Blu-ray Review: THE SEASONING HOUSE (2012)

  
THE SEASONING HOUSE
Directed by Paul Hyett
Distributed by WELL GO USA

  From the looks of the Blu-ray cover I was expecting some cheesy, Japanese style horror film...like along the lines of RINGU or the JU-ON films.  The cover image just reminded me of that for some reason.  Well, I am happy to say that THE SEASONING HOUSE is nothing like that at all. In fact, it's not really a horror film at all, although it does contain some horror aspects. More on that later, first, here is the basic plot synopsis from the Well Go USA website:

  The Seasoning House - where young girls are prostituted to the military. Angel (Rosie Day), an orphaned deaf mute, is enslaved to care for them. She moves between the walls and crawlspaces, planning her escape. Planning her ingenious and brutal revenge.

  This film is more of a dark drama/suspense/thriller...it's not a true horror film by any means.  The acting in this film is superb and some scenes look like they really took a lot effort from the actors.   The film was shot well and just looks good.  One thing I could not get over was how good some of the kill scenes were.  One scene in particular that was so good was a stabbing scene.  I have never seen such a realistic stabbing scene in a movie before. This scene made me cringe many times, something that most movies can't do.  This scene was super bloody and extremely brutal.  It's hard to watch so be warned!

 This shows to be Director Paul Hyett's first feature film according to his imdb.com page.   This is very impressive and I can't wait to check out more from Mr. Hyett in the future!  THE SEASONING HOUSE is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Well Go USA.   I highly recommend this one!!


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

Check out the new teaser trailer for next summer's GODZILLA film!

   I have to admit that I have had zero excitement for this film since hearing about it.  I guess after the awful 1998 GODZILLA remake, I had pretty much given up on this franchise.  But, I have to say after seeing this new trailer, I am actually excited about seeing this new version.    This trailer looks amazing visually, and I hope the entire movie has this look and feel to it.   I think we might be in for a real treat with this one!  GODZILLA has a release date set for May 16th, 2014, although that is subject to change.

  Take a look at the trailer and comment to let me know what you think about this film.  Will you be checking this one out in the theaters?  I know I will be!

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, December 10th, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 12/10
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  7E
*  BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO
*  THE SEASONING HOUSE  [DVD and Blu-ray]
*  A SERBIAN FILM: UNCUT
*  SILENT NIGHT, BLOODY NIGHT  (1973)
*  THE SNAKE GOD  (1970)
*  ZOMBIE NIGHT  [DVD and Blu-ray]

Blu-ray Review: ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE (2006)

 
ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE
Directed by Jonathan Levine
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

  This is one film that I have been looking forward to seeing for years.   I heard about this movie years ago, and periodically there would be news of a DVD release date, but that date would come and go and the release kept being delayed.  Finally, ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE has been released by the great folks at Anchor Bay Entertainment!   I am happy to say, it was worth the wait!  This was one of the most enjoyable horror films I have seen this year!  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Anchor Bay website:

  Amber Heard (Machete Kills) stars as Mandy Lane, an untouchable Texas high-school beauty who is invited by her classmates to a weekend getaway at a secluded ranch. But as the sun goes down and the party rages on, the festivities take a disturbing turn. And for lovely Mandy Lane, a night of endless horror has just begun. Anson Mount (“Hell On Wheels”), Whitney Able (Monsters) and Michael Welch (The Twilight Saga) co-star in this acclaimed and controversial shocker from director Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies).

  As I said before, this film was definitely worth the wait.  I really enjoyed this film for a number of reasons.  The main thing I loved about this film was the style of it.  It was shot very well and in a cool style, with some different scene fades, and some other shots I am not used to in a horror film.  It's hard for me to really describe, but you will see what I mean about the shooting style when you see it. 

  Another great thing about this film is the acting.  I thought it was done very well with not a weak actor in the group.   The story is one we have seen before  (kids go to a camp/cabin/whatever and get picked off one by one), but this film managed to bring a nice twist to this overly done plot theme.   I can't say I didn't see it coming, and you will most definitely figure out who the killer is before it is revealed, but there is still a nice twist at the end that you probably wont see coming.  

