DVD Review: HI8: RESURRECTIO (2016)

HI8:  RESURRECTIO
Written & Directed by: Stefan Sierecki
Distributed by:  Black Lava Entertainment

 If you have never heard of Black Lava Entertainment, you are missing out on some of the weirdest underground horror films available today.   The latest one I have seen was called Hi8:  RESURRECTIO from filmmaker Stephan Sierecki.  Here is the basic plot of the film courtesy of the Black Lave Entertainment website:

  In "Hi8“ we follow Steven, a film student who intends to create the goriest horror movie of all time, his graduation film. The only problem is the lack of money. Even his lecturer does not support his plans. He claims the horror movie to be a inacceptable medium and does not honor any artist. Steven is aware that it is difficult to distribute genre movies in Germany but hope dies last. A mysterious website discovered by one of his friends raises hope. A single line framed by flames appears on the screen: 'God's messengers fall into hellfire, the angels' Stephen is not bothered by this phrase for he is more interested in the text's content. His eyes are fixed on the words 'filming', 'money', 'prompt cash'. Clicking the 'Send'-button unleashes an experience which affects his mind, flesh and bones. He will literally witness hell on earth.

 I had never heard of this film going into it, so I had no clue what to expect.   To me this film reminded me of a higher budget version of the AUGUST UNDERGROUND series, but a lower budget version of the HOSTEL films.  They are all in the same vein, though.  It basically follows Steven as he is kidnapped by the new "producers" of his horror film and is forced into a world of horror that Steven could have probably never imagined.  He is forced to torture and kill, all in the name of cinema! 

 The film is very well made, with what looks to be all practical effects, something I am always happy to see in horror films.   The acting is pretty good overall,  especially from the female victim that is caged and put through hell.   At times I actually wondered if they told her what all they would be doing and if some of the screaming and fear was actually real!  

 I'm not a huge fan of the torture films, but if you are into those films, you should definitely check this one out.   Hi8:  RESURRECTIO is available now on DVD and contains the following special features:

*  Teaser #1
*  Teaser #2
*  Trailer
*  English Subtitles
*  Bonus Movies:
-Fütterung der Raubtiere
-Herzstück
-Interimere
-Raum der Ausschweifung
-Tote reden nicht
-Vergeltung
-Weihnachten
*  Bonus CD with the complete Soundtrack (~80min Music)


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

DVD Review: MY MASTER SATAN: 3 TALES OF DRUG FUELED VIOLENCE (2016)

MY MASTER SATAN:  3 TALES OF DRUG FUELED VIOLENCE
Written & Directed by:  Dakota Bailey

  Let me start off my saying this is not the type of film I would normally review.  I am not a fan of Satan at all, and [as a Christian] I in no way promote the glorification of Satan or devil worship.  What I do support is independent filmmakers, no matter what the subject matter (to an extent).   This is true independent horror, self distributed by the filmmaker through his store envy site.  This is underground filmmaking at it's extreme.  Before I go any further, here is the plot synopsis from the film's IMDB.com page:

  My Master Satan: 3 Tales of Drug Fueled Violence is an anthology horror film that features three tales that revolve around serial killer/druggie Alister (Dakota Bailey) & his equally demented serial killer friends Woody, Charlie and Bubba & takes the viewer deep into a seedy underworld of crime, drugs, depravity & murder. In the first tale, Bubba (Matt Marshall) enlists Alister's help to exhume the corpse of his deceased unfaithful wife who he murdered. Afterwards the two of them decide to take some LSD resulting in an acid trip where they briefly see Satan.
  The second tale follows Alister and his twisted friend Charlie (Brian Knapp) as they go out at night committing murder, & other deviant acts.
  Finally in the third and final tale, Alister & Bubba go on a quest for more LSD, meeting their serial killer friend Woody and committing violent acts along the way, and finally having the ultimate ritualistic acid trip that once again brings them face to face with Satan himself.

  If you are a fan of underground, raw, violent cinema, this film will be right up your alley!  Think AUGUST UNDERGROUND TRILOGY or AMERIKAN HOLOKAUST.  These are films that  MY MASTER SATAN reminded me of.   The film was shot over 20015-2016, but it was shot with what looks like a VHS recorder and was made to look older and very rough.  This is intentional for sure, and definitely adds to the gritty feel of the film.   There are some great effects, although quite a few are cutaway scenes, but still effective.  The intentionally bad film/sound quality make this film feel very real, which makes for a very disturbing viewing experience! 

  Hardcore underground film lovers should give this one a shot for sure.   DVDs are on sale now for only $5.99 + shipping! 

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