Check out the trailer for the Soska sister's newest film, AMERICAN MARY

  Last November I did a DVD review for a film called DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK, which was written and directed by the Soska sisters, Jen Soska & Sylvia Soska.  You can read that review here.
I could tell back then that the Soska sisters were going to be major players in the horror film industry for years to come.  Their newest film, AMERICAN MARY, looks like it is going to definitely back that up and put them in the ranks with some of the top horror directors working today.
  Here is the basic plot of the film from it's imdb page:

The story follows medical student, Mary Mason, as she becomes increasingly broke and disenchanted with the surgical world she once admired. The allure of easy money sends Mary into the world of underground surgeries which ends up leaving more marks on her than her so called 'freakish' clientele.

  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.  I personally can't wait to see this film.  I loved DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK and have a feeling that AMERICAN MARY will be just as good, if not even better!  
  
  
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for AMERICAN MARY
CLICK HERE to visit the official website of Twisted Twins Productions

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, July 17th, 2012

 






Here are this week's horror/exploitation related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 7/17:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)
   
*  THE BLOOD BEAST TERROR [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  BURKE & HARE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  DARKNESS  [Blu-ray]
*  DOCUMENTING THE GREY MAN
*  DOOMSDAY PROPHECY  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  GIRLS GONE DEAD:  UNRATED AND EXPOSED
*  HELLRAISER VI:  HELLSEEKER [Blu-ray]
*  INTRUDERS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  MIDNIGHT SON

Check out the trailer for the German zombie film, EXTINCTION: THE G.M.O. CHRONICLES

 I came across this trailer while browsing some other trailers on You Tube tonight.  This is a German zombie/post-apocalyptic  thriller called, EXTINCTION:  THE G.M.O. CHRONICLES.  I don't know much about this film...there is not much info out there on it.  It looks like it was released to DVD last year in Germany, but there is no U.S. distributor for it yet.
Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.  I think it looks like it could be a pretty cool flick!

 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

DVD Review: ABRAHAM LINCOLN VS. ZOMBIES (2012)

ABRAHAM LINCOLN VS. ZOMBIES
Directed by  Richard Schenkman
Distributed by  The Asylum

Well, the good folks at The Asylum are back with another straight to DVD knock off of a major theatrical release.  This time the set their sites on ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER with their own take on ol' Honest Abe, with ABRAHAM LINCOLN VS. ZOMBIES.   Here is the basic plot from the film's imdb page:

While the Civil War rages on, President Abraham Lincoln must undertake an even more daunting task - destroying the Confederate Undead.

Now I know some people are not a big fan of these knock off films The Asylum puts out, but you will want to put those feelings aside and give this one a chance.  In fact, this could be the best Asylum film to date! 

  The production value on this film looks huge compared to other Asylum films.  The acting is actually really good, and I think the actor portraying Abraham Lincoln, Bill Oberst Jr., might have actually made a better Abe than the actor from VAMPIRE HUNTER.   The costumes in this film were great, as were the sets and location shots.

  Another great thing about this film was, of course, the zombies!  The zombie make-up was done very well and there are tons of great zombie kills all throughout this film...including a number of zombie be-headings courtesy of Mr. Lincoln's trusty scythe! 

  This is one Asylum film you will most certainly want to check out.   The mixture of history and fiction really makes this a fun film, and the ending was remarkable.   I wont say too much about the ending, but lets just say that a certain tragedy that befell President Lincoln is explained here in a very unique and cool way.   Check this one out for sure!  ABRAHAM LINCOLN VS. ZOMBIES is available now on DVD from The Asylum.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer and purchase the DVD

Need a great summer vacation idea...how about taking a cruise? But not just any cruise......

 
 







 











  
  How about hopping aboard the SAW AT SEA cruise!   That's right, an entire cruise based on the the SAW films, including celebrity guests and movie screenings!!  Here is a brief description of the cruise from the main website, sawatsea.com:
 
Let’s play a game...onboard the beautiful and luxurious Carnival Glory! If you’re a Fan of the "SAW" movies, you don’t want to miss this once-in-a lifetime opportunity to cruise with your favorite "SAW" Celebrities. This amazing (5) night cruise departs from New York City and travels to the most beautiful points in Canada (the last six "SAW" movies were filmed in Canada). Your onboard meals are included. Each cabin will also receive a $50 Carnival Credit. During this amazing cruise, you will be able to party with the "SAW" Stars and meet other fans who love "SAW" just like you! You will attend fantastic pool and dance parties, question and answer Sessions and many special events. You can also get autographs from the "SAW" stars, take FREE individual photos with the "SAW" stars, attend FREE movie screenings, and much, much more.


