4K ULTRA HD Review: THE CONVENT (2000)

 

THE CONVENT 

Directed by:  Mike Mendez

Distributed by:  Synapse Films / MVD

  I am not sure how this film avoided my radar, but not only have I never seen THE CONVENT, I have never even heard of it!   I find this very odd, as it was so much fun!   How did I miss this one all these years!!   Here is the basic plot synopsis from the Synapse Films website:

In 1960, a young woman named Christine enters St. Francis Boarding School for Girls and lays waste to the resident nuns. Four decades later, a group of college students head to the long-abandoned building late one night to tag it with their fraternity letters, little knowing that rumors of the place being haunted are terrifyingly true. Stir in a couple of disapproving cops and a band of unlikely Satanists, and the table is set for a feast of demonic infestation and bloodshed that only the grown-up Christine (Adrienne Barbeau, THE FOG, SWAMP THING) can possibly stop.

  

 This film had me hooked from the very beginning.  In fact, this might be one of the coolest movie openings of all time.  The movie shows us young  Christine going into a convent and wreaking havoc, shooting up the place, and burning the priest and nuns.  This is done in slow motion, to the tune of "You Don't Own Me" by Lesley Gore.  This is such an effective opening, and the music is perfect for this opening scene.   

  We don't really know why Christine is doing this, but later in the film we get the full story of why she did it from the adult Christine, played by horror legend Adrienne Barbeau.   Speaking of horror royalty, we also get to see the great Bill Moseley in this film, although I was not a fan of his part.  He plays a cop alongside an interesting casting choice in rapper Coolio.  They play a very comedic pair, which was very reminiscent of the horribly out of place cops in THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT.  The comic relief was not needed in that film, and it wasn't needed here either. 

  

  This film reminded me of movies like, DEMONS, and NIGHT OF THE DEMONS.  If you liked those films, you will love this one.   Although made in 2000, it had more of a feel of a 80's or 90's film, and that is a compliment for sure!    The film was full of some great practical effects, and the makeup effects on the main demon were amazing, utilizing some sort of glowing make up to make it look like her veins were glowing a cool blue color.  Very well done!  

 While I never saw an older version to compare it to, I have to say that his 4K UHD version looks amazing.   Very vibrant colors and super sharp picture!  If you have an older DVD of this film, you'll definitely want to do yourself a favor and make an upgrade to the 4K Ultra HD disc!

  THE CONVENT is available now from Synapse Films and MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

• *Limited Edition Combo (4K UHD + Blu-ray) Release of only 4000 units total
• *Limited Edition Slipcover only on this combo release
• *4K remaster of the uncut version supervised and approved by director, Mike Mendez
• *Mastered in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• *5.1 stereo surround mix from the original 16-track audio masters
• *Cast and crew audio commentary, featuring director Mike Mendez
• *“Lords of Hell” audio commentary featuring Saul and Dickie-Boy
• *Video tour of both THE CONVENT and KILLERS film locations
• *Vintage “Making of” featurette
• *Vintage original studio Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
• *“It’s Always Something with a Virgin” Liner notes booklet from Corey Danna
• *Deleted scene
• *Gore outtakes
• *Still gallery
• *Promotional trailers
• *Reversible cover art

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray

CLICK HERE to purchase the 4K UHD

Check out the first release from Unearthed Films new TOO EXTREME FOR MAINSTREAM line!

  If you are a horror fan, then I'm sure you are well aware of the production/distribution company known as Unearthed Films.   Owned by Stephen Biro, Unearthed Films puts out some of the most disturbing and extreme horror DVDs and Blu-rays.  Well, if that wasn't good enough, they are now rolling out a new line of films called TOO EXTREME FOR MAINSTREAM which will only be available through the Unearthed Films website.   These are films that Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, etc. would refuse to carry due to the nature of the films.   I am super excited about this new line of films, and the first release in this new line has been announced and will be available to pre-order today!

