Blu-ray Review: THE MONSTER MASH (2022)

THE MONSTER MASH

Directed by:  Kevin Losani & Richard Terrasi

Distributed by:  Bayview Entertainment

   If you are a fan of anthology films like me, you are going to want to check out Dark Visions Films release of THE MONSTER MASH!   Maybe it's my short attention span, but I love how anthology films are broken down into multiple short films.  It's also always fun to see how they are tied together, as there are multiple fun ways to do that.  This one was done like you were watching a late night creature feature show featuring your host, Dr. Freudstein!  

 Before I go any further, here is a brief plot synopsis from the Bayview Entertainment website:

An anthology throwback to the glorious days of Creature Features that dominated television sets across America. Dr. Freudstein, along with his sidekick Ludwig fumble to create a bio-mechanical experiment all while hosting "The Monster Mash Triple Feature Show”: three gruesome mini horror films: Whispering Hollow Road - A dark shadowy noir with a monstrous twist, The House - A modern gothic tale of lycanthropy, Homebound Horror - A grimy grindhouse tale of revenge of extraterrestrial proportions

 I had no expectations going into this film. I hadn't seen a trailer or heard anything about it.  I'm actually surprised this hasn't been discussed more,  as this film is a lot of fun!  

 The film is made up of 3 short films, all of which were a lot of fun in their own way.  Most anthology films usually have a weak story or two, but that was not the case with this film. 

WHISPERING ROAD -  This is a fun tale of a serial killer on a killer spree. We see the killer kill a prostitute before going on a drive and finding a stranded woman who's car has broken down.  He offers her a ride to the nearest store to use the phone for help, but little does he know the tables are about to be turned on him!   This stranded woman is not a woman at all, and this killer has definitely met his match!

THE HOUSE  -  This was a werewolf film set in a modern time and in a different setting than your usual werewolf films.  A couple goes to look at a house out in the woods.  Apparently the man selling the house really wants to get it sold and does not take "no" for an answer!    This had some great werewolf effects  (better than I expected from a lower budget film to be honest) and some great gore! 

HOMEBOUND HORROR -  This was probably my favorite of all three short films.  It's the story of a marine that has come home to propose to his girlfriend, get married, and start a family.  He  has the case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time and somehow gets dragged into a major conflict with a crime lord.   He is shot, stabbed, and has his faced peeled off, then left for dead out in field, but something falls from the sky and takes over his body.  He is now an alien zombie who seeks revenge for those that wronged him.   His repeating of the phrase, "I'm going home", is actually pretty heartbreaking when you realize what all he's going through versus the only thing he wanted to do.   Part crime film, part alien film, and part zombie film, this one has something for everyone.  It's also probably the goriest of the three films.  

 All three films feature a creature of some kind.  I thought that was a cool theme and fit perfectly with the late night creature feature aspect of this anthology.   If you like these kinds of films, you'll want to check this one out for sure!

 THE MONSTER MASH is available now on Blu-ray and contains the following Special Features:

*  The Making of The Monster Mash

*  Director Commentary

*  Behind the Scenes

*  Faux Trailers

CLICK HERE To watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: ZOMBIE (1979)

ZOMBIE
Directed by Lucio Fulci
Distributed by Blue Underground / MVD Distribution

 I have been a huge fan of Lucio Fulci ever since I saw my first film by him.  The first film of his I ever saw was ZOMBIE, on an old clam shell VHS back in my college days.   It has been almost 20 years since I have seen this film, so I was thrilled when I got a chance to review this new 40th Anniversary 4K Blu-ray edition of the film.   Here is a brief synopsis of the new release courtesy of the Blue Underground website:

In Italy, it was considered the 'unofficial sequel' to DAWN OF THE DEAD. In England, it was known as ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS and banned as obscene. In America, it was called ZOMBIE and advertised with the depraved tag line "WE ARE GOING TO EAT YOU!" Tisa Farrow (THE GRIM REAPER), Ian McCulloch (CONTAMINATION), Al Cliver (CANNIBALS), and Richard Johnson (THE HAUNTING) star in this worldwide splatter sensation directed by 'Maestro Of Gore' Lucio Fulci (CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD, THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY) that remains one of the most eye-skewering, skin-ripping, gore-gushingly graphic horror hits of all time!

  The plot of the film is simple.....a woman goes looking for her father on an island he was last known to be at.  That island is, of course, being ravaged by zombies!  The film is known by quite a few other names, such as:  ZOMBI 2, ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS, ISLAND OF THE LIVING DEAD, ISLAND OF THE FLESH-EATERS, and WOODOO. 

