Arrow Video's March UK/US Blu-ray Announcements

It's that time again. Time for announcements on upcoming titles that will be released by Arrow Video in March 2016.

Arrow Video's March Announcements range from single titles, another limited edition box set and even a book! Read on for all the news and details available at this time.

Death Walks Twice - Blu-ray & DVD: Two Films by Luciano Ercoli (Arrow Video) Dual Format Limited Edition Boxset

Emerging at the peak of the giallo boom of the early ‘70s, Luciano Ercoli’s Death Walks films are two superlative examples of the genre linked by their shared casting of the stunning Nieves Navarro (billed under her adopted stage name of Susan Scott) as the lead woman in peril.

In Death Walks on High Heels (1971), exotic dancer Nicole (Navarro), the daughter of a murdered jewel thief, finds herself terrorized by a black-clad assailant determined on procuring her father’s stolen gems. Fleeing Paris and her knife-wielding pursuer, Nicole arrives in London only to discover that death stalks her at every corner.

Returning in Death Walks at Midnight (1972), Navarro stars as Valentina – a model who, in the midst of a drug-fueled photo shoot, witnesses a brutal murder in the apartment opposite hers. But when it becomes clear that the savage slaying she describes relates to a crime that took place six months earlier, the police are at a loss - forcing Valentina to solve the mystery alone.

Offering up all the glamour, perversity and narrative twists and turns that are typical of the giallo genre at its best, Luciano Ercoli’s Death Walks on High Heels and Death Walks at Midnight anticipate the super-stylized trappings of Brian De Palma’s early psycho thrillers (most notably, Dressed to Kill).

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• Limited Edition boxed-set (3000 copies) containing Death Walks on High Heels and Death Walks at Midnight
• 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 60-page booklet containing new writing from authors Danny Shipka (Perverse Titillation: The Exploitation Cinema of Italy, Spain and France), Troy Howarth (So Deadly, So Perverse: 50 Years of Italian Giallo Films) and writer Leonard Jacobs, illustrated with original archive stills and posters

DEATH WALKS ON HIGH HEELS

• Audio commentary by film critic Tim Lucas
• Introduction to the film by screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi
• Newly-edited archive interview with director Luciano Ercoli and actress Nieves Navarro
• Master of Giallo – brand new interview in which Gastaldi discusses Death Walks on High Heels and offers up his thoughts as to what constitutes a good giallo
• An interview with composer Stelvio Cipriani
• Original Italian trailer
• Original English trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx

DEATH WALKS AT MIDNIGHT

• Audio commentary by film critic Tim Lucas
• Introduction to the film by screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi
• Extended TV version of the feature [105 mins]
• Crime Does Pay – brand new interview in which Gastaldi discusses Death Walks at Midnight and a career script-writing crime films
• Desperately Seeking Susan – a visual essay by Michael Mackenzie exploring the distinctive giallo collaborations between director Luciano Ercoli and star Nieves Navarro
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx

Release Date: 28/03/16 (UK) Release date: 03/29/16 (US)
Rating: 18 (TBC)
Duration: 208 mins
Language: English/Italian
Subtitles: English SDH/English
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: Mono
Colour
Discs: 4
UK RRP £44.99
US SRP $69.95
Directed by: Luciano Ercoli
Starring: Frank Wolff, Nieves Navarro, Simón Andreu


 

Cult Cinema: An Arrow Video Companion (Limited Edition) Hardback Book - An intriguing trip down the less well-trodden paths of filmdom.

A first for us, a bona fide book!
Arrow Video is one of the foremost distributors of cult cinema on DVD and Blu-ray. From the classic to the obscure, the Arrow Video collection encompasses all styles and genres: horror films and Westerns, science fiction and sex comedies, yakuza epics and neo-noirs, the subversive, the transgressive and the unclassifiable.

This hardback volume brings together 25 of the world’s leading genre experts and critics to guide you through the multi-faceted beast that is cult cinema. Exploring the stars, the filmmakers and the trends, Cult Cinema: An Arrow Video Companion provides an intriguing trip down the less well-trodden paths of filmdom.

Featuring the writing of: Robin Bougie, Michael Brooke, Paul Corupe, David Del Valle, David Flint, Kevin Gilvear, Joel Harley, David Hayles, Pasquale Iannone, Alan Jones, Tim Lucas, Michael Mackenzie, Maitland McDonagh, Tom Mes, John Kenneth Muir, Kim Newman, James Oliver, Vic Pratt, Jasper Sharp, Yvonne D. Sims, Kenneth J. Souza, Mike Sutton, Stephen Thrower, Caelum Vatnsdal, Doug Weir.