 The first release is the John Wayne Gacy serial killer film, TORMENT.  The film was directed by Adam Ford  and is a great choice for the TOO FXTREME FOR MAINSTREAM film line!  Here is the basic synopsis from the UF website:

Based on the John Wayne Gacy Murders. A young man wakes up after a one night stand and finds himself in the clutches of one of the most notorious serial killers to ever stalk the earth. 

 
There will be 3 different purchasing options for TORMENT, including a super rare "Gacy Bundle" limited to only 20 sets!  The DVD and Blu-ray will also be limited.  They will only be available for pre-order from 4/13 through 5/11.   They will only produce as many copies as they sell during this pre-order time frame.  See below for the different purchasing options:

Option1:
DVD (limited to the number of units sold): $25+shipping

Option 2:
BLU-RAY (limited to the number of units sold):  $30+shipping

Option 3:
THE INFAMOUS GACY BUNDLE  (limited to only 20 sets!):  $395 +shipping

Item included in the Gacy Bundle:

* A one-of-a-kind 9" x 12" painting of John Wayne Gacy by artist Lou Rusconi: Each painting is wrapped and signed by Lou and it will be a mystery which one you will get.

*One letter signed by John Wayne Gacy sent to Merle Allen of The Murder Junkies

*One Novel: "Killer Clown: The John Wayne Gacy Murders" written by Terry Sullivan with Peter T. Maiken

*The DVD "SERIAL KILLER CULTURE" directed by John Borowski

*A Limited Edition Blu-ray of "TORMENT" based on the Gacy murders with a limited edition blood painting cover by artist Ryan Almighty (limited to 20)

*A Limited to 50 signed print of a painting, painted in blood, of Pogo from artist Ryan Almighty 

*A hand painted patch of Pogo the clown made by Jeremi Cruise of ToeTag EFX

 Yes, you read that correctly....the Gacy Bundle will contain a letter hand signed by John Wayne Gacy himself! 

 Unearthed Films has hit a home run with this first release in the TOO EXTREME FOR MAINSTREAM film line.  Pre-order your copy starting tonight at 8pm Eastern time! 


CLICK HERE to visit the Unearthed Films website and pre-order TORMENT on DVD or Blu-ray
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for TORMENT

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: INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS (1972)

INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS
Written & Directed by Ed Adlum
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

 Severin Films continues to impress me with the titles they have been releasing lately!   One of their latest releases is the VHS classic, INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS!  I remember seeing this VHS on the shelf of my local video store back when I was a kid.   I never watched it back then for some reason, so I was thrilled to get the chance to see it now on Blu-ray!   Unfortunately, the cover art might be the best part of this film! 

 Here is some info about the film from the official press release:

  In 1972, a team of New York City exploitation outlaws that included Ed Adlum (SHRIEK OF THE MUTILATED), Ed Kelleher (PRIME EVIL) and Michael & Roberta Findlay (THE TOUCH OF HER FLESH, SNUFF) – along with first-time assistant cameraman and future award-winning cinematographer Frederick Elmes (ERASERHEAD, BLUE VELVET) – descended on bucolic Westchester County with 8½ bottles of stage blood to make a movie about a Druid cult seeking to resurrect their dead queen. The budget was $24,000. The cast was paid in beer. And the result remains one of the greatest achievements in schlock/shock cinema history. Severin Films is proud to present this “accidental masterpiece” (Horror News) as you’ve never seen it before, now scanned from the original negative for the first time ever and spurting with all-new Special Features.

 I was really hoping to find a rare, awesome, grindhouse film that would immediately become a new personal favorite of mine.  Unfortunately, that is not what I found.   This movie is pretty bad to be completely honest with you.   BUT....it is so bad that it falls into the "so-bad-it's-good" column.   In fact, this would be a great movie to watch with a group of friends while drinking and laughing at the film.  I could see this as being a lot of fun to watch in a group.  Watching by myself was not as fun! 

 So, what's so bad about it you ask?  Well, the first thing I noticed was horrible editing/camera work.  A guy would be talking and then all the sudden it would jump to a close up of his face for 1 second and then back to the original camera angle.  I have no clue what that was for!  Secondly was the horrendous acting.  I guess if the cast is paid in beer, then you can't be too critical of their acting ability.   Also, the lady that played the "Dead Queen" needs to learn that dead people don't breathe!  I could not take her seriously when I could plainly see her chest moving up and down during her scenes! 

