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!

WANTED ON BLU-RAY: DRAGONSLAYER (1981)

WANTED ON BLU-RAY:
DRAGONSLAYER (1981)

Rated PG | Color | 109 minutes

UPDATE:  Paramount is releasing DRAGONSLAYER to Blu-ray and 4K UHD on March 21, 2023! Pre-order the standard Blu-ray HERE, the limited edition steelbook 4K HERE, and/or the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray edition HERE!

 

When I was growing up in the late 80s/early 90s, it was an age undreamed of. Between the VHS boom and the rise of cable television, there was just so much stuff to watch! And one of the many films I found myself stumbling across repeatedly while channel surfing was DRAGONSLAYER. Even now, with the leaps in special effects technology, I still think that this film contains my favorite onscreen dragon, which still looks fairly impressive all these decades later!

Synopsis: It is a dark time (in the Dark Ages) for the fictional kingdom of Urland. An ancient horror named Vermithrax Pejorative terrorizes the populace, and so a lottery is begun by their King to send virgin sacrifices to the fire-breathing beast twice a year so that it does not burn their villages and crops. Eventually help arrives in the form of Galen (Peter MacNicol), a wizard's apprentice who takes up his master's quest to defeat the dragon, after the old man is killed.

Using a magical amulet, Galen at first attempts to bury the virgin-snacking monster alive (which does not bode well for many Urlanders), but eventually uses it to forge a weapon strong enough to pierce dragon-hide. As the film heads towards its brilliant climax, the unlikely young hero battles Vermithtrax Perjorative on his own until he tags in help from an unexpected (and powerful) ally!

I've always had an affinity for DRAGONSLAYER ever since I first caught it on (I believe) A&E way back in the day (where it was usually paired with JABBERWOCKY). While the movie's first half is a bit on the slow side, the sheer spectacle of the second half more than makes up for it! The cast is wonderful, the Academy Award-nominated soundtrack composed by Alex North is epic, and Phil Tippet's (almost) Oscar-worthy effects work (using a new process at the time called "go-motion") brings it all together!
 

Though DRAGONSLAYER experienced huge critical success upon its theatrical release, it was surprisingly a box office failure pulling in $14 million on an $18 million budget. But as is the case for many films that are considered flops, DRAGONSLAYER has since garnered a large cult following over the past four decades, and fans are overdue a nice (collector's edition) Blu-ray of this classic fantasy movie!

 

Waiting for this movie to come to Blu-ray has been a pain in the neck I tell ya!

 

Availability: You can easily procure a copy of DRAGONSLAYER on DVD (which oddly seems to get re-released every six years or so) for a relatively low price. It is also available to rent or own digitally in HD!

Current Rights Holder: Paramount.

Blu-ray Wishlist: 

• New 2K (but preferably 4K) restoration made from an original 35mm print of the film! 
• Multiple Cuts of the film - It would be super cool if the theatrical version, the TV edit, and the rare Uncut version (only available ages ago on Laserdisc) were included! At the very least, I'd love to see the fully uncut version of DRAGONSLAYER!
  
• A new audio commentary with director Matthew Robbins (who is still alive as my posting this), or even one with star Peter MacNicol and/or Phil Tippett!
• Cast & Crew Interviews - Getting some behind-the-scenes input on the film from Robbins and MacNicol would be super cool, as would interviews with Phil Tippett and his f/x team (who are still working in the film biz today)!
• Archival or new making of featurettes!
• Trailer
• Poster & Still Gallery
• Really pushing it here, but a soundtrack CD would be wonderful as well!

I'm clearly asking for a lot, but honestly I'd be happy to get even a fraction of what's on my wishlist at this point! I've been fairly impressed with how Paramount has been handling their catalog titles lately, so I wouldn't be shocked if they gave this particular film a little love. And even if they have no interest in it, there's always the chance that DRAGONSLAYER could become a future Shout! Factory release (under either their Shout Select or Scream Factory labels)! All we can really do is sit and wait, and hope for the best.... though it probably couldn't hurt to bug Paramount on Facebook or Twitter in the meantime!

Shake the Pillars of Heaven With the Collector's Edition Blu-ray of BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA!

SCREAM FACTORY GOES ALL OUT FOR JOHN CARPENTER'S CLASSIC FANTASY-ADVENTURE, FEATURING HOURS OF NEW SPECIAL FEATURES SPREAD ACROSS TWO DISCS!

