Monday, January 29, 2024

On January 30th, Journey to THE MYSTERIOUS CASTLE IN THE CARPATHIANS!

DEAF CROCODILE'S NEW RESTORATION OF THE CZECH ODDITY ARRIVES ON BLU-RAY WITH SOME GREAT BONUS FEATURES!

Vinegar Syndrome's partner label Deaf Crocodile has been doing a stellar job of restoring obscure cinema from around the world (e.g. SOLOMON KING, SAMPO, et al.), and one of their latest titles is a little Czech number called THE MYSTERIOUS CASTLE IN THE CARPATHIANS. Loosely based upon a Jules Verne novel, this difficult-to-categorize film has been given a great release from the fledgling boutique label. Along with the much-touted restoration, there's also a pretty good number of bonus features included on this release! Let's pull out our collective magnifying glasses and take a closer look at this one Vault Dwellers!

Synopsis: A unique and almost indescribable mix of Gothic fiction, steampunk gadgetry (designed by Czech animation wizard Jan Švankmajer), slapstick comedy and romantic opera, director Oldřich Lipský's wonderfully bonkers delight has elements of THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS, Terry Gilliam, Mel Brooks and "The Benny Hill Show." Based on an 1892 Jules Verne novel The Carpathian Castle (which partially inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula), the film follows Count Teleke of Tölökö (Michal Dočolomanský) on the trail of the count's lost lover, opera singer Salsa Verde (Evelyna Steimarová) – only to discover she's been abducted by fiendish Baron Gorc of Gorceny (Miloš Kopecký), whose castle home is filled with the bizarre inventions of mad scientist Orfanik (Rudolf Hrušínský).

Littered with puns, sight gags and non-sequiturs – "Later, in Werewolfston", an invented dialect, a detached golden ear for eavesdropping, a staff topped by an enormous TV eyeball – MYSTERIOUS CASTLE was the third fantastical film from the team of director Lipský and writer Jiří Brdečka after their much-loved musical western spoof LEMONADE JOE (1966) and their detective/horror satire ADELA HAS NOT HAD SUPPER YET (1977), both major Czech cult hits. (Note that actor Miloš Kopecký and Jiří Brdečka worked on the supernatural anthology PRAGUE NIGHTS, also released by the Národní filmový archív, Deaf Crocodile, and Comeback Company.)


Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 98 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p (1.37:1)
Audio - Czech LPCM 2.0 (w/ English subtitles)


Extras:

  • NEW! Restoration of the film by Craig Rogers for Deaf Crocodile!
  • NEW! Video interview with Czech film critic and screenwriter Tereza Brdečková on her father, Jiří Brdečka, writer of MYSTERIOUS CASTLE. (In English)
  • NEW! Essay by film historian and expert on Eastern European cinema Jonathan Owen
  • NEW! Audio commentary by Tereza Brdečková and Czech film expert Irena Kovarova of Comeback Company.
  • Two eerie and stunningly beautiful Jiří Brdečka animated short films:
    • Vzducholoď a láska (Love and the Dirigible) (1948, 9 min.)
    • Třináctá komnata prince Měděnce (Prince Copperslick aka Prince Měděnec's Thirteenth Chamber) (1980, 9 min.)
  • UNIVERSUM BRDEČKA (2017, 84 min., dir. Miroslav Janek) - A feature length documentary on the life and career of filmmaker, animator, screenwriter and illustrator Jiří Brdečka, covering his childhood, his work as a screenwriter with Jiří Trnka, Karel Zeman and Oldřich Lipský, and his own acclaimed work as an animator and director. In Czech with English subtitles.

Reviews seem overly positive about the film itself (Blu-ray.com's review called it a "laugh riot"), and the restoration work done by Deaf Crocodile is reportedly top-notch, so this is looking like another win for them! For titles like this, I typically adopt a "try before you buy approach" these days (especially with the skyrocketing price boutique Blu-ray releases) but if you've been keeping pace with Deaf Crocodile up to this point, and enjoy eccentric international cinema, this will definitely be a must-own for you! THE MYSTERIOUS CASTLE IN THE CARPATHIANS arrives on Blu-ray tomorrow (January 30th!) and should cost between $21 - $30! Order a copy today from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, VINEGAR SYNDROME, or directly from DEAF CROCODILE!


