88 Films Provides Final List of Extras for Their Blu-ray of 'Evilspeak'

Final Specs for the Jan. 25th Blu-ray of "Evilspeak"

88 Films has provided the final list of extras for their upcoming Blu-ray release of "Evilspeak" which is scheduled to be released on January 25, 2016.

Along with the list of special features, 88 Films had this to say about the film and release:

"Banned as a video nasty during the horror film purge of the early 1980's, EVILSPEAK returns to UK shelves remastered and uncut for Blu-Ray! Starring genre legend Clint Howard (CARNOSAUR/ THE WRAITH) as a bullied military academy student who manages to tap into an ancient satanic ritual and unleash everything from flesh-hungry pigs to heart-tearing demonic forces, EVILSPEAK is a garish, gruesome rollercoaster romp that rarely pauses for breath. Also featuring a starring turn from veteran actor R.G. Armstrong (PAT GARRETT AND BILLY THE KID), EVILSPEAK is first class genre cinema, from the golden era of VHS splatter, 88 Films is proud to present this colorful bout of carnage in HD!"


SPECIAL FEATURES

• BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE - 104 Minute Extended Cut (SD)
• Introduction by Eric Weston
• Audio Commentary with Producer / Director Eric Weston, Actor Clint Howard and Location Manager Warren Lewis
• Interview with actor Clint Howard
• Interview with actor Don Stark
• Interview with actor Joseph Cortese
• Satan's Pigs and Severed Heads: The Making of Evilspeak
• Effects Speak with Allan A. Apone
• Theatrical Trailer
• 88 Films Trailer Reel
• Newly Commissioned Artwork by Graham Humphreys
• Reversible incorporating original artwork

TECHNICAL SPECS
Region Code: B
Picture Format: HD 1080p 1.78:1
Audio Format: LPCM Mono
Language: English
Certification: 18
Running Time: 93 Mins Approx

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Nail Gun Massacre - Blu-ray Review - 88 Films

A Very Penetrating Story!

Released by: 88 Films

Release Date: September 28, 2015
Production Year: 1985

Region Code: ALL
Running Time: 1:25:27
Audio: English DTS-HD MA Mono
Video: 1080p (1.78:1 / 1.33 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None

THE FILM - [ 3 / 5 ]:

No pennies??? No plot??? No problem!!!

With innovation comes influence - and so it was that, in 1985, another group of backwoods filmmakers from the Lone Star State gave us another legendary Texas-set splatter-shocker: "Nail Gun Massacre."

An icon of the VHS age, sleazier and cheesier than any of its contemporaries- and featuring more power tool plasma-spillage than you can shake a chainsaw at - "Nail Gun Massacre" introduces a motorcycle-helmet wearing psychopath with a range of amusing one-liners. This mysterious marauders get their kicks from tracking down tempestuous teenagers and lowbrow locals so that they can be turned into human pin cushions. The motivation behind this macabre path of plasma-provocation may be linked to a psycho-sexual crime that took place years prior - although the local police force are understandably baffled as each new dead body turns up...
Oh "Nail Gun Massacre," you are not a particularly good film, but you are a fun horror film. The cheese level is high in Terry Lofton's 80's slasher. From the nail gun that makes noise yet you never see it firing to the cop whose badge changes locations on his uniform to the breathing, yet deceased victims. This movie has a lot going for it. There is plenty of eye candy for the guys and the ladies get a few glimpses or male nudity, even frontal. Oh my. This won't be the best horror film you've ever seen, but it's not one you would soon forget, which can't be said of many other horror movies.


AUDIO - [ 4 / 5 ]:

"Nail Gun Massacre" comes with an English DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track. Overall, I thought the sound quality was excellent. There were a couple of instances where it was difficult to understand what a character was saying, but I would expect that to be due to the original recording. The film had a nice balance between the dialogue, sound effects and score and the audio sounded fairly clean. I didn't notice any real issues with the audio such as hissing or pops. 

This picture was not taken from the Blu-ray.