  I highly recommend this film for any fan of slasher flicks.  ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Anchor Bay Films, and includes Feature Commentary with Director Jonathan Levine.


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

Here's a recommendation for a great new horror novel, THE DEVIL'S WOODS by Brian Moreland

THE DEVIL'S WOODS
by Brian Moreland
Published by Samhain Publishing

"This is indeed prime, grade-A horror writing." - Scott Baker, Shattered Ravings

For those of you into horror novels, you will definitely want to check out this new book that came out this week.  It is THE DEVIL'S WOODS by Brian Moreland.  My buddy Scott, who runs the Shattered Ravings Blog, gave this book a great review last month.  You can read his review HERE.  Here is the book's plot synopsis from it's Amazon.com page:

 Deep within the Canadian wilderness, people have been disappearing for over a century. There is a place the locals call “the Devil’s Woods,” but to speak of it will only bring the devil to your door. It is a place so evil that even animals avoid it.
  When their father’s expedition team goes missing, Kyle Elkheart and his brother and sister return to the abandoned Cree Indian reservation where they were born. Kyle can see ghosts that haunt the woods surrounding the village—and they seem to be trying to warn him.  The search for their father will lead Kyle and his siblings to the dark heart of the legendary forest, where their mission will quickly become a fight for survival.


 My buddy Scott has been telling me about Mr. Moreland's novels for some time now.  I trust his judgment completely, as we seem to have the same taste in anything and everything horror related. So if he says this book is a great read, then I believe it, even if I haven't read it myself yet.  Between my full time job, a wife and twin 7 year old boys, and running this blog, I just don't seem to find the time to read like I used to, but I am going to try to find, no, make time to read some of Mr. Moreland's books this coming year.  In fact, I think I will just go ahead and make that one of my New Year's resolutions!

  If you are a fan of horror novels, check out THE DEVIL'S WOODS or any of Mr. Moreland's other great novels. 

CLICK HERE to purchase THE DEVIL'S WOODS

CLICK HERE to visit the official website of author Brian Moreland for info on some of his other novels

DVD Review: HORROR STORIES (2012)

HORROR STORIES
Distributed by:  Artsploitation Films

  I am  a huge fan of foreign horror films, especially Asian horror.  I am also a huge fan of horror anthologies, so this South Korean horror anthology film had a lot going for it in my eyes before I ever watched it.  Luckily, upon actually watching the film, I was not disappointed in the least.  This is one of the better horror anthologies I have seen in a while!   Here is some info on the film from the Artsploitation Films website:


Horror anthologies might be everywhere these days, but the Korean entry Horror Stories raises the bar with four terrifying stories (and a nail-biting wraparound tale), each one chilling enough to be its own feature. If you thought this was going to be a tame collection of teen-friendly “ghost girl” stories – think again. Horror Stories goes right for the jugular with non-stop splatter, intense shocks and riveting suspense. A high school girl is abducted and forced by a psycho to tell him the scariest tales she knows.

• “Don’t Answer the Door” finds a little brother and sister home alone at night and under siege.
• “Endless Flight” has a serial killer escaping police custody in the middle of an otherwise empty flight.
• “Secret Recipe” serves up a wildly macabre fairy tale about two jealous stepsisters who take plastic surgery to nightmarish extremes.
• “Ambulance on the Death Zone” is a claustrophobic zombie shocker with a paramedic and a mother at a standoff over her possibly infected young daughter.

An international genre festival success from Sitges to Fantasia, this is one of the best Korean horror films in years and has been called “one of the scariest Asian horror anthologies of the 21st century” (horror-movies.ca).


HORROR STORIES is a must see for any horror fan in my opinion.  The production value is top notch and the acting in all 4 stories is superb.  I think the first and last story are my favorites by far, with the last story (“Ambulance on the Death Zone”) being my favorite.  This is a zombie film done in a very unique way, as most of the entire film takes place inside an ambulance.  The confined space of the ambulance really works well with this story and adds to the suspense.  

HORROR STORIES is available now on DVD and it includes the following Special Features:

*  Cast Interviews
*  12-page Collectible Booklet
*  Reversible Cover Art
*  Artsploitation Trailers


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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 12/3
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  DEMON
*  RENFIELD THE UNDEAD
*  SATURN 3  [Blu-ray/DVD combo]
*  THE SEASONING HOUSE  [Blu-ray]
*  TRAIL OF BLOOD

Check out these great Black Friday/Cyber Monday DVD/Blu-ray sales!!

