Wild Eye Releasing has released horror producer Sean K. Robb's directorial debut, Scars on to DVD and Digital HD. A misandristic slasher, Robb puts a spin on Thelma & Louise, with a much bigger body count. A nihilistic, misanthropic character study of modern morality and slasher terror, Scars follows two beautiful women on a violent and ruthless killing spree. Joined by their deep hatred of all men, the pair leave a path of death and destruction in their wake. The blood leaves a trail for a mysterious detective, but he could end up as their ally or their latest mutilated calling card.
New York, NY - Wild Eye Releasing has released a new trailer and artwork for Brandon Scullion's debut feature, Consumption. Since the world premiere on the festival circuit, Consumption has been praised by critics. Famous Monsters described the feature as "gruesome goulash of ghosts, cults, and good ol' demons". Wild Eye plans to release Consumption on DVD and Digital HD in July. Synopsis: A group of friends travel to the snowy Utah mountains for a weekend retreat. One brings with him a dark secret that could destroy their lives forever. As they prepare to face an ancient secret buried in the woods outside their winter resort, an unstoppable evil begins to grow, consuming them one by one.
In Brand-New Trailer and Key Art for Shark Exorcist
Wild Eye Releasing is shoring up the release of cult director Donald Farmer's latest, Shark Exorcist, with a brand new trailer and key art.
Farmer ("Demon Queen," "Cannibal Hookers," "Dorm of the Dead") turns his camera to the creature feature genre with a twist. A deadly great white shark terrorizes the small village of Paris Landing. The beast is driven not by rage or revenge, but by the Devil himself. Instead of a hardened shark hunter, the fishermen and swimmers must look to a Catholic priest to save their souls and his own.
Synopsis: A demonic nun summons Satan to a small fishing village, where he takes over the bodies of a great white shark and a young woman. A chain reaction of evil grips the tiny community as shredded bodies wash ashore. A Catholic priest arrives, and he must fight both teeth and temptation on land and sea in order to send these man-killers back to Hell before the tide comes in for good!
Released by:Wild Eye Releasing Release Date: March 22, 2016 Production Year: 2014 Region Code: 0 NTSC Running Time: 1:27:48 Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Video: Anamorphic Widescreen (2.35 Aspect Ratio) Subtitles: None
THE FILM - [ 2.5 / 5 ]:
"All Hell Breaks Loose" combines classic elements of exploitation cinema: bikers, Satanism and gritty action. A murdered groom tries to save his wife's soul with the help of the local sheriff, a priest, and a cowboy who just might be God. A story of love, leather ... and brutal violence! When the Satan's Sinners, a vicious biker gang, attack a bride and groom on their wedding day, they get a fight they never imagined. Now, armed with some divine intervention and firepower, the murdered groom is out to save his wife any way he can before she is sacrificed to Satan... even if it means dying over and over again until the job is done.
The film starts off feeling like an older slasher movie and it is probably my favorite part. As the film opens we also see that it has been given the "Grindhouse" treatment as in artificially aging the film with white specks and scratches which was a nice touch. During the commentary it's mentioned that the opening scene was shot later and basically with non-actors but it worked fairly well and for a low budget film, I really didn't think they were all that bad. Among the party goers is Tina (April Mai) who ends up being taken by Satan's Sinners and is later forced to strip and dance for them.
Before long the evil bikers interrupt what should be a happy day for Nick (Nick Forrest) and Bobby Sue (Sarah Kobel Marquette). But their wedding day is turned upside down and becomes a real nightmare. Poor Nick, the lovable loser, has a good heart and intentions but just fails miserably at almost everything he tries to do in his attempt at rescuing Bobby Sue from the clutches of the bikers. "All Hell Breaks Loose" looks better than it probably should considering it sounds like it had a minuscule budget. Some of the CGI effects are apparently intentionally bad looking or cartoon-ish as mentioned in the commentary. Sadly a fair amount of the violence occurs off screen, which I would assume was done to save money. Some of the practical effects do look good though. It appears this was the first film for Nick Forrest and I hope to see more of him. As I am writing this review it dawned on me that his character reminds me a little of Lionel from Peter Jackson's "Braindead." For fans of TV's Jackass, the film does feature Ehren McGhehey (Danger Ehren) as one of Satan's Sinners.
