"Is this gonna be a stand-up fight or another bug hunt?" Pvt. Hudson - 'Aliens'
When dealing with 'Blood Glacier' it really doesn't matter, it's the fun that counts. This independent German horror film from director Marvin Kren is one part 1982's 'The Thing', one part 1979's 'Prophecy' with a little Hiedi's grandfather crazy thrown in for good measure.
Janek (Gerhard Liebmann) is studying global warming in an isolated science station in the Swiss Alps. The rest of the team comes and goes but Janek has been there for five years strait. One day he and the rest of the research team find a glacier that is covered in an organic red material. They also find mutated animals running a muck. Janek's dog is attacked, more researchers arrive, and all hell breaks loose. Beatles combine with foxes, birds with spiders, and soon we have giant critters terrorizing the tundra. The mutations start getting larger and in the end one seems a little too human for comfort.
'Blood Glacier' is truly a crazy suspense filled ride. IFC Midnight has brought us a feature free DVD but the image and sound are good and the movie itself is worth the price of admission. There is a choice of the original German soundtrack or an English dub version. My advice as always is to watch this or any film in its native language, but in this case why not do both. The German is cool but the English version is just hilarious.
From 'Pod People' to 'Godmonster of Indian Flats' cornball scifi/horror flicks are always good for a belly laugh or two. This little entry is no exception to that rule. So pop up some corn, pour out a cold one, and let your mutated freak flag fly.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
'The Legend of Hell House' Blu-ray Review
In the 1970's descriptive jargon like the metaphysical, psychic phenomena, and clairvoyance, became novel buzz words that opened the door to what now has become basic cable pay dirt. Ghost hunters are a dime a dozen and paranormal states frequently visited. In the seventies a haunted house was just that. A curiosity, a place were good as well as evil dwelt. The spirit world was a mystical hope in the minds of ones who believed. In 2014 anyone with a flashlight, a dark corner, and a REM sleep memory can claim their own spook filled reality. 1973s 'The Legend of Hell House' delivers the scares beyond the more modern hype.
The Belasco House is wicked. It was the unholy home of Emeric Belasco (Michael Gough). Two paranormal investigation teams have been undone by this place of evil. Now, a third group has been chosen to finally uncover the truth about life after death and the infamous realities and hidden atrocities this horror holds. Physicist Lionel Barrett (Clive Revill), his wife Ann (Gayle Hunnicutt), young medium Florence Tanner (Pamela Franklin), and Benjamin Franklin Fischer (Roddy McDowall) a medium who is the sole survivor of the previous investigations arrive and are immediately overwhelmed this mansion's hideous nature. The team goes on a wild ride from the moment they enter their week long investigation. They face invisible forces, physical possession and assault, lapses of reality, and all manner of vice ridden discomfort. The house has killed before and it seems to want more.The ending is wonderfully satisfying and a palpable sense of dread keeps this atmospheric classic's grip on you beyond the closing frame.
Directed by British film maker John Hough from a screen play written by Richard Matheson based on his own novel "Hell House, 'The Legend of Hell House' is pure sweetness for any horror lover. Scream Factory has done a glorious job with this Blu-ray edition. The picture brings you all the scary details just as they first frightened audiences on the big screen, and the soundtrack is equally wonderful and atmospheric. Special features include a commentary by Pamela Franklin, an interview with Director John Hough, theatrical trailers, photo gallery, and radio spots.
In the lexicon of horror film spook-shows this little beauty stands the test of time. 'The Legend of Hell House' is a visceral manifestation on every haunted house fear. A waking nightmare with a degenerate twist that we all secretly want to ride.
The Belasco House is wicked. It was the unholy home of Emeric Belasco (Michael Gough). Two paranormal investigation teams have been undone by this place of evil. Now, a third group has been chosen to finally uncover the truth about life after death and the infamous realities and hidden atrocities this horror holds. Physicist Lionel Barrett (Clive Revill), his wife Ann (Gayle Hunnicutt), young medium Florence Tanner (Pamela Franklin), and Benjamin Franklin Fischer (Roddy McDowall) a medium who is the sole survivor of the previous investigations arrive and are immediately overwhelmed this mansion's hideous nature. The team goes on a wild ride from the moment they enter their week long investigation. They face invisible forces, physical possession and assault, lapses of reality, and all manner of vice ridden discomfort. The house has killed before and it seems to want more.The ending is wonderfully satisfying and a palpable sense of dread keeps this atmospheric classic's grip on you beyond the closing frame.