 









 I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!!   As you know, today is the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday!   Well, you don't have to go out and face the crowds  today, as lots of online retailers are offering Black Friday deals on their online stores!   Horror fans should definitely take advantage of these following Black Friday deals from some popular movie companies, most of which last all weekend long:


VCI Entertainment is offering 55% off on all their DVDs and Blu-rays!!! VCI has tons of classic horror movies on their site.  Click the pic below to go to the VCI site and us the CYBER55 promo code at checkout to get the discount!

Severin Films has a great 40% off sale and a buy 2 get a free DVD/Blu ray deal!!  Here is the info from the Severin Films site:

Starting Midnight this Friday, November 29th EST the Severin store will be knocking 40% off the price of all Severin and Intervision catalogue DVD and Blu-ray titles in stock. PLUS with every two discs purchased you get to choose a free INGLORIOUS BASTARDS, HARDWARE or BIRDEMIC disc to go with your order. Just specify in the notes with your order your choice of freebie out of HARDWARE single DVD or Blu-ray, INGLORIOUS single DVD or Blu-ray, or BIRDEMIC DVD or Blu-ray. If you order four discs then choose two freebies and so on. Please note that the catalog sale does not include the latest release HOT NIGHTS OF LINDA or HOUSE ON STRAW HILL but everything else is fair game while stock lasts! Sale ends at 11.59pm on Sunday, December 1st so stop by www.severin-films.com/store!


Full Moon Entertainment is offering a great deal where if you subscribe to their streaming service for 3 months (about $18), then you get 3 free DVDs or Blu-rays!! 

DVD Review: THANKSKILLING 3 (2012)

THANKSKILLING 3
Directed by Jordan Downey
Distributed by MVD Entertainment

  A few years ago, a little independent horror film came out called, THANKSKILLING.  The movie starred a hilarious talking turkey puppet named, well, Turkie.   The film was  a lot of fun and got quite the cult following.  It was just a matter of time before we got a sequel, but now Turkie is back in THANKSKILLING 3!   Here is the basic plot of the film from the movie's imdb.com page:

  Fowl-mouthed villain Turkie carves through the likes of a rapping grandma, a mindless puppet, a wig-wearing inventor, a bisexual space worm, and their equally ridiculous friends on his quest to recover the last copy of "ThanksKilling 2".
  So you might be asking, well what happened to THANKSKILLING 2?   Well, that's a valid question, but the answer there is no THANKSKILLING 2!  This is the first movie to skip it's own sequel!  Ha! That just shows you right there the kind of humor you are in for when you watch this movie.  I must admit, this film is not for everyone.  Even though it's a remarkably bigger budget than the first film, the film is still a low-budget film and it shows.  That being said, this is one of those movies that proves you do not need a huge budget to make a fun, entertaining film. 

 The film is probably more comedy than horror, but it does have horror aspects throughout the film.  One of my favorite things about the THANKSKILLING movies is how they give nods to other horror films.  This film had a hilarious homage to the EVIL DEAD films that literally made me laugh out loud!

  If you want a fun film that you can just sit back and watch without having to think about it at all, this is the film for you.   THANKSKILLING 3 is available now on DVD from MVD Entertainment and contains the following special features:

*  Behind the Beak Featurettes
*  Audio Commentaries
*  Sprinkle of Wrinkle Music Video
*  PluckMaster Infomercial
*  Trailers
*  Stills Galleries

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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, November 26th, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that come out tomorrow, 11/26
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  DAY OF THE ANIMALS [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD:  DRIFTERS OF THE DEAD [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  THE HORROR SHOW [Blu-ray/DVD combo pack]
*  LURKERS/DIE SISTER, DIE double feature

Sign the online petition to get Sony to release an unrated/extended cut of the EVIL DEAD remake!

 I saw this on the HAIL TO THE DEADITES facebook page.  There is a petition on change.org calling for Sony Entertainment to release an unrated/extended cut of the EVIL DEAD remake. 

