Tenderness of the Wolves coming to Blu-ray from Arrow Video

Tenderness of the Wolves coming to Blu-ray from Arrow Video

Release Date: November 2, 2015 (UK) November 3, 2015 (US)
Format: Dual Format Blu-ray + DVD
Starring: Kurt Raab, Jeff Roden, Margit Christensen, Ingrid Craven, Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Directed by: Ulli Lommel

Synopsis:

Fritz Haarmann, aka the Butcher of Hanover and the Vampire of Hanover, 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 horror 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…

The movie was 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 EDITION CONTENTS:

• New high definition digital transfer prepared by the Rainer Werner Fassbinder Foundation
• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
• Uncompressed Mono 1.0 PCM Audio
• New translated English subtitles
• The Tender Wolf – a brand-new in-depth interview with director Ulli Lommel
• Brand-new interview with director of photography Jürgen Jürges
• Newly-filmed appreciation by film historian and expert on European horror cinema Stephen Thrower
• Theatrical trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by the Twins of Evil
• Illustrated booklet featuring new writing on the film by Tony Rayns

DETAILS:
Region: A+B/1+2
Rating: 18 TBC
Cat No: FCD1170
Duration: 82 mins
Language: German
Subtitles: English
Aspect Ratio: TBC
Audio: 1.0 Mono
Discs: 2
Color

 

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Dario Argento's 'Deep Red' Coming to Blu-ray From Arrow Video

Dario Argento's 'Deep Red' Coming to Blu-ray From Arrow Video (UK) October 5, 2015

Synopsis:

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE REALLY SCARED!!!?

From Dario Argento, maestro of the macabre and the man behind some the greatest excursions in Italian horror ("Suspiria," "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage"), comes "Deep Red" – arguably the ultimate giallo movie.

One night, musician Marcus Daly (David Hemmings, "Blow Up"), looking up from the street below, witnesses the brutal axe murder of a woman in her apartment. Racing to the scene, Marcus just manages to miss the perpetrator… or does he? As he takes on the role of amateur sleuth, Marcus finds himself ensnared in a bizarre web of murder and mystery where the body count increases and nothing is what it seems…

Aided by a throbbing score from regular Argento-collaborators Goblin, "Deep Red" (aka "Profondo Rosso" and The "Hatchet Murders") is a hallucinatory fever dream of a giallo punctuated by some of the most astonishing set-pieces the sub-genre has to offer.

3-DISC LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of two versions of the film
• Fully illustrated packaging by Gilles Vranckx, to be revealed
• Booklet featuring new writing on the film by Mikel J. Koven, author of La Dolce Morte: Vernacular Cinema and the Italian Giallo Film
• Soundtrack CD
• Postcards

DEEP RED: THE DIRECTOR’S CUT (BLU-RAY DISC 1)

• Brand new restoration from a 4K scan of the original negative, supervised by cinematographer Luciano Tovoli (Suspiria, Tenebrae) and approved by Dario Argento [127 mins]
• English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
• Audio Commentary with Argento expert Thomas Rostock
• Introduction to the film by Claudio Simonetti of Goblin
• Profondo Giallo – An in-depth look at Dario Argento’s early films and the road to Deep Red
• Rosso Recollections: Dario Argento’s Deep Genius – the Deep Red director on the creation of a giallo masterpiece
• Lady in Red – Daria Nicolodi Remembers Profondo Rosso
• Music to Murder For! – Claudio Simonetti on Deep Red
• Rosso From Celluloid to Shop – a Tour of the Profondo Rosso shop in Rome with long time Argento collaborator Luigi Cozzi
• Italian Trailer

DEEP RED:THE INTERNATIONAL THEATRICAL CUT (BLU-RAY DISC 2) [LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE]
High Definition Blu-Ray (1080p) presentation of the International Version [105 mins]
US Theatrical Trailer

PROFONDO ROSSO: THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK RECORDING (CD DISC 3) [LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE]
28-track CD featuring the entire film score from Italian progressive rock band Goblin and composer Giorgio Gaslini, exclusive to this edition

DETAILS:
Region: B
Rating: 18
Cat No: FCD1166
Duration: 127 mins (DIRECTOR’S CUT) 105 mins (INTERNATIONAL CUT)
Language: Italian/English
Subtitles: English/English SDH
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: TBC
Discs: 3
Color

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The Cottage - DVD Review - Sony Pictures

SLEEPS SIX BLOODY COMFORTABLY.

