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HORROR 101: THE A-LIST OF HORROR FILMS AND MONSTER MOVIES  VOL 1


2002

12-22-02  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
    I'm sure you've noticed the lack of updates lately.  Of course, some of this has been caused by the holiday season creeping up on us again.  So we've been pretty busy buying all those little movies on DVD for our friends and family.  I mean, what would make someone more happier than opening up a DVD of MAD DOCTOR OF BLOOD ISLAND on Christmas?
    The other main reason is that it seems that once again, I have contracted some sort of sinus infection.  Nothing major, but just enough to make me feel miserable, and not feeling like doing anything like watching movies or working on this site.  Sorry about that folks.  Hopefully in a week or so, we'll be back to our normal wonderful self.  No promises though.
    So before we get onto the little bit of news that we have, I just wanted to wish everybody a very Happy Holiday from us at Kitley's Krypt to you and your family.  Hopefully Santa will be nice to you and deliver some great DVD titles as well.

MARIO BAVA FILM FESTIVAL UPDATE
    The Gene Siskel Film Center has posted the films and times for the first part of their festival featuring the works of the great Mario Bava.  Below are the dates and times for the first five films to be shown, starting in the first weekend in January.  For more information, visit their site here.

BLACK SABBATH - Saturday, Jan. 4th at 8:00pm and  Monday, Jan. 6th at 8:00pm
BLACK SUNDAY - Friday, Jan. 3rd at 8:00pm and Jan. 6 at 6:15pm
THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH - Saturday, Jan. 11th at 6:15pm and Wednesday, Jan. 15th at 8:00pm
KILL BABY KILL - Saturday, Jan. 18th at 6:00pm and Monday, Jan. 20th at 8:00pm
KNIVES OF THE AVENGER - Sunday, Jan. 12 at 4:00pm and Wednesday, Jan. 15th at 6:15pm

    Then also at the Gene Siskel Film Center, they will be have another series of lecture / screenings called THE CINEMA OF HORROR, from January 24 to May 6.  These screenings will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays, but the lecture part will only be on the Tuesday screenings.  The lectures are by Tom Gunning, Professor of Cinema & Media Studies at the University of Chicago and author of The Films of Fritz Lang.  According to the site, "Prof. Gunning will investigate the ways in which the combination of horror and cinema brings us to the extremes of experience, as illustrated by such chillers as NOSFERATU, BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN, CAT PEOPLE, INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, PSYCHO, and THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE."
    I don't know about you people, but that sounds pretty damn interesting.  First of all, getting to see these films, such as TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE on the big screen is cool in itself.  Then second of all, to be able to hear one of these film professors give a lecture about it makes it even better.  Who knows, maybe I'll get a lot of more quotes for my Psycho-Babble section.
    The first film is going to be the 1922 film NOSFERATU, with live piano accompaniment by David Drazin.  It will be shown at 6:30pm on Friday, January 24th, and at 6:00pm on Tuesday, January 28.
    I strongly recommend going to these screenings if at all possible.  What this does is show the institute just how many serious fans of these movies are out there.  Plus, if you attend the lecture, who knows, you just might learn something that you didn't know before.
    When we get more info on the other films and showtimes, we will post them here.  For more info about this series, click here.

12-14-02  FLASHBACK WEEKEND 2: LET'S DO IT AGAIN
    Mike and company are once again working on bringing another great show next year to the Chicagoland area next spring.  Actually, they will be putting on two different shows.
    First, on May 9-11, there is the BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER FAN EVENT.  So far they only have James (Spike) Marsters, but will have more Buffy guest to be announced.  Marsters' band Ghost of the Robot will also be there as well as performing.
    Then on June 13-15, Flashback Weekend 2 takes place.  The guest lineup so far consists of: P.J. Soles, Kevin McCarthy, Judith O'Dea, Linda Harrison, Michael Berryman, J.R. Bookwalter, Ken Foree, and Tom Sullivan.  More guests to be announced.
    Once again, there will also be movies being played at the Picwick Theater.  Last year, not only did they show classics like EVIL DEAD, TWO THOUSAND MANIACS, but also sneak peaks of BLOOD FEAST 2 and BUBBA HO-TEP.
    For more information about the show, click here: FLASHBACK WEEKEND.
    To read about their first show, check out our Convention Photos section.

HORROR SOUNDTRACKS ANYONE?
    For fans of horror soundtracks, this is some great news.  In January, Numenorean Music will be releasing the complete scores to both RE-ANIMATOR and FROM BEYOND on CD.  This is the same company that had previously released the soundtracks for DAY OF THE DEAD and the 1990 remake of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD.  This bit of news comes from the Gorezone website.  We've emailed Numenorean Music for more info, but haven't heard back from them yet.  FROM BEYOND has always been one of my favorite scores.  I used to have the LP many years ago, so am looking forward for this release.

    And while on the subjects of soundtracks, Perseverance Records will be releasing a couple of titles that may interests horror fans.  The first one is DR. PHIBES RISES AGAIN, by John Gale.  The second one is Denny Zeitlin score for the 1978 remake of INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS.  Each disc will have an 8-page booklet that will contain stills and artwork, as well as comments from the producers, directors, and composers, and liner notes by film music critic Paul Tonks.  You can check out their site for updates by clicking here: Perseverance Records.

DAY OF THE DEAD RISES AGAIN TO DVD
    At the end of next April, Anchor Bay will be releasing their second release of George Romero's DAY OF THE DEAD.  This time out, it will be a 2-disc set that will feature a brand new THX certified 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, remixed Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround EX and DTS 6.1 ES surround tracks.  It will also feature an audio commentary with Romero, 2 featurettes, still galleries, the complete screenplay, trailers, and a collectible booklet.
    And Anchor Bay is also releasing yet another version of ARMY OF DARKNESS.  This will be another 2-disc set, called the "Boomstick Edition".  No real details have been announced yet, other than it will contain both cuts of the movie (theatrical and the extended version).  It will be out next March.

ELITE ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE DANTE'S HORROR!
    The second feature from the very promising Dante Tomaselli, simply called HORROR!, will be coming out on DVD from Elite during the first part of next year.  Tomaselli showed some great style and imagery in his film film DESECRATION, and we are looking forward to see what he has come up with for his second feature, which by the way stars Felissa Rose (from SLEEPAWAY CAMP).
    The disc will feature a bunch of extras like audio commentary by the director, behind-the-scenes footage, still gallery, and an anamorphic widescreen transfer.

12-8-02  MARIO BAVA COMES TO CHICAGO!
    Okay people, listen up.  For fans of Mario Bava, this will be a mute point, since you already know.  But for you out there who aren't that familiar with Bava's work, and live in the Chicagoland area, here is your chance to check out some of this best work in the place where it was meant to be seen...in a theater.
    Starting next month, the Gene Siskel Film Center will be having a retrospect of Mario Bava featuring 12 of his films.  Some of the titles include BLACK SUNDAY, BLACK SABBATH, TWITCH OF THE DEATH NERVE, KILL BABY KILL, LISA AND THE DEVIL, THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, and KIDNAPPED (aka RABID DOGS), a recently rediscovered "lost film".
    I know we will be trying to make as many of the films as possible, so hopefully we'll see some of you out there.  This is an opportunity that you won't want to miss.  For more information, check out the site for the Gene Siskel Film Center.  There are no dates yet, but should be up pretty soon.

MESSAGE BOARD - GOING ONCE....
    We hate to keep bringing this up, so this will be the last mention.  It seems that not to many people want to use our little message board to speak their thoughts and opinions.  And that's fine.  No big deal.  When the next renewal of the board, we will not be continuing it.  For it to cost us money for something that no one is using, it's just not worth it.  And we don't want to get like these other sites and ask for money to help pay for the site.  We will never do that.  We do this for the fun of it.  And when it stops being enjoyable, then we will shut it down.  But until then, if you do want to see the Message Board continue, we need to hear from you people.

HELLRAISER CENOBITES FIGURES UPDATE
    According to Figures.com, the new series of 7" collectables from the HELLRAISER movies by NECA will not be issued in order by movie, but by a particular look.  Series 1 figures will include Chatter from the first and second film, CD-Head from part 3, and Pinhead, as well as a non-Cenobite creature will be in the group.
    In other collectable news, McFarland have announced the next lineup in their Movie Maniacs series.  This time out, they will all be characters from the ALIEN and PREDATOR films.  The lineup consists of the Dog Alien from ALIEN 3, the Warrior Alien from ALIEN RESURRECTION, Predator the Hunter from PREDATOR 2, and also a regular Predator, also from PREDATOR 2.  There will be a box set that will consist of the Alien Queen from ALIENS, which will have a full custom base and other extras.

ARGENTO'S NEXT FILM
    According to Dark Dreams website, the title of Argento's next film will be THE CARD DEALER and should start filming in March.  Stefania Rocca is set to star.

GUILLERMO TO GO TO THE BLACK LAGOON???
    Among the other half a dozen projects that Guillermo del Toro is working on is a remake of Universal's 1954 classic CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON.  He talked to Fangoria at the recent 2002 Sitges Festival about this project.  ""I'd rather direct CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON than watch someone else screw it up. That was my thought when Universal called me in for talks. I'll be given carte blanche to develop the story, although I will bring in another writer. I want to set the story in Victorian times during the exploration of the Amazon. The original Creature was essentially King Kong, but I want to make it more a 'beauty and the beast' fable. I want the look and feel to be akin to Jules Verne's tales like 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA. I want to increase the horror edge and make it really scary, because my archaeological explorers will discover an area of the Amazon that has been kept on a tangential track of evolution alongside mankind. So there will be giant carnivorous squid, prehistoric sharks and weird alternate lifeforms that shouldn't really exist in such a fresh-water environment. The Creature will be the Man of this exotic world. He will be very smart and able to turn the tables on his human hunters. I have a scene where the hunters find fossil remains and realize that the Creature's brain cavity is larger than a human one. He's not the lumbering, roaring monster of Ricou Browning's day, but a sophisticated Gill Man that will come to life through a mix of CGI and a man in a suit. In the original film, the Creature falls in love with the Julie Adams character. The twist in my version is that the girl will also fall in love with him. I want her to almost get it on with the Creature!".
    There was also talk about it possibly being in 3-D, like the original.  But according to del Toro, "but the problem is that such as process would severely limit the number of venues in which it could be released.  And you cannot use 3-D as an afterthought, because it's quite a cumbersome and complex technique."
    del Toro also sees Benicio Del Toro in a major role in the film, but nothing has been discussed as of yet.
    Thanks to Fangoria.com for the news.