With an introduction by filmmaker Ben Wheatley (Kill List, High Rise, Free Fire)

Cover Illustration: Graham Humphreys (revealed soon!)

Release date: 28/03/16 (UK) Release date: 03/29/16 (US)
Author: Ben Wheatley (Introduction), Anthony Nield (Editor)
Release Date: 28/03/16
Binding: Hardback
Pages: 246 pages
Dimension: 22 x 2.8 x 28cm
ISBN-10: 0993306013
ISBN-13: 978-0993306013
UK RRP: £64.99
US SRP: $99.95

You can pre-order the book now from the Arrow Video store.

 

NEW US RELEASE: BLACK MAMA, WHITE MAMA BLU-RAY & DVD

Pam Grier and Margaret Markov are Defiant Ones in this WIP flick from AIP

CHICKS IN CHAINS ON THE LAM FROM A PRISON HELL!

Before her iconic turn in Coffy, Pam Grier starred alongside Margaret Markov in a grindhouse spin on Stanley Kramer’s The Defiant Ones, fusing the Women in Prison film with the emerging Blaxploitation movement for a riotous romp of bullets, babes and blood!

Lee (Grier), a tough prostitute and Karen (Markov), a revolutionary, are admitted to a tough women’s prison where almost immediately (after some playful showering that prefigures Porky’s) they clash. Packed off to a maximum security prison, their transport is ambushed by Karen’s guerrilla friends and the two escape into the Filipino jungle. Chained together and with differing escape plans their clash intensifies as Lee wants to retrieve a stash of stolen cash to get her off the island and Karen wants to re-join her revolutionary group. Escape isn’t easy as they come up against a series of obstacles including a corrupt cop, a bounty hunter, a sadistic Drug Lord and guerrillas who threaten to turn everything upside down.

Chock full of girl fights, gun battles, nudity and humour, Black Mama White Mama, which was also known as Women in Chains and Hot, Hard and Mean, lives up to all its titles as well as featuring a brilliant Sid Haig (Spider Baby, House of 1000 Corpses) as a cowboy bounty hunter and Lynn Borden (Frogs, Dirty Mary Crazy Larry) as a lesbian guard from a script co-written by Jonathan Demme (Caged Heat) and a score sampled by Quentin Tarantino for Kill Bill.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS:

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
• Original mono audio (uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Commentary by filmmaker Andrew Leavold, director of The Search for Weng Weng
• White Mama - An interview with star Margaret Markov 
• Sid’s Filipino Adventure - An interview with star Sid Haig
• The Mad Director of Blood Island - A previously unseen archive interview with director Eddie Romero
• Trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sean Phillips

The first pressing also includes a booklet featuring brand new writing on the film by Temple of Schlock’s Chris Poggiali and extracts from the original press book, illustrated with archive stills and posters

Release date: 03/22/16
Region: A/1
Duration: 91 mins
Language: English
Subtitles: English SDH
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: Mono
Discs: 2
SRP: $29.95
Directed by: Eddie Romero
Starring: Pam Grier, Margaret Markov, Sid Haig

 

NEW US ONLY TITLE ANNOUNCEMENT: RAGE OF HONOR

Sho Kosugi's ninja domination continues!

Pre-order yours at all major retailers soon!

Rage of Honor (Arrow Video) Blu-ray

Following his star turns in ‘80s actioners Enter the Ninja and Revenge of the Ninja, Sho Kosugi continued his domination of the US martial arts movie with 1987’s Rage of Honor – helmed once again by Pray for Death director Gordon Hessler (The Golden Voyage of Sinbad).

Federal agent Shiro Tanaka (Kosugi) used to live for his job – now, he lives only for revenge. When his partner is killed during a bungled drug bust, Shiro throws away his badge and the rule book with it: arming himself with an array of deadly weaponry – including nunchucks, blades and ninja stars – he sets out to Buenos Aires to settle the score with the bad guys.

