Blu-ray Review: AM I EVIL (2007)

AM I EVIL

Directed by:  Richard Terrasi

Distributed by:  SRS Cinema

  If you have to ask, then you probably are!  After watching this film, I can confirm you definitely are!

  AM I EVIL is the name of today's film that is up for review.   This is another film I have never heard of or seen/read anything about.   After watching it, I'm wondering how that is possible.   

  Now don't get me wrong, this is not a masterpiece of horror cinema by any means, but for a directorial debut, it's a solid film that was very entertaining.   It was also very brutal, much more so than I was expecting. 

 Before I go any further, here is the basic plot synopsis from the SRS website:

Andrew Lakewood seems to be a normal guy. But deep within him is a dark side, hidden, until one day, his thoughts and fantasies become real. "Am In Evil" is a horrific and disturbing character study of a homicidal killer!

 Being a lower budget independent film, I wasn't expecting too much out of this one, but boy was I wrong!  Everything about this film seemed bigger than the budget was.   A lot of independent films are killed by the level of actors they are able to get.   This was not the case with this film.  The acting was excellent, especially from all the actresses that portrayed the victims.   They all did an amazing job and looked truly terrified in many scenes. 

 The film in pretty simple in plot, basically our main character Andrew seduces women, and then brings them back to his place to have sex, and then kill them....although not always in that order!    We are then witnesses to all of Andrew's  depravity, including beheadings and disembowelings!     One of the more disturbing scenes including watching Andrew play in the guts and blood of his latest victim.  Everything is silent except the faint music of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata playing the background.   The visual of seeing such a heinous act while listing to one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever created, was  definitely a shock to your senses!

 If you are a fan of the so called "torture-porn" sub-genre of horror films, this one is a must watch for you.   Be warned, this one is not for the squeamish!

  AM I EVIL is available now on a new 4K Restoration 20th  Anniversary Blu-ray Edition, and includes the following Special Features:

• New 2026 Commentary By Richard Terrasi
• Archival Commentary
• The Making Of Am I Evil
• Behind The Scenes Special Make Up Effects With Mikey Rotella
• Trailer
• "Anyone" Music Video By P-TSD
• SRS Trailers

 

 CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray 

Blu-ray Review: GARDEN OF LOVE (2003)

GARDEN OF LOVE

Directed by:  Olaf Ittenbach

Distributed by:  Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

 If you are a fan of Director Olaf Ittenbach, then you probably already know about this film.  I have known about Ittenbach for a while now, but I can honestly say I have never seen any of his films.  I heard all the hype around his film DARD DIVORCE, and even tracked down a copy on DVD, but have yet to watch it.  Apparently his films are supposed to be pretty extreme and graphic.  Well, if all his films are like GARDEN OF LOVE, then I can definitely confirm that that is the case.  

Here is the plot synopsis from the Unearthed Films website:

The story of a young woman tormented by bloody visions of a past she can't really remember. All she knows is that all of her family was slaughtered when she was very young. Now, the spirits of the dead lusts for vengeance and they want Rebecca to guide those responsible to them. Rebecca reluctantly agrees and bloodspurting chaos ensues.

  This film was previously released on DVD under the alternative title, THE HAUNTING OF REBECCA VERLAINE. So if you have seen that, just know this is the same film.  But...you'll probably want to do yourself a favor and upgrade to this new Blu-ray, as the picture and colors look amazing!

  If you are a gorehound, you are going to LOVE this one.   Did you like the opening scene of TERRIFIER 3?  Well, if so, you are going to love the opening of this film. In fact, this reminded me so much of TERRIFIER 3, that I have no doubts the makers of that film were a fan of Ittenbach and this film in particular. The similarities are uncanny.   

  The gore is definitely the main star here, but unlike other films that are just made to showcase the gore and effects, this one actually has a really cool story with a nice twist ending.    This film definitely  has more substance than most gore films I am used to watching.  That being said, I have to keep focus on the gore here, as there is so much of it, and it is all so well done.   Throat slashings, beheadings, appendages being ripped of, face splittings, and disembowelments are just a few of the things you will witness in this film.  The fact that it is all done with practical effects makes it that much better. 

