Thursday, March 29, 2018

News Vault Spotlight On: Cohen Over Coen!


It's been over a year since the last News Vault Spotlight piece - sadly this column didn't quite take off like we had hoped. So to breathe new life into it, we here at the News Vault decided that the best course of action was to select candidates rather than wait for them to come to us! Additionally, instead of focusing entirely on indie filmmakers, we decided to expand our focus to include musicians/bands and artists whose creations either utilize, or invoke the spirit of Cult, Sci-Fi, Horror, Exploitation, and/or B-Cinema!

That all being said, please allow us to introduce you Vault Dwellers to a band you probably never heard of.....

THE B-MOVIE NEWS VAULT PRESENTS...
COHEN OVER COEN!

They've got the right STUFF!

MINI BIOGRAPHY:
Cohen Over Coen is a side project of musician Tom Kerosec (of the band Kerosec and head of Kerosec Productions LLC), and Russell Hall (co-host of the (Re)Make Me Podcast). Their band focuses on making Horror movie-themed parodies of popular alternative rock tunes from the '90s. (The only exception being "You Doubt X-CaliBR8?" which uses Billy Ray Cyrus' "Achy Breaky Heart" as the template.) Russell Hall writes the lyrics, Tom Kerosec performs the songs, and the results are incredibly satisfying!

Marcy's Playground meets Maniac Cop! It's the mashup you never knew you wanted!

COMPLETE DISCOGRAPHY:

COP NAMED CORDELL
Performed by Tom Kerose.
Released: December 13, 2017
Original Music by Marcy Playground.

Description: This parody of Marcy Playground's "Sex and Candy" tells the story of Matt Cordell, the eponymous MANIAC COP from Bill Lustig's classic horror film! (Get the digital track HERE for just one dollar!)



THE DJINN
Performed by Tom Kerose.
Released: December 13, 2017
Original Music by The Strokes.

Description: This song parodies The Strokes' hit "Last Nite" and revolves around the WISHMASTER movies. CLICK HERE to purchase this song on Bandcamp and be sure to watch the music video below! (They took great pains to recreate the set from The Strokes video!)



SMELLS LIKE BOOGER LIPS
Performed by Tom Kerose.
Released: February 15, 2017
Original Music by Nirvana.

Description: I never would have thought that a mashup between ERNEST SCARED STUPID and Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" would actually work, but it does! CLICK HERE to buy the song on Bandcamp and watch the hilarious music video below!



YOU DOUBT X-CALIBR8?
Performed by Tom Kerose.
Released: February 15, 2017
Original Music by Billy Ray Cyrus.

Description: This song was the inaugural parody of Cohen Over Coen! What happens when you blend the bizarre anthology film THE DUNGEONMASTER with "Achy Breaky Heart?" Pure magic! CLICK HERE to buy this track on Bandcamp, and don't forget to watch Billy Ray Cyrus "sing" about the trials and tribulations of Jeffry Byron as he battles an evil devil-wizard!


Cohen Over Coen hasn't released a new song in about three months (as of our posting this) but here's hoping that they come back soon with another fantastic parody! Be sure to follow them on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and subscribe to their YouTube Channel as well! Also be sure to visit Tom Kerosec's official website, and check out a bunch of his tracks on Sound Cloud, and give Russell Hall's (Re)Make Me Podcast a shot while you're at it!

If you're a independent and/or low-budget filmmaker, artist, or musician and want to be part of the next News Vault Spotlight, please contact us at vault_master@bmoviefilmvault.com! Be sure to include a short biography, photos, links to your website and/or social media pages, and most importantly, links to your creations!


Wednesday, March 28, 2018

STOCK YOUR VAULT: New DVDs & Blu-rays for 03/27/2018!


Vault Master's Pick of the Week!

Well gang, March is just about over and the movie gods have graced us with a pretty good mix of new DVDs & Blu-rays this week! Kino Classics graces us with Season One of The Outer Limits (the original series) on Blu-ray, along with THE SOLDIER, VCI delivers a remastered edition of CITY OF THE DEAD, and Criterion Collection gives SCANNERS a Blu-ray only release.

The highly divisive STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI is now available in all formats, as is the first season of Marvel's Legion, and Vinegar Syndrome has released a slew of new stuff including BABYFACE II, a new Peekarama double feature, and Volumes I & II of their 5 Films - 5 Years boxed sets!

Scream Factory holds sway over all this week with their new limited edition steelbooks for ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 and PRINCE OF DARKNESS, I REMEMBER YOU (an IFC Midnight title), and a pretty stacked Collector's Edition of BEHIND THE MASK: THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON!

There's some other cool stuff out this week, so be sure to scroll down and scope out the full list of this week's new DVDs & Blu-ray discs!


NEW TO DVD & BLU-RAY
Dark Beacon
Legion: Season 1
Mercy Christmas
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Teenage Prostitution Racket (Raro Video)
The Thousand Faces of Dunjia


NEW TO BLU-RAY
Assault on Precinct 13 (Limited Edition Steelbook)
Babyface II
Batman: The Complete TV Series (1966 - 1968)
Batman and Mr. Freeze: SubZero
Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (Collector's Edition)
Blame!
City of the Dead (Remastered Edition)
I Remember You
Life of Budori Gusuko
The Man from Earth: Holocene
The Outer Limits: Season One (1963 - 1964)
Prince of Darkness (Limited Edition Steelbook)
Robot Carnival
Robot Chicken's Walking Dead Special
Scanners (Criterion Collection)
The Soldier
Tenjho Tenge: The Complete Series
Tomorrow's Joe: The Movie
Toriko: Secret Recipe of Gourmet God - The Movie
Yu-Gi-Oh: Bonds Beyond Time (Steelbook)
Zatch Bell: 101st Devil & Attack of MechaVulcan