Packing explosions, flying kicks and somersaults aplenty (as well as some truly logic-bending stunt sequences), Rage of Honor sees Kosugi at the top of his game as he battles his way from the streets of the urban jungle to the very literal jungles of South America.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation from a transfer of original elements by MGM
• Optional English SDH subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Sho and Tell Part 2: The Domination – brand new interview with star Sho Kosugi on Rage of Honor and the later stages of his film career
• Sho Kosugi Trailer Gallery: Enter the Ninja (1981), Revenge of the Ninja (1983), Pray for Death (1985) and Rage of Honor (1987)
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matthew Griffin

The first pressing includes a collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film and an extract from Kosugi’s upcoming book

Release date: 03/15/16 (US only)
Region: A
Duration: 98 mins
Language: English
Subtitles: English SDH
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: 5.1
Discs: 1
SRP: $29.95
Directed by: Gordon Hessler
Starring: Sho Kosugi, Lewis Van Bergen, Robin Evans

 

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Crying Wolf 3D (2015) - Film Review - Uncork'd Entertainment

In a little English village called Deddington a pack of werewolves on holiday come face to face with their victim and hunter friend.

For a moment I’m going to hold back on yabbering about this latest werewolf film, I should also point out that the 3D version was sadly not available for us from Tirana Films/Great Dayne Entertainment/Boom & Spray Productions. More important than director’s Tony Jopia’s offering is the knowledge that the first scene has Hammer Horror star, Sinbad’s Margiana and James Bond’s Naomi, actress Caroline Munro. Here she cameos as a shopkeeper, arguably still edible to the older gentleman, surely any self respecting werewolf would be honoured to gobble her up. I digress, many of the same cast and crew of Cute Little Buggers, a low rent Gremlins, reteam armed with a Hammer's business model, like a multi-picture deal of Craig Fairbrass films for... Ba-dum ching - Crying Wolf! A Kermit the Frog YAY please.

Taking a compulsory leaf from American Werewolf in London and Dog Soldiers and the recent Howl, Jopia’s Crying Wolf has plenty of sleepy village dolly tracking and crane shots. Jopia armed with ropey CGI (a limited suite of stretch effects, colouring and kinetic werewolves reminiscent American Werewolf in Paris); plenty of claret and fake limbs throws on screen what can only be described as canned wolf fodder. The tin looks good, it contents appear tempting but even if out of curiosity do you really want to open that bad boy up and taste it?

To Jopia's credit I've never seen a werewolf film with a grand Bond style opening credit sequence but voilà Crying Wolf has one and a theme tune too. With pub humour, Brookside pacing, gratuitous blood and breasts, this is not to be confused with Jeffrey D. King’s independent documentary film Crying Wolf (it’s an easy mistake to make). Written by Andy Davie, Michael Dale and Jopia this presentation is ridiculous and equally as silly (including a wrong hole gag) with its out of place flashbacks and unnecessary back stories. Aside from an abundance of pretty looking cast members what’s genuinely enticing is the atmospheric locale (possibly interesting if you live outside of the UK), there are also some nice make up, old school practical effects and there really is a germ of a good idea hidden away in the bottom of a pint glass. It’s energetic cast, include Gabriela Hersham, Chloe Farnworth, Joe Egan (of the well executed short – Predator Dark Ages), Kristofer Dayne, Gabriela Hersham and Ian Donnelly to mention just a few who put in every effort known to man to have fun with their characters. Notable is Angela Holmes who pops up briefly.

I’m going to mention (because I can), if I didn’t know better I’d say their tagline is a rework of my very own novel but this sub-genre stuff is in the air. With werewolves appearing from the shadows lunging at the camera and popping into an already very cropped frame, for the love of Thiess of Kaltenbrun don’t expect Lowell Dean’s Wolf Cop. Be safe in the knowledge that John Landis needn't worry about losing his 1981 and 1984 werewolf crown either. 

This stretched low-budget Carry On up the hammy werewolf is best served with a load of friends, excess barrels of real ale and an aptitude for this type of film. No doubt Crying Wolf will certainly become someone’s guilty pleasure.

RATING: 2 / 5

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News Update on Scream Factory's Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack of 'Jack's Back'

News on the Upcoming Scream Factory Release

Scream Factory has given an update on their upcoming Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack of "Jack's Back."