Scream Factory inches ever closer to owning the entire John Carpenter library with their impressive release of BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA! With its amazing cast, hilarious (and highly quotable) bumbling hero Jack Burton, and awesome score by John Carpenter (and The Coupe De Villes!), its no secret why this movie has been a longtime favorite all of us here at Vault HQ! While the transfer on this disc is the same as the previous 2009 Blu-ray release (as are a lot of the extras on disc one), Scream Factory really upped the ante by loading their 2-disc Collector's Edition (and Limited Edition Steelbook) with two new audio commentaries and a dozen new cast & crew interviews! (Are you drooling yet Vault Dwellers? I definitely am!)

Brace yourself gang, because it's time to run through the mystic night, through the rollin' fire, through the burnin' blade, through the crawling snakes, through the midnight flame, until they take us away! Cause we've got BIG TROU-BLE, IN LIT-TLE CHI-NA!

Synopsis: Kurt Russell (THE THING, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK) stars as Jack Burton, a tough-talking truck driver whose life goes into a supernatural tailspin when his best friend's fiancée is kidnapped in John Carpenter's BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA. Jack suddenly finds himself in a murky, danger-filled world beneath San Francisco's Chinatown, where Lo Pan (James Hong - THE GOLDEN CHILD, THE VINEYARD), a 2,000-year-old magician, mercilessly rules an empire of spirits. Facing down a host of unearthly terrors, Jack battles through Lo Pan's dark domain in a full-throttle, action-riddled ride to rescue the girl. Also starring Victor Wong (PRINCE OF DARKNESS, TREMORS), Kim Cattrall (MANNEQUIN, SEX AND THE CITY: THE MOVIE), and Dennis Dun (PRINCE OF DARKNESS, THE LAST EMPEROR), this special effects-filled spectacle is a non-stop thrill ride to an incredible finish!

Disc Specs:
Rated PG-13 | Color | 100 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1

Extras:

DISC ONE

• NEW! Audio Commentary With Producer Larry Franco!
• NEW! Audio Commentary With Special Effects Artist Steve Johnson, Moderated By filmmaker Anthony C. Ferrante!
• Audio Commentary With Director John Carpenter And Actor Kurt Russell!
• Isolated Score
• Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spots
• Vintage Audio Interview With John Carpenter
• Electronic Press Kit – Interviews And Profiles
• Gag Reel
• Music Video
• Deleted And Extended Scenes
• Extended Ending
• Photo Galleries – Movie Stills, Posters, Lobby cards, Publicity Photos, And Behind-the-scenes Photos!

DISC TWO

• NEW! You’re The Hero – An Interview With Actor Dennis Dun!
• NEW! The Soul Of Lo Pan – An Interview With Actor James Hong!
• NEW! Able To Be Myself – An Interview With Actor Donald Li!
• NEW! The Tao Of Thunder – An Interview With Actor Carter Wong!
• NEW! The Tao Of Rain – An Interview With Actor Peter Kwong!
• NEW! The Hatchet Man Speaks – An Interview With Actor Al Leong!
• NEW! Damn Wiley Prescott – An Interview With Writer W.D. Richter!
• NEW! It Was A Western Ghost Story – An Interview With Writer Gary Goldman!
• NEW! The Poetry Of Motion – An Interview With Associate Producer/Martial Arts Choreographer James Lew!
• NEW! Into The Mystic Night – An Interview With The Coupe De Ville’s Member Nick Castle!
• NEW! Since We Were Kids – An Interview With Second Unit Director/The Coupe De Ville’s Member Tommy Lee Wallace!
• NEW! Love And Art – A Conversation With Movie Poster Artist Drew Struzan!
• Return To Little China – An Interview With Director John Carpenter!
• Being Jack Burton – An Interview With Actor Kurt Russell!
• Carpenter And I – An Interview With Director Of Photography Dean Cundey!
• Producing Big Trouble – An Interview With Producer Larry Franco!
• Staging Big Trouble – An Interview With Stuntman Jeff Imada!
• Interview With Visual Effects Artist Richard Edlund!
• Vintage Featurette

EXCLUSIVE SCREAM FACTORY BUNDLES:

BUNDLE #1 - $51.98 - ORDER HERE!

• BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA (2-Disc Collector's Edition) with slipcover!
• An exclusive 18” x 24” rolled poster of the new Collector’s Edition artwork by Laz Marquez!
• A 7” green vinyl (via Sacred Bones) featuring music composed by John Carpenter and recorded by John, Cody Carpenter, and Daniel Davies. The A-side includes the 2017 version of the main theme, "Porkchop Express" and the B-side contains a never-before-released recording of "The Alley War," recorded by the trio in 2019. Limited to 2,500 copies and housed in a lavish slipcase with new art by frequent Carpenter collaborator Chris Bilheimer!

BUNDLE #2 - $53.98 - ORDER HERE!

• BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA (2-Disc Limited Edition Steelbook)!
• An exclusive 28.5” x 16.5" rolled lithograph of the new Steelbook artwork by Nat Marsh!
• A 7” green vinyl (via Sacred Bones) featuring music composed by John Carpenter and recorded by John, Cody Carpenter, and Daniel Davies. The A-side includes the 2017 version of the main theme, "Porkchop Express" and the B-side contains a never-before-released recording of "The Alley War," recorded by the trio in 2019. Limited to 2,500 copies and housed in a lavish slipcase with new art by frequent Carpenter collaborator Chris Bilheimer!

BUNDLE #3 - $71.98 - ORDER HERE!

• BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA (2-Disc Collector's Edition) with slipcover!
• BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA (2-Disc Limited Edition Steelbook)!
• An exclusive 18” x 24” rolled poster of the new Collector’s Edition artwork by Laz Marquez!
• An exclusive 28.5” x 16.5" rolled lithograph of the new Steelbook artwork by Nat Marsh!
• A 7” green vinyl (via Sacred Bones) featuring music composed by John Carpenter and recorded by John, Cody Carpenter, and Daniel Davies. The A-side includes the 2017 version of the main theme, "Porkchop Express" and the B-side contains a never-before-released recording of "The Alley War," recorded by the trio in 2019. Limited to 2,500 copies and housed in a lavish slipcase with new art by frequent Carpenter collaborator Chris Bilheimer!

Egads! Those bundles are a bit rich for my blood (I personally settled on the plain ole steelbook!) but since we're in the thick of the Christmas season, any of these three packages could be an amazing gift for that BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA fan in your life! However, if spending $50+ is not an option, you can get the Collector's Edition of the film for between $23 - $28 from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY. The Steelbook costs between $25 - $30 and can also be obtained from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or SHOUT! FACTORY.

A Trio of Terrors Arrive on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Today: PAN'S LABYRINTH, THE SHINING, and ZOMBIELAND!

PICK UP THESE NEW 4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY TITLES TO VISIT FANTASTICAL WORLDS, EXPERIENCE A KILLER CASE OF WRITER'S BLOCK, AND WITNESS (ARGUABLY) THE GREATEST CELEBRITY CAMEO EVER!

It's weeks like this, where I'm glad I snagged a 4K Blu-ray player Vault Dwellers! Guillermo del Toro's PAN'S LABYRINTH is an equally beautiful and haunting fairy tale, about a young girl escaping the horrors of the real world, by exploring the fantastical ones in her imagination! Kubrick's THE SHINING is a brilliant descent into madness that has earned its status as a Horror classic, and ZOMBIELAND is a fun take on a tired Horror sub-genre with one of the absolute greatest celebrity cameos of all time! And now all three of these great films area available on 4K UHD! Let's take a closer look, shall we?

PAN'S LABYRINTH (2006)

Synopsis: Following a bloody civil war, young Ofelia enters a world of unimaginable cruelty when she moves in with her new stepfather, a tyrannical military officer. Armed with only her imagination, Ofelia discovers a mysterious labyrinth and meets a faun who sets her on a path to saving herself and her ailing mother. But soon, the lines between fantasy and reality begin to blur, and before Ofelia can turn back, she finds herself at the center of a ferocious battle between good and evil.

Written, produced, and directed by Guillermo del Toro (HELLBOY, PACIFIC RIM, THE SHAPE OF WATER), PAN'S LABYRINTH premiered at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival where it received a 22-minute standing ovation, followed by its North American premiere at the 2006 Toronto International Film Festival. The critically-acclaimed film won multiple awards, including three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards, the Ariel Award for Best Picture, the Saturn Award for Best International Film, and the 2007 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form. The film also appeared on more than 20 critic's top ten lists for 2006.