 If you have not seen this film, I highly recommend it.  This is one I am glad to add to my collection and will be re-visiting very soon.   This film also makes be want to check out some of Ittenbach's other films!   

 GARDEN OF LOVE is available now on Blu-ray from Unearthed Films, and contains the following Special Features:

*  Making of Garden of Love

*  A Look Behind Garden of Love

*  New Outtakes

*  New Photo Gallery

*  Trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from Unearthed Films

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment

DVD Review: SLICE (2012)

SLICE
Directed by Terence Muncy
Distributed by  The Sleaze Box

 The folks at The Sleaze Box bring you another low budget, gritty horror film with SLICE.  The plot is fairly simple....some girls all get together for a costume party and are basically killed off one by one by a deranged lunatic.
 
  That might sound simple enough, but there is a nice plot twist in the film that I didn't see coming.  Also, the ending is not what I expected at all, but I can't say too much about it or I will ruin the shock!  

 Like all of the films in the Sleaze Box library, this film is extremely bloody and full of great gore.  As always with these films, all of the gore is done with practical effects.   This is a huge reason I am a fan of these movies.  Practical effects are far superior to CG effects in every way.  

  The killer in this film is super creepy and quite terrifying, especially when he is wearing his creepy skull/skin mask.  The film is paced well and clocks in right at 1 hour, so there is not a lot of wasted time on this film.  We get to the kills pretty quickly and it never lets up!   You can tell this film was made by some people who love the horror genre!  

  SLICE is available now on DVD from www.thesleazebox.com and contains the following special features:

*  Bonus Short Film:  "BED BUG"
*  Behind The Scenes Footage
*  Sleaze Box Trailers


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

Blu-ray Review: THE SLAYER (1982)

THE SLAYER
Written & Directed by  J.S. Cardone
Distributed by Arrow Video / MVD Entertainment Group

 Arrow Video continues to put out some of the best horror releases available.  THE SLAYER is a great film that I had honestly never heard of before.  I love that Arrow is introducing us to some classic, yet lesser known, horror films.  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the MVD website:

  IS IT A NIGHTMARE? OR IS IT... THE SLAYER? One of the most sought-after titles for slasher fans everywhere, The Slayer finally rises from the ashes of obscurity in a brand new 4K transfer courtesy of Arrow Video. Two young couples set off to a secluded island for what promises to be a restful retreat. But the peace is short-lived: as a storm batters the island, troubled artist Kay begins to sense that a malevolent presence is here with them, stalking them at every turn. Is she losing her mind, or are her childhood nightmares of a demonic assailant coming to terrifying life? Previously only available on home video in truncated or full screen versions, The Slayer - whose nightmares-seeping-into-reality theme predates a certain Wes Craven classic by several years - comes lovingly restored from the original negative in a stunning transfer that will be a revelation to fans both old and new.

 I love horror films from the 1980's.  In fact, I think that is the greatest decade for horror films.   Arrow Video has been putting out so many great horror films lately, and the majority have been these great 80's classics, some more obscure than others. 

  This film is one any 80's horror film fan will want to check out.  Now I will admit it is a little slow at the start, but the 2nd half of the film picks up and makes up for the sluggish first half.    The film is set on a remote island which immediately sets up the eerie tone, knowing how secluded the characters are from other people and any possibility of getting help.  Add in the storm that is headed their way and that completes the very creepy tone of the film, and gives us some of the films more atmospheric and dark visuals.

 As with any horror film from the 80's, we get some great jump scares, some great kill scenes and some great gore, all done with practical effects, of course.  Beheadings, pitch-forkings, hangings, etc are all on display in this film.  At times the film almost feels like an arthouse style horror film, something reminiscent of a Jean Rollin or Jess Franco film mixed with a typical 80's slasher.  This is a film very worthy of a watch!  Also, I have to mention the monster/creature that we finally get to see at the end.  It is one of the most terrifying and frightening creatures I have ever seen in a film, yet we only get to see it for a few seconds.  I really wish we would have seen more of this creature throughout the film!

