WANTED ON BLU-RAY: METAMORPHOSIS: THE ALIEN FACTOR (1990) Rated R | Color | 98 minutes
Back in my mid-to-late teens there was a wondrous place called Hollywood Liquidators (R.I.P.) that bought out VHS stock (and later DVDs) from various rental chain stores that were closing, and sold them at relatively low prices! It's because of this shop that my VHS collection grew as quickly as it did, and is also how I discovered so many hidden (and forgotten) gems, including today's addition to the Wanted on Blu-ray column: METAMORPHOSIS - THE ALIEN FACTOR (aka THE ALIEN FACTOR).
Not to be mistaken for that other 1990 film titled METAMORPHOSIS that was directed by George Eastman (or the documentary METAMORHPOSIS: MAN INTO WOMAN, or Branko Ranitovic's short film METAMORPHOSIS) THE ALIEN FACTOR was initially planned by Ted A. Bohus as a sequel to the excellent indie sci-fi/horror film THE DEADLY SPAWN. However, much like a hapless character in the movie, THE ALIEN FACTOR rapidly mutated into something different altogether and would sadly vanish into relative obscurity. Synopsis: A researcher at the Talos bio-lab is experimenting with alien bacteria, but gets careless and ends up getting bitten by one of the strange mutations he is studying. The resulting infection causes him to rapidly degenerate as his body painfully morphs into a disgusting human-shaped flesh-cocoon. Eventually a large carnivorous monstrosity bursts forth from the icky mass, leading to a gory, effects-laden reign of terror within the facility!
To be quite honest Vault Dwellers, it's been decades since I've seen this movie and I don't recall much about it, other than the special and visual effects which blew me away so many years ago! Along with puppetry and animatronics, there was a good amount of decent stop-motion animation involved to bring the main creature, and various smaller monstrosities, to life. And while this was definitely intended to be a DEADLY SPAWN followup, there were clearly other inspirations at work here including THE FLY & THE FLY II, John Carpenter's THE THING and even 1980's proto-PREDATOR classic WITHOUT WARNING!
John Carpenter's "Uncircimcised Thing."
This movie's scripting, acting, and casting aren't the main attraction. (Then again, when we're talking about movies like this, are they ever?!) The main reason, nay, the sole reason to seek this movie out is for the effects. METAMORPHOSIS: THE ALIEN FACTOR showcases the fantastic early efforts of a crew of makeup and special effects artists that are still actively working in the film industry today, and have films like THE RELIC, THE FACULTY, and even CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER under their belts! For that reason alone this movie deserves to be given a high-def restoration dammit!
Availability: METAMORPHOSIS: THE ALIEN FACTOR hit VHS via Vidmark Entertainment on December 15th, 1993, and then on Laserdisc the following week! It would then surprisingly come to DVD thanks to Lionsgate, on February 19th, 2004! The disc (which is still in print as of my posting this!) showcases the film in a fullscreen (1.33:1) format and contains a trailer as the lone bonus feature! But if you don't want to spend $10 to own a copy, you could always watch a VHS rip of the movie on YouTube.
Current Rights Holder: Luckily this is an easy one! Production on DEADLY SPAWN II: METAMORPHOSIS began in 1987, but due to cash flow issues and several lawsuits, production was halted for a while. Eventually the film was completed, renamed, and released to VHS in Germany in late 1990! In 1991, THE ALIEN FACTOR was shopped around at various film festivals as the producers attempted to get theatrical distribution.
In the end, Vidmark Entertainment (a subsidiary of Trimark Pictures) released the movie to VHS & Laserdisc in December of 1993. Trimark, who apparently owned the domestic rights to the film in perpetuity, merged with Lionsgate in the year 2000! This means that METAMORPHOSIS: THE ALIEN FACTOR not only has a forever home, but could very well become part of the Vestron Video Collector's Series in the future!
That Blu-ray announcement is creeping up on us right now like a phallic space mutant! I just know it is!
Blu-ray Wishlist:
A new 2K restoration of the film from the best film elements available! I'm not sure if METAMORPHOSIS was shot in widescreen, but that would be preferable to the currently available fullscreen release!
Audio commentary with Director Glenn Takakjian!
Making-of documentary chronicling METAMORPHOSIS' troubled production, and its wonderfully gooey effects!
Cast & crew interviews, particularly with the special effects and makeup effects artists!
Deleted & extended scenes (if any exist)!
Galleries featuring production artwork, storyboards, behind-the-scenes photos, and promotional artwork!
Theatrical trailer.
We are coming up on the 30th anniversary of this forgotten creature feature, and I think it would be awesome if an honest-to-goodness special edition Blu-ray was announced! I know I'm asking a lot with my wishlist (that's par for the course) but even if a mostly bare bones Blu-ray was released, I'd be a pretty happy camper! Until that day arrives, I'll just hope that the powers that be at Lionsgate somehow see this post and think "Hmm... yeah. Maybe we WILL cater to this lunatic and the people who read his blog!"
Stay tuned for updates on the fate of METAMORPHOSIS: THE ALIEN FACTOR's Blu-ray debut, and further new additions in our continuing WANTED ON BLU-RAY series!
THE 1953 SCI-FI CLASSIC GETS AN INCREDIBLE 4K RESTORATION, AND SOME GREAT BONUS FEATURES, FROM IGNITE FILMS!
Note: Ignite Films released the Limited Edition of this title last December, which came with a slipcover and a 20-page essay on the film's "nightmarish" restoration process. The release I'm covering today is the standard edition, which has all of the same extras, but is missing the essay and slipcover (unless you order a copy directly from Ignite Films' online shop)!