Released by: Sony Pictures
Release Date: May 13, 2008
Production Year: 2008
Region Code: 1 
Running Time: 1:31:27
Audio: English, French, Spanish and Portuguese Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: 480i Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese


THE FILM: 

Forced into hiding after their kidnapping plan goes awry, two rival siblings, David (Andy Serkis - "The Lord of the Rings") and Peter (Reece Shearsmith - "Shaun of the Dead"), find themselves fighting for their sanity while they hole up in a secluded country cottage. Weighted down by a hostage (Jennifer Ellison - "Brookside") who refuses to stay quiet, or tied down, they are soon held captive by their own victim.

But everyone's problems go from bad to worse when they come face-to-face with their psychotic axe-wielding neighbor.

The film was written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams ("Cherry Tree Lane").

I have watched "The Cottage" several times and it never gets old. It has a good mix of horror and dark comedy. The film plays like a botched kidnapping and attempt at a ransom, for some time. But then it changes gears and goes into horror-mode. "The Cottage" maintains its comedic element throughout the film. The three stars of the film, Andy Serkis, Reece Shearsmith and Jennifer Ellison do a wonderful job of portraying their characters. Andy Serkis fills the role of straight man, while Reece Shearsmith is the inept, accidental funnyman. The beautiful Jennifer Ellison plays the foul mouthed "Tracey," who does a great job at being a thorn in the sides of the incompetent duo. Paul Andrew Williams did a terrific job pulling double-duty for this film serving as both writer and director.

The film is not loaded with blood and gore, but it certainly has some great scenes involving both and tries to make up for it in its second half. Some horror fans may start to get a little impatient waiting for the body count to start rising, but stay with it because somewhere around the halfway point, the film starts to take its darker turn.

 AUDIO:

This DVD comes with multiple Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks. Viewers can pick from English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. There are also subtitles of those same languages included as well. I found the audio to be very good on this DVD. The sound levels were well balanced throughout the film. I did not encounter any issues with the audio in the form of drop outs, hissing and so forth.

VIDEO:

"The Cottage" appears on DVD thanks to Sony Pictures. The film is presented in 480i Anamorphic Widescreen with a 2.35:1 Aspect Ratio. Sony's DVD look excellent. The colors are rich and full. Black levels are handled well. In the more well lit scenes, viewers will be pleased to find a fair bit of fine detail present. I did not notice any problems with the picture quality of this DVD. 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Deleted Scenes (12:16) - There are nine deleted scenes with the option to play them individually or together via a Play All function. They do have some value in that you get a few more shots of gore.

Outtakes (4:49) - Some funny bits. Worth watching for a few laughs.

Storyboard Gallery - These consist of two selections, Peter and Tracey Meet the Farmer and Peter and Tracey Fight the Farmer.

Previews - A promotional video for Blu-ray and 11 trailers for you to watch.


IN CONCLUSION:

I find "The Cottage" to be a fun mix of horror and comedy. If you are a fan of those type of films, I think you will enjoy this one as well. The DVD looks and sounds pretty good. It is light on extras but the deleted scenes and outtakes are at least worth watching once. In my opinion, the film has good replay value. 


OVERALL: 3.5 / 5

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Upcoming Indie Sci-Fi/Horror Film 'The Quantum Terror' is Bringing Love, Madness and Tentacles

A twin sister lost. An underground maze. A nameless insanity from outside of time and space awaits.

So, what is The Quantum Terror?

We're passionate about sci-fi/horror that involves crazy creatures with tentacles, teeth, claws, and off the wall concepts, that weave together in a good story. We have fun with these ideas, but take them very seriously, too. We aim to bring together some of the top independent film making talents residing in Austin, TX and beyond to demonstrate that (now more than ever) artistry over a big studio budget can make for excellent film making.

We plan on using practical effects, animation, miniatures, puppets, and minimalist sets, combined with intimate storytelling and good acting to create an alternate reality, inhabited by impossible creatures of madness. We've reverse engineered some big budget effects so that we can recreate them using cheaper materials, secured the perfect house location, and converted a garage into a mini sound stage. Combined with clever lighting and photography, we believe that you'll never be able to notice or tell that you're not watching a big budget Hollywood film.

