Welcome fellow collectors to yet another new edition of the News Vault's STOCK YOUR VAULT column! This week's slate of new releases are substantially better than what was released last week, with multiple titles finally making their high-def debut!
Paramount continues its quest to milk FRIDAY THE 13TH fans for every penny with their "new" 40th Anniversary limited edition steelbook of FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 3, Cleopatra brings Santiago Fernandez Calvete's A TASTE OF BLOOD to Blu-ray and includes a soundtrack CD in their release, and Universal takes advantage of their upcoming JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION with standalone 4K releases of the previous five films in the franchise!
Scream Factory does Wes Craven fans a big service with their Collector's Edition release of CURSED (a film title that was way too on the nose once you learn about the film's troubled production), which boasts two cuts of the film (theatrical and unrated - sadly the "Craven cut" seems to be lost), new cast & crew interviews, a making-of featurette, and more! And while this release would typically be my pick of the week, that honor instead goes to Shout! Factory's THE GHOST AND THE DARKNESS, a film that's been on my WANTED ON BLU-RAY shortlist for some time! Although it is a barebones release, this is the first time that this cinematic adventure (which is based very loosely on actual events) has been available on the Blu-ray format, and as a longtime fan, I cannot wait to see this movie in crystal clarity!
There's not too much else out this week that I haven't already mentioned gang, but if you want to see the full roster of new Blu-rays and 4K discs just scroll onward!
UPDATE [08/10/2021]: Scream Factory released this title to Blu-ray disc on October 12th, 2021! Get it now from AMAZON or directly through SHOUT! FACTORY.
My memories are a bit fuzzy when it comes to Wes Craven's DEADLY FRIEND, but I remember catching it on cable when I was fairly young. I recall sneaking downstairs to the living room late at night to watch something on the "big TV," but I'm not sure if this film was the reason for that. Regardless, I was excited to be watching DEADLY FRIEND because at that time I was a fledgling Horror fan that had discovered various other Craven films including SWAMP THING, THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS, and SHOCKER. (Thank you TNT's MonsterVision!)
Looking back, I didn't find DEADLY FRIEND particularly scary, but I do recollect being absolutely floored when Anne Ramsey's head exploded during the film's notorious "death by basketball" scene, and becoming smitten with Kristy Swanson. Oddly enough, my most vivid memory of watching this movie for the first (and now that I think of it, last) time was my reaction at the end: I wept. In retrospect I'm not really sure why, but I guess it was because I thought it was really sad that the lead character lost everyone close to him despite his best intentions? Maybe? I don't exactly know.
What I do know is that we are nearing the 35th anniversary of DEADLY FRIEND's theatrical release (October 10th) and Wes Craven's troubled production still has yet to make the leap to Blu-ray disc! But I have a strong feeling that will change sooner rather than later, seeing as how this title has garnered a decent cult following over the past three decades. And with all of the boutique labels raiding studio vaults these days, it's only a matter of time before DEADLY FRIEND finally gets an upgrade!
Synopsis: Based upon Diana Henstell's novel Friend, DEADLY FRIEND focuses on teenage science whiz Paul Conway (Little House on the Prairie's Matthew Labyorteaux). He and his mother (and his overprotective robotic creation B.B.) move to a new neighborhood, where he befriends the pretty girl next door, Samantha Pringle (Kristy Swanson). The two teens rapidly become close, until a series of unfortunate events occur: B.B. is gunned down by Elvira, the cranky/crazy basketball-stealing old woman that lives across the street (portrayed by Mama Fratelli herself, Anne Ramsey) and Samantha is thrown down a flight of stairs by her abusive father.
A young Michael Bay brainstorms on future film projects with his pal Bumblebee.
Unable to deal with losing the girl he loves, Paul swipes Samantha's comatose body from the hospital (before she's taken off of life support) and installs B.B.'s microchip into her brain. This somehow resuscitates Samantha, who acts oddly robotic (because B.B. is apparently in the driver's seat) and is eager to dole out some punishment to those that have wronged her. After murdering Poppa Pringle (Harry Marcus) exploding Elvira's skull with a basketball, and tossing a bully to his death, Paul's cyborg construct begins showing signs of regaining her humanity. But it's too little too late, and this dark love story builds to tragic end for both of its main characters.
Current Rights Holder: Warner Bros., so there is a slight chance that DEADLY FRIEND could become part of the Warner Archive Collection at some point! However, if I was a betting man I'd put my money on Scream Factory, seeing as how they've released SOMEONE'S WATCHING ME!, EYES OF A STRANGER, and THE HAND on Blu-ray already. Fingers crossed!
