Saturday, October 3, 2015

The Lashman - Film Review - Red Headed Revolution Pictures

'The Lashman' - an homage to 80's slashers

The Lashman poster


I love slasher films, with 80's slashers being my absolute favorite. They are my comfort food. So when I hear of a film that is labeled as an 80's throwback or an homage to 80's slashers, I am immediately interested. I have seen a large number of horror films in my time and I can be a tough judge of films that try to capture the magic of my favorite sub-genre and time era. 

The Lashman (Lee Vervoort, "Last Kind Words"), the title character of the film, was an early settler who worked as a leather-smith. He moved in to the town and tried to set up a business. But of course, the locals were not too friendly towards outsiders. Not long after the man opened his business, the man was ambushed outside his shop. Outnumbered, the Lashman was beaten and left for dead. An old spirit healer (Reba Jo Boley) found him on deaths door. She did what she could for his wounds and spoke an incantation over his body. Supposedly the Lashman died but made a deal with the devil and he now wanders between the real world and spirit world. 

The film opens with a couple by the lake looking to have a little romantic rendezvous. Their fun is soon spoiled and the two meet their untimely demise. Now, the scene gave me a good reminder that this is a low budget indie horror film. The woman seemed to be running in slow motion or at least not making a fair attempt to get away from the traditional stalking killer. Yet even without having a wow factor or being one of those opening scenes that make you say, okay, this is going to be good, it still showed promise. As we move forward and meet our cast of characters, my favorite was Bobby (Shawn C. Phillips, "Grave Encounters 2"), who seemed to really like mustard. Bobby made me laugh with some of his lines and I couldn't help but laugh as some characters said his name in a way that made me wonder, are they saying it like that because they're supposed to be drunk, they are drunk or they're being a bit mean spirited and are mocking him since at least one character made it clear that he wasn't happy Bobby was joining them. Either way, I found it humorous. Stacy (Stacey Dixson, "Monster Cruise"), Billy (David Vaughn, "Chloe"), Daniel (Jeremy Jones, "Lukewarm") and Jan (Kaylee Williams, "Porkchop 3D") are among our other ill-fated party goers who set out looking to have a fun weekend, but instead meet the fabled Lashman. 

A few other things I liked about the film were the opening title and credit sequences. They had a vintage look to them that was a nice touch. The music that accompanied them was a nice fit as well. Actually I enjoyed the music throughout the film. I found the acting to be okay overall. It was a bit wooden in some scenes, but I really did not have a problem with it. 

My two biggest complaints were the pacing and camera work. After the opening scene kills, it felt like a very long time until the next time someone was killed off. Sadly, most of the death scenes occur in the approximately, final 15-20 minutes. I think the film would have greatly benefited if a couple of the deaths had happened a bit earlier so there was not such a long gap between kills. The camera work was quite shaky at times, particularly in some close up shots where it is very noticeable.

Indie horror fans should check out "The Lashman" since despite its short comings, it fares better than a number of other independent slashers. I felt that it was a solid effort by director and writer, Cameron McCasland, and while watching the movie, you get the feeling that the cast had a fun time making this film. 


RATING: 2.5 / 5

You can follow the film on Facebook and Twitter.

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Friday, October 2, 2015

Wild Eye Releasing Unchains Anthology 'The Horror Network' October 27th

Wild Eye Releasing Unchains The Horror Network October 27
DVD Anthology to Treat Genre Fans this Halloween

The Horror Network DVD Cover


Wild Eye Releasing has set loose the latest entry in the horror anthology genre, "The Horror Network."  Created by Brian Dorton and Douglas Conner, this first volume of terror tales features segments directed by Dorton, Conner, Joseph Graham, Manuel Marín, Lee Matthews and Ignacio Martín Lerma, the series has been hailed as "a collection of nightmares that scream for all horror fans to see." The film will be available on DVD and VOD October 27th.

Serial killers, ghostly phone calls, inner demons, otherworld monsters and creepy stalkers collide in this frightening anthology. Six 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.

The October 27th DVD release (SRP $19.95) of The Horror Network will exclusively include an extended cut of Brian Dorton's The Deviant One and trailers.





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Enter 'The Hive' Presented by Nerdist - Horror Movie Available on VOD Now

Nerdist Presents "The Hive" available on digital platforms now


The Hive poster



“THE HIVE IS RIDICULOUSLY FUN. YARVO HAS MANAGED TO TELL A HORROR STORY IN A FANTASTIC NEW WAY THAT IS SUPER CREEPY AND INTIMATE, YET ULTIMATELY UNFOLDS INTO A MUCH LARGER MOVIE.”