The Story

Samantha Carol's twin sister Silvia has gone missing, without a trace. The only clues that Sam has to go on are notebooks filled with strange quantum physics equations combined with scribblings about the occult, that have been left behind. Silvia's ex-boyfriend and fellow college classmate claims he has seen her going into the nearby drainage tunnels that run under the town he lives in, however he himself is a suspect in her disappearance.

Accompanied by Sam's concerned ex-lover Lucy, with new boyfriend in tow, the now group of four go down into the tunnels where strange alien creatures and alterations of reality, will confront them with their deepest desires and darkest inner truths. Now, the question isn't just whether they will find Silvia or not, but if it's even possible for them to ever get out again.

Production Philosophy

We've been inspired by the successful production of other small, crowdfunded films that have come before us, such as StudioADI's Harbinger Down (directed by Alec Gillis) Tom Woodruff, Jr's Fire City, and Alan Moore & Mitch Jenkins' His Heavy Heart. It is our belief that it is the artists behind a film, and not huge amounts of money that bring quality to a production. A smart script and pre-planning through storyboards and concept design can make all the difference. That's why we think that for as little as our 2.5K pledge goal, we can make an indie film that doesn't feel like it was shot entirely in a parking lot. Of course more money will help, and that's why we have stretch goals, but we know that what we do with the money we earn will truly amaze you.

Websites:

Facebook

Twitter

Youtube

The Quantum Terror Blog

Please visit the films Indiegogo page for more information on how you can help and see a list of the perks available.

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10 Scary Filming Locations that You Should See In Person

When we see filming locations in movies, we often find ourselves wanting to visit them in person to see and feel what our favorite characters went through. After all, who wouldn't want to visit the 5401 Olympic or the Kelham Hall in person and experience the lavish life of the fictional people? That being said, there are some who want to see these filming locations for other purposes. Like seeing the place where the horrific events happened in their favorite film. Why they would want to experience that, we don't know. But nonetheless, we decided to make a list of 10 scary filming locations that you should see in person.

1. M Street Stairs in Georgetown, Washington D.C.

Perhaps one of the scariest films of all time, the Exorcist gave movie audiences not just the scare of their life, but also some of the most uncomfortable scenes ever. The movie was shot in the historic town of Georgetown, and one of the scenes in the movie that showed Father Karras falling to his demise took place in the steep stairs of this town.

2. Bishop's Park in London, England

When you find out that your adopted son is a demon, a park is probably the last place you would expect to take the news. This is what happened in “The Omen”, where Father Brennan gave Mr. Thorn the bad news while they were walking in the beautiful backdrop of Bishop's Park.

3. All Saints Fulham in London, England

Another scene from the Omen featured the location of All Saints Fulham. Just after he hears the bad news, Robert Thorn takes a short walk to the church nearby only to die a painful death via a lightning rod during a freak storm. But once you visit however, you won't need to worry about lighting rods falling. This place is now a vibrant and growing church filled with people during their service every evening.

4. Timberline Lodge, Oregon

Now considered a National Historical Landmark, this place might be more recognizable by fans as the exterior of the hotel in Jack Nicholson's The Shining. But beyond the creepy events in the film, this hotel also has a long history that dates back to the American Frontier.

5. Grand Central Cafe in Kingsland, Texas

Who would have expected that the house where a lot of people were brutally murdered (in a film) is now converted into a booming cafe? The place where "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" was shot back in the 70s now serves steaks and coffee. It was painstakingly moved from its place in Red Rock to the outside of Antler Hotel's resort.

6. Seneca Creek Park in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Blair Witch Project gave something new to horror audiences worldwide. It focused more on the unseen rather than what we see on screen, leaving the horror to the viewer's imagination. Much of this is thanks to the atmosphere that Seneca Park brings to the movie. In the morning, this park would be a great place for hiking or fishing. But we wouldn't want to stay there for the night.

7. The Oakley Court Hotel in Windsor, England

If you want to experience the Time Warp, you can now visit the Oakley Court Hotel where the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" was filmed. What's great about this is that you'll find a beautiful indoor pool and 118 elegant rooms and none of the murderous transvestites that you see in the movie.

8. Mission San Juan Bautista in San Juan Bautista, California

Fans of Hitchcock's film Vertigo would surely love to visitthe Spanish mission in San Juan Bautista. This is the place where retired police officer Scottie Ferguson watched the love of his live fall from the bell tower to her certain doom. It might not be good for officer Ferguson, but it can be a peaceful experience for anyone who wants to visit the garden inside.

9. Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

FBI agent Clarice Starling visits the Carnegie Museum of Natural History to talk with an entomologist about the strange moth that she found in “Silence of the Lambs”. Although the location isn't creepy, the movie that it was featured in surely was. On your visit there, you can check out lots of stuff from our history in their famous "Dinosaur Hall".

10. 1428 N. Genesee Avenue in Los Angeles, California

Back in the day this was where Freddy from "Nightmare on Elm Street" lives. But now it is a beautiful private residence that has been refurnished and sold to an unknown buyer for a total of $2 million. Although you can't visit it per se, you can check out the dreamy interior of the home here. (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2295034/Nightmare-Elm-Street-house-sells-2-1-million-massive-renovation-turns-dream-home.html)

About the Author:

Cyrel P. Nicolas is a writer, information wanderer, movie addict and digital marketing specialist for almost 5 years at CollabUX Web Solutions, Co – a web and software development company that provides quality websites, applications, internet marketing and other IT services. Currently, he is the marketing director of LightsOnLocation – a premier directory of filming locations.

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Inside (2007) - DVD Review - Dimension Home Video

A brilliant and brutal horror film from France.

Released by: Dimension Home Video
Release Date: April 15, 2008
Production Year: 2007
Region Code: 1 
Running Time: 1:22:19
Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1 / French Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: 480i Anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English, English SDH, Spanish


THE FILM: 

Four months after pregnant Sarah loses her husband in a horrific car accident, she is visited on Christmas Eve by a mysterious madwoman. Alone and desperate to save her unborn child, Sarah fights to stay alive as each of her potential rescuers die at the woman's sadistic hands. With scene after scene of shocking carnage, "Inside" delivers unbelievably realistic gore that dares you not to look away.

I love the film. Plain and simple. I have loved "Inside" after watching it for the first time. The film shocked, surprised and in the end, left me in awe of the carnage I had witnessed. I have watched this a number of times over the years and thought it appropriate that I give the DVD a review. Yes, I wish there was a suitable English friendly Blu-ray, but that's another story.

Beatrice Dalle and Alysson Paradis are fantastic in this film. They carry most of the acting workload and they so such a great job in their respective roles. Gorehounds rejoice. "Inside" has its fair share of gore and plenty of blood to go around. I've come to enjoy the work of directors Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo. This was the first film of theirs I had watched and I have enjoyed their films that followed ("Livide" and "Among the Living"). Frankly, not much else really needs to be said about the film. Pop in the DVD, then sit back and enjoy the ride. 

AUDIO:

There are two audio option on this DVD. You can watch the film in English via a Dolby Digital 5.1 track or in its original language with the French Dolby Digital 5.1 track. There are English, English SDH and Spanish subtitles includes as well. I prefer the original language option, which sounded great. "Inside" is not a dialogue-heavy film. The balance between the different elements in the audio were well balanced. I did not encounter any problems with the French audio in the form of pops, dropouts, hisses and so forth.

VIDEO:

"Inside" slashes its way on to DVD from Dimension Home Video. The film is presented in 480i Anamorphic Widescreen with a 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio. Colors looks good in the film with reds of the blood looking amazing against the white bathroom. The film has a fair amount of fine detail with the overall quality of the video looking very good. Black levels look excellent and contrast levels are great. 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

An In-Depth Look at the Making of Inside (51:56) - A great behind the scenes look at the making of the film. Viewers are treated to numerous interesting parts of the film making process. You get to see such things as molds being cast of the lead actresses, make-up special effects and the car accident. Members of the cast and crew talk about the film throughout the documentary. It was nice to be able to see how so many of the special effects shots were accomplished. (In French with English subtitles)

Theatrical Trailer (1:44)

IN CONCLUSION:

An awesome movie and a great DVD with a really good 'making of' documentary. The DVD can be tough to locate now but if you check different online retailers, you're bound to find at least a used copy at a reasonable price. Watch the film. It's a bloody good time. Yes, pun intended. If you are new to the great horror films that have come out of France, you are in for a treat cause there are some really good films in your future.


OVERALL: 4 / 5

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Olive Films Announce Their October Blu-ray Releases

Olive Films has announced their planned Blu-ray releases for October, with some horror titles among them. The titles pictured below are scheduled to be released on October 27, 2015.

