Monday, September 30, 2019

Kino Lorber Brings NIGHTMARE BEACH & WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE to Blu-ray on October 1st!


Cover art for Kino Lorber's Special Edition Blu-ray of NIGHTMARE BEACH!
MOTORCYCLING MADMEN AND VENGEFUL BOUNTY HUNTERS HIGHLIGHT KINO LORBER'S LATEST RELEASES!

I watched NIGHTMARE BEACH A looong time ago, under its alternate title of WELCOME TO SPRING BREAK, but I don't remember much about it. (Doesn't the killer electrocute victims with his motorcycle or some such nonsense? I seem to recall that.)

WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE is a Rutger Hauer action flick that I've overlooked somehow. Watching "The Rut" take on KISS' Gene Simmons (who plays a terrorist in the film) sounds like it'll be a real hoot! Both films have been remastered (in 4K & 2K respectively), and come with audio commentaries and interviews! Continue onward for the full scoop on these discs Vault Dwellers!

NIGHTMARE BEACH (1989)

Synopsis: From Umberto Lenzi, notorious director of such Euro-sleaze classics as PARANOIA, SEVEN BLOODSTAINED ORCHIDS, SPASMO, EYEBALL, and CANNIBAL FEROX  comes NIGHTMARE BEACH (aka WELCOME TO SPRING BREAK), a shockingly gory tale of a madman in a motorcycle helmet who is taking out young co-eds all over the sparkling sands of South Florida during Spring Break.

Reverse cover art for Kino Lorber's Special Edition Blu-ray of NIGHTMARE BEACH!
As the body count creeps up, Miami detective John Saxon (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, BLACK CHRISTMAS, EVIL EYE) tries to keep ahead of the curve in this carnage-packed slasher gem from the maestro of macabre. Featuring a rollicking score by Goblin's Claudio Simonetti (SUSPIRIA, DAWN OF THE DEAD, THE HEROIN BUSTERS) and co-starring the great Michael Parks (KILL BILL VOL. 1 & 2 and TV's THEN CAME BRONSON).

Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 90 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English & Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0

Extras:
  • NEW! 4K REMASTER OF THE FILM!
  • Audio Commentary by Film Historian Samm Deighan!
  • Nightmare Rock: Interview with Composer Claudio Simonetti!
  • Reversible Blu-ray Art
  • Theatrical Trailer
Kino Lorber's Special Edition of NIGHTMARE BEACH is now available on Blu-ray disc, and should cost between $18 - $20! Add Umberto Lenzi's oddball slasher movie to your collection today and order a copy from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from KINO LORBER!




Blu-ray cover for Kino Lorber's Special Edition of WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE!
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE (1986)

Synopsis: Nick Randall (Rutger Hauer) is an urban bounty hunter, a lethal professional who collects society's garbage for a living. Malak Al Rahim (Gene Simmons) is an international terrorist with a plan to turn Los Angeles into a bloody battlefield. But when the CIA uses Randall as bait to trap the madman, the hunter becomes the hunted. And when the violence hits Randall's home, the bounty becomes a mission of very personal vengeance.

Robert Guillaume, William Russ, and Mel Harris co-star in this action-packed thriller which features a final showdown that critics and fans alike called one of the most explosive climaxes of the decade!

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 106 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.78:1)
Audio - ?

Extras:
  • NEW! 2K REMASTER OF THE FILM!
  • Audio Commentary by Director Gary Sherman and Executive Producer Arthur M. Sarkissian!
  • Interview with Gary Sherman!
  • Interview with star Mel Harris!
  • Two Theatrical Trailers
With Kino Lorber's release of this movie, you are one step closer to owning Rutger Hauer's complete filmography! (Here's hoping THE HITCHER and/or SPLIT SECOND aren't far behind!) WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE (SPECIAL EDITION) will cost you between $18 - $20, and is currently available from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, and KINO LORBER!



This October, Enter 100 ACRES OF HELL!


Official poster for 100 ACRES OF HELL
INDICAN PICTURES BRINGS NEW SLASHER FLICK TO SELECT THEATERS ON OCTOBER 8TH - VIDEO ON DEMAND & DVD ON OCTOBER 15TH!

Proving that the inbred killer hillbilly sub-genre will never die, 100 ACRES OF HELL debuts in early October. Featuring two former WWE wrestlers (Gene Snisky and Sam "The Great Samu" Anoai), this new slasher flick is getting both a (limited) theatrical run, and DVD & VOD release in the near future! Horror fans will not want to miss this brutal matchup, between two of the WWE’s greatest icons!

Synopsis: After suffering a career ending injury and family tragedy Wrestling Champ, Buck Severs (Snisky) travels to an abandoned wildlife preserve with his friends for a 'Bro's Weekend.' They become the targets of a deadly manhunt and Buck must find the warrior in himself to fight the psycho, inbred mutant killer (Sam Anoai) that stalks through the preserve.

Influenced by the golden age of ‘80s slashers, 100 ACRES OF HELL was shot and developed by Hank Leigh Hump and writer Jason Koerner. The film also stars Eileen Dietz, Ernest O’Donnell, Catherine Corcoran, Jason L. Koerner, and Jim Roof!


100 ACRES OF HELL opens in select theaters on Tuesday, October 8th, and will premiere on both DVD & VOD the following Tuesday (Oct. 15th). For more information about the film visit its Facebook Page and Official Website. Stay tuned for further updates.


