BREAKING GLASS PICTURES RELEASES E.B. HUGHES' INDIE THRILLER TO DVD ON NEXT WEEK!
Though many films before it have already done the whole "couple go on a retreat to repair their relationship" storyline, E.B. Hughes' EXIT 0 puts an interesting twist on things. Stopping off at the secluded hotel called The Doctors Inn (ha!) for a weekend excursion, Lisa (Augie Duke) and Billy (Gabe Fazio) attempt to reconnect.
But after making a horrifying discovery in their hotel room, things swiftly go off the rails in this indie thriller that takes some inspiration from the films of Alfred Hitchcock, as well as Stanley Kubrick's THE SHINING.
Synopsis: A young couple who set out on a weekend getaway in hopes of mending their failing relationship. However, a seemingly innocent weekend turns dark when the man discovers a videotape chronicling the events of a murder in his very own hotel room from years before.
Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 95 minutes | Region 1
Video - 480p Widescreen (?)
Audio - English Dolby Digital 5.1(?)
Extras:
None. (At least as far as I could find out.)
EXIT 0 arrives on DVD on March 10th and will likely cost around $15 - order yourself a copy of this new release from Breaking Glass Pictures from AMAZON!
Stills & Trailer: (Click on images to enlarge them.)
SCREAM FACTORY BRINGS THIS OFT-OVERLOOKED SLASHER FILM TO BLU-RAY FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!
While THE FAN's subject matter isn't entirely new (I've seen multiple movies where a crazed fan stalks a celebrity), the cast of THE FAN pretty much sold me on this film! Pre-TERMINATOR Michael Biehn plays the titular obsessed fan that stalks Lauren Bacall - both star alongside James Garner, Maureen Stapleton, and Hector Elizondo! THE FAN hails from Paramount's vaults, so one really has to wonder what other treasures will be unearthed by Scream Factory in 2020! (Here's hoping for BUG, ORCA, THE EXPLORERS, STEPHEN KING'S GRAVEYARD SHIFT, and/or the 1976 KING KONG!) Until then, let's take a closer look at this upcoming release!
Synopsis: "He is Sally Ross' greatest fan ... and greatest nightmare." Hollywood legend Lauren Bacall (THE BIG SLEEP) and Michael Biehn (ALIENS, TOMBSTONE) tear up the screen in the edge-of-your-seat thriller, The Fan. Sally Ross (Bacall) is a renowned Broadway star, glamorous celebrity, and the object of adoration of countless admirers.
But among all the loving little people lurks a young man (Biehn) whose devotion teeters on the edge of madness. His impassioned letters to her are initially a source of pleasure, but as he attempts to realize his ultimate fantasy – and is met with rejection – the stakes are raised to terrifying heights ... which might bring on the final curtain for Sally.
Also starring James Garner, Maureen Stapleton, and Hector Elizondo, THE FAN is a twisted tale of fame and obsession you'll never forget.
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 95 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
Extras:
NEW!Number One Fan – An Interview With Actor Michael Biehn!
NEW!Fan Service – An Interview With Director Edward Bianchi!
NEW!Fanning The Flames – An Interview With Editor Alan Heim!
NEW! Audio Commentary With Cult Film Director David
DeCoteau And Film Historian David Del Valle, Moderated By Scream Factory
Marketing Director Jeff Nelson!
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spots
Still Gallery
THE FAN was initially a flop when it was released in theaters in May of 1981 (some believe this was due in part to John Lennon's murder by Beatles fan Mark David Chapman) and has been out of print since the early 2000's! But perhaps now, after nearly forty years, Edward Bianchi's film will finally find its audience! THE FAN arrives on Blu-ray on Tuesday, November 19th, and should cost between $24 - $26! Order a copy now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.
RALPH L. THOMAS' THRILLER COMES TO BLU-RAY FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH A NEW 2K TRANSFER AND EXTRAS, COURTESY OF ARROW VIDEO!
Until recently, I had never even heard of APPRENTICE TO MURDER, which is apparently based upon a true story. Penned by Allan Scott (DON'T LOOK NOW) and starring Donald Sutherland (who is never bad, even if the movie is), Chad Lowe, and Mia Sara, this Norwegian-American-Canadian co-production definitely sounds like it is worth a look! If any of that caught your interest, then continue onward to learn more about this film and its new Blu-ray release!
