Saturday 31 October 2015

Mayhem Festival Q&A videos (2) - German Angst and Aaaaaaaah!

Last of the Q&A vids from this years Mayhem Festival

"German Angst" - Producer and co-Director Michal Kosakowski on stage



Director Steve Oram and host Chris Cooke discussing Guerrilla (Gorilla?) film making, Prince Harry and Penises, following a screening of "Aaaaaaaah!"





Gavino Morretti: Alien Terrors (original 1982 soundtrack) Out now via Disko Nero Recordings

You may not be familiar with the obscure science fiction film "Alien Terrors", or indeed composer Gavino Morretti. But never-the-less, underground music label Disko Nero Recordings have released the long lost soundtrack to the film, consisting of twenty synth-driven themes and cues.

Background:

Gavino Morretti is a little known Italian film composer who produced soundtracks for many European and American low-budget films – almost exclusively in the horror and science fiction genres. In the early ‘80s, soon after leaving progressive rock band Esplodere Cappelli, Morretti created music for the much derided horror movie Attacco dei Morti Viventi (U.S. title Assault of the Living Dead).

Morretti’s second commission was for U.S. / Italian science fiction horror movie, Alien Terrors. Approached by producer Richard Warren in the summer of 1982, Morretti was given a small budget and two week deadline to write and produce the music. After a limited cinema release, Alien Terrors soon faded into obscurity – dismissed by critics as a cheap, unpleasant facsimile of Alien.

Album Release:

Disko Nero Recordings is excited to offer the "Alien Terrors" soundtrack as a limited edition red C58 cassette tape, presented in a black case with a full-colour J-card. The tape features four bonus tracks which are exclusive to this release.

The album is also available as a twenty track digital download, which includes a ten page PDF booklet (featuring production notes, film stills and artwork), and a digital reproduction of the original movie poster.

Alien Terrors is available for streaming and purchase from the Disko Nero Bandcamp page
 

 

Eco Comics brings together famous faces for "The Horrables"

A unique new comic book horror team made up of real and fictional characters - The Horrables - is being unveiled this Halloween by Eco Comics.
 
The horror team will be led by author Bram Stoker, who joins forces with Lord Lucan, Dracula, Hyde, Jack the Ripper, and zombie T-Bone Stake.
 
Writer Chris Bunting says: "We doubt the comic book world has seen anything quite like this before - and unveiling this horror-fest on Halloween feels like perfect timing!
 
"We have been building up to this since our first print graphic novel - Mr. T - in 2008, and everything since in our paperless range of titles, such as Dracula vs. Robin Hood vs. Jekyll and Hyde. This is the accumulation of those stories."
 
The Horrables - as with all titles by Eco Comics - will be paperless-exclusive and released on different digital platforms, as the publisher spearheads its pioneering, multi-award-winning green approach.
 
The publisher has released the first cover of the new title, teasing an all-new incarnation of Dracula - complete with a masked superhero costume - and a creepy take on Jack the Ripper, a diminutive man atop a crude Victorian-era killing machine.
 
Hyde - already an established regular at Eco Comics - is a giant ball of power in a bowler hat, while T-Bone Stake is a gruesome play on the publisher's first and flagship character, whose weapon of choice is a giant wooden stake.
 
Also from the real world come the infamous Lord Lucan and creator of Dracula, author Bram Stoker.
 
The Horrables preview art is available on blog.mohawkmedia.co.uk. The launch date and more details about the new comic book will be announced soon.
 
For more details on Eco Comics visit http://blog.mohawkmedia.co.uk
 
 

Thursday 29 October 2015

"Horror Icon: Inside Michael’s Mask" - Documentary trailer

Insomniac Productions and Lock it Down Productions are proud to present the teaser trailer for "Horror Icon: Inside Michael’s Mask with Tony Moran".

The independent documentary explores the life of actor Tony Moran, who portrayed Michael Myers in the final scenes of John Carpenter’s Halloween, including the unmasked sequence.

Watch the teaser below...


Co-directors David Langill and Jordan Pacheco were given unprecedented access to Moran's life, from his landmark appearance on the big screen in 1978 to his recent return with convention appearances and indie horror films.

The film features appearances by Ernie Hudson (Ghostbusters), Dee Wallace (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial), P.J. Soles (Halloween), Andrew Bryniarski (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Debbie Rochon (Tromeo and Juliet), Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), Jonathan Tiersten (Sleepaway Camp), John Dugan (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre), Timothy Patrick Quill (Army of Darkness) and more.

Originally scheduled for release this year, the project is now set to premiere in October 2016 in order to give fans the most comprehensive look at the life of a horror icon.

"We wanted to make sure the audience got the best product we could possibly bring them," explains Langill. "We have a lot of great footage, but we decided to push the premiere and focus on getting additional material. The teaser shows a little taste of the story that we plan on telling."

Keep up to date with Horror Icon: Inside Michael’s Mask with Tony Moran on Facebook

"Friday the 13th" 1980 [Warner Horror Collection] - UK BD review

I was recently given the opportunity to review any horror title from the currently available Warner Bros catalogue. So I decided to go with one of the classics and chose their “Friday the 13th” (1980) Blu-Ray.

Now, I’m sure we all know the story. A summer camp, with something of a chequered history, is preparing to re-open its doors for the first time in several decades, after a series of unfortunate events forced it to remain closed.

But as the camp counselors arrive, they soon find that someone, or something, is trying desperately hard to ensure its doors stay shut. As people start disappearing, it seems whatever’s out there will stop at nothing, including murder, to prevent it from re-opening…

Coming out in the wake of John Carpenter’s “Halloween”, Sean Cunningham’s seminal slasher cranked up the tension and upped the gore, to levels unseen before in US and UK cinemas. Setting a whole new standard for imitators to aspire to, producing numerous copycats (ie Madman, The Burning, Sleepaway Camp), along with its own string of sequels.

