Check out the new Officially Licensed THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD merch over at BackRabbitco.com!

 

 

  One of my all time favorite horror films is the 1985 Dan O'Bannon zombie classic, THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD.   While searching around for some ROTLD shirts, I came across this website that has some amazing new ROTLD items!  The website is www.blackrabbitco.com and it has some of the coolest new items that any fan of this film will want to get their hands on!  BlackRabbit was nice enough to supply me wth a few items to check out and review, and I am happy to say that these are top notch, high quality, items. 

 Here are my thoughts on just a few of their amazing items!

 The first thing that caught my eye, that I just knew I had to have, was this amazing Tarman "More Brains" Trucker Style hat.  This is one of the coolest hats I have seen, with Tarman's face and his signature "More Brains!" comment popping off the black hat with it's crisp and bright Orange and Green colors.   Tarman is one of my favorite characters from any horror film, so I will be wearing this hat proudly!

  Next, I got two of the super cool insulated can coozies!  I got the Tarman "More Brains" one and the awesome Trioxin Barrel one.   These are so much fun and look awesome around your favorite beverage!   I especially think the Trioxin Barrell one is super cool, as it actually looks like the barrel from the movie when you insert a can in it!

  I was also lucky enough to get one of their awesome new ROTLD t-shirts!  I got the Tarman More Brains themed shirt and I can honestly say it is one of the nicest t-shirts I have ever owned.   Apparently you can get the shirts in two styles, the "Soft Premium" or the "Luxury Heavy".   I got the Luxury Heavy style and it is truly awesome.  I am not a fan of the real thin t-shirt, although I know some people love them.  I like the thicker shirts and this one is definitely a thicker, premium quality shirt.   

 If for some reason you are not a fan of THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD, don't worry!  BlackRabbit has tons of shirts and other items from many other amazing films such as ALIEN, BLACK CHRISTMAS, FRIDAY THE 13th, HALLOWEEN, HELLRAISER, THE HILLS HAVE EYES, THE EXORCIST, and SUSPIRIA, just to name a few!   There are also some non-horror and pop culture shirts as well!   Check out this awesome website and grab some great shirts or other items for you or for your horror loving friends or family today!!    Christmas is coming up, and these awesome items would make some excellent Christmas gifts!  Check them out now!

CLICK HERE to shop THE RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD collection

CLICK HERE to shop all items

Check out the trailer for the upcoming zomedy, THE DEAD DON'T DIE

  If you were a fan of the film ZOMBIELAND, you will most certainly want to check out this latest Zombie Comedy!   It's called THE DEAD DON'T DIE and it has an amazing cast, including:  Adam Driver, Chloe Sevigny, Tilda Swinton, Steve Buscemi, Selena Gomez, Tom Waits, Carol Kane, Danny Glover, Rosie Perez, RZA, Iggy Pop, and of course, Bill Murray!   The film was written & directed by Jim Jarmusch .   This movie looks like it is going to be a lot of fun!  Check out the trailer below and leave a comment to let me know what you think!






THE DEAD DON'T DIE will be released on June 14th of this year!

CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

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 GRINDHOUSE GUTMUNCHERS, available now on DVD!

 
  If you are a follower of this blog, you might recognize the name Scarlet Fry.  I have reviewed a few films of his in the past, 2 of which are now being re-released in a cool double feature DVD set!   The new DVD is called GRINDHOUSE GUTMUNCHERS and it includes the films SCREAM MACHINE  (read my original review HERE) and SCARLET FRY'S JUNKFOOD HORRORFEST  (read my original review HERE).    

  Here is a bit more about the new DVD set from the film's official press release:

 Gutmunchers don't have to be Zombies They can be anything that will get under your skin and eat away at your flesh and your soul! Gutmunchers is two discs worth of horror, gore and more that will have you crying home to your momma. Demented Nurses, Freaky Perverts, Satanic Slashers, Zombies, Vampires & more Grindhouse Gutmunchers is full of Gutmunching Madness, so dive in and get your awesome gore fix on! Scarlet Fry's Junkfood Horrorfest: Scarlet Fry takes you on the thrill of your life with: Blood-Thirsty Cannibals, Satanic Zombies, Demented Nurses, Junkie Serial Killers, Freaky Perverts and More! This Blood Drenched Deluxe Horrorfest isn't for the weak of heart. A drug dealer has made his last deal after he decides to hand a junkie serial killer some bad junk. Scream Machine: As a gift to Dr. Fry from his long lost friend Lloyd Kaufman, comes 5 twisted tales guaranteed to make you faint, puke and quite possibly soil your pants! Not even the Plague can survive the Scream Machine and only a few have made it through to the end of these six twisted tales of Gore Stew!