  I think this is a very cool idea.  Cruises are a lot of fun anyway, but having actors from your favorite saw films, movie screenings, and tons of horror fans all on the cruise together sounds like a blast!!
Here is some info about the guests that will be appearing on the cruise:


Meet and party with SAW legend, Costas Mandylor ("Hoffman"), Ned Bellamy ("Jeff" the Drill Chair Man in the original SAW movie), the very sexy Anne Greene (who played "Dina" in the opening scene in SAW 3D) and the beautiful actress Rebecca Marshall ("Suzanne" who gets killed in the "Eye Trap" in SAW 3D).  
Dan Yeager and Mark Rolston are coming on the Cruise: Meet Dan Yeager, who stars as the legendary "Leatherface" in the new movie: Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D. Dan is a gracious and incredible person -- learn all about the man behind the Chain-SAW! Best of all, everyone on the SAW Cruise will get a FREE Dan Yeager Autographed Photo.
Mark Rolston is also coming on the Cruise. Mark played "Erickson" in SAW 5 and SAW 6 and he’s great with fans. Mark is an outstanding actor and he’s been in many unforgettable movies including The Shawshank Redemption, Eraser, Aliens and The Departed. In a special appearance, Jigsaw's legendary "Puppet" will be onboard the Cruise! This Puppet was used and seen in the SAW movies.


Sounds like a blast!  I can't tell from the website if there are still openings available or not.   At one point on the website it says "Cabins Still Available", but at the bottom it looks as though they might all be sold out.  If you are interested in going, call the 800#  below to check on availability.
If they are booked up for this cruise, then you know they will probably do another one soon!


Travel arrangements by Boca Raton Travel & Cruises
CLICK HERE to book online
or Contact Dee or Lauri at 1-800-326-1414

Horror In The News: A West Virginia man tortures and keeps wife chained up for 10 years!

  
  If this were the plot of a horror movie coming out, I'm sure we'd all rush to the theater to see it.  But when something like this happens in real life, you just can't help but wonder how one person could do this to another. 

Apparently, Peter Lizon, age 37, imprisoned his wife and tortured her in different ways for a better part of 10 years.  This torture included burning her all over her body, forcing her to give birth while chained  up, and breaking both of her feet with a "piece of farm equipment".   This is just a few of the things this poor woman had to suffer through.  Read the full article for all the details.  

This is pretty sick and shocking, and I wish the woman involved a full and speedy recovery from her injuries. 


CLICK HERE to read the full article from the Duluth News Tribune

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, July 10th, 2012

  









 
Here are this week's horror/exploitation related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 7/10:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  BLADE 2 [Blu-ray]
*  DARK SHADOWS:  THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SERIES
*  FELL
*  FREAKSHOW APOCALYPSE:  THE UNHOLY SIDESHOW
*  TWINS OF EVIL  [Blu-ray/DVD combo pack]
*  YOU'RE NOBODY TILL SOMEBODY KILLS YOU

Check out the trailer for the crazy shark film, SAND SHARKS!

   
  Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water....well, now you can't even go on the beach!   If you haven't seen the trailer for SAND SHARKS, I suggest you go watch it now.   This looks so over-the-top that it could be a lot of fun!  The film stars Brooke Hogan (daughter of wrestling legend, Hulk Hogan).   Here is the basic plot of the film from the Phase 4 Films website:
 
 
Jimmy Green, a prodigal party boy, is throwing the spring break festival of a lifetime. Little do the hundreds of teenage party-goers know, an underwater earthquake has cracked open a crater beneath the ocean’s surface. This demolition unleashes the first beast to ever swim through sand. It mercilessly feeds on anything that crosses its path, and it is up to those left on the island to stop the carnage.                              
 
 
Check out the trailer and let me know what you think.  It looks like lot of cheesy fun to me!!  SAND SHARKS will be released on DVD July 31st.
  
  
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to pre-order the DVD from Amazon.com

Check out the red-band trailer for the Australian shark film, BAIT 3D!