Synopsis: In early twentieth-century Pennsylvania Dutch Country, young Billy Kelly (Chad Lowe - HIGHWAY TO HELL) falls in with a charismatic "powwower" or folk magic healer, Dr. John Reese (Donald Sutherland - DON'T LOOK NOW, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS), shunned by the rest of the community for his non-conformist beliefs. Together, they investigate the mysterious sickness that is blighting the area, which Reese believes to be the work of a sinister local hermit. But as the plague spreads and the wide-eyed Billy falls ever deeper under Reese's spell, are they doing God's work or the Devil's bidding?
Also starring Mia Sara (LEGEND) and featuring a powerhouse performance by Donald Sutherland – reunited here with DON'T LOOK NOW screenwriter Allan Scott – APPRENTICE TO MURDER is a chilling and unforgettable tale of the macabre that blurs the lines between conventional notions of "good" and "evil".
Disc Specs:
Rated PG-13 | Color | 97 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - English LPCM 2.0
Extras:
NEW! 2K restoration of the film from the original 35mm interpositive!
Original lossless mono soundtrack
NEW! Audio commentary by author and critic Bryan Reesman!
NEW! Video interview on religious horror cinema with Kat Ellinger, author and editor-in-chief of Diabolique Magazine!
NEW! Video interview with cinematographer Kelvin Pike!
NEW! Video interview with makeup supervisor Robin Grantham!
Theatrical trailer
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Haunt Love!
Arrow's Special Edition of APPRENTICE TO MURDER is now available wherever Blu-ray discs are sold, and should cost between $23 - $28! You can order yourself a copy of this obscure thriller now from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or ARROW VIDEO!
ROBERT SHAYE TRIES HIS HAND AT DIRECTING AFTER A 12-YEAR ABSENCE WITH THIS AMBITIOUS NEW THRILLER!
Though it seems to be getting a lot of negative reviews, I am super curious about AMBITION, if only because of who directed it. This is the third feature film that Robert (brother of Lin) Shaye has directed in his entire career (the last one being 2007's THE LAST MIMZY). Why is this a big deal? Because Shaye started up New Line Cinema, and produced some incredible films over his lengthy career like ALONE IN THE DARK, the entirety of the NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET franchise, Peter Jackson's LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY, XTRO, THE HIDDEN, the first two CRITTERS films, and more! Needless to say, I want to see if his savvy as a producer translates over to his ability as a director!
Synopsis: From Robert Shaye, the producer of A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, comes a deviously engrossing thriller that will keep you guessing – and squirming – to the final frame!
Jude is an intense, driven musician preparing for the biggest performance of her life ... but in her competitive world, her ambition could end up literally killing her. As her competitors begin to die in bizarre ways, she recognizes a frightening pattern. Is she next? The more her suspicions are confirmed, the further she is hurled into a climactic showdown that challenges her chances for survival and sanity.
Inspired by thrillers such as CARRIE and BLACK SWAN, AMBITION pulls you into a realm where desire and revenge converge into a questionable reality.
Disc Specs:
Not Rated | Color | 87 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (2.35:1)
Audio - English (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1?)
Extras:
None.
Scream Factory's Blu-ray release of AMBITION is due out on Tuesday, November 5th and will cost between $15 - $18. You can order a copy today from AMAZON, BULL MOOSE, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.
JOE RAFFA'S THRILLER "DARK HARBOR" IS CURRENTLY MAKING ITS ROUNDS AT FILM FESTIVALS!
Produced by APS Films, DARK HARBOR recently had its world premiere at the 9th Annual Catalina Film Festival, where it won an "Award of Excellence." From there the film is expected to be screened at other film fests until it is picked up for distribution. Stay tuned for future updates once DARK HARBOR is given a (limited or wide) theatrical release, or is announced on DVD, Blu-ray, and/or Video On Demand!
Synopsis:With the birth of her first child just days away, Olivia (Jessica Sipos) must return to her childhood home island off the coast of Maine, seemingly on the edge of the world, to face her narcissistic mother and attend her father's funeral. Not long after, she uncovers a dark family secret that undoes the foundations of her life. The deeper Olivia searches for answers, the more life-threatening the situation becomes, putting herself and her unborn child in danger.