Breeders (1986)

When five Manhattan women are accosted under mysterious circumstances, the police think they have got a twisted serial rapist on their hands. But as Detective Dale Androtti (Lance Lewman) and Dr. Gamble Pace (Teresa Farley) soon discover, the reality is much worse. Tracing the source of the attacks underground, they find an unstoppable alien presence that has infested an abandoned subway system and begun to reproduce itself by impregnating human women.

"Breeders" was written and directed by Tim Kincaid ("Robot Holocaust" and "Bad Girls Dormitory").

* NSFW Trailer *

A Black Veil For Lisa (1968)

When a narcotics detective (John Mills) finds out that his beautiful wife (Luciana Paluzzi) is cheating on him, he hires a professional hitman to bump her off. However, things don't go quite according to plan.

The film was directed by Massimo Dallamano.

Dr. Terrors House of Horrors (1965)

Five men enter a train carriage in London bound for Bradley, and are joined by a sixth, the mysterious Doctor Schreck (Peter Cushing) whose name, he mentions, is German for "terror". During the journey, the doctor opens his pack of Tarot cards (which he calls his "House of Horrors") and proceeds to reveal the destinies of each of the travelers. This provides the framework to tell five horror stories.

"Dr. Terror's House of Horrors" was directed by veteran horror director, Freddie Francis and written by Milton Subotsky. The films stars Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Michael Gough ("Batman"), Bernard Lee ("Dr. No"), Donald Sutherland, Jeremy Kemp ("A Bridge Too Far") and Judy Cornwell ("Keeping Up Appearances").

Sometimes They Come Back (1991)

This adaptation of Stephen King's thriller is about a teacher (Tim Matheson) who returns to his hometown after 27 years. Soon he is tormented by ghosts of the dead teens who killed his brother years before.


The film stars Tim Matheson ("Animal House"), Brooke Adams ("Invasion of the Body Snatchers" '78),  Robert Rusler ("Cherry 2000") and William Sanderson ("Blade Runner"). The film was directed by Tom McLoughlin ("Jason Lives: Friday the 13th Part VI").

The Deadly Bees (1966)

Pop singer Vicki Robbins (Suzanna Leigh) collapses from exhaustion and takes a vacation on a small resort island. She soon meets Mr. Hargrove (Guy Doleman), a difficult man with a failing marriage who owns the resort and keeps bees as a hobby. Charming Manfred (Frank Finlay), who also lives on the island, keeps bees as well, and he soon strikes up a friendship with Vicki. However, when first a dog and then Hargrove's wife are killed by bee stings, Vicki discovers that someone on the island is breeding a strain of killer bees, and she has to find out who is responsible and what can be done before they kill again.

The film was directed by Freddie Francis ("Dr. Terror's House of Horrors," "Girly").

Phase IV (1974)

The story concerns two scientists who install themselves in an ant-proof dome full of computer equipment that interprets the ants' communications. When the men spread yellow poison over the area, annihilating millions of ants, the surviving ants find an antidote to the poison and, even stronger, they strike back.

The film stars Nigel Davenport ("Chariots of Fire", Michael Murphy ("Batman Returns") and Lynne Frederick ("Voyage of the Damned"). The film was directed by Saul Bass.

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We Are Still Here - Pre-order the Super Cheap Blu-ray Now

This House Needs A Family

Director Ted Geoghegan's hit film,"We Are Still Here," will be coming to Blu-ray and DVD on October 6, 2015 thanks to MPI Home Video.

Special features include:
Commentary with Writer-Director Ted Geoghegan and Producer Travis Stevens
Behind the Scenes
Trailer
Teaser

After their teenage son is killed in a car crash, Paul (Andrew Sensenig) and Anne (Barbara Crampton) move to the quiet New England countryside to try to start a new life for themselves. But the grieving couple unknowingly becomes the prey of a family of vengeful spirits that reside in their new home, and before long they discover that the seemingly peaceful town they’ve moved into is hiding a terrifyingly dark secret. Now they must find a way to overcome their sorrow and fight back against both the living and dead as the malicious ghosts threaten to pull their souls – and the soul of their lost son – into hell with them. Co-starring Larry Fessenden and Lisa Marie, writer-director Ted Geoghegan’s "We Are Still Here" is a tense, frightening, and thoroughly haunting modern ghost story.