  Some scenes were cut and some of the violence was toned down or cut to get a "R" rating for theatrical release.  Most fans assumed we would get to see the uncut/unrated version once the film hit DVD, but that didn't happen.  All the DVD contained was the original theatrical cut of the film. 
 
  I have no clue if this petition will help in any way, but it is worth a shot.  And in all honesty, I have a feeling they are planning  on putting  an uncut DVD out anyway.  Look how many different DVD releases of the original EVIL DEAD films there are!  I bet it's just a matter of time before we see this, but maybe this will help speed it up!

CLICK HERE to add your name to the petition and tell your friends to do the same!!

Horror In Real Life: Woman Sleeps With Husband's Corpse For A Year!

  Sometimes things happen that sound too bizarre to be true, like something out of a movie, but in fact they happen every day all over the world!  Take this story for instance!  A Belgian woman has kept her husbands corpse laying next to her in their bed for a full year!  This lady's husband died in November, 2012, but she was too upset to tell anyone and to let him go.  Kind of sad, but more gross and creepy really!

  Click the link below to read the full article, but be warned...the article includes a couple of pictures that the police took at the time they found the man's body in the bed that are very graphic. 

CLICK HERE to read the full article and see the pics

Machete is back....and this time, he's doing his killing in space!

 I saw this today while browsing one of my favorite websites, Quite Earth.  It seems as though director Robert Rodriguez just loves the character of Machete, played by Danny Trejo.  I didn't get a chance to catch MACHETE KILLS in the theater, but apparently this "fake" trailer accompanied the film.  The trailer is for MACHETE KILLS AGAIN...IN SPACE!    Ha, pretty crazy, and just a joke I'm sure.  But, I wouldn't doubt if we see this made someday.  MACHETE was originally a fake trailer too, but that turned into a feature film, so this could someday too!  One could only hope.  I would go see this for sure!  Ha!

CLICK HERE to watch the MACHETE KILLS AGAIN...IN SPACE trailer

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, November 19th, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays that came out today, 11/19
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  BADA$$ MOTHA F**KAS!!
*  CAESAR & OTTO'S DEADLY XMAS
*  FEAR LIVES HERE
*  I AM ZOZO
*  MANIAC COP 2  [Blu-ray/DVD combo]
*  MANIAC COP 3:  BADGE OF SILENCE  [Blu-ray/DVD combo]
*  NIGHT OF THE COMET [Blu-ray/DVD combo]
*  PRIMITIVE
*  PURSUIT:  THE SEARCH FOR BIGFOOT
*  THE RIPPING
*  SANGUIVOROUS  [DVD and Blu-ray]
*  SENNENTUNTSCHI:  CURSE OF THE ALPS
*  Z WAR

Blu-ray review: THE LORDS OF SALEM

    
THE LORDS OF SALEM
Written & Directed by Rob Zombie
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

 I know I am a little late on this review, but better late than never I guess.  THE LORDS OF SALEM is Rob Zombie's latest film which opened back in April of this year in limited theaters.  I didn't think I was going to be able to see this film in the theater, because it was not playing in any theaters around me at the time of it's release.  But a few weeks later, the next city over started playing it so I was able to go see it.   This film had been really hyped up, and being a huge fan of Rob Zombie's previous films, I was super excited to see this film.  Here is the basic plot of the film from the Anchor Bay website:

  It has been called “disturbing” (Los Angeles Times), “nerve-shattering” (Chicago Reader) and “Rob Zombie’s masterpiece” (Loudwire.com). From the nightmare mind of writer/director Rob Zombie comes the terrifying story of Salem, Massachusetts radio DJ Heidi LaRoc (Sheri Moon Zombie of THE DEVIL’S REJECTS) who receives a mysterious record labeled “a gift from The Lords”. But when Heidi plays the disc, its bizarre sounds will trigger visions of the town’s depraved past, release the darkness within her own damaged soul, and unleash the long-awaited vengeance of Satan himself. Bruce Davison (WILLARD) and a coven of genre legends co-star in this stunning witchcraft shocker that Beyond Hollywood calls “a full-on piece of satanic madness…