12-2-02  NEW REVIEWS AND SOME RANTING
    Greetings folks, and sorry for the delay in updates.  I celebrated Turkey like any horror movie fan did and spent the weekend watching movies.  Some good, some bad, and all entertaining.  I was even able to crank out some reviews over the last few days as well.  Recently added to our Review section is our findings on the Blood Island trilogy from Eddie Romero and John Ashley.  These discs by Image are a must for any serious horror fan.  We also have a review up for DOG SOLDIERS and DEATHMASTER (another must!).

LET THE RANTING BEGIN...
    Now, I know that I don’t make it out to the theaters as much as I’d like to.  There are films out there that I’d like to see, but just never seemed to get around it.  But over the weekend, I tried to go see the new version of THE RING, and couldn’t believe my eyes.  At some point in time, the ticket prices here in Chicagoland have hit $9.00.  To be honest, I think I remember them breaking $8, but even that is a little blurry.  But lucky for me the showing of THE RING was sold out, so I was able to get a refund.
   
Don’t get me wrong, I knew that the tickets were getting expensive, but for some reason, it’s the first time that I noticed that it was at $9.00.  Well, I figure why pay that much to see it in the theater once, when I can wait a few months and pick up the DVD for usually less than the cost of two tickets, and watch it as many times as I want, not to mention all the extras the DVD might have!  $9.00 for a ticket!  That is just plain ridiculous.  No wonder why these movies are grossing more money than ever.  I guess that just made my future movie going options a lot easier to decide.

THE OMEN - "BLOATED, BOMBASTIC AND OVERSERIOUS"
   
In the last issue of Rue Morgue magazine (#30), I came across an article that I disagreed with quite a bit, and wanted to know if I was the only one with this opinion.  On page 34, there is a 2-page article about the music from THE OMEN series, and it’s composer, Jerry Goldsmith, by John W. Bowen.  In the article, he states that, "...THE OMEN remains a breed apart: a film that probably owes the bulk of its success to its music score alone."  But that's not all, he also goes on to say, "Bloated, bombastic and overserious, THE OMEN comes dangerously close to caving in under its own pomposity, its complete lack of humor often resulting in some unintentionally hilarious moments."
   
Sorry, while I do agree that Goldsmith’s music for THE OMEN is incredible and does add greatly to the film, I completely disagree that without it, the movie wouldn’t have been any good.
    Once again, I completely disagree.  I have watched THE OMEN at least 3 times in the last two years, and still find it as effective as when I first seen it, over 20 years ago.  To say that just because there’s no humor in it would hurt the film is completely bogus.  Does that mean we have to interject some stupid humor in all horror movies to “break the seriousness” of it?
    I've posted my remarks on our Message Board and invited anybody and everybody to add in their thoughts on this.

AND FROM THE "IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME" FILE...
    Jack Pierce...the name that any serious horror fan would know.  Probably as much as the actors, this man was a huge part in the creation of Universal's Monsters.  Pierce created the makeup for Frankenstein's Monster, the Mummy, the Wolfman, and tons of others.
    Well, this February, he will recieve an Honorary Makeup Academy Award at a Beverly Hills ceremony.  The plan is for Sara Karloff, Bela Lugosi Jr., and Ron Chaney to accept the award for Pierce, who passed away in 1968.  This is something that should have happened years ago.
    Plus, also next February, the U.S. Postal Service will be issuing a series of commemorative stamps to honor cinematic artistry.  Pierce applying the makeup on Karloff for FRANKENSTEIN will represent the "Makeup" stamp.

11-21-02  JUST A COUPLE OF UPDATES
    Well, after frustrating hours, we have finally gotten our Poster Gallery revamped, making it a lot easier and sharper looking (at least we think so).  We have also added a few new posters in there, including some more donations.  Thanks again, Brett.  Keep them coming!  Click here to check out the Gallery.

DEMON LADY INTERVIEWED!
    We have also finished out much delayed interview with the Demon Lady herself, Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni.  She talks about her roles in Italian horror, as well as working with the likes of Argento and Bava.  Click here for our Interview section.

NEW REVIEW!
    Yea, it has been a while since we've gotten some new reviews up.  While we're still working on quite a few, including the Blood Island Trilogy, we do have one new one to check out.  It's for All Day Entertainment's ALL MONSTERS ATTACK!, which is a great collection of monster trailers.  Check out our Reviews here.

BLUE UNDERGROUND ANNOUNCEMENTS
    They have recently announced some more interesting titles that they will be releasing in the future.  One title that we are looking forward to is Gary Sherman's DEAD AND BURIED.  This was released in the U.K., but not here.  They also announced FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE (aka I HATE YOUR GUTS), BLOODRAGE, and VENOM, which stars both Klaus Kinski and Oliver Reed!  How could you go wrong with the two of them in one film!
    Also, Lynn Lowry has been interviewed for a featurette about her career that is going to be on DVD for George Romero's THE CRAZIES which will also be coming from Blue Underground.  If you don't know the name, you'd know the face.  Lowry was in a few cult films of the 70's.  Besides THE CRAZIES, she was in I DRINK YOUR BLOOD and SHIVERS.  She even had a bit part in Paul Schrader's remake of CAT PEOPLE as the hooker who finds a cat under her bed.

POSTER BANNED BY THE MPAA???
    I'm still confused by this one.  According to Fangoria's website, the poster for the new movie MAY, which was going to have a limited theatrical release from Lion's Gate in January before going to video, was banned by the MPAA.  Is this a first time for that, or has this happened before?  I wonder what they would think about some of the poster art that was used years ago?  Plus the fact, from this artwork, I don't understand what was so objectionable?  No gore or nudity?  What's their problem?

11-16-02  FANGORIA - OKAY...ONE LAST BITCH....
    Yea, I know I said I'd stop bitching, but that was before I received this last email.  I had emailed the Official Jeffrey Combs website on a whim, just to see if they knew about his scheduled appearance at the NY Fango show.  For what it's worth, this was their response:

Thanks for your question and it is a very good one.  Right now, Jeff is undergoing negotiations with Fangoria and a final contract has not been signed.  He is aware that he is listed which is a common practice amongst the convention organizers, but is a practice Jeff does not appreciate.

All I can tell you is to stay tuned to the website and or the message board for updates.

Wish I could be more help, sorry,

Cynthia

    So once again, guests are advertised without being confirmed.  This has been my point all along.  I could really care who is to blame, be it Creation or Fangoria, the facts still remain of what they are doing.  They want to get fans and dealers to come out to the show with the hopes of all these guests will actually be there.  Okay, that's it....I promise.

DEMON LADY INTERVIEW COMING...
    We are finishing up the last touches of our latest interview.  This time out, we have talked to the wonderfully demonic actress / musician Coralina Cataldi-Tassoni, who starred in such classic films as Dario Argento's OPERA and PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and Lamberto Bava's DEMONS 2, among others.  We're hoping to have it up in the next couple of days.

TOM SULLIVAN TEAMS UP WITH DEL TORO
    According to Tom Sullivan's website, Tom and Patrick Reese will be working on HELLBOY, the next movie from Guillermo del Toro. They are not really allowed to give any details of what exactly they are working on, but are very happy and excited about the new project.
    I know we are looking forward to what Sullivan can contribute to this new project.

LEMORA TO HIT DVD
    As reported on the Fangoria website, Synapse Films will be releasing the cult film LEMORA: A CHILD'S TALE OF THE SUPERNATURAL on DVD sometime next year.  According to Don May Jr., “We’re doing a high-definition, 16x9-enhanced anamorphic transfer from the original negative, supervised by Richard, who of course is also doing an audio commentary.  We are treating it with the utmost care; believe me, no one has ever seen the film look like this.”  May also says that there will be a dedication or tribute to Cheryl (Rainbeaux) Smith, who recently passed away.

BAD MOON RISING AGAIN FOR BAKER
    According to Entertainment Weekly, Rick Baker will be doing the makeup effects for CURSED.  This is the new werewolf movie from Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson.  I'm sure this will also re-invent the whole werewolf genre too.  Craven will still be doing the American remake of PULSE after this film.

11-11-02  FANGORIA CON-VENTION - THE SAGA CONTINUES
    Well, we finally did get a response from Fango editor Tony Timpone, and here's what he had to say:

    You are right: FANGORIA and Creation would never list any guests without confirming them first. It's the talent that cancels. We always have plenty of guests so I don't have to list bogus ones.
    Regarding HG Lewis, both the producer and director of his new film told me that they had contacted him and that he agreed to come. I didn't contact HG myself, as THEY were planning on flying HG in for the event, not us. Though we are of course excited to have him. I'll clear it up with HG personally.
    The best place to check for convention updates is www.creationent.com. It is updated all the time so fans can check before purchasing tickets.
    Thanks for your concern.
Best,
Tony

    So, in the first paragraph, he says that they would never list any guests without confirmation.  Then he states in his next paragraph that they never spoke to Lewis personally, but the director and producer of his new film said he agreed to come.  Okay, but then why aren't they advertising the director and producer at the show along with Lewis?  Once again, they are going by what somebody is telling them with no real confirmation.  So does that mean that someone else has told them that Cronenberg will be there?
    Plus, as for the little comment about checking Creation's website for updates, a couple of years back, they didn't post that Rob Zombie wasn't going to make it until exactly a week before the show .
    I guess Fango should join company with John Russo as far as my bitching about them.  They are not going to change, and I think I'm getting tired of complaining about them both to no avail.

11-10-02  ANOTHER RUSSO RANT???
    I had planned on adding another entry in my Kryptic Ramblings about my buddy John Russo and his latest venture.  Then I realized that me ranting on about  Russo is about as repetitive as Anchor Bay's EVIL DEAD releases.  So instead, I'll just sum up a few thoughts on his latest scam.
    In the last issue of Fangoria magazine (#218), I came across the scariest thing that I have seen in that magazine in many years.  On page 37, there is an advertisement for the JOHN RUSSO MOVIE MAKING WORKSHOPS.  The ad reads “Learn it all, writing, directing, shooting, distribution and profit sharing from the master of low budget Film making.”
    In all honesty, I do have to give Russo credit for this scheme.  Let’s think about this for a minute.  If he gets 20 people to join this seminar, paying (I’m assuming) $1000-$2000 each, that’s $20,000-$40,000 to finance his new movie.  Then he’ll have the “students” do all the work, that way he doesn't have to pay for a crew.
    Then, he is also having a Screen Writing Workshop, that the best screenwriter will get to co-produce their film the at the following year’s Movie Making Workshop.  In other words, you write a great screenplay, and he’ll make the movie next year, using the student’s money, your screenplay that you paid him for you to write.
    I just don't get it.

MORE BOOKS!
    We have also added some more titles to your ever increasing selection of titles for sale in our Books section.  Check them out.