I've got to be 100% honest here Vault Dwellers: I have never seen the original INVADERS FROM MARS! Unbelievable, right?! The Tobe Hooper remake from 1986 is a personal favorite of mine that I revisit every so often, but I just never got around to watching its predecessor! With Ignite Films (a company that's been around since the early 90s, but is only just now dipping a toe into the realm of physical media) releasing INVADERS on 4K disc next week, I think it's about damned time I remedy this injustice! So come with me to "Copper Hill" my fellow disc maniacs, for a closer look at one of the most highly anticipated boutique releases of this year!
Synopsis: In the early 1950s, Cold War tensions and the burgeoning space race created a heady mix of paranoia and unbridled creativity as filmmakers speculated as to the marvels – and horrors – that lay beyond the stars. Among those leading the charge, William Cameron Menzies’ (THINGS TO COME) INVADERS FROM MARS terrified audiences upon its release in 1953 with its chilling vision of an insidious alien attack on small-town Americana.
On a dark and stormy night, a young boy, David McLean (Jimmy Hunt, PITFALL), observes what appears to be a flying saucer crash-landing in his town. Shortly thereafter, the grown-ups – including his own parents – begin acting decidedly strangely. Convinced there’s a link between this epidemic of bizarre behavior and what he witnessed that night, David turns to local health official Dr. Blake (Helena Carter, KISS TOMORROW GOODBYE) for help. But can these two unlikely heroes, together with famed astronomer Dr. Kelston (Arthur Franz, THE CAINE MUTINY), withstand the might of a full-blown invasion from outer space?
A landmark in sci-fi cinema, INVADERS FROM MARS inspired filmmakers as wide-ranging as Don Coscarelli (the PHANTASM series), Brad Bird (THE IRON GIANT) and John Carpenter (THE THING). Now fully restored for its 70th anniversary, this trend-setting Atom Age classic unleashes its spine-tingling terror on a whole new generation of filmgoers in this brand new remastered presentation!
Disc Specs: Not Rated | Color | 78 minutes | Region Free (4K disc), Region A (Blu-ray) Video - 2160p Academy Ratio (1.37:1) Audio - English & Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
Extras:
Interviews with star Jimmy Hunt, William Cameron Menzies'
biographer James Curtis, and recollections of Menzies' eldest
granddaughter Pamela Lauesen!
Featurette with acclaimed film directors John Landis, Joe Dante,
editor Mark Goldblatt, special visual effects artist and two-time Oscar
Winner Robert Skotak (foremost expert on Invaders from Mars), and
enthusiast and film preservationist Scott MacQueen!
John Sayles' introduction at Turner Classic Movie Festival in Hollywood, April 2022!
Before/after clips of restoration – original negative and
archival film elements - with film restoration supervisor Scott MacQueen!
Restored segments in 2K of the Alternate International Version -- alternative ending and extended Planetarium scene!
Gallery with original Press Book pages, behind the scenes photos from the restoration process!
Restored 4K original 1953 trailer AND a newly commissioned trailer 2022!
Ignite Films' 4K UHD (and Blu-ray) of INVADERS FROM MARS will be available to purchase at most online retailers on Tuesday, July 11th, and should cost between $33 - $44! You can order a copy right now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or get INVADERS directly from IGNITE FILMS, which should net you an exclusive slipcover!
KINO LORBER STUDIO CLASSICS GIVES THIS FORGOTTEN SANDAHL BERGMAN CYBORG ACTIONER ITS BLU-RAY DEBUT!
Honestly Vault Dwellers, I never knew this movie existed until about a month ago, and I'm hoping to get my paws on it sooner rather than later now that Kino Lorber gave it the physical media release it deserves! The trailer definitely makes this one look like its a good time (low IMDB score be damned) and I could totally see myself double-featuring it with EVE OF DESTRUCTION (another killer female-cyborg on-the-loose film that doesn't get nearly enough love)! If you saw this movie once on VHS as a kid and kinda liked it, or never heard of it before (like me) then continue reading to get all the details of this new Blu-ray release!
Synopsis: Captured in a daring raid by ex-CIA agent Eric Mathews (Robert Ginty - THE EXTERMINATOR, EXTERMINATOR 2), the merciless terrorist hit-woman Samira (Sandahl Bergman - CONAN THE BARBARIAN) is brought to the U.S., where she undergoes experimental brain surgery. Transformed into an unstoppable bionic warrior, she returns to the Middle East, where she obediently wipes out all of her former comrades. But when a malfunction reactivates Samira's human memories, she launches into a frenzy of cold-blooded vengeance.
As she methodically terminates her CIA adversaries, only Mathews can halt her murderous onslaught! Directed by Allan Holzman (FORBIDDEN WORLD), PROGRAMMED TO KILL (a.k.a. THE RETALIATOR) is a gripping, futuristic action thriller that also stars James Booth (AVENGING FORCE) and a young Paul Walker (THE FAST & THE FURIOUS franchise).
Disc Specs: Rated R | Color | 91 minutes | Region A Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1) Audio - English 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras:
NEW! 2K RESTORATION FROM AN INTERPOSITIVE!
NEW! Audio Commentary by Director Allan Holzman, Moderated by Filmmaker Douglas Hosdale!
NEW! Interview with Screenwriter Robert Short!
Alternate Opening Title Credit
Theatrical Trailer (Newly Mastered in 2K!)
Reversible "Retaliator" Art and Spine!
Limited Edition O-Card Slipcase!