Cut for its US cinema release (Paramount distributed the film in America), the original UK release from Warner was uncut. But sadly, later video versions used the cut US theatrical version. That all changed in 2003 when Warner released the original uncut version onto UK DVD. The film has since been released uncut onto UK Blu-Ray, so now we can see all the gory throat slashings, axe murders, arrow stabbings and decapitations not only uncut in full, but in glorious high definition.

Featuring special effects by the now legendary Tom Savini (Dawn of the Dead) and starring a very young Kevin Bacon in an early role (who dies a fantastically gory death). The film has lost none of its charm over the years, and is certainly an interesting watch. Even if only to see how the franchise started before Jason showed up with his hockey mask (remember, Jason didn’t become the series villain until part 2)

I chose this title over the others in Warner’s horror collection, as this happens to be a personal favourite of mine. I remember seeing this on video during the early 80s back when I was a kid, and it scared the living daylights out of me.

The BD comes with the following special features.

Audio commentary track with the cast and crew
Return to Crystal Lake - Retrospective making-of feature
Friday the 13th re-union. - Besty Palmer, Adrienne King, Ari Lehman writer Victor Miller, composer Harry Manfredini and SFX man Tom Savini re-uniting for a special screening of the film in 2008.
The Man Behind the Legacy – Sean Cunningham Interview
Lost Tales of Camp Blood – Newly constructed scene, made to look like a deleted scene from the film
Friday the 13th Chronicles – Making of feature, carried over from the old US box set.
Secrets galore, behind the gore – Special effects feature, carried over from the old US box set
Fresh Cuts – A new feature, featuring more recent interviews with the cast and crew, looking back at the making of the film.
And lastly theres the Original UK theatrical trailer


The film may look a little dated now, what with those 80s fashions, and perhaps the gore somewhat tame by todays excessive ‘Torture Porn’ standards. But Friday the 13th is still a true horror classic, that no self respecting horror fan should be without in their collection.

Buy the UK BD from Amazon.co.uk
 
Other titles in the Warner Horror catalogue include…
 
THE CLASSICS - TOP PICKS
 
THE EXORCIST  
THE SHINING
NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET
POLTERGIEST
 
THE NEW GENERATION OF TERROR - TOP PICKS

ANNABELLE
THE CONJURING
OCULUS
 
UNMISSABLE CULT HITS
 
BEETLEJUICE
THE HUNGER
INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE: SPECIAL EDITION
THE LOST BOYS
STEPHEN KING'S IT
STEPHEN KING'S SALEMS LOT (1979)
TEEN THRILLS
FINAL DESTINATION
FINAL DESTINATION 5 & 3D VERSION
HOUSE OF WAX (2005)
ONE MISSED CALL
NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET
RED RIDING HOOD
DARK SHADOWS
SWEENEY TODD
THE WARD
QUEEN OF THE DAMNED
TRICK 'R' TREET
GHOST SHIP
CONSTANTINE
THE REAPING
THE RITE
INVASION
CONTAGION
 
TV TO DIE FOR
 
THE VAMPIRE DIARIES SEASON 1 -6 (DVD/BD)
SUPERNATURAL SEASON 1 -8 (DVD/BD)

 

Wednesday 28 October 2015

"Sinister 2" released to UK home video Dec

Coming to UK digital HD and Disc this December from Entertainment One, "Sinister 2", featuring deleted scenes, extended kill films, a 'Making Of' documentary and more...
 
Courtney (Shannyn Sossamon) and her twin boys, Zach and Dylan, have moved into a seemingly idyllic secluded old house in an attempt to start a new life. But the building has a secret: it is the scene of a gruesome ritualistic murder which bears a striking resemblance to a series of family slayings that have taken place over the past fifty years.
 
A private detective (James Ransone) investigating the recent massacre of a famous author and his family is led to Courtney and her children, whom he believes will be the next victims. As he pieces together the mystery behind the murders he uncovers an ancient myth that means the killer might be someone – or something – more evil than anything he could have imagined.

Extras include

- Feature commentary track with Director Ciarán Foy
- Making of Sinister 2 feature
- Deleted Scenes
- Extended Kill Scenes
- #SinisterHomeMovie - Competition winning short film

The film is released to UK HD Digital HD Dec 14th and on UK BD and DVD Dec 28th.

Pre-order the UK BD from Amazon.co.uk

Pre-order the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk


BFI launches subscription service for film lovers.

BFI, the UK’s lead organisation for film, has launched its brand new subscription service, BFI Player+ [BFI Player Plus] - http://player.bfi.org.uk/bfi-player-plus/ (BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE HORROR SECTION).

 
 
Costing just £4.99 a month, with a 30-day free trial for all users, BFI Player+ offers audiences some of the best classic and critically-acclaimed films.
 
Subscribers can dive into collections of hand-selected films curated by the BFI’s world-leading experts, enjoying must-see British films alongside the best of world cinema. In short: BFI Player+ is a subscription service like no other. Now, it’s easy for audiences to discover and enjoy the essential classics, all without the need for a contract.
 
As part of its unique approach to curated cinema, every Friday BFI Player+ will feature an exclusive weekly video recommendation from one of the UK’s most respected film critics, Mark Kermode. Each week Mark will select a key title from the BFI Player+ collections and show why it’s a film not to be missed. The series commences on Friday 30 October, with Mark’s introduction to Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Lodger, which features a specially-created score composed by acclaimed musician, producer and composer, Nitin Sawhney in 2012. 
 