  Back in May of 2011, I posted a trailer for an Australian horror film called BAIT 3D, about a killer shark in a supermarket.  Now, I know that sounds a little far fetched, but the film actually looks really good.  Here is the plot synopsis from the Upcoming Horror Movies website:
 
In a sleepy coastal resort community, shoppers at an underground supermarket find themselves terrorized by a crazed bandit when the unimaginable occurs... A monstrous freak tsunami swallows the town.

Now trapped inside a flooded supermarket with an armed maniac and rushing water threatening to entomb them all in a watery grave, tensions mount, tempers snap, and the imprisoned band of survivors discover the threat from without has ignited an even more immediate threat from within. Their own desire to survive whatever the cost.

However as hostilities reach breaking point the survivors discover they are not alone. The tsunami has brought some unwanted visitors from the depths, and as the waters rise they must overcome not only the threat of drowning and the human menace within their midst, but a threat more deadly than both and far more bloodthirsty... packs of hungry tiger sharks.
 
 
  So, as you can see from this plot synopsis, a shark in a supermarket makes total sense!  BAIT 3D is set for DVD/Blu-ray release on September 18th (with a limited theatrical run September 14th).


CLICK HERE to watch the red-band trailer

MUST WATCH! Check out the trailer for the new kung-fu film, THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS

     

 

 

  Ok, I know what you are thinking.  Why am I plugging a Kung-fu movie on my horror blog.  Well, because the trailer for THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS looks freakin' awesome, that's why!!  Check it out and see for yourself.  Plus, there are few horror elements to it.  For one, it looks like the battle scenes are going to be bloody as hell.  Also, horror Director Eli Roth (HOSTEL, CABIN FEVER) co-wrote the screenplay along with RZA, known for his love of horror movies and kung-fu films (you probably know him as a founding member of the group Wu-Tang Clan).  This is RZA's first film, and it looks like it is going to be an amazing debut!!  
  Check out the trailer and let me know what you think!


CLICK HERE to watch the red band trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

Movie Review: AREA 407 (2012)

 

AREA 407
Written and Directed by Dale Fabrigar & Everette Wallin
Distributed by IFC Films

A while back I did a blog post about the trailer for a good looking "found footage" film called, AREA 407.   I was hoping the movie itself would be as good as the trailer made it look to be, and I can honestly say that it is.  In fact, it is even better than I thought it was going to be based on the trailer.

For those not familiar with the film, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of the IFC Films website:

AREA 407 features lost footage too real for reality and too disturbing for fiction. Following two teenagers flying from New York to Los Angeles on New Years Eve, a nightmare quickly begins when their plane hits extreme turbulence mid-flight. The relentless weather attack causes panic and terror amongst the passengers until the plane ultimately crashes in a remote government-testing area. The handful of survivors from the crash, bloody and disoriented, are then insistently pursued in the darkness by unknown predators that, unbeknownst to them, are part of the government's top-secret Mesa Experiment.

  I know a lot of folks are getting tired of the "found-footage" type of films, but do not let that keep you from watching this film.  AREA 407 sets the standard for what "found-footage" type films should be.  

  The film grabs you from the very beginning with a very realistic scene of a plane going down.  The camera roles as you hear the panic an desperation in all the passengers.   I can't imagine anything more frightening than being in a plane crash, and this film puts you right in the middle of one.  But...as the tag line states,  "The plane crash was just the beginning".  And right they are.  The crash was just the beginning of the problems the survivors have to go through. 

  The acting is very good in this film and is very realistic.   The survivors are made up a very diverse group of people, and personalities clash when they are threatened by something lurking in the dark. 

  I don't want to say too much about this film, as I don't want to give any of it away.  Do yourself a favor and check this out as soon as you can.   AREA 407 is available on demand from some cable providers and the DVD is set for release next month, on August 28.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to Pre-order the DVD from Amazon.com
    

Happy 4th of July!!! Check out the awesome 4th of July sale from Full Moon Entertainment!

 
  The great folks over at Full Moon Features wanted me to tell you about an awesome 4th of July sale they have going on now through July 9th.  They have 4 new items in the store this week and you will get free giftcards with your purchase (over certain $ ammounts).  
 
Here is the info from the Full Mon website:


 Full Moon is unleashing its annual 4th of July sale, running from Tuesday, July 3rd through Monday, July 9th!
 