– CHRIS HARDWICK



Nerdist Presents: "The Hive" is available on digital platforms now. Gabriel Basso ("Kings of Summer," "Super 8"), Kathryn Prescott (MTV’s "Finding Carter," "Skins"), Jacob Zachar (Greek), Gabrielle Walsh("Vampire Diaries," "Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones"), and Sean Gunn ("Gilmore Girls," "Guardians of the Galaxy") star in this cross-genre thriller that offers fast paced scares, biting humor and a wicked soundtrack featuring Steve Aoki. Directed by Dave “Yarvo” Yarovesky and produced by world renown House musician, Steve Aoki, and horror movie producer extraordinaire, Cary Granat. 


Synopsis:

At the height of summer, Adam and Katie find love for the first time. Fellow camp counselors Clark and Jess couldn’t care less about the kids they’re overseeing as long as they can hook up. But, when a plane crashes nearby, their investigation unleashes a mysterious plague, putting all campers in danger.

As Camp Yellow Jacket slips into chaos, Adam wakes in a boarded-up cabin with no memory of who or where he is. His only clues are the notes he’s scrawled for himself and memories that aren’t his own. As his friends turn into monsters around him, the key to surviving the apocalypse is locked in one infected counselor’s mind.



For more information you can visit Nerdist

 


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Beyond the Valley of the Dolls and The Seven Minutes coming to Blu-ray and DVD from Arrow Video (UK)

Two Russ Meyer Films Coming in a Limited Edition Set

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls Blu-ray cover


Arrow Video has announced plans to bring two Russ Meyer films to home video in a (UK exclusive) limited edition Blu-ray and DVD set. The two film set is scheduled to be released on January 18, 2015. 


LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
  • Limited Edition collection of both of Russ Meyer’s Hollywood films (3000 copies)
  • High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
  • Standard Definition DVD presentation of The Seven Minutes
  • Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for both films
  • Original mono audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
  • Two commentaries on Beyond the Valley of the Dolls by co-screenwriter Roger Ebert and actors Erica Gavin, John LaZar, Cynthia Myers, Harrison Page and Dolly Read
  • Introduction to Beyond the Valley of the Dolls by John LaZar
  • Above, Beneath and Beyond the Valley: The Making of a Musical-Horror-Sex-Comedy
  • Look On Up at the Bottom, with composer Stu Phillips and three members of the Carrie Nations discussing the film’s music
  • The Best of Beyond, favourite moments selected by cast and crew members
  • Sex, Drugs, Music & Murder: Signs of the Time, Baby!, a look at the late 1960s culture that spawned Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
  • Casey & Roxanne: The Love Scene, discussed by participants Erica Gavin and Cynthia Myers
  • Screen tests for Michael Blodgett, Cynthia Myers, Harrison Page, Marcia McBroom
  • High Definition photo galleries
  • Multiple trailers
  • Reversible sleeve featuring two original artworks
  • Booklet featuring new writing on the film by critic Kat Ellinger

Synopsis:

When Easy Rider rewrote the box-office rulebook in 1969, Hollywood scrambled to catch up – and 20th Century Fox noticed that one particular independent filmmaker was seeing impressive returns from tiny investments. So what would happen if he was given a decent budget and the run of a Hollywood studio and told to make the ultimate Russ Meyer film?

Well, this is the result: an initially X-rated cult camp classic about an all-female rock band trying to parlay Midwestern success into a Hollywood contract with the aid of a hefty inheritance. But will they be able to maintain their trademark apple-pie wholesomeness under their new manager, the notorious Ronnie ‘Z-Man’ Barzell? Take a wild guess.

Co-scripted by film critic Roger Ebert, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls is a merciless satire of Hollywood and the music business, a no-holds-barred psychedelic thrill-ride that gleefully stirs sex, drugs, rock’n’roll, fashion, lesbianism, transvestism and Nazis into one of the most riotously unhinged mainstream films ever made. 


This special edition also includes the rarely-seen The Seven Minutes (1971), Russ Meyer’s Hollywood swansong, an adaptation of Irving Wallace’s polemical novel about the absurdities of American obscenity laws.

You can pre-order the limited edition set from the Arrow Video store.

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Be Careful You Don't Get 'Stung' - Blu-ray and DVD Special Feature News

"Stung" The Ultimate Buzzkill

Stung Blu-ray cover

Scream Factory has announced their list of special features for their upcoming home video release of "Stung" from IFC Midnight. The Blu-ray and DVD are scheduled to be released on November 3, 2015.