Blu-ray Wishlist:
Two cuts of the film: The theatrical version and a "director's cut" that removes the gory moments and restores the deleted scenes and the original ending.
A new 2K or 4K transfer of the film!
Original mono audio plus (maybe) a newly created 5.1 surround mix.
New audio commentary featuring cast and crew, OR a "film historian" like Troy Howarth or Lee Gambin!
A new Making-of Featurette or Documentary chronicling DEADLY FRIEND's bumpy path from page to screen, OR some new cast & crew interviews with screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, stars Kirsty Swanson and Matthew Labyorteaux, and/or special f/x artists Peter Albiez and Lance Anderson.
Archival interviews with director Wes Craven.
Deleted & Extended scenes
BD-ROM content: The original novel of Friend that the film is based on.
Poster & Stills gallery
Theatrical trailer
Makeup around eyes = killer cyborg.
DEADLY FRIEND was Wes Craven's first studio film, and he shot it during a particularly rough patch in his life: His marriage was ending, he was booted from directing both BEETLEJUICE and SUPERMAN IV (in retrospect, the latter wasn't such a bad thing), and became embroiled in a baseless lawsuit. Even with all that going on in his life, Wes so badly wanted to direct a non-Horror film which is why he leaped at the chance to bring FRIEND (formerly ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, A.I., and eventually DEADLY FRIEND) to the big screen.
But his original vision never had a chance. Wes added a gory nightmare-sequence to the film at the behest of producers, which got great reactions during a test screening. After that, Wes was told to add more blood and guts to the film, and to replace his ending with one that was conceived by Mark Canton, the then President of Warner Bros. Then, after committing to upping the film's body count, Craven had to battle his old nemesis the MPAA, which saddled DEADLY FRIEND with an X-rating until numerous cuts were made. (Yeesh.... what an absolute nightmare the entire ordeal must have been for Wes.)
Back in April 2014, fans of the film started a petition at Change.org (which has sadly only garnered 100 signatures) in an attempt to convince Warner Bros. to release a director's cut. Needless to say, it didn't do the trick. So here's my plea to the powers that be at the WB (and Scream Factory... perhaps?): Please breathe new life into this film! Delivering a director's cut is likely a tall order, so even if you just do a high-def restoration of the theatrical cut with some decent bonus features, I think fans will be somewhat sated. And if you won't do it for the people who adore it, then at least do it to honor the memory of Wes Craven and let his spirit rest a bit more easily. The ball's in your court Warner Bros.
For a more in-depth look what went on behind the scenes during the making of DEADLY FRIEND, I highly recommend the following video from JoBlo.com:
A MOTOCROSS TEAM BATTLES CANNIBALS IN THE DESERT & JAMES BOND TRACKS A KILLER IN THE CANALS OF VENICE IN ARROW'S LATEST RELEASES!
I'm a big fan of Wes Craven's THE HILLS HAVE EYES, and yet, I've never seen it's sequel (even though I own the Kino Lorber Blu-ray release). I plan on changing that in the near future though - the dog flashback sequences alone seem worth the price of admission! And I'm still a neophyte when it comes to giallo films, which means I've never laid eyes on WHO SAW HER DIE? A Venetian murder mystery with George Lazenby sounds too good to pass up! If you're as curious as I am about these two new Blu-ray titles, then continue reading for a closer look!
THE HILLS HAVE EYES PART 2 (1985)
Synopsis: The hills are once again alive with the sound of screaming in Wes Craven's hugely entertaining follow-up to his own groundbreaking 1977 film THE HILLS HAVE EYES. A motocross team on their way to trial a new super-fuel head out across the desert lead by Rachel, who, unbeknownst to the rest of the group, is a survivor of the cannibal clan which menaced the Carter family several years before.
Opting to take an ill-advised shortcut across the desert, the busload of youngsters drive straight into the path of the remnants of Rachel's demented cannibal kin - the menacing Pluto, and a hulking, blood-hungry brute by the name of "The Reaper." Made by Wes Craven immediately prior to his smash-hit A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, THE HILLS HAVE EYES PART 2 diverges from the grim tone of its predecessor in favour of fun action-horror thrills and spills replete with mutants, motorbikes, and - oh yes - dog flashbacks!
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 86 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English: LPCM Mono
Extras:
NEW! 2K restoration from original film elements!