 Now, as bad as this was, it did have some scenes that were pretty good, mainly the few scenes they show when they capture people and take them to the shack to drain their blood.   These could have been extremely disturbing, was it not for the ridiculous audio dub of the people...not so much screaming, but just whooping and hollering.   That made what could have been a horrifying scene into something laughable again.  

 INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS was a cool idea, and could have been a great movie if it had more of a budget and better actors.   This is one of the few times I wish someone would remake a film.  I think this film had tons of potential, it just wasn't executed well at all.

 As always, this is just one reviewers opinion.  I encourage everyone to check out the film and make their own decision of it.   Fans of low-budget schlock films might absolutely adore this one!

 INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS is available now on DVD & Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

*  Audio commentary with director Ed Adlum and actress Ortrum Tippel, moderated by Kier-La Janisse, author of House of Psychotic Women
*  Nothing You’d Show Your Mom: Eddie Adlum’s journey through exploitation, coin-op & rock n’ roll 
*  Interview with actor Jack Neubeck
*  Painful Memories: An interview with cinematographer Frederick Elmes
*  Trailer
 

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

DVD Review: HAUNTEDWEEN (1991)

HAUNTEDWEEN
Written & Directed by Doug Robertson

  I love finding out about lesser known, independent horror films.  I find a lot more passion and heart goes into these films than a lot of the well known, mainstream horror films that we are constantly fed these days.   This was the case when I came across Doug Robertson's low budget horror film called, HAUNTEDWEEN.    I love checking out low budget horror films, and I am so glad I had to opportunity to watch this one!

 Here is the basic plot synopsis courtesy of the film's IMDb page:

  Twenty years ago a deadly accident forced Eddie Burber from his home. Since Eddie was younger he wanted to be part of the family business "The Burber Haunted House." A note is placed on the local Fraternity giving permission to use the old house as a fund-raiser. While the students prepare the house, they soon are hunted down and placed in the Haunted House for amusement. One thing is for sure. Nobody knows it really happening - People are dying, and people are laughing.

 First thing I have to get out of the way right away is to mention again that this is a very low budget movie.   Know that going into the film and you will have a lot of fun with this one.  Yes, you have to get past some pretty bad acting, but it is still a lot of fun.   I could tell from the beginning that this was a film made by horror fans that knew what other horror fans wanted in a film.   They did not disappoint at all!

 The film has a very cool premises of a killer that makes his way inside a haunted house and turns one of the supposedly fake rooms into an actual killing room.   In this room, the maniac kills off the college kids one by one, in some crazy, bloody ways.  All this happens while the customers of the haunted house look on and cheer the killer on, believing what they are watching was set up by the makers of the haunted house.   It's really quite eerie if you think about it, and makes you wonder if this has or ever could happen in real life.  

  All of the effects are practical, of course, and the filmmakers did an amazing job with the budget they were working with.  

 If you are a fan of low budget, independent cinema, you will definitely want to give this one a watch.   The DVD is available now and contains the following special features:

*  45 minute making of Documentary
*  Photo Album of the cast and crew
*  Director and Producer running commentary
*  Scene titles and jump to feature
*  Hauntedween - the music video
*  Original movie trailer


CLICK HERE to view the HAUNTEDWEEN Facebook page
CLICK HERE to visit the HAUNTEDWEEN website and purchase the DVD

Blu-ray Review: THE UNNAMABLE (1988)

THE UNNAMABLE
Directed by Jean-Paul Ouellette
Distributed by Unearthed Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  For years I have had a DVD copy of a film called, THE UNNAMABLE II.   I had never watched it, because I didn't want to see part 2 of something before I had seen part 1.  I assumed I could find the first UNNAMABLE on DVD, but was never able to.  It turns out the first film had never been releases on DVD.  Well, now the search is over and I can add the first film to my collection thanks to the amazing Stephen Biro and Unearthed Films.  Unearthed Films recently bought the rights to THE UNNAMABLE and have released an amazing DVD and Blu-ray of the film with a newly restored 4K transfer. 