We are truly living in a golden age where almost anything is likely to get a Blu-ray or 4K UHD release, including obscure stuff that vanished after VHS went bust. So even if it isn't all that great (it at least has to be better than R.O.T.O.R., right?) I'm happy to see PROGRAMMED TO KILL getting a second chance at finding an audience over three decades after its theatrical release! Also known as THE RETALIATOR, this sci-fi actioner is currently available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics and should cost between $15 - $18! Snap up a copy now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or get it directly from KINO LORBER!
SHOUT SELECT KNOCKS A TITLE OFF OF MY BUCKET LIST WITH THEIR NEW BLU-RAY RELEASE OF THIS JOE DANTE CLASSIC!
Everyone seems to openly give their love to Joe Dante's GREMLINS, THE HOWLING, PIRANHA, or THE 'BURBS, while his kid-centric sci-fi film EXPLORERS goes largely unmentioned. (And if I'm wrong about that well.... good!) So it brings me great joy in sharing this news Vault Dwellers: As of May 25th, EXPLORERS is available on Blu-ray disc! Initially only available on DVD from Paramount, the movie makes its HD debut with two different cuts (sadly neither is a director's cut), deleted scenes, new making-of featurette, & more! If you're excited as I am to own this Collector's Edition release, then read on!
Synopsis: The visionary dreams of three curious and adventuresome young boys become an exciting reality in Explorers, the action-fantasy from acclaimed director Joe Dante, who combines keen humor, warmth and fantasy with unexpected twists.
In their makeshift laboratory, the boys use an amazing discovery and their ingenuity to build their own spaceship and launch themselves on a fantastic interplanetary journey. A galaxy of adventure for the whole family, EXPLORERS stars a young River Phoenix (STAND BY ME, SNEAKERS) and Ethan Hawke (TRAINING DAY, REALITY BITES).
Disc Specs: Rated PG | Color | 106 & 109 minutes | Region A Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1) Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Extras:
Includes The Home Video & Theatrical Cuts Of The Film!
NEW!A Science Fiction Fairy Tale: The Story Of
Explorers – Featuring New Interviews With Director Joe Dante,
Screenwriter Eric Luke, Star Ethan Hawke, And More! (65 min.)
NEW! Deleted Scenes With Optional Commentary By Joe Dante!
NEW! Interviews With Cinematographer John Hora And Editor Tina Hirsch!
Theatrical Trailer
As of tomorrow (May 25th) Shout Select's Collector's Edition of EXPLORERS will be available, wherever Blu-ray discs are sold, and should cost between $23 - $29. Treat yourself and relive the magic of this film by picking up a copy today from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY. (Note: The collectible poster that Shout! was offering through their site when you ordered this movie is officially OUT OF STOCK.)
SEVERIN FILMS ASTOUNDS COLLECTORS WITH THEIR NEW BOXED SET OF AL ADAMSON FLICKS!
Note: There is an issue with Disc #8 in this set - Severin Films is working hard to get replacement discs out to those of you who already purchased this!
2020 has been an awful year: We've got widening political divides, a global pandemic, and have lost so many great artists & entertainers. And yet, this has been one of the most amazing years as far as Blu-ray releases are concerned. Criterion is bringing us an amazing BRUCE LEE COLLECTION, Arrow Video is bringing us all of the GAMERA films in one set, and then there's Severin Films' incredible 32-film AL ADAMSON: THE MASTERPIECE COLLECTION, which not only boasts (almost) the entire directorial filmography of the late exploitation filmmaker, but a feature-length documentary about his career plus numerous bonus features!
If you ordered from SEVERIN FILMS directly, you probably already have your set (like I do!) but for those of you who haven't ordered yet (likely because of its pricing), let's dig into this set and see if I can tempt you!
About this Set: Severin Films is proud to present the most comprehensive Blu-ray box set ever dedicated to the works of a single genre filmmaker with Al Adamson: The Masterpiece Collection, featuring 31 remastered Adamson films on 14 discs, plus trailers, audio commentaries, a 126-page book, the 2019 documentary feature BLOOD & FLESH: THE REEL LIFE & GHASTLY DEATH OF AL ADAMSON and more. Exhaustively compiled for the first time ever, Adamson’s ouvre spans a wild beyond belief world of bloody brains, vicious cowboys, naughty nurses, decrepit actors, sexy stewardesses, mad scientists, brutal bikers, Blaxploitation mayhem, kung fu killers and “scenes so SICK the Movies could never show them before!”
The life and career of B-movie maverick Adamson – known for such low budget classics as SATAN’S SADISTS, DRACULA VS. FRANKENSTEIN and THE NAUGHTY STEWARDESSES (as well as his own grisly 1995 murder) – reveals perhaps the most bizarre career in Hollywood history!
DISC ONE Synopses: BLOOD & FLESH: THE REEL LIFE & GHASTLY DEATH OF AL ADAMSON (2019): 'Horror Film Director Found Slain, Buried Under Floor,' screamed the August 1995 headline in the Los Angeles Times. But the whole truth behind Al Adamson's strange life and gruesome death reveals perhaps the most bizarre career in Hollywood history. From his early years as the son of a silent screen cowboy, through the production of some 30 lurid low budget pictures including SATAN'S SADISTS, DRACULA VS. FRANKENSTEIN and THE NAUGHTY STEWARDESSES, to his grisly demise, the Al Adamson story remains wild beyond belief in!
THE FEMALE BUNCH (1971): After a string of bad times with men, Sandy tries to kill herself.
Co-waitress Libby saves her and takes her to meet some female friends of
hers who live on a ranch in the desert. Grace, the leader of the gang,
puts Sandy through her initiation and they get on with the real job of
running drugs across the Mexican border, hassling poor farmers, taking
any man they please, and generally raising a little hell. Soon Sandy
becomes unsure if this is the life for her, but it may be too late to
get out.