It's Not Human, and it's Got an Axe: THE PREY Gets an Amazing Limited Edition Blu-ray Release on October 1st!


Blu-ray cover for Arrow Video's Limited Edition of THE PREY!
ARROW VIDEO GIVES ONE OF THE 80'S LESSER SLASHER FILMS A BLU-RAY RELEASE TO BE PROUD OF!

For as long as I can remember, I have had a love/hate relationship with Edwin Brown's THE PREY. It was one of the earliest slasher films I watched, and while it does have its moments, it is honestly a chore to sit through. But every so often, I watch THE PREY again just to make sure I still hate it. So maybe, in some strange way.... I actually like this movie, because I've revisited it multiple times over the years. Perhaps that's why I'm suddenly so keen on owning Arrow's new Blu-ray which offers up a new 2K transfer, tons of new extras, and THREE CUTS OF THE FILM?! Whaaaaa?

Synopsis: One of the most underrated efforts to hail from the slice-and-dice boom, THE PREY at last emerges from the VHS wilderness in a brand new 2K restoration from the recently unearthed original camera negative!

Three young couples set off into the mountains for a weekend of climbing, drinking, and lovemaking. But little do they know that they are stumbling into the terrain of a fearsome predator – a wild man, horrifically burned as a child many years ago in a fire which engulfed his gypsy camp and left only him alive. Now he roams the woods in search of his next human prey.

Filmed in 1979-1980 – making it a contemporary, rather than an imitator, of the likes of FRIDAY THE 13TH – but not released until 1983 when it was picked up by New World Pictures, THE PREY is a unique woodsy slasher gem ripe for reappraisal in this extras-packed, 40th anniversary edition!

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 80 minutes (theatrical cut) | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English LPCM Mono

Artwork on reversible sleeve of THE PREY created by Justin Osbourn!
Extras:

DISC ONE
  • NEW! 2K restoration of the filmmaker-approved US Theatrical Cut from the original camera negative!
  • NEW! Audio commentary with producer Summer Brown!
  • NEW! Audio commentary with Amanda Reyes and Ewan Cant!
  • Audio Interview with director Edwin Scott Brown!
  • NEW! On-camera interview with actress Debbie Thureson!
  • NEW! Brand new on-camera interview with actress Lori Lethin!
  • NEW! Brand new on-camera interview with actor Carel Struycken!
  • NEW! Brand new on-camera interview with actor Jackson Bostwick!
  • NEW! In Search of The Prey – Ewan Cant and actress Debbie Thureson revisit the original shooting locations in Idyllwild, California!
  • NEW! Q&A from Texas Frightmare Weekend 2019 with Lori Lethin, Carel Struycken, and Jackson Bostwick!
  • NEW! Texas Frightmare Weekend 2019 Audience Reaction Track!
  • VHS Trailer and TV Spot
  • Original Script (BD-ROM Content)

DISC TWO
  • NEW! 2K restoration of the International Cut featuring the infamous "gyspy flashback" footage, added at a later date by the producers without the approval of the original filmmakers
  • NEW! Composite Cut combining footage from both the US Theatrical and International Cuts, for the ultimate The Prey fan experience!
  • NEW! Extended Outtakes reel – 45 mins of never-before-seen outtakes!

LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVES:
  • Exclusive slipcover featuring original UK home video artwork!
  • Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Justin Osbourn!
  • Limited edition booklet featuring new writing on the film by Ewan Cant!
Arrow's Limited Edition of THE PREY is due out on Tuesday, October 1st and will cost between $24 - $28! This release (with its THREE CUTS) is limited to 3,000 copies, so act now before they're gone and triple in price! Secure your copy now and order THE PREY from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from ARROW VIDEO!



Saturday, September 28, 2019

DOOM: ANNIHILATION - Coming to DVD & Blu-ray on October 1st from Universal Pictures!


Blu-ray cover for Universal Pictures' DOOM: ANNIHILATION!
FOURTEEN YEARS AFTER "DOOM" FLOPPED IN THEATERS, UNIVERSAL CREATES A NEW ADAPTION AND SENDS IT STRAIGHT TO HOME VIDEO HELL!

The closest thing we've ever gotten to an actual DOOM movie was John Carpenter's GHOSTS OF MARS. Oof. Think about that for a second - one of Carpenter's weakest filmmaking efforts hit closer to the mark than a big-budget studio film. And while DOOM: ANNIHILATION may be a bit truer to its source material, the fact that Universal is quietly dumping it onto DVD & Blu-ray next Tuesday doesn't bode well for this movie. But hey, you never know Vault Dwellers, this DOOM reboot might be a lot better than any of us are anticipating. Or.... maybe not.

Synopsis: Based on the popular original video game, DOOM: ANNIHILATION is an explosive, terrifying thrill ride. On the darkest moon of Mars, scientists have found an ancient portal which allows teleportation throughout the universe. Considered to be mankind's greatest discovery, it's actually a gateway from hell, unleashing a swarm of demons looking to steal the souls of everyone who gets in their way. It's up to Lieutenant Joan Dark and an elite unit of Marines to destroy an ever-growing horde of bloodsucking and soul-stealing beasts and prevent them from taking over planet earth.

The film is executive produced by Lorenzo Di Bonaventura (BUMBLEBEE) and John Wells (Animal Kingdom) and is produced by Jeffery Beach (JARHEAD 3: THE SIEGE), Phillip Roth (DEATH RACE 4: BEYOND ANARCHY) and Ogden Gavanski (CULT OF CHUCKY).