  If you are unfamiliar with this film, here is the basic plot synopsis courtesy of the MVD website:

  College students from Miskatonic University who retreat to an early 18th-century mansion for a weekend of lust are stalked by a fatalistic female in this horror film based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft. The demon delights in tearing the limbs off her human victims to carry out a centuries-old family curse.

  This film was released in 1988, and there is no doubt that it is a product of the 80's.   The character's clothing and hair is a dead giveaway.   That's how we looked back then, though, so try to look past the laughable clothing choices of some of these characters.   The story is simple enough, kids are trying to stay in a house that is inhabited by an ancient creature of some sort.  I'm sure it's no surprise to you that the kids meet their demise, one at a time.   There are some gruesome kills and some amazing gore in this film, all by practical effects.   The monster is not really seen until towards the very end of the film, but when it is revealed, it is well worth the wait.   I have no clue what this creature is supposed to be, but it look like it's part goat with it's hooved feet and fur!  

 Unearthed Films has done an amazing job with this release.  The picture quality is very clear and I have to comment on the beautiful slip case cover art!   I have no idea who did that cover art, but it is truly amazing!    Now, I do have to mention one issue I found with this release, and that is the 5.1 DTS-HD Surround Sound has a glitch where the sound effects are doubled.  So basically it sounds like an echo after every sound effect.  This was super annoying, but switching to the original 2.0 Mono soundtrack fixed the issue and it was fine after doing that.   It's a very minor issue, but definitely worthy of a mention.   

 This is a must see in my opinion, especially if you are a fan of  H.P. Lovecraft and films inspired by his stories.

 THE UNNAMABLE is available now on DVD & Blu-ray from Unearthed Classics and MVD Entertainment and includes the following Special Features:

*  4K Scan with color correction and restoration from the original negative.
*  5.1 DTS-HD Surround Sound, 2.0 PCM
*  Video Interview with actors Charles Klausmeyer & Mark Kinsey Stephenson
*  Video Interview with actor Eben Ham
*  Video Interview with actress Laura Albert
*  Video Interview with Mark Parra
*  Video Interviews with R. Christopher Biggs special makeup effects artist & make up artist Camille Calvet
*  Audio Commentary with Charles Klausmeyer, Mark Stephenson, Laura Albert, Eben Ham, Camille Calvet, R. Christopher Biggs
*  Photo Gallery
*  Trailers

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

 

 

Blu-ray Review: ZOMBIE (1979)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BONUS! ZOMBIE Original Motion Picture Soundtrack CD by Fabio Frizzi

BONUS! Collectable Booklet with new essay by Stephen Thrower


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


Other Box Art Options:

 

Blu-ray Review: ANTHROPOPHAGOUS (1980)

ANTHROPOPHAGOUS
Directed by  Joe D'Amato
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

 I remember watching this film over 18 years ago back when I was in college.   I remember browsing the video shelves and my eyes landing on the cover featuring a man eating his own intestines.  Obviously, that was a movie I had to check out!   I honestly don't remember anything about that film, other than that iconic scene.  

 I was very excited when I saw Severin Films was releasing this film on Blu-ray!   This was one I definitely needed to re-visit and I'm so glad I got the opportunity!  Here is the basic plot courtesy of the film's imdb page:

A group of tourists become stranded on an uninhabited island where they are stalked by an insane, violent, and grotesque killer that slaughtered the town's former residents.

  If you couldn't tell from the cover photo, this film's main goal is shock factor.  It goes for the throat (literally) and never lets go.   The film starts out with a brutal hatchet to the head killing, which actually looked pretty realistic.  The film never gives up and the gore factor only gets worse from there.   The plot is really simple, and the film can actually be a little slow at times, but it makes up for it with the awesome gore effects and creepiness factor.   The killer on the island is one of the creepiest killers I have ever seen in film.  He makes my skin crawl just thinking about him.  He never talks throughout the film, and only makes grunting and moaning sounds.  I am not sure who or what he is, as the movie never really explains it, but he is almost zombie like in his movements and mannerisms.