  THE SLAYER is available now from MVD and Arrow Video and contains the following special features:

*  Brand new restoration from a 4K scan of the original negative
*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
*  Original Uncompressed Mono Audio
*  Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
*  Brand new interviews with cast and crew
*  Original Theatrical Trailer
*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Justin Osbourn
*  FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector’s booklet featuring new liner notes by writer Lee Gambin


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

 

 

DVD Review: DEATH-SCORT SERVICE PART 2: THE NAKED DEAD (2017)

DEATH-SCORT SERVICE PART 2:  THE NAKED DEAD
Written & Directed by Sean Donohue
Distributed by  The Sleaze Box

  A couple of years ago I had the privilege of reviewing an indi horror film called DEATH-SCORT SERVICE.  You can read that review HERE.   The film was from a company called The Sleaze Box and from that name, you should know what's in store for you when you put in one of their DVDs!

 The Sleaze Box is now back with  DEATH-SCORT SERVICE PART 2:  THE NAKED DEAD, and unlike some sequels, this was just as fun of a film as the first one.   Here is the basic plot of the film per the film's imdb.com page:

 Deep in the heart of Las Vegas a new killer has emerged. Having survived the previous psycho's last wrath (Michelle) Krystal "Pixie" Adams is left behind to start anew and forget about her black past. Problem is this new murderer is unstoppable!!. A new group of up and coming hookers are on the streets left to pick up the pieces and start fresh. Will they survive, or will they become prey to this maniac slasher!

  Like the first film, if you are a looking for a plot driven,  smart, stylish, big-budget horror film, you might want to keep looking.   But, if you are like a lot of horror fans and just want to put in a fun dvd full of all the things that make horror great, then this is the movie for you!    DEATH-SCORT SERVICE PART 2 if chock full of great kills with some amazing gore!  Add in plenty of sex and nudity and you get a classic grindhouse experience that you just don't see too much of these days.   Another note about the gore and special effects, all is done with practical effects which is definitely something worth mentioning, as most films today go the cheaper route of CGI, which I think we can all agree never looks nearly as good as the real thing!

  If you were a fan of the first film, or any of the other films from The Sleaze Box, you will love DEATH-SCORT SERVICE PART 2!

  DEATH-SCORT SERVICE PART 2 is available now on Blu-ray and DVD from The Sleaze Box.  The DVD includes autographed cover art and a CD soundtrack!  Special features include trailers and deleted scenes.

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

 
 
 

Blu-ray Review: POOL PARTY MASSACRE (2017)

POOL PARTY MASSACRE
Written & Directed by:  Drew Marvick
Produced & Distributed by:  Floating Eye Films

  I have always been a fan of low budget independent horror films, but I have to admit that there are way more bad ones than there are good ones.  Every now and then, though, you'll find a diamond in the rough and POOL PARTY MASSACRE is the shiniest diamond I have seen in a long time!   This is what independent horror should be like!  Here is the basic plot of the film from the official website:

  POOL PARTY MASSACRE BEGINS AS BLAIR WINTHORPE, A SPOILED ROTTEN COLLEGE AGED DAUGHTER OF WEALTHY PARENTS, IS PLANNING A POOL PARTY FOR A FEW FRIENDS AT HER PARENTS MANSION. WITH BLAIRE DETERMINED TO HAVE A RELAXING DAY BY THE POOL, AND ALL OF HER SELF ABSORBED FRIENDS FOCUSING ON THEMSELVES, NONE OF THEM SEEM TO NOTICE THAT THERE IS AN UNKNOWN KILLER IN THE HOUSE STALKING THEM. ONE BY ONE AS PARTY GUESTS ENTER THE HOUSE TO MAKE PHONE CALLS, HAVE SEX, REFILL DRINKS OR EVEN MASTURBATE, THEY ARE BRUTALLY MURDERED BY THE MYSTERIOUS KILLER. USING VARIOUS WEAPONS FOUND IN THE GARAGE, THE FACELESS KILLER CONTINUES TO MURDER AS MANY PEOPLE AS HE CAN IN CREATIVE AND BLOODY WAYS. WHAT STARTED OUT AS A RELAXING DAY BY THE POOL, QUICKLY BECOMES THE WORST POOL PARTY EVER.