VIDEO - [ 4 / 5 ]:

"Nail Gun Massacre" shoots its way on to Blu-ray thanks to UK distributor 88 Films. The film is presented in 1080p with two options to watch, a 1.33 or 1.78 Aspect Ratio. First off in case anyone plans to ask, I do not own the Blu-ray that Code Red released, so I cannot comment as to which looks better. I am happy with my choice though as the 88 Films release is on a BD-50 as opposed to a BD-25. So, double the space gives the film a lot more room to shine. I think this Blu-ray looks great. I can see some people being disappointed when comparing it to other films from the same era, but this film never looked exceptional. I do think that anyone familiar with the film will be pleasantly surprised and happy with how good the film looks. The film has a somewhat faded look but the colors still look rather good. Skin tones have a pleasant and natural appearance. The grain level looks very good and consistent. 


SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 4.5 / 5 ]:

Audio Commentary with Texas Frightmare Weekend creator Loyd Cryer - Mr. Cryer is joined by his wife on this commentary track. First off, one thing I learned is that Loyd Cryer owns the rights to "Nail Gun Massacre." This track does have numerous quiet moments throughout the film. However, I found the track both interesting and entertaining as Mr. Cryer provides a fair amount of behind the scenes tidbits on the film. I learned that the woman running the store was Terry's mother and the funny part is when they point out the script is on the counter for her to look at while filming the scene. Fans of the film should listen to this track.

Audio Commentary with The Hysteria Continues - If you've heard one of their commentaries before, you know what to expect. This was a pretty fun track to listen to with the crew having some fun with the film while watching it. Some of the behind the scenes information shared may also be found in other extras on the Blu-ray. The conversation moves at a steady pace and someone is always ready to share some information or make a comment about what is occurring on screen. 

Alamo Drafthouse Screening (7:44) - This features a few words from fans who attended the films screening as well as a short Q & A with a couple of cast members.

Interview with Terry Lofton (16:10) - Mr. Lofton talks about where his idea for "Nail Gun Massacre" originated. He speaks about the films production and how once it they started editing, he realized they needed more footage and shot some new scenes. Terry shares some great stories from film concerning the cast and the production.

Interview with Whitey Thomas (12:10) - Mr. Thomas provided the sound effects and score for the film. He speaks about getting started in the sound effects business, his work on the film and some of the sounds were created.

Locations of Nail Gun Massacre (3:37) - A short but fun then and now comparison offers a look at a few scenes used in the film.

Nail Gun Massacre Q&A (2006) Hosted by Joe Bob Briggs (17:16) - Viewers get another chance to learn some more about the film. The video quality fluctuates and is full of digital artifacts, but I doubt it could be helped due to the source of the recording. Being a Q&A, it's more about what you hear than what you see and the audio is pretty good. 

Trailer Reel (21:55)


IN CONCLUSION:

88 Films has released a great product. The Blu-ray has great audio and video quality and also offers a plethora of special features. If you are a fan of this film and do not own the film on Blu-ray, you owe it to yourself to add this release to your collection. It's hard to say whether those unfamiliar with the film would like it. You can watch a trailer and see if that helps make your decision any easier.  


OVERALL - [ 4 / 5 ]

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Evilspeak, Creepshow 2, The Suckling and Flesh Eating Mothers coming to Blu-ray from 88 Films

88 Films Bringing Four More Horror Titles To HD!

Here are 4 more horror titles that will hopefully be on your shelves in early 2016.

Creepshow 2, Evilspeak (with a new Graham Humphreys sleeve), Flesh Eating Mothers and The Suckling will be coming to Blu-ray.

Dates and details TBC


As you can see, very little in the way of news on the releases at this time. However, here is some information on each movie in case you are unfamiliar with any of them.

Creepshow 2

The rotting Creep himself is back with three new gruesome tales of horror that will make your skin crawl: a cigar store wooden Indian comes to life to avenge the store owner's brutal murder at the hands of three punks in “Ol’ Chief Woodenhead." Then four teenagers become the target of a terrifying, man-eating oil slick in "The Raft." The chills continue with "The Hitchhiker," the chilling tale of a woman who keeps running into, and over, the same mutilated man on a lonely road. Prepare for a terrifying roller coaster ride from the masters of horror!