NEW TO DVD
The Butchering
Confessions of a Teenage Peanut Butter Freak
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1932 - Warner Archive Collection)
The Executioners
A Girl
Great Mazinger: The Complete Series
Hell's Kitty
I Dared You: Truth or Dare 5
Peekarama: Women at Play / Good Girls, Bad Girls (Double Feature)
Power Rangers RPM: The Complete Series
The Stall


NEW MULTI-FILM COLLECTIONS ON BLU-RAY
Vinegar Syndrome's 5 Years - 5 Films: Volume 1
Contains: Too Naughty To Say No, Hot and Saucy Pizza Girls, Ribald Tales of Canterbury, Prisoner of Paradise, and Dixie Ray Hollywood Star.

Vinegar Syndrome's 5 Years - 5 Films: Volume 2
Contains: The Muthers, Flesh & Bullets, Hang Up, Dungeon of Harrow, and Murder on the Emerald Seas.


Tuesday, March 27, 2018

XTRO Comes to Blu-ray on May 28th From Second Sight Films!


SIDE A OF SLIPCOVER.
HARRY BROMLEY DAVENPORT'S BIZARRE SCI-FI CLASSIC GETS AN HD RESTORATION AND NEW EXTRAS IN THIS REGION FREE RELEASE!

XTRO is one of those films that you see once and never forget! From Maryam D'Abo birthing a fully grown man, to the design of the freakish alien creatures, there's something traumatizing for everyone in this surreal British Sci-Fi/Horror yarn.

While it has been released in the U.S. on DVD several times over the years, XTRO has never (to my knowledge) made it to Blu-ray here in the States! Overseas however, there's been several editions containing various cuts of the film. And now, Second Sight Films' new release looks to trounce all that have come before it, thus securing its position as the definitive release of XTRO!

Synopsis: Three years after being abducted by aliens, Sam Philips (Philip Sayer) returns to Earth a "changed man." After undergoing a metamorphosis and being "born again," Sam seeks out his wife and son (Bernice Stegers & Danny Brainin). But their family reunion swiftly takes a turn for the weird, as it is revealed that Sam has come back to claim young Tony and take him back to an alien world. What follows is a series of strange occurrences involving killer toys, mutations, a black panther, and lots of gooey practical effects!

Written and directed by Harry Bromley Davenport, XTRO is an exercise in nightmarish surrealism and has gained a strong cult following nearly four decades after its theatrical release. Originally lambasted by critics (including Roger Ebert), XTRO is now regarded as somewhat of a classic, and has since generated two sequels (XTRO 2: THE SECOND ENCOUNTER and XTRO III), with a franchise reboot on the way!

SIDE B OF SLIPCOVER.
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 87 minutes (uncut version) | Region Free
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.77:1)
Audio - German & English Dolby Digital 5.1 & 2.0

Extras:
  • NEW! HD restorations of the extended cut(s) with optional alternate endings, plus international and original UK video versions! (i.e. Four versions of the movie!)
  • NEW! Xploring Xtro - A 57-minute documentary featuring interviews with Harry Bromley-Davenport, Mark Forstater, Bernice Stegers, Susie Silvey, Tim Dry (Tik), Sean Crawford (Tok), Robert Pereno, Alan Jones, and Craig Lapper!
  • NEW! The World of Xtro - Featurette with Dennis Atherton, Harry Bromley-Davenport, and Mark Forstater!
  • NEW! Beyond Xtro - Featurette with Harry Bromley-Davenport and Mark Forstater looking ahead to new reboot XTRO: THE BIG ONE, including exclusive test footage!
  • Loving The Alien: A Tribute to Philip Sayer featuring exclusive Brian May music tribute.
  • Xtro Xposed - Archival interview with Harry Bromley-Davenport.
  • Soft cover book with new writing by Kevin Lyons plus behind-the-scenes stills and promo material!
  • Original soundtrack CD!
  • Rigid slipcover with both original UK theatrical and video artwork!

Second Sight Films' 3-Disc Limited Edition Blu-ray of XTRO is due out on May 28th in the UK and will reach some U.S. retailers by June 8th! If you're a fan of this film, you can secure a copy right this minute at AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD! Though the price tag is pretty hefty ($40 - $50!), it is doubtful that anyone else will manage to top this release in our lifetime! Scope out the HD trailer below for this upcoming Blu-ray and get excited Xtro-verts!



Monday, March 26, 2018

Take a Ride on Arrow Video's Nightmare Merry-Go-Round with their Special Edition of KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE!


ARROW VIDEO UNLEASHES A 4K RESTORED SPECIAL EDITION OF THE CHIODO BROTHERS' CULT CLASSIC ON APRIL 24TH!

Few movies manage to fully embrace the absurdity of their premise as much as KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE does. It gleefully, and unapologetically revels in its insane concept, and made a lifetime fan out of me when I first laid eyes on it in my youth. And now, on the very cusp of KILLER KLOWN's 30th Anniversary, Arrow Video is delivering what may very well be the definitive release of this one of a kind tale of diabolical bozos from another world!

Synopsis: Step aside Pennywise... These KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE are outta this world! Literally! And they're packing deadly popcorn guns and cotton candy cocoons!