Disc Specs: BLOOD & FLESH
Not Rated | Color | 100 minutes | Region Free
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.78:1)
Audio - English Dolby Digital 5.1
& 2.0 Stereo
THE FEMALE BUNCH
Rated R | Color | 86 minutes | Region Free
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.66:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
German & Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Extras: BLOOD & FLESH
Outtakes – The Cowboy Life Of Denver Dixon, Russ Tamblyn’s Melted TV, Manson & Screaming Angels, and The Prophetic Screenplay Makes Gary Kent Testify!
Beyond This Earth Promo Reel
Trailer
THE FEMALE BUNCH
Extended Scenes
The Bunch Speaks Out
Trailers
DISC TWO Synopses: PSYCHO A GO-GO (1965): Jewel thieves quickly dispose of the loot when the alarm is raised, then track down the family upon whose truck they threw them, meanly interrogating them in the hope of getting them back.
FIEND WITH THE ELECTRONIC BRAIN (1967) & BLOOD OF GHASTLY HORROR (1971): A mad scientist implants an electronic device into the brain of an injured soldier, which turns him into a psychotic killer. Both films are essentially PSYCHO A GO-GO with added subplots and gore!
Disc Specs: PSYCHO A GO-GO
Not Rated | Color | 85 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
FIEND WITH THE ELECTRONIC BRAIN
Rated PG | Color | 98 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
BLOOD OF GHASTLY HORROR
Rated PG | Color | 86 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
Extras: PSYCHO A GO-GO
Trailer
FIEND WITH THE ELECTRONIC BRAIN
Alternate Title Sequence: Man with the Synthetic Brain
Trailer
BLOOD OF GHASTLY HORROR
Archival Audio Commentary with Producer Samuel M. Sherman
Trailer
DISC THREE Synopses: HALFWAY TO HELL (1960): Prior to the revolution, Senorita Maria San Carlos, the only daughter of a wealthy landowner, was betrothed to Escobar, a General, but Maria believes in marriage for love and runs away with her friend Joanne. Soon they are in the desert between the border and Joanne's California home. They are intercepted by a gang of American cutthroats sent by Escobar to bring Maria back, as Escobar cannot leave his fight for Mexican freedom.
FIVE BLOODY GRAVES (1970): A former Civil War soldier returns to take revenge from a Yaqui chief
who killed his wife on their marriage night. Death plays with both men,
plus gun-runners and gold-runners, looking to make a large harvest of souls.
Disc Specs: HALFWAY TO HELL
Not Rated | Black & White | 67 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.77:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
FIVE BLOODY GRAVES
Rated R | Color | 87 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras: HALFWAY TO HELL
None.
FIVE BLOODY GRAVES
Outside of Tucson: Interview with Actor/Screenwriter Robert Dix!
Partial Archival Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
Alternate Title Sequence: Five Bloody Days to Tombstone
Radio Spots
Trailer
DISC FOUR Synopses: BLOOD OF DRACULA'S CASTLE (1969): Count Dracula and his wife capture beautiful young women and chain them
in their dungeon, to be used when they need to satisfy their thirst for
blood.
HORROR OF THE BLOOD MONSTERS (1970): In the near future with a intergalactic vampire plague threatening
earth, an expedition is sent to a distant galaxy in hopes of discovering
the plague's source.
Landing on a mysterious planet they discover that
Spectrum radiation has turned the atmosphere into a one-color tint.
Exploring further, the group discovers living dinosaurs, a race of
vampire cavemen, and other strange creatures.
Disc Specs: BLOOD OF DRACULA'S CASTLE
Rated M | Color | 84 & 91 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Fullscreen (1.33:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
HORROR OF THE BLOOD MONSTERS
Rated PG | Color | 85 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras: BLOOD OF DRACULA'S CASTLE
Two cuts of the film: Theatrical (84 minutes) & TV (91 minutes)
Partial Audio Commentary with Expert Brian Albright
Audio Interview Excerpt with Alex D’Arcy
Trailer
HORROR OF THE BLOOD MONSTERS
Partial Archival Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
Alternate Title Sequence: Space Mission of the Lost Planet
Trailers
TV Spots
Radio Spot
DISC FIVE Synopses: THE FAKERS (AKA SMASHING THE CRIME SYNDICATE - 1968) & HELL'S BLOODY DEVILS (1970): A government agent tries to break a Neo-Fascist group in California. This is another case of Al Adamson taking a mostly finished project and shooting new footage to alter the story.
Disc Specs: THE FAKERS
Rated PG | Color | 95 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
HELL'S BLOODY DEVILS
Rated PG | Color | 90 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras: THE FAKERS
Alternate Title Sequence: The Fakers (Original Title)
HELL'S BLOODY ANGELS
Archival Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
Sam Sherman Interviews Actor John Gabriel!
Trailer
TV Spots
DISC SIX Synopses: DRACULA VS. FRANKENSTEIN (1971): Dracula conspires with a mad doctor to resurrect the Frankenstein Monster, and eventually has a duel to the death with the mighty construct!
BRAIN OF BLOOD (1971): Amir, the benevolent ruler of Kalid, is dying, but there is the hope of transplanting his brain into another body. Freshly deceased, he is flown to the United States where Dr. Trenton, having unwisely put off acquiring another body until the last minute, transplants Amir's brain into the body of the disfigured simpleton assistant who failed in said chore.