  The zombie effects in this film are top notch, and rank among my favorite zombies in film history, especially the worm infested zombie from the original poster and cover art.   This is how I imagine a zombie looking if they were real, decayed with worms oozing from the eye sockets!   Gross!  Along with the great make up and effects is some amazing gore, including the famous splinter in the eyeball scene and multiple neck biting resulting in tons of blood.   There is also that one scene you might have heard about, where a zombie fights a shark!  It really must be seen to be believed, and if you haven't seen it, you are truly missing out! 

  If you have never seen this film, do yourself a favor and watch it asap.   This is one of my favorite zombie films of all time.  Even if you have seen it, do yourself a favor and check out this new blu-ray release, as you have never seen it like this before! 

 ZOMBIE is available now from Blue Underground and contains the following Special Features:

Disc 1 (Blu-ray) Feature Film + Extras:
*  NEW! Audio Commentary #1 with Troy Howarth, Author of Splintered Visions: Lucio Fulci and His Films
*  Audio Commentary #2 with Star Ian McCulloch and Diabolik Magazine Editor Jason J. Slater
*  NEW! When The Earth Spits Out The Dead - Interview with Stephen Thrower, Author of Beyond Terror: The Films of Lucio Fulci
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  TV Spots
*  Radio Spots
*  Poster & Still Gallery
*  Guillermo del Toro Intro

Disc 2 (Blu-ray) Extras:
*  Zombie Wasteland - Interviews with Stars Ian McCulloch, Richard Johnson & Al Cliver, and Actor/Stuntman Ottaviano Dell'Acqua
*  Flesh Eaters on Film - Interview with Co-Producer Fabrizio De Angelis
*  Deadtime Stories - Interviews with Co-Writers Elisa Briganti and (Uncredited) Dardano Sacchetti
*  World of the Dead - Interviews with Cinematographer Sergio Salvati and Production & Costume Designer Walter Patriarca
*  Zombi Italiano - Interviews with Special Make-Up Effects Artists Gianetto De Rossi & Maurizio Trani and Special Effects Artist Gino De Rossi
*  Notes on a Headstone - Interview with Composer Fabio Frizzi
*  All in the Family - Interview with Antonella Fulci
*  Zombie Lover - Award-Winning Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro talks about one of his favorite films

BONUS! ZOMBIE Original Motion Picture Soundtrack CD by Fabio Frizzi

BONUS! Collectable Booklet with new essay by Stephen Thrower


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


Other Box Art Options:

 

Check out the trailer for DEAD RISING: WATCHTOWER

  I finally watched the trailer for the new DEAD RISING movie, called DEAD RISING:  WATCHTOWER.   This is the movie based off the hit video game of the same name.   I knew there was a film coming out based on the game, but I was assuming it would be a normal theatrical movie or a straight to DVD film.  As it turns out, the film is a CRACKLE original film and will begin streaming on crackle.com starting March 27!  

The movie looks like it is going to be a lot of fun with some great zombie killing action mixed with some humor.  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Check out the trailer for the Aussie Zombie film, WYRMWOOD: ROAD OF THE DEAD

Check out the awesome trailer for the upcoming film, WYRMWOOD:  ROAD OF THE DEAD.   The film is the first feature length film from director Kiah Roache-Turner, and from the looks of this trailer, I think we are all in for a treat!  Here is the plot synopsis from the film's imdb page:

Barry is a talented mechanic and family man whose life is torn apart on the eve of a zombie apocalypse. His sister, Brooke, is kidnapped by a sinister team of gas-mask wearing soldiers & experimented on by a psychotic doctor. While Brooke plans her escape Barry goes out on the road to find her & teams up with Benny, a fellow survivor - together they must arm themselves and prepare to battle their way through hordes of flesh-eating monsters in a harsh Australian bushland.

WYRMWOOD will be released on February 13th On Demand and in select theaters.  Click below to watch the trailer and let me know what you think! 