When Mike and his girlfriend Debbie warn the local police that a gang of homicidal alien-clowns have landed in the nearby area (in a spaceship shaped like a circus big-top, no less), the cops are naturally skeptical. Before long however, reports are coming in from other anxious residents detailing similar run-ins with the large-shoed assailants. There can no longer be any doubt the KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE are here, and they're out to turn the Earth s population into candy floss!

Written and produced by the Chiodo brothers knowns for their work on a host of special-effects laden hits such as TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE and the CRITTERS movies, KILLER KLOWNS is a cinematic experience unparalleled in this galaxy!

Disc Specs:
Rated PG-13 | Color | 86 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - Newly remastered stereo 2.0 and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio

Don't be a dummy - get this Blu-ray!
Extras:
  • NEW! Restoration from a 4K scan of the original camera negative!
  • Archival audio commentary with the Chiodo Brothers!
  • NEW! Let the Show Begin! Anatomy of a Killer Theme Song – An interview with the original members of the American punk band, The Dickies!
  • NEW! The Chiodos Walk Among Us: Adventures in Super 8 Filmmaking - Documentary highlighting the making of the Chiodo Brothers childhood films, from the giant monster epics made in their basement to their experiments in college!
  • NEW! HD transfers of the complete collection of the Chiodo Brothers 8mm and Super 8 films, including Land of Terror, Free Inside, Beast from the Egg, and more!
  • Tales of Tobacco – An interview with star Grant Cramer.
  • Debbie’s Big Night – An interview with star Suzanne Snyder
  • Bringing Life to These Things – A tour of Chiodo Bros. Productions!
  • The Making of Killer Klowns – Archival production featurette.
  • Visual Effects with Gene Warren Jr. – Archival interview with co-writer/producer Charles Chiodo and visual effects supervisor Gene Warren Jr.
  • Kreating Klowns – Archival interview with Charles Chiodo and creature fabricator Dwight Roberts.
  • Komposing Klowns – Archival interview with composer John Massari.
  • Klown Auditions
  • Deleted Scenes with filmmaker’s audio commentary
  • Bloopers
  • Image Galleries
  • Original Theatrical Trailer
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck!
Egads! Not only has Arrow ported over all the stuff from MGM's previous releases, but they've included a lot of new stuff too! Coupled with the 4K transfer and newly remastered audio, and it looks like it'll be near damn impossible to ever top this release of KILLER KLOWNS! If you're as excited as I am, and need this Special Edition Blu-ray in your collection, then order it now! This disc is currently priced between $18 - $30, and is available at AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from ARROW VIDEO.





Saturday, March 24, 2018

RIP - Jim Hendricks, aka Commander USA! (1946 - 2018)


COMMANDER USA'S GROOVIE MOVIES (1984 - 1989)
When I was growing up, there was a lot of great programming on television! While I missed out on some classic TV shows (since I was born in 1983 and all), I still managed to familiarize myself with TNT'S MonsterVision & 100% Weird, as well as USA Network's "USA UP All Night" with hosts Gilbert Godrey and Rhonda Shear. However, I never got to fully immerse myself in the adventures of the legendary patriotic horror host, Commander USA, who's TV run ended in 1989!

Portrayed by actor (and former disc jockey) Jim Hendricks, Commander USA screened films from his video vault that was located deep underground, "beneath a teeming shopping mall." Decked out in a cheap red, white, and blue uniform (complete with cape), and typically chomping on a cigar, this superhero (and "member of The Legion of Decency... retired") would go on to show nearly 200 horror and cult films, ranging from Hammer Horror classics, to 80s slasher flicks, to monster movies & creature features galore!

And now sadly, I must report that Jim Hendricks, the once beloved Commander USA, has shuffled off this mortal coil. On March 17, 2018 (St. Patrick's Day), Jim passed away, and the news is only just now starting to spread across the internet. Word of Jim's passing broke three days ago on the Classic Horror Film Board, and took many by surprise. (Apparently he didn't want a formal obituary released.)

Though Hendricks and his Commander USA persona are gone, he has left behind five years of awesome TV memories! I myself have been pouring through old commercials and episodes most of the afternoon, and getting a real kick out of them. And ironically, the first full episode I watched was Commander USA's St. Patrick's Day episode, which featured THE CHILDREN:


For more information about Commander USA, be sure to visit his Wikipedia Page, and scope out the Groovie Movies entries over at Spooktacular.... History of Horror Hosts, and the Horror Host Graveyard. Also be sure to check out this YouTube channel to watch hours of commercials and full episodes of Commander USA's Groovie Movies! It's a great trip down memory lane for those of us old enough to remember the show, and a great time capsule for young Horror fans!

Rest in peace Jim Hendricks and thanks for the movies, and the memories sir! All of us here at the Vault salute you!

GODSPEED COMMANDER USA!

Friday, March 23, 2018

Mezco Round-Up: 20th Anniversary Living Dead Dolls + One:12 Collective Action Figures!



Mezco Toyz has been bombarding us with updates on all of the cool new action figures and collectibles that they have coming out this year. Their Living Dead Dolls line is celebrating its 20th Anniversary, and along with their highly-articulated superhero figs, they've got a ton of officially licensed movie figures as well! I hope you Vault Dwellers have saved some of the money from your tax returns, because you're gonna want to pick a few of these up!


LIVING DEAD DOLLS 20TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES
Expected to ship between July - September 2018.
Pre-order: Mezco Toyz or Amazon.com

Description: This year, the Living Dead Dolls are celebrating 20 Years of Terror… and to commemorate this momentous occasion, they're creating a little mystery! The 20th Anniversary Series set contains five dolls, BUT the fifth doll is a mystery and comes in a closed-coffin box--hidden from prying eyes! This fifth doll will be one of five different possible dolls, not variants but five completely unique dolls! These five dolls are going to be rare, so collect the whole set if you dare!

