HALLUCINOGENIC DRUGS AND HAUNTED PRISONS APPARENTLY DON'T MIX WELL IN GARRETT KRUITHOF'S INDIE HORROR FLICK!
There is one thing about DEVIL'S ACID that has completely intrigued me, and that's the fact that the events in the film are apparently a bedtime story being told to two kids by his drunken dad! (THE PRINCESS BRIDE this isn't!) Yep, you read that right!
No dragons, or knights, or damsels in distress are in store for these children - they're getting a tale about drug-fueled sex parties in an abandoned prison where the Devil himself shows up to have some fun! And now that I've talked you (and myself) into watching DEVIL'S ACID, you can currently obtain it on DVD, or stream it instantly on AMAZON!
Synopsis: A wealthy man named Johnny holds a "Haunted Hot Girl Challenge" every year in a quest to sleep with as many women as possible. Things get out of hand this year when Johnny and the participants take a potent strain of acid (the titular "Devil's Acid") in an abandoned, haunted prison. Everything is going as planned until the Devil himself shows up to settle an old score.
DEVIL'S ACID is the feature-length directorial debut of Garrett Kruithof, and stars American Horror Story’s Drew Rin Varick, Ashley Dulaney (Justified), Jessica Lynn Parsons (S.W.A.T), Betty Jeune (THE FLORIDA PROJECT), Nina Leon (Longmire) and Eric Gibson!
Stills & Trailer: (Click on images to enlarge them.)
A TRIO OF YOUNG DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS FIND OUT WHY NO ONE GOES DOWN THE "WITCH PATH" IN THIS SWEDISH FOUND FOOTAGE FLICK!
As I stated not too long ago when I was posting about SCOOTER, I'm not a found footage enthusiast, though I've experienced enough good examples of the sub-genre over the years to not fully write it off. It takes planning and precision and the right hook to keep your audience interested! DOCUMENTING THE WITCH PATH pulls this off by injecting some dark history into the mix, and has its three leads seeking out a secluded lake where innocent people, accused of witchcraft back in the 1600s were drowned for their imaginary crimes!
While a future DVD release of this film is likely, DOCUMENTING THE WITCH PATH is currently only available to watch online via AMAZON PRIME VIDEO, GOOGLE PLAY, TUBI TV, and YOUTUBE!
Synopsis: Inspired by actual events, this film follows three young documentary filmmakers, (Nathaniel P. Erlandsson, Robin Franzen and writer/director Carl Sundstrom). Together, they discover a path in the woods, which leads to a lake known as Witch Lake. Accused of witchcraft during the 17th century, many innocent men, women and children were drowned in this now infamous lake. With the entrance to the path covered and the lake closed to the public, the filmmakers venture into the woods in search of a horrifying truth.
NEW HORROR-COMEDY "LITTLE MONSTERS" COMES TO SELECT THEATERS ON OCTOBER 8TH - STREAMS EXCLUSIVELY ON HULU ON OCTOBER 11TH!
I recall seeing the first trailer for LITTLE MONSTERS a while back and thinking "this looks fun!" And then I lost track of the movie, and failed to give it a second thought.... UNTIL TODAY! Thankfully some genius PR-rep sent me an e-mail reminder so I won't miss out on this new Horror-Comedy! Unfortunately LITTLE MONSTERS is not playing theatrically in my neck of the woods on October 8th (you can check HERE to see if there's a screening near you!), so I'll just have to check it out next week on Hulu!
Synopsis: Dave (ALEXANDER ENGLAND), a washed-up musician, volunteers to chaperone his nephew’s kindergarten field trip after taking a shine to the plucky schoolteacher, Miss Caroline (LUPITA NYONG’O). Dave’s intentions are complicated by the presence of world-famous child entertainer and competitor for Miss Caroline’s affections, Teddy McGiggle (JOSH GAD). One thing none of them bargained for, however, is a sudden zombie outbreak, from which Dave and Miss Caroline must protect the children. Stills & Trailer: (Click on images to enlarge them.)