The 1988 serial-killer thriller (featuring The Blacklist star James Spader) strikes on January 26th! Check out the specs/extras that will be on our upcoming Blu-ray & DVD combo pack:

- NEW High Definition Transfer From The Original Negative
- NEW Audio Commentary With Writer/Director Rowdy Herrington
- NEW The Making Of JACK'S BACK - Interviews With Writer/Director Rowdy Herrington, Producer Tim Moore, Actress Cynthia Gibb And Director Of Photography Shelly Johnson
- Theatrical Trailer


Synopsis:
One hundred years ago, Jack the Ripper slashed his way through London's red light district. Now, a modern-day maniac is honoring the event by mutilating L.A.'s ladies of the evening. Has Jack the Ripper been reborn? The police are stumped and the prostitutes of L.A. are scared. The only person with a chance of solving the murders has a problem of his own – he's the LAPD's number one suspect.

James Spader (TV's "The Blacklist," "The Avengers: Age Of Ultron") and Cynthia Gibb ("Death Warrant," "Youngblood") star in this taut mystery-thriller written and directed by Rowdy Herrington (Road House).

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Symphony in Blood Red (2010) - DVD Review - Troma Entertainment

A nice attempt at recapturing the magic of classic giallo films that falls a little short

Released by: Troma Entertainment
Release Date: November 10, 2015
Production Year: 2010
Region Code: ALL
Running Time: 1:18:38
Audio: Italian Dolby Digital 2.0
Video: NTSC Anamorphic Widescreen
Subtitles: English


THE FILM - [ 2.5 / 5 ]:

During a session, a psychologist unleashes her mysterious patient’s latent madness… Now he’s carrying on the therapy by himself! “Symphony in Blood Red” is a new twist on the ‘giallo’ formula in the tradition of Argento’s “Tenebre”.

The film is somewhat hard to describe partially due to in my opinion, that the story was not very riveting. "Symphony in Blood Red" is somewhat of a revenge film yet our killer does not exactly only seek revenge on those that wronged him. He seemingly kills at random if he thinks the unfortunately person deserves it. Sometimes the audience feels compassion for and may be inclined to cheer on the aggressor. This is not one of those times. Director Luigi Pastore made a good attempt with his film but for me it just seemed to be missing something. The revenge factor reminds me a little of Ms. 45 where the lead in that film also kills those that did not wrong her which made it difficult for me to feel sorry for her. By the end of the film I was not rooting for her at all actually which was kind of sad since I initially wanted to see her triumph but then she crossed that line and herself became a villain, much like our killer in "Symphony in Blood Red."

Gore hounds should be somewhat pleased with some of the death scenes that appear in the film. Make-up and special effects artist Sergio Stivaletti does a great job and it is a shame some scenes were not a little brighter so we could have seen more of his bloody handiwork. 

AUDIO - [ 3 / 5 ]:

"Symphony in Blood Red" comes with an Italian Dolby Digital 2.0 audio track. The dialogue sounded fairly clear but since I do not speak Italian, I cannot totally vouch for that. A big minus for the audio quality was that often the volume level of the sound effects or music was substantially louder than the dialogue level. Thankfully for most that will not be a factor since the music doesn't exactly overlap the dialogue. The music in the film does sound fantastic though. Can you really ever go wrong with Claudio Simonetti? 

VIDEO - [ 2 / 5 ]:

"Symphony in Blood Red" arrives on DVD via Troma Entertainment. The film is presented in NTSC anamorphic widescreen. The video quality is average with this release. There are periods of pixelation and jittering. Overall though the colors look good and the make-up effects look great. There are moments where we are treated to some detailed images. While the quality is a bit lacking, it certainly should not be enough to deter someone from still enjoying the film. 


SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 3 / 5 ]:

Intro (4:12) - When the DVD is first inserted, Lloyd Kaufman appears as Dario Argento impersonator and speaks about the film. In typical comedic Lloyd fashion he also introduces, according to Lloyd, famed conductor Diedre Jacobson, who comes out fully nude.

Symphony in Blood Red: A Look At Italian Giallo (Includes a word from Dario Argento) (47:59) - Dario Argento and Daria Nicolodi each speak briefly about the film as well as give it praise. Next up, director Luigi Pastore talks about having the desire to shoot his first film for a long time. He also mentions his intention to not reveal the killers face because he liked the idea of evil without a face. Director of "Il Bosco Fuori," Gabriele Albanesi gives his thoughts on the films killer, mood of misery and originality. A number of others also speak about their role in the films production or just about the film itself including make-up and special effects artist Sergio Stivaletti, legendary music composer Claudio Simonetti (who also appears in the film) and actress Michela Foresta. (in Italian with English subtitles)

The Backstage (6:20) - A series of behind the scenes shots from the film including a few nice shots of the make-up effects.