The new BFI Player+ service will sit within the existing BFI Player – home of the go-to VoD service for new pay-per-view independent film releases and the BFI’s hugely popular Britain on Film archive collection. Britain on Film has received over 4 million views since launching in July.
 
BFI Player+ is available however people choose to view, be that via computer or, with the presence of the BFI Player app, across tablets and smartphones and with a fantastic roster of titles to come. A significant number of new titles – all hand-picked – will be added in coming months.
 
BFI Player+ is available now here: http://player.bfi.org.uk/bfi-player-plus/


Mayhem Festival 2015 - Film Makers Q&A vids (1) - "Future Shock", "Nina Forever" and "Howl".

First batch of Vids from the 2015 Mayhem Festival, showing film makers Q&A sessions for "Future Shock : The Story of 2000AD", "Nina Forever" and "Howl".

"Future Shock : The Story of 2000AD" Film makers Q&A



"Nina Forever" film makers Q&A


"Howl" - Directors Q&A


Visit my YouTube channel

Tuesday 27 October 2015

"Wer" - UK DVD review

Part legal drama, part werewolf horror, Director William Brent Bell’s modern day werewolf tale “Wer” comes to UK DVD this month from Entertainment One.

Set in France, American lawyer Kate More (AJ Cooke – TVs Criminal Minds, Final Destination 2) is sent to defend a suspect, who the police believe is responsible for a string of brutal, animal like, murders in the French countryside.

Somewhat dishevelled and covered with excessive hair, Kate is not convinced that her client is the killer. Not least because she and her legal team think he may be suffering from some rare genetic disorder, which would make it impossible for him to have inflicted the animal like wounds on the victims.

But when they take him to a specialist hospital for medical checks, the tests trigger some sort of reaction and it seems there’s definitely something “beastly” about their client. As he breaks out of the hospital and goes on the rampage. Seems the French police had captured themselves a werewolf, and now he’s on the run again.

Also starring Sebastian Roché (TVs Vampire Diaries) and Vik Sahay (TVs Chuck) “Wer” is a strange film, but a very compelling one. The first half hour or so was kind of like watching an episode of Law & Order, being like a legal drama. But once their client transforms and breaks out, the film quickly kicks up a gear as the film follows the police trying to track him down and re-capture him.

The DVD comes packaged with a 10minute “making-of” feature and a “Stunt to Finish” feature (2mins) which takes a brief look at how the films numerous stunts were performed.

The film is out now on UK DVD.
 
Buy the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk
 
 

Strange Kids Club Launches THE EXORCIST & FRIGHT NIGHT parody pillows.

Strange Kids Club, an Austin-based entertainment blog known for its disgustingly fun parody products and pop culture-inspired collectibles, is pleased to announce the launch of Cuddle Creeps, a new line of comically evil printed pillows that will be available exclusively online at HorrorDecor.net starting today.
 
 
 
Kicking off this first wave of Cuddle Creeps are 'Regan' and 'Ed', two soft and cuddly stuffed terrors ready to feed on your nightmares. "We're looking to pay tribute primarily to lesser known horror icons within the genre," explains Rondal. "If fans dig these as much as we do there are plans for even more parodies based on some familiar faces."
 
Each character has a distinct personality and features a hilarious biography that's a tongue-in-cheek twist on their horrific origin:

REGAN: Whether psychic or just psycho remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Her PJs are soiled and hard to keep clean. While her language is vile Regan is actually just shy, Her best buddy is Satan who she claims isn't such a bad guy. She can see into your soul and knows your greatest sin, But that's not her only party trick...she can also make her head spin.
 
ED: Ed's a backstabbing buddy who's sneaky and morbid, His weird sense of humor is often wicked and horrid. His friends called him "Evil" and then it came true, No wonder poor Ed is so lonely and feeling so blue. Now he's a vampire who likes to scare up a quick bite, Chances are if he's hungry you're in for a night full of fright.

A monstrous mash-up of cinematic villains and popular mid-80s stuffed toys, each handmade Cuddle Creeps pillow sports a vile visage illustrated by Nik Holmes. Available now, the first two pillows in the series retail for $35.00 (MSRP) and are approximately 24" tall by 28" wide.
 
For more information about Cuddle Creeps, visit HorrorDecor.net.

"Star Leaf" premieres on US DVD Nov 24

Director Richard Cranor's indie horror "Star Leaf" premieres on US DVD November 24 from MVD.
 
A group of friends set off to find a secret forest of marijuana hidden deep in the Olympic Mountains. Legend has it the plants are of extra-terrestrial origin, and two ex-Marines among the group hope it will cure their PTSD born from hard combat in Afghanistan.
 
Shot entirely on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, the movie also features actual “Star Leaf” marijuana plants developed by Ohana Farms to help in PTSD treatment. The movie and strain have received the support of Analytical 360, Washington’s first I-502-certified testing lab.
 
Richard Cranor (The Man in the High Castle) and Russell Hodgkinson (The Z Nation) star.
 
I had the pleasure of reviewing "Star Leaf" earlier this year. You can read my review of the film HERE
 
Visit the official website at http://www.starleafmovie.com/

"Nuclear Zombies from Area 51" - Crowdfunding announcement

Well-known stand-up comics Dante and Joey Medina will shuffle behind the lens for Golden Artists Entertainment's  Nuclear Zombies from Area 51.
 
Scream Queen Rebekah Kochan leads a cast that includes Shandalia White, Chris Salvatore, Daniel Skelton, Tiara Lanai, Ash Hollywood and porn legend Ron Jeremy.
 
"The movie takes place at a diner on Halloween night that's being robbed near Area 51 where a terrible accident takes place - that accident kills half the people in the town; the other half are either turned into zombies or, if they're in an enclosed area, they live and have to fight off zombies", says Dante.
 