  11-8-02  FANGORIA CON-VENTIONS? - "You know the drill: An announced "guest" doesn't appear ... and visitors blame the missing guest, not the show." - H.G. Lewis
    I've been going to Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors shows for almost 15 years, with the last 5 of those as a dealer.  As of late, they've seemed to have started getting a reputation again of having celebrities that are scheduled to be at their shows not showing up, due to whatever reasons.  Now I've heard rumors that some of these guest were never even contacted about doing the shows, such as Rob Zombie at the last Manhattan show.  But that was always second hand news, or basically hearsay, so we were never really sure that was really happening.  Until now.
    The last two shows I've been to (Flashback Weekend & Cinema Wasteland) had H.G. Lewis there, who is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet.  Well, as you can tell by Fango's  website, they also have him on the guest list for their Brooklyn show in January.  So I asked Lewis about doing the upcoming show.  He knew nothing about it, and said that nobody from Fangoria has contacted him about doing the show.  He was even more surprised when I emailed him the full page ad in the latest issue of Fango, showing his name and face as one of the headliners.
    In his reply, he said the above quote, and couldn't be more right.  Now doesn't this make you wonder?  Is Lewis the only one that doesn't know about the show?  Is it worth spending the money on hotel and travel to go to the show, hoping that they actually talked to the guests before hand?  This year they are billing David Cronenberg and Luigi Cozzi, both making their first convention appearance at Fango.  But it's not worth it for me to take that chance that they actually going to be there?  Not for me, not anymore.
    Now I did give Fango a chance to answer in on this.  I sent both Tony Timpone and Michael Gingold and email, asking them about this situation.  That was about 3 days ago, and I still haven't gotten a reply.  I would have thought that they would have wanted to say something in their defense.  But apparently not yet at least.

   11-5-02  ANOTHER GREAT LOSS...
    We have lost another great director, Antonio Margheriti.  Sometimes known as Anthony Dawson, Margheriti is responsible for some classic films, working in many different genres.
    Some of our favorites are CANNIBAL APOCALYPSE, KILLER FISH, CASTLE OF BLOOD, and an incredible film called THE VIRGIN OF NUREMBERG.
    Margherit passed away on Monday of a heart attack in Monterosi, near Rome.  He was 72 years old.

11-4-02  MORE GREAT HAMMER NEWS!
   
Once again, DVD Drive-In comes through with some great news for us Hammer fans.  We all knew that MGM was going to be releasing VAMPIRE LOVERS in the future, with extras such as commentary.  But now, it looks like they will be releasing it as a double feature DVD with COUNTESS DRACULA!  This title will also have audio commentary by it's star Ingrid Pitt, as well as the director Peter Sasdy and screenwriter Jeremy Paul.  The release date will be some time next August.  I guess we can wait.  It's not like I don't have enough other titles that I need to watch after these last couple of months.

EVIL DEAD 4? - ENOUGH ALREADY!
    Dark Horizon is posting a little news bite about the Ladies of EVIL DEAD were mentioning at the Chiller Show last week that they are in talks with Raimi and Campbell about a possible new EVIL DEAD film.
    Strange how Campbell has been saying at the last few shows that there's no way in hell that Raimi is going to do another one.  He's too busy working on the next SPIDERMAN movie.  And with SPIDERMAN making a shitload of money (almost $200 million on DVD / VHS sales just for this last weekend), I just don't see Raimi going back to the trenches to make a low budget film like that.  And I really believe that he doesn't really want to be remembered for making those movies.  Besides, if he did go back, it would be an all out Stooges-like comedy, not even resembling a horror film.
    Of course, that's just my feelings.

11-3-02  WE WANT YOUR OPINIONS!
    Okay folks, we've posted a question over at our Message Board, and would really like some feedback.  It's about McFarland Books, their cost and their worth.  We've recently purchased their book HORROR FILMS OF THE 1970s and are looking for opinions on other McFarland books.  Head on over there and let us know what you think.

10-29-02  BLOWING THE SHIT OUT OF HIGH PRICES!
    For the last week or so, we've been going through our video titles, slashing the prices to an all time low.  We're looking to move these folks, so if you are interested, pick them up now while you can.  There are a huge number of titles for only $3.00 each.  At these prices, they shouldn't last long.
    Our next project is inventorying the rest of merchandise, like posters, pressbooks, and other misc. items that will be up on the site soon.  Stay tuned.

NEW KRYPTIC POLL - FAVORITE REFERENCE BOOK
    We've added a new topic for our poll.  This one should get a few more people involved.  It will also be interesting to see what people are using the most.  Please take a second and post your thought.
    As for our last poll, there doesn't seemed to be the huge Don Dohler fan base out there, which is a real shame.  If you get the opportunity, you should check out some of his work.  It is worth the time, and hell, you might even be entertained.
    But for this poll, Dohler's first film, ALIEN FACTOR took home the prize, with 44% of the votes, which I think was a total of 8 out of 12 votes.  Come on people, I know you're reading those.  Take a few seconds and give your opinion.

MESSAGE BOARD - A DYING BREATH...?
    Our membership fee is coming up for our Message Board.  No, unlike other sites, we don't ask for money to help run the site.  But we don't want to spend the extra money if nobody is going to use it.  Let us know (or not).  We'd love to hear your opinions on what's going on out there, what you've seen, and whatever you would like to ramble about.  But if we don't get any use out of it, we'll close it down.  Just remember, you're opinion (while may be heavily criticized...just kidding...kind of) it won't be censored or deleted...unless you're a really bad speller...

HORROR DIRECTORS ON MYSTERY CHANNEL
    Tomorrow night, the Mystery Channel is having a documentary on George Romero, and then on Thursday, one on Wes Craven.

STEPFORD WIVES - NEW VOWS
    In the latest attempt at forgetting how to create something original, Paramount is going to be doing a remake of the 1975 film THE STEPFORD WIVES, with Nicole Kidman in the lead role, originally played by Katharine Ross.  Except, to make matters more confusing, this version is suppose to be a "sophisticated black comedy".  Frank Oz is directing.  Can't say I'll be looking forward to this one.

OTHER CASTING NEWS
    Shiri Appleby and Winona Ryder (unless she's doing time) are in talks about joining the cast of Stephen Sommer's VAN HELSING, along with cult favorite Udo Kier.

BEYOND RE-ANIMATOR - A NEW LIFE...OR DEATH
    The character of Herbert West, wonderfully protrayed by Jeffrey Combs, is one of my favorite horror characters to come out of the 80's.  At one point, I wouldn't of cared how many RE-ANIMATOR sequels they made, as long as it had Combs in his bloody white jacket, I'd have no problems with it.
    But after reading some of the latest news about the film, and that Brian Yuzna is directing, I'm having second thoughts about it.  First of all, I did enjoy Yuzna's BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR.  But after seeing some of his last projects, especially FAUST, I'm not too thrilled as of late.  Then in the article from Fangoria's website, "Yuzna adds that as so much time has passed since the last film, the first part of the new movie has been shot to have more in common with recent genre hits like SCREAM (girls in panties menaced by anonymous phone calls, teens being slaughtered by an unseen killer) than with the first two installments. The story then kicks into prison-movie mode and ends up with West back to his old tricks."
    One can only hope.  But on a good note, the film will also co-star (hopefully in a bigger role than in BLADE 2) will be Santiago Segura.
    Screaming Mad George is doing the effects.  Once again, SMG has done some great things, and is one twisted artist.  But then look at some of the stuff from FAUST...
    Lions Gate will be distributing the film in the States.

 HOUSE OF WAX DIRECTOR DIES
    Andre De Toth, who is best know to us horror fans as directing Vincent Price in the 3-D classic film that started Price's career rolling, passed away according to Variety.  He was 89 or 90, depending on which report you read.

10-19-02  BOOK SECTION UPDATED....FINALLY!!!
    First of all, not only have we finally gotten around to updating our Books For Sale section, but we've also reformatted it, to hopefully make it a little easier on the eyes.  We are constantly getting new titles in and hope to updated that page, as well as the other Merchandise ones as well on a more regular basis.  Promise!  Anyway, check it out in our Merchandise section and let us know if there's any questions.

MUST BE A LOT OF FULL MOONS LATELY...
    It seems that werewolf movies are the new rage.  First up,  it's Angelina Jolie who might be growing a little more hair soon.  She is suppose to star in a new werewolf film based on the novel BITTEN by Kelly Armstrong.  It's about a woman who has learned to control her lycanthrope tendencies to live among humans.  But she has to return to her Canadian pack when they start bringing in criminals in.  But this may be a while before we see it, since Jolie still has a few pics on her plate, including TOMB RAIDER 2.

    And then who else to plagiarize any genre than Kevin Williamson.  After Wes Craven's remake of the Asian film PULSE got put on hold, he and Williamson will join forces together to "re-invent" the werewolf genre with CURSED.  Set in Los Angeles, production will be starting there right away, for a release next August.
    Thanks to Fangoria.com

LAST REMAKE ON THE LEFT
    Okay, so let's say your going to make a movie about two girls that are kidnapped and murdered by a gang of escaped criminals.  So why not get David Hess and Marc Sheffler, stars of LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT, which seems to have a very similar plot, and call it THE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE.  The film will also co-star Sage Stallone, Deborah Lacy and Chantal Berry.
    Thanks to Dark Horizon.

TEXAS CHAINSAW CASTING NEWS
    Shock Rocker Marilyn Mason will be doing the score and background music for the new remake.  Andrew Bryniarski will be playing Leatherface.  Thanks to Fangoria.
    And according to Internet Movie Database, Andrew Prine will be playing "The Old Man".  Whether or not this is Grandpa or not, we're not sure, or even if that's accurate.

WALLACE AND GROMIT TURN TO HORROR!
    Fans of these awesome British animated characters will love the news of there next project.  Creator Nick Park says that the first feature film featuring his most famous characters will be called WALLACE AND GROMIT: THE GREAT VEGETABLE POT, which are looking for a 2005 release.  Park says ""I can tell you that in the way we often borrow movie references (Ealing comedies, Hitchcock, etc.), this one borrows most from B-movie horror and British horror. But it's also about vegetables, so we often describe it as a vegetarian horror movie. The rest you'll have to imagine"  It's just too bad that we have to wait until three years for this!
    Thanks to Dark Horizons.

MEDIA BLASTERS - UPDATING DVD RELEASES
    Apparently Media Blasters is updated a couple of their recent releases, adding more stuff to them.  ZOMBI 3 will have an additional audio commentary track with star Beatrice Ring and Deran Sarafian.  It will also contain a new interview with makeup FX artist Franco Di Girolamo.
    The other title is TWO VAMPIRE ORPHANS.  They will re-issuing this with a new PAL conversion that will take care of the "ghosting" that the first release had problems.  No extras to be added on this one.
    In both cases, you be able to exchange the previously purchased editions of the disc for the new ones.  The upgrades should be out by the end of the year.
    Thanks to Fangoria.