  I was a big fan of these films.  I love the 80's VHS throwback feel and the practical gore effects were a lot of fun!   If you haven't seen these films, I highly suggest you check them out!

  Scarlet Fry's GRINDHOUSE GUTMUNCHERS is available now on DVD from World Wide Multi Media...it's a 2 Disc buffet of gore!! 

CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Blu-ray Review: PSYCHOMANIA (1973)

PSYCHOMANIA
Directed by Don Sharp
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

Here is another great example of a film I have always heard about and wanted to see, but just never got the chance to check it out.   I was finally able to see PSYCHOMANIA thanks to the new Arrow Films release, but now that I have seen it, I have to question exactly why this film is considered a cult classic.   Before I go any further, here is the film's basic plot courtesy of the MVD website:

The United States gave motorcycle-mad cinemagoers Easy Rider, The Wild One and The Wild Angels. The United Kingdom gave them Psychomania, the tale of zombie bikers run amok is southern England. The Living Dead are a delinquent biker gang, fond of causing havoc on British roadways and making out in graveyards. Gang leader Tom (Nicky Henson) also has a Satanist for a mother, and when he discovers the secret of immortality, the name of his motley crew takes on a more literal meaning... Directed by Hammer veteran Don Sharp (The Kiss of the Vampire, The Devil-Ship Pirates) and co-starring Beryl Reid (Dr. Phibes Rises Again) and George Sanders (Village of the Damned), Psychomania is a wonderfully offbeat gem, outlandish and eccentric in equal measure.

 Ok, so when I first read the synopsis about zombie bikers, I was pretty excited.  But while watching the film, I was sorely disappointed when the main biker, Tom, came back from the dead.  He came back looking exactly like what he looked like before!  I mean exactly.  Not even some dirt in his hair! He looked as if he was still a normal living person.  This was a huge issue with me because when I expect a zombie biker, I expect at least some rotting flesh.  Is that too much to ask? 
 
 I also expected a much better plot/story from this film.    What I got was a movie that mostly made no sense whatsoever, including a weird subplot about a magical frog.  I honestly have no clue what that was all about.  Some of the dialog was very weird as well, if not completely laughable at times. 
You really can't categorize this film as a horror movie.  There is nothing "horror" about it really. I really don't know how you would categorize this film, other than just plain weird!

 The only thing this film really has going for it is the amazing 2K restoration that Arrow Films gave it.  Arrow releases seem to always have excellent picture and sound quality, and this release is no different.  It's just a shame they spent all this time and effort on such a sub-par film.   This is only my opinion, though, so check it out for yourself and let me know what you think. 
 

  PSYCHOMANIA will be available on Blu-ray from Arrow Films on February 21st, and contains the following special features:

• 2K restoration from preservation negatives
• High Definition (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
• Original 1.0 mono audio (uncompressed on the Blu-ray)
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
• Brand-new interview with star Nicky Henson
• Return of the Living Dead, an archive featurette containing interviews actors Henson, Mary Larkin, Denis Gilmore, Roy Holder and Rocky Taylor
• Sound of Psychomania, an archive interview with composer John Cameron
• Riding Free, an archive interview with Riding Free singer Harvey Andrews
• Hell for Leather, a brand-new featurette on the company who supplied the film s costumes
• Remastering Psychomania, a look at the film s restoration from the original 35mm black and white separation masters
• Theatrical trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by the Twins of Evil
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector s booklet containing writing by Vic Pratt, William Fowler and Andrew Roberts
 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack

Watch the new trailer for THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS

 Entertainment Weekly recently posted an exclusive new trailer for the highly acclaimed upcoming zombie film, THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS.  If you have not seen the trailer yet, do yourself a favor and watch it now!  Here is the basic plot of the film from the film's imdb.com page:

  In a dystopian near future, humanity has been ravaged by a mysterious fungal disease. The afflicted are robbed of all free will and turned into flesh-eating 'hungries'. Humankind's only hope is a small group of hybrid children who crave human flesh but retain the ability to think and feel. The children go to school at an army base in rural Britain, where they're subjected to cruel experiments by Dr. Caroline Caldwell (Glenn Close). School teacher Helen Justineau (Gemma Arterton) grows particularly close to an exceptional girl named Melanie (Sennia Nanua), thus forming a special bond. But when the base is invaded, the trio escape with the assistance of Sgt. Eddie Parks (Paddy Considine) and embark on a perilous journey of survival, during which Melanie must come to terms with who she is.

 Per the EW article, The Girl with All the Gifts can be seen exclusively on DirecTV from Jan. 26. Saban Films will then premiere the film in theaters on Feb. 24, when it will also be released on demand.

CLICK HERE to go to the EW article and watch the trailer

It's Paul Blart vs. Dawn of the Dead!!

  Ha!  I love when people take trailers to comedy films and re-mix them into horror trailers.  This time around the folks at Digital Spectrum Studios have mixed together scenes from PAUL BLART:  MALL COP with scenes from 2004's DAWN OF THE DEAD remake.   Looks like these zombies wouldn't stand a chance if they invaded Officer Blart's mall!  

Check out the trailer and let me know what you think!

Blu-ray Review: BURIAL GROUND (1981)

BURIAL GROUND
Directed by  Andrea Bianchi
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

  Severin Films continues to put out some of the greatest horror films of all time.  One of their most recent releases is Andrea Bianchi's BURIAL GROUND, a fun filled zombie film that is probably one of the weirdest zombie films you have ever seen.   Here is the basic plot from the Severin Films website:

  For his only foray into the zombie genre, psychosexual sleaze maestro Andrea Bianchi (MALABIMBA: THE MALICIOUS WHORE) unleashes enough flesh-ripping, gut-chomping and depraved oedipal mayhem to set insane new standards in Italian horror: Mariangela Giordano (of SATAN’S BABY DOLL and MALABIMBA fame) stars in the splatter classic about a cursed country estate besieged by horny houseguests, undead Etruscans and the unusual relationship between a mother (Giordano) and her mega-creepy young son (disturbingly portrayed by diminutive adult actor Peter Bark) that will trigger perhaps the most jaw-dropping scenes in grindhouse history. Severin Films is improbably proud to present the definitive version of this gorehound/sex-fiend favorite, now packed with all-new Extras and featuring a 2k scan and restoration from a film element recently discovered beneath the floorboards of a Trastevere church rectory.

  This is one of my favorite zombie films of all time...top 5 for sure.  It has a very simple plot that is easy to follow, leaving you with nothing to do other than sit back and enjoy the zombie carnage.  There is plenty of that to enjoy here for sure!  This movie has some great looking zombies in my opinion.  Now some are pretty goofy looking, but overall I think they are very well done.  You can see quite a few homages to other zombie movies in this film, especially Lucio Fulci's ZOMBIE, ANTHROPOPHAGUS, and TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD.   There may be others, but those were the main ones that stood out to me.  In fact, one of the zombies was a direct homage to the main zombie from Fulci's ZOMBIE, with the worms in the eye sockets.   Very well done effect in Fulci's film and in this one.

   BURIAL GROUND is a perfect 85 minutes long.  The movie doesn't have hardly any slow points and remains entertaining through the entire running time.  As I stated above, this is quite a weird zombie movie, as one of the subplots involves the character of young Michael (played by adult Peter Bark) and his obsession with his Mom.  You'll see when watching this film why an adult was required for some of those scenes! 