 I have to admit, when seeing the film in the theater, I was not blown away like I expected to be.  I didn't hate the film either, it seems as though I was just sort of on the fence about this one.  From reading other reviews it seems like you either loved it or hated it.  I was just indifferent to it upon first viewing.  I remember leaving the theater confused, and perplexed, wondering exactly what I had just seen.
 The film had it's pros and cons, and upon second viewing with the Anchor Bay Blu-ray release, I was able to find more pros than cons the second time around.   The movie was more enjoyable to me the second time around, maybe because I knew what to expect and I wasn't expecting a masterpiece like I was upon my first viewing.  I have to say that the acting in this film was excellent, especially from the seasoned veterans such as Bruce Davison, Dee Wallace, Meg Foster, and Patricia Quinn.  The film was also extremely good visually.  There are some very creepy visuals and a very good used of color in this film, reminiscent of the way color was used in Dario Argento's Three Mothers trilogy.

If you saw this film in the theater and felt a bit let down, I encourage you to give it a second viewing on home video.  THE LORDS OF SALEM is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Anchor Bay Entertainment.

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

DVD Review: PORN SHOOT MASSACRE (2008)

PORN SHOOT MASSACRE
Directed by  Corbin Timbrook
Distributed by MVD Entertainment

  With a name like that, this should be the best horror movie ever, right? Ha!  Well, it might not be the best horror movie ever, but PORN SHOOT MASSACRE is a fun film that is worth a watch.  Here is the plot of the film from the MVD website:

  A group of sexy women who think they are reporting to the set of a porn film get the shock of their lives when they discover they've been tricked into appearing in a horror movie -- where they will be the real-life victims.

  The movie is your typical killer goes around killing naked women type of slasher flick.  Nothing really new is brought to the table here, but that doesn't mean the movie can't still be entertaining.   Obviously you don't go into a movie with a title like that expecting too much, so that helps I'm sure.  The plot is pretty cool about the women who think they are reporting for a film shoot being the way the killer gets his victims. That is a pretty scary thought, but is one I have seen done in films before.

 For a low-budget, independent horror film, the movie is shot very well and looks well made.  The gore is pretty good throughout the film.  Some killings are done off screen or only seen by shadow silhouette, but that is a pretty cool way to do the killings on a low budget film. As expected, there is rampant nudity throughout the film, so be warned if you are offended by nudity in your horror films.  Although if you are offended by nudity in film, then you should probably think about another genre of film to enjoy other than horror!

PORN SHOOT MASSACRE is available on on DVD from MVD Entertainment.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer (**WARNING**--trailer contains nudity)
CLICK HERE to purchase the DVD

Check out the awesome new Monopoly game...THE WALKING DEAD edition!

 

  Thanks to my buddy Caleb for letting me know there is a new THE WALKING DEAD Monopoly game out now!  The classic game of Monopoly can now be played with a cool THE WALKING DEAD theme thanks to the great folks at Hasbro! All the properties are familiar locations from the show.   Very cool.  Looks like it is time to get rid of my SIMPSONS Monopoly game and trade up for this must-have version!
 
CLICK HERE to purchase the game

 

Check out the creepy trailer for the upcoming film, THE SECRET VILLAGE

  
  Check out the creepy trailer for the upcoming film, THE SECRET VILLAGE.  The film was written and directed by Swamy M. Kandan and is based on actual events! Here is the plot courtesy of the official press release:

  Ambitious, young journalist, Rachel (Ali Faulkner, Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1), is determined to make a front-page splash by unraveling the mystery behind an outbreak of strange events in a secretive, small town. She convinces a local (Richard Riehle, Office Space) to clandestinely meet with her to reveal what he knows about the ominous happenings, reminiscent of the Salem ergot poisonings.
  However, when her source suddenly dies and her only other ally, Greg (Jonathan Bennett, Mean Girls, Cheaper by the Dozen 2), disappears, all leads come to a dead end and Rachel is left alone to uncover the villagers’ deadly secret … Before she becomes the next victim!

  The trailer looks very cool, with some very creepy imagery.  Check it out and let me know what you think!

  THE SECRET VILLAGE is being released by Vertical Entertainment on DVD December 17th and on VOD January 1st.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer

Help fund the upcoming EVIL DEAD fan documentary, HAIL TO THE DEADITES!