Sunday, January 28, 2024

No One Said Surviving High School Would Be Easy - CUTTING CLASS Arrives on 4K UHD!


ON JANUARY 30TH, CUTTING CLASS BECOMES THE THIRD ADDITION TO MVD'S 4K LASERVISION COLLECTION!
 
I missed out on CUTTING CLASS when Vinegar Syndrome released it back in 2018, but did manage to see it in 35mm at The Mahoning Drive-In Theater during one of their big weekend events! (I also got to meet Jill Schoelen and have her sign a D.C. CAB mini poster! She was a total sweetheart!) While the movie didn't exactly blow me away, I had a fun time with it and would probably give it another go.

And now I'll have the chance to do so thanks to the efforts of MVD, who are releasing this title as part of their ongoing LaserVision Collection, which also currently includes SWAMP THING and GHOULIES! If you missed out on the previous Vinegar Syndrome release, then you'll definitely want to snap this one up. But if you already VinSyn's disc, will you want this new release instead/as well? Let's take a quick glance at what this new 4K offers up before you spend any money!

Synopsis: High school can be murder. Just ask Paula (Jill Schoelen - THE STEPFATHER, POPCORN). Her overprotective father disappears during a weekend hunting trip. She's being romantically pursued by Brian Woods (Donovan Leitch - THE BLOB '88), a creepy classmate who recently graduated from a mental institution. Her jealous jock boyfriend Dwight (Brad Pitt - MONEYBALL, WORLD WAR Z) is looking for any reason to release his juvenile rage.

The lecherous school principle Mr. Dante (Roddy McDowall - FRIGHT NIGHT, CLASS OF 1984) is after her student body, and her friends and teachers are rapidly falling victim to a silent, shadowy mass-murder. As the body count rises, Paula begins to suspect that any one of her reckless suitors could be the twisted killer. But unless she learns his identity soon, her high school education will quickly come to a nasty end.


Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 91 minutes | Region Free (4K) & Region A (Blu-ray)
Video - 2160p & 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English LPCM 2.0 Mono & Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo


Extras:
DISC ONE (4K UHD)
  • 4K RESTORATION BY VINEGAR SYNDROME (2018)!
  • Original Theatrical Trailer

DISC TWO (BLU-RAY)
  • Interview with star Jill Schoelen!
  • Interview with star Donovan Leitch!
  • "Kill Comparisons" featurette!
  • "Find The Killer and Win" VHS Video Store Retailer Promo!
  • R-Rated / Edited Version of CUTTING CLASS (presented in standard definition)
  • Original Theatrical Trailer
 
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
  • Collectible LaserVision Mini-Poster!
  • Reversible artwork (reverse side features MVD Rewind Collection Artwork and Rewind number sequence)
  • Limited Edition Slipcover (First Pressing Only with Rewind number sequence on right spine!)

Picking up this release is going to come down to your personal preference Vault Dwellers. If picture and audio quality are paramount in your decision making process, then you'll likely want to get MVD's new 4K release, especially since most of the bonus features have been ported over from the limited edition Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray. (All that seems to be missing are the two audio interviews with the Director and the Cinematographer.) CUTTING CLASS will be available at most retailers on January 30th and should cost between $27 - $40! Secure your copy now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or MVD's online shop!



Saturday, January 27, 2024

Some Things Shouldn't Be Disturbed.... THE BOOGENS Arrives on 4K UHD on January 30th!

 

Some Things Shouldn't Be Disturbed... THE BOOGENS!
JAMES L. CONWAY'S CLASSIC CREATURE FEATURE GETS A NEW 4K MAKEOVER FROM KINO LORBER STUDIO CLASSICS!

Originally released to Blu-ray by the now defunct Olive Films label (good riddance!), THE BOOGENS returns to the realm of physical media with an all-new 4K restoration from Kino Lorber on Tuesday, January 30th! Initially I was not a fan of this low-budget creature feature, but after seeing it at a past Exhumed Films 24-Hour Horrorthon with a crowd, I had a complete change of heart!