Dante and Kochan wrote the project. Dante, Kochan and Justin L.Jones (The Ouija Exorcism) produce.
 
To help cinematically contain the outbreak of undead, Golden Artists Entertainment have gone the crowd-funding route to contribute to the budget. You can donate to their Kickstarter HERE and watch video testimonials from the cast, including Ron Jeremy, HERE. For as little as $500 you can even end up in the film -  as a zombie!
 
Nuclear Zombies From Area 51 coming to a blood-soaked screen near you in 2016!

Severin Films bring two cult Franco classics to the UK

What are widely considered to be the finest works of late, great Euro-cult master Jess Franco’s labyrinthine career, his 1971 erotic horrors VAMPYROS LESBOS and SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY have long been sought after by cult cinema collectors. Now, for the first time ever in the UK, the fully restored, uncensored versions of both films will be available in Special Editions from Severin Films.
 
Both films star the bewitching beauty Soledad Miranda, who was tragically killed before either film was released, and achieved additional cult status thanks to the sexadelic, ultra groovy soundtrack that became an unexpected dance floor hit three decades after original release.
 
VAMPYROS LESBOS has already had successful and acclaimed theatrical screenings in the UK ahead of these releases, and the time is set for the extraordinary work of the mercurial Franco to reach out to a brand new audience.
 
Featuring newly created cover art by Wes Benscoter, both these films have been remastered and restored in HD, ensuring that they look and sound better than they ever have done!
 
FORMAT: BLU-RAY
RELEASE DATE: 30 November 2015
.
VAMPYROS LESBOS
 
Newly remastered HD presentation of the feature in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio
Special Features:
Vampyros Jesus: Interview featurette with Director Jess Franco
Sublime Soledad: Interview with Soledad Miranda Historian Amy Brown
Stephen Thrower on Vampyros Lesbos: Interview with Author of Murderous Passions - The Delirious Cinema Of Jess Franco
Jess Is Yoda Clip
Alternate German Opening Title Sequence - Dracula's Heiress
German Trailer
 
 
SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY
 
Newly remastered HD presentation of the feature in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio
Special Features:
Jess Killed In Ecstasy: Interview with Director Jess Franco
Sublime Soledad: Interview with Soledad Miranda Historian Amy Brown
Stephen Thrower on She Killed in Ecstasy: Interview with Author of Murderous Passions - The Delirious Cinema Of Jess Franco'
Paul Muller On Jess Franco: Interview with frequent Franco Star
German Trailer
 
Future release from Severin Films in the coming months include Jess Franco’s BLOODY MOON, his delirious and deranged take on the 1980s slasher film starring Euro sex siren Olivia Pascal, the legendary BIRDEMIC SHOCK AND TERROR, James Nguyen’s undisputed midnight movie sensation and the worldwide Blu Ray premiere of Roman Polanski's lost film WHAT? starring Marcello Mastroianni and Sydne Rome.
 
Pre-order "Vampyros Lesbos" UK BD from Amazon.co.uk
 
Pre-order "She Killed in Ecstacy" UK BD from Amazon.co.uk
 

 

"PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION" - Two new clips available - In cinemas now

Following last weeks release of "PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION", Paramount Pictures UK has made available two new clips...
 
Backyard...



Toby in the Kitchen




"PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE GHOST DIMENSION", is in UK cinemas NOW

Sunday 25 October 2015

Super! Volume 2 - Comic Books and Kickstarter And Retailer Deals

On October 4th, Unlikely Heroes Studios launched a crowdfunding effort to finance the next six issues of "Super!" (6 to 11) and are looking to fund the creation and printing of Volume 2, as well as reprint Volume 1 for new fans. Fire Ant toys, a Super! Art Book, and even a video game - are being offered to sweeten the Kickstarter pot and help reach its goal!   There's also options in the campaign for large and small retailers.  For example, at the $1000 tier - there's an offer of 50 of each volumes, with a custom store stamp on Volume 2. 
 
A successful Kickstarter was run last year to fund printing of Volume 1.  The books flew out of our inventory and into the hands of adoring fans, with reviewers claiming it was "...the kind of comic you want to be reading".  There's been a slight delay in production since then, and people have been crawling on the ceiling asking about Issue 6.  Good news; a release for the issue is planned by the end of 2015. 
 
Volume 2 plans to have some very interesting drama between two of our main characters, as well as expanding on the lore of some of our heroes.  The deeper moments are going to have more weight because we’re more invested in the characters. Delivering the content that you were waiting for, but weren’t aware you were waiting for, but then it’s happening on the page and oh-my-gosh-it’s-so-awesome. That is what Volume 2 is all about!

Because every page of Super!, while entertaining and serving a purpose within its own issue, is leading to big payoffs, and as we start cashing in on those investments, Super! will be hitting at a level that’s rarely seen in American comics.

Check out the newly-released live-action trailer for the comic and Kickstarter on YouTube

Visit the Kickstarter Page

Saturday 24 October 2015

"Edgar Allan Poe's Black Cats" - UK BD/DVD review

Released in time for Halloween comes Arrow films “Edgar Allan Poe’s Black Cats” box set. 2x adaptations of the classic gothic horror short story from Directors Sergio Martino and Lucio Fulci in an extras laden BD and DVD combo pack set.

The first film is…

"Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key"

Luigi Pistilli (Bay of Blood) stars as a thoroughly obnoxious, washed-up author. Permanently drunk, he verbally and physically abuses his wife throughout, whilst secretly seeing a string of women behind her back. As well as sexually and racially abusing their black house maid quite openly in front of everyone (maybe racial and sexual abuse wasn’t such a big deal back then?).