MATT WOHL'S INDIE THRILLER ABOUT A TRIO OF UNLUCKY YOUTUBERS IS PLAYING IN SELECT THEATERS THROUGHOUT OCTOBER & NOVEMBER!
I've never been a huge fan of found footage movies. In fact, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT, several entries in the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY franchise, and Bobcat Goldthwait's WILLOW CREEK almost made me renounce the sub-genre entirely. Then I experienced CHRONICLE, CLOVERFIELD, DIARY OF THE DEAD, DIGGING UP THE MARROW, EXISTS, and TROLL HUNTER and had a change of heart, which is why I'm more than willing to give Matt Wohl's SCOOTER a shot. His indie found footage thriller is currently being screened at theaters across the nation with a DVD & VOD release likely later this year (or early next)!
Synopsis: "The Three Amigoes" are life-long best friends and partners in crime. They became internet famous after their YouTube channel went viral, with each episode of their antics having them undertaking some ridiculous challenge, from racing cars to tricycles. And from the waters of the South Atlantic to the bottom of a swimming pool, there’s no challenge too stupid. Like a pack of cats, they always land on their feet.
The Amigoes latest challenge is to ride scooters from Miami to New Orleans. Each person has $1000 to get a scooter, pay for gas, food, and lodging. After they select their vehicles and pack their bags, it’s time to hit the road. They soon find that their 50CC scooters are no match of I-95, and they retreat to the side roads to continue their epic 900 mile journey. While the road is smoother, the trip gets a lot bumpier. One of the scooters break down, the friends start to fight among themselves, and their troubles reach a climax when they witness and video a murder.
Stuck in rural Florida with two working scooters, they have little hope of escape, and the killer is hot on their trail. What was once a leisurely trip becomes a fight for survival. They end up captured, tortured, and it’s clear they won’t all survive. When those who are sworn to protect you are the problem, where do you turn? Will they all die in a small backwater town, or can they once again defy the odds and come out alive?
Screening Dates & Locations:
Denver, CO - Oct. 10 Alamo Drafthouse Sloans Lake
New York, NY - Oct. 16 UA Court Street 12 & RPX
Atlanta, GA - Oct. 24 Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
Boston, MA - OCT 29 Landmark Embassy
Sarasota, FL - Nov. 6 AMC Sarasota 12 & IMAX
Austin, TX - Nov 14 Alamo Drafthouse Mueller
Stills & Trailer: (Click on images to enlarge them.)
Once SCOOTER finishes up its theatrical roadshow it will probably be released on DVD and Video On Demand. Stay tuned for further info on SCOOTER's eventual home video (and digital) release!
THERAPISTS ARE FAIR GAME IN BARRY JAY'S UPCOMING FRIGHT FLICK!
Billed as Thom Matthews' return to acting (I guess NEVER HIKE ALONE doesn't count?), KILLER THERAPY is a new Horror revenge thriller from writer/director Barry Jay (ASHES). As of my reporting this, the film is still in post-production and being readied to make its debut on the film festival circuit later this year. Stay tuned for further updates about this upcoming film, including the reveal of its poster and official trailer!
Synopsis: Brian is a disturbed child with sociopathic tendencies dealing with a father who doesn't love him, a mother unconvinced of his violent nature, and a newly adopted sister he believes is there to replace him. After a series of escalating violent incidents, he is bounced around from failed therapist to failed therapist, maturing into a young man still unable to escape his anger issues.
When his life eventually falls apart by his own choices, Brian blames his series of failed therapists, embracing his dark nature and taking his revenge on everyone who ever wronged him - one by one, finally understanding that accepting who you are inside can be the best therapy.
This could all have been avoided if he just hugged his son once in a while.
Additional Info: For his second feature, Jay enlisted the talents of genre legend Thom Mathews as the family patriarch. After early appearances in RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD and as long-time Jason foe Tommy Jarvis in the FRIDAY THE 13TH PART VI: JASON LIVES, Mathews has stepped away from narrative roles in recent years, appearing at conventions and in documentaries.