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 97 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.78:1)
Audio - English, French, & Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1

Extras:
  • None.
Universal's DOOM: ANNIHILATION comes to both DVD & Blu-ray on Tuesday, October 1st and will cost about $15. I personally don't have much faith that this film will be good, let alone as good as the previous 2005 dud. Still hope springs eternal, and if you're gung-ho about adding this title to your collection, then go ahead an order a copy today from AMAZON or BULL MOOSE.



Charles Bronson Clone Robert Bronzi Deals in Lead in ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD!


Official poster for ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD starring Robert Bronzi and Michael Pare.
ROBERT BRONZI HAS A WILD WEST SHOWDOWN WITH MICHAEL PARE IN RENE PEREZ' INDIE WESTERN!

Last year I posted about DEATH KISS (which I still have yet to see) and was bewildered by its leading man Robert Bronzi (formerly Robert Kovacs) because he is a dead ringer for the late and great Charles Bronson. This fact was clearly not lost on Uncork'd Entertainment, who hired Bronzi as their leading man for ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD, a new action-packed Western that was apparently filmed at some of the same locations that Sergio Leone utilized for ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST! I guess the era of Brons-ploitation has truly begun!

Synopsis: A notorious gunslinger who is slipped a slow-acting poison by an heiress and told he has three days to track down and rescue her sister, who has been kidnapped by a band of hoodlums and holds the antidote. Rene Perez directs from his screenplay, with Jeff Miller (THE TOYBOX) also contributing.

Robert Bronzi (DEATH KISS) plays the gunslinger and Michael Pare (STREETS OF FIRE, BAD MOON) plays the main villain. The remaining cast is rounded out with Karin Brauns (PLAYING WITH DOLLS series), Lauren Compton (CLOWNTOWN), actor-model Chris Matteis, J.D. Angstadt, Jose Varela Garcia, Justin Hawkins, Tony Jackson, and Sierra Sherbundy.

The movie was filmed in California as well as in Western Leone, near Almeria, Spain, site of much of the filming of the famous Sergio Leone/Charles Bronson western ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST!

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

Robert Bronzi as the gunslinger in ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD.

Michael Pare and his posse of bad dudes in ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD.

Bronzi and galpal, hanging around the set of ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD.

These gents deal in lead in ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD.

Karin Brauns has a train to catch in ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD.

Robert Bronzi wants to see you train ticket in ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD.

Bronzi and Brauns shooting the breeze on the set of ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD.

This aint' CHATO'S LAND, it's ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD.


ONCE UPON A TIME IN DEADWOOD will be available to rent or buy digitally on October 1st, with a DVD release set for November 15th! If you want to indulge in Uncork'd Entertainment's continuing Bronzi cinematic universe, get a copy of this epic indie Western from AMAZON!


Tuesday, September 24, 2019

STOCK YOUR VAULT: New DVDs & Blu-rays for 09/24/2019!


Severin Films' KILLER CROCODILE (Limited Editon) is our Pick of the Week!
Vault Master's Pick of the Week!

Greetings Vault Dwellers, and welcome to the final Tuesday of September 2019! This is a HUGE (i.e. EXPENSIVE) week for us collectors, as all of our favorite labels (both foreign and domestic) have pulled no punches in releasing a variety of enticing titles onto physical media! Brace yourselves!

Disney just re-released nearly all of the STAR WARS films to Blu-ray in new "Multi-screen Editions." From EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE to EPISODE VIII: THE LAST JEDI, each film gets new uniform cover art (they all look like they'd match beautifully on a shelf!) and a digital copy. (Oddly enough, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK is missing...)

Arrow Video dropped three new Special Edition Blu-rays for HELLRAISER, HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II, and IN THE AFTERMATH, Warner Archive Collection brought ACTION JACKSON out of retirement, and Vinegar Syndrome released a Blu-ray/DVD combo of James Hong's 1989 Horror film, THE VINEYARD!

Paramount restored Stephen King's THE STAND TV mini-series for its Blu-ray release, Olive Signature gives an amazing amount of love to Roger Corman's A BUCKET OF BLOOD, Sony gives SKATETOWN USA its Blu-ray debut, and Scream Factory delivers the goods for FEAR NO EVIL, and their Collector's Edition of John Carpenter's VAMPIRES! And if you're looking for something more contemporary to watch I recoomend SHAFT and the CHILD'S PLAY redo! But wait - THERE'S MORE!

For those of you who can enjoy Blu-rays from around the world, Arrow UK just released MACABRE VISIONS: THE FILMS OF MARIO BAVA (a 9-movie set!) while Indicator (another UK label) just dropped a TON of new titles (all Region Free!) including: THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD, BUNNY LAKE IS MISSING, THE GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD, THE LAST MOVIE (1971 - REMASTERED), SINBAD AND THE EYE OF THE TIGER, and TORTURE GARDEN!

And to cap it all off, Severin Films hits us with two stellar releases this week - both of which come in standard and limited editions! First up is KILLER CROCODILE, which gets a new 2K scan and extras PLUS (if you order the Limited Edition) its sequel, KILLER CROCODILE 2! Severin's other big release is THE WAX MASK, which boasts a 4K restoration, numerous extras, and a soundtrack CD (if you get the Limited Edition release)! Yowza! That's just too much awesome in one week!

And believe it or not, there are still even more awesome new titles out on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray this week - to see them all continue scrolling!