 If you want great acting, great character development, and a thought provoking story, this might not be the film for you.  If you are looking for an extremely fun film with tons of gore, then this is a must see!   ANTHROPOPHAGOUS is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Severin Films.  Special Features include:

*  Don’t Fear The Man-Eater: Interview with Writer/Star Luigi Montefiori a.k.a. George Eastman
*  The Man Who Killed The Anthropophagus: Interview with Actor Saverio Vallone
*  Cannibal Frenzy: Interview with FX Artist Pietro Tenoglio
*  Brother And Sister In Editing: Interview With Editor Bruno Micheli
*  Inside Zora’s Mouth: Interview with Actress Zora Kerova
*  Trailers
*  Reversible Wrap


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

Blu-ray Review: EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS (1977)

EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS
Written & Directed by Joe D'Amato
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

  There are so many great sub-genres of horror, but one of my all time favorites is the cannibal film.   The cannibal films were huge back in the 70's and early 80's, with such classics as CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, CANNIBAL APOCALYPSE, and CANNIBAL FEROX just to name a few.  In 1977 the EMANUELLE series of films joined the group with EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS.   Here is the basic synopsis courtesy of the Severin Films website:

  In 1977, infamous filth auteur Joe D’Amato (BEYOND THE DARKNESS, ANTHROPOPHAGUS) combined the insane extremes of eroticism and cannibalism for the most groin-grinding, gut-munching, gore-spewing EuroSleaze saga of them all: When journalist Emanuelle (the ever-luscious Laura Gemser of BLACK EMANUELLE fame) discovers evidence of an extinct cannibal tribe in a Manhattan mental hospital, her investigation will take her to the Amazon jungle for an orgy of carnage that SexGoreMutants calls “…feral, demented and nasty. And in exploitation terms, that’s entertainment!” Gabriele Tinti (EMANUELLE IN AMERICA), Monica Zanchi (SISTER EMANUELLE) and Donald O’Brien (DOCTOR BUTCHER, M.D.) co-star in “the flesh & fear masterpiece from the late great splatter genius” (DVD Beaver) released to ‘80s grindhouses as TRAP THEM AND KILL THEM and now scanned in 2k from original vault elements.

  Once again we are treated to the lovely Laura Gemser as Emanuelle.   This time she is playing a reporter going deep into the Amazon forest to track down one of the last known surviving cannibal tribes.  Needless to say she finds it and all hell breaks loose!   Cannibal films are known for their gore, and this one does not disappoint.   There is tons of blood and lots of intestines being chomped on by the cannibal tribe.  There are some cool booby traps and torture devices as well.  Oh, and speaking of boobies, there are plenty of those on display as well.  That is to be expected, of course, with this being an entry in the Emanuelle series of films. 

 If you are a fan of the EMANUELLE films and/or cannibal films of the 1970's, you will definitely want to check out EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS.   The film is available now on DVD and BD from Severin Films  Special Features include the following:

*  The World Of Nico Fidenco: An Interview With Composer Nico Fidenco
*  A Nun Among The Cannibals: An Interview With Actress Annamaria Clementi
*  O’Brien MD: An Interview With Actor Donal O’Brien
*  From Switzerland To Mato Grosso: An Interview With Actress Monika Zanchi
*  I Am Your Black Queen: Laura Gemser Archive Audio Interview
*  Theatrical Trailer

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

Movie Review: THE SONG OF SOLOMON (2017)

THE SONG OF SOLOMON
Written & Directed by Stephen Biro
Distributed by Unearthed Films

  If you have seen any of the films from Unearthed Films, you know you are in for a treat with each new release.  Unearthed Films releases some of the most extreme horror films out there, and founder Stephen Biro will soon be releasing one of their most extreme films yet, one that he just so happened to write and direct!  

