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

 

Blu-ray Review: COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE (1973)

COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE 
Directed by Javier Aguirre
Distributed by Vinegar Syndrome

  Here is another example of a great horror movie that I have never heard of.   Vinegar Syndrome continues to release some of the best horror, cult, exploitation films out there, and this one is no different.   COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE stars Spanish screen legend Paul Naschy  as Count Dracula in this romantic, yet tragic tale of the classic vampire.
   Here is the basic  plot from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

After their carriage breaks down and their driver is killed in a freak accident, a group of young women are forced to spend the night in a strange and isolated former sanatorium, which has just been purchased by the secretive Dr. Marlow (Paul Naschy). Unbeknownst to the visitors, Dr. Marlow is actually Count Dracula, and stalking the sanatorium are his recently turned vampire slaves. Soon the guests begin to be attacked by the ravenous bloodsuckers, while Dracula sets his sights on the beautiful virgin Karen, deciding to offer her his hand in marriage…

  This film is very reminiscent of the old Hammer Horror films.  In fact, I think it is safe to say that is the blueprint the filmmakers were following here, right down to the gorgeous and buxom women that the film features.  This film was much gorier than I expected, which is always a good thing in my opinion!   The special effects in this film are pretty amazing especially considering this film is over 40 years old!  One scene in particular that showcases this in particular was at the very beginning when a man gets an axe to the head, then falls down a flight of stairs.  I did not see it coming and it was quite startling.

  The film has a some great scenery, and no, I'm not talking about the buxom women this time!  Shot in Madrid, Spain, there is some very beautiful settings including the castle that Count Dracula lives in.  Many scenes throughout the film are very creepy and atmospheric.

  This film is a must watch for any Dracula fan in my opinion.  If you like the old Hammer Horror films that featured Dracula, you should love this one just as well!

  COUNT DRACULA'S GREAT LOVE is available now from Vinegar Syndrome and contains the following Special Features:

*  All extras on both formats
*  Region free Blu-ray and DVD combo pack
*  Scanned & restored in 2k from 35mm internegative
*  Commentary track with director Javier Aguirre and lead actor Paul Naschy, moderated by Angel Gomez Rivero
*  New video interview with actress Mirta Miller
*  Includes both the English dub and original Spanish language soundtrack
*  International theatrical trailer
*  Still gallery
*  8 page booklet by Mirek Lipinski
*  English and Spanish subtitles
*  Reversible cover artwork


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

Blu-ray Review: DEMONOID (1981)

DEMONOID
a.k.a. Macabra
Directed by:  Alfredo Zacarías
Distributed by:  Vinegar Syndrome

  Once again, the great folks at Vinegar Syndrome have given us another great release of an
old classic film. The films is called DEMONOID, and if you have never seen it before, I urge you to check out Vinegar Syndrome's recent blu-ray release of the film.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the film's imdb.com page:

  A British woman visits her husband at the Mexican mine he is attempting to reopen and discovers that the workers refuse to enter the mine fearing an ancient curse. The couple enter the mine to prove there is no danger and inadvertently release a demon which possess people's left hands and forces them to behave in a suitably diabolical manner. The only way for a possessed person to free themselves from this torment is to cut off their left hand after which it scurries away in search of its next victim.

  This film was released back in 1981, but somehow this one had flown under my radar.  I had never seen this film, and in fact, I had never even heard of this film before I got this new blu-ray release of the film.  The transfer is beautiful, it looks great on Blu-ray in this new HD version.   The film itself is lots of fun and includes some great effects and lots of gore, including the opening scene when we witness the possessed hand being chopped off a person for the first time.  From then on we see the mysterious demon hand possess person after person, each ending with a bad result.  The makeup effects are pretty good, although a little dated for sure  (fake blood looked like red paint for some reason in older films).  
 
  This release is an amazing one, with tons of great special features, and one of my favorite things about DVD/BD's.....reversible cover art.  I wish all films came with reversible cover art.  It's a very simple thing, but I love it.  It's a neat way to customize your cover and choose which design to display.