The film is touted as an homage to 70's biker and horror films and I think that is a very fair statement. Its story and aged appearance give the impression you are watching a film from that era. It would have been nice if the film had a larger budget for practical effects as I think it would have elevated the film to a whole other level. But I can't hold that against them. You can only work with what you have available.
AUDIO - [ 3 / 5 ]: The DVD comes with an English Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track. The audio was above average for the most part on this release. The sound quality does dip a little low a few times but otherwise I thought it was fine. Sometimes the dialogue can be slightly overshadowed by the volume of the music making it a little difficult to hear the actors. I loved the song that plays over the title card and opening cast credits. It has just enough of a spooky vibe to its sound that helps set the right tone.
VIDEO - [ 3.5 / 5 ]: "All Hell Breaks Loose" comes to DVD thanks to Wild Eye Releasing. The film is presented in NTSC format with a 2.35 Aspect Ratio. As mentioned earlier, the video for the film has been altered to add scratches and white specks. With that said it looks fairly good for a super low budget film. Colors have that somewhat faded or flat look that they did in many 70's films. Skin tones looked natural and black levels looked okay. The film looks sharp in brightly lit scenes but tends to look a little soft otherwise, which really is the majority of the time.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 2 / 5 ]: Audio Commentary - The participants for this commentary track are director Jeremy Garner and writer Vocabulariast. The duo do a good job discussing what is happening on the screen. They also talk about members of the cast and crew as well as the films production including shooting locations, special effects and the script. Deleted Scene - Heartbreak Hotel (0:38) - A portion of this plays after the credits. Deleted Scene - Start Dancing (1:24) - Bobby Sue refusing to dance and then being kicked and slapped around. Original Trailer (2:15)
Debbie Rochon Serves Up Deadly Delicacies In New Art and Trailer for Model Hunger
WildEye Releasing Plans Domestic Release for Summer
New York, NY - WildEye Releasing is honored to team up with legendary Scream Queen Debbie Rochon to feed audiences her directorial debut, Model Hunger. After nearly 300 films, Rochon ("Return to Nuke 'Em High," "Phobia," "The Theater Bizarre") steps behind the camera to skewer audiences with her blood-curling take on an actress' response to forced retirement.
B-movie legends Lynn Lowry ("Shivers," "The Crazies," "Cat People") and Tiffany Shepis ("Tales of Halloween," "The Violent Kind," "Sharknado 2") headline as two women on a deadly collision course. Supported by Brian Fortune ("Game of Thrones"), Suzi Lorraine (Wrath of the Crows) and Carmine Capobianco (Galactic Gigolo), the feeding frenzy begins Summer 2016.
Former pinup model Ginny (Lowry) had been cast aside by the heartless and exploitative modeling industry. Ginny didn't take rejection well and grew into a revenge-seeking, bloodthirsty, broken woman. When her new neighbors Debbie (Shepis) and Sal (Capobianco) move in, Debbie begins to notice strange things going on. Sal believes she is mentally unstable, but Debbie becomes determined to figure out what secret life Ginny is leading. Her new nosy neighbor throws a damper on Ginny's private life: her cannibalistic addictions and ever-growing body count. Both women become determined to put an end to the other's obsession.
All Hell Breaks Loose In This Insane, Bloody Homage
To 70s Biker and Horror Films
Wild Eye Hits the Gas on March 22nd with the DVD and Digital HD Release
Wild Eye Releasing is revving up for the March 22nd DVD and Digital HD release of Jeremy Garner's All Hell Breaks Loose. Featuring Ehren McGhehey ("Jackass," "Portlandia") and Casey Vann (Grimm), "All Hell Breaks Loose" combines classic elements of exploitation cinema: bikers, Satanism and gritty action. A murdered groom tries to save his wife's soul with the help of the local sheriff, a priest, and a cowboy who just might be God. A story of love, leather ... and brutal violence! When the Satan's Sinners, a vicious biker gang, attack a bride and groom on their wedding day, they get a fight they never imagined. Now, armed with some divine intervention and firepower, the murdered groom is out to save his wife any way he can before she is sacrificed to Satan... even if it means dying over and over again until the job is done.
The DVD release of All Hell Breaks Loose (SRP $19.95) will exclusively include a feature-length commentary with director Jeremy Garner and deleted scenes.