  Check out the indiegogo campaign for the upcoming documentary about EVIL DEAD fans called, HAIL TO THE DEADITES!  This film is being directed by Steve Villeneuve with Tom Sullivan, Danny Hicks and Patricia Tallman as associate producers.  The filmmakers are going to go all over the country and even the world to find the biggest EVIL DEAD fans to show you their memorabilia collections and hear their stories on how they fell in love with the EVIL DEAD films and why they are such big fans of the films. 

I think this sounds like a pretty cool project!  You can help fund this film now by going to the film's indiegogo page and choosing a contribution amount to help out.  There are contribution packages from as little as $10 up to $1000 with tons of great perks!  Any bit helps, so go help fund this awesome project!

CLICK HERE to visit the film's official website
CLICK HERE to visit and contribute to the indiegogo campaign

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, November 12th, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out tomorrow, 11/12
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  AS NIGHT FALLS
*  THE BAT
*  BLACK DEVIL DOLL FROM HELL / TALES FROM THE QUADEAD ZONE Double Feature
*  BODY BAGS  [Blu-ray/DVD combo]
*  GRABBERS
*  NOSFERATU (2-Disc Deluxe Re-mastered Edition)  [DVD & Blu-ray]

Check out the trailer for the upcoming film, ALL CHEERLEADERS DIE!

 
 Most all guys like cheerleaders.  And most anyone reading this blog loves horror.  So, this cheerleader/horror film should be one of the greatest films ever!   Ha!  ALL CHEERLEADERS DIE is a crazy supernatural horror flick from writers/directors Lucky McKee and Chris Sivertson.  Here is the basic plot from the production company's (Moderncine) website:

  Cheerleaders follows a rebellious outsider (Stasey) who joins the cheerleading squad, much to the dismay of her ex-girlfriend (Smit-McPhee), who happens to be into witchcraft. After a confrontation with the stars of the football team goes bad, the outsider and her new cheerleader friends are supernaturally thrust onto a bloody path of destruction.

  ALL CHEERLEADERS DIE was recently picked up by Image Entertainment.  There is now news yet on a DVD/Blu-ray release date, but when there is I will let you know!  Watch the trailer below and let me know what you think. I think this looks like it could be a really fun flick!


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the film's official facebook page

Check out the NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD documentary film, BIRTH OF THE LIVING DEAD!

  One of my all time favorite horror movies is George A. Romero's 1968 film, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.   It is the film that is considered the first real zombie film, and we have it to thank for every zombie film that has come since.  We would not have THE WALKING DEAD if it weren't for NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD!  The movie is a true classic and still holds up today, over 40 years since it was made!  There is a new documentary about this legendary film coming out called BIRTH OF THE LIVING DEAD.  Here is the basic synopsis of this new documentary:

  In 1968 a young college drop-out named George A. Romero directed “Night of the Living Dead,” a low budget horror film that shocked the world, became an icon of the counterculture, and spawned a zombie industry worth billions of dollars that continues to this day.

  “Birth of the Living Dead,” a new documentary, shows how Romero gathered an unlikely team of Pittsburghers — policemen, iron workers, teachers, ad-men, housewives and a roller-rink owner — to shoot, with a revolutionary guerrilla, run-and-gun style, his seminal film. During that process Romero and his team created an entirely new and horribly chilling monster – one that was undead and feasted upon human flesh.

  This new documentary also immerses audiences into the singular time in which “Night” was shot.  Archival footage of the horrors of Vietnam and racial violence at home combined with iconic music from the 60s invites viewers to experience how Romero’s tumultuous film reflected this period in American history.  “Birth of the Living Dead” shows us how this young filmmaker created a world-renowned horror film that was also a profound insight into how our society really works.

BIRTH OF THE DEAD is screening now at select locations, and the film is scheduled to be released on DVD January 7, 2014.


CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to visit the official website

Blu-ray Review: I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE 2 (2013)

 
I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE 2
Directed by Steven R. Monroe
Distributed by Anchor Bay Entertainment

  If you remember back in 2010, a remake to the original 1978 classic I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE was released.  The film got a lot of press at the time, with a lot of people very upset they would try to remake such a classic exploitation film.   I love the original, and while the remake was not as good as the original, I thought it was a great good film and very well made.  Well, it's 2013 and now a sequel to the remake is out.  I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE 2  was recently released to DVD and Blu-ray and I honestly don't remember hearing much about this film at all until hearing it was coming out.  This surprises me because after watching ISOYG2 the other night, I left the film with 2 thoughts.  The first was that the film was brutal, and  brutally realistic.  The filmmakers captured the gloom and despair the main character went through perfectly.  The other thought that this sequel is far superior to the original 2010 remake in every aspect.   Before I go any further, here is the basic plot of ISOYG2 from the Anchor Bay website:

  I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE 2 stars beautiful newcomer Jemma Dallender (Community, “Hollyoaks”) as Katie, a beautiful girl on her own in NY, who is trying to make it in the cutthroat world of modeling. When Katie innocently accepts an offer to have new photos taken for her portfolio, the experience quickly turns into an unthinkable nightmare – Severely beaten, battered, bruised, and broken, she will have to tap into the darkest places of the human psyche to not only survive her ordeal, but to ultimately find the strength to exact her brutal revenge.  The film co-stars Joe Absolom (Extreme Ops, Long Time Dead) and Alexander Aleksiev (the upcoming Jack Ryan).  The film was directed by Steven R. Monroe, the director of the critically acclaimed 2010 film and written by Neil Elman (I Spit On Your Grave) and Thomas Fenton (Saw IV)

  This was an amazing film, and one I am surprised has not been talked about more among horror fans.  In fact, this is one of the best horror films I have seen in long time.   As I stated before, I really liked the 2010 remake, but this sequel surpassed it in every way in my opinion.   While the first film was good, I felt it the story and plot were just basic, more of just something that had to be there in the background, while the true meaning of the film was to show the torture and gore once the main character starts to take revenge on her captors.  The torture scenes and gore were very impressive in that 2010 remake, but there just wasn't much substance to the story.  

  ISOYG2 on the other hand, has a wonderful story and a deeper plot than the first remake. I felt like this was a much better film overall, with a better plot/story, and even some great plot twists. The acting in this film is amazing, especially on the part of actress Jemma Dallender, who played the main character of Katie.  She is a wonderful actress and nailed all the range of emotions she was portraying in the film.  Her character is raped and beaten nearly to death, and you really felt like what was happening to her was real.  I couldn't help but wonder if the filmmakers didn't tell her what some of her scenes were going to be, and wondering if some scenes like where she was tied up and left alone in a room were actually her real reactions.  She screamed and looked terrified, playing the part of the victim perfectly.  

  I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE 2 is available now on DVD and Blu-ray from Anchor Bay Entertainment.  The only special features are some Deleted Scenes.  I was really hoping for a "Making Of" documentary on this one, as I would have loved to have seen how they did some of the gore and torture scenes, as well as get some insight on how the actors prepared for these roles that demanded such strong emotional performances.

  This is a must see film in my opinion.  If you have seen it, leave me a comment and let me know what you thought of the film.

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

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, November 5th, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out tomorrow, 11/5
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*  13/13/13  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  AMNESIAC
*  THE BELL WITCH HUNTING  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  KILLER HOLIDAY
*  THE LAST LIGHT:  AN IRISH GHOST STORY
*  PARANORMAL WHACKTIVITY
*  UNDER THE DOME  [DVD & Blu-ray]

 

Coming soon....ARMY OF DARKNESS 2 !!!

  Raise your hand if you want to see a sequel to ARMY OF DARKNESS.  Me too, Ash!  Well, now you can  (or will be able to someday, anyway).  That's right!  In case you haven't heard, ARMY OF DARKNESS 2 is happening.  While that is awesome news, what is even better is that both Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell are attached to the project!  Raimi will be directing and Bruce will be starring in the new film.  Now, the bad news is it is slated for a 2016 release, which means we have a while before we will be able to see this new film.  The project has just been announced, so no word on any plot lines yet.  And as always with any film announcement this far in advance, things could change.  Stay tuned and I will pass on any details as I hear them!

CLICK HERE and HERE to read articles posted by bloody-disgusting.com about ARMY OF DARKNESS 2!

Check out the hilarious Halloween Villain Conference Call!