The Sound Recording (:58) - A very brief look at some actors recording lines for the film.

Official Trailer (3:18) 

A Minute With Dario Argento: A Make Your Own Damn Movie! Lesson (2:54) 

Tromadance 2015 Highlights (5:20) - Includes brief clips of interviews with attendees and film makers.

Kabukiman's Cocktail Corner: Trailer of Troma's Latest Web Series! (1:56)

Faggot: A Music Video Directed by Lloyd Kaufman (3:14)

IN CONCLUSION:

While the film may not wow anyone, it was a nice attempt at capturing the essence of giallo films. The DVD has fair audio and video quality with a nice amount of special features including an interesting documentary with a number of interviews.


OVERALL RATING - [ 2.5 / 5 ]

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Ridley Scott’s 'The Martian' Comes to Digital HD Dec. 22 and 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray & DVD Jan. 12, 2016

Ridley Scott’s Highest Grossing Film Ever Tops over $570 Million Worldwide to Date 

On Digital HD Dec. 22 and 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray & DVD Jan. 12, 2016

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (December 7th, 2015) – Now everyone can “Bring Him Home” with the highly anticipated release of the stellar movie event of the year. Buckle up and brace for the thrilling journey that is Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s THE MARTIAN, arriving on Digital HD December 22 and 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray & DVD Jan.12, 2016.

From legendary director Ridley Scott (Alien, Prometheus) comes a gripping tale of human strength and the will to survive. During a mission to Mars, American astronaut Mark Watney (played by Academy Award winner Matt Damon) is presumed dead and left behind. But Watney is still alive. Against all odds, he must find a way to contact Earth in the hope that scientists can devise a rescue plan to bring him home. Based on the best-selling novel by Andy Weir, THE MARTIAN provides a realistic glimpse into life in outer-space that will have you on the edge of your seat! In addition to wowing audiences around the world, the film is one of best reviewed of the year and has been named one of the best movies of the year by such groups as National Board of Review, which also awarded top honors to Ridley Scott for Best Director, Matt Damon for Best Actor and Drew Goddard for Best Adapted Screenplay.

The 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray and Digital HD release will have more than 90 minutes of special features including an exclusive newly produced in-world retrospective starring Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Sean Bean covering the “true” story behind the daring rescue seven years after the events of the film occurred. The Martian also includes two making of documentaries, a gag reel and more. Now you can become part of the universal phenomenon that has taken the galaxy by storm in the comfort of your own home.


THE MARTIAN BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

Signal Acquired: Writing and Direction

• Learn how the producers brought an acclaimed novel, a master director and a stellar cast together for THE MARTIAN. 

Occupy Mars: Casting and Costumes

• Matt Damon and his ensemble of incredibly talented actors discuss their roles in THE MARTIAN.

5 Theatrical In-World Pieces

• Ares III: Farewell
• The Right Stuff
• Ares: Our Greatest Adventure
• Leave Your Mark
• Bring Him Home

Ares III: Refocused

• Seven years after the events of Ares 3, take a deeper look at the true story behind Mark Watney's daring rescue

Gag Reel
Production Gallery


 

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'Survival Knife' Carves Up a Trailer and Artwork Ahead of January DVD and VOD Release

Wild Eye Releasing Sharpens the Survival Knife 

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.

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Blu-ray News - Extras Announced for 'The Guardian' from Scream Factory

Tonight, while the world is asleep... an ancient evil is about to awaken

Scream Factory announced their list of special features for their upcoming Blu-ray release of William Friedkin's "The Guardian." The Blu-ray is scheduled to be released on January 16, 2016. 

Synopsis:
Optimistic about their future, well-off parents Kate (Carey Lowell) and Phil (Dwier Brown) hire the pleasant and lovely young Camilla (Jenny Seagrove) to live with them and care for their new baby. Though Camilla seems like an answer to their prayers, she proves to be more than she appears, and a diabolical plot involving the well being of their child is uncovered. The young parents are forced to fight supernatural forces for the life of their vulnerable offspring.