With its unique carnivorous cave-dwelling critters, likeable cast, and talented canine actor (Tiger!), THE BOOGENS hits all the right notes and has rightfully earned a cult following over the past few decades! And now the time has come for those of us who already own the previous Olive Films' disc to make the important decision on whether to upgrade or be content with what we already have. Is THE BOOGENS worth the leap to 4K? Well, let's examine what this new disc offers up and then make an informed decision fellow collectors!

Synopsis: In a small town near Denver, two young men explore a long-abandoned mine recently re-opened by a group of miners, leading to horrifying consequences. Unaware of the evil that has been unleashed, soon, one by one, people begin to disappear! The grisly truth is eventually revealed and a young couple is forced to confront the unknown in order to save their lives… and the entire town! After 100 years they have reawakened… Prepare to meet THE BOOGENS!

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 96 minutes | 4K UHD: Region Free - Blu-ray: Region A
Video - 4K UHD: 2160p (HDR10) - Blu-ray: 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English 5.1 Surround & Lossless 2.0 Audio


Extras:

Reversible cover art for Kino Lorber's Limited Edition 4K/Blu-ray release of THE BOOGENS!
Reversible Cover Art.
DISC ONE (4K UHD)

  • NEW! 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE (DOLBY VISION/HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM)!
  • NEW! Audio Commentary by Actor Jeff Harlan and Film Historian Howard S. Berger!
  • 2012 Audio Commentary by Director James Conway, Writer David O'Malley, and Actress Rebecca Balding, Moderated by Jeff McKay!


DISC TWO (BLU-RAY)

  • NEW! 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE!
  • NEW! Audio Commentary by Actor Jeff Harlan and Film Historian Howard S. Berger!
  • 2012 Audio Commentary by Director James Conway, Writer David O'Malley, and Actress Rebecca Balding, Moderated by Jeff McKay!
  • William Munns: The Man Who Made The Boogens: Featurette by Howard S. Berger with Boogens Creature Designer William Munns!
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • Two TV Spots

 
NOTE: The first run of this Limited Edition release of THE BOOGENS will also include reversible cover art and an O-Card Slipcase!

Kino's shiny new 2-disc 4K UHD/Blu-ray combo of THE BOOGENS should cost between $25 - $40 and (as stated earlier) will be available on January 30th! While I think there's enough new stuff to warrante an upgrade, I'm likely going to hold off on getting a copy at the moment (biding my time until the next big Kino sale). But don't let that stop you from adding THE BOOGENS to your personal movie collection gang! Treat yourself and order a copy now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from KINO LORBER

And for those of you who don't yet own a 4K player, don't sweat it: THE BOOGENS will be also be released on Blu-ray disc on the same day!



Tuesday, January 23, 2024

STOCK YOUR VAULT: New Blu-rays & 4K Discs for 01/23/24!

 

The B-Movie News Vault's STOCK YOUR VAULT LOGO!

Vault Master's Pick of the Week!

Hey Vault Dwellers! You probably thought you'd seen the last of me eh? Well I'm still around, haunting the darkest recesses of the Vault... when I'm not working lots of overtime and raising the future heir to the Vault crown that is! 

 While it is likely too optimistic to say "I'M BACK!," yours truly is slowly getting back to somewhat regular updates here at the News Vault, while creating new content for the main site, and maintaining a presence on my social media accounts.

Anyway, for the first new Stock Your Vault post of 2024 I jumped in on a week that doesn't have much to offer. Kino Lorber Studio Classics brings the Arnold Schwarzenegger comedy classic KINDERGARTEN COP to 4K, and Scream Factory brings JENNIFER 8 and Stephen King's THINNER to Blu-ray disc. The latter is my pick of the week and comes complete with three audio commentaries (two of which are brand new), a trio of new cast & crew interviews, & more!

To see the full list of new Blu-rays and 4K UHDs, just scroll down an inch or so!


Blood and Lace (Shoreline Entertainment)
Jennifer 8 (Special Edition - Scream Factory)
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part One (Warner Bros.)
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths, Part One (4K UHD - Warner Bros.)
Karate Kids U.S.A. (Shoreline Entertainment)
Kindergarten Cop (4K UHD - Kino Lorber Studio Classics)
Project Dorothy (Gravitas Ventures)
RahXephon: Complete Collection (Image/Sentai)
Thinner (Collector's Edition - Scream Factory)