On returning to a leading role in the genre, Mathews said, "I'm very excited to bring Barry Jay & Andrew Krop's script Killer Therapy to life. After meeting with Barry and reading the script, I knew I wanted to bring this character to the screen because it brought me back to my horror roots. I always try to find the humanity in every role and I have a bloody good role as John Langston. Killer Therapy is a complex story and I enjoyed going to the set every day."
KILLER THERAPY also stars a number of horror legends, established stars and rising talents, including PJ Soles (HALLOWEEN, CARRIE), Adrienne King (FRIDAY THE 13TH), Daeg Faerch (Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN), Elizabeth Keener (The L Word), Ivy George (Big Little Lies) and introducing Michael Qeliqi as Brian.
UPDATE (09/18/2018): Scream Factory gave SCREAM FOR HELP its Blu-ray debut! CLICK HERE to order a copy!
In October of 2016, at the behest of my friends Chris Alo (of Hudson Horror Show fame) and the late James "Doc Terror" Harris, I attended my first Exhumed Film's 24-Hour Horrorthon! It was awesomely insane to say the least!
I sat in the (sweltering) theater all day, pounding energy drinks, and successfully fought to stay awake through all fourteen feature films! And out of that amazing roster (mentioned HERE), one movie in particular took us all by complete surprise, and became the event's "crowd favorite." I'm speaking of course about Michael Winner's 1984 thriller, SCREAM FOR HELP!
Synopsis: Christie (Rachael Kelly) seems to live an idyllic life with her mother Karen (Marie Masters), and her stepfather Paul Fox (David Allen Brooks) in a beautiful house in New Rochelle, NY. But Christie has recently begun to suspect that her new dad has an insidious plan to murder her mother! And worse yet, no one seems to believe her!
After a series of deadly accidents, Christie begins sleuthing for evidence to prove that Paul is planning to commit uxoricide. Dragging a few friends along for the ride, she skips school to spy on her stepdad, which eventually leads to the discovery that he's having an affair, and in cahoots with some very shady characters. It all builds to a tense home invasion during the climax, where Christie has to use her wits to either escape and get help, or kill the intruders.
Yup, those sheets are ruined.
SCREAM FOR HELP's screenplay was penned by Tom Holland (FRIGHT NIGHT, CHILD'S PLAY), and directed by Michael Winner (DEATH WISH 1 - 3), who took some liberties with the script (much to Holland's chagrin). The film has the bizarre feel of a made-for-TV after school special, but contains a surprising amount of violence, nudity, and awkward teen sexuality. The end result is an outrageous crowd pleaser that is often both funny and sleazy.
Availability: As is the case with the vast majority of films mentioned in our WANTED ON BLU-RAY column, SCREAM FOR HELP is currently out of print. VHS copies are a little hard to find: There aren't any up for grabs on AMAZON at the moment (but you can obtain the film's soundtrack on CD, Vinyl, or Cassette!), and there only a handful of (mostly overpriced) copies on EBAY. Luckily, someone has uploaded a VHS-rip of the full film to YouTube! (You can also watch a much better copy HERE for $2.99.)
Current Rights Holder: After its theatrical run in July of 1984, SCREAM FOR HELP came to VHS in 1986 from Lorimar. Three years later, Warner Communications purchased Lorimar, who continued to produce films and television programs until 1993, when they were engulfed by Warner Bros. Television. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that SCREAM FOR HELP is currently owned by Warner Bros. Entertainment, and hopefully a future candidate for the Warner Archive Collection!
An employee at Warner Bros. searches the vaults for an elusive print of SCREAM FOR HELP.
Blu-ray Wishlist:
A remastered 2K transfer made from an original print.
Original 2.0 Mono & newly created 5.1 Surround Sound audio tracks.
Audio commentary with screenwriter Tom Holland and lead cast members!
A new making-of featurette containing interviews with stars Rachael Kelly, Marie Masters, David Allen Brooks, Lolita Lorre (aka Lola Lesheim), and/or Rocco Sisto! Also Tom Holland, Producer Irwin Yablans, Composer John Paul Jones, and special effects artist David H. Watkins!