  BURIAL GROUND is a must see for any zombie fan.  It is available now from Severin Films and contains the following special features:

*  New restored 2k scan with full shot by shot color correction
*  English and Italian Language Audio Tracks
*  Villa Parisi – Legacy of Terror: Featurette on the historic house location
*  Peter Still Lives: Festival Q&A with actor Peter Bark
*  Just for the Money: Interview with actor Simone Mattioli
*  The Smell Of Death: Interviews with Producer Gabriele Crisanti and Actress Mariangela Giordano
*  Deleted/ Extended Scenes/ Shots
*  Theatrical Trailer


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to 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

Blu-ray Review: DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D. (1980)

DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.
Directed by  Marino Girolami (as Frank Martin)
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

  If you are a fan of Italian zombie films, then you will love DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.   If you are a fan of Italian cannibal films, then you will love DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.  If you are a fan of mad doctor movies, you will also love DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D.!   Ha!   This is one horror film that you truly can't categorize into a sub-genre.  It's part zombie film, part cannibal film, and party mad scientist/doctor film.   It's almost as if the filmmakers couldn't figure out what type of horror film they wanted to make, so they just put a little bit of everything into it!  That is fine with me, because it gives us one of the most entertaining horror films I have seen in quite some time!  Here is some basic info and plot synopsis courtesy of the CAV website:

  It sparked riots on 42nd Street, spawned a generation of gorehounds on VHS, and forever set an insane standard for Italian mad doctor/zombie/cannibal carnage worldwide: Ian McCulloch (ZOMBIE), Alexandra Delli Colli (THE NEW YORK RIPPER), Sherry Buchanan (TENTACLES) and Donald O'Brien (EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS) star in this blood orgy of gut-munching, eyeball-gouging and face-chopping originally known as ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST, which a notorious American distributor would then re-edit, re-title and re-release as a certified grindhouse masterpiece.
  Severin Films now presents both films fully restored for the first time ever from original vault elements discovered in Manhattan and Rome, and loaded with all-new Bonus Features that finally reveal the unbelievable truth behind its bizarre history, infamous marketing and still-deviant legacy.

  As I stated above, this is a highly entertaining film, and contains a little bit of everything for every horror fan.  I love Italian zombie films...there is something about their zombies that are just so much better than the ones in our films.  These zombies all look very decayed and dirty, which is how I would think they should look.  It reminded me a lot of Fulci's zombies or the zombies from the 1981 film, BURIAL GROUND.  The gore in this film is pretty amazing, with some very realistic looking throat slits and some guttings.   This film has tons of blood and gore which should satisfy all you gore lovers out there! 

  Included in this awesome set is both cuts of the film, the American cut called DOCTOR BUTCHER M.D. and the original Italian cut called ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST, presented here for the first time ever uncut in HD!    This is the definitive version of this film to have, so I highly suggest pre-ordering this one now!   The film is set for release on July 26th, but can be preordered now from the Severin Films website.  The Blu-ray and DVD will contain the following special features:


DISC 1 DOCTOR BUTCHER MD
*  Featurette: Butchery & Ballyhoo: Interview with Aquarius Releasing's Terry Levine
*  Featurette: Down On The Deuce: Nostalgic Tour Of 42nd Street With Temple Of Shock's Chris Poggiali and Filmmaker Roy Frumkes
*  Roy Frumkes' Segment Of Unfinished Anthology Film 'Tales That Will Tear Your Heart Out'
*  Featurette: The Butcher Mobile: Interview with Gore Gazette Editor & Butcher Mobile Barker Rick Sullivan
*  Featurette: Cutting Doctor Butcher: Interview with Editor Jim Markovic
*  Illustrated Essay: Experiments With A Male Caucasian Brain (...and other memories of 42nd Street) by Gary Hertz
*  Theatrical Trailer
*  Video Release Trailer 1
*  Video Release Trailer 2

DISC 2 ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST
*  Featurette: Voodoo Man: Interview With Star Ian McCulloch
*  Featurette: Blood Of The Zombies: Interview With FX Master Rosario Prestopino
*  Featurette: Filmmaker Enzo Castellari Remembers His Father Director Marino Girolami
*  Featurette: Sherry Holocaust: Interview With Actress Sherryl Buchanan
*  Featurette: Neurosurgery Italian Style -Interview With FX Artist Maurizio Trani
*  Featurette: New York Filming Locations Then Vs. Now. A look at the Big Apple locales as they are today
*  Audio Bonus: Ian McCulloch Sings Down By The River
*  International Trailer
*  German Trailer