 In addition to releasing four brand new items in our online store, we are offering a special Gift Card deal for customers who spend a certain amount during the sale. The Gift Card promotion works in several tiers, as explained below:

Spend $50, get a FREE $25 gift card!
Spend $100 , get a FREE $50 gift card!
Spend $200, get a FREE $100 gift card!
Spend $400, get a FREE $200 gift card!*

*(In order to get the next higher gift card, you must qualify for each tier before shipping costs. If a gift card is used during the sale to make a purchase, you will not get an additional free gift card.)

Now check out the four new items that will be available for sale starting July 3rd!
 
 
The brand new replica of Drill Sergeant from Retro Puppet Master!

  





 

The Pinhead resin statue, available for the first time in years!

 
   
 

     
 
 

The Six Shooter resin statue, available for the first time in years!

      

     

 

 
  

The Zombies Vs. Strippers DVD, available for the first time anywhere!

      
  

 

 
  

Check out all these great deals over at the Full Moon website!!  Hurry, sale ends July 9th!!

(Click on the images above to purchase these items, or CLICK HERE to browse the entire Full Moon Direct store) 

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

  

Here are this week's horror/exploitation related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 7/3:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  THE ENTITIY  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  ELVIRA'S MOVIE MACABRE:  GIANT MONSTERS
*  GHOST IN THE MACHINE
*  JOSHUA
*  NIGHTWATCH
*  QUICKSILVER HIGHWAY
*  SOME GUY WHO KILLS PEOPLE

Book Review: JOSS WHEDON: THE COMPLETE COMPANION

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

   

JOSS WHEDON: THE COMPLETE COMPANION

Published by Titan Books

 

When Hayes mentioned that he had received a book about Joss Whedon, I cut him off in mid-sentence and told him that I HAD to read it for review. After all, I explained, Joss Whedon is one of my all-time idols. He is my Elvis and my Graceland, all rolled into one. And how can you not like the guy? He’s one of the greatest entertainment minds of our century!

 

The book is JOSS WHEDON: THE COMPLETE COMPANION and I’ll be honest: it’s not what I was expecting. I’m not sure why, but I automatically assumed it would be a biographical book, or at least a summary guide to his work. But, oh no...this book is way beyond that and is so much more than I can put into words here.

 

If you are not familiar with JOSS WHEDON: THE COMPLETE COMPANION, here is the book’s synopsis courtesy of the Titan Books website:

 

THE ESSENTIAL UNOFFICIAL GUIDE TO THE WHEDONVERSE

Joss Whedon’s importance in contemporary pop culture can hardly be overstated, but there has never been a book providing a comprehensive survey of his career as a whole – until now. The Complete Companion covers every aspect of the Whedonverse through insightful essays and interviews, including fascinating conversations with key collaborators Jane Espenson and Tim Minear.

Over 40 contributors have been brought together by PopMatters, the acclaimed international magazine of cultural criticism, to provide an irresistible mix of analysis, interpretation and sheer celebration. Whether you’re a student looking for critical approaches to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or a Browncoat who follows Nathan Fillion on Twitter (or, let’s face it, both) there is plenty here to enjoy.

Covers all the TV series, movies, and comic books, including:

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Fray, Astonishing X-Men, The Avengers... and more!

   

 First off, let me say that this is one of THE BEST books about an entertainment-industry figure that I’ve ever read. It is beyond comprehensive, and it goes so much deeper than just a filmography or even a simple biography could. Contained on these pages are true insights and analysis of how one man has changed the world.

  

The format of JOSS WHEDON: THE COMPLETE COMPANION is simple: each of Whedon’s major TV shows (Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse) has their own section, and inside each section is a variety of interviews, essays, and analytical interpretations of said work. There are also separate sections for Whedon’s films and comics as well. The insights into his works are amazing and give you many reasons to look at his creations with very different eyes.

  

For example, some of the essays are in-depth explanations of the symbolism and meanings within specific TV show episodes; others are interviews with the cast and/or creators of the shows; some give enlightenment as to the spiritual aspects of the shows; and other pieces simply explain the fun factors behind the stories. Every piece in this book helps to showcase the intricacies and love of the Whedonverse; these pieces are works of passion, created and analyzed by (mostly) true fans of Joss Whedon’s creations.

  

I highly recommend this book as a ‘companion’ to Whedon’s art. If you’ve never seen a Joss Whedon creation (shame on you...you’re missing out), then this is the perfect book to read before you do. And if you’re already a fan, then you’ll be in Whedon-Nirvana. Regardless of which one you are, you’re sure to learn a little bit more about who Whedon is, and probably yourself along the way. 