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Check out the trailer for the upcoming zombie comedy, LIFE AFTER BETH

  Have you seen the trailer for the upcoming zombie comedy film, LIFE AFTER BETH?  I am on the fence about this one...it could really go either way.  Parts of this look like it could be really funny.   The plot is simple...a boy looses his girlfriend, only to have her rise from the grave a zombie. 
  I love horror themed comedies if they are done well, especially zombie comedies.  Watch the trailer and leave me a comment to let me know what you think about this one!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

DVD Review: DAWNA THE DEAD (Warning - Adults Only! 18+)

DAWNA THE DEAD
Written & Directed by Laume Conroy
Distributed by Film Trauma

  I had heard about this film for years, but never had the chance to check it out until now.   This is not the typical movie reviewed on the 4H blog, but I never pass up a zombie movie!  DAWNA THE DEAD is not just any zombie movie though, it's a zombie adult film...yes, it's zombie porn.  Here is the "plot" of the film from the Film Trauma website:

Eveningside cemetery rests over one of the 6 gates to hell. Dawna, a girl who can't let go of her dead boyfriend visits his grave every chance she gets, and the night of the big party is no exception. but what she doesn't know is that tonight the gate will open.

  The term "plot" is saying a lot, as there really is not much to the movie in terms of the plot.  Basically zombies rise from the grave and have sex with all the girls that came to the cemetery for a party.  Apparently zombies have physical needs too...who knew?  In terms of a zombie movie, it is actually very well done considering I'm sure it had a minuscule budget.  The zombie effects look really good, even though some of the zombies are just masks that the actors wear.  The film is done in a very cool style, made to look like an older film from the 70's or 80's, complete with film scratches and flaw marks and even old creepy 80's style music that fits the film perfectly.   I actually really enjoyed the zombie part of this film, unfortunately, the sex scenes make up the majority of the film. 

 While most adult films are meant to arouse and stimulate the viewer, this one was made more to just shock the audience.   At least, I think (and hope) it was.  I can't imagine there are people out there that are genuinely aroused by the sight of a rotting zombie having sex with a woman, complete with nasty slime and green zombie juices! Yuck!!!  This might be the first adult film where you'll fast forward through the sex scenes to the get to the dialog parts! Ha!  It's true, I had to fast forward through most of the sex scenes in this film...they were just too gross for me.  But that is the point of this film, to disgust and shock, so the filmmakers succeeded there for sure!

  It's hard to recommend this one, but if you think you've "seen it all", then you might want to check this out and I think you will find that you have not seen it all yet!  It's good for a laugh and a shock, that is for sure.    Be sure to check out the Blooper Reel in the special feature section for a good laugh as well.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer (clean version - but still NSFW)
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD or Collector's VHS

Check out the trailer for the Danish Zombie film, ESCAPING THE DEAD

 
 
  I recently got a press release for a new Zombie film called, ESCAPING THE DEAD.  I checked out the trailer and I have to say, I am pretty impressed with what I see.   Now I can tell this is a very low budget film, but sometimes, those can have more heart to them than the big budget films.  I think this could be that type of film.   One thing that struck me with the film was the gore, and from the looks of it the filmmakers use 100% practical effects.  That is huge bonus points right off the bat!
  Here is some more detailed info about the film, from the official press release:  

"Escaping the Dead" is inspired by a series of articles about the deathdrug "Krokodil" that was published about the same period of time when Ronald Poppo had his face eaten by a naked man hooked on bathsalt in Miami. It is the perfect zombie plot: a deathdrug that turns people into zombies.

The film has its starting point in a typical day for the lead character, David. David is the local marihuana pusher, but he is the kind of dealer that smokes more than he sells. In the meantime the country has been hit by a new deathdrug and when David and his partner in crime Ahmir is offered some exceptionally cheap cocaine they see it as an opportunity to earn big money at the big techno concert the following Friday, but the cocaine turns out to have a terrible side effect that creates a giant zombie outbreak that spreads across the entire Copenhagen. In the film we follow David and his bloody fight out of the city.

 

Directed by Martin Sonntag and Bastian Brinch Pedersen, the film stars Bastian Brinch Pedersen (who is also the co-director and producer of the film) as David, Rama Øzel as Ahmir, along with Daniel Hutera, Ali Öezkan, Iben Ma Bønnelycke, Nicolai Huan Nguyen, Camilla Ludvigsen and Kim Sønderholm ("Blood Fare", "The Winedancers", "Sinister Visions") playing Lars the policeman.

 

 It looks like the film just came out in Denmark, so it will probably be a while before we see it here in the states.  But I have a feeling this will get picked up from a U.S. distributor very soon!  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think!

 

 

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

 

 

Check out the NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD documentary film, BIRTH OF THE LIVING DEAD!