SPECIAL FEATURES:
  • Commentary with Director Benni Diez, producer Benjamin Munz, and writer Adam Aresty 
  • The Making of EQUIPMENT 
  • Production Blogs 
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • English Subtitles

Synopsis:
A fancy garden party goes terribly wrong after a local species of wasps mutate into giant predators. It's up to Paul (Matt O’Leary, "Mother's Day," "The Lone Ranger") and Julia (Jessica Cook, Awkward), two catering staffers at the high-society event, to stop the killer creatures – an effort that kickstarts a budding romance between the two. This buzzingly fun thriller also stars Lance Henriksen ("Aliens," "Pumpkinhead") and Clifton Collins Jr. ("Pacific Rim," "Transcendence").



 

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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Exploitation Classic 'Marquis de Sade's Justine' coming in a 3-Disc LE from Blue Underground

Marquis de Sade's Justine, the classic exploitation film by Jess Franco is coming in a 3-Disc Limited Edition set.


Marquis de Sade's Justine Blu-ray cover


"Marquis de Sade's Justine" is one of the most lavish and bizarre erotic shockers ever made by the notorious Jess Franco (Succubus), featuring an all-star cast that includes Romina Power (daughter of Tyrone Power), Mercedes McCambridge (99 Women), Jack Palance (City Slickers), Akim Tamiroff (Touch of Evil), Maria Rohm (Eugenie) and Klaus Kinski (Nosferatu) as the Marquis de Sade. Also known as "Justine and Juliet" and the heavily-cut "Deadly Sanctuary," this infamous film is presented completely restored and uncensored in a gorgeous new 4K transfer from the original camera negative!


SPECIAL FEATURES:

  • "The Perils And Pleasures Of Justine" - Interviews with Co-Writer/Director Jess Franco and Producer Harry Alan Towers
  • "Stephen Thrower on JUSTINE" - Interview with the author of “Murderous Passions: The Delirious Cinema of Jesus Franco”
  • French Trailer
  • Poster & Still Gallery
  • BONUS Collectable Booklet includes writing by author Stephen Thrower
  • BONUS CD – JUSTINE Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Bruno Nicolai
  • Reversible sleeve with alternate cover art

Blu-ray + DVD + CD Combo Pack
Video Specs: Widescreen 1.66:1 / 16x9
Audio Specs: English DTS-HD Mono / Dolby Digital Mono
Optional Subtitles: English SDH, Francais, Espanol
All Regions



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Cult Film 'Blood and Lace' coming to Blu-ray from Scream Factory

She searched through the dark corridors of the unknown, only to find… the unbearable.


Blood and Lace Blu-ray cover


Scream Factory is bringing Philip S. Gilbert's 1971 cult horror film "Blood and Lace," to Blu-ray and DVD on November 24, 2015.

Available for the first time on a home entertainment format, the 1971 cult favorite "Blood and Lace" is a twisted tale of horror frequently cited as a precursor to the slasher films of the late 70's and early 80's.

After her mother's brutal murder at the hands of a hammer-wielding maniac, teenager Ellie Masters (Melody Patterson, TV's "F-Troop") is suddenly orphaned. She is sent to a home for children run by the enigmatic Mrs. Deere (Gloria Grahame, a 1952 Best Supporting Actress Academy Award winner for her role in The Bad and The Beautiful), in spite of the concern that Ellie will be the newest target of her mother's killer. But as terror strikes again and again, it becomes unclear who might be the bigger threat to Ellie's life: the mysterious murderer with a hammer… or her sadistic new caretaker.

With borderline insane plot twists, and some unexpected performances by two faces familiar to fans of classic sitcoms – Vic Tayback ("Mel" from Alice) and Len Lesser ("Uncle Leo" from Seinfeld) – this little-known horror gem is a jolting, terror-filled thriller you've got to see to believe.


SPECIAL FEATURES:


  • NEW Audio Commentary By Film Historian Richard Harland Smith
  • Alternate Opening Title
  • Theatrical Trailer



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3-Disc LE of 'Eugenie' Coming from Blue Underground

Eugenie ...the story of her journey into perversion


Eugenie Blu-ray cover


Blue Underground has announced they plan to release "Eugenie" on December 15, 2015. The Limited Edition will be a 3-Disc set. 