Disc Specs: DRACULA VS. FRANKENSTEIN
Rated PG | Color | 91 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.66:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
BRAIN OF BLOOD
Rated PG | Color | 87 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Fullscreen (1.33:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras: DRACULA VS. FRANKENSTEIN
Zandor and Friends: Interview with Cast & Crew!
Archival Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
Feed Your Head! Lose Your Head!: An Appreciation by Cult Film Historian Howard S. Berger!
Monster Protest Home Movie Footage
Sam Sherman Interviews Forry Ackerman
Outtakes
Trailer
TV Spot
Audio Spots Including Triple Feature of Dracula vs. Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s Bloody Terror, and Horror of the Blood Monsters!
BRAIN OF BLOOD
Partial Archival Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
Memories of Blood: Interviews with Director Al Adamson, Producer Samuel M. Sherman, Actor Zandor Vorkov, and More!
Trailer
Radio Spots
DISC SEVEN Synopses: SATAN'S SADISTS (1969): The "Satans" are a very cruel biker gang led by Anchor. The gang goes to
a diner in the middle of nowhere in the California desert where they
begin to terrorize Lew, his customers, and his waitress, Tracy. After a
little killing, some of the patrons manages to escape into the desert in an attempt to reach a nearby town before the Satans
catch up to them and kill them.
ANGELS' WILD WOMEN (1971): Rowdy biker women get more than they bargained for after joining a commune.
Disc Specs: SATAN'S SADISTS
Rated R | Color | 87 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Fullscreen (1.33:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
ANGELS' WILD WOMEN
Rated R | Color | 85 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras: SATAN'S SADISTS
Archival Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
TV Spots
Outtakes
Radio Spots
Trailers
ANGELS' WILD RIDE
Archival Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
TV Spot
Radio Spots
Trailer
DISC EIGHT Synopses: THE NAUGHTY STEWARDESSES (1974): Four naughty female flight attendants become
involved with a wealthy womanizer, and live
out their wildest sexual softcore nude fantasies.
BLAZING STEWARDESSES (1975): This sequel to NAUGHTY STEWARDESSES, finds a planeful of
oversexed airline attendants touching down on a ranch. Little do they
know, however, about the masked bandit lurking in the sagebrush, who
just might ruin their plans for some lusty fun.
BLAZING STEWARDESSES features Al Adamson's wife, cult scream queen Regina
Carrol, and Yvonne DeCarlo, best know as TV's Lily Munster!
Disc Specs: THE NAUGHTY STEWARDESSES
Rated R | Color | 105 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
BLAZING STEWARDESSES
Rated R | Color | 98 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras: THE NAUGHTY STEWARDESSES
Archival Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
Fly Girls: The Stewardess as Lifestyle Icon in The Golden Age of Exploitation
TV Spot
Radio Spots
Trailer
BLAZING STEWARDESSES
Archival Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
DISC NINE Synopses: GIRLS FOR RENT (1974): A politician's mistress flees after he is assassinated, but the killers aren't done with her yet!
JESSI'S GIRLS (1975): Jessica has been raped and left for dead by a sadistic villain and his henchmen, but survives and goes on a quest for revenge.
NURSES FOR SALE (1976): A group of nurses are taken hostage by jungle bandits, and only a brave sea captain and his crew can rescue them!
Disc Specs: GIRLS FOR RENT
Rated R | Color | 91 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
JESSI'S GIRLS
Rated R | Color | 84 minutes| Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
NURSES FOR SALE Rated R | Color | 67 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.66:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras: GIRLS FOR RENT
Archival Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
Alternate Title Sequence: I Spit On Your Corpse
Trailer
Radio Spot
JESSI'S GIRLS
Trailer
NURSES FOR SALE
TV Spot
DISC TEN Synopses: BLACK HEAT (AKA THE MURDER GANG - 1976): Kicks Carter, a streetwise Las Vegas cop, is out to shut down an upscale
hotel that is actually a front for a host of illegal activities including gun-running, loan-sharking, prostitution and drug-dealing! And as if that weren't enough, a beautiful (but nosey) reporter keeps getting in Kicks' way!
THE DYNAMITE BROTHERS (1974): A young black man teams up with a Chinese kung-fu expert to fight a drug ring!
Disc Specs: BLACK HEAT
Rated R | Color | 95 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
THE DYNAMITE BROTHERS
Rated R | Color | 90 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras: BLACK HEAT
Partial Archival Audio Commentary by Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
Alternate Title Sequence: Girls Hotel
Alternate Title Sequence: The Murder Gang
Trailers
THE DYNAMITE BROTHERS
TV Spots
DISC ELEVEN Synopses: MEAN MOTHER (1972): Two Vietnam deserters go their separate ways, become criminals and are eventually reunited.
UNCLE TOM'S CABIN (1976): Broken and beaten to the point of no return, a sadistic plantation owner pushes his slaves to the point of rebellion.
Disc Specs: MEAN MOTHER
Rated R | Color | 87 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
UNCLE TOM'S CABIN
Rated R | Color | 98 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras: MEAN MOTHER
Partial Archival Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
The Joy of Marilyn Joi: Interview with Actress Marilyn Joi!
Trailer
UNCLE TOM'S CABIN
TV Spots
Radio Spots
DISC TWELVE Synopses: BLACK SAMURAI (1976): Robert Sand, agent of D.R.A.G.O.N. (Defense Reserve Agency Guardian Of Nations), is on his vacation when his commanding officers ask him to save the daughter of a top Eastern Ambassador. The search takes him from Hong Kong to California through Miami, and plenty of action, against bad men, bad girl, and bad animals!