Each set contains:
  • Candy Rotten
  • Eve
  • Galeras
  • Legion
  • One of Five 20th Anniversary Mystery Dolls!

Which will be the 5th doll in YOUR set? Open the black-lidded coffin to behold the horror waiting in the darkness. Standing 10” tall, each Living Dead Doll features real cloth clothing and five points of articulation, and is packed in their own coffin with a personalized death certificate.



ASH FROM EVIL DEAD 2
Expected to ship between August - October 2018.
Pre-order: Mezco Toyz

Description: Mezco welcomes everyone’s favorite chainsaw-wielding hero, Ash Williams from EVIL DEAD 2, into the One:12 Collective!

This Ash figure boasts three head portraits with star, Bruce Campbell’s (sorta) likeness. Authentically presented in his classic ripped blue button-down shirt and brown slacks, Ash sports a meticulously designed shotgun harness. Equipped with his trademark chainsaw hand (groovy!), a sawed-off shotgun, and the Necronomicon (AKA: The Book of the Dead), this figure also includes Ash’s severed demonic hand and a decapitated Deadite head.

ASH FIGURE FEATURES:
  • 28 points of articulation
  • Three (3) head portraits: Heroic, Surprised, and Deadite Ash.
  • Hand painted authentic detailing
  • Approximately 17cm tall
  • Five interchangeable hands!  
  • Accessories: Detailed cloth shirt, tailored work pants, work boots, sculpted harness, Book of the Dead, severed possessed hand, severed Deadite head, & saws-off shotgun.

Each Ash of Evil Dead 2 figure is packaged in a collector friendly box, designed with collectors in mind. There are no twist ties for easy in-and-out of package display!



A CLOCKWORK ORANGE - ALEX DELARGE
Expected to ship between August - October 2018.
Pre-order: Mezco Toyz or Amazon.com

Description: Welly, welly, welly, welly, welly, welly, well! Mezco introduces the One:12 Collective Alex DeLarge figure, from the cult classic A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. Comprehensively detailed with a cloth outfit, skillfully executed accessories, and the likeness of acclaimed actor, Malcolm McDowell.

This Alex DeLarge figure features three uniquely expressive head portraits as well as Alex’s classic all-white cloth outfit and codpiece. In addition, Alex comes equipped with a deftly designed cane, cane-top knife, and of course, a glass of milk. Also included is a display base with logo and adjustable display post.

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE FIGURE FEATURES:
  • Over 28 points of articulation!
  • Three head portraits: Bowler Hat, Signature Eyelash Makeup, & Masquerade Mask.
  • Hand painted authentic detailing
  • Approximately 17 cm tall
  • Seven  interchangeable hands 
  • Accessories: One cane, One cane-top knife, One glass of milk, elastic suspenders, eyeball cufflink, authentically detailed boots, film-accurate codpiece, display base with logo, and adjustable display post.
Each A CLOCKWORK ORANGE figure is packaged in a collector friendly box, designed with collectors in mind. There are no twist ties for easy in-and-out of package display.



CATWOMAN
Expected to ship between September - November 2018.
Pre-order: Mezco Toyz

Description: Mezco welcomes Gotham’s most notorious cat burglar, Catwoman, into the One:12 collective! This new Catwoman figure flaunts three exquisitely detailed head portraits: a flirty smile, a hissing snarl, and an unmasked Selina Kyle portrait. In addition to Catwoman’s classic form-fitting suit, she comes complete with a whip, waist belt with an opening tool kit, removable backpack, and goggles that fit both masked heads.

CATWOMAN FIGURE FEATURES:
  • Over 30 points of articulation!
  • Three head portraits: Smiling, Snarling, and Unmasked.
  • Hand painted authentic detailing
  • Approximately 16cm tall
  • Eight interchangeable hands!
  • Accessories: Tailored stretch catsuit, mid-calf work boots, one pair of goggles, removable backpack, one whip, and one non-removable waist belt with cat burglar tool kit.

As is the case with every other One:12 Collective figure, Catwoman is packaged in a collector friendly box, designed with collectors in mind. There are no twist ties for easy in-and-out of package display.



GHOSTBUSTERS: DELUXE SET
Expected to ship between October - December 2018.
Pre-order: Mezco Toyz or Amazon.com

Description: They ain’t afraid of no ghosts! Mezco welcomes everyone’s favorite parapsychologists into the One:12 Collective with a five-figure deluxe set - all four GHOSTBUSTERS plus a supernatural bonus figure: Slimer! Each Ghostbuster comes with their own light-up proton pack and is packaged in a special edition, collector-friendly metal tin, perfect for displaying alongside the troop!

The Ghostbusters Deluxe Box Set features all four heroes, each boasting two head portraits: one natural and one scared expression, and also features the likeness of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson. Each of the 4 paranormal paladins comes with their own proton pack with a light-up feature, perfect for pesky encounters with ectoplasmic entities. Simply press the button on the proton pack to activate! No detail was overlooked when designing the Ghostbusters’ uniforms which feature working zippers, functional pockets, nametags, and the Ghostbusters logo.