 

-MSB

  

CLICK HERE to purchase JOSS WHEDON: THE COMPLETE COMPANION book from Titan Books

  

Win a copy of DEAD GENESIS on DVD from Shattered Ravings!

4H Contributing writer Scott Baker recently reviewed an independent zombie film called DEAD GENESIS.  You can read his review here.  Not only did he review it, but now he is giving away a copy of the DVD to a lucky reader of his Shattered Ravings blog!   Entering is easy, and the contest ends July 14th at midnight. Hurry and enter today!!




CLICK HERE to go to the DEAD GENESIS contest post on the Shattered Ravings Blog site.

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of the film

TROMA SHARES 96 FULL MOVIES WITH FANS ON YOUTUBE FOR FREE

 

That's right!  You can watch 96 full length fimls in their entirety on Troma's You Tube
channel, absolutely FREE!!

Here is the press release I just got from Troma with all the details:

June 29, 2012, New York, NY - Greetings from Tromaville! Another group of full movies has been added to Troma's YouTube channel.  Troma is now sharing almost 100 highly rated and critically acclaimed movies with our loyal fans for free, to show gratitude for their 40 years of support. The channel is at:  http://www.youtube.com/user/Tromamovies/videos, and more films are added every day. New feature films recently added include:     Hellblock 13 Merchant of Death Bacon Head Screamplay Meat Weed Madness No Way Back Seduction of a Nerd Play Dead Superstarlet AD Slaughter Party Scarlet Moon Skeleton Coast Farts of Darkness Sucker The Vampire Mad Dog Morgan Shakespeare In and Out Fag HagCoons Wow!  Pretty cool!   Here is a list of some of the other great Troma films that were already on Troma's You Tube channel:    A Nymphoid Barbarian In Dinosaur Hell Actium Maximus Albert Schweitzer Blades Blondes Have More Guns Blood Hook Bugged! Buttcrack Cannibal! The Musical Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger Part IV Class Of Nuke'Em High Class of Nuke'Em High 2: Subhumanoid Meltdown Class Of Nuke'Em High Part 3: The Good, The Bad, And The Subhumanoid Death By Dialogue Devoured Fertilize the Blaspheming Bombshell Fraternity Demon Frightmare Graduation Day Lust for freedom Monster In The Closet NightBeast Nightmare Weekend Plutonium Baby Redneck Zombies Sgt Kabukiman NYPD Splendor and Wisdom Squeeze Play! Story Of A Junkie Stuck On You! Surf Nazis Must Die! Terror Firmer The Dark Side of Midnight The Last Horror Film The Toxic Avenger The Toxic Avenger Part 2 The Wedding Party Toxic Avenger Part 3: The Last Temptation Of Toxie Troma's War Tromeo & Juliet Viewer Discretion Advised Waitress! When Nature Calls Wizards of the Demon Sword You can watch all these great films at Troma's You Tube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/Tromamovies/videos Thanks Troma!!

Announcing the winner of the autographed SPIRIT CAMP DVD!!

Congratulations to Eric King, winner of the latest 4H Blog Giveway!!  Eric runs a cool Robocop themed sci/fi blog...click HERE to visit his blog.   Eric will be receiving the autographed copy of SPIRIT CAMP on DVD!     

 Don't worry if you didn't win...you can get your own copy by clicking below.   This is a must have for horror fans!!

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of SPIRIT CAMP and purchase your own DVD

DVD Review: FILMGORE (1983)

  
FILMGORE
Written by Forrest J Ackerman & Ken Dixon
Directed by Ken Dixon
Distributed by Full Moon Features
  
  Full Moon Features recently released a group of films they call the FULL MOON'S GRINDHOUSE COLLECTION.   This is a great group of films, some of which have never been available on DVD before!   Tonight's review is for one of the films from the Full Moon Grindhouse collection called, FILMGORE.  
  
  FILMGORE is a compilation feature.  It is hosted by the one and only Elvira ,Cassandra Peterson, and features some of the most famous scenese from a number of classic well known (and some not so well known) horror films from the past.  Some of the films featured are THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, SNUFF, BLOOD FEAST, DRILLER KILLER, 2000 MANIACS, and more!
 
  Throughout the film, you get introductions to each featured movie by Elvira, the Mistress of the Dark.  Elvira is known for her one-liners and puns, and they (along with her ample cleavage) are on disply here for sure.   Some are pretty funny, but some are so bad it's a PUN-ishment to have to sit through them!  Ha!
 