10-14-02  CINEMA WASTELAND REPORT AND PICS!
    Yes, we finally got the photos up along with our show report.  Check them out by either clicking here, or in the Convention Photos section.  Enjoy!

10-13-02  GUILLERMO DEL TORO IN CHICAGO!
    For Chicago area fans, director Guillermo del Toro will be at the Gene Siskel Film Center on Friday, October 18th, at 8:45pm.  There will be a screening of his film THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE with a Q&A with the director.  We are going to try and be there, but being on a Friday night, it's going to be tough.  In any case, if you haven't seen this film, I would highly recommend going to see it on the big screen, since I found it very entertaining.
    For more info, click here.

NEW BLACK CHRISTMAS DVD - SPECIAL EDITION
    Now that most of us had already purchased the first release of BLACK CHRISTMAS, it seems that this December a new special edition will be coming out with a few interesting extras (Those bastards!).
    The new release will have digitally mastered audio and video, along with an all new documentary that will feature new interviews, called BLACK CHRISTMAS REVISITED.  It will also have two different audio commentary tracks.  The first one will be with director Bob Clark, while the second is with John Saxon and Keir Dullea.  Also included will be original English and French trailers, original TV and radio spots, alternative title sequence, interview with John Saxon, and reversible cover sleeve, including the original 1974 artwork.
    Like I don't have enough DVDs to buy, I have to start buying the same title again.  Who's putting this out anyway, Anchor Bay?

10-11-02  MORE GREAT HAMMER NEWS!
    DVD Drive-In have reported some more awesome news for us fans of Hammer Studios.  Paramount Home Video will be releasing the last Hammer / Frankenstein movie that started Peter Cushing, FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL.  Blue Underground has produced the audio commentary with stars David Prowse and Madeline Smith this last September, which will released next year.
    No word yet on if it will be the uncut version or not.  One can only hope.

NEW REVIEWS UP
    We've gotten a couple more reviews up from VCI Entertainment, DON'T OPEN THE DOOR and CROCODILE.  Check them out.

H.G. LEWIS FANS?
    For fans of Lewis and his movies, and might not have been able to make it to the Cinema Wasteland show last weekend, now is your chance to pick up a nice addition to anybody's collection.  We have a few copies of the excellent book by Randy Palmer called HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS: THE GODFATHER OF GORE for sale.  This book retails at about $32.00.  Just check on Amazon.  But our copies have been signed by both Lewis and star of BLOOD FEAST and TWO THOUSAND MANIACS Connie Mason!  The price for this rare collectable is $50.00.  Drop us a line if you're interested.  Don't wait, limited quantities available.

 

10-7-02  TWO THOUSAND MANIACS INVADE OHIO!
    Well, I'm sure there were more than that at the Cinema Wasteland convention this past weekend.  We are still recuperating from show, but are hoping to have our report and photos up in the next few days.  In the meantime, we have some news bites, and some other items to hold you over.  Once again, it was nice to see some of you at the show, stopping by the table to say hello.  It's always nice to see the faces on the other side of the monitor.

DON'T OPEN THAT REVIEW!
    We have finished our review for S.F. Brownrigg's DON'T OPEN THE DOOR.  You can find it in the REVIEW Section.  We should have our review for CROCODILE up as well in the next couple of days.

AND SPEAKING OF REVIEWS...
    We also hope to add another section on our Review page, covering Movie Soundtracks.  I have always been a fan and collector of soundtracks, enjoying the feelings and memories of the movies that the music brings back.  It's still under construction, but hopefully won't be too much longer.

MERCHANDISE PAGE - UPDATE COMING SOON....WE MEAN IT, KEVIN!  REALLY!
    Yea, I know our Merchandise page hasn't been updated in quite some time.  Our excuse is that every time we would get around to getting it almost updated, we'd have another convention to do, and then would have to start over again.  Lame excuse, I know.  But we are going to make a conscious effort to not only get it updated.  But also revamp the look of it, and keep it updated with new stuff when it becomes available, as well as taking off the stuff that has already been sold.

THE DARK AGE HAS OPENED!
    For those few of you out there that are fans of some little movie called EVIL DEAD, you may want to check out the newly opened website of Tom Sullivan, creator of the makeup effects and more for that film.  Click here to be taken there.

AND NOW FOR THE NEWS...

RING AROUND THE REMAKES
    Well, the American remake of Hideo Nakata's RING hasn't even hit the theaters yet and already deals are being make for a remake of Nakata's first film DON'T LOOK UP (aka GHOST ACTRESS).  Made back in 1996, the film deals with some filmmakers being bothered by a ghost of a murdered actress.  Distant Horizons have picked up the rights and are looking for a screenwriter.
    There are also questions being asked about a sequel to the American version THE RING.  It sounds like the producers are holding off until they see how the first one does, and if a sequel could be worth doing.
    Thanks to Fangoria.com and Dark Horizons.

TOY COLLECTORS CAN GO TO HELL
    According to Figures.com, NECA have the license to produce collectables based on all six of the HELLRAISER films, which include the new film that hasn't been released yet.  The figures will be in 7" scale and could feature Cenobites from any of the six movies.  I would think that the original four will be the first ones to come out, but we'll have to wait and see.  Hopefully the details of these will be as nice as the Tortured Souls figures, or the original McFarland figures.
    They are also working on a "high end" Lament Configuration prop replica as well.

THE DVD THAT DRIPPED BLOOD
    Lion's Gate Entertainment (why do we keep hearing that name?) will be releasing the 1970 horror anthology film THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD next August.  This was one of the many awesome anthology films produced by Amicus in the 70's, always with a great all star cast.  This was is no different with Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Ingrid Pitt, Denholm Elliot and many more.  This was also another film that was written by American horror writer Robert Bloch
.
    Thanks to DVD Drive-In for the info.

9-27-02  HAMMER FANS REJOICE - KRONOS IS COMING!
    Probably one of the most sought after Hammer films, next to TWINS OF EVIL, has to be CAPTAIN KRONOS: VAMPIRE HUNTER.  Which is pretty strange when you think about it.  The film didn't really do well when if first came out.  But over the years, the fans of the film seemed to grow steadily in numbers.
    Not really sure who will be putting the disc out, but Blue Underground recently recorded an audio commentary for the disc, which includes writer/producer/director Brian Clemens and actress Caroline Munro.  Fans of Hammer should be thanking George Reis of DVD Drive-In for his undying determination to get these Hammer classics released.  Also, according to George's site, they will be announcing another Hammer title to hit DVD very soon.
    Keep up the great work, George!

CORMAN COMES TO TV?
    It seems that Roger Corman is developing a TV series to be simply called ROGER CORMAN PRESENTS.  According to the New York Post, it will be an anthology series where Corman will act as the onscreen host.  Sounds a lot like Hitchcock's old show.  Not really sure what type of genre the series will deal with, but with Corman at the helm, I'm sure it'll be entertaining.  Although, these last remakes that he's been involved with.....

9-25-02  BETTER LATE NEWS THEN NEVER...
    Yea, we're a little late on these little news bites, but figured might as well.  Once again, we're blaming it on all the damn DVDs coming out as of late.  Add that with us trying to get ready for the convention of the year (that would be Cinema Wasteland) next weekend.  Once again, we can't praise this show enough.  Okay, so Ken makes sure we have a nice table with all this praise, but that's besides the point.

DAY OF THE DEAD RISES AGAIN ON DVD
    Well, you can stop paying those high prices on eBay for that out-of-print DVD from Anchor Bay.  It looks like they will be releasing another version, this time a 3-disc set?!?!  Apparently they have found the once thought lost original negative and will be releasing it the first half of next year.  Not really sure of the extras, but with 3 discs, one would think it would be quite a bit.  Thanks to DVDManiacs for the news.

VAN HELSING - MAN OF ACTION
    Hugh Jackman has signed on for Stephen Sommer's latest project.  I'm wondering if he's going to make this the same type of film that his MUMMY movies have been?
    Thanks to Dark Horizons.   

TONY'S ODE TO HODDER
    In the latest issue of Fangoria (#217), editor Tony Timpone starts off his editorial by stating his sadness for Hodder for not being able to be involved in his "dream project" FREDDY VS. JASON.  It seems to me that Tony was jumping back and forth over the fence, first crying foul, then defending the studio's reasons for the change, then back again, praising Hodder.
    Sorry guys, but nothing against Hodder and his performances as Jason, but come on.  Like Tony said himself, "we're not talking Hamlet here!"  To think that he is the only guy that is able to give a good performance of Jason is just plain stupid.    Maybe next time Hodder won't tell the director just what Jason will or will not do.  I'm sure that had nothing to do with the studios dropping him.

9-18-02  NEWS, REVIEWS, AND A NEW POLL
    We've updated our Mini-Poll to question your favorite of another great low budget filmmaker, Don Dohler.  Cast your vote!
    As for the H.G. Lewis poll, the winner was of course BLOOD FEAST with 43%.  But I would like to know why no one bothered to ask me why TWO THOUSAND MANIACS wasn't included in the poll!  I just noticed it myself when I was changing it over.  I'm sure that would of given BLOOD FEAST a run for it's money.  Second place went to GORE GORE GIRLS with 25%.

BLADE 2 REVIEW UP
    We've finished our review up this disc that shows you just what a special edition DVD is.

CRONENBERG'S SPIDER WINS BEST PICTURE!
    At the Toronto International Film Festival, David Cronenberg's newest film, SPIDER, took home the award for Best Canadian Feature.  The film stars Ralph Fiennes as a mentally ill person who has been institutionalized for over 20 years having schizophrenia.
    I'm sure with Cronenberg behind the camera, we are once again going to be in for a hell of a treat.

IT'S ALIVE...AGAIN?
    Larry Cohen, director of the original 70's film about a killer mutant baby, is going to be meeting with Warner Bros. about a possible updated remake.  As reported to Fangoria, Cohen states, "I think it would translate very well today, what with all the stuff about cloning, and the predetermination of one’s traits and the hunting down of those creatures that are abnormal. Many of my films, especially IT'S ALIVE, have been very prophetic that way."

COFFIN JOE DVD COVERS
    Here is the box cover art for the upcoming Coffin Joe DVD box set.  For more details, click here.

     

     

9-15-02  CHICAGOLAND MUSIC BOX THEATRE - HORROR RISES
    For those in the Chicago area, the Music Box Theatre has announced it's fall season, and it's packed full of classic films for it's matinee and midnight showings.  Below is a listing of what is playing and when.  If you can, go out and support one of the best Art House theaters in Chicago!

