The Creators of HI-8 Are Upgrading to HI-DEATH This Summer!

BRACE YOURSELVES FOR FIVE NEW TALES OF TERROR IN THIS UPCOMING INDIE HORROR ANTHOLOGY!

I never got around to seeing HI-8: HORROR INDEPENDENT EIGHT (currently available on DVD and digital), which is a shame because I'm a sucker for Horror anthologies. And now it looks like I should put that on the fast track because the same creative team is about to drop their followup anthology, HI-DEATH, this June!

Synopsis: From the makers of “Hi-8”, five new twisted tales showcasing the talents of both veteran and emerging horror filmmakers. When two young women take the “Terror Tour” through the underbelly of Hollywood, they are led into a bizarre world of unspeakable horror. Their first stop proves that “Death Has a Conscience,” but doesn’t spare the unlucky souls who stumble into his path. Next, a meeting with the “Dealers of Death” exposes the perils of collecting murder memorabilia. Then, it’s off to a quick “Night Drop,” where your next movie rental may be your last. An actress’ worst nightmare unfolds as she is forced to perform a terrifying “Cold Read,” and our Terror Tour comes to a disturbing end as we meet the ancient, seductive evil known as “The Muse.”

The film is written and directed by Anthony Catanese, Tim Ritter, Amanda Payton, Brad Sykes and Todd Sheets. Cast includes Fabiana Formica, Jay Sosnicki, Todd Martin, Thomas Kindler, Jensen Jacobs, Craig Kelly, Nick Randol, Dilynn Fawn Harvey, Christopher Preyer, Eric Salinas, Kristen Adams and Kate Durocher.

Stills & Trailer:
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Be sure to follow HI-DEATH on Facebook for further updates on its eventual release! Also visit the Nightfall Pictures website for more details about their current catalog of films and upcoming projects!

Thanksgiving Dinner Gets a Little Hairy in Indie Horror-Comedy GRANDMA WEREWOLF!

ZACHARY WILL'S DEBUT FEATURE PITS A DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY AGAINST THEIR LYCANTHROPIC GRANDMOTHER!

While a large portion of our time here at the News Vault is dedicated to reporting on physical media (i.e. DVD & Blu-ray releases), we do try to sprinkle in news about upcoming films as well - especially independent films that fall into genres that are part of our wheelhouse.

Speaking of which, today we'd like to shine a spotlight on a new micro-budget Horror-Comedy from a young director named Zachary Will. After two successful Kickstarter campaigns, Zachary put together a production crew, assembled a cast, and shot his first feature-length film at his family's cabin. GRANDMA WEREWOLF won "Best Picture (Under $25,000)" at the International New York Film Festival, and is scheduled for numerous theatrical screenings in late October, and early November.

Synopsis: When a dysfunctional family goes to their recently widowed grandmother’s cabin for Thanksgiving, they find out their grandma is actually a werewolf. They must work together, steal a silver sword, and learn magic to stop their werewolf grandmother from causing mayhem.

About the Director: Though this is Zachary Will’s first feature film, he has plenty of experience behind the camera, having directed over 50 short films, including an award-winning documentary. Zach received a Bachelor of Science from Full Sail University, where he wrote the first draft of GRANDMA WEREWOLF. After graduating, he moved to Atlanta, GA to pursue his film career. Prior to the project, Zach worked on TV shows for an Emmy award winning production company and on corporate projects for WebMD, Home Depot, Sears, Bloomberg, Sears, the Atlanta Braves, and more.

Stills & Trailer:
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GRANDMA WEREWOLF is currently scheduled for theatrical screenings at several venues late next month (CLICK HERE for listings), with a possible DVD (and digital) release date in November. For more information about GRANDMA WEREWOLF be sure to visit the Official Site and follow the film on Facebook and Twitter!

A Sea God Awakens in SOFT MATTER - Now Available on DVD and VOD!