  This is a fun film showcasing some of the best scenes from these horror films, without having to sit through all the complete movies.   Most true horror fans will already have most of the films featured in FILMGORE, but it is still fun to have all the "greatest hits" on one DVD, and it is great to see Elvira in her prime.
  
  The Full Moon Features Grindhouse collection contains 10 different DVD's, and they are all priced at only $10 each over at the Full Moon website!    These are some great DVD's to add to your collection at a great price!


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer for FILMGORE
CLICK HERE to purchase FILMGORE on DVD
CLICK HERE to check out the entire lineup of Full Moon's Grindhouse Collection

It's your last chance to enter my latest DVD giveaway!!

 The FREE autographed copy of SPIRIT CAMP on DVD will be given out tomorrow, 6/27!  If you haven't already entered to win, go do so now!  All you have to do is leave a comment on the original giveaway post...it's that easy!!


CLICK HERE to go to the original giveaway post to read the rules and enter the contest

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, June 26th, 2012

Here are this week's horror/exploitation related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 6/26:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  ALL DARK PLACES
*  AMOK TRAIN
*  BLACK COBRA WOMAN
*  DADDY'S HOME
*  DON'T FALL ASLEEP
*  NINA:  CRAZY SUICIDE GIRL
*  PARASITIC
*  SECTOR 7  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE SPIRIT IS WILLING  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  TALES THAT WITNESS MADNESS  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  TIED IN BLOOD:  A BONE CHILLING GHOST STORY
*  TOXIC LULLABY
*  ZOMBIEFIED

Bargain Horror Find.....ALFRED HITCHCOCK: THE MASTER OF SUSPENSE: A POP-UP BOOK by Kees Moerbeek

  I love finding cheap stuff.  Not cheap as in poorly made, but stuff that is on sale for a fraction of what it cost when it first came out or when it was new.  I especially love finding cheap stuff when it is horror related, so I was on cloud nine while browsing the $2.99 Clearance Books at my local Hastings Entertainment store and running across this beautiful book!  It's the ALFRED HITCHCOCK:  THE MASTER OF SUSPENSE: A POP-UP BOOK by Kees Moerbeek.
 
  This is a beautiful hardcover pop-up book which features pop-ups of some of the most famous scenes from some of Hitchcock's most well known films, including: Saboteur, Vertigo, Psycho, The Birds, Marnie, Torn Curtain, and Frenzy. 

  For a look inside the book, check out this cool You Tube video I found, where you can see every pop-up from the book!
 


  This is a must have for Hitchcock fans.  The book came out back in 2006, so you might not be able to find it at your local bookstore, but it is readily available on-line, and can even be found used  for less than $10 from some sellers!  Here are some links to help you if you wish to purchase this book.  Check them all to see who has the cheapest used price at the time.

CLICK HERE to purchase this book from AMAZON.com
CLICK HERE to purchase this book from BARNES&NOBLE.com
CLICK HERE to purchase this book from GOHASTINGS.com

Check out the cool trailer for the sci-fi / horror film, REPORT 51

  
 I recently came across the trailer for REPORT 51, or R51 as it is also known, while browsing trailers on You Tube.   I  knew nothing about this film and haven't heard anything about it which seems strange to me, as this trailer looks really cool.  It is a another entry into the "found footage" sub-genre, which I know is being a little over done, but don't let that keep you from giving this one a chance.  I think based on this trailer that REPORT 51 could be a great film.
This is an Italian film directed by Alessio Liguori.  Here is the basic plot from the film's imdb.com page:

  After a strange sighting, four friends decide to move in the near woodlands to investigate. Soon their week-end becomes a nightmare and a race for survival.

I haven't found any release dates or DVD release info, so I'm not sure when we will be able to check out the full film, but until then, check out the trailer by clicking below and let me know what you think! 

 
CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website

Book Review: PROMETHEUS: THE ART OF THE FILM by Mark Salisbury

     
PROMETHEUS:  THE ART OF THE FILM
by Mark Salisbury
Published by Titan Books

 If you have not seen PROMETHEUS in theaters yet, I suggest you do so asap!    It was one of the most enjoyable films I have seen in a long time and has found it's place as one of my favorite Sci-fi films of all time!   I am not the biggest Sci-fi fan  (you all know my favorite genre), but I thought this film was amazing.  