  DEMONOID is available now on blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome and contains the following special features:

*  Region Free Blu-ray and DVD Combo
*  Restored in 2k from 35mm original camera negatives
*  All special features on both Blu-ray and DVD
*  Alternate International version: MACABRA (90 min) * 
*  New video interview with Director Alfredo Zacarias
*  Multiple theatrical trailers and TV spot
*  Reversible cover with International MACABRA artwork
*  Original artwork gallery
*  English SDH Subtitles
*  Optional French soundtrack for MACABRA


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

Blu-ray Review: FRIGHTMARE (1983)

FRIGHTMARE 
a.k.a. THE HORROR STAR
Written & Directed by Norman Thaddeus Vane

  Vinegar Syndrome is quickly becoming one of my favorite DVD/BD distributors.   If you are not familiar with this company, you should be for sure.  They release some great long lost, hard to find exploitation and sexsploitation films along with the grindhouse/drive-in horror features from years ago.   One of their latest releases is FRIGHTMARE, also known as THE HORROR STAR.  This film is from 1983, so don't confuse it with the 1974 Pete Walker film also known as FRIGHTMARE.  Here is the basic synopsis of this film from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

  Conrad Radzoff (Ferdy Mayne) was the biggest name in horror movies for decades until, one day, he died of a heart attack. Determined to celebrate his life, and death, the members of a local horror film society steal his freshly buried corpse and decide to host a party, in his honor, at their old and lavish mansion. Unaware that Radzoff’s interest in horror extended beyond the silver screen and into the black arts, his corpse is soon re-animated and he begins exacting a bloody revenge against those who disturbed his final resting place.
  Slyly combining 80s slasher tropes with an insightful and self reflective look at the meaning of horror movies and death itself, Norman Thaddeus Vane’s FRIGHTMARE (originally known as THE HORROR STAR) is a quick witted and suspenseful tribute to classic horror cinema. With captivating cinematography by Joel King (JUST BEFORE DAWN) and supporting performances from Jeffrey Combs (RE-ANIMATOR), Luca Bercovici and Leon Askin, FRIGHTMARE has been newly restored from its original camera negative and is coming to Blu-ray for the very first time!

  FRIGHTMARE is a must see if you have never had the chance to view it.   It has such a nostalgic feel to it, almost like watching an old Hammer Horror film.  In fact, it's pretty obvious that the character of Conrad Radzoff was inspired by the great Hammer Films actor, Christopher Lee.  The film is part gothic horror and part slasher film, as your typical group of kids is picked off one by one by the killer.   There are some pretty interesting kills in this film, including a woman bursting into flames, and one of the greatest decapitation scenes you will ever see!

  The acting is pretty good overall, with a wonderful performance by Ferdy Mayne  as Conrad Radzoff. Also worth noting is one of "kids" is played by fan favorite Jeffrey Combs .   As you know, Combs would go on to star in RE-ANIMATOR two years later, which to this day is still one of my top five horror movies of all time.  It was fun seeing him in this different kind of role. 

  I highly recommend checking out FRIGHTMARE and all the other great horror titles Vinegar Syndrome has been putting out lately! 

  FRIGHTMARE is available now on DVD/Blu-ray combo from Vinegar Syndrome and contains the following special features:

+  Restored in 2k from 35mm camera negative
+  All extras on both Blu-ray and DVD
+  New video interview with Cinematographer Joel King
+  Archival audio interview with Director Norman Thaddeus Vane
+  Historical commentary track with David Del Valle and David DeCoteau
+  Commentary track by The Hysteria Continues
+  Original theatrical trailer
+  Reversible THE HORROR STAR cover art
+  English SDH subtitles


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

Blu-ray Review: NIGHTMARE WEEKEND (1986)

NIGHTMARE WEEKEND
Directed by  Henri Sala           
Distributed by Vinegar Syndrome

  Let me start by saying I LOVE the 80's.  I love everything about that decade.  It is the decade I grew up in and have such fond memories from.  I love the wacky music, the crazy clothes and the weird and wild movies.    I truly think the 1980s was the best decade for horror films, followed closely by the 1970's.    NIGHTMARE WEEKEND is a perfect example of a wild, crazy, 1980's horror film.   Here is the basic plot from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

  A brilliant computer scientist has just finished work on his greatest creation: a super computer with the ability to transform the personalities of bad and disobedient people. In anticipation of sharing his work with the scientific community, the scientist invites a fellow expert to test the machine on a group of debauched young women. Little does he know that his colleague intends to use the computer to turn their subjects into bloodthirsty mutants!
  Made by a French crew in Florida, NIGHTMARE WEEKEND is a non-stop assault on the senses. Head explosions, gratuitous nudity and softcore sex, bikers, roller-skating, and a telepathic hand puppet named George rank NIGHTMARE WEEKEND among the weirdest and most jaw droppingly absurd horror films of the 1980s. Long available only in low quality transfers of the R rated version, Vinegar Syndrome presents this forgotten trash masterpiece fully uncut and in widescreen, on Blu-ray for the first time!