  My only complaint with this film is it's running time.   It clocked in at 79 minutes, but as fun of a time as I was having with this film, I wanted it to last much longer!  That is not really a complaint at all, of course, just a testament to how much fun this movie was!  

  You can tell this movie was made by a true horror fan.  Director Drew Marvick delivers everything you'd want in a slasher film including tons of babes, boobs, and blood...lots of blood!   The gore in this film was great, and I was happy to see all practical effects....something that is very rare these days, especially in low budget independent films such as this.    The movie is very fast paced with hardly any slow/down times.  The kills come fast and often and each one was different and unique from one another.  The killer basically just goes down the line using tools found on the workbench pegboard, replacing each one to it's correct spot after use, although quite a bit bloodier than we he took it off the pegboard!    

  The film had some humor mixed in as well, which I usually don't like in my horror films, but with this style of film it worked well.   POOL PARTY MASSACRE is Director Drew Marvick's first feature length film according to his imdb page.   If that is the case, I can not wait to see what else we get from this great talent in the future!   Way to hit a home run as soon as you step up to the plate, Mr. Marvick!   Indie horror is alive and well!

 If you are a slasher film fan, or a horror fan in general, you need to check out this classic piece of cheesy slasher fun!   The DVD and Blu-ray is available now and the Blu-ray Special Features include:

*  Director's Commentary with Drew Marvick and his Mom
*  Cast Commentary with Nick Byer, Jen Marvick, and Kristen Noel McKusick
*  Location Tour
*  Gag Reel
*  Making of Featurette


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

 

 

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

DVD Review: BLOOD PUNCH (2014)

BLOOD PUNCH
Directed by:  Madellaine Paxson
Distributed by:  Midnight Releasing


  If you are one of those horror fans that complains about there not being any new or original ideas when it comes to horror movies these days, then you will definitely want to check out BLOOD PUNCH from Midnight Releasing.   Here is the plot synopsis courtesy of Midnight Releasing:

On the promise of the ultimate drug score, brilliant chemistry student Milton breaks out of court mandated rehab to follow the mysterious and seductive Skylar and her boyfriend, Russell, to an isolated hunting lodge, where they intend to produce enough meth to set them up for life. Caught in the middle of a love-triangle, Milton and Skylar murder Russell, burying his body in the woods. The next morning they are horrified to find him alive and well, with no memory of the day before. Forced into an endless cycle of death, carnage, and mayhem, Milton is desperate for answers and a way out. But the truth is more horrifying than he could have ever imagined, nothing is as it seems, and there is no one to trust–least of all himself.

  So the film basically centers on a guy and girl who are secluded in a cabin in the woods.  The girl's boyfriend then finds them and goes to the cabin and is killed.  Then he comes back, and they kill him again.  Each day the boyfriend keeps showing up and the guy and girl have to dispose of him in any way they can.    This leads to some very entertaining kills, and provides lots of good gore and bloody effects.

  The film is shot very well with a production value that looks much better than what it's actual budget was I am suspecting.   The acting is excellent from all involved and it's cast perfectly.  Actor Ari Boyland does an excellent job as the psycho boyfriend.  I have to imagine getting killed in a horror movie would be a lot of fun, to think this guy got to do it over and over again with each time being a different kill!   I imaging this film was a lot of fun to shoot.  Actors Milo Cawthorne and Olivia Tennet also give wonderful performances.  Acting can really hurt a horror movie like this, so I was very glad to see such a great job from the entire cast.  

  While we might see this "ground hog day" type of situation is other genres, most notably comedy films, I can't think of any horror film where this has been used before.   Horror is a perfect use of this kind of repetitiveness, and makes for a very fun and entertaining film.  

  I highly recommend this one if you haven't seen it yet.  BLOOD PUNCH is available now from Midnight Releasing and contains the following special features:

*  Deleted Scenes
*  Outtakes
*  Test Footage


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