GRAFITTI ARTISTS BATTLE AN ANCIENT EVIL IN THIS NEW HORROR-COMEDY FROM FIRST-TIME DIRECTOR JIM HICKOX!

When I'm not desperately trying to keep up with upcoming Blu-ray titles, Horror tees & toys, and other stuff that I think all of you Vault Dwellers would find interesting, I try my level best to help promote independent cinema! Speaking of which, today I'd like to shine a spotlight on the directorial debut of Jim Hickox, namely SOFT MATTER! I'm a sucker for creature features (especially when practical f/x is involved), so I'm definitely planning on checking this one out when I finally have a legit day off!

Synopsis: Two graffiti artists break into an abandoned (and reportedly haunted) research facility in hopes of creating an art installation, but stumble upon a team of demented researchers who are in the process of resurrecting an ancient sea creature! Now the two artists must fight the mad scientists and escape the deadly "Sea God" to avoid becoming the next experiment!

Stills & Trailer:
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SOFT MATTER is currently available to stream instantly on various on demand platforms, including AMAZON INSTANT VIDEO! You can also pick up a copy on DVD today from AMAZON or BULLMOOSE!

Jason Coffman's HOUSESITTERS Arrives on Video on Demand Later this Year!

HERE'S YOUR FIRST LOOK AT "HOUSESITTERS," AN UPCOMING INDIE HORROR/COMEDY FROM FIRST-TIME DIRECTOR JASON COFFMAN!

I'm totally a sucker for a movies featuring creatures and monsters, so I'm totally on board for Jason Coffman's directorial debut. HOUSESITTERS features two female leads (Annie Watkins and Jamie Jirak) who must battle a supernatural beastie after taking what was supposed to be an easy housesitting job! The film is going to be hitting the festival circuit later this year, before getting released on various Video on Demand platforms.

Synopsis: Inspired in equal measure by modern comedies like Broad City and goofy horror films like GHOULIES, this female-led horror/comedy follows the misadventures of Angie (Annie Watkins, "Jan" in the original New York and Chicago runs of hit stage production THE BARDY BUNCH) and Izzy (Jamie Jirak, formerly of Chicago's pH Comedy Theater) as they take on a plum housesitting gig that spirals into supernatural horror.

The cast of HOUSESITTERS also includes Peter Ash, Jay J. Bidwell, Bethanie Louise, Mariah Michael, James Timothy Peters, and Ben Schlotfelt. The film features a creature puppet designed and built by Ohio-based independent filmmaker Dustin Wayde Mills (THE PUPPET MONSTER MASSACRE). Behind the camera, Jolene Vega served as cinematographer with Jef Burnham as assistant director and Tatiana von Recklinghausen as lead makeup/effects artist.

The soundtrack includes a score by Chicago-based Joshua Burke (who records under the name Boardinghouse), with songs by Black Candles, Desire (courtesy of Italians Do It Better), Inner Vegas (courtesy of Good Glass), and Night Witch.

A Message From the Director: "I'm a huge horror fan, and I watch a lot of independent horror movies. Far too many indie horror filmmakers make familiar zombie or slasher movies. With HOUSESITTERS, I wanted to do something that doesn't take itself too seriously and is a fast, fun showcase for the talents of our fantastic cast and crew.

We shot HOUSESITTERS on a minuscule budget (that mostly went toward buying food for everybody on shooting days) with a lot of hard work on a tight schedule. I'm proud as hell of everybody who helped out in front of and behind the camera, and I can't wait to share it with everyone!"

Stills & Trailer:
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Stay tuned for more updates, as well as the official release date for HOUSESITTERS' VOD debut!

Adrienne Barbeau, Michael Berryman, Courtney Gains, and Other Genre Favorites Star in HELL'S KITTY!

WILD EYE RELEASING'S NEW KILLER KITTY FLICK NOW AVAILABLE ON VIDEO ON DEMAND - COMING TO DVD ON MARCH 27TH!