Could this be the next trend in horror? Who knows. For now, read on to learn more about "Hotel Inferno."
Wild Eye Releasing immerses fans into a first-person apocalypse when Giulio De Santi's Hotel Inferno makes its North American debut this June. Follow a contract killer on the job as the hunter becomes the hunted of demonic monsters in new key art and stills.
Synopsis:
Hitman Frank Zimosa is hired for a lucrative mission by a rich client. The objective: kill two people in a hotel. But this simple job soon becomes a nightmare as an army of insane henchmen and monsters are waiting for him, all under the control of an ancient and unstoppable demon - now Frank must fight his way out with any weapon he can get his hands on.
Hotel Inferno will be available stateside Summer 2016.
for Daniel Benedict's Bunni Ahead of March Release
Fans of homicidal mama's boys will have a new reason to scream when festival hit Bunni arrives on DVD in March. To celebrate the blood-soaked visit with Mother, Wild Eye Releasing has unveiled new artwork, stills and a trailer for Daniel Benedict's award-winning slasher film.
A group of teens explore an abandoned factory at the request of one of their friends. Little do they know he is leading them to a slaughter at the hands of his mentally deranged mother.
The DVD release of Bunni (SRP $19.95) will be available nationwide in March.
Scream Queen Slasher Comes to DVD and VOD January 26th
Wild Eye Releasing's latest slasher flick, Serial Kaller, cuts to the bone of modern technology, where everyone broadcasts themselves through hashtags and filters. The lovely ladies of Babealicious TV flaunt what they have for all the world to see, but one deranged fan wants more than pixels. When he calls, the game changes forever. Serial Kaller comes to DVD and VOD January 26th, featuring legendary Scream Queen Debbie Rochon (Return to Nuke 'Em High, Phobia, The Theater Bizarre) and horror favorite Suzi Lorraine (Wrath of the Crows, Won Ton Baby).
A group of beautiful Internet models are trapped inside their recording studio and hunted down by a mentally unstable fan they insulted live on the air. Now the girls must join together to escape and face their murderous stalker, or be picked off one by one. Beauty may only be skin deep, but revenge cuts to the bone.
With Cover Art and Trailer for January 2016 Release
Wild Eye Releasing has armed revenge horror fans with Survival Knife's new key art and trailer. Arriving on DVD and VOD on January 26, 2016, Survival Knife follows the sole survivor of a killing spree as she attempts to rebuild herself following the deaths of her friends. But what she becomes may be deadlier than what she survived. Synopsis: The lone survivor of a serial killer's attack tries to cope with the death of her friends and her mutilation at the hands of the maniac - but she fears the trauma has awakened a dark side within her as she slowly becomes something possibly even worse than the man who scarred her forever.
Wild Eye Releasing has opened the doors to the House of Afflictions with a new poster and trailer. The latest supernatural thriller from UK director Anthony M. Winson ("The Witching Hour," "Unholy") follows a crime author mourning the loss of her child as she tries to start life over in a new home. She soon discovers that she is not alone in the house. Is something from her past haunting her, or is it something deep within the house itself that wants to ensure she remain restless forever?
Kate Beckley was once a best selling crime author, but it's been years since her last novel following the disappearance of her daughter, Julia. While attempting to write again in a new home, Kate finds herself haunted by strange visions and paranormal occurrences - which become worse each night. Has Julia returned, or is something more sinister preying on this grieving mother? The February 23, 2016 DVD release of "House of Afflictions" will exclusively include a number of special features.
Released by:Wild Eye Releasing Release Date: November 24, 2015 Production Year: 2011 Region Code: ALL Running Time: 1:28:37 Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Video: NTSC Anamorphic Widescreen Subtitles: None
THE FILM - [ 2.5 / 5 ]:
After his call girl fiancé (Lauren Walsh) is lured and trapped by a satanic trio of escaped mental patients, a young man (Jason Mewes) must rescue her from a posh Hollywood home before their sadistic plans can be realized. The film was directed by Sean Cain ("Silent Night, Zombie Night") and stars Jason Mewes ("Clerks"), Ezra Buzzington (TV's Crossbones, "The Hills Have Eyes"), Lauren Walsh ("18-Year-Old-Virgin"), and Felissa Rose ("Sleepaway Camp").