DEATH DIMENSION (1978): Professor Mason, who invented a powerful freezing bomb for a gangster leader nicknamed "the Pig" but changes his mind and kills himself in order to not let his secret fall into the wrong hands. The scientist's assistant runs away with the plans, but is chased by the gangster's henchmen. The local police chief, Capt. Gallagher, gets put on the case an investigator, martial arts expert Detective Ash.
Disc Specs: BLACK SAMURAI
Rated R | Color | 84 minutes | Region Free
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
DEATH DIMENSION
Rated R | Color | 88 minutes | Region Free
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras: BLACK SAMURAI
Trailer
DEATH DIMENSION
None.
DISC THIRTEEN Synopses: SUNSET COVE (AKA SCHOOL'S OUT AT SUNSET COVE - 1977): Teenagers band together to keep their beach from being bulldozed to build condominiums.
CINDERELLA 2000 (1977):
In the year 2047, sex is forbidden and Big Brother
uses robots to keep on eye on everyone. One young girl tries to outwit
the government so she can be with the man she loves.
NURSE SHERRI (1971): A hospital nurse is possessed by an evil spirit, and proceeds to kill off the hospital's patients.
Disc Specs: SUNSET COVE
Rated R | Color | 87 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
CINDERELLA 2000
Rated R | Color | 103 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
NURSE SHERRI
Rated R | Color | 84 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (?)
Extras: SUNSET COVE
Sunset Toolbox: Interview with Producer Tony DiDio
TV Spot
Trailers
CINDERELLA 2000
Partial Audio Commentary with Producer/Distributor Samuel M. Sherman!
Trailer
Radio Spots
NURSE SHERRI
Dr. Dracula: Selected Scenes Directed by Al Adamson!
TV Spot
Radio Spot
Trailer
DISC FOURTEEN Synopses: CARNIVAL MAGIC (1983): A magician in a carnival--who actually has the power to read minds and levitate
people and objects--works with a superintelligent talking chimp named Alex. The magical duo soon become the stars of the
carnival, drawing in big crowds.
However, the wild-animal trainer, who
has been displaced by the team as the carnival's top act, decides to
kidnap Alex and sell him to a medical laboratory for experimentation,
thereby getting rid of his competition!
LOST (1983): A little girl runs away from home with her dog and gets lost in the wilds of Utah.
Disc Specs: CARNIVAL MAGIC
Rated G | Color | 86 minutes | Region Free
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
LOST
Not Rated | Color | 92 minutes | Region Free
Video - 1080p Fullscreen (1.33:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
Extras: CARNIVAL MAGIC
A Boom To Science – A Critical Appreciation by Zack Carlson & Lars Nilsen!
Audio Commentary with Producer Elvin Feltner!
Outtakes
TV Spot
Trailer
LOST
The Happy Hobo – Rushes for Promo From Unproduced Adamson Kids Film!
Trailer
Congratulations! You made it to the bottom! This limited edition set from Severin Films is a real monster isn't it?! It basically has everything Al Adamson ever directed - All it's missing an X-Rated Western called LASH OF LUST, a film Adamson co-directed called DOOMSDAY VOYAGE, the new footage he shot for 1969's THE BEDROOM, and the intros and conclusions to 1982's CHUCK CONNORS' GREAT WESTERN THEATRE! Even with those omissions, this is probably the most comprehensive boxed set devoted to a film director that I have ever seen!
Severin Films is currently selling AL ADAMSON: THE MASTERPIECE COLLECTION for $170 (plus tax & shipping) on their site, and there are still some copies in stock! Otherwise, you'll have to pay more (approximately $235) and wait until Tuesday, June 2nd to procure a copy from other retailers, such as AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, and DIABOLIK DVD! I know this is a big decision to make as a collector gang, but don't wait too long to make up your mind, because this set is going to go fast! And once it's gone - IT IS GONE!
CHRISTOPHER LEE'S MOST CELEBRATED (NON-DRACULA) FILM ROLE, AND THE (SORT OF) SEQUEL TO "THE QUATERMASS XPERIMENT" ARRIVE ON BLU-RAY DISC!
I really need to sit down and watch more classic Hammer flicks - to date, I've only seen maybe two dozen of them! And thanks to the continued efforts of Scream Factory, it seems that I'll be able to watch the bulk of Hammer's Horror and Sci-Fi offerings on Blu-ray disc before by the time 2021 rolls around!
Speaking of which, today Scream Factory unleashed two new Hammer Blus: RASPUTIN - THE MAD MONK, features Christopher Lee as the title character! I have not seen this one yet, but I have frequently heard that this was perhaps Lee's finest performance ever, second only to his famous reccuring role as Dracula! X... THE UNKNOWN is yet another Hammer title that has evaded me. While more of a sci-fi tale (which was supposed to be the first sequel to THE QUATERMASS XPERIMENT), this film features scientists battling a radioactive subterranean terror!
If either of these sound enticing to you (and they should) then continue onward to learn all the details of these two new Scream Factory releases!
RASPUTIN - THE MAD MONK (1966)
Synopsis: Hammer Films' dual reputation for screen shock and flamboyant costume adventure meld in this tale of the real-life "holy man" whose evil charm held the fate of an entire nation in its grip.
In Czarist Russia, Rasputin (Christopher Lee), a peasant monk, mysteriously demonstrates his healing powers by saving a woman's life and asking only for wine and a Bacchanalian celebration in return. But soon Rasputin uses his evil charm and powers to become increasingly manipulative and violent. Ferocious, devious and other-worldly, this uncouth peasant ingratiates himself bit by bit into the lives of the sophisticated royal class ... Christopher Lee's multi-layered performance as Rasputin rates as one of the best portrayals in any film.
Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 92 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1 & 2.55:1)
Audio - English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
Extras:
Presented In Two Aspect Ratios – 2.35:1 & 2.55:1!
NEW! Audio Commentary With Author/Film Historian
Steve Haberman, Filmmaker/Film Historian Constantine Nasr, And
Filmmaker/Film Historian Ted Newsom!
Tall Stories: The Making Of Rasputin The Mad Monk!
Brought To Book: Hammer Novelisations!
World of Hammer Episodes: COSTUMERS And CHRISTOPHER LEE!
Audio Commentary With Stars Christopher Lee, Barbara Shelley, Francis Matthews, And Suzan Farmer!
Theatrical Trailers
TV Spots
Still Gallery
Scream Factory's Blu-ray of RASPUTIN - THE MAD MONK is now available wherever Blu-ray discs are sold and should cost between $23 - $25! Add this movie to your collection today by ordering a copy from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.
X... THE UNKNOWN (1956)
Synopsis: Can anything escape this terror? British commandos on maneuvers become ill with mysterious symptoms and horrific burns. Dr. Adam Royston (Dean Jagger), an atomic scientist from a nearby research station, suspects lethal radiation ... but is mystified by the cause.
At a nearby hospital, the phenomenon reappears and engulfs more innocent people, including a hospital orderly whose skin melts away from his body!
Dr. Royston speculates that the unknown is on a quest to absorb radiation and expand in size and range as it claims more and more victims. As time runs short, he becomes desperate to trap the entity before its power overcomes mankind!
Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Black & White | 80 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.75:1)
Audio - English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0
Extras:
NEW! 2K Scan Of A Fine Grain Film Element!
NEW! Audio Commentary With Film Historian/Filmmaker Ted Newsom!
NEW! The Men Who Made Hammer: Jimmy Sangster Featurette!
World Of Hammer: Sci-Fi
Theatrical Trailer
A new transfer and new extras? Sign me up! Scream Factory's Blu of X... THE UNKNOWN is currently available at most retailers, and should cost between $23 - $25! Add this quasi-Quatermass sequel to your growing collection today by ordering through AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.
UPDATE [08/20/25]: Kino Lorber Studio Classics gave DEATH MACHINE its big Blu-ray debut on May 28, 2024! The two-disc set contains THREE cuts of the film, two new audio commentaries, plus other new and archival extras about the making of the film! You can order a copy now from Amazon.com HERE!
After cutting his teeth as a director on 1994's DEATH MACHINE (more on that later!), Stephen went on to direct BLADE for New Line Cinema in 1998. The success of that film was followed by another project he wrote and directed (THE LAST MINUTE, which seems oddly prophetic in retrospect), and it seemed like he was destined for bigger and better things! Then in 2003 it happened: Stephen Norrington's directing career ground to a halt thanks to a little movie called THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN.
This production was nothing short of a perfect storm of awfulness: Stephen was saddled with a disgruntled Sean Connery (who was by all accounts, openly disdainful of Norrington on the set), experienced frequent studio interference (the Fox execs decided the movie needed hit theaters in the Summer, rather than its intended Fall release), and, in mid-production, he had to search for a new special effects shop to work on the film! So it came as no surprise that Norrington quit directing soon after. As for the film itself, it was a moderate commercial success but was savaged by critics, disowned by Alan Moore (no shock there), and the focus of a plagiarism lawsuit between 20th Century Fox and.... LARRY COHEN?! (Yup! True story!)
Since the entire LEAGUE incident Norrington's done some effects work (most recently in HARBINGER DOWN), but has yet to return to the director's chair even though he's been attached to several projects including THE CROW reboot and THE LOST PATROL (which are both apparently mired in development hell). Personally I think Stephen Norrington got a raw
deal, and I continue to patiently await his return to
filmmaking. But until that day arrives, lets take a look back to 1995 when DEATH MACHINE was released, and Stephen's future as a director was so bright he had to wear shades!
Jack Dante takes part in "Bring Your Warbeast To Work Day."
Synopsis: In the not too distant future, a mega-corporation called Chaank Armaments is working on "The Hardman Project," a weapons system that is supposed to turn average troops into cybernetic super soldiers! But when a test subject goes on a killing spree and murders a bunch of civilians, there is (unsurprisingly) a large public outcry. In steps Hayden Cale (Ely Pouget), the new CEO of Chaank, who wants to provide transparency to the public and shut down the project. She's met with stiff resistance from the board of directors and the Hardman Project's unhinged weapons designer Jack Dante (Brad Dourif). Shortly after Cale terminates Dante's employment with the company and locks down Vault 10 (where his latest secret invention is housed), things quickly spiral out of control.
A trio of "eco-warriors" (named Sam Raimi, Weyland, and Yutani) break into the building with the intention of hacking/bankrupting Chaank, but end up getting tricked into cutting open the mysterious Vault 10, thus unleashing Dante's mechanical monster called The Frontline Morale Destroyer (aka The Warbeast). The technological terror immediately begins hunting for targets (by "sensing" their fear) and mauls anyone unlucky enough to be caught in its path. With Dante holding all the cards, the would-be eco-terrorists and Cale must find a way out of the locked-down building, or discover a way to defeat the dreaded Warbeast that is running amok!
DEATH MACHINE was written and directed by Stephen Norrington and is, essentially, a well-funded and ambitious fan film. The Warbeast has a passing resemblance to the Xenomorphs Norrington helped create in ALIENS and ALIEN 3, plus many of the characters are named after directors (e.g. Carpenter, Raimi, Dante) or inspired by the ALIEN films (e.g. "Scott Ridley," Weyland, and Yutani). Not surprisingly, the effects are fairly well done (the Warbeast is a brilliantly nasty piece of work!) and Dourif steals the show as Jack Dante (a role that got him nominated for best actor at the 1995 Sitges Film Festival)!