LITTLE MONSTERS will play theatrically ONE NIGHT ONLY on October 8th (again go HERE to see if it's playing near you) and then debuts on Hulu's streaming service on October 11th. There's no word yet on a physical media release, but I'd be very surprised if this movie didn't come to DVD & Blu-ray in the near future!
SHOUT! FACTORY AND ACE FILMS HK ACQUIRED NEW HORIZONS' ENORMOUS CATALOG OF 270 FILMS!
Ack! I got this news just before I had to head off to the day job, so I missed the opportunity of being one of the first to report it! This announcement is HUGE, because it looks like a large number of Corman flicks may finally make their way to Blu-ray Vault Dwellers!
It was announced earlier today that both Shout! Factory and China-based Ace Film HK Company Limited (henceforth known as ACE) purchased the entire New Horizons library of TWO-HUNDRED AND SEVENTY FILMS (plus an action Sci-Fi TV series) from Roger and Julie Corman. The deal gives Shout! distribution rights in North America, Europe, Australia, and Russia, while ACE will handle distribution in Asia, Africa, and South America!
Shout! Factory has already released a number of Roger Corman Cult Classics to DVD & Blu-ray in the past (e.g. BATTLE BEYOND THE STARS, PIRANHA, HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP, SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE, DEATH RACE 2000, et al.), so I'm assuming that we can expect Blu-ray and DVD releases of these newly acquired titles! On top of that, both companies are planning to license the New Horizons catalog to video on demand and streaming platforms, and are planning on remaking several Corman classics (via Shout! Studios and/or ACE Films)!
Here's what all parties involved had to say about this massive acquisition:
SHOUT FACTORY
“We’ve been huge fans of the Cormans. Their great ingenuity and independent spirit have inspired us throughout our careers. We’ve loved working with them over the last eight years and are thrilled to now be the custodians of these beloved films, making sure that film buffs and fans everywhere discover them like we did."
HENRY LUK, CEO OF ACE
“We have been fortunate to be professionally and personally associated with Roger and Julie for the past decade and the purchase of their film library means our relationships will not only continue, but accelerate."
ROGER & JULIE CORMAN
"During the past decade our personal and professional relationships with Shout! Factory's Bob Emmer, Richard and Garson Foos, and Ace Film's Henry Luk and Adam Yuchen Ren have shown us that their independent, entrepreneurial spirit, respect for our work and creative methods of distribution and production make them especially well-suited to carry on with the New Horizons film library."
Roger and Julie signing over the New Horizons library.
(Image borrowed from Variety.)
I guess this means that Roger Corman is finally retiring from the film business, after a lengthy career of making and producing hundreds of movies and never losing a dime. While I realize the sad truth that Roger Corman is turning 92 years old in a few weeks, it is still sad to see this living legend call it quits. But on the bright side, we may finally get legit releases of various titles that have been long out of print! I'm not sure if any of the old New World Pictures-era films are part of the deal, but if they are, here's a brief list of Corman movies I'd love to see on Blu-ray:
THE CARNOSAUR TRILOGY
GNAW: FOOD OF THE GODS PART II
GODZILLA 1985 (Long out of print American cut!)
THE KILLER TOMATOES EAT FRANCE
MEET THE APPLEGATES
MUNCHIE & MUNCHIE STRIKES BACK (Guilty pleasures from my childhood!)
PIN
SATURDAY THE 14TH & SATURDAY THE 14TH STRIKES BACK
SUMMER CAMP NIGHTMARE
THINK BIG (Trucker comedy featuring The Barbarian Brothers!)
THE WATCHERS SERIES
MORE INFO ABOUT ROGER AND JULIE CORMAN:
The saga of legendary producer-director Roger Corman, recipient of a 2009 Honorary Academy Award, ranks as one of the most amazing motion picture success stories. Having produced more than 350 films and directed 60 others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is arguably one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful filmmakers, having launched the career of many others.