I will stay right away that I did not really enjoy this film the first time I watched it. It just seemed like it was missing something or trying to be more intelligent than it really was. A few days later when I sat down to go through the special features, I decided to watch the film again and upon a second viewing I enjoyed the film more than before. If you watch a fair amount of films, you can relate. Sometimes you just aren't in the right frame of mind to watch a particular film, a certain genre or any multitude of reasons.
Our heroine Love (Lauren Walsh) finds herself trapped on the grounds of a Hollywood mansion. Her captors are led by Hate (Ezra Buzzington) and also include Selma (Monique Parent) and Cleb (Ricardo Gray). The film transitions from present to past many times throughout the film. I would explain more on that but I don't want to give anything away. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the acting in this low budget film. Ezra Buzzington was terrific as our main villain. The creep factor was quite high with his portrayal of Hate. Ricardo Gray as the deviant Cleb was great in his scenes and after watching the film you may not be hungry for melon any time soon. Monique Parent may not have been in many scenes but she certainly gave an entertaining performance. One disappointing thing in regards to the actors was the brief appearance by Felissa Rose. However, as revealed in the commentary track, she was very far along in her pregnancy so that is obviously forgivable. Jason Mewes did an admirable job in his role of Ned. He is of course primarily known as Jay in many films by Kevin Smith. Lauren Walsh did a really good job as Love which was a plus since a lot of the film revolves around her character.
AUDIO - [ 3 / 5 ]: "The Last House" features an English Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track. I found the track did a fine job and maintained a balanced level between dialogue, sound effects and score. The dialogue was clean and easy to understand and the sound effects sounded authentic, from cracking skulls right down to the squishy noises of Cleb's melon.
VIDEO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
"The Last House" arrives on DVD courtesy of Wild Eye Releasing. The film is presented in NTSC Anamorphic Widescreen. For a low budget independent horror film I thought the video quality was excellent. Colors are vibrant and robust and look particularly great in bright scenes. There is a surprising amount of detail present and even more fine detail present in some close up shots. Black levels looked good and skin tones had a very natural appearance. The picture quality may have been a little too good for the film since when it came to a few practical effect shots near the end of the film, the wounds looked waxy and fake.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 3 / 5 ]:
Audio Commentary - This track features director Sean Cain and writer-producer Wes Laurie. The first thing of note is a subtitle that appears stating that "The Last House" was originally titled "Breath of Hate" and director Sean Cain refers to the film with the former title. The duo do a nice job on the commentary track keeping the conversation going with only a few brief silent moments, some of which they joke about afterward. They offer numerous behind the scenes tidbits of information involving the cast, characters, scenes and production. This was a fun commentary to listen to and I would those that own the DVD to check it out.
Cinemayhem Director Interview (5:34) - Director Sean Cain and writer-producer Wes Laurie appear at a screening of the film and answer a few questions. Some of the answers consist of things that are talked about during the commentary track. Gorezone UK Premiere (10:34) - Hosted by Emily Booth and Christa Campbell interview director Sean Cain and cinematographer Nickolas Rossi. Deleted Scenes (3:46) - Two scenes involving Ned and Love that basically revolve around their relationship. Trailers: Includes trailers for the following films.
The Perfect House
Scream Park
The Horror Network
A Plague So Pleasant
All American Bully
Paranormal Halloween
A Darker Fifty Shades
Dead Woman's Hollow
Hole
IN CONCLUSION:
A very nice DVD in terms of audio and video that also offers some quality special features including a entertaining commentary track. The film itself will surely find its fans. I found it to be average in quality, which isn't a bad thing considering how many truly bad films are out there in the market. If you wanted to watch the film for Felissa Rose, you'll be disappointed by her brief appearance. Jason Mewes appears in a much larger role if that is your point of interest. Plus you can't forget about the ghosts of course.
Wild Eye Releasing Invites You To The Last House November 24th
Psycho-Sexual Thriller Stars Jason Mewes (Clerks) & Ezra Buzzington
Wild Eye Releasing has opened "The Last House" for visitors. Director Sean Cain (Silent Night, Zombie Night, Jurassic City) has brought together a star-studded cast at an address many would like to visit, but none will be allowed to leave. Jason Mewes (Clerks, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back), Ezra Buzzington (The Hills Have Eyes, Fight Club) and Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp, Return to Sleepaway Camp) headline this dark and sadistic thriller about the horrors at a mansion in the Hollywood Hills. The Last House will beavailable on DVD and VOD nationwide November 24th.