Evilspeak

Things suck for Stanley Coopersmith (Clint Howard). He's a welfare student for a military school and is basically at the bottom of the pecking order. One day it all changes when he is given a punishment duty of cleaning the academy's chapel's basement. There he discovers belongings of late Father Esteban Lorenzo, who was executed for Satanism in the 16th century. Coopersmith then starts studying Lorenzo's material and later uses his newly gained power to turn the tables against his tormentors.



The Suckling

A woman goes to a back alley abortion clinic, only to have her aborted fetus attack her, her boyfriend, and everyone else at the clinic.




Flesh Eating Mothers

A venereal disease turns an entire town of two-timing mothers into cannibals!

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70's Slasher, Drive-In Massacre, coming to Blu-ray from 88 Films

Wanna go to the drive-in tonight? 

88 Films announced today that they plan to bring the 1977 slasher film, "Drive-in Massacre" to Blu-ray in early 2016.

A year before the slasher boom really hit its stride with John Carpenter's legendary trendsetter "Halloween," there was "Drive-in Massacre" - an early slice and dice prototype that is finally achieving its rightful reappraisal courtesy of a brand new 2k scan from the splatter movie addicts at 88 Films! This worldwide HD debut indicates that "Drive-in Massacre" was, in many ways, ahead of its time - spinning a sleazy story about a clueless police investigation into a madman who is carving up spectators at outdoor cinemas across California! Introducing the sort of giallo framework that the post-"Friday the 13th" teenkill genre would later take as its own, "Drive-in Massacre" was directed with the expert grindhouse touch of Stu Segall, the man who oversaw Marilyn Chambers in "Insatiable" (1980) before producing such hit TV series as "Renegade." A lively and lacerating bout of lunatic slasher energy, 88 Films is proud to give "Drive-in Massacre" its worldwide Blu-ray bow in a new transfer approved by Segall himself!

Extras and details TBC
(Coming Early 2016)

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Sleepaway Camp 2 and 3 coming to Blu-ray from 88 Films

88 Films releasing two Sleepaway Camp sequels

Back in the heyday of horror franchises, one little slasher classic changed the gore-game entirely - 1988's body count bonanza "Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers."

Long before Wes Craven's masterful" Scream" (1996) turned the slice and dice trend on its head with its sense of pastiche and postmodern references, "Sleepaway Camp II" was nodding its noggin towards everything from "A Nightmare on Elm Street" to "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre" with genre in-jokes galore. In this suitably satirical sequel to 1983's gender-bending original flick, the great Pamela Springsteen (sister of Bruce!) headlines as the puritanical Angela Johnson, returning to murderous form as a summer camp counselor who can't wait to drill, drown and destroy an entire backwoods full of frisky teenagers and stuffy colleagues. With some winning eighties mullets, a likable final girl in the beautiful Renée Estevez ("Intruder") and guts-to-the-ground gruesome special effects, "Sleepaway Camp II" is one of the finest fear follow-ups of all time! Finally released in all of its HD horror, 88 Films is proud to present one of the defining VHS hits of its era.

Extras and details to be confirmed.
(Coming Early 2016)

The death and destruction continues in 1989's darkly comedic, and thoroughly demented, sequel "Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland."

Once again returning as the riotous Angela Johnson, star Pamela Springsteen just cannot seem to keep away from summer camp carnage - this time going undercover as a teen-refugee seeking some solace and understanding from a pleasant old backwoods retreat. Alas, when she only finds sexed up teens and party-happy adults, her sense of virginal duty is called into action and she begins tidying up the trash. Using everything from a lawnmower to a firecracker to a gun, our wise-cracking anti-heroine soon loses count of the corpses - although a final homage to "The Most Dangerous Game" gives her last survivors a sporting shot at making it out of the woods alive. Released at the tail-end of the slice and dice terror-trope movement, and co-starring the great Michael J Pollard ("House of 1000 Corpses"), "Sleepaway Camp III" is pure eighties mayhem - and one of the most malevolent macabre movies ever unleashed!

Finally carving its way back to UK shelves, this is the HD horror sequel you have all been waiting for!

Extras and details TBC
(Coming Early 2016)

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SS Experiment Camp coming to Blu-ray and DVD from 88 Films

HORRIFYING EXPERIMENTS... in pursuit of the Master Race

88 Films will be bringing Sergio Garrone's 1976 Naziploitation film, "SS Experiment Camp" to Blu-ray and DVD on October 26, 2015. 