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 119 minutes | Region Free
Video - 2160p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1

Extras:

• Audio commentary by Guillermo del Toro.
• Video prologue by Guillermo del Toro.
• The Power of Myth
• The Faun and the Fairies
• The Color and the Shape
• The Director's Notebook

PAN'S LABYRINTH apparently look and sounds amazing on the 4K Ultra HD format so I can't wait to eventually add it to my collection and see for myself. The disc currently costs between $25 - $32, and can easily be obtained from AMAZON or BULL MOOSE!

THE SHINING (1980)

Synopsis: Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) becomes the winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado, hoping to cure his writer's block. He settles in along with his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and his son, Danny (Danny Lloyd), who is plagued by psychic premonitions. As Jack's writing goes nowhere and Danny's visions become more disturbing, Jack discovers the hotel's dark secrets and begins to unravel into a homicidal maniac hell-bent on terrorizing his family.

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 146 minutes | Region Free
Video - 2160p Widescreen (1.78:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 & Dolby Digital 2.0 (Also contains French, German, Polish, & Spanish 5.1 tracks, plus an Italian 2.0 track.)

Extras:

• NEW! 4K RESTORATION OF STANLEY KUBRICK'S 146 MINUTE VERSION OF THE FILM!
• Audio commentary by Steadicam inventor Garrett Brown and Stanley Kubrick biographer John Baxter!
• Video from the Overlook: Crafting The Shining
• Enter the terrifying world of the Overlook Hotel as only Stanley Kubrick could envision it!
• The Visions of Stanley Kubrick
• A detailed look at one of cinema's greatest visual storytellers and his unique ability to move audiences through the magic of unforgettable images!
• The Making of The Shining
• This cinema verite documentary offers a rare glimpse into the directing style of Stanley Kubrick as he interacts with stars Jack Nicholson, Shelly Duvall, and others!
• Wendy Carlos, Composer
• Composer Wendy Carlos reflects on working with complex auteur Stanley Kubrick and developing music scores for The Shining and A Clockwork Orange!

Warner Bros.' new restoration of THE SHINING is now available to purchase, and should cost between $25 - $35! Though all the extras have been ported over from the previous Blu-ray release (minus the trailer), the picture quality alone makes this worth owning! Get yourself a copy of THE SHINING 4K UHD disc now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, or DIABOLIK DVD!

ZOMBIELAND (2009)

Synopsis: Nerdy college student Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) has survived the plague that has turned mankind into flesh-devouring zombies because he's scared of just about everything. Gun-toting, Twinkie-loving Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) has no fears. Together, they are about to stare down their most horrifying challenge yet: each other's company. Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin co-star in this double-hitting, head-smashing comedy.

Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 88 minutes | Region Free
Video - 2160p Widescreen (2.40:1)
Audio - English Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD 7.1, & DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (+ various other languages in Dolby Digital 5.1)

Extras:

DISC ONE

• NEW! HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM EXCLUSIVE DOLBY ATMOS TRACK!
• NEW! Raised From the Dead: Zombieland A Decade Later
• Behind the Scenes with the Cast and Crew of Zombieland!
• Shootin' Zombies with Ruben Fleischer
• Theatrical Trailer

DISC TWO

• Beyond the Graveyard Picture-in-Picture Track!
• Audio Commentary with Filmmakers and Cast!
• In Search of Zombieland Featurette
• Zombieland is Your Land Featurette
• Deleted Scenes
• Visual Effects Progression Scenes
• Theatrical Promo Trailers

With ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP heading to theaters in a few short weeks, it's no surprise that Sony would give the original film some love. The 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray of ZOMBIELAND is now available and should cost around $20! Get yourself a copy now from AMAZON or BULL MOOSE!

Kino Cinema Classics Gives JACK THE GIANT KILLER A Much-Needed Upgrade!

NATHAN JURAN'S MONSTER AND SORCERY-FUELED ADVENTURE TALE IS NOW AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY!

Long before it had the honor of appearing on Rifftrax Live, I had been a long-time fan of JACK THE GIANT KILLER! I first watched this film on TV at a young age and was blown away by the stop-motion effects (this is just BEFORE I discovered the films of Ray Harryhausen) and the number of creatures the film's hero has to face. Needless to say, it became an instant favorite of yours truly! And now it seems that the time is right to revisit this blast from my past now that it has made the leap to Blu-ray!