Poster & Still Galleries
Original Theatrical Trailer
SCREAM FOR HELP has built up a large cult following over the years, and is long overdue for a new home video release! If you're a fan of the film (or just super curious about it) then we must work together to hound Warner Bros. on social media! Let's make some noise and tag the WB on Facebook and Twitter, and tell them that we want SCREAM FOR HELP ON BLU-RAY!
HEAD TO THEATERS ON MARCH 23RD TO SEE IF CLAIRE FOY IS "UNSANE!"
My experience with Steven Soderbergh's filmography has basically been limited to OCEAN'S ELEVEN (and its sequels), but I feel like I should take the time to explore more of his work. UNSANE looks intense and will hopefully keep us all guessing until the film's climax!
I'm definitely interested in seeing it, but I'll most likely wait for its eventual Blu-ray release because READY PLAYER ONE opens the following weekend! (Priorities!) Read onward to learn more about this upcoming thriller!
Synopsis: Sawyer Valentini (Claire Foy) believes that someone from her past is stalking her. After she suddenly
finds herself held in a mental institution against her will, she grows more paranoid, and begins to believe that her stalker is close behind. But is the threat real, or is her stalker merely a delusion?
Stills & Trailer: (Click on images to enlarge them.)
UNSANE hits theaters on Friday, March 23rd! As the film's release date nears, be sure to order your tickets, and reserve your seats, through FANDANGO!
NEW THRILLER FROM DIRECTOR MEGAN FREELS JOHNSTON TO BE RELEASED LATER THIS YEAR!
A new THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME-type film is in the works from Megan Freels Johnston, the writer/director of THE ICE CREAM TRUCK and REBOUND. Casting is still underway for the film, which will be produced by Look At Me Films.
Synopsis: Deanna Russo (THE ICE CREAM TRUCK, Being Human, REST STOP) is set to team up once again with director Megan Freels Johnston for HUNTING SEASON. The film is a chilling story of a single girl whose weekend getaway with her dashing new boyfriend at his family’s hunting lodge, puts her directly in their crosshairs. When she goes dark, her roommate tracks her to the lion’s den—just in time for dinner.
This is all the information we currently have about HUNTING SEASON, as it is still in the early stages of pre-production. We will keep you Vault Dwellers updated on this upcoming film as we receive further updates!
WATCH A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY TURN DEADLY IN SHOUT SELECT'S NEW BLU-RAY RELEASE OF "MACON COUNTY LINE!"
MACON COUNTY LINE is yet another movie that I just haven't gotten around to watching. But now that it's being released by Shout Select, the time may have finally come to experience this film for the first time! With an HD transfer, plus new and vintage special features, this seems like a disc worth owning, whether you're a fan of this cult classic, or a Macon County virgin like myself!
Synopsis: Louisiana, 1954: Brothers Chris & Wayne Dixon (Alan Vint and
Jesse Vint) are joyriding through the South before enlisting in the
Army. When the wife of a local Sheriff is brutally killed by a pair of
psychotic drifters, Chris and Wayne are mistaken for the murderers. Far
from home, on the run and out of time, they find themselves hunted by
the crazed lawman in a tragedy of rage and revenge that explodes in a
shocking climax ... once they cross the MACON COUNTY LINE.
"Not from 'round here, are ya?"
Best known for playing goofy Jethro Bodine on The Beverly
Hillbillies, Max Baer forever changed his image by producing, co-writing
and co-starring in this powerful movie. With a strong supporting cast
that includes Joan Blackman, Geoffrey Lewis, Cheryl Waters, James
Gammon, Doodles Weaver and Leif Garrett, Macon County Line became the
hit of 1974 as well as one of the most acclaimed drive-in classics of
all time!
Disc Specs:
Rated R | Color | 88 minutes | Region A
Video - 1080p Widescreen (1.85:1)
Audio - TBA
Extras:
NEW! Interview With Editor Tina Hirsch!
Audio Commentary With Director Richard Compton.
Vintage Featurette – Macon County Line: 25 Years Down The Road
Theatrical Trailer
MACON COUNTY LINE is available at most retailers on January 16th, and depending on where you shop, it'll run you about $15 - $20. Order your copy now from AMAZON, BULLMOOSE, DIABOLIK DVD, or directly from SHOUT! FACTORY.