MATINEE SHOWS - all shows at 11:30am
PSYCHO - Sept. 21, 22
THE HAUNTING - Sept. 28, 29
JAWS - Oct. 19, 20
THE EXORCIST - Oct. 26, 27
NOSFERATU (1922) - Nov. 2, 3
THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN - Nov. 9, 10
NIGHT OF THE DEMON - Nov. 16, 17
FREAKS - Nov. 23, 24
VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED (1960) - Nov. 30, 31
THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER - Dec. 7, 8

MIDNIGHT SHOWS
PSYCHO - Sept. 27, 28
HALLOWEEN - Sept. 27, 28
JAWS - Oct. 18, 19
THE EXORCIST - Oct. 25, 26
EVIL DEAD - Nov. 1, 2, 8, 9
EVIL DEAD 2 - Nov. 15, 16, 22, 23
ARMY OF DARKNESS - Nov. 29, 30

THE END OF AN ERA - THE DEMISE OF THE ACKER-MANSION
    It seems that due to the expensive legal fees that Forrest Ackerman has accumulated during a lawsuit against a former partner, he is selling his house, and his extensive collection is going up for auction.  Now, while I'm not the biggest fan of Ackerman, I do appreciate what he's done.  And his collection has to be one of, if not the largest in the world of movie memorabilia.  The fact that this is going to be auctioned off, or may even end up in the trash is just pathetic.
    What's even worse is that all of these people that Ackerman has inspired or helped in the industry, people like John Landis, Frank Darabont, and even some guy named Steven Speilberg, you'd think that maybe they could pitch in some cash and have this stuff made into the museum that it ought to be.  Come on, they couldn't afford a few $$$ and have an official Ackermansion Museum opened up?  Shit, you know if they did it right, and charged a nominal entrance fee, you know people would go there by the droves.
    Coming from being an avid collector myself, news like this just depresses the hell out of me.  The stuff in his collection is a part of movie history that should be recovered, restored, and saved, just as much as an old movie.
    For more details, check out here for the complete article from the LA Times.

LINKS PAGE UPDATED!
    We have also gone through our Links page and changed a few things.  Added a few, got rid of quite a few cob-websites, and also categorized them as well.  Hopefully it will be a little easier on the eyes.

9-10-02  H.G. LEWIS TRIVIA CONTEST WINNER!
    We are happy to announce that Hoby Abernathy has won our little trivia contest.  He will be receiving his copy of Randy Palmer's excellent book HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS: THE GODFATHER OF GORE, signed by both Lewis and David Friedman.  Congratulations Hoby, you earned it.

CARPENTER'S NEXT MOVIE???
    Well, we've all read the announcements / rumors of what John Carpenter's next project is going to be.  From doing a sequel to THE THING to a remake of CURSE OF THE DEMON.  Well, here's my two cents worth.
    As much as I'd love to see a sequel to THE THING, especially with Carpenter behind the camera, it would really have to have a huge budget.  If they were going to go with the style of effects as in the first one, you know they would be going with a lot of CGI.  And for that to look good, we need money...JURASSIC PARK kind of money.  What could be worse than seeing a THING-creature looking something like from AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN PARIS.  Now, maybe there wouldn't be a lot of the gore effects, and he'd go with more atmosphere.  Then I think he'd disappoint a lot of fans looking for just that.
    Personally, I'd love to see him tackle the DEMON remake.  I think he could take that great film and put a nice newer version together.  But in either case, until I really hear that the camera have started rolling, it's hard for me to get excited about it.

BEYOND RE-ANIMATOR
    According to Fangoria, Spanish superstar Santiago Segura has joined the cast of the newest entry in the RE-ANIMATOR series, which has already begun filming in Spain.  For those of you who are not familiar with Segura's work, he was in Alex de la Inglesa's ACCION MUTANTE & DAY OF THE BEAST (and many others) as well in BLADE 2.
    This is another movie that I would really be happy about...but...I still have lingering memories of Brian Yuzna's FAUST.  Even with Combs in there, and SCREAMING MAD GEORGE doing the effects, it still didn't help that piece of crap.
    And as much as I love the character of Herbert West, I have some really bad feelings about this.  I hope to hell that I'm wrong.  But it just seems like they might be writing West out of the series and starting with a new and younger doctor.  Like Carpenter's next movie, we'll just have to wait and see.

BLADE 3 - REAPERS RETURNS
    Speaking of BLADE 2, Dark Horizon reports that Luke Goss might be reprising his role of the mutant vampire Jared Nomak in the third BLADE film.  "I don't know how I reappear in the movie - it's possible I emerge from the embryos that you see at the end of Blade II. I'd like to appear in less make-up. Writer David Goyer is thinking about a Planet Of The Apes type of twist - it's very, very interesting," Goss says.
    For you fans out there of BLADE 2, I highly recommend highly going out and picking that DVD release up.  It's got a second disc just filled with extras.  We're hoping to have a review up in the next few days, but don't wait for that.  Go buy it.

9-5-02  NEWS, REVIEWS, AND A FEW REMINDERS...
    Before we get to the News and Reviews, just a couple of reminders. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL NASCHY!
    Tomorrow is the birthday of the man responsible for tons of awesome movies such as HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB, HUNCHBACK OF THE MORGUE, NIGHT OF THE HOWLING BEASTS, and also CURSE OF THE DEVIL (See our Reviews Section).  So this would be a great time to see back and put in your favorite Naschy Werewolf movie while wishing him well.

CINEMA WASTELAND IS COMING!!!!
    There is only one more month left before the Cinema Wasteland show in Ohio, during the first weekend of October.  This is the show that you don't want to miss!  Just check out their site for all the details.  And as always, if you are going, stop by and say hello.

H.G. LEWIS TRIVIA GIVEAWAY???
    It seems that maybe our three little questions were too hard for you out there?  Well, sorry about that people, but with a prize that's probably worth over $75 on ebay, those questions are going to stay there until someone gets them.  We got that book to give away on our site, and by God were going to do that....It just may take some time.  If you haven't check out the questions, just click here.

MESSAGE BOARD - ALIVE AND....STILL BREATHING....
    Come on people.  I know there are those out there just wanting to open their mouths and tell the world what they thing about the new RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD DVD or something around those lines!  Give our Message Board a try.  We won't bite...promise.

NEW REVIEWS
    We have added five new reviews up.  They're are in the usual place, or by clicking here.

NEW IMAGE TITLES ANNOUNCED!
    Here are three awesome titles that Image has announced to be released in November.

     

BEAST OF BLOOD
Audio Commentary by Independent International's Sam Sherman; Lost Scenes; Theatrical Trailers for "Beast of Blood," "Mad Doctor of Blood Island," "Brides of Blood," "Brain of Blood," "Blood of the Vampires," "The Blood Drinkers," "Horror of the Blood Monsters," "Raiders of the Living Dead" and "Curse of the Vampires"; Illustrated Liner Notes by Jim Arena; "Blood Island" Image Gallery; Interview Documentary with Director Eddie Romero; Celeste Yarnall Interview with Sam Sherman

BLOOD OF THE VAMPIRES (aka Curse of the Vampires)
Audio Commentary by Independent International's Sam Sherman; Theatrical Trailers for "Beast of Blood," "Mad Doctor of Blood Island," "Brides of Blood," "Brain of Blood," "Blood of the Vampires," "The Blood Drinkers," "Horror of the Blood Monsters," "Raiders of the Living Dead" and "Curse of the Vampires"; Illustrated Liner Notes by Jim Arena; "Blood Island" Image Gallery; Interview Documentary with Director Eddie Romero

BRAIN OF BLOOD
Audio Commentary by Independent International's Sam Sherman; Interview Documentary with Director Eddie Romero; Theatrical Trailers for "Beast of Blood," "Mad Doctor of Blood Island," "Brides of Blood," "Brain of Blood," "Blood of the Vampires," "The Blood Drinkers," "Horror of the Blood Monsters," "Raiders of the Living Dead" and "Curse of the Vampires"; "Blood Island" Image Gallery; Illustrated Liner Notes by Jim Arena; Rarely-Seen "House of Terror" Live Horror Show Promo

8-28-02  TOO MANY DAMN DVDS!!!!
    We're blaming the lack of updates due to all the awesome titles that have been coming out these last few weeks.  We are anticipating having quite a few new reviews up in the next few days.  In the meantime, we've added our review of John McCarty's SPLATTER MOVIES book in our Library section.  Plus here are a few news bits.

DIRECTOR JOSEPH ZITO PROWLING AROUND CHICAGO
    Last weekend, director Joseph Zito made an in-store appearance at the Virgin Megastore in Chicago.  He was there to promote the upcoming release of his film THE PROWLER.  Unfortunately, it didn't seem that too many people knew about it.  And that was a real shame, since Zito was a hell of a nice guy, and was very friendly and very eager to answer any questions we had about THE PROWLER, or even FRIDAY THE 13th 4: THE FINAL CHAPTER.  THE PROWLER will be released next Tuesday.  It is another title to add to the "Must Have" list.

KINO VIDEO UNLEASES THE GERMAN HORROR CLASSICS
    Fans of the early German silent films will be very excited to hear this news.  On September 24th, they will be releasing a 4-disc box set that will contain restored and re-mastered editions of THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI, NOSFERATU: A SYMPHONY OF HORROR, THE GOLEM, and WAXWORKS.  All titles also feature new and improved English subtitle translations and will be available separately at @24.95 each. The box set retails $89.95.  Although if you go to Kino's website, you can get them at a discounted price.  Here's the details:

        

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI
    Transfered and restored from a 35mm print, featuring the original color tinting and toning.  The disc also includes a 43-minute condensation of Robert Wiene's GENUINE: THE TALE OF A VAMPIRE (1920), behind-the-scene footage of Wiene on the set of I.N.R.I., two different musical scores to choose from, still gallery featuring photos, posters, and production sketches.

NOSFERATU: A SYMPHONY OF HORROR
    This print is mastered from a color-tinted 35mm negative.  The disc also contains large excerpts from other films by F.W. Murnau, such as JOURNEY INTO THE NIGHT (1920), THE HAUNTED CASTLE (1921), THE LAST LAUGH (1924), FAUST (1926), and TABU (1931).  This also has two different musical scores to choose from, still gallery, scene comparison: novel, screenplay and film.

THE GOLEM
    His disc features an excerpt of Julien Duvivier's 1936 film, LE GOLEM.  Scene comparison, featuring excerpts of Murnau's FAUST (1926) and Chayim Block's book THE GOLEM (1925), still gallery of photographs and artwork.

WAXWORKS
    The disc includes Paul Leni's 1926 short, REBUS FILM I, and exerpts from Douglas Fairbank's THE THIEF OF BAGDAD.

MGM MIDNIGHT MOVIE SITE
    In case you haven't noticed all the titles that came out this week from MGM on their Midnight Movies label, you can check them out now on MGM's own little website offshoot, about these little gems.

