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: SWEET MEATS (2025)

SWEET MEATS

Written & Directed by:  Ricky Glore

Distributed by:  Troma Films  / MVD Entertainment

 If you are a fan of Troma films, you basically know what kind of film you are getting into.  SWEET MEATS  is no different and fits perfectly in the Troma films library.   More of a dark comedy than a horror film, it's a fun film that is worth a watch for sure!   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the MVD website:

Bobby Sweet is a country music legend and has been the world-renowned face of 'Sweet Meats' since establishing his first restaurant with his wife. Sometimes a 'secret ingredient' should stay that way.

 If you are looking for a scary horror film, this is not the film for you.  It's not scary at all, but it's not supposed to be.  As I mentioned before, this a horror-comedy, with more of an emphasis on the comedy.  Horror comedy films are tough to make in my opinion.   It's hard to mix totally opposite genres like that and make it work.   I am pleased to say that the people behind SWEET MEATS made it work!    This movie is actually really funny.   It tells the story of a simple man named Bobby that just wants to be a country music star, but gets caught up running a restaurant with his controlling girlfriend.  

  His girlfriend has a plan to make their burgers different than other restaurants using a special kind of meat.   I'm sure you can guess what kind of meat that is!   While the basic premise is not original, the execution of the concept is for sure.    As stated before, Bobby wants to be a country music star, so we are gifted with music performances throughout the film.  They all tell a story, basically about what is happening at that point in the film.  The songs are really funny and some are actually really catchy!  

  Something else that I need to point out about this film is the acting.  In addition to writer, director, and lead actor Ricky Glore doing such a great job, all the actors in this film were really good.   Low budget films,  especially horror-comedy films,  can be ruined by bad acting.  That was not the case here.   Kudos to the entire cast, but especially to the other two leads, Timmy Barron as Bobby's best friend Jerry, and to Eileen Earnest who plays Bobby's girlfriend, Laddie.   These were all very good comedic actors and had great performances. 

  SWEET MEATS is a fun film that I highly recommend checking out! 

SWEET MEATS is available for pre-order now, with a release date set for September 8, 2026.  The Blu-ray contains the following special features:

• *  New Commentary Track
• *  'The Grind' - The Making of Sweet Meats
• *  Evolution of a Song: Writing the Music of Sweet Meats
• *  Cast and Crew Feature-Length Interview
• *  Tromatic Extras

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer 

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray

Blu-ray Review: SCREAM DREAM (1989)

SCREAM DREAM

Directed by:  Donald Farmer

Distributed by:  Visual Vengeance / MVD Entertainment

  Visual Vengeance is back, with another horror film from the 1980's you have probably never heard of!  This was the case for me, at least.   The film  is 1989's SCREAM DREAM from Director Donald Farmer.  Here is the basic plot synopsis of the film from the MVD Entertainment website:

When heavy metal front woman Michelle Shocked is fired from her band for bad press related to Satanic rumors, she proves everyone right by transforming into a bloodthirsty demon who embarks on a spree of killing and possession.

Donald Farmer's Scream Dream is both the perfect example of a regional Shot-On-Video film, and one of the most insane heavy metal horror movies of all time. Made during the height of 1980s 'Satanic Panic' in the USA, Scream Dream is overflowing with rubber monster action, gore-drenched murders, unisex teased hair and more bar band metal music than you can shake a studded wristband at.

  If you are a fan of SOV films, you will want to get your hands on a copy of this one.  If you like the nostalgic feeling of watching movies on VHS, this is the film for you!  

  SCREAM DREAM is not great by any means, and the story is a little lacking, but I still enjoyed it.  It is VERY low budget, so know that going into it.  I was really hoping being newly released on Blu-ray that the picture quality would be vastly improved.  It if is improved any, I sure couldn't tell, and I would have hated to see it before!   I will say though, the rough VHS look of the film gave it some of it's charm, and actually might have helped with the enjoyment of this film. 

  The acting is sub-par, although Gene Amonette who plays the band's manager, Lou, was quite hilarious.  It was probably more so due to the dialog and some of the lines he has in this film than his acting, but either way he was hilarious. 

  The true star of the show here is the gore and the special effects.   While a lot of the kills are offscreen, unfortunately,  the few we do see are very good.   This includes one of the best throat slashing scenes I have seen in quite some time. It was actually very impressive.  The makeup of the demon itself was very good as well, even by today's standards.   I guess I should mention that not ALL of the effects are good.  There is a hand puppet used as a demon that chews on people's necks and ankles and it is quite silly looking. 