There is a distinct lack of killer cat movies in the world Vault Dwellers. Off the top of my head all I can think of is STRAYS, UNINVITED, NIGHT OF 1,000 CATS, PET SEMATARY, TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE MOVIE, and THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE! And now Nicholas Tana's HELL'S KITTY proudly joins their ranks!

Synopsis: Doug Jones (THE SHAPE OF WATER), Dale Midkiff (PET SEMATARY), Michael Berryman (THE HILLS HAVE EYES), Courtney Gains (CHILDREN OF THE CORN), Lynn Lowry (THE CAT PEOPLE), Kelli Maroni (NIGHT OF THE COMET), Ashley C. Williams (THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE), Barbara Nedeljakova (HOSTEL), Adrienne Barbeau (THE FOG), John Franklin (THE ADDAMS FAMILY, CHILDREN OF THE CORN) and a ‘Killer Klown’ team up for some "Pawplay" this March!

Based on the web series and comic book of the same name, and inspired by writer-director Nicholas Tana’s experiences living with a professedly possessed cat, HELL'S KITTY tells of a covetous feline that acts possessed and possessive of his owner around women. The results are as funny as they are frightening!

Nick (Writer/Directo Nicholas Tana), a Hollywood screenwriter, discovers his cat has become murderously possessed, and will stop at nothing to rid him of any women in his life. As his life unravels out of control, and the body count rises, Nick must find a way to have his cat exorcised of the demonic spirit haunting her.

With characters named after classic horror movie characters (Jones plays Father Damien, Berryman is Detective Pluto, Nina Kate is Dr. Laurie Strodes, Barbeau is Mrs. Carrie), and a tone reminiscent of some of the ‘80s greatest horror-comedies, HELL'S KITTY is undoubtedly the horror hiss of March!

Stills & Trailer:
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HELL'S KITTY is now available to watch on various Video on Demand platforms (like Amazon Instant Video), and makes its DVD debut on Tuesday, March 27th! You can order a copy of HELL'S KITTY now from AMAZON or BULLMOOSE!

Over the Top Action-Comedy COMMANDO NINJA Coming Later This Year!

Eric Carlesi the Commando Ninja!

BENJAMIN COMBES' HILARIOUS TRIBUTE TO THE ACTION FILMS OF THE 1980S HAS REACHED ITS CROWDFUNDING GOAL!

COMMANDO NINJA is an ultra-violent action-comedy in the same vein as 2015's Kickstarter-funded indie hit KUNG FURY. Featuring time travel, a muscle-bound hero that waves of machine gun-toting foes cannot seem to hit, and lots of over-the-top action and practical effects, COMMANDO NINJA has rapidly become one of my most anticipated films of 2018!

Synopsis: A Vietnam Green Beret Vet that is "Half Commando, and Half Ninja," (Eric Carlesi, who bears a striking resemblance to actor Karl Urban) goes on a quest to rescue his daughter, who has been abducted by a secret Ninja Organization, led by a Central-American dictator, who wants to create a new-world order... through time...

COMMANDO NINJA's crowdfunding goal has recently been met, and (as of my posting this) has fifteen more days left to reach its stretch goals which include: Stickers, an animated scene, action figures, a release of the film's soundtrack, and even a COMMANDO NINJA video game! If any of that sounds enticing, or if you just want to secure an official poster, t-shirt, and/or Blu-ray (once the film is completed), CLICK HERE to make a pledge!

What's that? OH! Yeah, you're not quite sold on the film right? Well I suppose the only way to win you over is for you to witness COMMANDO NINJA in all its glory! Scope out the (what is essentially a proof of concept) trailer below, and prepare to be dazzled!


Apparently the majority of COMMANDO NINJA is completed, so we shouldn't have to wait too long to see this ode to COMMANDO, PREDATOR, RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PART II, and various other 80s Action classics! Currently, the digital download of the film is anticipated for a June release, while the Region Free Blu-ray is expected in November!