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to pre-order the 2-Disc Blu-ray
CLICK HERE to pre-order the 2-Disc DVD

 
 

Check out the trailer for the upcoming zombie film, THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS

  It's been a while since I've seen a really good new zombie film.   It looks like we will be seeing a new great addition to the zombie film with Director Colm McCarthy's new film, THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS.   The film was adapted from the novel of the same name by Mike Carey.   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the film's production company's website: 

  The near future; humanity has been decimated by a virus that turns it's victims into flesh eating "hungries".   Only a small group of children are immune.  They still crave human flesh, but they can think and feel, making them vital in finding a cure.  
  At an army base, these children are subjected to experiments by biologist Dr. Caldwell, under the guard of Sergeant Parks.  But one little girl, Melanie, stands out.  She's inquisitive, imaginative, and loves her favorite teacher Miss Justineau.
  When the base falls, Melanie escapes with Miss Justineau, Sergeant Parks, and Dr. Caldwell.  Melanie embarks on a journey to discover the world, what she is, and ultimately decide both her own future and that of the human race.


  I just watched the trailer and I think this looks like it could be an instant classic.  Take a look at the trailer and let me know what you think!





  THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS will be released by Warner Brothers on September 9th in the U.K.   No U.S. release date has been set yet.

DVD Review: E.N.D. (2015)

E.N.D.
Directed by:  Luca Alessandro, Allegra Bernardoni, Domiziano Cristopharo, and Federico Greco
Distributed by One 7 Movies / CAV Distribution

  I am a huge fan of zombie films.  Zombie movies are probably my favorite horror sub-genre.  You never really know what quite to expect when going into a low budget zombie film like this, but I am happy to report that this was a very nice addition to the zombie film genre.  Here is the basic plot from the CAV Distribution website:

  Three different times, three different places, three different steps... of the plague.
  Day 1. Italy. In a funeral home. The owner of the agency, the hearse driver and the make-up man are forced to deal with an epidemic spread by cocaine. Soon, the corpses ready for the burial wake up in their coffins.
  Day 1466. When the epidemic already devoured the whole country, an American soldier and a pregnant woman are surrounded by zombies in a cabin in the woods. When the woman gives birth to her baby, the man understands that he has no more chance for survival.
  Day 2333. The country is divided in two factions. Some of our characters preserved themselves. Some… remained human beings.

  With the release and popularity of the hit T.V. show, THE WALKING DEAD, we have seen a huge surge in the amount of zombie films released over the past few years.  Some of them have been good, but more often they are not very good at all.   While E.N.D. is not the best zombie film I've seen lately, it was a very entertaining addition to my zombie film collection.    One thing about this film I really liked was how it showed the zombie plague from three very different points along the zombie plague timeline, starting with the very first zombie in the first part of the film, to a world filled with zombies in the third/final part of the film.   

  I want to particularly talk about the middle section of the film.  Part 2 was my favorite section of this film by far. I love the setting of a cabin in the woods with zombies coming from any direction.   This section had some of my favorite zombie effects and some of the best kills, including a zombie getting his face spaced in with a cinder block! 

  One thing to take note of with this film was the mixing of practical zombie effects with computer animated zombies.  While you could tell that some of these zombies were completely CG and fake, they were still very creepy with their fluid like movement/motions.

 For a low budget, independent horror film, I think the filmmakers did a remarkable job with this one.  Check it out if you get the chance. 
 
E.N.D. is available now on DVD from CAV Distribution and includes the following special features:

*  Backstage
*  Trailer 1
*  Trailer 2
*  Interview with screenwriter Antonio Tentori
*  Photo gallery


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

 

  

 

DVD Review: NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968)

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD
Directed by George A. Romero
Distributed by Cheezy Flicks

 If you consider yourself a true horror fan, then there is no possible way you have never heard or seen George Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.  Most people consider this film to be the first true zombie film, and it is definitely the film that ushered in the modern zombie film.    Here is the basic plot from the Cheezy Flicks website:

  Barbra and Johnny visit their father's grave in a remote cemetery when they are suddenly set upon by zombies. Barbra manages to get away and takes refuge in what seems to be an abandoned farm house. She is soon joined by Ben who stopped at the house in need of gad. Beset by the walking dead all around them Ben does his best to secure the doors and windows. The news reports are grim however with creatures returning to life everywhere. Barbra and Ben are surprised when they realize there are 5 people hiding out in the basement: Harry, Helen, and Judy Copper; and a young couple, Tom and Judy. Dissension sets in almost immediately with Harry Cooper wanting to be in charge. As their situation deteriorates, their chances of surviving the night lessen minute by minute.