GHOSTBUSTERS FIGURES FEATURES:
  • Over 28 points of articulation!
  • Two head portraits: Normal and scared expressions.
  • Hand painted authentic detailing
  • Approximately 17cm tall 
  • Six interchangeable hands 
  • Accessories: Tailored uniforms, removable elbow pads, utility belts, work boots, light-up proton packs w/proton stream, walkie-talkies.
CHARACTER-SPECIFIC ACCESSORIES:
  • Peter Venkman: Bacharach Sniffer 300 and utility belt with walkie-talkie pouch.
  • Ray Stantz - Ghost trap with pedal, Ecto goggles, and utility belt with walkie-talkie & ghost trap pouch.
  • Egon Spengler - PKE meter (with extendable arms) and utility belt with walkie-talkie & PKE meter pouch.
  • Winston Zeddemore - Slimer (with articulated arms) and Utility belt with walkie-talkie pouch.
The One:12 Collective Ghostbusters figures are packaged in a deluxe metal tin, designed with collectors in mind. There are no twist ties for easy in-and-out of package display.

That's all I've got to report on at the moment Vault Dwellers, but rest assured that more cool Mezco Toyz announcements are on the way! To see what else they have to offer, go to their Official Website, and be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter too!


Jason Coffman's HOUSESITTERS Arrives on Video on Demand Later this Year!


HERE'S YOUR FIRST LOOK AT "HOUSESITTERS," AN UPCOMING INDIE HORROR/COMEDY FROM FIRST-TIME DIRECTOR JASON COFFMAN!

I'm totally a sucker for a movies featuring creatures and monsters, so I'm totally on board for Jason Coffman's directorial debut. HOUSESITTERS features two female leads (Annie Watkins and Jamie Jirak) who must battle a supernatural beastie after taking what was supposed to be an easy housesitting job! The film is going to be hitting the festival circuit later this year, before getting released on various Video on Demand platforms.

Synopsis: Inspired in equal measure by modern comedies like Broad City and goofy horror films like GHOULIES, this female-led horror/comedy follows the misadventures of Angie (Annie Watkins, "Jan" in the original New York and Chicago runs of hit stage production THE BARDY BUNCH) and Izzy (Jamie Jirak, formerly of Chicago's pH Comedy Theater) as they take on a plum housesitting gig that spirals into supernatural horror.

The cast of HOUSESITTERS also includes Peter Ash, Jay J. Bidwell, Bethanie Louise, Mariah Michael, James Timothy Peters, and Ben Schlotfelt. The film features a creature puppet designed and built by Ohio-based independent filmmaker Dustin Wayde Mills (THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE). Behind the camera, Jolene Vega served as cinematographer with Jef Burnham as assistant director and Tatiana von Recklinghausen as lead makeup/effects artist.

The soundtrack includes a score by Chicago-based Joshua Burke (who records under the name Boardinghouse), with songs by Black Candles, Desire (courtesy of Italians Do It Better), Inner Vegas (courtesy of Good Glass), and Night Witch.

A Message From the Director: "I'm a huge horror fan, and I watch a lot of independent horror movies. Far too many indie horror filmmakers make familiar zombie or slasher movies. With HOUSESITTERS, I wanted to do something that doesn't take itself too seriously and is a fast, fun showcase for the talents of our fantastic cast and crew.

We shot HOUSESITTERS on a minuscule budget (that mostly went toward buying food for everybody on shooting days) with a lot of hard work on a tight schedule. I'm proud as hell of everybody who helped out in front of and behind the camera, and I can't wait to share it with everyone!"

Stills & Trailer:
(Click on images to enlarge them.)








Stay tuned for more updates, as well as the official release date for HOUSESITTERS' VOD debut!


WANTED ON BLU-RAY: SCREAM FOR HELP (1984)


WANTED ON BLU-RAY: SCREAM FOR HELP (1984)

Rated R | Color | 89 minutes

UPDATE (09/18/2018): Scream Factory gave SCREAM FOR HELP its Blu-ray debut! CLICK HERE to order a copy!

In October of 2016, at the behest of my friends Chris Alo (of Hudson Horror Show fame) and the late James "Doc Terror" Harris, I attended my first Exhumed Film's 24-Hour Horrorthon! It was  awesomely insane to say the least!

I sat in the (sweltering) theater all day, pounding energy drinks, and successfully fought to stay awake through all fourteen feature films! And out of that amazing roster (mentioned HERE), one movie in particular took us all by complete surprise, and became the event's "crowd favorite." I'm speaking of course about Michael Winner's 1984 thriller, SCREAM FOR HELP!

Synopsis: Christie (Rachael Kelly) seems to live an idyllic life with her mother Karen (Marie Masters), and her stepfather Paul Fox (David Allen Brooks) in a beautiful house in New Rochelle, NY. But Christie has recently begun to suspect that her new dad has an insidious plan to murder her mother! And worse yet, no one seems to believe her!

After a series of deadly accidents, Christie begins sleuthing for evidence to prove that Paul is planning to commit uxoricide. Dragging a few friends along for the ride, she skips school to spy on her stepdad, which eventually leads to the discovery that he's having an affair, and in cahoots with some very shady characters. It all builds to a tense home invasion during the climax, where Christie has to use her wits to either escape and get help, or kill the intruders.

Yup, those sheets are ruined.

SCREAM FOR HELP's screenplay was penned by Tom Holland (FRIGHT NIGHT, CHILD'S PLAY), and directed by Michael Winner (DEATH WISH 1 - 3), who took some liberties with the script (much to Holland's chagrin). The film has the bizarre feel of a made-for-TV after school special, but contains a surprising amount of violence, nudity, and awkward teen sexuality. The end result is an outrageous crowd pleaser that is often both funny and sleazy.