Synopsis: Forget about beanstalks. This "vivid fairy tale" (LA Herald-Examiner) brilliantly re-imagines the beloved fable as a rugged adventure that delights with "vigorous acting and excellent trick effects" (Halliwell's Film and Video Guide)! Reuniting the director and stars Kerwin Mathews and Torin Thatcher (from THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD), this visual treat is a journey you'll want to take again and again!

Farm boy Jack heroically rescues Princess Elaine from sorcerer Pendragon by slaying his bloodthirsty giant. But when Pendragon uses his evil powers to bewitch and imprison Elaine in his enchanted fortress, Jack must cross the ocean to brave dragons, two headed ogres, and an army of ghouls to save his lady love!

Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 94 & 91 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.66:1)
Audio - DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0

Extras:

• NEW! Remastered original 94-minute cut in HD + a "re-envisioned" 91-minute musical cut!
• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Tim Lucas (Original Cut)
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Trailers for other Kino Lorber Cinema Classics titles
• Reversible Blu-ray Art

If you're a fan of classic stop-motion fantasy films, you definitely need to add this one to your collection! JACK THE GIANT KILLER is currently available on Blu-ray disc and can be obtained from AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, and DIABOLIK DVD!

WANTED ON BLU-RAY: THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME (1989)

WANTED ON BLU-RAY:
THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME (1989)

Rated PG | Color | 95 minutes

As was very much the case with the previous entries in this column (i.e. BLOOD BEACH and MY DEMON LOVER), THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME was another film I discovered on VHS back in the '90s. I pulled it out of a heap of used rental tapes (going for the astoundingly low price of 5 for $20!), and threw it in with my other video treasures. That was at least twenty years ago, and it saddens me to realize that I no longer own a physical copy of animator Mike Jittlov's magnum opus.

Synopsis: A decade after having his 1979 short THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME showcased on an episode of The Magical World of Disney's Major Effects, Mike Jittlov ended up remaking it for a feature-length film bearing the same title. What's truly interesting about this movie is that it is more or less a biopic about the creation of Jittlov's original short, as well as his brief partnership with Disney, which obviously left him a little frustrated at a studio system that is fraught with red tape.

In THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME, Mike Jittlov plays himself: A talented, but eccentric animator and visual effects wiz who doesn't like to shake hands. As he attempts to show off his work and receive the recognition he desires, Mike becomes a pawn in a $25,000 wager between two Hollywood producers, portrayed by actual Producer Richard Kaye (THE TOMB, TURN OF THE BLADE) and actor Steve Brodie (THE GIANT SPIDER INVASION, FRANKENSTEIN ISLAND).

Despite some meddling from Kaye's Harvey Bookman, Mike's friends and family pull together to help him create a special effects masterpiece that will be broadcast nationwide on television! And as the film reaches its conclusion, we get to see Jittlov's brilliant work in the form of his new and improved THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME short!

He's powered by green energy!

This oft-forgotten movie is on the odd side, but it's full of heart, and every frame oozes Mike Jittlov's passion for telling stories and creating effects. It's a fun and (relatively) family friendly movie that never truly had a chance to find an audience (though it has certainly built up a cult following over the decades), and therefore deserves to be released on Blu-ray!

Availability: At this current time, THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME is out of print! If you simply must own a physical copy of the film, there are several VHS copies for sale on AMAZON and EBAY. For those that prefer digital, there's a really good copy of the film HERE on YouTube that was uploaded with Jittlov's permission.

Current Rights Holder: THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME (aka WOSAT) got a brief theatrical run in 1989 through Shapiro-Glickenhaus Entertainment (aka SGE), followed by a VHS release that same year. Image Entertainment handled the laserdisc release for Jittlov's film, which would end up getting a VHS re-release in 1992, courtesy of Starmaker Entertainment. But who currently owns the rights?

Option one: Synapse Films. I say this because Synapse has snapped up distribution for numerous SGE titles, including RED SCORPION, BASKET CASE 2, BASKET CASE 3: THE PROGENY, MANIAC COP, MCBAIN, and FRANKENHOOKER. Option two: Lionsgate. Starmaker Entertainment was engulfed by Anchor Bay decades ago, and as we all know, Lionsgate bought out Anchor Bay in late 2016.