  You can tell this film is from the 80's as it is very dated with the wardrobe and props, but I have to admit it was fun seeing guys with huge Walkmans and earphones and women doing jazzercize and roller skating!    While that was a lot fun and brought back some memories, the film itself was a lot of fun, although it was very strange.  In fact, one of the main characters is a talking hand puppet.  I still don't quite get how he fit into this film, but the actors act like he is just any other co-star and act totally normal with the puppet as a character.  Very weird for sure...and again, only from a movie from the 80's! 

   The film has some great gore scenes for fans of that (aren't we all), some great kills, and some great action, including a killer car that is controlled by a video game!?  Ha!  Did I mention how crazy and weird this film was?   This is a film you will need to check out for sure if you have never seen it.  This is such a nostalgic 80s flick and one that surely belongs in any DVD/BD collector's library!

  NIGHTMARE WEEKEND is available now on DVD/Blu-ray combo pack from Vinegar Syndrome and contains the following special features:

*  Blu-ray/DVD Combo | Region Free | 1.85:1 OAR
*  Restored in 2k from 35mm internegative
*  All extras on both Blu-ray and DVD
*  “THANK GOD IT’S MONDAY” – Surviving Nightmare Weekend with Dean Gates (23min)
*  “KILLER WEEKEND” – An Interview with Marc Gottlieb (13min)
*  Alternate R rated edits
*  Original theatrical trailer
*  Reversible artwork
*  English SDH subtitles


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

Blu-ray Review: CHRISTMAS EVIL

CHRISTMAS EVIL
a.k.a. YOU BETTER WATCH OUT

Written & Directed by  Lewis Jackson
Distributed by Vinegar Syndrome

  I have to admit I had never heard of CHRISTMAS EVIL when it was sent to me for review.  I have seen what I thought was most all of these Christmas related horror films, but somehow this one has alluded me all these years.  I love Christmas themed horror movies for some reason.  I guess the vast differences in feelings you get from horrible things happening during what is normally one of, if not, the happiest times of the year just really works for me.  My favorite Christmas themed horror film has been SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, but after viewing Vinegar Syndrome's release of CHRISTMAS EVIL, I think I have a new favorite!   Here is the plot synopsis from the Vinegar Syndrome website:

 When he was a boy, Harry idolized Santa Claus, but one Christmas Eve, he witnessed something horrifying that forever shattered his innocent understanding of Santa. Now an adult, Harry wants to embody the pure Santa Claus he grew up loving. He works at a toy factory and keeps records of who’s been naughty and nice, but the spirit of Christmas isn’t what it used to be and he can’t take it. So, garbed in his red suit, Harry decides that the only thing he can do is to become Santa himself and make all of the naughty townspeople pay…in blood!

  This is a film I will be sure to revisit over and over.  In fact, I think I have found me a new holiday tradition!  CHRISTMAS EVIL is a very well made film on all levels.  I found the acting to be great, especially from lead actor Brandon Maggart , who gives a great performance as a man who has some obvious mental issues!  His character keeps a list of all the neighborhood kids and writes down anytime he sees any of them do anything wrong.  Some of these lists are pretty funny and include such awful things such as "picks his nose" and "improper body hygiene"!  Ha!    The film has some dark comedy intertwined into it, but the film is mainly a straight horror flick, and a fine one at that!  Great camera work, great music, great acting.....CHRISTMAS EVIL has it all!

  I also must comment on the Blu-ray transfer of this film.  The picture quality is remarkable and if it weren't for the horrible clothes and big hair, I would have never believed this film was from the 80's.  The picture clarity was remarkable.  

Vinegar Syndrome has done an excellent job releasing Lewis Jackson’s cult favorite Christmas Evil newly restored in 4k and on blu-ray for the first time!  Special Features include the following:

+ Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack | Region Free | DTS-HD Master Audio
+ Restored in 4k from 35mm archival elements
+ Commentary track with Lewis Jackson
+ Commentary track with Lewis Jackson & Brandon Maggart
+ Commentary track with Lewis Jackson & John Waters
+ Archival video interviews with Lewis Jackson & Brandon Maggart
+ Original theatrical trailer
+ Deleted scenes & screen tests
+ Storyboards & comment cards gallery


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