To keep up to date on the status of the film, be sure to like its Official Facebook Page. For more information about COMMANDO NINJA's director, visit his website, and scope out his YouTube Channel!

Steven Soderbergh's UNSANE Coming to Theaters in Late March!

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:
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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!

Watch the Teaser Trailer for Upcoming Psychological Thriller, THE DARKEST NOTHING: PARAPHRENIA!

DIRECTOR FILIP HALO'S SECOND ENTRY INTO "THE DARKEST NOTHING" SERIES WILL BE RELEASED IN GERMANY THIS OCTOBER!

I recently received a press release for this new film and I really don't know what to make of it Vault Dwellers. It's certainly out of my comfort zone of slasher flicks and creature features, and yet... I find myself intrigued by it. Continue onward to learn more about THE DARKEST NOTHING: PARAPHRENIA and satisfy your own curiosity in the process!

Synopsis: After taking revenge for his 7-year old daughter, William “Neuron” creates a controversial web show, the first real RED ROOM with live video streaming. He and his crew are focusing on psychological terror and how the human mind works, by using snuff and horror techniques (dangerous illegal methods and gore).

The first live psycho-terror session focuses on Judy, a girl who suffers from the Fregoli Syndrome, and is incapable of distinguishing between fiction and reality. Her long journey in morbidity, her visits in the Dark Web and her obsession for horror fiction and movies, have completely destroyed her personality. "Neuron" forces her to revive her experiences in the flesh, while his crew is mangling her body for the viewers of this nasty website.

It doesn’t matter what is real and what is fake. This is the closest anybody can ever get to the truth about the dark side of the human mind... The movie is a unique exercise in absolute suspense, with no boundaries, and is focusing on real events, real crimes, real Deep and Dark Web incidents, videos and movies/music, and how they all affect us. THE DARKEST NOTHING: PARATHRENIA is an adrenaline-filled hundred minutes that never lets up, and is tougher than any cyber crime thriller you have ever witnessed before!

Stills, Trailer, & Official Clip:
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On May 1st, THE DARKEST NOTHING: IDEOPHRENIA is going to be released. This 35-minute Action-Thriller (featuring a pig-masked madman called "Butcher") will then lead into the events of the feature-length PARAPHRENIA (October 8th), which will then be followed by THE DARKEST NOTHING: FEAR (December 1, 2018). For more information on these films, visit the Official Website, and subscribe to the Incubofilms YouTube Channel.

VENOM Finally Teased by Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios!

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THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED "VENOM" IS COMING TO THEATERS IN OCTOBER! CHECK OUT THE NEW TEASER POSTER AND TRAILER!

While I was initially worried about VENOM, I feel less anxious knowing that Disney/Marvel is working more closely with Sony on their superhero properties. That means that more effort and attention to detail will go into this big-screen adaptation of Venom: Lethal Protector.

Despite the studio's attempts at secrecy (no official plot synopsis has been released), there have been some leaks and plenty of rumors on the web. Tom Holland's Spider-Man (as seen in CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING, and the upcoming AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR) will allegedly make an appearance (which makes sense as Spidey plays a crucial role in the comic book mini-series), possibly fighting alongside Venom against a bigger threat.

That threat is most likely Carnage (possibly being played by Woody Harrelson!) and a few other symbiotes (Scream has been confirmed), which makes me wonder if a possible Maximum Carnage offshoot might be coming a few years down the road! I guess we'll just have to wait and see, but for now, give VENOM's teaser poster (squint your eyes at it, and it turns into Venom's face!) and non-revealing teaser trailer, and cross your fingers that they'll do this Marvel anti-hero justice!


VENOM is set for an October 2018 theatrical release - stay tuned for more details!

A Nun Battles for Her Soul in the Satanic Short, SULPHUR FOR LEVIATHAN!