 Oh, let me also mention that the heavy metal band in this films is pretty laughable by today's standards.  I guess that's what we considered as heavy metal back then! 

  I will say this for Visual Vengeance,  they do a remarkable job with their marketing of these films and the production value on their physical releases. The cover art, slip covers, and bonuses inside the Blu-ray cases are top notch.  These films they are releasing are getting a lot better of a physical release than they should, most likely!  SCREAM DREAM is no exception to that, as it has some cool treats packed inside!  I do like the fact Visual Vengeance is bringing these lesser known films to the mainstream, though.  I know a lot of people like these old SOV films, so they are definitely catering to that specific audience. 

 SCREAM DREAM releases on July 28 from Visual Vengeance and contains the following Special Features:

• *  SD master version from original tape elements
• *  Commentary with Producer/ Director Donald Farmer
• *  Heavy Metal Horror Primer - Video Essay with Justin Decloux and Adam 'Riot' Thorn
• *  Actor Nick Riggins Interview
• *  Actress Jesse Raye Interview
• *  The Art of the Scream: Special Effects Artist Rick Gonzales Interview
• *  Behind the Scenes Image Gallery
• *  Donald Farmer Theatrical Q&A Excerpts
• *  Trailers
• *  Visual Vengeance trailers
• *  Reversible sleeve featuring original VHS art
• *  Folded mini-poster
• *  ‘Stick Your Own’ VHS sticker set - FIRST PRESSING ONLY
• *  Limited Edition O-Card - FIRST PRESSING ONLY
• *  Limited Edition Scream Dream Guitar Pick - FIRST PRESSING ONLY
• *  Optional English subtitles

CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment

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: CRADLE OF FEAR (2001)

CRADLE OF FEAR

Directed by:  Alex Chandon

Distributed by:  Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

  Once again I am here to review a film I have always known about, seen the box art countless times when perusing my local video store, yet have never watched.  Hopefully most of you are old enough to remember video stores!   I recall seeing the original DVD cover art on the shelf, but for whatever reason I just never picked it up.  

  Well, I wish I would have back then, because I have been missing out for years on a very interesting and entertaining movie!   Before I go any further, here is the basic plot synopsis from the Unearthed Films website:

Cradle Of Fear (2 Disc Limited Collector's Edition) is a brutal anthology-style horror film centered around notorious child murderer Kemper, who seeks revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment.

Confined to a padded cell in a local asylum, Kemper orchestrates his vengeance from afar, commanding a mysterious figure known only as "The Man" to carry out a series of increasingly savage murders targeting the families of those who put him away. As the body count rises, Detective Nielson--who has a personal history with Kemper--struggles to make sense of the escalating violence and its seemingly supernatural orchestration.

Blending interconnected storylines with extreme gore and shock-driven set pieces, the film has gained a cult reputation as one of the most notorious entries in British horror cinema, featuring Dani Filth of Cradle of Filth in a central role.

 I have always loved Anthology films, and this one is done really well.  Unlike other Anthology films, where they break each story up into it's own chapter, sometimes even putting the new segment title up on screen between each film, this plays as one continuous movie.  In fact, if you didn't know this was an Anthology pic, you would just assume this film was all over the place and made zero sense!  So definitely go  in knowing these are 4 separate stories that just all tie in together. 

  The first story shows you the downside to what was otherwise a satisfying one night stand, complete with a spider-baby hybrid impregnation!

 The second film involves a burglary gone wrong, and shows how things can spiral out of control very quickly when you can't trust your accomplice!

 The third instalment was probably the most interesting to me, as an amputee who is missing his leg goes to extreme measures to get a replacement leg.   Unfortunately, the leg has a mind of it's own and is apparently very upset about being removed from it's original body!

 The final instalment was my personal favorite, as it involves a man who is obsessed with violent images and snuff films on the internet.   He comes across a website where you can can watch real murders.  Not only can you watch, if you pay a fee, you can actually choose how the person is killed.   You get to choose the weapon used, how to use it, and where on the victims body to use it.   This one is terrifying to me, because it makes me wonder if something like this could really be out there on the dark web.  It wouldn't surprise me in this crazy world! 

Now, I have to be honest, this film has not aged well in some aspects.  Certain scenes were very obvious CGI, almost to a laughable degree.  I am mainly talking about a car crash scene that is hard not to snicker at when watching.   That is a very small part though, and didn't keep me from enjoying the film at all.    All the gore effects are done with practical effects and are extremely well done.   Head smashing, stabbings, eye gouging, decapitations, and one of the most realistic amputations I have ever seen on film make up just a few of the incredible gore effects in this film. 