Indeed, it seems the only thing he does really love is his pet black cat, named Satan, who his wife Irina  (Anita Strindberg) hates with a vengeance. But when the body of one of Oliviero’s mistresses turns up with her throat slashed, he finds himself in the middle of a police investigation.

When someone slaughters their house-maid, he panics and decides to conceal the body in the cellar. But matters are complicated when his young niece Floriana (Edwige Fenech) comes to visit. Particularly as both Oliviero and Irina seem to have their eye on her and the question remains as to who will end up buried in the cellar next?

Also starring Ivan Rassimov (Deep River Savages), this very loose adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe’s  “The Black Cat”, from director Sergio Martino (Mountain of the Cannibal God) takes the original tale of murder most foul and weaves in a lot of sexual deviancy, grasping relatives and double crossing partners, who’s sins eventually get found out thanks to their pet cat.

The disc gives you the option of watching the English version (under the title “Gently Before She Dies”) , or the Italian version (Il Tuo Vizio E’ Una Stanza Chuisa E Solo Io Ne Ho La Chiave). The only difference being the credits sequence and spoken language (sharper eyed viewers will also notice the close ups of what Oliviero has been typing also differ, depending on which version you select). With English subtitles available for both versions.

Other features include a 35min interview with Sergio Martino entitled “Through the Keyhole”, in Italian with English subs, in which the director discusses the films production.

Retrospective making-of feature “Unveiling the Vice” (23mins), featuring interviews with Director Martino, star Edwige Fenech and scriptwriter Ernesto Gastaskdi, which again is in Italian with English subs.

Visual essay “Dolls of Flesh and Blood” by Michael Mackenzie, which looks at director Martino’s contributions to the Italian Giallo genre (29mins)

“The Strange Vices of Ms Fenech” (29mins), in which film historian Justin Harris looks at the career of Italian actress Edwige Fenech

Lastly there’s a 9min interview with Eli Roth (Director – “Hostel”), who discusses his love for the film and other Italian Giallo titles.

Sadly, no theatrical trailer, which is odd considering that trailers can be readily found on YouTube.

Now for the second film in the set…

"The Black Cat".

Lucio Fulci’s take on the classic Poe tale takes place in a rural English village (mostly Hambleden, also the setting for Hammer’s “The Witches”), where several members of the same family have all died under mysterious circumstances over the past few weeks.

Inspector Gorley (David Warbeck – The Beyond) from Scotland Yard comes to investigate, after the local police sergeant (Al Cliver – Zombie Flesh-Eaters) suspects foul play. However, in each case the only strange thing that connects them is evidence that a cat was at scene when the ‘accidents’ happened.

Suspicion falls upon the local eccentric, Robert Miles (played by notable character actor Patrick Magee – Clockwork Orange), who is something of an occultist/psychic and had a grudge against several of the victims, but they’ve no evidence to directly link him to the crimes.

But it seems there is something sinister about his pet cat, and as the bodies pile up, it seems his cat may have had something to do their deaths…

Also starring Mimsy Farmer (Four Flies on Grey Velvet) and Dagmar Lassander (House by the Cemetery), this is a very bizarre film, with a lot of red herrings. Blending elements of many Poe stories together, to potently good effect.

Extras on the disc include, optional English or Italian version. Which are essentially the same, except that selecting the latter will display the films Italian titles at the beginning and end and present the film with it’s Italian dubbed soundtrack

Other supplemental features include a running audio commentary track with fangoria editior Chris Alexander

“Poe into Fulci” (25min), film historian Stephen Thrower looks at the various Edgar Allan Poe influences on the movie.

“In the Paw Prints of the Black Cat” (8mins), arguably my favorite extra on the disc, in which Stephen Thrower looks at West Wycombe and Hambleden in Buckinghamshire, the 2 principal filming locations for the movie.

“Frightened Dagmar” (20mins) Interview with Italian actress Dagmar Lassander, in which she discusses her many horror roles over the years, including her various involvements with Fulci. In Italian with English subs.

“At Home with David Warbeck” (1hr 10m). Archive interview with David Warbeck, filmed at his London home back in 1995. Shot on video tape, the picture is full screen, low-res and the audio quality is somewhat hissy, but is never-the-less an interesting candid discussion about his Italian film career with Stephen Thrower.

And lastly you get the films original theatrical trailer (yay!!!).

Both films are packaged with Blu-ray and DVD versions of the film. I was sent the BD versions to review, but the DVDs contain the exact same features on.

Both films have been restored and remastered from the original negatives, so both are looking their best. Though the Fulci film did sport some noticeable print damage/degradation in places, but this was only a minor quibble.

The box set is limited to 3000 pieces, so grab them whilst you can!
 
Buy the UK BD/DVD combo pack from Amazon.co.uk


Friday 23 October 2015

'Ghost Story' on UK BD & DVD for the first time

It was one of the most talked about horror films of the early 1980s, thanks, in no small part, for the wealth of Hollywood royalty nearing the end of their careers starring in what was, for many of them, the first and only horror film of their working lives.
 
And now, for the first time in the UK, Ghost Story arrives on Blu-ray and DVD courtesy of Second Sight on 7 December 2015.
 
The film, based on the acclaimed Peter Straub bestseller (rated by Stephen King as one of the finest examples of the craft of the late 20th century) stars screen legends Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks Jr and John Houseman. Three of the four were making their final film appearances ever, with the acclaimed horror proving to be a fitting epitaph for their talents. The film also stars a haunting Alice Krige (Star Trek).
 
Ghost Story follows a quartet of elderly friends who while away the time in their dotage by telling each other spooky stories and creepy tales as part of their Chowder Society group.
 