 Option three.

As it turns out, neither Synapse or Lionsgate are involved here Vault Dwellers. Since the studio that distributed the film (SGE) disbanded in the mid-90s, the rights apparently reverted back to Mike Jittlov! This is one of those rare occasions where the creator has full control of their film! (Huzzah!)

Blu-ray Wishlist:

• A fully remastered 2K transfer of the film. (4K is probably asking for too much.)
• Original Mono audio and new 5.1 Surround Mix.
• Audio commentary with Writer/Producer/Director/Star Mike Jittlov.
• Interviews with Mike Jittlov, Producer/Star Richard Kaye, Actress Paige Moore, Composer John Massari (KILLER KLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE, SNAKE EATER, et al.), and director Frank LaLoggia (LADY IN WHITE, FEAR NO EVIL) who had a bit part in the film.
• Original THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME short from 1979.
• Mike Jittlov's other animation efforts: Animato, Swing Shift, and Time Tripper.
• Gallery of posters & stills.
• Original theatrical trailer.

I'm a big fan of THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME, and I think the time is right for it to find a much larger audience. If you agree that this movie has enough cult appeal to warrant a Blu-ray release, sound off below! Also to sate my own personal curiosity, I have contacted Mike Jittlov via e-mail to see if the man behind THE WIZARD OF SPEED AND TIME can offer up any information on whether or not a Blu-ray disc of WOSAT is a remote possibility! Stay tuned for updates Vault Dwellers!

Shout! Factory to enchant U.S. audiences with Christoph Gans' BEAUTY AND THE BEAST!

SHOUT! FACTORY SECURES U.S. DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS TO CHRISTOPH GANS' HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FANTASY EPIC!

Honestly this isn't really my cup of tea, but news is news right? Plus I really dug Gans' BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF, so I'm willing to give this a chance. Here's some info on 2014's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, which was just acquired by Shout! Factory for North American distribution. Theatrical, VOD, DVD, & Blu-ray release dates have yet to be announced.

Film Synopsis: The year is 1810. After the wreck of his ships, a financially-ruined merchant (André Dussollier) exiles himself in the countryside with his six children. Among them is Belle (Léa Seydoux), his youngest daughter, a joyful girl full of grace.

One day, during an arduous journey, the merchant stumbles across the magical domain of the Beast (Vincent Cassel), who sentences him to death for stealing a rose.

Feeling responsible for the terrible fate which has befallen her family, Belle decides to sacrifice herself and take her father’s place. At the Beast’s castle, it is not death that awaits Belle, but a strange life in which fantastical moments mingle with gaiety and melancholy. Every night, at dinner, Belle and the Beast sit down together.

They learn about each other, taming one another like two strangers who are total opposites. When she has to repulse his amorous advances, Belle tries to pierce the mysteries of the Beast and his domain. And when night falls, the Beast’s past is revealed to her bit by bit in her dreams. It is a tragic story, which tells her that this solitary and fearsome being was once a majestic prince.

Armed with her courage, ignoring every danger, and opening her heart, Belle manages to release the Beast from his curse. And in doing so, she discovers true love.

Directed by Christophe Gans (SILENT HILL, BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF), this visually opulent major motion picture stars Vincent Cassel (BLACK SWAN, OCEAN'S 13) and Léa Seydoux (SPECTRE, GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL) with André Dussollier (A VERY LONG ENGAGEMENT, AMELIE).

Produced by Eskwad and Pathé, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (LA BELLE ET LA BÊTE) premiered at Berlin International Film Festival to great audience enthusiasm and is already a box-office success in much of the world. The announcement was made today by Shout! Factory’s founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos; and Muriel Sauzay, EVP of Pathé International.

Shout! Factory has secured all U.S. distribution rights to BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (LA BELLE ET LA BÊTE), including theatrical, video on-demand, digital, broadcast and home entertainment for cross-platform releases. Shout! Factory plans a strategic rollout of this movie in theaters, across all major entertainment platforms and in all packaged media (Blu-ray/DVD).

While I await further details on this film's U.S. release, give the trailer a watch to see what all the hooplah is about.

Trailer Round-Up: WTF!, BANG BANG BABY, THE LAST HOUSE, MIDNIGHT SPECIAL, and A MONSTER CALLS.