Noted for his keen ability to spot young talent, Corman’s most lasting legacy will undoubtedly be the legion of producers, directors, writers and actors he has fostered, among them: Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Ron Howard, Peter Fonda, Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd, Diane Ladd, Tommy Lee Jones, Harry Dean Stanton, Sandra Bullock, Bruce Dern, Talia Shire, Charles Bronson, Joe Dante, Peter Bogdanovich, and Sally Kirkland.
Julie Corman's career spans 45 years with New Horizons. As the producer of over 35 films she has worked with: Jonathan Demme, John Sayles, Catherine Hardwicke, Robert King, Bill Pullman, Martin Sheen, Peter Billingsley, Jon Lovitz, and Mario Van Peebles, among others. She was Chair of the Graduate Film Department at NYU.
For a more complete history of Roger Corman and his colorful career as an independent Producer and Director, I highly suggest the documentary, CORMAN'S WORLD!
"RED EYE" WANTS TO SEE YOUR INSIDES IN NEW INDIE SLASHER FLICK! STREAM OR DOWNLOAD IT TODAY!
Slasher cinema is still alive and well, as evidenced by RED EYE. Featuring a masked backwoods killer, Tristan Clay's film looks to keep the torch burning for a sub-genre that peaked back in the 80s. RED EYE is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play, and Xbox Live!
Synopsis: There's a legend about a violent, deranged masked murderer, who dwells in the backwoods of Black Creek, West Virginia. Gage Barker (Scott King), a young man who grew up on the tales of "Red Eye" as a kid, learns that there could be some truth behind these folk tales.
With a group of his friends and his camera equipment in tow, Gage hikes into the woods to seek out the legendary killer, or prove that he is nothing more than a myth. But the would-be documentary filmmakers soon learn that they should have left well enough alone!
Directed by Tristan Clay, RED EYE stars Destinie Orndoff, Scott King, Heather Dorff and Hayden Wilberger. The film was nominated for “Best Feature,” “Best Director,” “Best Producer,” “Best Actress (Heather Dorff),” “Best Actor (Scott King),” and “Best SPFX” at the San Antonio Horrific Film Fest (2017)!
Stills & Trailer: (Click on images to enlarge them.)
You can watch RED EYE on Amazon Instant Video right now! And if you have an Amazon Prime Membership, you can stream it for FREE! Prefer physical media? Expect a DVD of RED EYE to be announced in the near future!
JASON PAUL COLLUM'S "SAFE INSIDE" IS CURRENTLY FREE TO WATCH IF YOU HAVE AN AMAZON PRIME ACCOUNT!
Because I spend so much dough at Amazon (it's impossible not to when you post about upcoming DVD & Blu-ray titles every week!), it was a no-brainer to sign up for Amazon Prime. (CLICK HERE to try a 30-Day Free Trial!) Along with unlimited two-day shipping on nearly anything, there are other benefits: You can borrow Kindle e-books, and stream over a million songs, as well as thousands of TV shows and movies for absolutely free!
And speaking of freebies... a recent Tempe Entertainment title is now streaming on Amazon Video free of charge for a limited time. So take advantage and give SAFE SPACE a look won't you?
Synopsis: With winks to slow-burn 70s suspense classics like BURNT OFFERINGS and DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK, SAFE INSIDE follows an already disturbed man through one unfortunate night of creaking walls and lurking shadows in the home of his deceased mother. He suspects something is in the house with him, but will anyone believe someone whose mind has already cracked?
CLICK HERE to stream SAFE INSIDE on Amazon, or if you prefer physical media, get it on DVD or Blu-ray! To see Tempe Entertainment's full digital catalog, CLICK HERE.
LEARN THE "TRUE" STORY OF WHAT HAPPENED TO DER FUHRER AFTER WORLD WAR II, IN STUART ROWSELL'S SURREAL FILM!