"SS Experiment Camp" has arrived back to UK shelves uncut, uncensored and ready to scandalize a new generation of gore-hungry viewers! With this said, the flick that kicked off the entire ‘video nasty’ scandal is not afraid to show both the horrors of fascism and the struggles of heroism in the shadow of World War 2’s vilest violence. Add to this mix a subtle tongue-in-cheek splat-stick mentality (after all the best way to get your own back at Nazis is to laugh at them!), and the sort of palpable postwar Italian guilt that highlighted the entire Rome-based boom in Third Reich exploitation romps, and you have a curious schlock-totem. SS EXPERIMENT CAMP may have upset the censors back in 1976, but today it stands tall as a must-see example of bad taste VHS-era bloodshed… suitable for steel-stomachs and scholars of the rental shop era!

SPECIAL FEATURES

• NEW HD TRANSFER
• RESTORED ENGLISH SOUNDTRACK
• RESTORED ITALIAN SOUNDTRACK WITH NEWLY TRANSFERRED ENGLISH SUBTITLES
• MORE TBC

Blu-ray TECHNICAL SPECS

• Region Code: B
• Picture Format: 1.85:1
• Audio Format: LPCM Mono
• Language: English and Italian with English Subtitles
• Certification: 18
• Running Time: 94 Mins Approx

DVD TECHNICAL SPECS

• Region Code: 2
• Picture Format: PAL 1.85:1
• Audio Format: Dolby Digital Mono
• Language: English and Italian with English Subtitles
• Certification: 18
• Running Time: 94 Mins Approx

You can order the film via the links below or from the 88 Films store.


 

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Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death coming to Blu-ray from 88 Films

These Women Are Serious About Their Taste In Men!

88 Films will be releasing the campy 1989 horror action comedy mashup, "Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death" to Blu-ray on January 11, 2016. The film was directed by J.F. Lawton and stars Shannon Tweed ("Night Eyes II," "Of Unknown Origin"), Adrienne Barbeau ("The Fog," "Swamp Thing"), Karen Mistal ("Return of the Killer Tomatoes!", Barry Primus ("SpaceCamp") and Bill Maher ("Politically Incorrect").

Synopsis:

To avoid a serious avocado shortage, the U.S. government hires feminist anthropology professor Margo Hunt (Shannon Tweed) to find the man-eating Piranha Women tribe who inhabit the avocado jungle of Southern California. Assisted by chauvinist Jim (Bill Maher) and a dim-witted student named Bunny, Hunt must convince the tribe to move to Malibu condos while simultaneously fending off her rival Dr. Kurtz (Adrienne Barbeau). Meanwhile, Bunny's contemplating joining the Piranha gals -- but she must consume Jim first....

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Full Moon Trailer Park
• Trailer

TECHNICAL SPECS

Region Code: B
Picture Format: HD 1.78:1 1080p
Audio Format: LPCM 2.0
Language: English
Certification: 12
Running Time: 90 Mins Approx

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'Nightmares in a Damaged Brain' Coming to Blu-ray and DVD from 88 Films

If you were terrified by "Dawn of the Dead" & "Friday the 13th" you must see Nightmare

***UPDATED - Sept. 24th ***

88 Films posted an update on their upcoming release.

"Our first announcement is actually an apology. We have had to put Nightmare in a Damaged Brain back a few weeks as we have been trying to obtain a sample of a newly created answer print scan.

This finally came through today and it looks fantastic so we've decided to go ahead and make a NEW HD Master. This will be done very soon and we will be able to give a firm final release date in the next couple of weeks.

Thank you for your patience and we really hope you like the new transfer."



Few slasher classics have proven to be more controversial than Romano Scavolini's sicko slice 'em up epic horror film, "Nightmares in a Damaged Brain!"

Finally unleashed in the UK, uncut and uncensored, for the first time since VHS (back when the distributor of this bloodthirsty "Halloween" cash-in was imprisoned for 18 months just for daring to unleash it!), "Nightmares in a Damaged Brain" depicts the slow mental burn down of an escaped psychopath as he hacks his way through New York's 42nd Street, horny teenagers and random suburban housewives! But there is more to his rampage than meets the eye, as a shocking final twist reveals!