NEW TO DVD & BLU-RAY
7 Deadly Sins
Anna
Child's Play (2019)
DC's Legends of Tomorrow: Season Four
The Field
Killer Crocodile (Standard & Limited Editions - Severin Films)
Shaft (2019)
The Tracker (2018)
The Wax Mask (Standard & Limited Editions - Severin Films)


NEW TO BLU-RAY
The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (Indicator - Region Free)
Action Jackson (Warner Archive Collection)
Aokana: Four Rhythm Across the Blue - The Complete Series
A Bucket of Blood (Olive Signature)
Bunny Lake is Missing (Indicator - Region Free)
A Centaur's Life: The Complete Series
Dragonar Academy: The Complete Series
Fear No Evil (Scream Factory)
The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (Indicator - Region Free)
Hellbound: Hellraiser II (Special Editon - Arrow Video)
Hellraiser (Special Edition - Arrow Video)
In the Aftermath (Special Edition - Arrow Video)
John Carpenter's Vampires (Collector's Edition - Scream Factory)
Kyo Kara Maoh: The Complete Second Season
The Last Movie (1971 - Remastered - Indicator - Region Free)
Lupin the 3rd: Goemon's Bloodspray
Magical Girl Raising Project: The Complete Series
Major League II
Major League: Back to the Minors
Maleficent (4K UHD)
One Piece: Episode of East Blue
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Multi-Screen Edition)
Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (Indicator - Region Free)
Skatetown USA (Sony)
Sleep Hollow (20th Anniversary Edition)
Solo: A Star Wars Story (Multi-Screen Edition)
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Multi-screen Edition)
Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (Multi-screen Edition)
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (Multi-screen Edition)
Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (Multi-screen Edition)
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (Multi-screen Edition)
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (Multi-screen Edition)
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (Multi-screen Edition)
Stephen King's The Stand (Restored Collector's Edition)
Torture Garden (Indicator - Region Free)
The Vineyard (Blu-ray/DVD combo - Vinegar Syndrome)


NEW TO DVD
Afro Ninja
American Horror Story: Apocalypse
The Black String
Burn
Clowns of Halloween
Cool as Hell 2 (Unrated)
Daughter of the Wolf
Early Grave
The Filming of Death Metal Zombies
Horror Movie: A Low-Budget Nightmare
Jacob's Ladder (2019)
Legend Has It
Matinee Madness
Reel Terror
Semester's End
Voltron: Defender of the Universe - The Complete Original Series
Voltron: Defender of the Universe - Lion Force
Voltron: Defender of the Universe - Vehicle Force
Within the Woods of Undead County
Zombified


MULTI-FILM COLLECTIONS ON BLU-RAY
Macabre Visions: The Films of Mario Bava (Arrow UK - Region B)
Contains: Black Sunday, The Girl Who Knew Too Much, Black Sabbath, Kill Baby... Kill!, Five Dolls for an August Moon, Bay of Blood (aka Twitch of the Death Nerve), Baron Blood, Lisa and the Devil, and Rabid Dogs (aka Kidnapped).


Now Available on Blu-ray from Arrow Video: Special Editions of HELLRAISER, HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II, and IN THE AFTERMATH!


Cover art for Arrow Video's Special Edition of Clive Barker's HELLRAISER.
POST-APOCALYPTIC WASTELANDS AND VISITORS FROM HELL AWAIT YOU IN ARROW VIDEO'S TRIO OF NEW BLU-RAY RELEASES!

HELLRAISER and HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II (previously available in Arrow's now out of print SCARLET BOX) are easily two of the greatest Horror films of all time. As the years have gone by, I've gained an even larger appreciation for both films. (The other HELLRAISER sequels? Well.... not so much.) IN THE AFTERMATH is a film I am not familiar with at all: It's apparently a repurposed anime (1985's ANGEL EGG) that was edited together with new live-action footage shot by director Carl Colpaert. The result is a unique, and "hauntingly beautiful" post-apocalyptic tale! All three of these releases are available today - read onward to see if they're worth adding to your growing collections Vault Dwellers!

HELLRAISER (1987 - SPECIAL EDITION)

Synopsis: “Stephen King was once famously quoted as saying, “I have seen the future of horror… his name is Clive Barker.” That future was realized in 1987 with the release of Barker’s directorial debut HELLRAISER.

Based on his own novella The Hellbound Heart, Barker’s HELLRAISER sees Larry (Andrew Robinson) and his wife Julia (Clare Higgins) move into their new home, unaware that something evil lurks beneath the floorboards of the dilapidated house – something that wants human blood…

Introducing the world to the iconic Pinhead and his sadistic band of Cenobites, HELLRAISER became an instant genre classic upon release and remains one of the most frighteningly original visions in horror.

Disc Specs: 
Rated R | Color | 93 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English LPCM 2.0 & DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1

Extras:
  • 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! 
  • NEW! 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 - Ex-Coil member Stephen Thrower on the Hellraiser score that almost wa!
  • Hellraiser: Resurrection - Vintage featurette including interviews with 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 
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx!
Arrow Video's Special Edition of HELLRAISER is available now wherever Blu-ray discs are sold! This disc should cost you between $24 - $28, and can be obtained from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from ARROW VIDEO!




Cover art for Arrow Video's Special Edition of HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II.
HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II (1988 - SPECIAL EDITION)

Synopsis: Picking up right where HELLRAISER left off, HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II expands upon the terrifying universe created in Clive Barker s original film taking the story into the very depths of Hell itself.