Marie Liljedahl (Inga), Jack Taylor (Succubus), Maria Rohm (Marquis de Sade's Justine), and Christopher Lee (COUNT DRACULA) star in this legendary erotic classic from Jess Franco, the infamous director of "Vampyros Lesbos" and "Venus in Furs." Based on the notorious novel "Philosophy in the Boudoir" by the Marquis de Sade, this rarely seen shocker is presented completely uncut in a beautiful new 4K transfer from the original uncensored camera negative! 


SPECIAL FEATURES:
  • "Perversion Stories" - Interviews with Director Jess Franco, Producer Harry Alan Towers, and Stars Marie Liljedahl & Christopher Lee
  • "Stephen Thrower on EUGENIE" - Interview with the author of “Murderous Passions: The Delirious Cinema of Jesus Franco”
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • Poster & Still Gallery
  • BONUS Collectable Booklet includes writing by author Stephen Thrower
  • BONUS CD – EUGENIE Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Bruno Nicolai
  • Reversible sleeve with alternate cover art

Blu-ray + DVD + CD Combo Pack
Video Specs: Widescreen 2.35:1 / 16x9
Audio Specs: English DTS-HD Mono / Dolby Digital Mono
Optional Subtitles: English SDH, Francais, Espanol
All Regions



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'Ghost Story' Blu-ray News from Scream Factory

Scream Factory reveals extras for their upcoming 'Ghost Story' Blu-ray


Ghost Story Blu-ray cover


Scream Factory has announced the final list of extras included on their upcoming Blu-ray release of the 1981 horror movie, "Ghost Story." 


SPECIAL FEATURES:

  • NEW Audio Commentary by Director John Irvin
  • NEW Interviews with Author Peter Straub, Actress Alice Krige, Screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen, Producer Burt Weissbourd and Matte Photographer Bill Taylor
  • Vintage Theatrical Trailer, TV and Radio Spots 
  • Photo Gallery
  • English Subtitles

The haunting tale was directed by John Irvin and stars Fred Astaire, Douglas Fairbanks Jr.,  Melvyn Douglas (The Changeling), John Houseman (The Fog), Craig Wasson (A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors), Patricia Neal (The Day the Earth Stood Still) and Alice Krige (Sleepwalkers). 

The Blu-ray is scheduled to be released on November 24, 2015. You can pre-order it from Amazon using the link below, from the Scream Factory website or another online retailer. 

Synopsis:
In a peaceful New England town, the four lifelong friends who make up the Chowder Society come together each week to regale each other with tales of terror. But when one of the elderly gentlemen experiences a family tragedy, it becomes apparent that a buried secret from their youth has arisen to remind them of the sins of their past. Soon, they will learn they have never been forgiven… and a supernatural vengeance awaits them all.





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Edgar Allan Poe's Black Cats - News on Final Specs from Arrow Video

Arrow Video releases full info on their upcoming 'Black Cats' Blu-ray set


Edgar Allan Poe's Black Cats Blu-ray cover



Edgar Allan Poe’s celebrated story “The Black Cat” has provided the inspiration for numerous films over the years. But few adaptations have been as stylish as those offered up by those two titans of Italian terror, Sergio Martino and Lucio Fulci.

In Martino’s classic giallo, "Your Vice Is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key," teacher Oliviero (Luigi Pistilli, "A Bay of Blood") finds himself ensnared in a web of intrigue when one of his students – and mistress – is found brutally murdered. "In The Black Cat," from "Zombie Flesh Eaters" director Lucio Fulci, Inspector Gorley (David Warbeck, "The Beyond") finds himself summoned to a sleepy English village where a series of bizarre murders have taken place.

With both films here making their worldwide Blu-ray debut in stunning new 2K restorations, fans can now enjoy the double-dose of terror that is Edgar Allan Poe’s Black Cats – Italian-style!

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

  • Limited Edition boxed-set (3000 copies) containing Your Vice Is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key and The Black Cat 
  • Brand new 2K restorations of the films from the original camera negatives
  • High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
  • Original Italian and English soundtracks in mono audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-rays)
  • Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtracks
  • Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtracks 
  • Limited Edition 80-page booklet containing new articles on the films, Lucio Fulci’s last ever interview and a reprint of Poe’s original story

YOUR VICE IS A LOCKED ROOM AND ONLY I HAVE THE KEY

  • Through the Keyhole – a brand new interview with director Sergio Martino
  • Unveiling the Vice – making-of retrospective featuring interviews with Martino, star Edwige Fenech and screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi
  • Dolls of Flesh and Blood: The Gialli of Sergio Martino – a visual essay by Michael Mackenzie exploring the director’s unique contributions to the giallo genre
  • The Strange Vices of Ms. Fenech – film historian Justin Harries on the Your Vice actress’ prolific career
  • Eli Roth on Your Vice and the genius of Martino
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matthew Griffin
Read our review of "Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key."