  One of my all time favorite horror movies is George A. Romero's 1968 film, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.   It is the film that is considered the first real zombie film, and we have it to thank for every zombie film that has come since.  We would not have THE WALKING DEAD if it weren't for NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD!  The movie is a true classic and still holds up today, over 40 years since it was made!  There is a new documentary about this legendary film coming out called BIRTH OF THE LIVING DEAD.  Here is the basic synopsis of this new documentary:

  In 1968 a young college drop-out named George A. Romero directed “Night of the Living Dead,” a low budget horror film that shocked the world, became an icon of the counterculture, and spawned a zombie industry worth billions of dollars that continues to this day.

  “Birth of the Living Dead,” a new documentary, shows how Romero gathered an unlikely team of Pittsburghers — policemen, iron workers, teachers, ad-men, housewives and a roller-rink owner — to shoot, with a revolutionary guerrilla, run-and-gun style, his seminal film. During that process Romero and his team created an entirely new and horribly chilling monster – one that was undead and feasted upon human flesh.

  This new documentary also immerses audiences into the singular time in which “Night” was shot.  Archival footage of the horrors of Vietnam and racial violence at home combined with iconic music from the 60s invites viewers to experience how Romero’s tumultuous film reflected this period in American history.  “Birth of the Living Dead” shows us how this young filmmaker created a world-renowned horror film that was also a profound insight into how our society really works.

BIRTH OF THE DEAD is screening now at select locations, and the film is scheduled to be released on DVD January 7, 2014.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the official website

Blu-ray Review: ZOMBIE HUNTER (2013)

 
ZOMBIE HUNTER
Directed by:  K. King
Distributed by:  Well Go USA Entertainment

  I love a good zombie movie, and I love most any film with Danny Trejo in it, so the latest zombie film from Well Go USA seemed like a perfect match!  The film is ZOMBIE HUNTER and while it wasn't quite as good as I hoped, it was still a very fun film and worth a watch. If nothing else, for the crazy gore in a couple of scenes.  If you're not familiar with the film, here is the plot from the Well Go USA website:

When a street drug turns junkies into an army of giant, mutant flesh-eaters, no hope is left - but one man remains. Hunter's got nothing left but a beat-up Camero, a trunk full of guns and booze, and a vendetta.
He crashes into a small group of survivors, led by an ax-wielding priest named Jesus (Danny Trejo). They're searching for the promised land - but does it even exist? They better pray for a miracle, because the zombies are hot on their heels. And the psychotic clown with a chainsaw? You don't even wanna know.

  Ha, ok...the crazy clown part was probably my favorite part of the movie.  He was creepy as hell and does some crazy damage with that chainsaw!  Overall I really liked this film. It is very stylish and shot is a very cool, unique way. It reminds me of a music video at times.

  This film has tons of gore, which normally would always be a good thing. The only problem is that all of the gore is CG.  There are no practical effects in this film.  There are tons of beheadings, chopped off limbs, etc....but it is all computer animation.  Some of it looks ok, but most of it looks like the cheesy CG it is.   That is one thing that really bothered me.  If it weren't for that, this would have been a much better film.  I know it is cheaper and easier than practical effects, but CG will never look as good as the real thing. 

  The only other issue I had with this release is that there are no special features.  I have really come to love the "making of" type documentaries that accompany most DVD's and Blu-rays these days.  It is weird to have a bare bones Blu-ray release like this.   Ok, so that's all my gripes with this film, other than that I enjoyed the film and recommend you check it out.

  Director K. King has no other credits on his imdb page other than ZOMBIE HUNTER, so that is pretty impressive that he started his career with this film.  I expect big things out of Mr. King in the future!


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

Check out the trailer for ZOMBIE HUNTER starring Danny Trejo

 Have you heard about the latest film starring Danny Trejo called ZOMBIE HUNTER? I had heard about it a while back, but then sort of forgot about it until tonight.  I was browsing around on YouTube and came across the trailer.  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the film's imdb page:

  Zombie Hunter is set in a post-apocalyptic Zombie wasteland caused by the mysterious street drug "Natas". We follow one man who has nothing left other than a beat up Camaro and a trunk full of guns and booze. He runs down Flesh Eaters, hunting for sport and redemption, while also running from his past. After crashing into a small group of survivors, who are running low on resources, he decides to lend a hand. But a surprise attack by the Flesh Eaters forces them on the run and puts the Hunter's skills to the test.

  Based on the trailer, this film looks like it could be lots of fun!  The film was written and directed by first time director K. King, and will be released on DVD on October 8th of this year.  I can't wait to check this one out!