Featuring enough Freudian-fermentation to appease horror academics, and packing in more plasma splashed set pieces than any of its rivals, "Nightmares in a Damaged Brain" is advised only for the strongest of stomachs! One thing is for sure though - this is the Slasher Classic you horror fans have all been craving for, remastered and restored from the original in-camera elements!

"Nightmares in a Damaged Brain" is part of 88 Films 'Slasher Classics Collection' and is scheduled to be released on October 19, 2015.  


SPECIAL FEATURES

• Terror in Times Square - A Guide to Nightmare's Grindhouse Kingdom
• Audio Commentary with The Hysteria Continues
• Audio Commentary by Bill Paul
• Interview with Tom Ward, CEO of 21st Century Films
• Trailer
• TV Spots
• Reversible Cover
• More TBC

TECHNICAL SPECS

• Region Code: Free
• Picture Format: HD 1.78:1
• Audio Format: LPCM Mono
• Language: English
• Certification: 18
• Running Time: 99 Mins Approx

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80's Slasher 'Splatter University' Coming to Blu-ray from 88 Films

Where The School Colors Are Blood Red!

UK Distributor 88 Films will be releasing the classic 80's slasher, "Splatter University" on Blu-ray on November 9, 2015. 

Unavailable in the UK since the glory gory days of VHS tapes, 1984’s "Splatter University" makes its worldwide Blu-Ray debut courtesy of 88 Films. One of the bloodiest and barmiest of all the eighties slice and dice shockers, this classic chiller headlines sexy scream queen Forbes Riley as a teacher trying to work out why her classes are featuring increasingly less students. A maniacal murder-mystery that is not afraid to spill bucketloads of sanguine, "Splatter University" is a fast-paced frightener that turns up the suspense en route to a truly shocking conclusion. From the maniacal mind of director Richard Haines ("Class of Nuke ‘Em High"), this exercise in horror insanity graduates with full honors. Presented uncut and uncensored, from a new 2K scan supervised by the director, this is one lacerating lesson that you will never forget!

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Brand New 2K Scan and Restoration from the 16mm Interpositive
• Restored Soundtrack
• Bonus Film! Richard W. Haines' What Really Frightens You (2010)
• Audio Commentary by Director Richard W. Haines
• Splatter Scholar: Interview with Slasher Expert Justin Kerswell
• Stills Gallery
• Trailer
• TV Spots
• Trailer Reel
• Reversible Sleeve (pictured above)
• More TBC

TECHNICAL SPECS

• Region Code: Free
• Picture Format: HD 1.85:1
• Audio Format: LPCM Stereo
• Language: English
• Certification: 18
• Running Time: 78 Mins Approx

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88 Films Unearths 'Bloodsucking Pharaohs in Pittsburgh' on to Blu-ray

Originally entitled "Picking up the Pieces," and featuring special effects from the legendary Tom Savini ("Maniac"/ "Day of the Dead"), this first class mix of gore and guffaws makes its worldwide Blu-Ray debut from 88 Films.

UK Distributor 88 Films will be bringing the 1991 horror comedy, "Bloodsucking Pharaohs in Pittsburgh" to Blu-ray on October 5, 2015. The movie will be part of their "Slasher Classics Collection." The 88 Films Blu-ray will feature reversible cover art, pictured above. 

In the same satirical spirit as "Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers" (1988) or "Student Bodies" (1981), comes 1991's esoterically entertaining splatter send-up "Bloodsucking Pharaohs in Pittsburgh."

Proving that a madwoman can be far more threatening than a madman, "Bloodsucking Pharaohs in Pittsburgh" introduces us to a weapon-wielding femme-fatale who is dedicated to lopping off limbs and chalking up a high body count in the name of an ancient religious cult. What results is a plethora of slice and dice silliness and one of the most deranged, but darkly humored, hack 'em ups ever unleashed. Starring Veronica Hart, the erstwhile adult movie legend from such late night masterworks as "Amanda by Night" (1981), as a crazy killer with a shapely shape, and paying homage to everything from "Blood Feast" (1963) to "The Toolbox Murders" (1978), "Bloodsucking Pharaohs in Pittsburgh" proves once and for all that the female of the species is far deadlier than the male!