Having escaped the clutches of Pinhead and the demonic Cenobites, Kirsty Cotton (Ashley Laurence) awakens to finds herself detained at the Channard Institute, a hospital for the mentally ill. But her torments are far from over the chief doctor at the institute is determined to unleash the powers of Hell to achieve his own twisted ends.
HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II is one of the most celebrated horror sequels of all time, offering a vision that is both more gruesome and fantastical than its predecessor.
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 99 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English LPCM 2.0 & DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1

Extras:
  • 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! 
  • NEW! 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 legendary excised sequence!
  • 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 
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Gilles Vranckx!
Arrow's Special Edition of HELLBOUND: HELLRAISER II is also available everywhere today, and should cost between $24 - $28! Order yourself a copy right this very minute from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from ARROW VIDEO!




IN THE AFTERMATH (1988 - SPECIAL EDITION)

Synopsis: Following in the footsteps of Francis Ford Coppola and Peter Bogdanovich, Roger Corman protégé Carl Colpaert (THE CREW) made his directorial debut by combining repurposed excerpts from a foreign film in this case, Mamoru Oshii s (GHOST IN THE SHELL) spellbinding 1985 anime ANGEL'S EGG with new live-action footage shot in America. The result is IN THE AFTERMATH, a haunting post-apocalyptic vision like no other.

In a radiation-soaked wasteland, two surviving soldiers, Frank and Goose, search for essential supplies amid the rubble. After a violent confrontation, Frank is haunted by visions of an angelic young girl holding a giant egg, herself a refugee from another world altogether. Could the egg be the key to saving both their worlds?

A unique mash-up of 1980s B-movie nuclear paranoia and hauntingly lyrical animation, IN THE AFTERMATH is presented in a stunning new restoration that highlights Oshii's visionary genius and Colpaert's low-budget ingenuity.

Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 72 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English LPCM 2.0

Extras:
  • NEW! 2K restoration from original film elements!
  • NEW! The Path To Aftermath - An interview with producer Tom Dugan! 
  • NEW! Apocalypse Then - An interview with star Tony Markes! 
  • NEW! Before The Aftermath: The Influence of Angel's Egg - An appreciation of Mamoru Oshii's original film by anime expert Andrew Osmond (author of Arrow Books' Ghost In The Shell)! 
  • Still and poster gallery  
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Corey Brickley!  
  • FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Booklet featuring essay on the film by Jon Towlson!
Arrow's Special Edition of IN THE AFTERMATH is now available to purchase, and costs between $24 - $28! If experimental and/or post-apocalyptic films are your jam, then pick up a copy today from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or ARROW VIDEO!



Vinegar Syndrome Wants You to Enter THE VINEYARD!


Cover art for Vinegar Syndrome's Blu-ray/DVD combo of THE VINEYARD.
STANDARD EDITION COVER ART
JAMES HONG'S HORROR ODDITY MAKES ITS WAY TO BLU-RAY WITH A NEW 4K RESTORATION AND SPECIAL FEATURES!

James Hong is probably one of the most prolific actors of all time, so imagine my surprise when I discovered that he co-directed THE VINEYARD, which he also wrote and starred in! To be quite honest, I've never seen this film (though at one point I did own it on VHS), but I am damned curious enough to pick up a copy of Vinegar Syndrome's Blu-ray/DVD combo to check it out!

Synopsis: The wines created by Dr. Elson Po have been known for decades as among the finest in the world, but unknown to the public, Po has been using his vintning and chemistry skills as a front for a much more sinister purpose; harvesting fresh blood from his youthful victims to produce an elixir designed to keep him young forever. Unfortunately, his special potion seems to be weakening in its strength and Po finds himself in need of fresh bodies.

Deciding to use his connections to the film industry, he presents himself as a potential film investor and invites a group of attractive young actors and models to his secluded island mansion, with the intent of harvesting their life sustaining properties. When they arrive, Po becomes convinced that statuesque beauty, Jezebel, might be the ideal candidate from which more elixir can be created and sends his henchmen out with the task of violently killing off her friends.

The Limited Edition Slipcover for Vinegar Syndrome's Blu-ray/DVD combo of THE VINEYARD!
THE LIMITED (TO 2,000) EDITION SLIPCOVER
A wild late 80s horror film starring and co-directed, with William Rice, by character actor James Hong (CHINATOWN, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA, THE GOLDEN CHILD), THE VINEYARD mixes just about every popular horror trope around into a non-stop assault on the senses. Featuring everything from zombies, to supernatural mysticism, to slasher touches, along with bouts of martial arts and loads of T&A, all photographed by John Dirlam (GONE IN 60 SECONDS)!

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 95 minutes | Region Free
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - DTS-HD Master Audio

Extras:
  • NEW! 4K RESTORATION FROM THE 35MM CAMERA NEGATIVE!
  • Welcome to the Vineyard – a brand new interview with director/actor James Hong and producer/actor Harry Mok
  • Zombies From San Jose – a brand new interview with co-director William Rice
  • Sacred Earth and Restless Souls – a brand new interview with cinematographer John Dirlam
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • Reversible cover artwork
Vinegar Syndrome's Blu-ray/DVD combo of THE VINEYARD is now available to purchase, and should cost between $20 - $25! Order yourself a copy now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD. However, if you order it directly from VINEGAR SYNDROME, you'll have the option to buy a copy with a Limited (to 2,000) Edition embossed slipcover for just a few bucks more!