  While there are many releases of this zombie classic, I have to say that this is my favorite cover art of any of the NOTLD releases to date.   I love the simplicity of the title on the gravestone and the single skeleton hand rising from the grave.     I doubt I really need to talk much about the film itself, as most everyone has seen it I would hope.  It is a classic zombie film that doesn't need the blood and gore like more modern zombie films.  What it lacks in gore it makes up for in atmosphere and suspense.   This is such an important part of film history, and a copy of this DVD belongs in every horror collectors collections for sure.

  One other reason for picking up this release is an exclusive interview with George Romero as a special feature on this DVD.   It's a lot of fun and lets you see the lighter side of Mr. Romero.
 
  NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD is available now for only $5 from Cheezy Flicks!   Grab your copy today!


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

Check out the interactive horror movie, THE OUTBREAK

 
  I happened across this site while looking for a certain zombie game online.   This is a site that features an interactive zombie film called, THE OUTBREAK.   As the film progresses, it pauses at certain points where you have to make a decision  that will determine if you survive the zombie outbreak or if you die!   I've died twice so far, I guess I'll keep trying! Ha!  

 Check it out for yourself, it's actually a very well made zombie film with some good gore.  Getting to changed the scenes based on your choices is a lot of fun!


CLICK HERE to watch and play THE OUTBREAK

DVD Review: CONDEMNED (2015)

CONDEMNED
Directed by  Eli Morgan Gesner
Distributed by RLJ Entertainment

 I watched a movie the other night that I had never heard of before.  I knew nothing about it and had seen no reviews/comments on it in any of my online browsing.  The film is called CONDEMNED and I have a felling the more people start seeing this movie, the more you will begin to hear about it.  Here is the plot synopsis from the RLJ Entertainment website:

  Fed up with her parents’ bickering, poor-little-rich-girl Maya (Dylan Penn) moves in with her boyfriend, who is squatting in an old condemned building on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. With neighbors that are meth heads, junkies and degenerates, this depraved hell hole is even more toxic than it appears: After a virus born from their combined noxious waste and garbage infects the building’s residents, one by one, they succumb to a terrifying pathogen that turns them into bloodthirsty, rampaging killers and transforms their building into a savage slaughterhouse.

  The film is in the same vein as the REC and QUARANTINE films.  It's a claustrophobic nightmare of disease and filth.   While obviously a lower budget film than the ones just mentioned, CONDEMNED managed to entertain me just as much as those bigger budget films did.   While not exactly a zombie film, it has that feel to it as a people get sick and turn into flesh eating creatures. 

  One thing that really stuck out was the use of practical effects in this movie.  In fact, I don't remember seeing any CG at all, but if it was used it was mixed in with the practical effects so well that I didn't notice them.  Practical effects are very rare these days, and they just look so much better overall.  I always appreciate when a movie goes that route over the cheaper, yet inferior, CG effects.

  CONDEMNED kept me entertained the entire running time.  The film was shot well and the acting was great with all involved.  I highly recommend this film to all my horror loving fans.  CONDEMNED is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from RLJ Entertainment and contains the following special features:

*  Cast Interviews and Script Readings
*  Watch in "42nd Street Mode" with a live audience commentary
*  TV's "Entertainment Tonight Canada" On-Set Interview with Dylan Penn


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

Blu-ray Review: HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD / RATS Double Feature

HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD / RATS  Double Feature
Directed by Bruno Mattei
Distributed by Blue Underground