In the lexicon of horror film spook-shows this little beauty stands the test of time. 'The Legend of Hell House' is a visceral manifestation on every haunted house fear. A waking nightmare with a degenerate twist that we all secretly want to ride.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
'Motel Hell' Blu-ray Review
Horror is by it's very nature fun. Laughter often emerges out of make believe fear. That's just natural.
The dark comedy is the direct result of this phenomenon. Films like 'Little Shop of Horrors', 'A Bucket of Blood', 'Theatre of Blood', 'Fright Night', and many, many more combine gruesome motifs with tongue in cheek foolishness to make one crazy time at the movies. 1980's own 'Motel Hell' may be at the top of that list.
Everyone knows the tale, Farmer Vincent (Rory Calhoun) lives the quiet farming life. Beautiful land, happy livestock, a quaint roadside motel, and a profitable cured meat business. His sister Ida (Nancy Parsons) loves the Lord, and their brother Sheriff Bruce (Paul Linke) seems a good old boy at heart. Together they work the land and cultivate a very secret garden indeed. With the use of a booby trap or two Vincent cultivates only the finest meat the highway has to offer. Planting his victims up to their necks, vocal cords cut, he feeds and primes his human specimens until they are choice enough to become delectable jerky for the ages. Like The Sawyers before them the saw is family only this time it's the band saw.
This Drive-in classic is being lovingly brought to you by Scream Factory in a Blu-ray Collectors Edition. The package offers a new Audio Commentary with director Kevin Connor and moderated by filmmaker Dave Parker, 'It Takes All Kinds: The Making of MOTEL HELL' featuring interviews with director Kevin Connor, producers/writers Robert Jaffe and Steven Charles Jaffe and actor Marc Silver, 'Shooting Old School' with cinematographer Thomas Del Ruth, 'Another Head on the Chopping Block: An interview with actor Paul Linke', 'From Glamour to Gore: An interview with actress Rosanne Katon', and 'Ida, Be Thy Name': A look back at MOTEL HELL's frightful female protagonist Ida Smith. There are also the usual Theatrical Trailer and Photo Galleries. The picture and sound quality satisfies making this a must have for any horror collector.
In life it's always a good idea to look back and fondly remember. Why not start off that trip down memory lane by checking into the 'Motel Hell'. They'll do much more than leave the light on for ya!
The dark comedy is the direct result of this phenomenon. Films like 'Little Shop of Horrors', 'A Bucket of Blood', 'Theatre of Blood', 'Fright Night', and many, many more combine gruesome motifs with tongue in cheek foolishness to make one crazy time at the movies. 1980's own 'Motel Hell' may be at the top of that list.
Everyone knows the tale, Farmer Vincent (Rory Calhoun) lives the quiet farming life. Beautiful land, happy livestock, a quaint roadside motel, and a profitable cured meat business. His sister Ida (Nancy Parsons) loves the Lord, and their brother Sheriff Bruce (Paul Linke) seems a good old boy at heart. Together they work the land and cultivate a very secret garden indeed. With the use of a booby trap or two Vincent cultivates only the finest meat the highway has to offer. Planting his victims up to their necks, vocal cords cut, he feeds and primes his human specimens until they are choice enough to become delectable jerky for the ages. Like The Sawyers before them the saw is family only this time it's the band saw.
This Drive-in classic is being lovingly brought to you by Scream Factory in a Blu-ray Collectors Edition. The package offers a new Audio Commentary with director Kevin Connor and moderated by filmmaker Dave Parker, 'It Takes All Kinds: The Making of MOTEL HELL' featuring interviews with director Kevin Connor, producers/writers Robert Jaffe and Steven Charles Jaffe and actor Marc Silver, 'Shooting Old School' with cinematographer Thomas Del Ruth, 'Another Head on the Chopping Block: An interview with actor Paul Linke', 'From Glamour to Gore: An interview with actress Rosanne Katon', and 'Ida, Be Thy Name': A look back at MOTEL HELL's frightful female protagonist Ida Smith. There are also the usual Theatrical Trailer and Photo Galleries. The picture and sound quality satisfies making this a must have for any horror collector.
In life it's always a good idea to look back and fondly remember. Why not start off that trip down memory lane by checking into the 'Motel Hell'. They'll do much more than leave the light on for ya!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
'Proxy' Blu-ray Review
Proxy is defined as: authorized capacity of substitute: the function or power of somebody authorized to act for another person.