SPECIAL FEATURES:

• NEW! A Happy Coincidence: An Interview With Actor Dwier Brown
• NEW! From Strasberg To The Guardian: An Interview With Actor Gary Swanson
• NEW! A Mother's Journey: An Interview With Actress Natalija Nogulich
• NEW! Scoring The Guardian: An Interview With Composer Jack Hues
• NEW! Tree Woman: The Effects Of The Guardian: An Interview With Makeup Effects Artist Matthew Mungle
• Return To The Genre - An Interview With Director/Co-writer William Friedkin
• The Nanny: An Interview With Actress Jenny Seagrove
• Don't Go Into The Woods: An Interview With Co-writer Stephen Volk
• Still Gallery Of Behind-The-Scenes Photos
• Theatrical Trailer

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Grindhouse Releasing is Giving 'Pieces' a 3-Disc Release in February 2016

The Classic Slasher Will Be Coming to HD in 2016

Grindhouse Releasing have announced that the long awaited 1982 classic slasher film "Pieces" will be coming to Blu-ray in February 2016!

Details for the 3-Disc Special Edition All Region Blu-ray are as follows.

A psychopathic killer stalks a Boston campus, brutally slaughtering nubile young college co-eds, collecting body parts from each victim to create the likeness of his mother who he savagely murdered with an axe when he was ten years old!


SPECIAL FEATURES

• TWO complete versions of this shocking gore classic: 

- PIECES (83 min.) - the original, unrated U.S. theatrical version, presented in English
- MIL GRITOS TIENE LA NOCHE (86 min.) - the original uncensored director's cut,
presented in Spanish with original score by Librado Pastor

• Spectacular new 4K transfers - scanned from the original camera negative
• Brand new audio commentary by star Jack Taylor
• Special 5.1 audio option - the Vine Theater Experience!
• In-depth interviews with director Juan Piquer Simón and genre superstar Paul L. Smith
• 42nd STREET MEMORIES - all-new feature-length documentary containing interviews with Bill Lustig, Larry Cohen, Frank Henenlotter, Buddy Giovinazzo, Jeff Lieberman, John Skipp, Lynn Lowry, Terry Levene, and many other exploitation icons
• Extensive gallery of stills and poster art
• Exhaustive filmographies
• Liner notes by legendary horrors journalists Chas. Balun and Rick Sullivan
• BONUS CD - original soundtrack - newly remastered from the original studio tapes
• Beautiful embossed slipcover
• First 3000 units include an actual jigsaw puzzle! Strictly limited to 3000 units!

AND OTHER SURPRISES!

Diabolik DVD have a pre-order listing up for the set.

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'Disturbing Behavior' Coming to Blu-ray from Scream Factory

Scream Factory Bringing the Katie Holmes horror film "Disturbing Behavior" to Blu-ray in 2016

Even more good news for horror fans as Scream Factory has announced they will be bringing the 1998 teen horror David Nutter directed film "Disturbing Behavior" to Blu-ray. 

Here's what Scream Factory said about their upcoming release:

"The Stepford Wives-esque DISTURBING BEHAVIOR will be making its way to the blu-ray format for the first time on March 22! This 1998 chiller stars Katie Holmes (Dawson’s Creek, Batman Begins), James Marsden (X-men, Westworld) and Nick Stahl (Terminator 3)."
As far as extras are concerned Scream Factory has mentioned, "Our cut of the film will be the same as it was presented on the prior DVD released by MGM. All the extras from that release (which included deleted footage and alternate ending) will be ported over. The only extra we couldn't get (for legal and music right issues) is a music video by a group called The Flys."

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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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Wake Up And Kill - Blu-ray Review - Arrow Video

Arrow Video Brings the Tale of Luciano Lutring to Blu-ray

Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: November 24, 2015 (US) / November 23, 2015 (UK)
Production Year: 1966
Region Code: A + B
Running Time: 1:37:38 (English Version) / 2:03:51 (Italian version)
Audio: English LPCM  Mono (English version) / Italian LPCM Mono (Italian version)
Video: 1080p (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH


THE FILM - [ 3 / 5 ]:

During the 1960s Luciano Lutring committed more than one hundred armed robberies in Italy and on the French Riviera. To the media he was the ‘machine gun soloist’, a name he’d earned as he kept his weapon in a violin case. To the public he was a romantic figure, one who only targeted the wealthy, stealing more than 35 billion lire during his criminal career.

Wake Up and Kill was the logical extension of such fame. It became the first feature to commit Lutring’s story to celluloid, shooting having begun mere months after his eventual arrest. Capitalizing on the breakthrough success of his performance in French television’s "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe," Robert Hoffmann is perfect as Lutring, bringing just the right amount of charisma and youthful exuberance to his first major big screen role.