SPECIAL FEATURES

• BRAND NEW Interview with effects legend Tom Savini 
• Animated Stills Gallery
• Behind the Scenes Footage
• Deleted Scenes
• Interview with Dean Tschetter
• Reversible Sleeve

TECHNICAL SPECS

• Region Code: Free
• Picture Format: HD 1.85:1
• Audio Format: LPCM Stereo
• Language: English
• Certification: 18
• Running Time: 89 Mins Approx

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Children of the Corn Trilogy coming to Blu-ray from 88 Films

The Classic Adult Nightmare Returns in HD!

88 FILMS PRESENTS THE CHILDREN OF THE CORN TRILOGY BOX SET!

THE ORIGINAL THREE THEATRICAL CLASSICS OBTAIN A STUNNING NEW LEASE OF LIFE

Having experienced a superb first eight months in 2015, including with their critically acclaimed AMERICAN NINJA COLLECTION, 88 Films is thrilled to present another box set of bloody brilliant thrills: CHILDREN OF THE CORN.

Released in 1984, and adapted from a popular Stephen King short story, the original CHILDREN OF THE CORN became one of the most successful of the legendary author's page-to-screen adaptations. The hit horror sickie headlines a pre-TERMINATOR Linda Hamilton and Peter Horton (TV's THIRTYSOMETHING) as a travelling couple who unwittingly become trapped in the fictional town of Gatlin, Nebraska, and find themselves stalked by a creepy clan of young cultists. No adult is allowed to survive in Gatlin or else, their prophecy predicts, the harvest will collapse. Suffice to say, all hell soon breaks loose (literally) and demonic entities ensure that Hamilton and her husband are in for a long night... Co-starring popular genre face Courtney Gains (THE 'BURBS) and given a malevolent mid-western touch by director Fritz Kiersch (TUFF TURF), CHILDREN OF THE CORN remains one of the most spine-tingling terror titles of the 1980s.

Unsurprisingly, this blockbuster bout of bloodshed led to a franchise of fan favourite sequels - although it would take until 1993 for CHILDREN OF THE CORN II: THE FINAL SACRIFICE to rear its rural shocks. Once again set in Nebraska, this frightful follow-up has some members of a nearby town choosing to adopt the surviving adolescents from the previous pot-boiler. Unfortunately for them, a demonic entity out in the cornfields is planning to possess the supposedly sane school-kids so that a new crimson-caked celebration can begin. Featuring some malicious set pieces, and a script co-written by Gilbert Adler (producer of SUPERMAN RETURNS and VALKYRIE), CHILDREN OF THE CORN II: THE FINAL SACRIFICE carves up a thrilling entry into the winning franchise formula.

Also re-mastered in HD for this very special set is CHILDREN OF THE CORN III: URBAN HARVEST (1995), the concluding episode in the series to see the light of a cinema screen. Perhaps the most potent of all the CHILDREN OF THE CORN sequels, this third instalment gave an early role to future Oscar winner Charlize Theron (MONSTER/ MAD MAX: FURY ROAD). With Nebraska cowering in fear at the thought of another child-led slice and dice revolution, two youngsters are adopted and taken to Chicago - where, it would seem, they are safe from any satanic influences! Alas, the opposite is true, and even big city life is revealed to be irrelevant to our clan of pint-sized psychopaths. Another winner, with a slow-burning sense of suspense and plenty of gory thrills and spills, CHILDREN OF THE CORN III: URBAN HARVEST is a spook-fest that more than deserves its BluRay reappraisal.

Accompanying this delicious package will also be a new full length documentary feature, THE LIFE, LEGACY AND LEGEND OF DON BORCHERS. As the title suggests this labour of love undertaking focuses on the charismatic and frequently unrecognised genius producer behind CHILDREN THE CORN as well as such B-movie classics as BEASTMASTER (1982), ANGEL (1984), CRIMES OF PASSION (1984), VAMP (1986), TWO MOON JUNCTION (1989), DESIRE AND HELL AT SUNSET MOTEL (1991), DOPPLEGANGER (1993), THE DEMOLITIONIST (1995) and many more. Developed and produced by Calum Waddell and Naomi Holwill of High Rising Productions, and directed by Jim Kunz, this feature production is sure to appease anyone curious about the challenges of creating quality low budget genre cinema.