NEW! Audio commentary with The Hysteria Continues!
NEW!Blood, Sand, and Fire: The Making of The Hills Have Eyes Part II
- brand new making-of documentary featuring interviews with actor
Michael Berryman, actress Janus Blythe, production designer Dominick
Bruno, composer Harry Manfredini and unit production manager/first
assistant director John Callas!
Still gallery
Original Theatrical Trailer
Limited Edition Exlusives:
6 Postcards
Reversible fold-out Poster
Limited Edition 40-page booklet featuring new writing on the film by Amanda Reyes and an archival set visit from Fangoria!
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Paul Shipper!
Arrow Video's Limited Edition of THE HILLS HAVE EYES PART 2 will be available on Tuesday, September 17th and should cost between $32 - $35! Add this title to your collection (or replace your current DVD or Blu-ray) and order a copy from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD today!
Sculptor Franco Serpieri (Lazenby) welcomes Roberta (Nicoletta Elmi - DEEP RED) - his young daughter from a failed marriage - to Venice, unaware that a disturbed child-killer is stalking the city's canals. When Roberta's body is found floating face-down in the river, the lives of Franco and his estranged wife Elizabeth (Anita Strindberg - THE CASE OF THE SCORPION'S TAIL) are ripped asunder. Desperate for vengeance, Franco turns detective in a bid to track down his daughter's killer, and in the process unearths shocking evidence of depravity and corruption which implicates some of the most respected figures in Venetian society.
Released at the height of the giallo boom, this gripping mystery thriller boasts some of the most iconic names associated with the genre on both sides of the camera. Co-starring Dominique Boschero (THE IGUANA WITH THE TONGUE OF FIRE) and Adolfo Celi (THUNDERBALL), and featuring one of the all-time greatest scores from maestro Ennio Morricone (WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO SOLANGE?), WHO SAW HER DIE? thrills anew in its high definition debut!
Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 94 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - English & Italian LPCM Mono
Extras:
NEW! 2K restoration of the full-length Italian version of the film from the original 35mm camera negative!
Original English and Italian soundtracks, titles and credits!
NEW! Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack!
NEW! Audio commentary by author and critic Travis Crawford!
NEW!I Saw Her Die - An interview with director Aldo Lado!
NEW! Nicoletta, Child of Darkness - An interview with actress Nicoletta Elmi!
NEW!Once Upon a Time in Venice - An interview with co-writer Francesco Barilli!
NEW!Giallo in Venice - An interview with author and critic Michael Mackenzie!
Original Italian and English theatrical trailers
Poster and fotobusta gallery
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Haunt Love!
Arrow's release of WHO SAW HER DIE? comes to Blu-ray on Tuesday, September 17th and should cost between $24 - $28! If you're a giallo fan, add this one to your collection ASAP by ordering it from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD!
ARROW VIDEO'S LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY OF WES CRAVEN'S CONTROVERSIAL DIRECTORIAL DEBUT IS THE DEFINITIVE EDITION WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!
Back when I was a flourishing young Horror fan, I began to work my way through the earlier films of Wes Craven after I had my fill of the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET franchise. I distinctly remember my shocked reactions as I watched THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT for the first time, and gazed wide-eyed as Krug & The Gang did terrible things to a pair of young girls, before getting their comeuppance in the film's final act.
And now, thanks to Arrow Video, I can revisit this film in HD with THREE different cuts of the movie, plus a plethora of awesome extras! Though the price is a bit steep, methinks it is time to upgrade from my old MGM DVD release of this Wes Craven classic!
Synopsis: The directorial debut of Wes Craven, the man behind such horror favorites as A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, THE HILLS HAVE EYES, SWAMP THING, and SCREAM, THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT justly retains its reputation as one of the most harrowing cinematic experiences of all time, nearly half a century on from its original release.
Where's Swamp Thing when you need him?
On the eve of her 17th birthday, Mari and friend Phyllis set off from her family home to the big city to attend a concert by shock-rockers Bloodlust. Attempting to pick up some marijuana on the way, the pair run afoul of a group of vicious crooks, headed up by the sadistic and depraved Krug (David Hess). Gagged and bound, the young women are bundled into a car trunk and driven to the woods, where the gang subject them to a terrifying ordeal of sexual humiliation, torture, and murder.
Unleashed on an unsuspecting public in 1972, THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT shocked audiences with its graphic and unflinching portrayal of interpersonal violence, paving the way for a whole host of cheap imitators looking to capitalize on its success. It is Wes Craven's original alone, however, that remains one of the true watershed moments in horror (and indeed, film) history.