Esther Woodhouse (Alexia Rasmussen) is in her last month of pregnancy. She should be happy but she is instead sullen and distant. While walking to catch the bus she and her unborn child are attacked. Beaten savagely in the abdomen, she lives but her child does not. She is alone. Going through the motions she attends a grief support meeting. There she meets Melanie Michaels (Alexa Havins). The two women begin an awkward bonding, but things are not what they seem.
'Proxy' is a film about desperate need. It is a slice of psychological horror that evokes feelings of both frustration and pity for the women involved. Craving attention at all costs these women should be put out of there misery before there overwhelming need siphons the life out of all around them, literally. Director and writer Zack Parker does a good job at delivering unsettling moments. The viewer will find shades of Lynch and De Palma in the film making while shadows of other better films aka 'Inside' and 'Bound' lurk familiarly just out of frame. There is a true love of suspense thread through out 'Proxy' and look no further than the Woodhouse name to know Mr. Parker's respect for the macabre.
IFC's Blu-ray treatment of this film is wonderful. The1080p original aspect ratio: 2.39:1 image is well done and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1/Dolby Digital 2.0 is as well. Bonus features include behind the scenes footage, featurettes, extended interviews, and trailers.
The life of a female on this earth is perplexing indeed. The mind of a female on this earth is sometimes the stuff of nightmares. 'Proxy' dares to scratch the emotionally sticky surface that helped that spider catch that fly.
Esther Woodhouse (Alexia Rasmussen) is in her last month of pregnancy. She should be happy but she is instead sullen and distant. While walking to catch the bus she and her unborn child are attacked. Beaten savagely in the abdomen, she lives but her child does not. She is alone. Going through the motions she attends a grief support meeting. There she meets Melanie Michaels (Alexa Havins). The two women begin an awkward bonding, but things are not what they seem.
'Proxy' is a film about desperate need. It is a slice of psychological horror that evokes feelings of both frustration and pity for the women involved. Craving attention at all costs these women should be put out of there misery before there overwhelming need siphons the life out of all around them, literally. Director and writer Zack Parker does a good job at delivering unsettling moments. The viewer will find shades of Lynch and De Palma in the film making while shadows of other better films aka 'Inside' and 'Bound' lurk familiarly just out of frame. There is a true love of suspense thread through out 'Proxy' and look no further than the Woodhouse name to know Mr. Parker's respect for the macabre.
IFC's Blu-ray treatment of this film is wonderful. The1080p original aspect ratio: 2.39:1 image is well done and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1/Dolby Digital 2.0 is as well. Bonus features include behind the scenes footage, featurettes, extended interviews, and trailers.
The life of a female on this earth is perplexing indeed. The mind of a female on this earth is sometimes the stuff of nightmares. 'Proxy' dares to scratch the emotionally sticky surface that helped that spider catch that fly.
'Without Warning' Blu-ray/DVD Review
Picture this: A quiet, peaceful woods with a lovely stream running through it. The torment of the big city far behind, and fresh, pure air rejuvenating the soul. Who wouldn't love it? Well, one towering Alien complete with an arsenal of fleshy, living ninja stars later and you that's who! Director Greydon Clark's 1980 extraterrestrial horror show 'Without Warning' is one big mess of a misfire that just might work if one puts the film itself aside and focuses on the cast instead.
'Without Warning' is a typical creature feature us verses them adventure that should just as well have been left in the can until the true 'Predator' came out to play some seven years later. No, it is the cast that saves this beast. We get appearances from television, film, and stage star Cameron Mitchell, Oscar winning character actor Martin Landau, Hollywood heavy Neville Brand, television staple Larry Storch, a very young David Caruso, and saving the best for last, movie legend Jack Palance. Watching them all try to survive this tedious tale of humans being hunted is a laugh riot especial Mr. Palence who at one point seems to be trying to overcome a stroke rather than an alien attacker. Mr. Landau is not far behind in his crazed army veteran paranoia dance performance.
Scream Factory has once again given us the very best they can in this Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. This low budget forgotten gem looks and sounds better than it even has. The special features include Audio Commentary with producer/director Greydon Clark, New Interviews with Cinematographer Dean Cundey, Co-Writer/Co-Producer Daniel Grodnik, Special Make-Up Effects Creator Greg Cannom and Actors Christopher S. Nelson and Tarah Nutter, as well as the typical theatrical trailer and still gallery. These bonuses round out the package adequately.
Horror comes in all shapes and sizes and there is enough mayhem and gore here to satisfy most scare junkies. If ever the outer space invasions actually begin we know who to call. Thank you has-been Hollywood one and all.