Scheduled for release on November 23rd, with an RRP of £34.99, on both BluRay and DVD, the CHILDREN OF THE CORN collector's edition set, which will also come with a franchise-spanning booklet from author Calum Waddell, is sure to have horror film fans screaming with anticipation!

Reverse cover artwork

***UPDATE***

88 Films has posted an update about their feature length documentary they'll be including with CHILDREN OF THE CORN.

THE LIFE, LEGEND AND LEGACY OF DONALD P, BORCHERS is a look at one of Hollywood's most unfairly unrecognised B-movie mavericks. For over three decades, Donald P. Borchers has been front and centre of indie filmmaking, overseeing the development and production of such cult classics as ANGEL, BEASTMASTER, CHILDREN OF THE CORN, CRIMES OF PASSION, VAMP, TWO MOON JUNCTION, DESIRE AND HELL AT SUNSET MOTEL, DOPPLEGANGER and many, many, many more.


This is the story of a life spent sacrificing it all to give audiences the thrill of genre sexiness and big screen shocks - on a budget! Featuring extensive interview time from Borchers himself, and contributions from colleagues such as actor Corey Feldman (MEATBALLS 4), director Richard Wenk (VAMP), Concrete Blonde singer Johnette Napolitano, composer Jonathan Elisa (CHILDREN OF THE CORN), effects artist Kevin Kutchaver, stuntwoman Kathy Long and many more this is the perfect accompanyment to a very special 88 Films release!


*** 88 Films has also mentioned that the first film will be available for purchase as a stand alone release.


 

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Nail Gun Massacre - 88 Films Announces Blu-ray Specs

Cheaper than a Chainsaw!

UK distributor 88 Films announced the final specs for their September 28, 2015 Blu-ray release of "Nail Gun Massacre."

No pennies??? No plot??? No problem!!!

With innovation comes influence - and so it was that, in 1985, another group of backwoods filmmakers from the Lone Star State gave us another legendary Texas-set splatter-shocker: NAIL GUN MASSACRE.

An icon of the VHS age, sleazier and cheesier than any of its contemporaries- and featuring more power tool plasma-spillage than you can shake a chainsaw at - NAIL GUN MASSACRE introduces a motorcycle-helmet wearing psychopath with a range of amusing one-liners. This mysterious marauders get their kicks from tracking down tempestuous teenagers and lowbrow locals so that they can be turned into human pin cushions. The motivation behind this macabre path of plasma-provocation may be linked to a psycho-sexual crime that took place years prior - although the local police force are understandably baffled as each new dead body turns up...

Never before released in the UK, 88 Films is proud to welcome this notorious late night beer 'n' pizza pot-boiler, restored and remastered from the original 16mm materials, into the Slasher Classics Collection! Don't expect high art, but do expect a bloody good time - because few slice and dice pictures pack in more mayhem than NAIL GUN MASSACRE!


SPECIAL FEATURES

• Available to watch in both 4x3 and 16x9 versions, transferred in HD from original 16mm materials.
• Audio commentary with Texas Frightmare Weekend creator Loyd Cryer
• Alamo Drafthouse Screening
• Interview with Director Terry Lofton
• Interview with SFX and music supervisor, Whitey Thomas
• Locations of Nail Gun Massacre featurette
• Q&A, hosted by Joe Bob Briggs
• 88 Films Trailer Reel
• Reversible sleeve with alternate poster Artwork

TECHNICAL SPECS

• Region Code: Region Free
• Picture Format: HD 1080p 1.33:1 & 1.78:1
• Audio Format:DTS-HD MA Mono
• Language: English
• Certification: 18
• Running Time: 85 Mins Approx

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Slaughterhouse - Blu-ray Review - 88 Films

Buddy Has An Axe To Grind. A Big Axe.