 Unearthed Films has always been the leader in releasing some lesser known, non-mainstream extreme films, especially those with extreme gore.   This newest release is a perfect addition to their already amazing catalog of films. 

 CRADLE OF FEAR is out now on Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

DISC ONE: FEATURE & EXTRAS

• Some Making of Cradle of Fear
• Important Words
• The Special German DVD Making of Thingy Something for Cradle of Fear
• Behind the Scenes
• Gallery
• Trailers

DISC TWO: SHORT FILM COLLECTION & EXTRAS

• Alex Chandon's Shorts Collection Including:
• Chainsaw Scumfuck
• Bad Manor
• Bad Karma
• Drillbit
• Night Pastor
• Bullshit News
• Film Extremes 3 Promo
• Borderline
• Shorts Outtakes
• Shorts Behind the Scenes Gallery
• Shorts Trailers

CLICK HERE to purchase the 2-disc limited collector's edition Blu-ray direct from Unearthed Films

CLICK HERE to purchase the 2-disc limited collector's edition Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment

Movie Review: MODELS VS. WEREWOLVES (2026)

 

MODELS VS. WEREWOLVES

Directed by:  Danny Draven

Distributed by:  Full Moon Empire

 If you are a fan of Full Moon Films, you are going to love their newest feature!  I had the privilege of attending the world premiere of MODELS VS. WEREWOLVES at this year's Texas Frightmare Weekend on May 23rd.   I am a huge fan of Full Moon, so I was expecting something really fun with this one.  I am happy to say that it did not disappoint.  In fact, it was even more fun and entertaining than I had hoped for!!  

 Now don't get me wrong, if you are not familiar with the films from Full Moon,  you aren't going to see an Oscar winning film by any means, but that is ok.  That is not what Full Moon strives for.  They just put out fun and entertaining films they know their fans will love and they hit a home run with this one!  Here is the basic plot of the film from IMDb.com:

Five young models go to an Airbnb in the woods for a full moon that comes once every five hundred years. What starts off as the perfect girl's trip quickly becomes a nightmare as a pack of ancient werewolves are awoken by the new moon.

 Again, this was such a fun film.  The Werewolf effects were done really well, with a nice blend of CG and practical effects.   The acting was actually really good,  and the dialog was so much fun.  This is definitely a horror/comedy, and the comedy did not disappoint!  It was fun watching in a big crowd of people and hearing everyone's reactions.   This was also one of Full Moon's gorier films, with lots of blood being spewed thanks to the werewolves.   Now I will say the blood effects were a little too CG heavy for my liking, but that didn't keep  me from enjoying this film at all.     Also, I must note that legendary horror actress Dee Wallace makes a small, yet hilarious appearance in this film, and she really holds her own against one of the werewolves!   I really want to say what happens, but I don't want to spoil it, but let's just say it drew a huge laugh and applause from the audience! 

 Horror fans will love this as well as comedy fans.  There is really something for everyone in this latest release from Full Moon!

Check out the trailer for MODELS VS. WEREWOLVES!

MODELS VS. WEREWOLVES will be streaming soon, so keep your eyes out for it!  This is one you won't want to miss!

Blu-ray Review: THE UGLY (1997)

THE UGLY

Written & Directed by:  Scott Reynolds

Distributed by:  Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment

  THE UGLY is one of those films that I had always known about, but have never seen.  I feel like it's not talked about much, which is why I probably never made a point to see it.   After watching this film, I am shocked it is not talked about more often. 

Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Unearthed Films website:

 Confined to a mental institution, disturbed young serial killer Simon (The Rule of Jenny Pen's Paolo Rotondo) is tormented by cruel orderlies and his own personal demons including “The Ugly” which compels him to kill. Now at his request, Dr. Karen Schumaker (The Brokenwood Mysteries’ Rebecca Hobbs) arrives to discover whether Simon is fit to be released back into society. As the terrifying secrets within Simon’s mind are revealed, no one will be left unscathed by the horrors about to be unleashed.

  If you are a fan of serial killer films, this one is a must see.  This is New Zealand's answer to THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, and while not on the same level of that film in terms of budget and production values, it's extremely well made and very entertaining.   The acting in this film is very good, especially from the two main stars, Paolo Rotondo who plays the killer (Simon) and from Rebecca Hobbs who plays the Doctor sent to judge whether or not Simon is fit to be released from prison.   They have a great onscreen chemistry.   