John Carpenter's VAMPIRES Will FEAR NO EVIL on September 24th!


Cover art for Scream Factory's FEAR NO EVIL Blu-ray.
SCREAM FACTORY ADDS FRANK LALOGGIA'S SECOND DIRECTORIAL EFFORT AND ANOTHER JOHN CARPENTER FILM TO THEIR CATALOG!

Growing up, I was always a fan of Frank LaLoggia's LADY IN WHITE (which used to air on USA Network all of the time), which eventually led me to discover FEAR NO EVIL. LaLoggia's tale of a teenage Antichrist is a far different beast than his classic ghost story, and features a bloody baptism, death by dodgeball, and a showdown between the reincarnation of Satan and two archangels! It's not for all tastes, but I assure you that the movie really grows on you after multiple viewings.

John Carpenter's VAMPIRES was made in the twilight of his career as a director, and is one of his better efforts. (It followed ESCAPE FROM L.A. and preceded GHOSTS OF MARS and THE WARD.) James Woods (before Twitter drove him mad) leads a team of hunters against a powerful vampire who wants to make himself immune to sunlight! Both films get lots of new extras, but FEAR NO EVIL also gets a 4K transfer! I'm super excited for these new titles - I can't wait to add these to my collection!

FEAR NO EVIL (1981)

Synopsis: God has appointed three archangels to fight against Lucifer, who has assumed human features. Archangel Raphael, in the guise of Father Damon, kills Lucifer and ends his life in jail. But his sister, Archangel Mikhail, knows that one day the Devil will reappear. Eighteen years later, Lucifer returns, now in the form of Andrew, a brilliant but shy schoolboy who becomes conscious of his devilish nature on his birthday. Archangel Mikhail, allies with Gabrielle to defeat Lucifer in this "remarkably assured, personal and powerful film [that] is never less than gripping" (TV Guide)!

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 99 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0

Extras:
  • NEW! 4K Scan Of The Original Film Elements!
  • NEW! Audio Commentary With Actor Stefan Arngrim!
  • NEW! Interview With Actor Stefan Arngrim!
  • NEW!  Interview With Special Effects Artist John Eggett!
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • TV Spots
  • Still Gallery
FEAR NO EVIL makes its big Blu-ray debut on September 24th, and should cost approximately $23! Order a copy of this long out of print Horror film now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.




Blu-ray cover art for Scream Factory's Collector's Edition of John Carpenter's VAMPIRES!
JOHN CARPENTER'S VAMPIRES (1998)

Synopsis: "Forget everything you've ever heard about vampires," warns Jack Crow (James Woods), the leader of Team Crow, a relentless group of mercenary vampire slayers. When Master Vampire Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith) decimates Jack's entire team, Crow and the sole team survivor, Montoya (Daniel Baldwin), set out in pursuit.

Breaking all the rules, Crow and Montoya take one of Valek's victims hostage – a beautiful but unlucky prostitute (Sheryl Lee). She is the sole psychic link to Valek and they use her to track down the leader of the undead. As Valek nears the climax of his 600-year search for the Berziers Cross, Jack and the new Team Crow do everything possible to prevent him from possessing the only thing that can grant him and all the vampires the omnipotent power to walk the world in daylight.

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 108 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 & DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0

Extras:
  • NEW! Time To Kill Some Vampires – An Interview With Composer/Director John Carpenter, Producer Sandy King Carpenter, And Cinematographer Garry B. Kibbe!
  • NEW! Jack The Slayer – An Interview With Actor James Woods!
  • NEW! The First Vampire – An Interview With Actor Thomas Ian Griffith!
  • NEW! Raising The Stakes – An Interview With Special Effects Artist Greg Nicotero!
  • NEW! Padre – An Interview With Actor Tim Guinee!
  • Audio Commentary By Composer/Director John Carpenter!
  • Isolated Score
  • Vintage Making Of Featurette
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • TV Spots
  • Still Gallery
With the addition of VAMPIRES, Scream Factory has nearly all of Carpenter's films in their grasp and I'm pretty OK with that. (If you're keeping track, they are only missing DARK STAR, ESCAPE FROM L.A., GHOSTS OF MARS, THE WARD, and Carpenter's two contributions to the Masters of Horror TV series: CIGARETTE BURNS and PRO-LIFE!) This Collector's Edition Blu-ray is due out on September 24th, and should cost between $24 - $29! Order yourself a copy now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY and get one step closer to owning the entirety of John Carpenter's filmography!



Monday, September 23, 2019

Severin Films Releases THE WAX MASK to Blu-ray in Standard and Limited Editions on September 24th!


Limited Edition Slipcover for Severin Films' THE WAX MASK Blu-ray!
LIMITED EDITION SLIPCOVER
"HOUSE OF WAX" BY WAY OF FULCI - "THE WAX MASK" GETS A NEW 4K TRANSFER & MORE IN SEVERIN'S LATEST RELEASE!

The original HOUSE OF WAX (which is actually a remake of THE MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM) is one of my all-time favorite classic Horror films. And as far as Italian Horror goes, I'm a big fan of Lucio Fulci! So you can imagine my surprise and excitement upon discovering the existence of THE WAX MASK, a reimagining of HOUSE OF WAX that was co-written by Fulci! And to make this release even more mouth-watering, Severin has given the film a new 4K transfer, lots of extras, and (if you buy the Limited Edition) a soundtrack CD! JOY! (Rest in Peace - My bank account.)