This movie looks absolutely bonkers Vault Dwellers! It has a zombie Hitler who is slowly going mad in an underground bunker, plus a roster of recognizable German war criminals being portrayed by marionettes! Oh, and there's also burlesque dancers too!
But let's face it - You were immediately sold when you read "zombie Hitler!" Everything else in this film is probably just icing on the cake for you guys and gals! It sure was for me!
Synopsis: After WWII comes to an end, Hitler has a heart attack on board a sub that is heading to Antarctica. To save his life, Dr. Mengele sees the opportunity to begin Operation Vril. Hitler is secured within a Deep Underground Military Bunker (D.U.M.B.) in Adelaide (Australia), and is administered an Alien-based drug of immortality, promising the eventual rise of a New World Order!
Decades later, Hitler remains abandoned and forgotten in his bunker, suffering from dementia and hallucinating marionette versions of his henchmen. Meanwhile Dr. Mengele, from his laboratory in Argentina, has other plans for their longevity. And with an ever increasing mental collapse the two despots must fight it out for intellectual domination ...
Trailer:
For more information about this film, visit the Official Site for character bios, a longer synopsis, and dozens of stills! If you're as curious about this movie as I am, you can stream or download it now through most video on demand services, including AMAZON, ITUNES, VUDU, GOOGLE PLAY, and XBOX LIVE. HITLER LIVES! will also eventually be available on PLAYSTATION NETWORK and HULU at a later date!
VAULT VID-O-RAMA RETURNS TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF "CASTLEVANIA" ON NETFLIX!
Imagine my surprise tonight when someone notified me that NetFlix's animated CASTLEVANIA show was now streaming! I immediately signed on and binged all four episodes, and was left wanting more. The animation, story, and characters are awesome!
Set during the timeline from CASTLEVANIA III: DRACULA'S CURSE, Trevor Belmont, last of his line, comes out of a drunken stupor to help defend the people of Wallachia from an army of monsters that was unleashed by a vengeful Dracula! Along the way he gathers new allies, and sticks it to organized religion as he puts his whip ("The Vampire Killer") to good use!
To celebrate the release of this awesome show, let's get all nostalgic for all things Castlevania with an all new VAULT VID-O-RAMA!
CASTLEVANIA MUSIC
The best part of any Castlevania game has always been the music! So it comes as no surprise that decades later, the music from the classic NES and SNES games is still beloved, and has been remixed into various musical styles. So go ahead and rock out to the following selection of kick-ass Castlevania music, featuring classic video games tunes, covers, parodies, and remixes!
CASTLEVANIA GAME REVIEWS AND COMMENTARY!
Arin "egoraptor" Hanson has made some great videos chronicling the history of the classic Castlevania games. While his (sadly short-lived) "Sequelitis" series delves into the pros and cons of the earlier games, he's also done a bunch of other fun vids highlighting this video game franchise. Also, you shouldn't miss out on the Angry Video Game Nerd's reviews of the series! Peep 'em out below and gain knowledge Vault Dwellers!
VIDEO GAME COMMERCIALS
You knew this was coming Vault Dwellers! Here's a selection of classic commercials for the various entries into the Castlevania video game series from both America and Japan!
CAPTAIN 'N' - THE GAME MASTER
Avid gamer Kevin Keene gets sucked into the "Ultimate Warp Zone" through his TV and ends up in "Videoland." Along with other Nintendo characters like Kid Icarus, Megaman, and Simon Belmont, "Captain N" battles the evil Mother Brain and her minions to protect the gaming universe. Lasting three short seasons, Captain N generated comic books and (if memory serves) a breakfast cereal. Head into the ultimate nostalgia zone below and watch the RETURN TO CASTLEVANIA episode, or marathon the first two seasons!
VAMPIRE HUNTER D
Finally, after you finish the four episodes of CASTLEVANIA and still thirst for more animated vampire hunter awesomeness, I highly suggest the double-threat of VAMPIRE HUNTER D and VAMPIRE HUNTER D: BLOODLUST! Never heard of 'em? Then watch them below and enjoy!