  Like the film, PROMETHEUS: THE ART OF THE FILM by Mark Salisbury is also amazing.  The book is published by Titan Books,  who are known for producing some of the best movie tie in books around, and after one look at this book, I have no doubt you will agree.

  Here is a brief description of the book from the book's press release:

  As the only book to directly tie in to the film, this lavish title serves as an exclusive guide to the never-before-seen content, including newly revealed production art, exclusive interviews, extraordinary behind-the-scenes material and an introduction by legendary director Ridley Scott.

PROMETHEUS: THE ART OF THE FILM is a beautiful hardback book containing 192 pages and too-many-to-count color photos.    This is a true "coffee table" book, with dimensions of 11 3/4in x 9in.   This is one book you will definitely want to show off.

  A written review of this film is probably unfair to the book.  Words can not describe how good this book looks.  The pictures are amazing and every aspect of the film is represented in beautiful full color pictures.   The book is broken down into chapters that describe all the stunning props, sets, and creatures of the film.  Along with all the beautiful color photos, there is a remarkable set of black and white photos documenting the disintegration of the Engineer from the opening scene of the film.  The opening of the film is brilliant and it is neat seeing it broken down in pictures.

 While the main spaceship, The Prometheus, gets a lot of attention in the book, all the smaller vehicles are described in text and in photos as well.   We also get great descriptions of all the costumes and space suits and even a great look inside the pyramid including one of my personal faves, some photos depicting the construction of the giant Engineer head statue. 

 As mentioned in the book's description above, along with all the great photos is a lot of production art.  This include some paintings, but mainly lots of drawings and sketches about how something is supposed to look. It is very interesting to see what the set designers drew and how the actual finished product looks.

  This is in my opinion, one of the greatest movie tie in books off all time.   It is a must have for fans of this film, and if you weren't sure if you wanted to see the film or not, I bet you will definitely want to see it after looking through these gorgeous photos and all the great info from the film.

  PROMETHEUS: THE ART OF THE FILM  is available now from Titan Books! 
 

CLICK HERE to purchase the book
 

Check out the trailer for the new anthology film, V/H/S

 Ok, I know I am a little behind here.  Most all of you by now have seen the awesome trailer for the upcoming film, V/H/S.    If you haven't seen it yet, where have you been?  If you have seen it already, well then you know it is worth watching again! 

Here is a the synopsis of the film from the Magnet Releasing website:

When a group of petty criminals is hired by a mysterious party to retrieve a rare piece of found footage from a rundown house in the middle of nowhere, they soon realize that the job isn’t going to be as easy as they thought. In the living room, a lifeless body holds court before a hub of old television sets, surrounded by stacks upon stacks of VHS tapes. As they search for the right one, they are treated to a seemingly endless number of horrifying videos, each stranger than the last.

Bringing together some of the top filmmakers in the game today, this wickedly conceived horror anthology sends the viewer through a gauntlet of suspense, terror, shock, and downright brutality—instantly distinguishing itself from a sea of lackluster found-footage horror flicks. The diverse and deviously creative minds behind V/H/S shatter any preconceived notions about the genre, making it feel inventive and captivating once again.
 
V/H/S premieres On Demand starting August 31st and will be in theaters on October 5, 2012.   I'm not sure what kind of theatrical release this is going to get....hopefully it will not just be a limited release as I would love to check this on out in the theater!
   
 
CLICK HERE to watch the Red Band Trailer for V/H/S

Blu-ray Review: THOU SHALT NOT KILL...EXCEPT (1985)

    
THOU SHALT NOT KILL...EXCEPT
Directed by  Josh Becker
Distributed by Synapse Films
 
 The great folks over at Synapse Films have been putting out some remarkable DVDs and Blu-rays lately, and this is another fine addition to their rapidly growing catalog.   Synapse has been putting out a lot of great flicks from the 80's lately, some of which are very well known, and then lesser known gems like THOU SHALT NOT KILL...EXCEPT.   I had heard of this film before, but I had never seen any of it or even heard anything about it until I got the great DVD/Blu-ray combo pack.   Here is the basic synopsis from the Synapse Films website:
 
Vietnam, 1969. War is Hell. For Marine Sergeant Jack Stryker (Brian Schulz), however, Hell is just the beginning. Trapped outside a Viet Cong village, Stryker takes two bullets to the leg. Sent home from the war, he discovers his ex-girlfriend (Cheryl Hausen) has been kidnapped by a religious cult with a vicious Manson-like leader (played by THE EVIL DEAD and SPIDER-MAN trilogy director, Sam Raimi). Stryker teams up with some marine friends to form an assassination squad and annihilate the gang of crazed killers.
   