  The film is called THE SONG OF SOLOMON, and it is a crazy ride from the beginning that never lets up.  Here is the plot synopsis from Amazon.com:

  Mary witnesses the brutal suicide of her Father. His death unleashes the savage forces of demonic possession in his daughter. The End of Days is upon the world, famine, drought, looting and chaos is ripping the world apart and the Catholic Church is trying to save an innocent soul from the ravages of satanic possession. Wave after wave of holy men are sent to confront the possessed but what is the Holy Church actually doing? The City on Seven Hills is working on the Second Coming of Christ but before He comes back - the Antichrist must rule for seven years. The Song of Solomon's true nature is to unleash an evil the world has been waiting for since the beginning of time.

 Now I know what you might be thinking....haven't possession movies kind of run their course?  It seems like there was a new possession film all the time the past few years.  Well, that might be the case, but I guarantee you there are no possession films of late quite like this one.  

  I will always consider THE EXORCIST as the greatest possession/exorcism movie of all time, but I will never look at it quite the same after seeing THE SONG OF SOLOMON.  I used to think THE EXORCIST was one of the most extreme possession movies, but after seeing Mr. Biro's latest film, it makes THE EXORCIST looks very tame in comparison.   That is a bold statement, I know, but I stand behind it.   For one thing, the film is much bloodier and gorier than most possession films you have seen.   The practical effects are amazing, which is no surprise seeing as how they were done by special effects guru, Marcus Koch  and Jerami Cruise.  Koch and Cruise produced some gut wrenching effects that had my jaw hitting the floor on several occasions.  Secondly, the film's ending is like nothing you have seen before in a possession film.   I will not say much about it so not to spoil it, but I was in disbelief.

  One last thing, I couldn't do a complete review without mentioning the amazing job actress Jessica Cameron  did portraying the possessed girl, Mary.  Her performance was outstanding.  I can't imagine what she went through filming some of the scenes she did.   Well done Jessica!

  THE SONG OF SOLOMON is available to pre-order now on both DVD and Blu-Ray.  The release date is set for August 14th.


CLICK HERE to watch the Red Band Trailer
CLICK HERE to visit Unearthed Film's Facebook Page
CLICK HERE to preorder the DVD
CLICK HERE to pre-order the Blu-Ray

Blu-ray Review: VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN'S PRISON (1982)

 

VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN'S PRISON
Written & Directed by Bruno Mattei
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

 Just like the rise of the Cannibal films of the early 80's, another popular exploitation sub-genre was at it's peak....the women in prison films.   There are a multitude of titles, but one of the best is Bruno Mattei's VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN'S PRISON, also known by the other titles CAGED WOMEN and EMANUELLE IN PRISON.   If you are a fan of the EMANUELLE films, then you will realize why it has that alternate title and it fits perfectly into the BLACK EMANUELLE series of films.  Why the title changed to VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN'S PRISON is beyond me.   The amazingly beautiful Laura Gemser  once again stars as "Black Emanuelle" in this film that is a must see for fans of the EMANUELLE series.

  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the Severin Films website:

  In an over-the-top career filled with cannibals, zombies, nuns and Nazis, only EuroSleaze maestro Bruno Mattei (THE OTHER HELL, SHOCKING DARK) – along with frequent collaborators/co-writers Claudio Fragasso and Rossella Drudi (TROLL 2, ZOMBIE 3 and 4)  – could take the BLACK EMANUELLE series to such insane depths of depravity: When Emanuelle (the legendary Laura Gemser) goes undercover in a penitentiary, she will endure a nightmare of sadistic guards, voracious lesbians, rat attacks, feces fights and enough graphic mayhem for a dozen women-in-prison trash epics. Gabriele Tinti (EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS), Lorraine De Selle (CANNIBAL FEROX) and Franca Stoppi (BEYOND THE DARKNESS) co-star in this “classic of exploitation” (Yell Magazine) – also known as CAGED WOMEN and EMANUELLE IN PRISON – now featuring a 2k scan from an uncensored inter-positive.