After his escort girlfriend is kidnapped by a trio of escaped mental patients, a young man attempts to find her before their sadistic game plan can be realized.
The November 24th DVD release (SRP $19.95) of The Last House will exclusively include a director's commentary, deleted scenes, interviews, and trailers.
The true twisted story of southern rage rockers The Dirty Works
arrives on DVD and digital platforms on November 24th
God and Man square off in the American Deep South in the controversial new rock documentary, Rebel Scum, coming to DVD and digital platforms on November 24th via Wild Eye Releasing.
Chronicling two years in the life of "psycho white trash punk band", The Dirty Works (Knoxville), this startling film expands the boundaries of traditional rock documentaries in a manner that is not always comfortable, but is always riveting. The multi-textured movie explores several themes, including mental illness, addiction, relationships, family dysfunction, and the struggle for artistic expression in the heart of America's Bible Belt.
Centered on front man Christopher Scum, Rebel Scum is, at its core, the story of one man's continued drive to create art in spite of the barriers imposed by society and his own self-destructive tendencies. Bouncing intermittently between the extremes of comedy and tragedy, the film reveals a seedy American underworld that is both fascinating and repulsive.
Aside from The Dirty Works, the film takes a look at other Knoxville-based artists like Disobedients, and The Cornbred Blues Band, as well as musicians/producers Carl Snow, and Vadim, and poet Rus Harper. Dropsonic from Atlanta, and Asheville-based Monsters of Japan, are also covered. Production of Rebel Scum began two years ago while filming Dropsonic on tour. Director, Video Rahim, of Worldstorm Arts Lab, from Atlanta, caught an opening performance of The Dirty Works and thought there was a story to be told. Francis Percarpio, Producer and Owner of WorldStorm Arts Lab, later saw the footage and independently found a way to bring The Dirty Works story to film. In the ensuing years, the production staff have traveled back and forth to Knoxville and various other Southeastern cities with The Dirty Works, capturing their chaotic and bloody live performance on film for others to see.
Rebel Scum hit the festival circuit early this year and most recently received the Audience Choice award at the Y'Allywood Film Festival in September.
Complete list: Official Selection - Y'Allywood Film Festival Official Selection - Horrorvision Film Festival Official Selection - South Texas Underground Film Festival Winner - Audience Choice - Y'Allywood Film Festival Official Selection - The Pollygrind Film Festival
Since the completion of the film, Christopher Scum was involved in a major car accident and over three quarters of his body was badly burned. His long-time girlfriend, Donna Renee Bailey, also featured prominently in the doc, did not survive the crash. For more information, visit the Rebel Scum Facebook page. You can pre-order the DVD directly from MVD Entertainment Group or from the Amazon link below.
Released by:Wild Eye Releasing Release Date: October 27, 2015 Production Year: 2015 Region Code: 0 Running Time: 1:29:00 Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Video: NTSC Anamorphic Widescreen Subtitles: None
THE FILM - [ 3 / 5 ]:
Half brothers Caesar and Otto live out some of horror's most terrifying scenes when they agree to house sit a home filled with ghostly visions, levitating objects and possessions. This hilarious horror pays homage to classics "The Exorcist," "Amityville Horror," "Sinister," "Insidious" and more, and boasts an all-star genre cast including Tiffany Shepis, Felissa Rose, Brinke Stevens, Vernon Wells and Sean Whalen.
This was the first time I've seen a Caesar and Otto film and what a nice surprise this was for me. You can't help but get the feeling that the cast had a fun time while making this film. "Paranormal Halloween" was a fun low budget indie horror film that includes small roles for a number of genre veterans, which is an added bonus. As for the movie itself, it was a wacky, fun-filled adventure with the duo of Caesar and Otto. I enjoyed the homages and also that the movie poked fun at things like the monotonous viewing of security camera footage in the "Paranormal Activity" films. This is definitely one for fans that like a bit of horror with their comedy.
AUDIO - [ 3 / 5 ]:
"Caesar and Otto's Paranormal Halloween" features a Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track. The sound quality on the DVD was good and did an adequate job. I didn't really notice any problems with the audio at all during the feature. It was just average quality. The dialogue was fairly clear and easy to understand.