Availability: As is the case with the vast majority of films mentioned in our WANTED ON BLU-RAY column, SCREAM FOR HELP is currently out of print. VHS copies are a little hard to find: There aren't any up for grabs on AMAZON at the moment (but you can obtain the film's soundtrack on CD, Vinyl, or Cassette!), and there only a handful of (mostly overpriced) copies on EBAY. Luckily, someone has uploaded a VHS-rip of the full film to YouTube! (You can also watch a much better copy HERE for $2.99.)

Current Rights Holder: After its theatrical run in July of 1984, SCREAM FOR HELP came to VHS in 1986 from Lorimar. Three years later, Warner Communications purchased Lorimar, who continued to produce films and television programs until 1993, when they were engulfed by Warner Bros. Television. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that SCREAM FOR HELP is currently owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment, and hopefully a future candidate for the Warner Archive Collection!

An employee at Warner Bros. searches the vaults for an elusive print of SCREAM FOR HELP.

Blu-ray Wishlist:
  • A remastered 2K transfer made from an original print.
  • Original 2.0 Mono & newly created 5.1 Surround Sound audio tracks.
  • Audio commentary with screenwriter Tom Holland and lead cast members!
  • A new making-of featurette containing interviews with stars Rachael Kelly, Marie Masters, David Allen Brooks, Lolita Lorre (aka Lola Lesheim), and/or Rocco Sisto! Also Tom Holland, Producer Irwin Yablans, Composer John Paul Jones, and special effects artist David H. Watkins!
  • Poster & Still Galleries
  • Original Theatrical Trailer  

SCREAM FOR HELP has built up a large cult following over the years, and is long overdue for a new home video release! If you're a fan of the film (or just super curious about it) then we must work together to hound Warner Bros. on social media! Let's make some noise and tag the WB on Facebook and Twitter, and tell them that we want SCREAM FOR HELP ON BLU-RAY!



Thursday, March 22, 2018

Duck You Suckers! A FISTFUL OF DYNAMITE Now Available on Blu-ray from Kino Classics!


Blu-ray Cover: SIDE A
SERGIO LEONE'S LESSER KNOWN SPAGHETTI WESTERN CLASSIC GETS A BIG UPGRADE WITH THIS NEW KINO RELEASE!

When you hear Sergio Leone's name, it instantly conjures up memories of A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS, FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE, THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY, and perhaps even ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST. However, I expect that very few of you Vault Dwellers would have recalled Leone's A FISTFUL OF DYNAMITE (aka DUCK, YOU SUCKER), which sadly doesn't seem to get the same widespread love that his other films enjoy. But that may all change now that Kino Classics has given this oft-overlooked Spaghetti Western a fantastic, extras-packed Blu-ray!

Synopsis: From acclaimed director Sergio Leone comes his final Western--a relentlessly entertaining film that teams an Irish explosives specialist with a Mexican peasant-turned-revolutionary leader with thunderously explosive results! Starring acting giants Rod Steiger (IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT) as Juan Miranda, a cigar-chomping, salt-of-the-earth peasant with a Robin Hood heart and James Coburn (HARRY IN YOUR POCKET) as John Mallory, a dynamite-tossing Irish revolutionary who has fled to Mexico to practice his skills.

Together, they're a devilishly volatile mix of anti-establishment philosophies and violent tendencies as they attempt to liberate political prisoners, defend their compatriots against a well-equipped militia, and risk their lives on a train filled with explosives. Featuring a haunting and rousing score by iconic composer Ennio Morricone (DEATH RIDES A HORSE, NAVAJO JOE).
Blu-ray Cover: SIDE B

Disc Specs:
Rated PG | Color | 157 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Dolby Digital 2.0

Extras:
  • NEW! Audio Commentary by Filmmaker Alex Cox!
  • Audio Commentary by Film Historian Sir Christopher Frayling!
  • Featurette: The Myth of the Revolution 
  • Featurette: Sergio Donati Remembers 
  • Featurette: Once Upon a Time in Italy (The Autry Exhibition) 
  • Featurette: Sorting Out the Versions 
  • Featurette: Restoration Italian Style 
  • Featurette: Location Comparisons 
  • 'Trailers From Hell' with Brian Trenchard-Smith.
  • Two Animated Image Galleries 
  • Reversible Cover Art 
  • 5 Radio Spots 
  • Trailers for all 5 Sergio Leone Westerns 
Kino Classics' A FISTFUL OF DYNAMITE seems to be a port of MGM's previous Blu-ray release of the film, however, the audio commentary with Alex Cox, image galleries, and Trailers From Hell segment are all brand new! A FISTFUL OF DYNAMITE is now available wherever Blu-ray discs are sold, and costs around $20! You can order yourself a copy now (to complete your Sergio Leone collection) from AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD! Not too familiar with this movie? Then be sure to check out the trailer below before buying!



Tuesday, March 20, 2018

STOCK YOUR VAULT: New DVDs & Blu-rays for 03/20/2018!


Vault Master's Pick of the Week!

Well Vault Dwellers, March is coming to a close, and while it came in like a lion, it seems like it is going out like a lamb. This week there's a few major studio titles (DOWNSIZING and JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE) plus some worthwhile releases from several of our favorite labels.

Arrow Academy gives Robert Altman's IMAGES its Blu-ray debut, Scorpion Releasing gives Michele Soavi's THE CHURCH a nice HD release, Well Go USA unveils their remastered ICHI THE KILLER, and Kino Lorber drops OFFERINGS on Blu-ray. It is also worth noting that Warner Archive Collection has brought the 1957 creature feature THE BLACK SCORPION to Blu-ray today as well!