 THOU SHALT NOT KILL...EXCEPT is one of those rare gems, a film a lot of people have probably never seen, and probably never even heard of.   Hopefully that will change with Synapse's awesome new release.   The back of the Blu-ray box states that "this film features many of the people responsible for the EVIL DEAD films, including co-writer Bruce Campbell, writer/producer Scott Spiegel, composer Joseph LoDuca, and actor Ted Raimi".  If that isn't enough to get you interested, than I don't know what is!    Now get me wrong, this film is no EVIL DEAD, but then , most movies aren't in my opinion.  It is a very good film, though, and one worthy of adding to your DVD/Blu-ray library.  
    
  There is some pretty good gore throughout the film, and some very memorable scenes....one that stands out in my mind is a scene where the evil cult has the sheriff  tied to a tree and they are playing lawn darts with him as the target! 
 
   If you have not seen this film, do yourself a favor and check this film out.  The DVD/Blu-ray combo pack is available now and includes the following special features:
 

*  All-New High-Definition 2K Digital Restoration from the Original Negative

*  The Original Super 8mm Short film, STRYKER’S WAR Short Film, starring Bruce Campbell!

*  Made in Michigan: The Making of THOU SHALT NOT KILL… EXCEPT - Featurette

*  Two Audio Commentaries Featuring Director Josh Becker, Bruce Campbell and Star Brian   Schulz

*  All-New Video Interview with Bruce Campbell

*  Deleted Scene with Optional Director’s Commentary

*  Alternate Title Sequence

*  Original Theatrical Trailer

*  Reversible Cover Artwork
 
 

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to purchase the Blu-ray/DVD combo pack
   

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, June 19, 2012

   

Here are this week's horror/exploitation related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out 6/19:
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)
 
  
*  THE AWAKENED
*  BELOW GROUND:  THE DEMON HOLOCAUST
*  THE DISCO EXORCIST
*  EXIT HUMANITY
*  FAMILY DEMONS
*  GRAVE DANGER
*  HEADSPACE [DVD &  Blu-ray]
*  ILSA:  HAREM KEEPER OF THE OIL SHEIKS
*  KIDS GO TO THE WOODS...KIDS GET DEAD
*  MOTHER'S DAY EVIL
*  P.O.E.:   POETRY OF EERIE
*  TREASURE CHEST OF HORRORS
*  WITCHMASATER GENERAL
*  WITHCSLAYER GRETL

Horror in the News: 63 Year Old Woman Becomes Pregnant With Baby Squid!!

  
 Ok, I know that sounds like a headline from THE WEEKLY WORLD NEWS or some other check-out line tabloid, but this is actually true!!  Well, sort of anyway.  Ok, so SHE didn't actually become pregnant with a baby squid, but her mouth was "impregnated" with a baby squid.  Confusing, well, read the article from the UK's Daily Mail website.  Here is a portion of the article, with a link at the end to the full article should you desire to read more!  This story was also reported on the International Business Times website.  There is a link to both articles at the bottom of this post.


According to the dailymail.co.uk:
 
A 63-year-old woman became 'pregnant' with 12 baby squid after eating calamari, according to a claim in a bio-tech report.
  
The real-life 'octo-mum', from South Korea, was eating a portion of cooked whole squid when she felt a sharp pain in her mouth.

The lady told doctors that she could feel something in her mouth which they described as 'bug-like organisms'.
 
When examined, the doctors found 'baby cephalopods' attached to her mouth. These are small pods, covered in a cement-like material to make them stick.
  
Inside the pods is an 'ejaculatory apparatus' and sperm - with the apparatus expelling the sperm quite forcefully.
   
'Twelve small, white spindle-shaped, bug-like organisms stuck in the mucous membrane of the tongue, cheek, and gingiva [gums] were completely removed, along with the affected mucosa.
 
'On the basis of their morphology and the presence of the sperm bag, the foreign bodies were identified as squid spermatophores.'

  
 Ok, so the moral of the story is to never eat squid with the organs still in it...cook it until it is well done, and by all means, dont' eat male squid!  For those wondering, the article does go on to say that she did not swallow.  Sorry, couldn't resist.
    
    
CLICK HERE to read the full article from the dailymail.uk.com
or CLICK HERE to read the article from International Business Times website.