But when one of them meets an untimely end and the rest are afflicted with troubling nightmares, it appears as if past crimes could be catching up with them…

Bonus features:
Audio Commentary by Director John C. Irvin
Author Peter Straub: Genesis
Actor Alice Krige on Alma and Eva
Screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen and Producer Burt Weissbourd: Story Development
Albert Whitlock with Bill Taylor: Visual Effects
TV and Radio Spots, Photo Gallery


Pre-order the UK BD from Amazon.co.uk

Pre-order the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk

First look images for new sci-fi thriller "AWAIT FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS"

Neerja Naik plays Annji, a trainee paramedic who is in for the fight of her life in a darkly monstrous tale of tyranny and television.
 

 
Sam Gittens plays Nick, who brings his girlfriend Annji into the family house from hell, where the television exerts a sinister grip, leading to paranoia and bloody carnage.

Director Johnny Kevorkian said today: "I'm so pleased to be working with the super talented Sam Gittins and Neerja Naik, who are bringing such intensity to every scene. We're half way through the shoot and things will only get more extreme from here. I can't wait to push their characters even further as the spectacular reality of their confinement is finally revealed!"

Currently shooting at GSP Studios in York, the story revolves around the Milgram family, who have gathered to celebrate Christmas, only to find a mysterious black substance has surrounded their house. Something monumental is clearly happening right outside their door, but what exactly - an industrial accident, a terrorist attack, nuclear war?  Descending into terrified arguments, they turn on the television, desperate for any information. On screen a message glows ominously: 'Stay Indoors and Await Further Instructions”….

AWAIT FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS is produced by Jack Tarling of Shudder Films and Alan Latham of GSP Studios and directed by Johnny Kevorkian (The Disappeared) from a screenplay by Gavin Williams, the cast includes David Bradley (Games of Thrones), Sam Gittins (The Smoke), Holly Weston (Howl), Kris Saddler (The Hour), Neerja Naik (Hackney’s Finest) & Grant Masters (Silent Witness). Key crew members include: Annika Summerson (DOP), Nina Topp (Production Designer), Dan Martin (Special Effects) & Ben Louden (VFX).

Thursday 22 October 2015

"Paranormal Activity" an overview...

This week sees the release of the latest film in the Paranormal Activity franchise “Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension”. The series has come a long way since the first film back in 2007, so let’s have a recap as to what went on before.
 
Paranormal Activity (2007)
A young couple, Katie and Micah, set up hidden cameras around their home to capture evidence of possible paranormal activity, after hearing strange noises in the night. The cameras do indeed capture strange goings on, but as the film goes on, they capture much, much more…
 
Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)
Set just prior to the events of part 1, Kristi, the sister of Katie from the previous film, and her partner Daniel, decide to install cameras in their home after an apparent burglary, in which the whole house was ransacked. Whilst the cameras fail to pick up further evidence of burglars, they do pick up ghostly goings on and they discover its never wise to ignore the advice of your devoutly religious housekeeper….
 
Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)
Another prequel, set some 18 years prior to the previous films, follows young Kristi and her sister Katie, living with their mother and step-father. Following an unfortunate incident with a babysitter and after capturing what looks like ghostly goings on in the bedroom on camera, they set up cameras around the home to see if they can capture any other ‘spooky’ occurrences. Only to find that playing a game of “bloody Mary” is never a wise idea in a horror film (didn’t these people see “Candyman”?)
 
Paranormal Activity 4 (2012)
A direct sequel to part 2, in which a family from Nevada encounter ghostly goings on in their home. But then when your neighbour is Katie (from part 1), what do you expect?
 
Paranormal Activity : The Marked Ones (2014)
Somewhat different to the other films, being a spin-off, as opposed to a direct sequel or prequel. A high school kid finds himself targeted by strange ghostly forces, after his neighbour, who he suspected was an occultist, is mysteriously murdered.
 
As his friends attempt to discover what’s going on, they find themselves visiting some familiar locations.
 
Which leads us to…

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension (2015)
It seems the box of tapes that went missing during the "burglary" in part 2 have turned up in the basement of the new house the Fleege family have just moved into. Unfortunately for them, playing them back leads to dire, dire consequences…


What happens next? Find out in "Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension" in cinemas now…
 
View the trailer on YouTube
 
 
 

Wednesday 21 October 2015

Ring in Halloween with Fright-Rags TRICK 'R TREAT Collection

Few modern horror films have been so universally championed by genre fans as Michael Dougherty's Trick 'r Treat. The 2007 anthology perfectly captured the Halloween spirit, creating an annual viewing tradition in the process.

Fright-Rags is ringing in Halloween with a collection of new, officially-licensed Trick 'r Treat apparel, which is on sale now.
 
The collection is headlined by a box set, which is limited to 1,000 pieces. The set includes a retro-inspired ventilated Sam mask, an exclusive T-shirt designed by Justin Osbourn, a prismatic sticker and a collector's box.

The release also includes four other shirts. Kyle Crawford's design outlines the rules of Halloween (also available on zippered hoodies). Matt Tobin turns Sam into a skull and crossbones-inspired symbol (also available on baseball tees). Abrar Ajmal contributes two designs: an ominous look at Sam and a sly reminder to always check your candy.

Last but certainly not least are Sucker Socks. Your feet can be as stylish as your shirt this Halloween with a pair of Trick 'r Treat custom knit crew socks.

These items are in stock now on Fright-Rags.com. Orders will ship in 2-3 business days to ensure domestic delivery by Halloween.
 
As an added bonus, every order shipped in October will include a free Halloween goodie bag, including a Gory Ticket that could win the recipient up to $250 in Fright-Rags merchandise.
 
Order these items on Fright-Rags.com
 
 

The Exorcist Anthology comes to UK BD 26th Oct

On October 26th 2015, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) will release "The Exorcist: The Complete Anthology", the entire collection.
 