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

DVD Review: GALLOWWALKERS (2012)

  
GALLOWWALKERS
Written & Directed by Andrew Goth
Distributed by Lionsgate Entertainment

  Last night I watched the film GALLOWWALKERS starring Wesley Snipes.
I am a big Wesley Snipes fan and hadn't seen him in anything in a long time, so I was super excited to see him back in a movie, and the fact it was a horror movie was even better!   Here is the basic plot of the film from the Lionsgate website:

  A mysterious gunman, Aman (Snipes), is the son of a nun who breaks her covenant with God to ensure his survival. This act brings a curse upon Aman - all those that die by his gun will return. Soon, he is hunted by a gang of his undead former victims, led by the vicious Kansa. Aman enlists Fabulos, a new young warrior, to fight by his side.

  I am usually not a big fan of westerns, but if a western contains zombies and tons of great gore, then count me in!   I thought GALLOWWALKERS was a lot of fun.   The plot was a little hard to follow at some points, and I didn't understand the inclusion of certain characters, but the film kept me entertained the entire time. 

  The movie is very well made with some beautiful scenery and some excellent cinematography.  The acting is very good overall, but I have to admit, Snipes character is pretty one dimensional and flat.   The other actors were all very good, but the real star of this film to me was the gore.  The film had much more gore than I expected, some of which was some of the most brutal I have seen in a film in a long time.  Watch the trailer and you will get to see a scene where Snipes' character rips the head off of a zombie, complete with spinal cord still attached!  It was basically like watching a movie version of the Mortal Kombat finishing move!  Very awesome on many levels!

  I would definitely recommend this film.  The film will be available on DVD, Digital Download, and Video on Demand on August 6th.  The DVD contains the following Special Features:

*  Includes Digital UltraViolet copy of the film
*  Behind the Scenes "making of" featurette With Cast/Crew Interviews
*  Trailer Gallery


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

 

Watch the awesome trailer for THE WALKING DEAD Season 4!

 

  AMC has released the trailer for the upcoming season of THE WALKING DEAD, and it looks incredible!  The trailer has been popping up all over facebook and the web, so you have probably already seen this, but just in case you haven't, check it out now! 
  Season 4 of AMC's THE WALKING DEAD premieres October 13th at 9/8 Central!
Watch the trailer and comment below to let me know what you think!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

THE DEAD 2: INDIA to premiere as the opening film at Film 4 FrightFest in London!

 If you are a fan of zombie movies and have not yet seen 2010's THE DEAD, you are missing out on one of the greatest zombie films ever made.  I kid you not.  I loved that film and it was on par with the early zombie films of George Romero. The film was written & directed by the Ford Brothers, Howard J. Ford & Jonathan Ford and takes place during a zombie outbreak in Africa.  I did a review of this film last year, you can see that review by clicking here.

 Well, the Ford Brothers are back with their follow up film, THE DEAD 2:  INDIA.  Seems as though Africa isn't the only area effected by the zombie outbreak!  I did a post a few months ago about this new film and posted the trailer.  You can see that post by clicking here.

  I just got news that THE DEAD 2:  INDIA will be premiering as the opening film at Film 4 FrightFest in London on August 22!   To help promote the film, there is a national contest going on where you can win tickets to the premiere in London or lots of other prizes!  Here is a description of the contest I just received by email:


  As part of our promotional campaign in advance of the film’s release, we’ll be giving away two tickets to the FrightFest premiere.

  The winner will also get to attend the premiere's after-party; where they'll be introduced to The Dead 2's directors, Howard and John Ford, as well as the film's star Joseph Millson. To enter the contest, fans simply need to tell us what they would do in order to #StayAliveFacebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Vine, etc), using #StayAlive.

A  longside the grand prize, we're also offering ongoing smaller prizes, including signed copies of The Dead 2 director Howard Ford’s book Surviving the Dead. Howard’s book is a harrowing and at times hilarious blow-by-blow account of the trials and tribulations involved in the production of the Ford Brothers previous feature,The Dead, which was filmed in Africa.

 

  We will also be offering select, one-of-a-kind props from The Dead and The Dead 2 as prizes. These actual props were used on-set in Africa and India and can be seen in both films. Beyond being just mere memorabilia, these props are genuine artifacts of zombie film history and will be coveted by fans of the zombie film genre.

 

 

So there ya go!  Sounds simple enough and a cool way to win some awesome prizes!!   Check out the trailer for THE DEAD 2:  INDIA then get yourself entered to win some awesome prizes! 