VIDEO - [ 3 / 5 ]:
"Caesar and Otto's Paranormal Halloween" haunts its way on to DVD thanks to Wild Eye Releasing. The film is presented in NTSC anamorphic widescreen. The video quality was good overall. There was a noticeable lack of detail in many scenes with the film having somewhat of a soft look to it. Colors looked good though with some standouts like bright orange pumpkins. The contrast appeared fine for the low budget indie film.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 5 / 5 ]:
Audio Commentary #1 - This track features writer, director and star Dave Campfield, Josephine Iannece (Gilda) and JamieLee Ackerman (Kyla). Dave Campfield carries most of the conversation for the track and does a great job keeping the conversation going. We're treated to information about what is happening on the screen and in between we hear about the cast, crew, filming locations and more.
Audio Commentary #2 - This track includes producer Rich Calderon, stars Paul Chomicki (Otto), Scott Aguilar (Fred), Samantha Barrios (Roberta), production assistant Tina Johnson and Nicole Spade (fan). This is also an informative track but more relaxed and less formal. A little bit of overlapping of information occurs but it's still a pretty fun commentary. Being a big 80's horror fan, I did get a laugh when someone sees Brinke Stevens playing the twins and asks, are they twins?
Secret Audio Commentary #3 - I found this Easter Egg on the Special Features Menu. This commentary features Avi Garg (Drew) who also provided some music for the film. A few phone interview tapes of Robert Beckler (Rookie Cop) are played as well. Compared to the previous two commentaries, this one isn't nearly as good. It was still a nice little surprise to find included on the DVD. Mr. Garg talks about his role in this film and different parts of the production. He also plays some music and prank phone calls on cast members.
Gag Reel (3:27)
Behind the Scenes with Shawn and Brendan (4:06) - A little behind the scenes bit, mostly talking to director Dave Campfield.
The Son of Piggyzilla Trilogy
Here you have the option to play "Son of Piggyzilla," "Son of Piggyzilla Strikes Back" and "Return of Son of Piggyzilla" (Total run time of all three shorts is 6 min 12 sec)with and without commentary. The commentary track features Dave Campfield and Josephine Iannece
Behind the Scenes Photo - Easter Egg you can access from the Son of Piggyzilla menu.
Ask Caesar & Otto Anything (4:57) - This is an Easter Egg you can access from the second Bonus Features menu. Here the duo answers questions from Facebook and one from the camera man.
Robert Z'Dar Tribute (5:13) - A brief but touching tribute.
On Set Podcast - The Forced Perspective Podcast 2014 (53 min) - Several members of the cast including Dave Campfield, Debbie Rochon, Catherine Corcoran and Josephine Iannece are interviewed.
Facebook Video (2:27) - A clip of Dave Campfield and JaimeLee Ackerman on the last day of of pick up shots in New York.
Original Crowdfunding Video (3:50) - Easter Egg found on the Main Menu. Trailers - Includes trailers for "Deadly X-Mas," "The Disco Exorcist," "Murder University," "All Sainta Eve," "Frankenstein's Hungry Dead," "The Perfect House," "Sexina" and "They Will Outlive Us All." Caesar's & Otto's Paranormal Halloween Trailer - Easter Egg accessible from the Trailers menu.
IN CONCLUSION:
"Caesar and Otto's Paranormal Halloween" is a fun comedy-horror and has me interested in both seeing their previous films as well as their next. While I found the DVD to have average audio and video quality, it really shined with the immense number of special features that were included. Talk about bang for your buck. This one is loaded.
Released by:Wild Eye Releasing Release Date: October 27, 2015 Production Year: 2013 Region Code: 0 Running Time: 1:24:35 Audio: English Dolby Digital 2.0 Video: NTSC Anamorphic Widescreen Subtitles: None
THE FILMS - [ 3 / 5 ]:
Serial killers, ghostly phone calls, inner demons, otherworldly monsters and creepy stalkers collide in this frightening anthology. Five of horror's most promising new directing talents join forces to pay homage to classic horror like "Creepshow," "Tales From the Crypt," "V/H/S" and "The ABCs of Death," and weave an unforgettable, disturbing tapestry of terror.