A true cinema landmark, the theological thriller is one of the top ten box-office performers of all time. The Exorcist took 10 Academy Award® nominations, including Best Picture, and won two Oscars®, for Best Adapted Screenplay, as well as winning for Best Sound. Subsequently, the film went on to become a multi-million pound franchise.
 
In 1977 John Boorman (Deliverance) directed "Exorcist II: The Heretic" starring Linda Blair and Richard Burton; in 1990, the creator of the series, William Peter Blatty, wrote and directed "Exorcist III" starring George C Scott.
 
In 2004 Renny Harlin (Cliffhanger) directed The Exorcist prequel, "Exorcist: The Beginning". The anthology also includes Paul Schrader’s film "Dominion: Prequel to The Exorcist" that the production company originally shelved in favour of Harlin’s film. Blatty himself regards Schrader’s film as ‘a handsome, classy, elegant piece of work’.
 
Special Features:

The Exorcist :
● Commentary by William Friedkin/William Peter Blatty
● Vintage featurettes The Fear of God, Stairway to Heaven, The Final Reckoning
● Deleted scenes including original ending
● Storyboards
● Introduction by William Peter Blatty

Exorcist II: The Heretic:
● Deleted scenes

Exorcist: The Beginning:
● Commentary by Renny Harlin/behind the scenes

Dominion: Prequel To The Exorcist:
● Commentary by Paul Schrader and deleted scenes
 
Buy the UK BD box set at Amazon.co.uk
 
 

"Tenderness of the Wolves" - on UK BD & DVD 2nd Nov

Arrow Video is pleased to announce the release of an almost-forgotten German serial killer drama, based on the true story of Fritz Haarmann aka the Butcher of Hanover and the Vampire of Hanover. Produced by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, directed by Ulli Lommel (The Boogeyman) and featuring a remarkable central performance by Kurt Raab, Tenderness of the Wolves will be released as a dual-format Blu-ray and DVD edition on November 2nd.

Restored by the Rainer Werner Fassbinder Foundation, Tenderness of the Wolves is accompanied by a wealth of new special features, each recorded especially for this release. Ulli Lommel contributes a commentary, introduction and lengthy chat about the film’s making. Cinematographer Jürgen Jürges granted an extremely rare interview to fondly recall his superb work. And actor Rainer Will, who plays one of Haarmann’s young victims, remembers his time on set as a 17-year-old.

Also present is genre authority Stephen Thrower, author of Nightmare USA and Murderous Passions: The Delirious Cinema of Jesús Franco, who provides an exhaustive account of Tenderness of the Wolves’ creation and reception. Rounding off the package are a stills gallery containing rare lobby cards, the German theatrical trailer (also presented in high definition) and a booklet containing new writing by Tony Rayns. The package will also contain a reversible sleeve featuring the original poster and newly commissioned artwork by the Twins of Evil.

Synopsis

Fritz Haarmann was a German serial killer responsible for the murders of two dozen boys and young men during the so-called ‘years of crisis’ between the wars. His case would partly inspire Fritz Lang’s M, and its central character portrayed by Peter Lorre, as well as this forgotten gem from 1973.

Tenderness of the Wolves treats the viewer to a few weeks in the company of a killer. Baby-faced and shaven-headed, in a manner that recalls both M and F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu, Haarmann is a fascinating, repulsive figure. Using his status as a police informant to procure his victims, he dismembers their bodies after death and sells the flesh to restaurants, dumping the remainder out of sight. This isn’t an easy film to watch, but it certainly gets under the skin…

Produced by Rainer Werner Fassbinder (who also supplies a shifty cameo), Tenderness of the Wolves provided two of his regular actors with a means of expanding their careers. Ulli Lommel – later responsible for the infamous video nasty The Boogeyman – made his directorial debut, while Kurt Raab wrote the screenplay as well as delivering an astonishing performance as Haarmann.

Special Features
 
New high definition digital transfer prepared by the Rainer Werner Fassbinder Foundation
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray and Standard Definition DVD presentations
Original uncompressed PCM mono 1.0 sound • Newly translated optional English subtitles
Audio commentary by director Ulli Lommel, moderated by Uwe Huber
Introduction by Lommel
The Tender Wolf, a newly-filmed interview with Lommel
Photographing Fritz, a newly-filmed interview with director of photography Jürgen Jürges
Haarmann’s Victim Talks, a newly-filmed interview with actor Rainer Will
An appreciation by Stephen Thrower, author of Nightmare USA and Murderous Passions: The Delirious Cinema of Jesús Franco
Stills gallery
Theatrical trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by the Twins of Evil
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Tony Rayns, editor of the first English-language book on Rainer Werner Fassbinder
 
Pre-order the UK BD/DVD from Amazon.co.uk
 
 
 

 

Rev Peter Laws to introduce The Vatican Tapes UK Premiere at FrightFest

"The Vatican Tapes" UK Premiere will be taking place at The Prince Charles Cinema, London on Saturday 24th October, 12.45pm as part of the Frightfest Halloween all nighter and will be presented by Rev. Peter Laws. An ordained Church Minister, Novelist and Non-Fiction writer who presents horror movie podcast and YouTube show, The Flicks That Church Forgot, plus a monthly horror movie column in Fortean Times magazine.
 
After a young woman (Olivia Taylor Dudley) begins to express increasingly erratic and strange behaviors, her father (Dougray Scott) and boyfriend (John Patrick Amedori), along with priest Father Lozano (Michael Peña) and two Vatican exorcists (Djimon Hounsou and Peter Andersson as Cardinal Bruun), come to realize that she's been taken over by an ancient satanic force. It’s all up to Father Lozano to wage war for more than just Angela’s soul, but for the world as we know it...
 