THE BLACK CAT

  • Brand new audio commentary by filmmaker and Fangoria editor Chris Alexander
  • Poe into Fulci: The Spirit of Perverseness – film historian Stephen Thrower on Fulci’s Poe-tinged classic
  • In the Paw-Prints of the Black Cat – a look at the original Black Cat locations
  • Frightened Dagmar – a brand new career interview with actress Dagmar Lassander
  • At Home with David Warbeck – an archive interview with The Black Cat star
  • Original Theatrical Trailer
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matthew Griffin

Read our review of "The Black Cat."


 
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Tuesday, September 29, 2015

News on Specs and Artwork for 'Hellraiser: The Scarlet Box' on Blu-ray from Arrow Video

"Hellraiser: The Scarlet Box" Full Specs and Artwork Revealed by Arrow Video


Hellraiser: The Scarlet Box Blu-ray Arrow Video



** STOCK UPDATE : HELLRAISER THE SCARLET BOX **
Our Limited Edition Hellraier boxset is now out of print and has been removed from sale on the Arrow Store.

Stock is still available with some retailers like Amazon UK via the link below. 



Arrow Video has been hard at work on their highly anticipated Blu-ray box set "Hellraiser: The Scarlet Box." The time has come to reveal the artwork and full list of special features that will be included along with the horror films. The Limited Edition set is scheduled to be released on October 26th.


4-DISC LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:

  • Brand new 2K restorations of Hellraiser, Hellbound: Hellraiser II, and Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth 
  • Uncompressed PCM Stereo 2.0 and Lossless DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound for Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II 
  • Lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0 sound for Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth 
  • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for all three films 
  • Limited Edition bonus disc 
  • Exclusive 200-page hardback book with new writing from Clive Barker archivists Phil and Sarah Stokes 
  • 20-page booklet featuring never-before-seen original "Hellraiser" concept art 
  • Limited Edition packaging with new artwork from Gilles Vranckx 
  • Set of 5 exclusive art cards
  • Fold-out reversible poster

DISC 1 – HELLRAISER:

  • Brand new 2K restoration approved by director of photography Robin Vidgeon 
  • Audio commentary with writer/director Clive Barker 
  • Audio commentary with Barker and actress Ashley Laurence 
  • Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser – brand new version of the definitive documentary on the making of Hellraiser, featuring interviews with key cast and crew members 
  • Being Frank: Sean Chapman on Hellraiser – actor Sean Chapman talks candidly about playing the character of Frank Cotton in Barker’s original 
  • Soundtrack Hell: The Story of the Abandoned Coil Score – Coil member Stephen Thrower on the Hellraiser score that almost was 
  • Hellraiser: Resurrection – vintage featurette including interviews with Clive Barker, actors Doug Bradley and Ashley Laurence, special make-up effects artist Bob Keen and others 
  • Under the Skin: Doug Bradley on "Hellraiser" 
  • Original EPK featuring on-set interviews with cast and crew 
  • Draft Screenplays [BD-ROM content] 
  • Trailers and TV Spots 
  • Image Gallery

DISC 2 – HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II:

  • Brand new 2K restoration approved by director of photography Robin Vidgeon 
  • Audio Commentary with director Tony Randel and writer Peter Atkins 
  • Audio Commentary with Randel, Atkins and actress Ashley Laurence 
  • Leviathan: The Story of "Hellbound: Hellraiser II" – brand new version of the definitive documentary on the making of Hellbound, featuring interviews with key cast and crew members 
  • Being Frank: Sean Chapman on Hellbound – actor Sean Chapman talks about reprising the role of Frank Cotton in the first Hellraiser sequel 
  • Surgeon Scene – the home video world premiere of this legendary, never before-seen excised sequence from Hellbound, sourced from a VHS workprint 
  • Lost in the Labyrinth – vintage featurette including interviews with Barker, Randel, Keen, Atkins and others 
  • Under the Skin: Doug Bradley on "Hellbound: Hellraiser II" 
  • On-set interview with Clive Barker 
  • On-set interviews with cast and crew 
  • Behind-the-Scenes Footage 
  • Rare and unseen storyboards 
  • Draft Screenplay [BD-ROM content] 
  • Trailers and TV Spots 
  • Image Gallery