 The movie is pretty simple in terms of production and set.   The film pretty much just takes place at the prison Simon is being held at.   Most of the film is the Doctor and Simon talking in an interrogation room.   The doctor is trying to get inside the mind of Simon to figure out why he killed and to figure out if she thinks he will continue to kill if released.    The doctor asks about all his past kills, in which Simon gives us the details.  We are shown flashbacks to each of his kills, so we see the scene he is describing.   Some of these are pretty brutal, and there is a bit of gore.  

 What sets this film apart from all the other Serial Killer films out there, is the addition of this supernatural element.   "The Ugly" is what Simon calls the vision he sees in his head telling him to kill.   It basically a group of what look to be dead people in a living state that torment him until he kills.   Killing is the only way to make "The Ugly" go away,  yet they always come back eventually and he has to kill again to get them to go away.  

 The film does a good job of showing how "The Ugly" started, with a traumatic experience Simon suffered as a child.   I found this very interesting and was glad to find out how "The Ugly" got it's name!

  

  One thing to note about this film was that in all the gore scenes, the blood was black.  It wasn't in black and white as the scene is in full color, but instead of being a crimson red like expected, it's always a dark black color.   I searched around online for an explanation.  Some say that it's black because Simon doesn't view his victims as human.  He sees them more as a machine or entity, and the black is like the oil that makes the machine run.   Another explanation I saw was that it enhanced the film's dream-like, unsettling aesthetic instead of just conventional gore.   Either way it was an interesting choice by the filmmakers.  

  If you haven't seen THE UGLY, I highly recommend it.  If you have the old DVD  (which if memory serves me was an old Blockbuster exclusive),  you'll definitely want to upgrade to this new Blu-ray.  

 THE UGLY is available now from Unearthed Films and contains the following Special Features:

• NEW 4K restoration of the film from the original 35mm interpositive
• NEW Original Theatrical 2.0 Stereo and 4.0 DTS-HD MA Surround
• NEW Commentary with actors Paolo Rotondo and Rebecca Hobbs, moderated by Nathaniel Thompson
• NEW Scott Reynolds short films 'A Game with No Rules' & 'The M1nute'
• NEW 1997 Radio New Zealand Interview with Scott Reynolds
• NEW Isolated Score
• NEW Photo Gallery
• NEW Original Theatrical Trailer
• NEW The Ugly Visual Essay
• NEW Collectable Booklet
• Reversible Cover

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from Unearthed Films

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray from MVD Entertainment

 

4K Ultra HD Review: THE UGLY STEPSISTER (2025)

THE UGLY STEPSISTER

Directed by:  Emilie Blichfeldt

Distributed by:  Second Sight Films

 THE UGLY STEPSISTER is a film I had been curious about for a while, and finally got the chance to check out thanks to Second Sight Films and their new 4K Ultra HD release of the film.   

 Set in the 19th Century, THE UGLY STEPSISTER is a reimaging of the Cinderella story, but with a very dark and brutal twist.  

Here is the basic plot from the Second Sight Film's website:

An impressionable and idealistic young woman dreams of marrying the kingdom’s prince but her beautiful stepsister becomes her greatest rival. Increasingly desperate she resorts to extreme measures in a quest for the physical perfection she believes will win the prince’s heart.

 This is a extremely well made film, from the acting to the wonderful practical effects.   The film focuses on ugly duckling sister, Elvira, and her desire (or more so her Mother's desire) to become beautiful so the Prince will choose her for his wife.    While Elvira's stepsister Agnes is the clear front-runner for the Prince's hand in marriage, a sexual encounter with the stable boy pretty much gets Agnes ostracized from the family.   This opens the way for Elvira to woo the Prince, but she must make some drastic changes first!  

 The changes Elvira does to herself and has done to her, are extremely hard to watch and very cringe inducing.  I looked away from the screen many times, something I rarely do with a horror film.   She uses the only techniques they had at the time, including voluntarily eating a tapeworm to help control her weight.   I looked online to see if this was a technique that was actually used back then, and apparently it was.  It is extremely unsafe, though, which you will see why in this film.  There is a good reason we don't use that form of weight loss these days!    Other modifications Elvira has done to her are a nose job, and the addition of fake lashes.   Adding fake eyelashes might sound like no big deal, but a close up of the eyelashes being sewn onto her eyelid caused my whole body to clinch up!  

 All these things pale in comparison, though, to the main modification Elvira does to herself, all in order to fit into the slipper that was lost at the ball.   You can use your imagination to figure out what she does, or if you can stomach it, just watch this film!  