'Without Warning' is a typical creature feature us verses them adventure that should just as well have been left in the can until the true 'Predator' came out to play some seven years later. No, it is the cast that saves this beast. We get appearances from television, film, and stage star Cameron Mitchell, Oscar winning character actor Martin Landau, Hollywood heavy Neville Brand, television staple Larry Storch, a very young David Caruso, and saving the best for last, movie legend Jack Palance. Watching them all try to survive this tedious tale of humans being hunted is a laugh riot especial Mr. Palence who at one point seems to be trying to overcome a stroke rather than an alien attacker. Mr. Landau is not far behind in his crazed army veteran paranoia dance performance.
Scream Factory has once again given us the very best they can in this Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. This low budget forgotten gem looks and sounds better than it even has. The special features include Audio Commentary with producer/director Greydon Clark, New Interviews with Cinematographer Dean Cundey, Co-Writer/Co-Producer Daniel Grodnik, Special Make-Up Effects Creator Greg Cannom and Actors Christopher S. Nelson and Tarah Nutter, as well as the typical theatrical trailer and still gallery. These bonuses round out the package adequately.
Horror comes in all shapes and sizes and there is enough mayhem and gore here to satisfy most scare junkies. If ever the outer space invasions actually begin we know who to call. Thank you has-been Hollywood one and all.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Hell of The Living Dead / RATS: Night of Terror Blu-ray Review
Director Bruno Mattei hung
with them all. An editor of Italian cinema during the 60's and early
70's he had a great love and respect for film. It was finally in
exploitation's loving lap that he comfortably fell. Influenced by many
that went before him Senor Mattei sincerely flattered them each and
everyone by making many wonderfully campy low budget set pieces that go
down much sweeter today than when they first graced the big screen. Blue
Underground has given us a double feature chance to check out this for
ourselves.
The Zombies are at it once again moving slowly through 'Hell of The Living Dead'. This time it's hush hush chemical craziness that sets the corpses raging. We follow along side a reporter Lia Rousseau (Margit Evelyn Newton) and her crew wandering through some jungle somewhere that seems part Lion Country Safari part stock footage nastiness that any Mondo film crew could have left behind. We get tribesmen munching maggots fresh off the rotting flesh mixed in with standard karo syrup meat-soaked gore. Lt. Mike London (José Gras) is also along for the ride. He and his special opps jokers are trying to stop the flesh-eaters from taking over the world while keeping government headquarters dirty little secret. It is a mixed bag this little film, mixing borrowed ideas and music from better living dead pictures to create a slightly depressing if blood covered horror story.
'Rats: Night of Terror' is a different animal completely. If you like your apocalyptic survival stories ripe with cheesy goodness then look no further. This film is the mother load of drive-in fun. It tells the tale of the world after a nuclear disaster. The haves live underground and the rough have nots above ground. Kurt (Ottaviano Dell'Acqua) leads a group of scavengers across a barren land. They find what they think could be home. Sadly other residents occupy this little oasis. 'Rats: Night of Terror' is fun. Complete with laugh a minute dialogue, bad actor enthusiasm, and hoards of mangy rodents featured prominently munching gory victims dropping and rat wranglers in plain sight.
Blue Underground did us well with image and sound keeping in mind that these are exploitation gems that even in there original incarnations were not objects of perfection. Special features include Bonded By Blood - Interviews with Co-Writer/Co-Director Claudio Fragasso and Stars Margit Evelyn Newton, Franco Garofalo, Ottaviano Dell'Acqua & Massimo Vanni Hell, and Rats Of The Living Dead - Interview with Director Bruno Mattei, as well as the usual theatrical trailers.
If tales of horror and survival are your cup of crazy tea then these two 1980's offerings will quench that high time thirst. Bruno Mattei knew a good thing when he saw it. Let's forgive his five fingered cinematic discounts for all the fun he has left us behind.
The Zombies are at it once again moving slowly through 'Hell of The Living Dead'. This time it's hush hush chemical craziness that sets the corpses raging. We follow along side a reporter Lia Rousseau (Margit Evelyn Newton) and her crew wandering through some jungle somewhere that seems part Lion Country Safari part stock footage nastiness that any Mondo film crew could have left behind. We get tribesmen munching maggots fresh off the rotting flesh mixed in with standard karo syrup meat-soaked gore. Lt. Mike London (José Gras) is also along for the ride. He and his special opps jokers are trying to stop the flesh-eaters from taking over the world while keeping government headquarters dirty little secret. It is a mixed bag this little film, mixing borrowed ideas and music from better living dead pictures to create a slightly depressing if blood covered horror story.