DISC 3 – HELLRAISER III: HELL ON EARTH:

  • Brand new 2K restoration of the Original Theatrical Version [93 mins] 
  • Alternate Unrated Version [97 mins] 
  • Brand new audio commentary with writer Peter Atkins 
  • Audio commentary with director Anthony Hickox and Doug Bradley 
  • Hell on Earth: The Story of Hellraiser III – making-of documentary featuring interviews with Atkins, Keen and actor Ken Carpenter 
  • Terri’s Tales – brand new interview with actress Paula Marshall
  • Under the Skin: Doug Bradley on Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth 
  • Raising Hell on Earth – archival interview with Hickox 
  • On-set interviews with Barker and Bradley 
  • Never-before-seen Hellraiser III SFX dailies 
  • Theatrical Trailer 
  • Image Gallery 
  • Hellraiser III comic book adaptation [Disc gallery]

DISC 4 – THE CLIVE BARKER LEGACY – LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE:

  • Clive Barker short films "Salomé" and "The Forbidden" 
  • Books of Blood & Beyond: The Literary Works of Clive Barker – horror author David Gatward provides a tour through Barker’s written work, from the first Books of Blood to the recent The Scarlet Gospels 
  • Hellraiser: Evolutions – a brand new documentary looking at the evolution of the hit horror franchise and its enduring legacy, featuring interviews with Scott Derrickson (director, Hellraiser: Inferno), Rick Bota (director, "Hellraiser: Hellseeker," "Deader" and "Hellworld"), Stuart Gordon (director, "Re-Animator," "From Beyond") and others 
  • The Hellraiser Chronicles: A Question of Faith – short film

200-PAGE BOOK – ‘DAMNATION GAMES’ – LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE:
  • Exclusive 200-page hardback book with new writing on "Hellraiser" and the Barker universe from Barker archivists Phil and Sarah Stokes – including chapters looking at Barker’s early work, the genesis and production of the first 3 films in the Hellraiser series and much more, all illustrated with stills and rare material from the Barker archive



Hellraiser: The Scarlet Box Blu-ray Arrow Video

Hellraiser: The Scarlet Box Blu-ray Arrow Video

Hellraiser: The Scarlet Box Blu-ray Arrow Video

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Catch 'Cooties' on Blu-ray and DVD from Lionsgate, Dec. 1st

Lionsgate details their upcoming Blu-ray and DVD release.

Cooties Blu-ray cover



Elijah Wood and Rainn Wilson Star in the Fresh and Original Horror-Comedy on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD December 1st. 

School lunches will forever be tainted after the disturbing and hilarious "Cooties" arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) and Digital HD December 1 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The film is currently available On Demand. From the twisted minds of the writer of Insidious and co-creator of “Glee,” the film stars a witty ensemble cast including Elijah Wood ("The Lord of the Rings" trilogy), Rainn Wilson (TV’s “The Office”), Alison Pill (HBO’s “The Newsroom”), Jack McBrayer (TV’s “30 Rock”), Leigh Whannell ("Saw"), Nasim Pedrad (TV’s “Saturday Night Live”), with Ian Brennan (TV’s “Scream Queens”), Jorge Garcia (TV’s “Hawaii Five-0”) and Kate Flannery (TV's "The Office"). Filled with unexpected laughs and unapologetic thrills, the ridiculously entertaining horror-comedy was a Sundance Film Festival premiere hit! 

When a cafeteria food virus turns elementary school children into little killer savages, a group of misfit teachers must band together to escape the playground carnage. The film stars Elijah Wood, Rainn Wilson, and Alison Pill as teachers who fight to survive the most unruly students ever on the worst Monday of their lives!

The Cooties home entertainment release includes an audio commentary with the cast and crew, two behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted and extended scenes, an alternate ending and gag reel. The Cooties Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $19.98 and $19.99, respectively.

US BLU-RAY/DVD/DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES*

  • “Circle, Circle. Dot, Dot…Catching Cooties” Featurette
  • Deleted/Extended/Alternate Scenes
  • Gag Reel
  • Alternate Ending with Optional Audio Commentary 
  • “Talking Cooties” Featurette
  • The Cootietary – Audio Commentary with the Cast & Crew
*Subject to Change

Blu-ray Closed Captioned: NA
DVD Closed Captioned: English
Blu-ray Subtitles: English, Spanish and English SDH
DVD Subtitles: English and Spanish
Feature Run Time: 88 Minutes
Blu-ray Format: 1080p High Definition 16x9 Widescreen (2.40:1)
DVD Format: 16x9 Widescreen (2.40:1)
Blu-ray Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master AudioTM
DVD Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio



Unfortunately for those in the UK, their Blu-ray release only contains an Elijah Wood interview. The UK Blu-ray is out now.