  If you have seen other "Women in Prison Films", also known by the inits WIP, you know exactly what to expect here.   WIP films are a mixture of soft-core eroticism, mixed with gore and torture of the inmates, usually ending with the inmates getting their revenge on the wicked warden and guards that administered the torture to them.   VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN'S PRISON pretty much follows that same pedigree, although there was not as much gore as in other WIP films.   The small amount of gore was good and effective though, especially when Emanuelle is thrown in solitary confinement which looks pretty much just like an old cave.  It is filled with nasty black rats that gnaw on her legs, body and face.  I couldn't help but wonder if actress Laura Gemser was actually scared of rats, because she looks absolutely terrified in this scene.   It looks like actual fright and panic on her face, and if it wasn't, then it was one of the best acting performances I have ever seen!

  If you are a fan of WIP films, you will definitely want to check this one out.  Severin films is putting out a wonderful new DVD and Blu-ray edition that will be available May 8th.   You can pre-order these now from the links below.   Special features include the following:

*  Brawl In Women’s Block: Interview With Co-Director/Co-Writer Claudio Fragasso and Co-Writer Rossella Drudi
*  Archive Interview With Director Bruno Mattei
*  Radio Spot

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

 

Blu-ray Review: BASKET CASE (1982)

BASKET CASE
Written & Directed by  Frank Henenlotter
Distributed by Arrow Video / MVD Entertainment Group

  I always love getting the chance to check out an old classic horror film that I have never seen.  Such was the case when I recently watched the 1982 classic BASKET CASE.   I have always heard of this film, but somehow have managed to have never seen it until now.  

 For those unfamiliar with the film, here is the plot synopsis courtest of MVD Entertainment website:

THE TENANT IN ROOM 7 IS VERY SMALL, VERY TWISTED, AND VERY MAD.

The feature debut of director Frank Henenlotter (Brain Damage, Frankenhooker), 1982's Basket Case is perhaps his most revered - a riotous and blood-spattered midnight movie experience, now immortalized in a lavish new 4K restoration by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
  Duane Bradley is a pretty ordinary guy. His formerly conjoined twin Belial, on the other hand, is a deformed, fleshy lump whom he carries around in a wicker basket. Arriving in the Big Apple and taking up a room at the seedy Hotel Broslin, the pair set about hunting down and butchering the surgeons responsible for their separation. But tensions flare up when Duane starts spending time with a pretty blonde secretary, and Belial's homicidal tendencies reach bloody new extremes.
  Filmed on a shoestring budget against the backdrop of 1980s New York (where the movie would become a staple of the infamous 42nd Street grindhouse circuit), Basket Case has clawed its way from its humble origins to become one of the most celebrated cult movies of all time.

  First off, I'll start by saying that this movie was just a lot of fun!  It is not a movie to be taken seriously by any means.  It is a campy, gory, and pretty cheesy movie....and I loved every minute of it!   The creature in the basket was very well done.  He is extremely creepy looking and makes some of these most hideous and disturbing screams/sounds I have ever heard!   

  The gore effects were also very well done and, of course, all practical effects since this was made back in the early 80's.   I know I say it often, but practical effects are so much better when it comes to blood and gore.  The CG effects nowadays just doesn't look nearly as realistic as the practical effects do. 

  If you are a fan of campy cinema, you will love this film!  It reminded me of something from Troma films or Full Moon films back in the day.    As always, Arrow has packed this release with tons of amazing special features.  I really enjoyed "In Search of the Hotel Broslin", a short doc where director Henenlotter goes around to find original filming locations from the movie.   Definitely check this one out if you get the chance!

  BASKET CASE is available now on Arrow Blu-ray and contains the following special features:

• Brand new 4K restoration from the original 16mm negative by MoMA

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation

• Original Uncompressed Mono Audio

• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

• Brand new audio commentary with writer/director Frank Henenlotter and star Kevin Van Hentenryck

• Basket Case 3-1/2: An Interview with Duane Bradley - Frank Henenlotter revisits Duane Bradley decades after the events of the original Basket Case

• Seeing Double: The Basket Case Twins - a brand new interview with Florence and Maryellen Schultz, the twin nurses from Basket Case

• Brand new making-of featurette containing new interviews with producer Edgar Ievins, casting person/actress Ilze Balodis, associate producer/effects artist Ugis Nigals and Belial performer Kika Nigals