I missed out on this movie back in the 90s (when it was released to VHS) but saw it years later (either on cable or DVD) and it immediately won me over! Sadly, DEATH MACHINE has been out of print (in the U.S.) since 2004, and much like its writer/director, is overdue for a comeback! Here's hoping to see a Region A Blu-ray release in 2020!
Availability: As is the case with the vast majority of titles I choose for this column, DEATH MACHINE is currently out of print. That being said, you can order new or used DVDs of the film from third party sellers on AMAZON and rent or buy DEATH MACHINE via Prime Video.
But for those of you who don't mind spending a little extra coin, you can obtain the Region Free German Blu-ray of DEATH MACHINE. This release comes in standard and limited editions: Both have the uncut version of the film, trailers, and an easter egg (i.e. a hidden featurette). The limited (to 3,000) edition is a three-disc set housed in a beautiful Digi-pack case with new artwork, and comes with both a Blu-ray and DVD copy of the film, plus a soundtrack CD!
You can pick up the standard release from AMAZON.DE or from DIABOLIK DVD! (Update: This disc is currently listed as out of stock!) The Limited Edition is a bit harder to track down, but it appears that DIABOLIK DVD still has some in stock!
Current Rights Holder: In Germany, Turbine Media has the distribution rights for DEATH MACHINE. Here in the States? Well.... DEATH MACHINE was released theatrically in 1995 by Trimark Pictures, and later on VHS by their now defunct Vidmark label. The DVD released in February of 2004 beared the Trimark logo as well, even though the company had already merged into Lionsgate in 2001. Therefore, one has to assume that Lionsgate currently has the North American rights to this film which means it could end up as part of the Vestron Collector's Series down the road!
Turbine Media's gorgeous 3-Disc Limited Edition that is shockingly light on extras.
Blu-ray Wishlist:
While I typically kick off my wishlist with mention a new 2K or 4K transfer, I have to say that the picture quality on the German disc is really good, so I'm perfectly fine with it being reused for a Region A release!
Every cut of the film: DEATH MACHINE has at least three different edits - the shortened theatrical version (approx. 99 minutes), the director's cut (111 minutes - which Stephen Norrington is apparently not a fan of?), and the unrated cut (122 minutes). Also, I'm not a hundred percent sure, but I think there's an even longer cut that runs at 128 minutes!
A Making-of Documentary - It would be very cool to have a feature-length doc that walked us through the inception and production of DEATH MACHINE. Naturally it should include interviews with Stephen Norrington, Brad Dourif, Ely Pouget, and various other cast & crew members!
An effects featurette on the creation of "The Warbeast!"
Audio commentary with Writer/Director Stephen Norrington and/or star Brad Dourif!
Poster & Stills Gallery
Trailers
Soundtrack CD
Next year marks the 25th anniversary of DEATH MACHINE's theatrical release so a North American Blu-ray could hopefully be on the horizon! And while we can own Stephen Norrington's directorial debut on Blu-ray thanks to the efforts of Turbine Media, I would still very much prefer a release specific to our region of the globe, especially if it is loaded with extras! And when that day finally arrives, you can be sure that I will shout it out from the top of the highest (digital) mountain!
DEAN PARISOT'S BELOVED SCI-FI COMEDY GETS A NEW STEELBOOK RELEASE FROM PARAMOUNT TO CELEBRATE ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY!
It's hard to believe that its been twenty years since GALAXY QUEST premiered in theaters. I think I saw it during its initial theatrical run, but most definitely recall owning it on VHS (and later Blu-ray disc), and I have to admit that I still really enjoy this movie! It's a fun flick with a phenomenal cast, that does a great job of poking fun at Star Trek and fandom in general.
And now GALAXY QUEST has apparently built up enough of a following to warrant a Steelbook re-release (i.e. repackaging) though it doesn't seem to have a new transfer or any new special features! But if you don't currently have this movie in your collection, then consider picking up the 20th Anniversary Steelbook today!
Synopsis: "By Grabthar's hammer," the intrepid crew of the NSEA Protector is back to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the uproarious classic GALAXY QUEST.
Years after cancellation, the stars of the Galaxy Quest television
series cling to their careers appearing at sci-fi conventions and
electronic store openings. When a distressed interstellar race mistakes
the show for “historical documents,” Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) and his
crew of has-beens are unwittingly recruited to save them from a
genocidal alien warlord!
Featuring an out-of-this-world all-star cast including Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, Enrico Colantoni, Daryl Mitchell, and Justin Long, this rollicking send-up of sci-fi fanaticism is as funny today as it was when it premiered in theaters 20 years ago.
Galactopedia - On-screen information about characters, ships, aliens and more!
Historical Documents: The Story of Galaxy Quest - Cast and filmmakers discuss how the film came together!
Never Give Up, Never Surrender: The Intrepid Crew of the NSEA Protector - Celebrates the incredibly talented cast!
By Grabthar's Hammer, What Amazing Effects - Explores the effects by ILM and Stan Winston!
Alien School: Creating the Thermian Race - Actor Enrico Colantoni's process of developing the voice and manner of an alien race!
Actors in Space - Delves into the psyche of the cast!
Sigourney Weaver Raps
Deleted Scenes
Theatrical Trailer
Paramount's Steelbook release of GALAXY QUEST is now available wherever Blu-rays are sold and should cost between $12 - $16! Get yourself a copy today from AMAZON or BULL MOOSE!
WANTED ON BLU-RAY:
