Blu-ray Review: ATROZ (2015)

ATROZ
Directed by:  Lex Ortega
Distributed by Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

 I have seen some brutal movies in my time, but ATROZ probably stands alone at the top as the most brutal film I have ever seen.   Here is the basic plot from the film's imdb.com page:

A woman has been brutally struck down by a car and the two drivers have been obtained by the police. The unorthodox commander-in-chief decides to check out the assailant's car for himself and makes a gruesome discovery on a camcorder. The video recorder features the relentless torture and murder of a prostitute. The police decide to deal out some justice of their own -- justice that would make even the criminals cringe -- by interrogating their perpetrators, they discover more videotapes exposing even more sexually deviant torture and murder.

  If I had to compare this film to another, I would say it most reminded me of the AUGUST UNDERGROUND TRILOGY.   Those films were basically home videos of a killer torturing his victims.  ATROZ is basically the same thing, except much better done with a bigger budget and a better story line.  

  The acting in this film is pretty remarkable, it was extremely realistic which really added to the unnerving feeling of the film.   Also worth noting area the gruesome special effects.   ATROZ has some of the most realistic looking blood and gore that I have ever seen put on film.  Some of the effects are so real looking that I actually questioned rather some of this was actually real or not.  Now I know that is a silly thought, but the effects were that good that I actually had that thought for a split second.  That is a huge compliment coming from me, as I have seen tons of gory films in my lifetime!

  ATROZ won't be for everyone, but if you are a fan of the "torture porn" movies such as the aforementioned AUGUST UNDERGROUND films, or such films as the GUINEA PIG series, or even the HOSTEL films, you will definitely want to check this one out for sure.   It's extremely brutal, vile, and downright disgusting in some parts, so take this as your warning! 

  ATROZ is available now on an awesome Limited Collector's Edition DVD/BD/CD combo pack, and contains the following special features:

*  ATROZ:  ORIGINAL SHORT FILM
*  CROWDFUNDING VIDEO
*  BEHIND THE SCENES: MUSIC & SOUND DESIGN
*  BEHIND THE SCENES: PRACTICAL FX
*  BEHIND THE SCENES: PRODUCTION
*  UNEARTHED TRAILERS
*  BTS IMAGE GALLERY
*  CD SOUNDTRACK



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

DVD Review: HOTEL INFERNO (2013)

HOTEL INFERNO
Written & Directed by Giulio De Santi
Produced & Distributed by:  Necrostorm

  If you are a fan of ultra gory splatter fests, then you will definitely want to check on one of the latest films from Necrostorm,  HOTEL INFERNO.  It is advertised as the first splatter movie in first person view.  After watching this film, I sure hope it is not the last!  Here is the basic plot synopsis from the film's imdb.com page: 

  The contract killer Frank Zimosa has just been hired for a ridiculously lucrative mission by the rich and powerful Jorge Mistrandia. The objective: to kill a couple of people hiding in one of his European hotels. What would look like one of the simplest jobs Frank has ever had is just about to turn into a living nightmare. He will soon realize he's nothing more than prey for Mistrandia and his army of crazy henchmen that have hiding in the hotel along with an ancient and unstoppable Horror. In their hotels you can only rent rooms....in Hell! See everything through the eyes of the Anti-Hero Frank Zimosa and boost your mind with an overdose of: nonstop violence, adrenaline, and pure fear, surrounded in a mysterious, deep and twisted story. You won't just watch it, you will experience it.

 If you saw this years major theatrical release, HARDCORE HENRY, then you know what to expect going in to this movie in terms of how it is shot.  First person is a pretty common perspective in video games, it was only a matter of time before it came to film!   I have to say, watching a first person action film like HARDCORE HENRY was awesome.   I remember thinking to myself as I watched it, someone should do a horror film this way!   Well, apparently Necrostorm had already done it with this film.   If you've ever seen a Necrostorm film before, then you know to expect some crazy violence with over the top gore.

  As much as I loved HARDCORE HENRY, I have to admit I liked HOTEL INFERNO so much more.  I'm sure I'm biased towards horror, but that's my honest opinion.    While the story can be hard to follow at some points, the film is a visual feast for your eyes.   There is so much going on and so many different fights, from blunt objects to chainsaws to shotguns.    It is a lot of fun and the shotgun scene in the woods looked like you were watching an awesome first person video game.  In fact, as I watched this I remembered thinking how cool a HOTEL INFERNO video game would be! 

  This is a film that must be seen to be believed.  It's true that you just don't watch it, you experience it!  Sometimes in the film it felt like you were right there in the action that was happening on screen.  I highly recommend HOTEL INFERNO for any horror film fan.  Check this one out as soon as you can!

  HOTEL INFERNO is available now and contains the following special features:

*  Full Audio Soundtrack
*  Director's Commentary
*  Special FX tutorials
*  Digital FX tutorials
*  4 Screensavers
*  4 Wallpapers


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

DVD Review: HOTEL INFERNO (2013)

HOTEL INFERNO
Written & Directed by Giulio De Santi
Produced & Distributed by:  Necrostorm

  If you are a fan of ultra gory splatter fests, then you will definitely want to check on one of the latest films from Necrostorm,  HOTEL INFERNO.  It is advertised as the first splatter movie in first person view.  After watching this film, I sure hope it is not the last!  Here is the basic plot synopsis from the film's imdb.com page: 

  The contract killer Frank Zimosa has just been hired for a ridiculously lucrative mission by the rich and powerful Jorge Mistrandia. The objective: to kill a couple of people hiding in one of his European hotels. What would look like one of the simplest jobs Frank has ever had is just about to turn into a living nightmare. He will soon realize he's nothing more than prey for Mistrandia and his army of crazy henchmen that have hiding in the hotel along with an ancient and unstoppable Horror. In their hotels you can only rent rooms....in Hell! See everything through the eyes of the Anti-Hero Frank Zimosa and boost your mind with an overdose of: nonstop violence, adrenaline, and pure fear, surrounded in a mysterious, deep and twisted story. You won't just watch it, you will experience it.

 If you saw this years major theatrical release, HARDCORE HENRY, then you know what to expect going in to this movie in terms of how it is shot.  First person is a pretty common perspective in video games, it was only a matter of time before it came to film!   I have to say, watching a first person action film like HARDCORE HENRY was awesome.   I remember thinking to myself as I watched it, someone should do a horror film this way!   Well, apparently Necrostorm had already done it with this film.   If you've ever seen a Necrostorm film before, then you know to expect some crazy violence with over the top gore.

  As much as I loved HARDCORE HENRY, I have to admit I liked HOTEL INFERNO so much more.  I'm sure I'm biased towards horror, but that's my honest opinion.    While the story can be hard to follow at some points, the film is a visual feast for your eyes.   There is so much going on and so many different fights, from blunt objects to chainsaws to shotguns.    It is a lot of fun and the shotgun scene in the woods looked like you were watching an awesome first person video game.  In fact, as I watched this I remembered thinking how cool a HOTEL INFERNO video game would be! 

  This is a film that must be seen to be believed.  It's true that you just don't watch it, you experience it!  Sometimes in the film it felt like you were right there in the action that was happening on screen.  I highly recommend HOTEL INFERNO for any horror film fan.  Check this one out as soon as you can!


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

DVD Review: THE HOUSE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS

THE HOUSE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS
Directed by:  Arthur Leo Collins
Production Company:  RagNBone Productions

  I have to admit I had never heard of this film when it arrived in my mailbox for review.  I went into this film knowing nothing about it, and quite frankly, this really surprises me.  I can't believe I have not heard of this film in some manner.   To me, this has the making of a cult flick for sure.   Here is the basic plot of the film from the film's imdb page:

  The House on the Wrong Side of the Tracks is a Found Footage Film. Three low life punks commit a home invasion with plans to capture all the action on camera, but when the couples son comes home they soon discover they entered the wrong house.

  While I am getting a little tired of the "found footage" films, I am at least glad to see one done with a different story than most.  It seems as though most found footage films are "haunting" or "possession" type films, so a home invasion film done in the found footage style was a nice change of pace.   Maybe there are more films like this out there that I just don't know about.    The closest thing this film reminds me of is the AUGUST UNDERGROUND TRILOGY.  

  The film is very low budget, but that works perfectly since this is supposed to be footage these crazy guys filmed on their home video camera.  This film feels real and it's scary to think there are people out there who think and act this way.   These three sickos got off on bringing harm to others, and while that can be hard to watch,  it makes it very enjoyable when you see the tables turned and the victims suddenly become the perpetrators.

 THE HOUSE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE TRACKS is a film I think more people in the horror community should be talking about!    Check it out if you get the chance, and if you have seen it, leave a comment to let me know what you thought of this film.


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

DVD Review: EXHIBIT A (2007)

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

 

EXHIBIT A

Written and Directed by:  Dom Rotheroe

Distributed by:  Indiepix Films

 

EXHIBIT A  is one of THE BEST “found footage” thrillers I’ve ever seen. A bold statement to make, but certainly one that can be backed up. This film lures you in from the beginning with the promise of happy scenes and sunny days, then brutally slays those promises in one swift stroke at the end.

 

If you’re not familiar with EXHIBIT A, here is the basic plot from the Indiepix Films website:

Receiving a video camera for her birthday, Judith (Brittany Ashworth) is excited to document her normal teenage life: her crush on the girl next door, her annoying brother and the installation of a swimming pool in their backyard. When her father Andy (Bradley Cole) gets a brand new promotion, the family puts in a bid on their dream house. However, through her camera, Judith soon discovers her father is living a lie: the family is essentially bankrupt. As secrets are revealed and the family disintegrates under financial pressure, Andy is eventually driven to the unimaginable. Simmering with the tension of the best Hitchcock thrillers, EXHIBIT A will "trap you in a situation of unimaginable hideousness that resonates long aft er the end titles."

       

This film won Best UK Feature at the Raindance Film Festival and I can definitely see why: it is extremely well done and will keep you enthralled the whole time you are watching it.

 

The acting is superb, with Bradley Cole giving the performance of a lifetime as the father of the family, Andy King. The emotional range that Cole provides to his character is outstanding. You sympathize with his plight, while at the same time feel put off by his odd behavior. The rest of the cast is stellar as well, a talented ensemble that accents Cole’s portrayal.

 

The are no real special effects (gore, carnage, etc.) per se, but we do get to see the aftermath of a severe beating which is pretty impressive. Otherwise the effects are pretty sparse. This does nothing to detract from the film however.  EXHIBIT A has enough suspense and shock value without the use of a lot of visuals.

What is truly captivating about this film is the events that unfold before your eyes. I debated on whether or not to reveal the horrific events that occur at the end, and ultimately decided that I would remain silent about them. But I can almost guarantee you won’t be the same after you watch this movie.

I can still feel the sense of dread that overcame me as the credits rolled.  EXHIBIT A keeps you thinking long after you’ve finished the film and walked away. As suspected, the thoughts I’ve been having are not rosy, either.

 

But I am very impressed with the film and am glad I got to watch it.  EXHIBIT A is one you will want to give a look for certain.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to but a one time On Demand viewing, a full download, or the DVD
CLICK HERE to view the film's official website



CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Indiepix Films