"SULPHUR FOR LEVIATHAN" IS GEARING UP FOR ITS DEBUT ON THE FILM FESTIVAL CIRCUIT!

James Quinn's latest arthouse Horror short is intended as a companion piece for THE TEMPLE OF LILITH. Filmed in both color and black & white, this surreal horror tale clocks in around thirteen minutes, and is currently being prepped to make its rounds at various film festivals this year!

Synopsis: SULPHUR FOR LEVIATHAN revolves around a nun, who suddenly finds herself progressively fantasizing about things that shouldn't be in her head. Increasingly having to face her own doings of blasphemy, everything leads up to something demonically dark and sinister.

Portrayed in a surreal manner both in color and black and white, with a heavy focus on elegant cinematography, the film tells a satanic tale of unfulfilled desires, lust, blasphemy and existential dread, packed in a controversial and disturbing, but calm and poetic experience that is heavily inspired by Andrei Tarkovsky.

SULPHUR FOR LEVIATHAN stars Susan M. Martin as "The Nun," known for PLANK FACE and SPACE BABES FROM OUTER SPACE, as well as Jerry Larew as Lucifer, widely known for his portrayal of Alfie in the SHE WAS SO PRETTY films. Other roles include Craig Long as Satan, and Joseph Knapik, head of the Columbus Zombie Walk, as a demon priest.

Stills & Trailer:
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THE STRANGERS Return to Theaters in March to PREY AT NIGHT!

THE FOLLOWUP TO 2008'S "THE STRANGERS" COMES TO THEATERS NATIONWIDE ON MARCH 9TH!

I still have yet to see THE STRANGERS, but I have plenty of time to catch up before THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT comes to the big screen! I'm very much looking forward to this new Horror flick because my buddy Damian Maffei (whom I last saw in Jay Woelfel's CLOSED FOR THE SEASON) has a nice meaty role as the axe-wielding "Man in the Mask" (aka Sackface), and I gotta show my support!

Synopsis: A family's road trip takes a dangerous turn when they arrive at a secluded mobile home park to stay with some relatives and find it mysteriously deserted. Under the cover of darkness, three masked psychopaths pay them a visit to test the family's every limit as they struggle to survive. Johannes Roberts directs this horror film inspired by the 2008 smash hit THE STRANGERS, starring Christina Hendricks, Martin Henderson, Bailee Madison and Lewis Pullman.

Stills & Trailer:
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STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT hits theaters on Friday, March 9th!  

Visit Fandango to check movie times and pre-order tickets!

Blumhouse Productions Invites You to Play TRUTH OR DARE on April 27th!

BLUMHOUSE'S LATEST HORROR OFFERING PUTS A DEADLY SUPERNATURAL SPIN ON AN OLD PARTY GAME!

Having watched the trailer for TRUTH OR DARE, it sort of feels like something akin to IT FOLLOWS, in that a curse is passed to a group of unsuspecting teens. The big difference though is that the supernatural villain in this film isn't out to literally screw them!

Blumhouse has been on fire lately with their ongoing INSIDIOUS and THE PURGE series, plus really solid genre efforts like GET OUT, HAPPY DEATH DAY, and SPLIT! TRUTH OR DARE could very well be the start of yet another successful franchise for them, but we'll have to wait until late April to find out!

Synopsis: Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars) and Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf) lead the cast of TRUTH OR DARE, a supernatural thriller from Blumhouse Productions. A harmless game of "Truth or Dare" among friends turns deadly when someone, or something, begins to punish those who tell a lie-or refuse the dare.

Directed by Jeff Wadlow (KICK-ASS 2), the thriller co-stars Violett Beane, Nolan Gerard Funk, Hayden Szeto and Sophia Taylor Ali. The film was produced by Jason Blum and executive produced by writer-director Wadlow.

Trailer:

Look for TRUTH OR DARE in theaters nationwide on Friday, Aril 27th!