Synopsis: In the mid-'90s, Dario Argento approached a physically and professionally ailing Lucio Fulci to direct one final production, an over-the-top shocker about grisly murders at a Paris wax museum. But when Fulci passed away only weeks before filming began, Argento turned to Sergio Stivaletti – the FX genius on PHENOMENA, OPERA, DEMONS and CEMETARY MAN – to make his feature-directing debut.

Original Grand Guignol director/performer Robert Hossein (RIFIFI) and Aldo Massasso (CONTRABAND) star in what DVD Drive-In hails as "old-timey luridness married to state-of-the-art gore" – from a screenplay co-written by Fulci with cinematography by Sergio Salvati (ZOMBIE, THE BEYOND)!

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 98 minutes | Region Free
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English and Italian Dolby Digital 5.1 & 2.0

Reversible cover art for Severin Films' Limited Edition release of THE WAX MASK!
LIMITED EDITION COVER ART
Extras:
  • NEW! 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE, supervised by Sergio Stivaletti!
  • NEW! Audio Commentary with Director/Special Effects Artist Sergio Stivaletti and Michelangelo Stivaletti!
  • NEW! Beyond Fulci: Interviews with Producer Dario Argento, Director Sergio Stivaletti, Producer Giuseppe Columbo, Production Designer Massimo Geleng, Actress Gabriella Giorgelli, and Filmmaker Claudio Fragasso!
  • NEW! The Chamber of Horrors: Interviews with Producer Dario Argento, Director Sergio Stivaletti, Producer Giuseppe Columbo, Production Designer Massimo Geleng, and Actress Gabriella Giorgelli!
  • NEW! Living Dolls: Interviews with Producer Dario Argento, Director Sergio Stivaletti, Producer Giuseppe Columbo, and Actress Gabriella Giorgelli!
  • NEW! The Mysteries of the Wax Museum: Interview with SFX Artist Sergio Stivaletti!
  • NEW! The Waxworks Symphony: Interview with Soundtrack Composer Maurizio Abeni!
  • NEW! The Grand Opening: Interviews with Producer Dario Argento, Director Sergio Stivaletti, and Producer Giuseppe Columbo!
  • NEW! Wax Unmasked: Interview with Film Writer Alan Jones!
  • Vintage Featurettes: Behind the Scenes, Special Effects, On Set with Dario Argento!

Limited Edition Exclusives:
  • BONUS CD: REMASTERED ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK!
  • Exclusive Double Sided Slipcover with artwork designed by Austin Hinderliter!
  • Reversible cover art

SEVERIN FILMS' stellar release of THE WAX MASK will be available to own on Tuesday, September 24th! The Standard Edition should cost between $20 - $24, while the Limited Edition will run between $24 - $28! Order the Standard release of THE WAX MASK now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, or directly from SEVERIN FILMS. OR get the Limited Edition (with soundtrack CD) from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SEVERIN FILMS!


Cover art for Standard Edition of Severin Film's THE WAX MASK.
STANDARD EDITION COVER


A BUCKET OF BLOOD Becomes Part of the Olive Signature Series on September 24th!


Olive Signature's A BUCKET OF BLOOD Blu-ray Cover.
ROGER CORMAN'S "A BUCKET OF BLOOD" GETS A 4K REMASTER FOR ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY!

It's been a long time since I've watched A BUCKET OF BLOOD, but boy do I fond memories of it. The film was directed by Roger Corman, and features THAT GUY DICK MILLER as a wannabee artist who literally turns murder into an art form, passing off his victims as twisted sculptures! Olive Films has gone all out for this release, giving Corman's cult classic a 4K remaster plus numerous extras (including the heavily-truncated "Super 8" version)! If you love this movie as much as I do, this is unquestionably a must-have! For those of you who are unfamiliar with this film and need a little convincing, please continue onward.

Synopsis: In honor of its 60th anniversary, this Olive Signature edition of A BUCKET OF BLOOD celebrates the film's enduring legacy. Shot in five days on a shoestring budget of $50,000, A BUCKET OF BLOOD remains one of the most iconic collaborations between Roger Corman and Dick Miller, and has rightfully earned its "cult classic" status.

With A BUCKET OF BLOOD the multi-talented Roger Corman singlehandedly created his own genre hyphenate: the black-comedy-beatnik-culture-horror film. Dick Miller (GREMLINS, THE TRIP) stars as Walter, a busboy at the hep-cat hangout the Yellow Door Café who dreams of artistic greatness. Inspired by the scribes and artists who surround him, Walter is introduced to the world of sculpture quite literally by accident – thanks to thin walls and a sharp steak knife.

From his very first piece – the aptly titled "Dead Cat" – Walter is hailed a genius by the art snob set, a wunderkind who, unbeknownst to his doting devotees, has raised murder to the level of high art. But when the tortured artist turns his creativity towards the human form, he's sure to make their blood run cold.

Poster for A BUCKET OF BLOOD (1959) starring Dick Miller and directed by Roger Corman!

Rounding out the cast are Barboura Morris (THE TRIP, THE HAUNTED PALACE) as Carla, the woman of Walter's dreams; Bert Convy (SEMI-TOUGH) as undercover cop Lou Raby; Antony Carbone (THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM) as Leonard, owner of the Yellow Door; and Julian Burton (THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH) as Maxwell, the Yellow Door's resident poet-philosopher.