  Thanks to my buddy Caleb for showing me this hilarious video!  It was posted on the website theawesomer.com and shows Freddy, Jason, Michael Myers, Leatherface, and some other famous movie killers on a conference call, discussing their plans for this Halloween!  This video was done by the great cast at Barely Political who do all sorts of parody's and sketches.
Enjoy!!

This week's Horror related DVD/Blu-ray releases: Tuesday, October 29th, 2013

Here are this week's horror related DVDs and Blu-rays coming out tomorrow, 10/29
(Click on a title to see a trailer for that film)

*   7TH DAY
*  ALL HALLOW'S EVE
*  BYZANTIUM  [DVD & Blu-ray]
*  HARLEQUIN (aka DARK FORCES) [Blu-ray]
*  HOUSE OF DARKNESS, HOUSE OF LIGHT

It's pumpkin carving time!!

  It's getting close to Halloween, which means it's time to carve pumpkins!!!  My family headed out to the  pumpkin patch today to pick out some future Jack-o-lanterns!!  I have done some pretty detailed pumpkins in the past, like a Jason Voorhees pumpkin and a Freddy Krueger pumpkin.

  This year I kept it a little more simple with a pumpkin inspired by the opening credits pumpkin from the 1978 classic, HALLOWEEN.  I also helped one of my boys do a cool Jack Skelington pumpkin which I think turned out pretty good!   Here are our pumpkins we did today:

First up is my 7 year old son's Vampire pumpkin!  My boy drew the face, and cut it out all by himself!  This was the first year he did everything himself  (even cleaning out the pumpkin before carving it).  I was pretty proud of his creation!!






Next is my pumpkin inspired by John Carpenter's 1978 masterpiece, HALLOWEEN!  This is the pumpkin you see in the opening credits sequence.  Very simple, yet spooky!

And here is the Jack Skelington pumpkin that I helped my other son do!  He cleaned the pumpkin out himself, and poked the holes for the pattern, but I did the cutting.  I think this turned out awesome, and it looks even cooler since we used a solid white pumpkin!





Here are all our finished products!  We had a great time carving the pumpkins outside on a beautiful day!









 
I know some of you out there have carved some cool pumpkins this year!  Email me pics of your pumpkins and I will do a blog post with a gallery of everyone's pumpkins!    Email your pumpkin pics to zombiehayes@hotmail.com!

Cult classic NEKROMANTIK is coming to Blu-ray!

 
  In 1987, German director Jörg Buttgereit  created a film that is a true cult classic to horror fans.  The film was NEKROMANTIK and is about a very taboo subject.   Here is the plot of the film from it's ibdb page to tell you what I mean:

  A street sweeper who cleans up after grisly accidents brings home a full corpse for him and his wife to enjoy sexually, but is dismayed to see that his wife prefers the corpse over him.

  There you go...pretty vile and disgusting stuff.  All the more reason that horror fans like this movie.  I have never seen this film, as it has been long out of print on DVD.  You don't see this one for sale very often, as the DVD has become quite a collectors item.  I have seen copies of the DVD sell for up to $80 on ebay and amazon.com. 

  Well, if you haven't been able to see the film, you soon will have a chance. It was just announced that distribution company Cult Epics will release a 2014 Special Edition DVD and Blu-ray of NEKROMANTIK!  I will let you know once I hear an official release date.   Watch the trailer and let me know what you think.  Be advised, this trailer is NOT SAFE FOR WORK.  The trailer contains lots of gore and nudity.  Watch at your own risk!

  If you have seen NEKROMANTIK, leave a comment and let me know what you think about this film.

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer  **WARNING** Trailer contains nudity and gore

Visit the SHATTERED RAVINGS blog for your chance to win THE CONJURING on Blu-ray!!

As many of you know, one of my favorite blogs is SHATTERED RAVINGS, which is ran by my buddy Scott Baker.  Scott has done some guest reviews on my website in the past, but now focuses mainly on his own blog which is really growing!  He has hosted some great giveaways in the past, and is now hosting a great new giveaway!!  The latest contest is for a Blu-ray copy of the film, THE CONJURING!  The contest runs for another 5 days, so enter soon!

CLICK HERE to visit THE CONJURING giveaway post