'Rats: Night of Terror' is a different animal completely. If you like your apocalyptic survival stories ripe with cheesy goodness then look no further. This film is the mother load of drive-in fun. It tells the tale of the world after a nuclear disaster. The haves live underground and the rough have nots above ground. Kurt (Ottaviano Dell'Acqua) leads a group of scavengers across a barren land. They find what they think could be home. Sadly other residents occupy this little oasis. 'Rats: Night of Terror' is fun. Complete with laugh a minute dialogue, bad actor enthusiasm, and hoards of mangy rodents featured prominently munching gory victims dropping and rat wranglers in plain sight.
Blue Underground did us well with image and sound keeping in mind that these are exploitation gems that even in there original incarnations were not objects of perfection. Special features include Bonded By Blood - Interviews with Co-Writer/Co-Director Claudio Fragasso and Stars Margit Evelyn Newton, Franco Garofalo, Ottaviano Dell'Acqua & Massimo Vanni Hell, and Rats Of The Living Dead - Interview with Director Bruno Mattei, as well as the usual theatrical trailers.
If tales of horror and survival are your cup of crazy tea then these two 1980's offerings will quench that high time thirst. Bruno Mattei knew a good thing when he saw it. Let's forgive his five fingered cinematic discounts for all the fun he has left us behind.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
'Curtains' Blu-ray Review
The stage is a magical place. You are in a world all your own even when others surround you. Performers are fed by its spell and walk a little above the rest even when waltzing down the real world streets. In the 1983 film 'Curtains' the world of theater is this gory Canadian made films casting call.
Samantha Sherwood (Samantha Eggar) is a veteran actress with a wide diva streak. Her life long director Jonathon Stryker (John Vernon) is a controlling egotist. They both decide a little method is in order in preparation for there latest stage collaboration. So Samantha decides to put on the nutcase and have herself committed to the local straitjacket Hilton. Johnathon free at last decides live it up on the casting couch and abandons Sam and opens up the cattle call to some new divettes in the making.
Not to count Miss Sherwood out she escapes and intends to keep her star status at any cost. Raise the curtain and away we go.
Director Richard Ciupka did the best he could with this highly plagued film production. Many unfortunate turns of events caused production of this film to run from 1980 until final theatrical release in 1983. The cast is good and the gore is tame at best, but the scenery chewing keeps you laughing while the lure of the reason why finally keeps you watching. Considered a cult favorite by many it is a slice of forgotten horror history worth a look.
Synapse Films brings us a wonderful package for a film that has been sorely represented before for the home theater gang. Presented in a brand-New 2K High-Definition Transfer from Original Vault Materials and sporting a 5.1 Surround Remix the sight and sound are worth the purchase. Special features include a lovely making of sporting interviews with director, cast, special effects artists and soundtrack composers. A vintage documentary on Director Ciupka and the usual audio commentary, interviews, and trailers. Simply a wonderful presentation.
In the savage realm of theater they say all is fair in love and war. In the case of 'Curtains' to the least empty headed booby goes the prize. Break a leg indeed.
Samantha Sherwood (Samantha Eggar) is a veteran actress with a wide diva streak. Her life long director Jonathon Stryker (John Vernon) is a controlling egotist. They both decide a little method is in order in preparation for there latest stage collaboration. So Samantha decides to put on the nutcase and have herself committed to the local straitjacket Hilton. Johnathon free at last decides live it up on the casting couch and abandons Sam and opens up the cattle call to some new divettes in the making.
Not to count Miss Sherwood out she escapes and intends to keep her star status at any cost. Raise the curtain and away we go.
Director Richard Ciupka did the best he could with this highly plagued film production. Many unfortunate turns of events caused production of this film to run from 1980 until final theatrical release in 1983. The cast is good and the gore is tame at best, but the scenery chewing keeps you laughing while the lure of the reason why finally keeps you watching. Considered a cult favorite by many it is a slice of forgotten horror history worth a look.
Synapse Films brings us a wonderful package for a film that has been sorely represented before for the home theater gang. Presented in a brand-New 2K High-Definition Transfer from Original Vault Materials and sporting a 5.1 Surround Remix the sight and sound are worth the purchase. Special features include a lovely making of sporting interviews with director, cast, special effects artists and soundtrack composers. A vintage documentary on Director Ciupka and the usual audio commentary, interviews, and trailers. Simply a wonderful presentation.
In the savage realm of theater they say all is fair in love and war. In the case of 'Curtains' to the least empty headed booby goes the prize. Break a leg indeed.
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