     

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Monday, September 28, 2015

Detour Ahead... 'Windsor Drive' - Film Review - Indican Pictures

"Windsor Drive," a surreal drama that crashes and burns

Windsor Drive poster


"Windsor Drive" focuses on aspiring actor, River Miller (Tommy O'Reilly, "The Client List") who is struggling to maintain his sanity after his girlfriend Jordana (Jillian Murray, "Cabin Fever: Patient Zero") commits suicide. 

River finds himself a new girlfriend in Brooke (Samaire Armstrong, "Resurrection" TV), but the memories and nightmares of Jordana still remain. In an attempt to find some peace of mind, River tries to find a fresh start by trying for a part in a film, so he abruptly ends his relationship with Brooke and moves to Los Angeles. 

Once in Los Angeles, River ends up finding a place to stay at a 1920's mansion that includes two odd occupants, Wulfric (Kyan DuBois) and Ivy (Anna Gurji, "Freaky Deaky"), who seem to have issues of their own. 

As River tries to win a part in the film, "Windsor Drive," he sets his sights on junior casting director, June (Mandy Musgrave, "South of Nowhere"). Despite moving to Los Angeles to get his mind off Jordana, River's mental state continues to deteriorate and his grip on reality slips further away as someone from his past decides to show up, Brooke. 

Natalie Bible' makes her feature length directorial debut with "Windsor Drive." While I believe she accomplished in the film, what she intended to do, I do not feel that it worked. The film has a very surreal feel to it with a multitude of flashbacks, scenes replaying from multiple angles and unique visuals used to convey River's fragmented mind. But I think that is actually a big part of the problem, in that it is too used to excess. I felt like I spent the majority of the time watching the same scenes over and over, waiting for something to happen. As beautiful as Jillian Murray is, I grew tired of the Jordana flashbacks. Wulfric and Ivy did not seem to used effectively. The viewer is sort of left to make up their mind on the odd pair. I can appreciate ambiguity, but unfortunately, I felt there was too much of it throughout the film. I would surmise that Natalie Bible' did the best she could do with the script by T.R. Gough, but the script just needed more work as it just seemed too 'light'. The movie may have played much better if done as a short film with a run time somewhere around thirty minutes.

I thought overall, the actors did a good job in their respective roles. Tommy O'Reilly definitely was able to turn on the crazy look in his face when it was needed. 


RATING: 1.5 / 5


You can find more information on the films website. You can also follow "Windsor Drive" on Facebook and Twitter.





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The 'Fear' Continues to Spread as AMC Launches New Web Series - 'Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462'

One Character from Flight 462 Will Join the Cast of "Fear the Walking Dead" Season 2



Fear the Walking Dead AMC

The series will be produced by “Fear” show runner and executive producer Dave Erickson and co-executive producer David Wiener

“Fear the Walking Dead” may be concluding its first season this Sunday, October 4th, but “Fear” will continue to spread as AMC rolls out its newest web series, officially titled “Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462,” online beginning this fall. The first installment of the 16-part series will debut on AMC.com on Sunday, October 4th and will then air as promos during two commercial breaks within “The Walking Dead” season 6 premiere episode on Sunday, October 11th.

Subsequent episodes of “Flight 462,” each less than one minute long, will debut every Sunday, online and then on-air as promos during new episodes of “The Walking Dead,” for the duration of season 6. In addition, one of the characters featured in the web series, which is produced by “Fear the Walking Dead” show runner and executive producer Dave Erickson and co-executive producer David Wiener, will join the cast of “Fear the Walking Dead” season 2.

“Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462” tells the story of a group of passengers aboard a commercial airplane during the earliest moments of the outbreak. Over the course of the series, the plane and the lives of its passengers are put in jeopardy once they discover an infected traveler. The series is written by L. Signorino and Mike Zunic and directed by “Fear” director of photography Michael McDonough.

“‘Flight 462’ is a great extension of the world of ‘Fear’ and will engage fans across multiple platforms with another riveting story set at the start of the fall of civilization,” said Joel Stillerman, president of original programming and development for AMC and SundanceTV. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Dave Erickson and David Wiener on another piece of original content. Watching how they’ll bring one of these new characters to the second season of ‘Fear’ will be really exciting for viewers to follow.”