 Blue Underground continues to put out some of the greatest horror, cult, and exploitation flicks around.   One of their newer releases is this great double feature consisting of two of director Bruno Mattei's best films, HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD, and RATS:  NIGHT OF TERROR.   If you have not seen these films, do yourself a favor and pick up this awesome double feature blu-ray as soon as you can.  Even if you have seen these, you will want this new 1080p HD release of these films, for sure.   Here are the basic plots of each film from the Blue Underground Website:


HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD:
  An accident at a chemical plant unleashes a horrific virus, and an elite SWAT team is sent to New Guinea to investigate. But when they arrive on the hellish island, they discover a plague of flesh-eating zombies as well as a beautiful female reporter who practices nude anthropology. Can the commandos survive this cannibal rampage, uncover a shocking government secret, and still find time for the occasional cross-dressing before the ravenous hordes of the living dead infect the entire world?
  Directed by the notorious Bruno Mattei (THE OTHER HELL), this '80s Italian gut-muncher is infamous for its eye-popping gore, jaw-dropping dialogue and heart-stopping use of inappropriate stock footage. Also known as VIRUS, NIGHT OF THE ZOMBIES and even ZOMBIE CREEPING FLESH, HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD has been newly transferred in shocking High Definition from the original uncut and uncensored negative!


RATS:  NIGHT OF TERROR:
 In the year 225 A.B. (After the Bomb), a group of post-apocalyptic bikers discover an abandoned research laboratory filled with food, water... and thousands of rats. But these are no ordinary vermin; these are super-intelligent mutant rodents with a ravenous appetite for human flesh. Can a bunch of heavily armed but not-too-bright human scavengers survive a night of terror against the most hungry and horrific predators on earth?
  Directed by the notorious Bruno Mattei (WOMEN'S PRISON MASSACRE), this hilarious Italian shocker is filled with over-the-top gore, bottom-of-the-barrel dialogue and attacks by what appear to be thousands of painted guinea pigs, all capped with a twist ending that must be seen to be believed. Also known as RATS OF MANHATTAN and BLOOD KILL, RATS: NIGHT OF TERROR has been newly transferred in flesh-ripping High Definition from the original uncut and uncensored negative!


  Both of these films are classics in my opinion, and perfect examples of early 80's Italian horror films.  Both feature some amazing gore, some impressive sets, and fun story lines.   I have to admit they also both contain some very cheesy dialog, but that is actually some of the character of these films and doesn't take away from the enjoyment of these films at all.

  While I love zombie films, I think between the two films I liked RATS the best.   HOTLD was very good, and reminded me of the early zombie films of George Romero such as DAWN OF THE DEAD and DAY OF THE DEAD, but RATS was the more enjoyable of the two for me.  RATS was a very unique film as it wasn't just a creature film, it was a post-apocalyptic film is well.  It was like MAD MAX meets WILLARD.  I liked the post-apocalyptic part of the story, with most people living underground and only a few groups of outsiders living up top.   The gore was very impressive with this film and since this was before CGI, the filmmakers used actual rats in the filming of the movie.

  If you are a fan of Italian horror, or just like good zombie and killer animal movies, then you will want to pick up this great double feature blu-ray from Blue Underground.  The blu-ray is available now and contains the following special features:

*  Bonded By Blood - Interviews with Co-Writer/Co-Director Claudio Fragasso and Stars Margit Evelyn Newton, Franco Garofalo, Ottaviano Dell'Acqua & Massimo Vanni
*  Hell Rats Of The Living Dead - Interview with Director Bruno Mattei
*  Theatrical Trailers
*  Poster & Still Galleries


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for RATS
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray Double Feature

Blu-ray Review: SHOCK WAVES (1977)

SHOCK WAVES
Directed by:  Ken Wiederhorn
Distributed by:  Blue Underground

"Beneath The Living... Beyond The Dead... From The Depths of Hell's Ocean!"