Sorry for the lack of news and updates lately gang. The holiday season is upon us and work is kicking my butt, plus I've gotten back into retro gaming and am currently juggling numerous TV shows (including ASH VS. EVIL DEAD, THE WALKING DEAD, and JESSICA JONES). So to play a bit of catch-up, here are five trailers for upcoming genre films, ranging from fantastical Hollywood blockbusters, to indie Horror flicks!

TRAILER #1: BANG BANG BABY
Let's kick things off with a sci-fi musical! Stepphy (Jane Levy) dreams of running away to become a starlet of stage and screen, even more-so when teen heartthrob Bobby Shore's car breaks down in her hometown. But when a purple gas leaks from the local chemical plant, spontaneous mutations break out and threaten Stepphy's hopes for stardom! What's a girl to do?! BANG BANG BABY is now available on all Video On Demand services - scope it out!



TRAILER #2: THE LAST HOUSE
Kevin Smith regular Jason Mewes is in a race against time to rescue his girlfriend from a trio of escaped mental patients in this new indie thriller. Be sure to keep an eye out for SLEEPAWAY CAMP's very own Felissa Rose in the trailer! THE LAST HOUSE is available on DVD and VOID tomorrow!



TRAILER #3: MIDNIGHT SPECIAL
Due out in theaters on March 18th, 2016, this new sci-fi flick follows a dad on the run from authorities because his son has special (i.e. dangerous) powers. Kind of reminds me of FIRESTARTER now that I think of it. Starring Mark "Zod" Shannon, Kirsten Dunst, Sam Shepard, et al.



TRAILER #4: A MONSTER CALLS
In the tradition of PAN'S LABYRINTH (minus all the horrifying elements) comes A MONSTER CALLS, in which a young boy learns to cope with his mother's terminal illness by seeking out and befriending(?) a giant tree monster (voiced by Liam Neeson). This one is due out on October 14th, of next year, so I'm a little surprised that they've already released a teaser for it ten months early. If anything though, I am now curious about seeing the "Neeson Ent" in action.



TRAILER #5: WTF!
Three years after surviving a massacre, Rachel decides to head to a secluded cabin with some friends for a weekend of drinking and debauchery. Naturally, history begins to repeat itself as the partying "teens" begin dying off one by one. WTF! is due out sometime in 2016 on DVD and VOD!


That's all I've got for you today! Check back again soon for more movie trailers, news, and more!

SNOW GIRL AND THE DARK CRYSTAL coming to DVD & Blu-ray on August 4th!

LI BINGBING & CHEN KUN STAR IN THIS ROMANTIC FANTASY EPIC! COMING TO DIGITAL HD, BLU-RAY, & DVD ON AUGUST 4TH!  

I don't know about you, but I'm a total sucker for Asian fantasy and adventure flicks! And seeing as how this one is a love story, I could probably even get my significant other to sit down and watch it with me!

Synopsis: Academy Award winning cinematographer Peter Pau (CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON) makes his third bow as a director (alongside co-director Zhao Tianyu) with the romantic fantasy adventure epic SNOW GIRL AND THE DARK CRYSTAL, debuting on Digital HD, Blu-ray, and DVD from Well Go USA Entertainment.

Shot in scenic locations in Mainland China, and featuring “a story filled with its fair share of demons, monsters, magic and mystics, coupled with romance, danger and spectacular action,” (Film Combat Syndicate), SNOW GIRL AND THE DARK CRYSTAL depicts legendary hero Zhong Kui, a fabled warrior with mysterious powers, who is forced to conquer the realms of Heaven and Hell to save his people and the woman he loves.

The film stars Chen Kun (YOUNG DETECTIVE DEE: RISE OF THE SEA DRAGON, FLYING SWORDS OF DRAGON GATE) as the mythic demon hunter, and Li Bingbing (TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION, DETECTIVE DEE: MYSTERY OF THE PHANTOM FLAME) as the alluring snow demon with whom he falls in love.

Check out the trailer now!
 

Bonus content on this release will include the film's original theatrical trailer, and a handful of making-of featurettes about the film's music and special effects. SNOW GIRL AND THE DARK CRYSTAL is available on August 4th in all formats. Order your copy now from Amazon.com on DVD or BLU-RAY!