Disc Specs:
Unrated & R-Rated | Color | 84 minutes (R-Rated cut) | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - 1.0 Mono
Extras:
DISC ONE
NEW! 2K restoration of the Uncut Version!
NEW! Audio commentary by podcasters Bill Ackerman and Amanda Reyes!
Archival audio commentary with writer/director Wes Craven and producer Sean S. Cunningham!
Archival audio commentary with stars David Hess, Marc Sheffler, and Fred Lincoln!
NEW! Junior's Story - Annterview with actor Marc Sheffler!
Marc Sheffler in Conversation at the American Cinematheque.
NEW! Interview with wardrobe and make-up artist Anne Paul!
Songs in the Key of Krug - Never-before-seen archive interview with David Hess!
Celluloid Crime of the Century - Archival documentary featuring interviews with Wes Craven, Sean S. Cunningham, actors David Hess, Fred Lincoln, Jeramie Rain, Marc Sheffler, and Martin Kove!
Still Standing: The Legacy of The Last House on The Left - Archival interview with Wes Craven.
Scoring Last House on the Left - Archival interview with actor/composer David Hess.
It's Only a Movie: The Making of The Last House on the Left - Archival documentary.
Forbidden Footage - The cast and crew of Last House on the film's most controversial sequences.
Deleted Scene
Outtakes and Dailies
Trailers, TV Spot, & Radio Spots
Image Gallery
The saw is family.
DISC TWO
NEW! 2K restoration of the Krug and Company & R-Rated cuts of the film!
NEW! The Craven Touch - Faturette bringing together interviews with a number of Wes Craven s collaborators, including Sean S. Cunningham, composer Charles Bernstein, producer Peter Locke, cinematographer Mark Irwin, and actress Amanda Wyss!
Early Days and 'Night of Vengeance' - Filmmaker Roy Frumkes remembers Wes Craven and Last House on the Left!
Tales That'll Tear Your Heart Out - Excerpts from an unfinished Wes Craven short!
DISC THREE
Exclusive CD featuring the film's original soundtrack!
ADDITIONAL EXTRAS
Double-sided poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork!
6 lobby card reproductions!
Limited edition perfect-bound book featuring new writing on the film by author Stephen Thrower!
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Paul Shipper!
Arrow Video's must-own limited edition release of THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT will be available on Tuesday, July 3rd, and retails for $31 - $35! You can order it today from AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD, but hurry because this title will probably sell out fast! If it does, you'll have to wait until later this year for the Special Edition release which will not contain the second disc!
FOR THOSE OF YOU LOOKING FOR A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE TO ARROW'S PREVIOUS RELEASE OF "THE HILLS HAVE EYES," YOUR WAIT IS OVER!
Arrow Video has previously released a Limited Edition Blu-ray of THE HILLS HAVE EYES, which comes with six postcards, a reversible fold-out poster, and a collectible booklet about the film. While this Special Edition lacks those bells and whistles, it still has everything else that makes this a very worthwhile purchase.
Synopsis: THE LUCKY ONES DIED FIRST... Horror master Wes Craven achieved critical and commercial success with the likes of SCREAM and A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, but for many genre fans, the director s seminal 1977 effort THE HILLS HAVE EYES remains his masterpiece.
Taking a detour whilst on route to Los Angeles, the Carter family run into trouble when their campervan breaks down in the middle of the desert. Stranded, the family find themselves at the mercy of a group of monstrous cannibals lurking in the surrounding hills. With their lives under threat, the Carters are forced to fight back by any means necessary.
As grueling a viewing experience today as it was upon initial release, THE HILLS HAVE EYES stands alongside the likes of THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD as one of the defining moments in American horror cinema.
Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 90 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.78:1)
Audio - LPCM Mono
Extras:
NEW! 4K restoration of the film, supervised by producer Peter Locke and viewable with both original and alternate endings!
Audio commentary with actors Michael Berryman, Janus Blythe, Susan Lanier, and Martin Speer!
Audio commentary by academic Mikel J. Kove!
Audio commentary with Wes Craven and Peter Locke!
Looking
Back on The Hills Have Eyes - A making-of documentary featuring interviews
with Wes Craven, Peter Locke, actors Michael Berryman, Janus Blythe,
Robert Houston, Susan Lanier, Dee Wallace, and director of photography
Eric Saarinen!