A companion series to “The Walking Dead,” “Fear the Walking Dead” explores the onset of the undead apocalypse through the lens of a fractured family in Los Angeles. The series, which debuted this August as the #1 series premiere in cable history with 10.1 million viewers, is executive produced by Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Greg Nicotero, David Alpert and show runner Dave Erickson and produced by AMC Studios. The series will return for a second season of 15 episodes in 2016.


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Sunday, September 27, 2015

Deathgasm - Film Review - Dark Sky Films

Deathgasm - An Epic Orgy of Metal and Gore



Deathgasm poster


"Deathgasm" is not simply the latest horror film to come from New Zealand. It is an amazingly fun film that has a perfect blend of horror and black comedy. Like I stated above, it is an orgy of metal and gore. Easily one of my favorite films I have watched this year. Horror fans should thoroughly enjoy and love the film. But if you so happen to be a fan of heavy metal and horror and also like a strong dose of gore and dark humor thrown in to the mix, then you are in for a hell of a treat. 

Milo Cawthorne and Kimberley Crossman in Deathgasm
 In "Deathgasm" we meet Brodie (Milo Cawthorne, "Blood Punch"), who due to an unfortunate circumstance concerning his mother, has to live with his very religious uncle Albert (Colin Moy, "Spartacus: War of the Damned"), aunt Mary (Jodie Rimmer) and bullying cousin, David (Nick Hoskins-Smith). Brodie is not exactly welcomed with open arms by his relatives, but he tries to make the best of it. He manages to make a few friends at school who also turn out to be kids that his cousin David likes to torment, which only makes matters worse. The beautiful Medina (Kimberley Crossman, "Shortland Street") catches his eye but a friend is quick to tell him girls like that don't go for guys like them. Oh yeah, she just so happens to be the girlfriend of his cousin. 


Deathgasm still photo
Brodie visits a local record shop where he meets fellow metal-head, Zakk (James Blake). In short fashion, a band is formed and Zakk proclaims the band shall be called, Deathgasm. Brodie and his new band mate Zakk end up going to a house where they believe an old heavy metal star, Rikki Daggers (Stephen Ure) is hiding out. They sneak in to the house and indeed discover Rikki Daggers, sleeping on a sofa. After an unexpected altercation, they end up with an album that contains some mysterious text that looks like it could be lyrics. The band believes that may have struck gold and found the key to making their band successful. However it is written in Latin, so they'll have to decipher the words. Of course they're able to get it sorted out and begin playing this mysterious music only for it to have an even greater effect than they had hoped or planned. Yes. It sounded fantastic. But it brought some unwanted changes in the people of the town. The dynamic duo of Brodie and Zakk decide to seek out some professional help from Abigail (Kate Elliiott, "30 Days of Night"), after having a horrific encounter with Zakk's father. 

So we have all hell breaking loose, literally, with the townspeople being possessed by demons. Can Brodie, Zakk and the rest of the gang save their town and the rest of the world from impending doom? You'll have to watch the film to find out. 

Deathgasm still photo
"Deathgasm" features top notch acting, some really killer gore effects, great music,  an entertaining story, likable characters and plenty of action and humor. It fully fires on all cylinders to great success. The film has it all. From fountains of blood spewing from gaping wounds to battling demons with sex toys, this is one terrific roller coaster of fun. You know those films that are so bad that you sit around with friends and of course some alcohol and have a good time? No alcohol needed here. This is the kind of movie where you and your friends will be saying, what the... one moment and laughing the next at the craziness happening on the screen. Then when it's over, you'll want to talk about how good it was. As I finish writing this review, this is my second time watching the film and I can honestly say I have enjoyed it even more this time around. I can't wait for news of a Blu-ray release and I already know it will get plenty of play time. If you're familiar with Peter Jackson's "Braindead" AKA "Dead Alive" (also from New Zealand) you will probably get a familiar feeling while watching "Deathgasm" in that they both share that same level of unexpected moments of insanity that erupt on the screen. Jason Lei Howden really knocked it out of the park directing and writing his first full length feature film. I look forward to his future projects. Oh and just a heads up, there is a brief post credits scene. "Deathgasm" is 100% pure awesome, that I highly recommend! 


RATING: 5 / 5


Be sure to follow the film on FacebookTwitter and visit the official website for more information on where you can watch the film in select theaters. You can pre-order "Deathgasm" at iTunes or on Amazon using the link below.


 


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