While that's definitely a good mix of stuff to choose from, Shout! Factory's sister labels, Scream Factory and Shout Select, conquer this week with the Blu-ray debuts of NIGHTMARE AT NOON, ROCKULA, and THE 'BURBS (COLLECTOR'S EDITION)!

There's not much else to be excited for, but feel free to scroll down to see all of this week's new DVDs and Blu-ray discs!


NEW TO DVD & BLU-RAY
Altered Hours
Delirium
Downsizing
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle


NEW TO BLU-RAY
The Black Scorpion (1957)
The 'Burbs (Collector's Edition)
The Church
Ichi the Killer (Remastered Edition)
Images (Arrow Academy)
Nightmare at Noon
Offerings
Rockula


NEW TO DVD
Archer: Season 8 - Dreamland
Caged
Duckmkan: The Complete Series
The Ghoul (1975 - Rogue Video)
H.P. Lovecraft's Two Left Arms
Legend of Demoniac
One Piece: Season Nine, Voyage Four
Prom Night Triple Feature
Solitary
Still/Born
The Timeline Shifters: Space Marines - Season One
TNT Jackson (+ 7 Bonus Movies)
The Transparent Woman


The Strange Case of the BLUE MONKEY Crowdfunding Campaign.


Please note, my goal with this post is not to sling mud at Bill Olsen and Code Red DVD. I appreciate the efforts made by Bill's company, and plan to continue promoting their new Blu-ray releases when possible. However I do feel the need to draw attention to an unfortunate situation that I inadvertently became part of, and make sure to aid those that were affected by it.

Just over a week ago, yours truly shared THIS POST promoting a crowdfunding campaign started by Code Red DVD's proprietor, Bill Olsen, to raise money for an HD restoration of William Fruet's BLUE MONKEY. Days later, after receiving some negative feedback from people on social media (and the GoFundMe page), Bill canceled the campaign. Being one of the unfortunate donors of said campaign, I expected to be notified by Mr. Olsen at some point about the fate of my $30 pledge.

EXHIBIT A
[Click image to enlarge.]
After about four days, I tried to contact Bill via private message on Facebook, sent an e-mail, and even attempted to hail him on Twitter, but to no avail. I politely inquired if my thirty dollars was going to be refunded, or if it was going to go towards the eventual Blu-ray release of BLUE MONKEY. While patiently waiting for any sort of reply, I visited the Code Red DVD thread over at the Blu-ray.com forums to see if any news could be found there.

While pouring through page after page of posts, (some of which took potshots at Code Red's head honcho) I eventually came across this exchange:


EXHIBIT B
[Click on images to enlarge.]

Yep, you just read all of that correctly: Bill Olsen claimed publicly that he did not create the account and didn't have access to the $400+ that was raised before the "mysterious GoFundMe organizer" shut the whole operation down! It is odd that Bill is trying to claim immunity from the short-lived campaign, especially when he had no problem promoting it weeks ago:

EXHIBIT C - Bill promoting the GoFundMe campaign.
[Click image to enlarge.]

EXHIBIT D - Code Red DVD (presumably Bill?) retweets my BLUE MONKEY post.
[Click image to enlarge.]

So here's what I've gleaned from everything I've read online: I'm assuming someone talked Bill into trying crowdfunding to pay for BLUE MONKEY's restoration. Having never attempted it before, he chose GoFundMe instead of IndieGoGo or Kickstarter. Bill then failed to put enough information on his GoFundMe page, resulting in criticism for the unintended "shadiness" of the campaign (and for the $30 price tag for the planned Blu-ray), so he became angry, and deleted the page.

Then instead of reaching out to donors, or rectifying the situation in any manner, Bill attempted to distance himself from the entire thing. His claim that he didn't start the account or have access to the money is questionable to say the least. And even if that were true, Bill clearly supported the crowdfunding endeavor (as proven by the above Facebook post and Retweet), so you'd figure he would take the time to get things sorted out. But as far as I can tell, nothing is being done, so what are the dozen or so donors supposed to do? Contact GoFundMe and get a refund immediately!

To accomplish this you have two options:
First, go to GoFundMe's REQUEST A REFUND PAGE and click on the CONTACT US button. From there, you'll have to fill out a form filled with drop-down menus. Here's a step-by-step:
  • WHAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU? - I am a donor and I have a question about donating.
  • PLEASE SELECT THE ITEM YOU NEED HELP WITH - I would like to refund my donation. You'll get an automatically generated "answer" with two buttons beneath it. Click on the I STILL NEED HELP button.
  • Fill out the new form and follow the prompts.

Another option is to go to the REQUEST A REFUND PAGE, and click on the CONTACT US button. After that....
  • Choose the I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT FRAUD, TRUST, AND SAFETY option from the drop-down menu. 
  • After that select WHAT IS CONSIDERED FRAUD ON GOFUNDME?
  • After you reach this point, click on the I STILL NEED HELP button.
  • Fill out the form and use this link for the campaign PAGE URL: https://www.gofundme.com/restore-blue-monkey-1987
  • Answer all the questions and follow the prompts and then send in your report.

You may be asked for "proof" during this process, so feel free to share this News Vault post (and/or any of the screen grabs above) as your evidence. If all goes well, you should have the money transferred back to your account within 3 - 7 business days (or sooner). Here's hoping everyone gets their cash back, and that we eventually do get a nice shiny Blu-ray of BLUE MONKEY later on down the road!


Monday, March 19, 2018

Arrow Video's Limited Edition Release of Dario Argento's CAT O' NINE TAILS is Now Available!