  As much of a fan of zombie movies as I am, I am even more a fan of Nazi zombies.  There is something about these two evils that come together into one truly barbaric monster.  SHOCK WAVES is one of the earliest of the Nazi zombie sub-genre.  It is also one of my all time favorites as well.  Here is the synopsis of the SHOCK WAVES blu-ray courtesy of the Blue Underground website:

  In the dark days of World War II, the Nazi High Command ordered its scientists to create a top secret race of indestructible zombie storm troopers - un-living, unfeeling, unstoppable monstrosities that killed with their bare hands. They were known as The Death Corps. No member of this horrific SS unit was ever captured by the Allied Forces - and, somewhere off the coast of Florida, they have survived...
   Peter Cushing (STAR WARS), Brooke Adams (INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS) and John Carradine (THE BOOGEY MAN) star in this suspenseful and genuinely creepy shocker co-written and directed by Ken Wiederhorn (RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD PART II). One of the great horror "sleepers" of the 1970s, SHOCK WAVES has been freshly transferred and fully restored in High Definition from the only known surviving materials!

  One thing you'll immediately notice with this film is the lack of gore.  Unlike a lot of the zombie films of this time period, this film does not rely heavily on the blood and gore.  In fact, most kills are very tame, especially by today's standards.  What the film lacks in gore is completely made up by the film's creepy vibe.  There is something about seeing these zombies rise from the water after being down there for who knows how long, that is very frightening.   The film is very atmospheric and is perfect viewing for a dark, rainy night.

  The new 1080 HD transfer looks extremely good, especially since the last time I watched this film was back on VHS!  The film is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio and is an ALL REGIONS disc.

SHOCK WAVES is available now on Blu-ray from Blue Underground and contains the following special features:

* Audio Commentary with Co-Writer/Director Ken Wiederhorn, Make-Up Designer Alan Ormsby and Filmmaker Fred Olen Ray
* Nazi Zombies On A Budget - Interview with Producer/Cinematographer Reuben Trane
* Notes For The Undead - Interview with Composer Richard Einhorn
* Sole Survivor - Interview with Star Brooke Adams
* From FLIPPER To SHOCK WAVES - Interview with Star Luke Halpin
* Theatrical Trailer
* TV Spot
* Radio Spots
* Poster & Still Gallery


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

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

DVD Review: ZOMBIES: THE BEGINNING (2007)

ZOMBIES:  THE BEGINNING
Directed by Bruno Mattei (as Vincent Dawn)
Distributed by Intervision Pictures/Severin Films

 I am loving these releases that Intervision Picture Corp. has been putting out lately!  Their latest releases are Brunto Mattei's  ISLAND OF THE LIVING DEAD, and the subject of tonight's review, ZOMBIES:  THE BEGINNING.   Here is some info about the film from the Intervision website:

  For his final film, the late sleaze maestro Bruno Mattei – notorious director of MONDO CANNIBAL, RATS: NIGHT OF TERROR and HELL OF THE LIVING DEAD – delivers his ultimate over-the-top masterpiece: In this insane rip-off of ALIENS, Mattei (aka ‘Vincent Dawn’) packs the screen with shredding flesh, munching guts, exploding heads, undead births, borrowed footage, stolen plots, zombie midgets and more. Yvette Yzon (ISLAND OF THE LIVING DEAD), Alvin Anson (THE GREAT RAID) and Diana Croyston (THE JAIL: THE WOMEN’S HELL) star in this mind-blowing mash-up from the producer of IN THE LAND OF THE CANNIBALS, now presented uncut and uncensored for the first time ever in America!

  If you have seen any of Bruno Mattei's films, at least his later films, you know what to expect going into this. The films are dubbed in English and the dubbing is just awful.  I don't know how they choose these voice actors to read the parts but some of them have a completely different voice than what it looks like they should have! Also, the dialog is pretty awful, and actually laughable at times.  Now don't get me wrong, while there are a lot of things wrong with this film, just like any Bruno Mattei film, it entertains for sure, and that is really all we are asking for as horror fans, isn't it?  In fact, some might put this in the "so-bad-it's-good" category.

  While the acting and dubbing might not be that great, the movie itself is full of some great gore and zombie carnage, including a midget zombie and a zombie baby popping out of it's mother's stomach!  One thing you have to say about Mattei's films is that they are fun, and this one is no exception.  This is a fun film that I would highly recommend to fans of B-movies and low budget horror films.

  ZOMBIES:  THE BEGINNING is available now from Intervision Pictures and contains the following Special Features:

*  Zombie Genisys - featurette with screenwriter Anonio Tentori
*  Original Trailer
*  Widescreen version of the film


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

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