 

 

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for THE DEAD 2:  INDIA

 

Check out the great student filmed zombie short film, KEG OF THE DEAD!

 
 













  Check out this great zombie short film that I found that was mentioned in my Zombie Page-a-Day calendar.  It's called KEG OF THE DEAD, an 8 minute short film made back in 2006 and shot at the TKE house at UC Berkley.  The film is about a pizza delivery guy that is late for his delivery at the frat house, and doesn't get paid and gets humiliated by the frat guys.   At the same time, zombies start to attack the frat house and the pizza delivery guy turns out to be the hero and save the day!  Check out this great film which includes some great gore and effects!

CLICK HERE to watch the short film

Double Feature Blu-ray Review: ZOMBIE LAKE (1981) and OASIS OF THE ZOMBIES (1982)

 
OASIS OF THE ZOMBIES
Directed by:  Jesús Franco
Distributed by Redemption Films/Kino Lorber, Inc.

ZOMBIE LAKE
Directed by:  Jean Rollin
Distributed by Redemption Films/Kino Lorber, Inc.

The great folks over at Kino Lorber, Inc. have just released two classic European zombie films onto DVD and Blu-ray.   Jean Rollin's ZOMBIE LAKE and Jess Franco's OASIS OF THE ZOMBIES aren't the best zombie movies ever made, but they both have a certain nostalgic feel to them that makes them sort of "cult classics" when it comes to foreign zombie films.  The films are very similar in many ways, and both have their good points and bad.  Here are the basic plots of the films from the Kino Lorber website:

OASIS OF THE ZOMBIES
In telling the story of a cache of German gold—lost in the desert, sought by a group of teenagers, protected by the walking dead—Franco demonstrated his characteristic lack of restraint, shamelessly inserting stock footage from a bigger-budget war picture, allowing his camera to dwell on the worm-eaten orifices of the shriveled undead and, of course, lacing the action with his trademark style of lyrical eroticism. The resulting film is a decadent exercise in grindhouse filmmaking that is more audacious than frightening, illuminating one of the more peculiar facets of Jess Franco's uniquely warped cinema.

ZOMBIE LAKE
Conceived by one master of erotic horror (Jess Franco) and pseudonymously directed by another (Jean Rollin), ZOMBIE LAKE weaves the tale of a contemporary French village haunted by water-logged Nazis slain by the Resistance. With little regard for narrative subtlety, the film veers from the shamelessly exploitive (as when a women's volleyball team skinny-dips in zombie-infested waters) to the tearfully sentimental (depicting a young orphan girl's psychic connection to one of the walking dead). Beneath its garish surface, however, ZOMBIE LAKE embraces several themes that run throughout Rollin's body of work, showing that this eclectic artist could not help investing even a playful film such as this with his personal sensibilities

As I mentioned before, both of these movies have their good and bad points.  OASIS OF THE ZOMBIES is just very strange, and the plot is hard to follow. I saw this movie years ago on DVD under the title of BLOODSUCKING NAZI ZOMBIES, and the film was extremely hard to watch in terms of a technical aspect.  The film was very dark and grainy and almost hard to make out certain scenes at some points.  I will say that the film is much improved on with this release, especially on the Blu-ray.  The lighting issues are fixed and it is very good picture quality overall.  Also, I think the zombie makeup effects are better in this film compared to those in ZOMBIE LAKE.  They are not great zombie effects by any means, but compared to ZOMBIE LAKE, they are superior.

ZOMBIE LAKE is my favorite of these two films by far.  The zombie effects are not nearly as good in this film.  Basically, the zombies are just regular men with green face paint.  But, even so, seeing a bunch of green faced zombie soldiers rise out of the lake is a very cool image.  There are also numerous underwater shots of the zombies attacking people who go swimming in the lake (usually young, attractive, naked women).  These underwater scenes are fun, especially considering the lake is dark brown, but the underwater scenes are pretty blue water like you would find in a swimming pool...hmmm.  Ha!  You gotta love low budget films!  ZOMBIE LAKE is a lot of fun and I recommend you check this one out.  

Both films are available now from Kino Lorber and are packed with special features!  I am proud to add these films to my zombie movie collection, and you should to!


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for OASIS OF THE ZOMBIES
CLICK HERE to purchase OASIS OF THE ZOMBIES on DVD or Blu-ray


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for ZOMBIE LAKE
CLICK HERE to purchase ZOMBIE LAKE on DVD or Blu-ray