• Blood, BASKET and Beyond - a brand new interview with actress Beverly Bonner

• Belial Goes to the Drive-In - a brand new interview with film critic Joe Bob Briggs

• Outtakes Featurette

• In Search of the Hotel Broslin - archive location featurette

• Slash of the Knife (1972) - short film by Frank Henenlotter

• Belial's Dream (2017, 5 mins) - brand new Basket Case-inspired animated short by filmmaker Robert Morgan

• Behind-the-scenes of Belial's Dream

• Trailers, TV Spots and Radio Spots

• Extensive Still Galleries

• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck

FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector's booklet with new writing on the film by Michael Gingold

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

 

 

 

Blu-ray Review: EATEN ALIVE (1980)

EATEN ALIVE
Written & Directed by Umberto Lenzi
Distributed by CAV Distribution / Severin Films

   If you are a fan of 80's cannibal films, you will definitely want to check out Umberto Lenzi's 1980 classic, EATEN ALIVE!    I love cannibal films, and have seen quite a few, but somehow this is one I had never seen.   Here is the basic plot from the CAV press release:

  Eight years after he first unleashed the Italian cannibal craze, spaghetti splatter master Umberto Lenzi (NIGHTMARE CITY, CANNIBAL FEROX) returned to the jungle for this "graphic" (Monster Hunter), "sordid" (Geek Legacy) and "extreme" (Horror News) gut-muncher that still packs the power to knock you over. EuroSleaze hall-of-famers Robert Kerman (CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST), Janet Agren (CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD), Ivan Rassimov (THE MAN FROM DEEP RIVER) and Me Me Lai (JUNGLE HOLOCAUST) - along with Hollywood legend Mel Ferrer (WAR AND PEACE) - star in this insane assemblage of flesh-ripping mayhem, depraved sexual brutality, and even the Jonestown massacre. EATEN ALIVE! is now presented uncut, uncensored and fully remastered in HD for the first time ever, with all-new Special Features that slit open the legacy of this definitive cannibal classic.

  As I mentioned above, I have seen a lot of the cannibal films including CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, CANNIBAL FEROX, CANNIBAL APOCOLYPSE, MAN FROM DEEP RIVER, etc.   I love all these films, and EATEN ALIVE is a wonderful addition to this list and sits right at the top of these films.  

  If you've seen those other cannibal films I mentioned, you kinda know what to expect here.  One thing these films seem to have a lot of is animal cruelty, which is the one thing about these films I don't like.  I guess these scenes are for shock factor and to make you feel uneasy, which they definitely accomplish.   While the killing of people on the screen is obviously fake, some of the animal scenes are definitely real.  These can be very hard to watch at times, and this film has quite a few of those scenes, so be warned if you can't handle those types of scenes. 

  The gore effects in this film are done extremely well, and are pretty disgusting  (which is a compliment, of course)!   One aspect of this film I really liked was the cult aspect of the film, and the creepy cult leader.   This was a very unique subplot that separates this film from the other cannibal films.

  If you saw Eli Roth's cannibal movie GREEN INFERNO that came out a few years ago, you will definitely note some nods to this film, especially with the ending.   That's all I'll say about that, though, to avoid any spoilers.

  One last thing I want to point out is the feature length documentary called "Me Me Lai Bites Back" which is a special feature on this new release.  I normally don't pay much attention to special features, but this doc was a great feature about actress Me Me Lai who appeared in three cannibal films in the 70's and 80's.  It was very interesting to hear stories directly from Me Me about her time filming these movies.   I thought this doc was worth buying to DVD/BD for alone! 

EATEN ALIVE is available now from Severin Films on both DVD and Blu-ray.  Special Features include:

*  Welcome To the Jungle - Interview With Director Umberto Lenzi
*  Me Me Lai Bites Back - Feature Documentary on "The Queen Of Cannibal Movies"
*  The Sect of the Purification - Interview with Production Designer Antonello Geleng
*  Archive Interviews With Actors Ivan Rassimov and Robert Kerman
*  2013 Q&A With Umberto Lenzi from the "Festival of Fantastic Films, UK"



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

 

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