A BUCKET OF BLOOD is written by Charles B. Griffith (DEATH RACE 2000), photographed by Jacques R. Marquette (BURNT OFFERINGS), edited by Anthony Carras (THE COMEDY OF TERRORS), with music by Fred Katz (THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS), and art direction by Daniel Haller (THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM).

Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Black & White | 66 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0

Extras:
  • NEW! 4K REMASTER OF THE FILM!
  • Creation Is. All Else is Not – Roger Corman on A Bucket of Blood.
  • Call Me Paisley – Dick and Lainie Miller on A Bucket of Blood.
  • Audio commentary by Elijah Drenner, director of That Guy Dick Miller!
  • Archival audio interview with screenwriter Charles B. Griffith!
  • Bits of Bucket – Visual essay comparing the original script to the finished film!
  • Essay by Caelum Vatnsdal, author of You Don't Know Me, But You Love Me: The Lives of Dick Miller!
  • Rare prologue from German release!
  • Super 8 "digest" version
  • Theatrical trailer
  • German theatrical trailer
  • Gallery of newly-discovered on-set photography 
Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of the new cover art for this release, but I can live with it because so much love went into everything else! The new 4K transfer alone is reason enough to upgrade from my old MGM DVD! The Olive Signature edition of A BUCKET OF BLOOD arrives on Tuesday, September 24th and should cost between $28 - $30. You can secure yourself a copy of this Corman classic now from AMAZON or BULL MOOSE!



ACTION JACKSON Makes His Triumphant Return to Blu-ray Disc on September 24th!


Blu-ray cover for Warner Archive Collection's ACTION JACKSON!
YOU CAN STOP SCOURING EBAY BECAUSE CRAIG R. BAXLEY'S 1988 ACTION-COMEDY IS FINALLY BACK IN PRINT! 

Originally released back on Blu-ray in 2013, ACTION JACKSON has been out of print for several years. (And going for ludicrous prices online!) Thankfully Warner Archive saw fit to bring it back, and I couldn't be happier! ACTION JACKSON was a movie I discovered back in my teenage years and I still love it! Carl Weathers is awesome as the tough-as-nails cop Jericho "Action" Jackson, plus the film features Craig T. Nelson as the crazed villain, and offers up both Vanity and Sharon Stone as eye candy! It's a fun action flick that harkens back to the Blaxploitation films of the 70s, and I for one cannot wait to revisit ACTION JACKSON in glorious HD!

Synopsis: Like a blast from a .44 magnum, Carl Weathers (PREDATOR, The ROCKY series) makes ACTION JACKSON a hero who delivers the goods with charisma and excitement. He plays Detroit police Sergeant Jericho Jackson, pitted against the brutal thugs of ruthless auto tycoon Peter Dellaplane (Craig T. Nelson - POLTERGEIST, THE INCREDIBLES), who’s out to murder his way to political power. Jackson’s also involved with Dellaplane’s beautiful wife, Patrice (Sharon Stone - TOTAL RECALL, FATAL ATTRACTION) – and his mistress, Sydney (Vanity - THE LAST DRAGON, NEVER TOO YOUNG TO DIE). Framed and hunted by his fellow officers, Jackson sets up a desperate showdown that hurls ACTION JACKSON toward a heart-stopping climax.

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 96 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.77:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, Spanish Mono 2.0, & German Dolby Digital 2.0

Extras:
  • None.
While I'm pleased to see ACTION JACKSON back in print, and at a reasonable price (this re-release currently goes for between $14 - $19), I feel like a little extra effort could have went into this disc. I mean they couldn't even include a trailer? Regardless if you're a fan of this movie, rejoice and order a copy now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD!



Saturday, September 21, 2019

On September 24th, Owen Long's SEEDS Will Hatch!


FORBIDDEN LOVE AND CREEPY CRAWLY THINGS COLLIDE IN THIS NEW RELEASE FROM UNCORK'D ENTERTAINMENT!

This new movie looks like it's going to be quite icky Vault Dwellers! The film apparently contains some sort of tentacled/spider-legged menace, offers up a dash of body horror, and tops all that off with some good old-fashioned incest! All that aside, SEEDS doesn't look too shabby, and has been receiving positive reviews despite its discomforting subject matter. It had a limited theatrical release last weekend, and makes its DVD (and VOD) debut on September 24th!

Synopsis: After a night of debauchery spirals out of control, Marcus retreats to his family home along the New England coast. His solitude is disturbed when his brother asks Marcus to look after his estranged nephew and niece. As days pass, solace escapes him; he feels baited by a dark force. Is he losing his mind or has something terrible burrowed deep within him? Incubating. Waiting until the climate is right. Haunted by his deepest fears, Marcus struggles not to succumb as he fights to protect Lily, his beloved niece from a monster that lies in wait.

Director Owen Long’s SEEDS is a gothic horror about a man haunted by his dark past while pursuing some self-care on the New England coast. The film was written by Steven Weisman, and also stars Trevor Long (star of Netflix drama Ozark), Andrea Chen, Garr Long, and Kevin Breznahan.

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


Andrea Chen and Trevor Long star in SEEDS.

That's not a chicken! Someone shoves their hand into some sort of icky cocoon in SEEDS.

Andrea Chen experiences arachnid comfort in SEEDS.

Beware of tentacle terrors in SEEDS.

Sex brings out the beast in Trevor Long in SEEDS.


SEEDS arrives on DVD and VOD on September 24th, but I cannot seem to find it listed at any major online retailers. I'll keep my eyes peeled, and update this post once that changes!