Released by: 88 Films

Release Date: February 23, 2015
Production Year: 1987

Region Code: ALL
Running Time: 1:25:25
Audio: English LPCM 2.0
Video: 1080p (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None

THE FILM

From the back cover of the Blu-ray, "If you loved THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE and THE HILLS HAVE EYES then you are sure to pig-out with the sicko-shocks of eighties fright-favorite SLAUGHTERHOUSE. This corpse-ridden classic introduces one of the screen’s most memorable madmen in Buddy a cleaver-wielding backwoods baddie who, along with his father Lester, doesn’t take kindly to trespassers. Buddy was brought up killing and packing meat, but now his rage turns to teens and market-capitalists seeking to buy-out his dad’s property. The end result is a tongue-in-cheek terror totem that returns from the VHS vaults to Blu-ray in this great new HD master scanned from the original negative by director Rick Roessler!"

The first time I watched "Slaughterhouse" was back in the late 80's when a friend and I rented it on VHS from the local mom and pop video store. Naturally we were taken in by the cover. Who could resist that big brute Buddy there on the cover. Plus it even says he has a big axe. SOLD! Okay, it's not a great film. But, it is a fun film that does a good enough job at entertaining the viewer. Buddy is a bit charismatic in his own weird way with his grunting and crazy antics. The film doesn't take itself too seriously and I think the key to enjoying this is to do the same while watching.  

AUDIO: 

The sole audio option is an English LPCM 2.0 track. The audio quality is good, not great. But considering the source, its age and condition, good is just fine here. The track has good balance and clarity. I did not encounter any noticeable issues.

VIDEO:

"Slaughterhouse" makes it high definition debut thanks to 88 Films. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio via a new HD master scanned from the camera negative and approved by the films Director, Rick Roessler. This is quite an upgrade from the previous DVD release. Viewers may find the film to be darker than before but if you go back and look at the DVD now, it appears to have been artificially brightened. Colors are much bolder than before. If you look at the DVD now, the colors look very washed out. Some detail in darker scenes is lost due to the films now darker look. But there is more overall clarity and the colors looks much better. Skin tones look more natural as well. There are many instances of spots, scratches and other marks throughout the film. But I think it only adds to the dirty and gritty feel of the movie. Grain can be heavy at times, mainly during the darker scenes as one might expect. Black levels are okay. I don't believe this film could look much better without a lengthy and costly restoration. 

SPECIAL FEATURES:

In addition to the following extras, 88 Films has included a Chapter Selection Screen, reversible cover art and a booklet by Calum Waddell. This is all housed in a nice looking red case as opposed to the standard blue case.

Commentary Track - This new commentary was created for this Blu-ray release and features Director, Rick Roessler and Executive Producer, Jerry Encoe. There are some quiet lulls throughout but overall it is an interesting commentary with Mr. Roessler doing the majority of the talking. They discuss the making of the film and share some personal stories from the process of getting the film made.

Rick Roessler Interview (15:11) - This interview covers some of the same subjects that is discussed in the commentary. Mr. Roessler has a good time comparing Buddy to other, more famous horror film characters.

Jerry Encoe Interview (10:34) - Mr. Encoe discusses how he became involved in the film. He also talks about how the money to make the film, was raised. Again, some other information that was repeated in the commentary is mentioned.

Raw On-Set Footage (10:59) - This mainly consists of footage from one death scene. It's worth a watch since it's not something that is often found on most home video releases.

Buddy Meets the Public (25:13) - Here viewers are treated with a featurette of actor Joe B. Barton (Buddy) meeting with the public to help promote the film. He signs autographs and takes photos with fans. Mr. Barton also visits a few movie theaters where the film is playing. 

Theatrical Trailer

TV Spots (2:03)  

No Smoking Trailer (0:28) - A short trailer with Buddy and Lester Bacon telling moviegoers to not smoke in the theater. A pretty funny ad. I wish there were more of these type of ads used today, but for cell phones. 

Trailer Reel (21:55) 

IN CONCLUSION:

Buddy makes for an entertaining killer. I'm sure I am not alone in wishing they had made a sequel. But at least we have "Slaughterhouse" and 88 Films did a fine job at bringing the film to high definition and introducing it to a new generation of horror fans. The film has never looked better and fans of the film should be pleased with how this Blu-ray looks. Slasher fans, if you have yet to see the film, give it a chance or else Buddy may come for you!

OVERALL: 3.5/5

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