ARROW VIDEO'S NEW BLU OF "CAT O' NINE TAILS" BOASTS A 4K RESTORATION AND NEW EXTRAS!

Continuing their ongoing streak of excellence, Arrow Video released their long-delayed 2-Disc Limited Edition of CAT O' NINE TAILS back on March 6th! Along with their Blu-ray of BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE (available in Limited and Special Editions), Arrow need only release FOUR FLIES ON GREY VELVET to complete the "Animal Trilogy."

Synopsis: Following the success of his debut feature, THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE, distributor Titanus tasked writer/director Dario Argento with delivering a follow-up in short order. The resulting film, granted a greatly enhanced budget and heralded in its US marketing campaign as ''nine times more suspenseful'' than its predecessor, was THE CAT O' NINE TAILS.

When a break-in occurs at a secretive genetics institute, blind puzzle-maker Franco Arno (Karl Malden - PATTON, ONE-EYED JACKS), who overheard an attempt to blackmail one of the institute's scientists shortly before the robbery, teams up with intrepid reporter Carlo Giordani (James Franciscus - THE VALLEY OF GWANGI, BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES) to crack the case. But before long the bodies begin to pile up and the two amateur sleuths find their own lives imperiled in their search for the truth. And worse still, Lori (Cinzia De Carolis - CANNIBAL APOCALYPSE), Franco's young niece, may also be in the killer's sights…

This second entry in the so-called ''Animal Trilogy'' found Argento further refining his distinctive style and cementing his reputation as the master of the giallo thriller. Co-starring Catherine Spaak (IL SORPASSO) and Rada Rassimov (BARON BLOOD), and featuring another nerve-jangling score by Academy Award Winner Ennio Morricone (THE HATEFUL EIGHT, THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE, Sergio Leone's "Man with No Name" Trilogy), THE CAT O' NINE TAILS remains one of Argento's most suspenseful and underrated films.

Malden and Franciscus are a crime-solving team in THE CAT O' NINE TAILS!

Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 112 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - English & Italian DTS-HD Master Audio Mono

Extras:
  • NEW! 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative!
  • Original mono Italian and English soundtracks (lossless on the Blu-ray Disc)! 
  • Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack! 
  • NEW! Audio commentary by critics Alan Jones and Kim Newman! 
  • NEW! Interviews with co-writer/director Dario Argento, co-writer Dardano Sacchetti, actress Cinzia De Carolis, and production manager Angelo Iacono! 
  • NEW! Script pages for the lost original ending, translated into English for the first time! 
  • Original Italian and international theatrical trailers 
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Candice Tripp
  • Double-sided fold-out poster 
  • 4 lobby card reproductions 
  • Limited edition booklet illustrated by Matt Griffin, featuring an essay on the film by Dario Argento, and new writing by Barry Forshaw, Troy Howarth, and Howard Hughes!
Arrow Video's Limited Edition of THE CAT O' NINE TAILS is currently available wherever Blu-ray discs are sold! This title is going for $40 - $50 at the moment, but if that's too rich your blood, a cheaper Special Edition will most likely be issued later this year. For those of you that simply must have the absolute best of everything, get yourself a copy of THE CAT O' NINE TAILS now at AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD!





Friday, March 16, 2018

Adrienne Barbeau, Michael Berryman, Courtney Gains, and Other Genre Favorites Star in HELL'S KITTY!


WILD EYE RELEASING'S NEW KILLER KITTY FLICK NOW AVAILABLE ON VIDEO ON DEMAND - COMING TO DVD ON MARCH 27TH!

There is a distinct lack of killer cat movies in the world Vault Dwellers. Off the top of my head all I can think of is STRAYS, UNINVITED, NIGHT OF 1,000 CATS, PET SEMATARY, TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE MOVIE, and THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE! And now Nicholas Tana's HELL'S KITTY proudly joins their ranks!

Synopsis: Doug Jones (THE SHAPE OF WATER), Dale Midkiff (PET SEMATARY), Michael Berryman (THE HILLS HAVE EYES), Courtney Gains (CHILDREN OF THE CORN), Lynn Lowry (THE CAT PEOPLE), Kelli Maroni (NIGHT OF THE COMET), Ashley C. Williams (THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE), Barbara Nedeljakova (HOSTEL), Adrienne Barbeau (THE FOG), John Franklin (THE ADDAMS FAMILY, CHILDREN OF THE CORN) and a ‘Killer Klown’ team up for some "Pawplay" this March!

Based on the web series and comic book of the same name, and inspired by writer-director Nicholas Tana’s experiences living with a professedly possessed cat, HELL'S KITTY tells of a covetous feline that acts possessed and possessive of his owner around women. The results are as funny as they are frightening!

Nick (Writer/Directo Nicholas Tana), a Hollywood screenwriter, discovers his cat has become murderously possessed, and will stop at nothing to rid him of any women in his life. As his life unravels out of control, and the body count rises, Nick must find a way to have his cat exorcised of the demonic spirit haunting her.

With characters named after classic horror movie characters (Jones plays Father Damien, Berryman is Detective Pluto, Nina Kate is Dr. Laurie Strodes, Barbeau is Mrs. Carrie), and a tone reminiscent of some of the ‘80s greatest horror-comedies, HELL'S KITTY is undoubtedly the horror hiss of March!

Stills & Trailer:
(Click on images to enlarge them.)










HELL'S KITTY is now available to watch on various Video on Demand platforms (like Amazon Instant Video), and makes its DVD debut on Tuesday, March 27th! You can order a copy of HELL'S KITTY now from AMAZON or BULLMOOSE!