The films Facebook page
Follow the film on Twitter

UK Readers: StudioCanal will be releasing "We Are Still Here" on DVD, October 19, 2015.

You can pre-order the Blu-ray at the super low price below

 

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The Final Girls coming to select cities and VOD October 9, 2015

Who Will Survive?

Stage 6/Vertical Entertainment will bring the horror-comedy "The Final Girls" to select cities, VOD and Digital HD on October 9, 2015.

Max Cartwright (Taissa Farmiga), a high school senior, is mysteriously transported with her friends into a 1980's horror film that starred Max's mother, Amanda (Malin Åkerman), a celebrated scream queen. Trapped inside the movie, Max finds herself reunited with her mom, who she lost in real life. Together with Max's friends, they must fend off the camp counselors' raging hormones, battle a deranged machete-wielding killer, and find a way to escape the movie and make it back home.

The film stars Taissa Farmiga, Malin Akerman, Alexander Ludwig, Nina Dobrev, Alia Shawkat, Thomas Middleditch, Adam Devine, Tory N. Thompson and Angela Trimbur. The film was directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson.

The films Facebook page.


 

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Blood Punch - DVD Review - Midnight Releasing

 Die Every Day Like It's Your Last

Released by: Midnight Releasing
Release Date: September 1, 2015
Production Year: 2015
Region Code: 1 
Running Time: 1:45:02
Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0 (320 Kbps) / English Dolby Digital 2.0 (192 Kbps)
Video: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen
Subtitles: English


THE FILM: 

Milton (Milo Cawthorne, "Deathgasm") is a brilliant chemistry student serving out his time in court-mandated drug rehab. Skyler (Olivia Tennet, "When We Go to War") is a beautiful, mysterious, new girl at the facility. Looking to recruit a cook for a one-day drug score, Skyler seduces Milton. When her psychotic and trigger-happy boyfriend Russell (Ari Boyland, "Shortland Street"), comes to bust them out, Milton feels compelled to go with her. By the time they arrive at an isolated hunting lodge to prepare for the cook, Milton finds himself in the middle of a tense and dangerous love triangle. When Russell reveals that he plans to kill Milton as soon as he finishes cooking their fortune, Skyler warns him. Together they are forced to kill Russell in order to save each other. After burying his body in the woods, they awaken the next morning to find Russell alive and well, and with no memory of the previous day. Milton and Skyler are forced to kill Russell again...and again...and again, but to their astonishment, he won't stay dead. The bodies are piling up as Milton searches desperately for answers and a way out of this seemingly never-ending cycle of carnage and mayhem. Nothing is what it appears to be and nobody can be trusted. 

I found "Blood Punch" to be sort of like "Groundhog Day" meets "Edge of Tomorrow." This is director Madellaine Paxson's feature film debut. Bravo. If I was a director, I would be very proud to be able to say yes, this was the first film I have directed. I hope she will direct more films in the horror genre. I had a blast watching the chaos unfold. There were numerous random bits of violence that made the journey, that much more entertaining. Eddie Guzelian wrote a terrific script. It really helped the characters shine.  A truly great job to everyone involved in the making of this film. 

Our three main stars of the film, Milo Cawthorne (Milton), Olivia Tennet (Skyler) and Ari Boyland (Russell) all give excellent performances. Olivia Tennet does a great job as the sultry and scheming Skyler. Milo Cawthorne gives a fine performance as Milton, the mild-mannered and troubled student who goes through a transformation in the film. Ari Boyland practically steals a few scenes with how great of a job he does playing Russell, the crazy boyfriend of Skyler. We start off disliking Russell and while we never really root for him, he does become likable due to his comedy relief. I do want to add that supporting characters Archer (Cohen Holloway) and Nibiki (Adelaide Kane) were entertaining in their small roles and the actors portraying them did a fine job as well. They left us wanting to see more of their characters.

Hollywood could learn a thing or two by watching "Blood Punch." They need to make more films like this instead of churning out the remake of the month. It sure seems like the smaller budget and independent films is where the quality is at in horror genre right now.

As is the case every year, good and even great films go largely unnoticed due to the shadow of Hollywood. I am not saying this is my favorite film of the year. But it was quite good and deserves a wider audience. The year is far from over, but I think "Blood Punch" could end up being the best horror film of 2015, that people haven't heard about. I will surely try to do what I can to remedy that and get the film more attention.