  THE UGLY STEPSISTER is like a 19th Century version of HOSTEL, except all the body torture is completely voluntary.   This is body horror at it's finest, with graphic scenes disguised by the beautiful cinematography and costumes of what otherwise would look like a beautiful art film.  Kudos to Director Emilie Blichfeldt on an amazing first feature film, I look forward to her future projects. 

  THE UGLY STEPSISTER is available now on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD, and a 4K Ultra HD limited edition, and contains the following Special Features:

• Presented in HDR with Dolby Vision

• New audio commentary with Director Emilie Blichfeldt and Filmmaker Patrik Syversen

• New audio commentary by Meagan Navarro

• This Is My Ball: a new interview with Emilie Blichfeldt

• Generational Trauma: a new interview with Actor Lea Myren

• Take Up Space: a new interview with Actor Thea Sofie Loch Næss

• Character and Gore: a new interview with Effects Artist Thomas Foldberg

• The Beauty of Ugly: The Effects of The Ugly Stepsister

• A Cinderella Story: Kat Hughes on The Ugly Stepsister

• Deleted Scene

• Short Films: How Do You Like My Hair? and Sara’s Intimate Confessions

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K Ultra HD

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K Ultra HD Limited Edition

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

Blu-ray Review: FRIGHTMARE (1983)

FRIGHTMARE

Directed by:  Norman Thaddeus Vane

Distributed by:  Troma Films / MVD Entertainment 

  I am always excited when I get a film to review that I have not seen before.   The new release of FRIGHTMARE from 1983 is one of those films.  In fact, I actually own the old Troma DVD of the film, but it's one that has set on my shelf for years and has yet to be watched.  Today I sat down to watch the newly released Blu-ray, and I am now mad at myself for not watching this sooner!   Before I go any further, here is the basic plot synopsis from the Troma Films website:

Following the death of legendary horror actor Conrad Radzoff (Ferdy Mayne, The Howling II, Conan the Destroyer) , a group of overzealous drama students steal his corpse from his crypt and take it to the decrepit haunted house where his finest fright films were made. As the night goes on, the students lean the true meaning of terror, as Conrad’s vengeful spirit takes them out one by one. Featuring incredible special effects by Chuck E. Stewart (Critters, The X Files Bruce Almighty) and early performances by Jeffrey Combs (Re-Animator), Nina Talbot (Night Shift, Puppet Master II), Scott Thomson (Police Academy I-IV) and Donna McDaniel (Hollywood Hot Tub), Frightmare is a bloody terror trip from the Tromatic 1980s.

  The movie is from 1983 and stars a pre RE-ANIMATOR Jeffrey Combs.   It was fun seeing him in something that was not any of the RE-ANIMATOR films, as those are the films he is most known for, of course.   Ferdy Mayne plays the star of the film, Conrad Radzoff.   Radzoff is a cult horror actor / icon, kind of like a Bela Lugosi or Boris Karloff type.   He has tons of fans and is one of the biggest stars there is.  It's no wonder that with his untimely passing, that fans of his don't want to let him go.   In fact, this certain group of teenagers want to party with him!   So, they break into his mausoleum to steal his body.  Sounds pretty normal right?    They successfully exhume his body and take him to a deserted house throw a wild party.  All goes good at first, until people start dying! 

 It seems that Conrad Radzoff is not one to stay dead!  He awakens and starts killing off the teens one by one.  I don't think they really explained how he came back to life, or if they did I missed it.  Regardless, once Radzoff wakes up and goes on his killing spree, we get treated to a very fun movie!  Practical effects are a plenty here, with one of the greatest beheadings I have seen on film.    The head rolling down the stairs with a loud "splat" sound on each step became almost laughable as it lasted so long. Kudos to the sound designer for that one!  

 While not a masterpiece by any means, FRIGHTMARE is a fun and entertaining film.  If you love 80's films, this is one you'll want to check out.  It definitely has that 80's vibe to it.    

 FRIGHTMARE is available now from Troma Films and contains the following Special Features:

• * Original DVD Intro Featuring Lloyd Kaufman and Debbie Rechon
• * Archival audio interview with Director Norman Thaddeus Vane
• * Historical Commentary with David Del Valle and David DeCoteau
• * The Hysteria Continues (audio commentary from 'The Hysteria Continues' Podcast)
• * Original Theatrical Trailer
• * Artwork Gallery
• * Man With A Camera: Video Interview With DP Joel King
• * A Gory Lesson From The Set Of Meat For Satan’s Ice Box
• * INNARDS! Music Video
• * Radiation March

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray