the fact that it’s just good, plain fun. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy seeing the end result of someone getting shoved into a wood chipper?

All in all, though, Dark Night of the Scarecrow is a definite win and one that I’m certainly adding to my DVD collection. It’s not for everyone, especially if you are a fan of graphic violence. But it’s a great film and will certainly give you a chill after it’s over.

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*********************NOTE FROM ZOMBIE HAYES************************

Thanks Scott, for the great review. I absolutely love this film and

think it is one of, if not, THE best made for TV Horror movie ever

made. Even with the lack of gore as you mentioned, it is scary and

manages to maintain a creepy tone throughout the film.

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

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CLICK HERE to visit the official website of VCI Entertainment