AUDIO:

The Setup menu offers the choice of 2.0 stereo and 5.1 audio options. However upon choosing the 5.1 option, I noticed when I checked the audio while the film was playing, it showed it being 2 channels. Both options appeared to be the same except one is 320 Kbps and the other 192 Kbps. 

The sound quality was good with no noticeable problems. Dialogue was clear and easy to understand. The score and sound effects sounded fine and did not drown out the dialogue at all. English subtitles are also included on the DVD.

VIDEO:

"Blood Punch" makes it DVD debut thanks to Midnight Releasing. The film is presented in Anamorphic Widescreen 16:9. I thought the video quality looked pretty good overall. The image looked clear and showed more detail in stationary shots as opposed to when characters were moving. But that would most likely be a result of how the film was shot. There was a fair amount of fine detail present in some close up shots. The colors looked strong and vibrant in appearance. Skin tones had a natural look. Around the 1:08:10 mark in the film, the layer change occurs in the DVD, in case anyone thinks their disc is defective. 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Deleted Scenes:

• My name's Skyler (1:49) - This is an extended introduction to Skyler at the rehab facility.

• The best part (2:15) - This scene is from when the trio first arrive at the hunting lodge.

• We aren't dead... or are we? (1:13) - Milton and Skyler take inventory of weapons and items.

• I don't sing (1:50) - Milton and Skyler discuss hallucinations. 

• Chainsaw to the head (3:47) - Milton asks Skyler to list every way that he died. Meanwhile he searches Russell's police car. 

• It's the bad ones (5:57) - Full and uncut Archer scene.

Test Footage:

• Test Titles (2:45) - Alternate opening titles
• Dead Body Bathroom Scene (3:25) - Milton and Skyler discuss killing Russell
• Good Morning, Skyler (0:27) - Russell is killing during breakfast.
• Skyler Group Rehab Scene (4:06) - Skyler telling the group why she uses meth and that she is looking for a cook.
• Outtakes (7:15)
• Teaser (1:58) Test footage for teaser trailer.

Production Outtakes (9:02) - Some fun bloopers from several scenes.

IN CONCLUSION:

Well, this is an easy DVD to recommend. I had a really good time watching the film. The DVD looks and sounds good. It has a few decent special features also. After watching the film, I really wish there was a commentary track featuring our main trio, included on this release. I think it could have been a good addition. Perhaps one day a Blu-ray can happen and a commentary could be recorded. That would be a welcomed treat. However, in the meantime, I do recommend watching "Blood Punch." It is a wickedly fun film.

I want to share a list of awards "Blood Punch" has won since it was completed, until now.

WINNER: Audience Award, Dark Matters (Austin Film Festival)
WINNER: Best Feature Film (New Orleans Horror Film Festival)
WINNER: Best Feature Film, Off The Edge (Omaha Film Festival)
WINNER: Audience Award, Fusion Features (Dances With Films)
WINNER: Audience Award, Best of Fest (Dances With Films)
WINNER: Special Midnight Selection (Cinequest Film Festival)
WINNER: Best Feature Film (Idaho Horror Film Festival)
WINNER: Best Feature Film (Hoboken Film Festival)
WINNER: Best Director (Hoboken Film Festival)
WINNER: Best Cinematography (Hoboken Film Festival)
WINNER: Best Horror Feature (Phoenix Film Festival)

You can watch the film on iTunes. 

OVERALL: 3.5 / 5

 

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Call Girl of Cthulhu - Coming to Blu-ray September 15, 2015

She's Turning Wet Dreams into Nightmares

From the makers of WNUF HALLOWEEN SPECIAL comes the goriest, most hilarious H.P. Lovecraft tribute to ever splatter the screen.

Carter Wilcox (David Phillip Carollo) is a struggling artist who’s been saving his virginity for someone special. When he meets the enchanting escort Riley Whatley (Melissa O'Brien), he believes he’s found the one. Unfortunately, she’s also "someone special" to an ancient cult that believes she is the chosen bride of its alien god, Cthulhu. Forced to mate with the tentacled deity, Riley becomes a vessel for the spawn that will destroy mankind.

Now, Carter and his noise musician roommate, Erica Zann (Nicolette le Faye), must battle the sinister cult and unimaginable creatures to save Riley... and the rest of humanity.

Will they save the world or surrender to the slimy grip of the Great Old Ones?


Release Date: September 15, 2015
Director: Chris Lamartina
Starring: Melissa O'Brien, Dave Phillip Carollo, Nicolette le Faye, Helenmary Ball, George Stover, Dave Gamble
Studio: Camp Motion Pictures
Production Year: 2014
Alternative Cinema Exclusive: order here

2014 / 92 mins (146 mins trt) / Horror / Color / Not Rated / 16x9 / Region Free / English SPECIAL FEATURES: Two Audio Commentary Tracks with Director Chris LaMartina and Producer Jimmy George and with Chris LaMartina and Select Cast and Crew; “Lights! Camera! Tentacles! The Making of Call Girl of Cthulhu”; “Dunwhich Whorers: the Outtakes of Cthulhu”; Call Girl of Cthulhu Kickstarter Videos Including Call Girl of Cthulhu Kick-Off Video, A Special Message from H.P. Lovecraft, My 5-Year Old Niece Explains Cthulhu, Cthulhu for President Commercial, and A Special Message from George Stover; Call Girl of Cthulhu Trailer; Camp Motion Pictures Trailer Vault; 22" x 32" "Call Girl Poster Offer" Postcard Included

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Always Watching: A Marble Hornets Story - DVD Review - Anchor Bay

You Shouldn't Have Looked

Released by: Starz / Anchor Bay
Release Date: August 4, 2015
Production Year: 2015
Region Code: 1 
Running Time: 1:31:20
Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: 480i (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SHD, Spanish


THE FILM: 

On the hunt for an intriguing news story, small-town news team, Sara (Alexandra Breckenridge, The Walking Dead, American Horror Story), Milo (Chris Marquette, Freddy vs. Jason) and Charlie (Jake McDorman, American Sniper) follow a crew inspecting repossessed houses. Inside a particularly strange house, the news team discovers a box of video tapes inside a locked closet. Sensing a story, they decide to take them back to their studio. From the tapes, they learn that the family who had lived in the house was not pushed out by the banks, but fled the house in fear for their lives. Trying to decode the story, the crew keeps seeing a faceless figure dressed in a dark suit appear in the footage that causes the videotape to scramble. Their fear mounts when this figure, The Operator as he is deemed, starts to appear in their real lives, standing quietly and always watching them. Tortured and terrorized, the three crew members must track down the mystery of The Operator before it's too late.
"Always Watching" is based upon the "Marble Hornets" series of videos from Youtube, which were inspired by the story of the "Slenderman." 

I am generally not too excited about the thought of watching "found footage" films. The primary reason being that they tend to look like the camera operator was shaking the camera on purpose, mostly to obscure action scenes. However in "Always Watching," the shaky cam syndrome is not too bad. I normally get annoyed easily with that sort of thing and it never bothered me while watching the film, so that says something. 

I found "Always Watching" to be fairly entertaining. There were several scenes that should keep its viewers on the edge of their seats with anticipation. The Operator is one creepy looking individual. The cast did a nice job in their acting roles especially Alexandra Breckenridge who had several highly emotional scenes.

AUDIO: 

The DVD includes an English Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. I thought the sound quality was quite good on the DVD. The audio sounded good throughout the film and the sound effects were very effective in key, shocking moments. Dialogue was easy to understand. I did not encounter any issues with the audio like drop outs, hissing, loud pops and so on. The DVD also includes English SDH and Spanish subtitles.

VIDEO:

"Always Watching" stalks its way on to DVD thanks to Starz/Anchor Bay and Gravitas Ventures. The film is presented in 480i anamorphic widescreen with a 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio. For being a "found footage" film, the video quality looks pretty good. The screen shots included were taken directly from the DVD. The film presented some nice fine detail in close up shots. Colors look good throughout and skin tones looked natural. 


SPECIAL FEATURES:

There are no special features included on the DVD.

IN CONCLUSION:

"Always Watching" might be a polarizing film for fans. I could see there being a lot of love it and hate it groups. The film itself is better than your average horror film. It features a good cast. Unfortunately the DVD did not include any extras. But the video and audio quality is very good. If you happen to enjoy the "found footage" style films, you should really give this one a chance. If you are like me and can take them or leave them, I would suggest giving the film a try because like me, you might be surprised. The film is available via VOD on several sites including Amazon and Youtube.


OVERALL: 3 / 5

 

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