Family Business - A brand new interview with actor Martin Speer!
The Desert Sessions - A brand new interview with composer Don Peake!
Never-before-seen outtakes
Alternate Ending, presented in HD for the first time!
Trailers and TV Spots
Image Gallery
Original Screenplay (BD-ROM Content)
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Paul Shipper!
Arrow's Special Edition of THE HILLS HAVE EYES will be available everywhere on Tuesday, January 30th and should cost between $22 and $25! You can order your copy right now from AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD!
SCREAM FACTORY'S DELAYED COLLECTOR'S EDITION OF WES CRAVEN'S VOODOO CLASSIC WILL FINALLY BE AVAILABLE ON FEBRUARY 23RD!
Many of us are still reeling over last year's tragic passing of director Wes Craven. He will be sorely missed by his fans and all those who worked alongside him to create his amazing body of work. Rest in peace Wes, and thanks for the scares!
In regards to this Blu-ray disc, it has been delayed by several months because the powers that be at Scream Factory wanted to make their final Wes Craven release PERFECT. The HD transfer of the film was made from an original inter-positive and is guaranteed to be the best presentation of THE SERPENT AND THE RAINBOW that you will ever see!
Film Synopsis: A Harvard anthropologist (Bill Pullman) is sent to Haiti to retrieve a strange powder that is said to have the power to bring human beings back from the dead. In his quest to find the miracle drug, the cynical scientist enters the rarely seen netherworld of walking zombies, blood rites and ancient curses. Based on the true life experiences of Wade Davis and filmed on location in Haiti, it's a frightening excursion into black magic and the supernatural.
Directed by Craven and executive produced by Rob Cohen (THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS, THE RUNNING MAN), and Keith Barish (THE FUGITIVE, BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA), the film stars Bill Pullman (INDEPENDENCE DAY, LAKE PLACID), Cathy Tyson (PRIEST, NEIL JORDAN'S MONA LISA), Zakes Mokae (WATERWORLD, THE ISLAND), and Paul Winfield (STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KAHN, THE TERMINATOR).
Disc Specs:
Color | Rated R | 95 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - N/A (Guessing 2.0 Mono and maybe even 5.1 HD-Master Audio tracks)
Extras:
NEW audio commentary with actor Bill Pullman.
NEW The Making of The Serpent and the Rainbow featuring new interviews with actor Bill Pullman, author Wade Davis, director of photography John Lindley, and special makeup effects artists Lance Anderson and David Anderson.
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spot
Still Gallery
This highly anticipated Scream Factory title hits retailers on February 2nd, 2016 and boasts new cover artwork by artist Joel Robinson. You can order it right now from AMAZON.COM or order it direct from SHOUTFACTORY.COM and get it TWO WEEKS EARLY with a collectible 18 x 24 poster featuring the new cover art!
A big thanks to Scream Factory for making the extra effort on this disc in order to give us the best possible transfer of this Craven classic!
After a very long hiatus, yours truly and my podcasting cohost "Silent" Steve are back with a new episode! This latest Vault-Cast kicks off with a brief look at the films of Wes Craven (who sadly passed away this year after a prolonged battle with brain cancer), and segues into a fun chat about our earliest horror memories, and various anecdotes about the films (and creatures) that scared us when we were growing up!
Though we are a bit rusty, I think this short podcast came out pretty well! Give it a listen below on YouTube, download it HERE, or listen to it on iTunes! We sincerely hope you enjoy this episode!
Thanks for listening and have a HAPPY (and safe) HALLOWEEN!
WES CRAVEN'S SHOCKER MAKES ITS BLU-RAY DEBUT ON SEPTEMBER 8TH, COURTESY OF SCREAM FACTORY!
Egads, it's finally happened - SHOCKER IS COMING TO BLU-RAY!
SHOCKER is an extremely batshit insane Horror flick, from dream-obsessed director Wes Craven! This movie is a HUGE guilty pleasure of mine, and I can't wait to see it in high-def with tons of extras created exclusively for this impressive Scream Factory release!
Film Synopsis: About to be electrocuted for a catalog of heinous crimes, the unrepentant Horace Pinker transforms into a terrifying energy source. Only young athlete Jonathan Parker, with an uncanny connection to Pinker through bizarre dreams, can fight the powerful demon. The two dive in and out of television programs, chasing each other from channel to channel through stunning scenes of disaster, game shows and old reruns.