SOMETHING HIDING IN THE FOG
    If you have picked up the recently released THE FOG by MGM Home Entertainment (and if you haven't, you should do it right away), there is some additional footage hidden on the disc.  Here is how to find it.
    From the disc’s Main Menu go to the 'Special Features' section. Once you get there, press the 'Right' arrow key on your remote control twice and you will highlight a pair of eyes. Now, press the 'Enter' button on your remote control and you will see some behind-the-scenes footage about the creation of the special effects, complete with music from the film’s score.  Thanks to DVD REVIEW for the info.

AND SPEAKING OF SOMETHING HIDDEN IN THE FOG...
    This news comes from Don May and his Synapse website, about their future releases of the famous Japanese films ENTRAILS OF THE VIRGIN and ENTRAILS OF THE BEAUTY on DVD.  Apparently he has gotten quite a few emails asking if the films were going to be uncut and also un-fogged.  Here's what he had to say:
    "I figured I should take a moment to explain something. The two ENTRAILS movies have never and will never be presented without the digital "fogging". During the making of the films, the actors wore small patches over their genitals to cover up their public hair. So, even if the films weren't "fogged", you'd see the actors on screen with white tape over their private parts. There was never any version of either of these films with full nudity that wasn't obscured."
    He then also adds that both films will be uncut.

COFFIN JOE DVD BOX SET DETAILS
    For fans of this strange and bizarre man known as Coffin Joe and his films, this is going to be an incredible release.  The films to be in the box set are AT MIDNIGHT I'LL TAKE YOUR SOUL, THIS NIGHT I WILL POSSESS YOUR CORPSE, THE STRANGE WORLD OF COFFIN JOE,  AWAKENING OF THE BEAST, THE END OF MAN, and HALLUCINATIONS OF A DERANGED MIND.  Each disc is filled with tons of extras from documentaries, brand new interviews, scream tests, and much, much more.  For a complete breakdown of what's on them, check it out at the Monsters At Play website.

8-17-02  NEWS, REVIEWS, AND MORE
    First off, we've changed the text colors here, to hopefully make it a little easier to read.  Second of all, we've added a couple more entries in our ever popular Psycho-Babble section.  This time out, it's referring to Dracula, both in the movies and in Stoker's novel.  Pretty funny stuff.

    We have also added reviews for VCI Entertainment's KISS OF THE TARANTULA and Shriek Show's BEYOND THE DARKNESS.  Check them out at our Review section.

    And also, please check out our Message Board and join in the conversations.  We want to hear your opinions and your own ramblings!

NEW TITLES FROM SHRIEK SHOW
    SHRIEK SHOW have recently announced some more titles that they have acquired the DVD right to.  Look for EMANUELLE AND THE LAST CANNIBALS (aka TRAP THEM AND KILL THEM), KILLING BIRDS, PATRICK STILL LIVES, and VIRGIN OF NUREMBERG (great news, since is a personal favorite).  But to hold us over, next month they will be releasing ZOMBI 3, and at the end of October ZOMBI 4: AFTER DEATH will be coming out.  Here's the cover art for ZOMBI 4 and EATEN ALIVE.

  


FREDDY VS. JASON - GOODBYE HODDER
    While this long awaited film starts going before the camera next month in Vancouver, it doesn't look like Kane Hodder will be donning the ol' hockey mask this time out.  Even though Hodder has played the character in the last four movies, New Line is apparently is rethinking the character.  They want to make Jason more sympathetic and more equal to Freddy in a physical standpoint.  According to New Line, they are looking for someone "who can emote pain and anguish over the loss of a loved one...someone with poetic eyes."  They are looking to change him into a "sad, pathetic, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA type character."
    Excuse me, but just what the hell are they talking about?  Why don't they just create a whole new character to battle Freddy?  They want to take a character that is so well established in the horror genre, but then they want to make him into something completely different?  Fine.  Then don't use Jason and create something else.  Jason...sad and pathetic...who can emote pain and anguish?  Give me a break.
    The only good part out this whole thing is that it seems that they will be going back to the days of rubber makeup applications as oppose to CGI effects.

NIGHT GALLERY LIVES ON!
    For fans of this awesome series from the early 70's, in case you didn't already know, Starz Encore's Mystery channel has been playing the original series every weekday at 6pm EST, and then replaying them in the middle of the night, in case you happened to miss it.
    But this labor day, the Mystery channel will be having a 24-hour marathon of NIGHT GALLERY episodes.  Part of this marathon celebration, will be an original documentary called ART OF DARKNESS: A NIGHT GALLERY RETROSPECTIVE.  This will be shown on September 2nd, at 8pm EST, and will be hosted by Leonard Nimoy.
    If you want to read more about Night Gallery, check out this amazing and fact-filled website, simply called ROD SERLING'S NIGHT GALLERY.  It has tons of information about the show, with episodes guides, the paintings, and much more.

CASTING NEWS
    It seems that everybody's favorite drill sargent, R. Lee Ermey will be joining the cast of the new remake of TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE.  He will be playing Sheriff Hoyt.  Funny, don't remember any sheriffs in the movie...

8-9-02 MESSAGE BOARD UP AND RUNNING!
Well, after months and months of hard work, the new board is up. Not only does it look a hell of a lot cooler, it has some great features, like being able to start your own little poll. Check it out and give us your input on what you think. You can either access by clicking here, or the link on the side.

ATTENTION SOUNDTRACK COLLECTORS!
If you are like me and are a fan of movie soundtracks, you definitely want to check out Screen Archives. This places has tons of cool soundtracks, some of them pretty damn rare. And most of them are at great prices! For those fans of Hammer films, instead of paying $25 to $30 for those new soundtracks put out by GDI Records, you can get them from Screen Archives for only $15!
    I've just received my first order from them and am very happy with what I got. Titles like THE CHANGELING, Q-THE WINGED SERPENT, SCARS OF DRACULA, THE RESURRECTED, and more. I even just placed another order with them for this newly released special 2-CD set of the original THE FLY movies.

8-8-02 MASSIVE UPDATE!!!!
As promised, we have one hell of an update this time out. Read below for details about the Flashback Weekend, new reviews, some misc. news, and also our Trivia Giveaway Prize. Read on.

FLASHBACK WEEKEND
   
As mentioned before, we were at this great convention last weekend and had a hell of a time. You can check out our report by either going to our Celebrity Photo section.

SNEAK PREVIEWS
    At this convention, we got to see BLOOD FEAST 2 and BUBBA HO-TEP. To read our review, check out our Review section.

NEW MESSAGE BOARD COMING!
    In conjunction with Video Junkie, we will be rolling out our new Message Board, hopefully tomorrow. This one will blow away our previous one as far as the look to it. Plus it has a lot of cool features. Stay tuned for more on that.

H.G. LEWIS TRIVIA CONTEST GIVEAWAY!
    Are you a fan of H.G. Lewis? Think you know a lot about him and his movies? Want a free copy of the McFarland book HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS: THE GODFATHER OF GORE signed by Lewis and David Friedman? Click here to be taken to the contest rules and questions!

GUILLERMO DEL TORO NEWS
    Apparently he's in line to direct the latest remake from Universal. This time it's a newer version of THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON. I'd like to believe this would happen, but I've heard del Toro's name attached to so many projects that never seemed to take off. So I'll just wait and see on this one.
But some definite good news for fans of del Toro's work, Lions Gate Home Entertainment will be releasing a deluxe DVD edition of his first film, CRONOS. It will feature a new video transfer, a commentary track, "huge excerpts" from his short films, interviews, and much more. There will be a regular edition, along with a limited collector's edition box which will come with a replica of the Cronos device from the film, along with the CD soundtrack. Mark me down for one of those.
Thanks to Dark Horizon and DavisDVD.

TARGETS COMES TO DVD
    Peter Bogdanovich's first film TARGETS, starring Boris Karloff as an aging horror film star comes to DVD next year.  This is a great little film, and is pretty disturbing, even by today's standards.  Plus Karloff is excellent.  The disc will probably contain extras, such as commentaries and others.

8-4-02  FLASHBACK WEEKEND CONVENTION!
    Sorry for the lack of updates as of late, but we were trying to get ready for the Flashback Weekend Convention this weekend.  Well, it's over now and had to be one of the best shows that I've been to in almost a year.  Not since the Cinema Wasteland shows have I had this much fun.  Within the next few days, expect a major update, with tons of photos from the show, with a report on just why this was a great show.

7-30-01  HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIO BAVA
    Tomorrow, the Italian Master would of been 88 years old.  In honor of this, break out one of his many classics, such as BLACK SUNDAY, BLACK SABBATH, BARON BLOOD, LISA AND THE DEVIL, or even BLOOD AND BLACK LACE.  A talent like him is sorely missed...more today than ever.

H.G. LEWIS ADDED TO OUR HALL OF FAME
    We've have finished out newest entry page to our Hall of Fame section.  We gladly welcome the Godfather of Gore, Herschell Gordon Lewis.  For those in the Chicagoland area, this weekend, Lewis will be appearing at the Flashback Weekend convention.

    Speaking of Lewis, we have also recently added a review of a great book about him, called HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS: THE GODFATHER OF GORE - THE FILMS.  We have also added a review of the book B-MOVIE HORRORS, which covers the works of Don Dohler.  Both are great reads, and very informative.  Check them out in our Library Section.

    We will also have reviews for two new releases from VCI Entertainment, the Italian thriller WATCH ME WHEN I KILL, and those who have a fondness for spiders, KISS OF THE TARANTULA.  Stay tuned!

7-26-02  MGM DROPS 1000 CORPSES
    According to Rob Zombie, a comment he made during an interview on MTV's Movie House, made MGM decide to drop the movie.  When he was talking to Ben Affleck about Universal dropping his movie, he said that Universal said the content was morally objectionable.  Then about MGM picking it up, Zombie joked, "Apparently they have no morals over there. They're happy for some blood."
    But then..."MGM got wind of it and got so pissed off they shut us down the next day," Zombie said. "We went into editing, and they were like, 'Get out.' ... They went berserk. And literally, they never called me or any of the producers. They had assistants call the editing room and they were like, 'Get out.' It was over in a second, we couldn't get any resolve on it. It was very strange."
    The following Monday, MGM said that they had never planned to distribute his movie.  An spokesperson from MGM said ""It was falsely announced in Variety that we had the project.  We never had a deal with Rob Zombie. We were in negotiations, let's put it that way, or we were thinking about it."
    But according to Zombie, "MGM came on board.  It kind of never really got out, but they were paying all of the bills, they were editing, it was all on their dime, they were investing. So once the studio's paying their money, you know they're into it."
    So now Zombie is back to the beginning, except now he owns the film.  He stated that he has hired a company to do the prints and the advertising, and he is going to release it himself.
    Does this mean that it'll go back to the original unrated version?  I guess we'll have to wait and see.