I am a fan of anthologies. They offer the viewer a variety of stories which can be perfect if you have a short attention span or are limited in time but want to watch something. You can just pop in the film and at least watch one story. Also, if one particular part isn't to your liking, hopefully the next part is, which is much better than sitting through a feature length film you aren't enjoying. Today I have the pleasure of sitting down to watch "The Horror Network" which features five tales of the macabre, and being close to Halloween makes it even more fitting. Without spoiling any of the stories, here are the basics.
"3:00 AM" [ 2 / 5 ] Our first story is about Georgia (Charlotte Armstrong) who has been receiving unusual, possibly prank phone calls at 3:00 AM. We learn a bit about this as she speaks with her friend Izzy (Rachael Groom) oh the phone. Georgia begins to hear odd noises outside and seeing as she lives alone out in the countryside, the solitude doesn't help her fears. Georgia soon learns that phone calls aren't the only thing she has to worry about. "3:00 AM" was directed by Lee Matthews. "Edward" [ 2.5 / 5 ] In "Edward," we meet Hal (Nick Frangione) who is having an evening session with his therapist, Dr. Aleksey (Artem Mishin). Hal is troubled, to say the least. He has trouble sleeping and actually, he seems to be afraid of going to sleep. Hal also has problems with his overbearing mother. Oh and he has questions regarding good and evil and questions his doctor about split personalities, which leads to a debate between the two. Both men will learn something and both will be changed forever by the end of the night. "Edward" was directed by Joseph Graham. "The Quiet" [ 4 / 5 ]
"The Quiet" centers on Alice (Jenni-Lea Finch), a young girl who is mostly deaf but is able to somewhat hear thanks to her hearing aid. She is on the school bus being ridiculed by a couple of rude girls while she is trying to ask her mother via test message if she is going to pick her up at the bus stop. As luck would have it, Alice accidentally leaves her cell phone on the school bus and to make matters worse, a blue van driven by a strange man keeps appearing. Alice ends up running for her life and things go from bad to worse in this eerie little film. "The Quiet" was directed by Lee Matthews and was easily my favorite of the five films included.
"Merry Little Christmas" [ 3.5 / 5 ]
Here we find Miguel (Jan Cornet) visiting his cousin Christina (Macarena Gómez) and aunt Lola (Blanca Rivera). Miguel shows Christina a message on his cell phone which immediately upsets her as she denies whatever the message claims. From there, Christina recalls horrific events from her childhood and we see how those events have affected her family. This story was quite brutal and sad. "Merry Little Christmas" is far from merry and was directed by Manuel Marin.
"The Deviant One" [ 3 / 5 ]
In this tale we meet a man (Brian Dorton) who obviously has some sort of mental disorder. He also happens to be as the title suggests, a deviant. First the deviant commits a heinous act outside his house. Then he invites a stranger in for a drink and things really get freaky. Then to top it all off, the deviant goes about his business, including going to work, as though nothing has happened. The man who played the deviant, Brian Dorton, also directed this depraved segment.
AUDIO - [ 3.5 / 5 ]:
"The Horror Network" comes with a Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track. I thought the sound quality was fine for all of the shorts. At times, the sound effects in the first story were a bit jarring but I believe that was intentional. Just beware, you may not want to have your volume up too loud for that story. Otherwise, there was a good balance in the audio on the DVD. I didn't encounter any problems with the audio.
VIDEO - [ 3.5 / 5 ]:
"The Horror Network" arrives on DVD courtesy of Wild Eye Releasing. The film is presented in NTSC anamorphic widescreen. The video quality for the DVD is pretty good. When you have multiple films, you're going to have different techniques used in the filming process. In "The Quiet' for example, the colors look brilliant with excellent contrast. Overall, the films look above average and have a fair amount of detail in close up shots. Viewers should be pleased with the quality.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 1 / 5 ]:
Extended Scene: The Deviant One (10:40) - Here there is dialogue present during the film. Also, there's an extended bath tub scene. Image Gallery (0:37) Original Trailer (1:09)
Trailers: Includes trailers for 8 films.
IN CONCLUSION:
A good, five story anthology with something for everyone. With the DVD coming out on October 27th, it is just in time for Halloween, although horror films are great any day of the year. The DVD has good audio and video quality. If you like anthologies, you should give this one a look.