Directed by Carlo Lizzani ("Requiescant" which we also reviewed), scored by the legend Ennio Morricone, penned by the future screenwriter of "Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion," and featuring that film’s star, Gian Maria Volonté, in a key supporting role, Wake Up and Kill’s true-crime thrills serve as an enthralling dry run for the poliziotteschi movies that would follow a few years later.

The longer original Italian language version of "Wake Up and Kill" has a running time of 2:03:51 while the shorter English language cut runs 1:37:38. I thought that the longer version tends to get a little boring at times, so the English cut does feel like a tighter film and of course moves at a brisker pace with the reduced run time. I tend to prefer more footage in films mostly because of that need to see more, however in this case as sometimes with others, I feel that less is more. So while some parts of the story may be truncated, the quicker pace is more appealing to me. 

Ennio Morricone's score is as usual, a joy to listen to and helps provide added tension and drama in the right places, specially at the end of the film when things come to a head and Lutring is literally running for his life. Robert Hoffman is terrific in his portrayal of Luciano Lutring. At times he is very charismatic and likable and at others he is downright despicable and loathsome. Lisa Gastoni plays Yvonne, also known as Angela, as a woman who has very bad taste in men as she goes from being the girlfriend of a known criminal to thinking she found her knight in shining armor in Lutring, only to find out he is far from the wholesome hero she thought he was.  

AUDIO - [ 3 / 5 ]:

"Wake Up And Kill" features two LPCM audio tracks with each track appearing on their respective versions of the film. The audio has the typical odd sound to it due to the method of recording audio often used during the time period. While the audio may not wow you, it is above average and also sounds fairly clean. I cannot speak for the Italian version since I do not speak it but the English version was easy to hear and understand. I did think that sometimes the sound effects were a little louder than they should be but it was not a real problem. I did not encounter any issues with the audio in the form of drop outs, hissing or other problems. Both versions of the film have English subtitles available.

VIDEO - [ 4 / 5 ]:

"Wake Up And Kill" comes to Blu-ray thanks to Arrow Video via a brand new 2K restoration from the films original camera negative. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio. First off, the picture quality overall is very good. There are some areas that may draw complaints such as the drab colors during most of the film and the amount of film grain present. In both cases I think both are there for legitimate reasons. Color appearing in this type of film from this era were often subdued and not bright and bold. As for the film grain, that is inherent in the film stock that was used and speaking for myself, I would rather have excess grain than have an attempt to clean it up using some type of DNR. You may be able to see some of what I am talking about in the included screenshots. 

Otherwise the film does feature a fair amount of detail throughout and a significant amount of fine detail in close ups. In darker scenes black levels are a bit muddled at times and are not particularly strong. They do fare better in brighter scenes. There are many instances of white specks appearing throughout the film.  

SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 2 / 5 ]:

Unlike typical Arrow Video releases that are chock-full of extras, this release is notably light in that department. However there are two cuts of the film included as previously mentioned. 

This release also features reversible cover art including the original art and newly commissioned artwork by Reinhard Kleist. 

Illustrated collector’s booklet containing new writing on the film by Robert Curti, author of Italian Crime Filmography, 1968-1980


Trailer - (1:18)

IN CONCLUSION:

Another nice release by Arrow Video. The film looks very good thanks to their new 2K scan from the original camera negative. While light on extras, this Blu-ray features the original Italian version as well as the English cut of the film. If you enjoy poliziotteschi type films, I think you will like this one too. This Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack is available in the US and UK.


OVERALL RATING - [ 3 / 5 ]


 

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John Carpenter's 'Village of the Damned' Coming to Blu-ray from Scream Factory

More HD John Carpenter in 2016!

Scream Factory has announced plans to release John Carpenter's 1995 remake of "Village of the Damned" on to Blu-ray in 2016. The film starred the late Christopher Reeve, Kirstie Alley, Linda Kozlowski, Mark Hamill and Meredith Salenger.

Regarding their release, Scream Factory had this to say:

"We’re pleased to start off December on a high note with the announcement of a future release that’s been requested several times over the years: John’s Carpenter’s 1995 remake of VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED!

This underrated shocker will be making its long overdue appearance on blu-ray late next Spring / early Summer. And, yes, it is planned as a Collector’s Edition (Extras are already in progress.)"

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