RING NOVEL TO HIT US BOOKSTORES
    The original Japanese novel by Koji Suzuki that started the newest Japanese horror craze will be coming out in an English translation in September.  I'm sure they won't released the original movie to theater or DVD until well after the American release is out.  Don't want the general public to have anything to compare it to.  Well, those of you out there that have seen it, know that they are going to have one hell of a movie to live up to.

DVD NEWS
COFFIN JOE SPECIAL EDITION BOX SET
    CINEMAGIA/WTF, a Brazilian company, will be releasing a box set that will contain six Coffin Joe DVDs, all in full-fledge special editions.  The titles are:
AT MIDNIGHT I'LL TAKE YOUR SOUL
THIS NIGHT I WILL POSSESS YOUR CORPSE
AWAKENING OF THE BEAST
THE STRANGE WORLD OF COFFIN JOE
THE END OF MAN
HALLUCINATIONS OF A DERANGED MIND

    All the DVDs will be All-Region NTSC, with English subtitles, as well as Spanish and French.  The DVDs will also feature tons of extras, such as interviews with screenwriter R.F. Luchetti, other artists, musicians, and actors involved with the films.  Also expect commentary tracks by Coffin Joe himself, along with documentaries, trailers, rare photos, comic books, and more.
    Stay tuned for more details.

THE COMPANY OF WOLVES
    An independent distributor, Hen's Tooth has announced a widescreen release of Neil Jordan's cult classic twist of Little Red Riding Hood, THE COMPANY OF WOLVES.  It will feature a newly re-mastered anamorphic widescreen transfer (1.78:1).  The only extras are still gallery and trailer.  It's due out in the middle of October, with a SRP of $24.95.

STEPHEN KING'S IT
    Warner Home Video has announced that come October 1st, Pennywise the demented clown monster will be hitting DVD, with full-length commentary by director Tommy Lee Wallace and several of the cast members.

ELITE ENTERTAINMENT AWAKENS PATRICK ON DVD
    Elite Entertainment (are they still around?) will be releasing an uncut European version of this rare film.  It will feature audio commentary by director Richard Franklin, still gallery, filmographies, and trailer.  The SRP will be $24.95, and will be coming out on October 22nd.

7-17-02  NEWS, REVIEWS, PSYCHO-BABBLE, AND CONVENTION INFO!
   
First up, we have added our review of the excellent British film FRIGHT up in our Reviews section.  We also have added a couple more interesting tidbits in our  Psycho-Babble section that is sure to get a smile from you.  And now for some News...

RAIMI TO DIRECT ALASKAN VAMPIRE MOVIE
    After he does the sequel to SPIDERMAN, it looks like Raimi will tackle the movie adaptation of the comic book, 30 DAYS OF NIGHT, by Steve Niles, which is about a town in Alaska that each year goes a month with no sun.  Which makes it a target for a vampire invasion.  At first Raimi was just to produce the film, but now, according to Cinescape, he will in fact be directing the movie.  It probably will be some time before we see this film, since the SPIDERMAN sequel starts rolling next January.

ALIEN VS. PREDATOR
    In other directing news, Paul Anderson will write and direct the ALIEN VS. PREDATOR movie for 20th Century Fox.  The story is about a scientist who is hatching Alien eggs to drawn the attention of Predators for study.  As many times as we've heard about this one being made, I wouldn't be counting on it just yet.

REMAKE NEWS...AGAIN
    And of course, what's another week without news about a remake.  This time it's David Cronenberg's SCANNERS that is getting the treatment from Artisan, who apparently still have some money left over after the BLAIR WITCH sequel mess.  No director has been announced yet.

FLASHBACK WEEKEND - A MUST SEE!
    For those in the Chicago-land area, in the Midwest, or hell in the US, you may want to head to the Windy City the first weekend of August for the Flashback Weekend Convention.  They have one the best guest lineups for any show that has been in Chicago in quite a long time.
    Headlining the show, in the Godfather of Gore himself, H.G. Lewis!  Then, if you're fans of some cult film called EVIL DEAD, damn near the all the major cast will be there as well.  Here's the complete list of who is scheduled to be there:

H.G. Lewis, Bruce Campbell, Betsy Baker, Ellen Sandweiss, Sarah York, Tom Sullivan, J.R. Bookwalter, Robert Z'Dar, Ben Chapman, Richard Kiel, and Felissa Rose

    Then, in case that wasn't enough, they will also be showing movies as well.  How about seeing TWO THOUSAND MANIACS, being introduced by the director?  How about seeing EVIL DEAD and having a Q&A with the stars?  And of course, my personal favorite, seeing the Rankin/Bass classic MAD MONSTER PARTY on the big screen!  They will also be screenings of EVIL DEAD 2, MOONRAKER, SLEEPAWAY CAMP, CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, and a special 3-D version of THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON.

    Yes, we will be there, enjoying the sites and sounds of the show as well.  If you are planning to go, which you shouldn't been putting any thought to, stop by our tables and say hello!

7-09-02  ROD STEIGER DIES AT AGE 77
    Here's another one passing that does bum me out.  Steiger was not only a great actor, but never afraid to go over the top in some pretty low budget films.  No matter what the type of film, he always gave it his all.  Some of my favorites of his work is THE AMITYVILLE HORROR and THE KINDRED.
    Steiger passed away today from pneumonia and kidney failure.

TREMORS BREAK NEW GROUND ONCE AGAIN...ON SCI FI CHANNEL
    Get ready for TREMORS to hit the Sci Fi Channel in a one-hour show next January.  Set in the famous town from the first and third movies, the show has the residents battling the underground monsters and other strange creatures, as well as the U.S. Government sticking their noses in.  The series will be 'guided' by the movie series Brent Maddock & S.S. Wilson (writer/directors) and Nancy Roberts, (executive producer).

EVIL DEAD STAR TO PLAY IN SATAN'S PLAYGROUND
    Boy, is that a lame lead in, or what?  Anyway, director Dante Tomaselli's (DESECRATION, HORROR) next film project will be SATAN'S PLAYGROUND, which is described as a "all-out scarefest with a vacationing family lost in the woods with the Jersey Devil lurking around.  Ellen Sandweiss, from the original EVIL DEAD, is set to star, along with SLEEPAWAY CAMP star Felissa Rose.

7-06-02  DIRECTOR JOHN FRANKENHEIMER DIES AT 72
    Director of such classics as THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE (and the abortion remake of ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU) passed away today at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center of a stroke due to complications following spinal surgery, said his business manager, Patti Person.
    Early last month, he had dropped out of the directing chair of the EXORCIST prequel due to having back surgery.  I can just hear the rumors and stories about his death being caused with his connection to the film.

GEORGE ROMERO DOCUMENTARY ON ENCORE
    The Encore Channel will add George Romero's name to the list of their documentary series THE DIRECTORS.  His show will include film clips and interviews with actors such as Ed Harris, Adrienne Barbeau, Hal Holbrook, Amy Madigan, and Stanley Tucci.  It premieres August 1st.  The series will also cover the careers of Tim Burton, Ridley Scott, Roger Corman, and Peter Jackson in the future months.

FREDDY VS JASON GETS NEW DIRECTOR...AGAIN
    It looks like Ronny Yu did such as great job with his Chucky sequel, that he is the newest name to be attached to long-awaited project.  Hopefully Yu will bring the style that he use to have in HK, and was able to show a little of it in BRIDE OF CHUCKY.

NEW PRINT OF ROTLD ON THE MOVIE CHANNEL
    This report was sent to us from our local RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD expert Will Wilson.  Will tells us that the print that was used apparently was the new transfer, since it not only sporting the MGM logo, but that it was the best looking print that he has seen.  And knowing Will, that's saying a lot.
    But one little problem.  Just as the scene cuts to the intro to the punks, a different song is used.  The song "Dead Beat Dance" by The Damned is gone and replaced with another punk song.  We're guessing this is the same print that is to be used for the upcoming DVD.

NEW REVIEWS
    Check out our Reviews section for our take on incredible SESSION 9 and H.G. Lewis' WIZARD OF GORE.  We have also added our review of TEN YEARS OF TERROR by FAB Press to our Reference Library section.

7-4-02  HAPPY 4TH!

    In the meantime, here's a bunch of covers that will be coming out this fall from Image Entertainment.  It looks like this Halloween season is going to be a costly one for us horror fans.  There is some incredible stuff coming out.

BLOOD DRINKERS
    This disc will feature audio commentary by the producer Sam Sherman; trailers for THE BLOOD DRINKERS, the alternate title THE VAMPIRE PEOPLE, the Blood Trilogy BRIDES OF BLOOD, MAD DOCTOR OF BLOOD ISLAND, and BEAST OF BLOOD, along with BRAIN OF BLOOD, BLOOD OF THE VAMPIRES.  It will also have BLOOD ISLAND stills and artwork gallery.

BLOOD FREAK
"The world's only turkey-monster/anti-drug/pro-Jesus/gore film!"
    This is one of the strangest flicks I've ever seen.  It has to be seen to believed.  The extras along on this disc is worth the price.  It has a 28-minute skin-noir featurette from 1969 called "The Walls Have Eyes", featuring Steve Hawkes, one of the stars of BLOOD FREAK.  It then has a short film called "Brad Grinter, Nudist", who talks about the virtues of being a nudist.  Grinter is the co-director of BLOOD FREAK.  And even more, it also has a short films about narcotics, religion, and everything you wanted to know about turkeys!
    But wait there's much more.  It also has trailers for BLOOD FEAST, THE BLOOD SPATTERED BRIDE, BLOODY PIT OF HORROR, COLOR ME BLOOD RED, THE DORM THAT DRIPPED BLOOD, I DRINK YOUR BLOOD, NIGHT OF THE BLOODY APES, and FLESH FEAST.

NIGHT OF THE BLOODY APES / FLESH FEAST
    Like all releases from Something Weird, this disc will have tons of extras.  It will contain 3 minutes of gory outtakes from NIGHT OF THE BLOODY APES, along with theatrical trailers and TV spots for both NIGHT and FLESH FEAST.
    It will also have trailers for FACE OF THE SCREAMING WEREWOLF, THE FLESH EATERS, FLESH FEAST, INVASION OF THE FLESH HUNTERS, BLOOD SPATTERED BRIDE / I DISMEMBER MAMA, SHIVER SUDDER SHOW, TENDER FLESH, WEREWOLF IN A GIRL'S DORMITORY / CORRIDORS OF BLOOD, plus more.
    It also contains some strange and bizarre short films like "Gorilla and the Maiden" where a gorilla goes for a stripper in this Burlesque novelty short film.  Rita Martinez takes on Clara Mortensen in "The World's Championship Women's Wrestling Contest".  Plus many more ape related shorts.

    All three of these have a release date of 9/24/02.

ASYLUM OF SATAN / SATAN'S CHILDREN
    This double feature disc will have audio commentary by Majestic International FIlms' Jeffrey C. Hogue and William Girdler biographer Patty Breen.  It will also contain 7 minutes of rare "Asylum of Satan" behind-the-scene footage.  Trailers for ASYLUM OF SATAN, DON'T LOOK IN THE BASEMENT, DR. TARR'S TORTURE DUNGEON, HORROR HIGH, HOUSE OF MISSING GIRLS, HOUSE OF THE DAMNED, THE HOUSE THAT VANISHED, MANSION OF THE DOOMED, and MURDER CLINIC.
    There is also some interesting short features.  Such as "Satan's Dance", starring Burlesque Queen Lorraine Lane.  In the 30-minute featurette "The Soul Snatcher", Satan offers a woman everything in life is she promises to wear a pair of Satanic Shoes!
    And lastly, there's a ghastly gallery of Ghoulish Comic Cover Art with horror audio rarities, a collectible booklet: "Girdler, the Devil, and Asylum of Satan" by Patty Breen.
    This has a release date of 9-3-02

DRACULA, THE DIRTY OLD MAN / GUESS WHAT HAPPENED TO DRACULA
    Something Weird has dug up these two rare films for one great double feature DVD.  The best of the bad.
    The disc will feature trailers for BLOODSUCKERS, THE BODY BENEATH, CAGED VIRGINS, DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS, THE LEGEND OF BLOOD CASTLE, A TASTE OF BLOOD, THE VAMPIRE AND THE BALLERINA, VAMPIRE'S COFFIN / THE ROBOT VS THE AZTEC MUMMY.
    It will also have "Two Adult Fanged Featurettes.  The first one is called "Dracula and the Dirty Old Witch", where gets a pre-Viagra love potion.  The second one, called "Sex and the Single Vampire", stars John Holmes as Count Spatula, who learns about lovemaking.
    This has a release date of 9-10-02

NAKED EVIL / EXORCISM AT MIDNIGHT
    This strange British film was originally released in 1966 under the title NAKED EVIL, and is about a two gangs battling it out.  When one gang turns to Jamaican Black Magic, a demon is released, and the real trouble stars.
    Then in 1973, shortly after the release of THE EXORCIST, this film was released with new footage added to it, calling it EXORCISM AT MIDNIGHT.  Lawrence Tierney stars in the new footage.  This version of the film also features surreal "Multi-Color" visual effects.
    The disc will have extensive promotional and production photo gallery, and "Midnight Marquee"  article by Bryan Senn.
    This has a release date of 9-10-02

BRIDES OF BLOOD
    Eddie Romero and John Ashley's first entry in the Blood Island Trilogy.  This disc features a newly re-mastered print with its original tinted footage presented correct and intact for the first time..
    The disc will also feature audio commentary by producer Sam Sherman, a Special BRIDES OF BLOOD Ring promotional trailer.  As well as theatrical trailers for BRIDES OF BLOOD, MAD DOCTOR OF BLOOD ISLAND, THE BLOOD DRINKERS, BEAST OF BLOOD, BRAIN OF BLOOD, and BLOOD OF THE VAMPIRES.  Along with Blood Island stills and artwork gallery, Beverly Hills pin-up Gallery, and "House of Terror" live horror show promo.

MAD DOCTOR OF BLOOD ISLAND
    This is the second feature in the Blood Island Trilogy.  This film is also presented newly re-mastered from the original film elements.  It also contains the classic prologue where the audience is instructed to drink a magical green potion as they recite the Blood Oath.
    It will also contain audio commentary by producer Sam Sherman, as well as the trailers as on BRIDES OF BLOOD.

CRIMSON
    This Paul Naschy film has been newly re-mastered from the original negative, and will feature16 minutes of "rarely-seen, ultra hot erotic footage, as well as an alternate main title, and trailer.

All of these three titles have a release date of 9-24-02

THE PROWLER
    This rare slasher film from the 80's, featuring Tom Savini's trademark splatter effects.  This disc will feature the film completely uncut and uncensored.
    It will also feature audio commentary by Producer / Director Joseph Zito and Tom Savini, along with behind-the-scene gore footage from Savini.  It will also have the trailer, and poster and still gallery.

SHOCK WAVES
    This classic film featuring Peter Cushing, John Carradine, and Nazi Zombies, has been transferred from the director's own vault print and digitally restored for this release.
    The features will consist of audio commentary by Director / Co-Writer Ken Wiederhorn, Makeup designer Alan Ormsby, and filmmaker Fred Olen Ray.  "From Flipper to SHOCK WAVES: An Interview with Luke Halpin".  Trailer, TV and Radio spots, Poster, Still and production art gallery.

TOOLBOX MURDERS
    This great Cameron Mitchell film  is presented uncut, and fully restored from its original negative.
    It will feature audio wit Producer Tony DiDio, Director of Photography Gary Graver, and stary Pamelyn Ferdin.  An interview with star Marianne Walter called "I Got Nailed in The Toolbox Murders".  As well as trailer, TV and Radio spots, poster and still gallery, and Cameron Mitchell bio.

7-1-02  BACK ON SCHEDULE...FOR NOW
    This time out, we have a couple more updates.  We have FINALLY added Paul Naschy to our Tombs of Fame.  Were hoping to have someone else joining him in there very shortly.
    We've also added another great entry to our Psycho Babble section.  This item is about the hidden meanings about Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, and was sent in by our good friend Will.

VAMPIRES 2?
    It looks like there trying to sneak this one out of DVD / VHS.  On September 24th, VAMPIRES: LOS MUERTOS will be released.  This is the sequel to JOHN CARPENTER'S VAMPIRES, with Jon Bon Jovi in the lead role.  No real word or news about this film, shortly after it started production.  That's not a good sign folks.

HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES = TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 5 ???
    We've recently read the screenplay of Rob Zombie's directorial debut.  As much as I'd like to give him the benefit of the doubt, he really should of just called this one Part 5 in the TCM series and left it at that.  Hopefully he fills the movie with enough style to really set it apart.  We'll have to wait and see.
    And while on the subject of Zombie and his movie, after he had cut down his movie to an R rating, which is what he was contracted to do, he went and re-shot a couple of new scenes, which he says, "probably pushed it back up to an NC-17.  It's a constant battle.  I just can't let go of the NC-17.  It's a tough one for me."

6-29-02  BACK ONCE AGAIN...
    Sorry for the lack of updates as of late.  From battling the stress of the day job, and having little bouts of vertigo (not the movie), it's been pretty tough to get some updates here.  But hopefully we will have some more cool things to add in the very near future.
    We are currently working on several new projects.  We are putting the finishing touches up on two new entries into our Hall of Fame section.  Also, in conjunction with Video Junkie, we are also working on a new Message Board, which should be pretty interesting.  But for now, here's some great DVD news to hold you over.

DVD NEWS
    Anchor Bay has announced some great titles that they will be releasing this fall.  One of the best titles announced is Kathryn Bigelow's NEAR DARK.  It will be a THX-Approved 2 disc set, which will feature a 16x9 widescreen, DTS & Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound.  But it will also have an audio commentary by the director.  It will also have a new 47-minute documentary, which will contain interviews with the cast and crew, including Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, Adrian Pasdar, and more.  Other features include a deleted scene with commentary by Bigelow, storyboards, poster and still gallery, a behind the scenes still gallery, trailers and more to come.  If you have a DVD-ROM, you'll be able to view the screenplay as well.
    Anchor Bay also comes through with another entry in their Hammer films series.  This latest is TO THE DEVIL A DAUGHTER.  Besides a trailer, it will feature interviews with actors Christopher Lee, Honor Blackman, Anthony Valentine, the director Peter Sykes, writer Christopher Wicking, producer Roy Skeggs, and others.
    Brian Yuzna's very bizarre SOCIETY will also becoming out with in a completely uncut print with a 16x9 transfer, Dolby Digital audio, with audio commentary by Yuzna.
    These titles are scheduled to be released at the end of September.
    Anchor Bay is also working on THE INITIATION, NEON MANIACS, and TWO EVIL EYES, the latter featuring an uncut print and interviews.
    And following up on their EVIL DEAD series of releases, they will also be re-issuing another version of George Romero's DAWN OF THE DEAD.  This time out it features a newly (of course) remastered 16x9 widescreen transfer, with new DTS and DD surround sound, all new cast and crew interviews, all new audio commentary tracks, trailers, posters, and more.  There is also a box set coming out with the different cuts of the film.
    Romero's DAY OF THE DEAD will also be re-issued in a deluxe version with audio commentary, interviews, and behind-the-scene footage.

    In other DVD news, Shriek Show has announced the details on a couple of their upcoming titles.

    

ZOMBIE 3
Features interviews with Bruno Mattei (co-director, depending on who you ask), and writer Claudio Fragasso, as well as Ottaviano Dell'Acquq and Massimo Vanni (stars and stunt co-ordinator), and Marina Lori.

This was the film that Fulci started then walked off the set after a couple of days, and Mattei stepped in to finish.

SWEET HOUSE OF HORROR
Features interviews with Robert Valdi, Lino Salemme, and an introduction by Cinzia Monreale.

TOOLBOX MURDERS REMAKE
    According to Fangoria's website, the original producer of 1978 film, Tony Didio has decided to update this cult classic.  “The original TOOLBOX MURDERS came out around the same time as TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, and when I saw that being remade, I figured it was time to do TOOLBOX over again too,” Didio says. “We’re just putting it together now and expect to begin shooting in Canada this fall, most likely Vancouver. We plan on hiring mostly Canadian talent.”
    The original version is set to be released on DVD later this year.

6-17-02  ANOTHER BIRTHDAY...LUCIO FULCI
    June must of been the birthday for directors known for their gory films.  So break out HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY, THE BEYOND, or maybe even ZOMBIE!

HUGE POSTER GALLERY UPDATE - PAUL NASCHY EXHIBIT!
    We'd like to thank Mirek and the MARK OF NASCHY website for their donation of a lot of cool posters for our Paul Naschy Exhibit.  If you're a fan of Naschy, check out the best and most informative site on the one and only Hombre Lobo.

6-15-02  HAPPY BIRTHDAY - H.G. LEWIS
    In honor of the Godfather of Gore, we have updated our little poll.  Please cast your opinion on your favorite bloody film by Lewis.

MONSTERS AMONG US SHOW REPORT

Sorry for the delay in the report.  Also, didn't have a chance to take too many photos this time, other than this quick shot of everyone's favorite beast from AMERICAN WEREWOLF, David Naughton.  But after doing three shows in three weeks, I must say I was glad when