"The Vatican Tapes" is directed by Mark Neveldine. The story is brought to life by a cast that includes Olivia Taylor Dudley, Michael Peña, Dougray Scott, Djimon Hounsou, Peter Andersson, Kathleen Robertson and John Patrick Amedori.
 
Signature Entertainment presents The Vatican Tapes at FrightFest October 24th and at Cinemas and On Demand October 30th, 2015.
 

Tuesday 20 October 2015

Mayhem Festival Report - Day 4

The concluding day of the Mayhem Festival in Nottingham on Sunday the 18th of Oct, started with a (head)bang, with a screening of the New Zealand Heavy Metal Horror “Deathgasm” by Jason Lei Howden,.
 
Kind of a bizarre cross between “The Evil Dead” and “Trick or Treat”, a group of kids discover some sheet music in a dilapidated old house belonging to a washed up aging rocker. Only to find their music has an adverse effect on the town when they try playing it at band practice and the group find themselves battling their way through the demonically possessed townsfolk as they try to make it to safety.

Crude, funny and exceptionally gory, the film was very reminiscent of the earlier works of Peter Jackson (indeed, one of the cast can even be seen sporting a “Bad Taste” T-shirt) and the end battle with the chainsaws would certainly give the lawnmower massacre from “Braindead” a run for its money in terms of bloodshed.
 
This was followed by the anthology film “German Angst”, 3x short films from 3x different directors, Mical Kosqkowski, Andreas Marschall and the infamous Jorg Buttgereit (of Nekromantic infamy).

This was (I’m sad to say) my least favourite film of the festival and after viewing it, really made me wonder just what the hell is wrong with German people (South Park joke). Buttgereit’s segment “Final Girl” was up first. An exceptionally grim tale about a 13 year old girl, who’s got some dirty old man tied up in the next room, which she proceeds to castrate and mutilate. The second segment “Make a Wish” by Michal Kosakowski was essentially just 30mins of watching neo-nazis beating up a deaf-mute couple in a deserted factory. The final segment “Alraune” from Andreas Marschall was actually quite intriguing, in which a photographer joins a bizarre S&M club, in order to get close to a dancer who goes there. Only to find that taking part in their practices has some very strange side effects.

I’ve never been a fan of Buttgereit’s works and his segment here was no exception and I wasn’t that keen of Kosakowski’s segment either. Marschall’s segment wasn’t actually too bad, but some of the S&M scenes were a little bit “freaky” and overall, this film really wasn’t my cup of tea at all.

Michal Kosakowski, who also produced the film, was there to introduce it and provide a Q&A session afterwards. Footage of which should hopefully be appearing on my YouTube channel shortly.
 
The third film of the day seemed to prove the most popular, Robert Eggers critically acclaimed “The Witch”. Mayhem pulled off a coup securing a screening of this one, prior to its general release. Having only been screened once before, at its London premiere.

Set in 17th century new England, a Farmer (Ralph Ineson in a distinctly un-“Office” like role) is banished from the town, along with his family, over their different religious views. Setting up on their own, their new farm is subsequently blighted with problems, as their crops fail, livestock dies and children proceed to go missing. Which is attributed to something nasty lurking in the woods.

Though the film was well received by the audience, I was sadly left feeling underwhelmed. I thought the film was going to be kind of like “Sleepy Hollow”, but with a witch instead of a headless horseman. What we got instead was a 17th century period drama about some family whose farm is failing and not much else. There’s no real witch to speak of, and there’s also something about an evil rabbit and an evil goat, which I didn’t really understand.
 
After that came one of, if not the most, bizarre films of the Festival. Steve Oram’s “Aaaaaaaah!”. The premise being what if Human behaved more like apes, as it follows the exploits of one family and their friends.

There’s no English dialogue in the film, everyone talks in grunts and although they go around doing all the regular stuff ordinary folk do, shopping, playing football, partying etc, their behaviour is more gorilla-like, as the males fight each other for dominance over the females and everyone just craps on the floor.

A very strange film, in which director Steve Oram plays the lead, and an almost unrecognisable Toyah Wilcox co-stars as the head of the family.

Steve Oram was there to introduce the film and provide a Q&A, which degenerated into a conversation about penises with the shows host Chris Cooke. Footage of which will most definitely be appearing on YouTube shortly.
 
The last film, bringing the festival to a close was “The Invitation” from Aeon Flux/Jennifer’s Body director Karyn Kusama. A man, still grieving the loss of his son, is invited, along with his new partner, to a fancy dinner party by his ex-wife in their former home.

Joined by several old friends, they are shocked to discover that his ex-wife and her new partner have joined some bizarre religious cult based in Mexico, a couple of members of which have also joined them that evening. But as the night goes on, he begins to get the impression that something sinister is going on, as his ex-wife and her new friend’s behaviour gets increasingly erratic.

Featuring a cast of established actors including Logan Marshall-Green (Prometheus), Michiel Huisman (TVs –Game of Thrones) and John Carroll Lynch (TVs American Horror Story), the film had an interesting premise and certainly piles on the tension, where you’re never really sure if they are in danger or its just his paranoia. But the problem was the film just took far too long to get going, over an hour, before anything kicked off.

Whilst the ending proved quite intense, it took just too long to get there in my view. Though I suppose, when you’re confined to one house for the entire film, I guess you are limited in how long you can drag the action out for, and hence why the build up went on for so long. It’ll probably play better on DVD/BD, but overall I found the film to be way to slow.

And that concluded this years Mayhem Festival. A huge thankyou to Chris Cooke, Steven Sheil and the staff at the Broadway Cinema for putting this on and I look forward to next year.

The guys behind Mayhem put on other events throughout the year, be sure to keep an eye out on the Broadway Cinema Website and the Mayhem Facebook and Twitter pages for more info.