A blend of dazzling special effects and an electrifying soundtrack, SHOCKER stars Michael Murphy (X-MEN: THE LAST STAND, BATMAN RETURNS), actor/director Peter Berg (actor SMOKIN' ACES, director LONE SURVIVOR), Cami Cooper (LAWNMOWER MAN 2: BEYOND CYBERSPACE) and Mitch Pileggi (THE X-FILES, SONS OF ANARCHY) as Horace Pinker.
Blu-ray Specs:
Color | 110 minutes | Rated R | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo
Special Features:
NEW! Audio Commentary with director of photography Jacques Haitkin, co-producer Robert Engelman, and composer William Goldstein
NEW! Cable Guy – An all-new interview with actor Mitch Pileggi
NEW! Alison’s Adventures – An interview with actress Cami Cooper
NEW! It’s Alive – An interview with executive producer Shep Gordon
NEW! No More Mr. Nice Guy – The Music of “Shocker”, featuring interviews with music supervisor Desmond Child and soundtrack artists BruceKulik (KISS), Jason McMaster (DANGEROUS TOYS), Kane Roberts (ALICE COOPER) , and Dave Ellefson (MEGADETH)
Audio Commentary with writer/director Wes Craven
2 Vintage Making of SHOCKER featurettes including an interview with Wes Craven
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots
Radio Spots
Original Storyboard Gallery
Still Gallery
Reversible cover art featuring the original theatrical poster art!
WHOA! That is a lot of awesome on one disc! Yep, this is definitely a must have in my book! SHOCKER: COLLECTOR'S EDITION will be available on September 8th! You can order it right now at AMAZON.COM or get it directly from SHOUT! FACTORY. If you buy it from SHOUT!, you will receive the disc two weeks early, with a FREE poster of this blu-ray release's new cover art!
ENJOY SHOCKER'S THEME SONG IN CELEBRATION OF THIS RELEASE!
WES CRAVEN'S CULT CLASSIC GETS A BEAUTIFUL NEW LEASE ON LIFE WITH SCREAM FACTORY'S NEW COLLECTOR'S EDITION BLU-RAY! AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE ON AUGUST 11TH!
THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS was one of the more bizarre movies I watched during my formative years, and I didn't quite care for it. Then I gave it a second chance many years later and loved the hell out of it!
Based loosely upon an actual news story of a Santa Monica couple that abused their children and kept them locked away in their home, Craven's film plays like a modern day urban fairytale.
Film Synopsis: A kid nick-named "Fool" (Brandon Quintin Adams) gets roped into robbing the home of a pair of cold-hearted landlords that are planning to boot his family out onto the street. But things are not as they seem, as he (and the two other burglars, led by Ving Rhames) soon discover that the (possibly incestuous) brother-sister duo (Everett McGill and Wendy Robie) are insane, and have dozens of children caged within the bowels of the house.
Trapped, with no hope of contacting help, "Fool" must rely on his own street smarts to outwit the two murderous psychopaths, and free the trapped "people under the stairs!"
Blu-ray Specs:
Color | 103 minutes | Rated R | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - Not entirely sure. I'm gonna guess that it's in Dolby 2.0 HD Master Audio.
Special Features:
NEW Audio Commentary with writer/director Wes Craven!
NEW Audio Commentary with actors Brandon Adams, A.J. Langer, Sean Whalen, and Yan Birch!
House Mother – NEW interview with actress Wendy Robie.
What Lies Beneath – NEW interviews with special make-up effects Artists Greg Nicotero, Howard Berger and Robert Kurtzman!
House of Horrors – NEW interview with director of photography Sandi Sissel!
Settling The Score – NEW interview with composer Don Peake!
Behind-The-Scenes Footage
Vintage “Making of” Featurette
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots
Still Galleries (Original Storyboards and Official Stills)
Holy cow! This is a HUGE step up from the previous Blu-ray release from Universal Home Video, which was a bare bones affair. Even if nothing major has been done with the Audio & Video (which weren't all that bad to begin with), the new cover art (which as always, is reversible!) and plethora of extras, makes this title a "must own" in my book! THE PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS (COLLECTOR'S EDITION), hits stores and e-tailers on Tuesday, August 11th! Order your copy now from AMAZON.COM, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SCREAM FACTORY.
If you order from the Scream/Shout! Factory website, you will get the disc THREE WEEKS EARLY, and packaged with an 18x24 poster (while supplies last) that features the disc's newly commissioned artwork! Thanks for giving another one of my favorites the royal treatment Scream Factory! Keep up the awesome work!
