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.
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
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.
Friday, July 25, 2014
'I Escaped From Devil's Island/The Final Option' Double Feature Blu-Ray Review
It's double feature time and this one makes us wonder why. Two movies for the price of one are always a cool proposition. They are usually paired for fit and fun, but in this case I think they got it wrong.
Our first film find is Roger Corman's 1973 exploration rip off 'I Escaped from Devil's Island'. It stars football legend Jim Brown and television and film star Christopher George. They play Le Bras and Davert, two prisoners attempting freedom from the terrible injustice that French Guiana's Devil's Island holds for them. Seeming to try and ride the coattails of another 1973 prison escape film, 'Papillon', this sweaty bit of cheese just can't hold a candle to that Dustin Hoffman/Steve McQueen epic prison piece. It is however a fantastic fun ride. Our frantic escapees have to fight off corrupt prison guards, shark infested waters, a helpful but obviously problematic Leper colony, not to mention primitive native tribesmen and there hopped up women. From its highly borrowed soundtrack to Mr. Brown's sexy naked ass we are in grade Z movie bliss and laugh filled you have got to kidding awe. A nice piece of exploitation indeed.
Our second film not so much. 'The Final Option' is no option at all. This should never have been made British trash is low end television clap trap. It stars Lewis Collins as a former British Military Capt. Peter Skellen. He goes undercover to infiltrate a antinuclear terrorist group lead by Frankie Leith (Judy Davis). Claiming to be inspired by the Iranian Embassy siege of 1980 and sporting a cast of blink and you'll miss them stars such as Richard Widmark and Edward Woodward, this movie is just plain deadly dull. It is not exploitation but movie of the week instead.
This disjointed package offers no extras and is offered in 1080p High-Definition Widescreen image and DTS-HD Master Audio. The picture and sound is fine if nothing special. Shout Factory is wonderful with their product as a whole and this is no exception. The problem can by found in the pairing of the drive-in picture show. One is passion pit pleasure the other should have left the kids at home aggravation.
Our first film find is Roger Corman's 1973 exploration rip off 'I Escaped from Devil's Island'. It stars football legend Jim Brown and television and film star Christopher George. They play Le Bras and Davert, two prisoners attempting freedom from the terrible injustice that French Guiana's Devil's Island holds for them. Seeming to try and ride the coattails of another 1973 prison escape film, 'Papillon', this sweaty bit of cheese just can't hold a candle to that Dustin Hoffman/Steve McQueen epic prison piece. It is however a fantastic fun ride. Our frantic escapees have to fight off corrupt prison guards, shark infested waters, a helpful but obviously problematic Leper colony, not to mention primitive native tribesmen and there hopped up women. From its highly borrowed soundtrack to Mr. Brown's sexy naked ass we are in grade Z movie bliss and laugh filled you have got to kidding awe. A nice piece of exploitation indeed.
Our second film not so much. 'The Final Option' is no option at all. This should never have been made British trash is low end television clap trap. It stars Lewis Collins as a former British Military Capt. Peter Skellen. He goes undercover to infiltrate a antinuclear terrorist group lead by Frankie Leith (Judy Davis). Claiming to be inspired by the Iranian Embassy siege of 1980 and sporting a cast of blink and you'll miss them stars such as Richard Widmark and Edward Woodward, this movie is just plain deadly dull. It is not exploitation but movie of the week instead.
This disjointed package offers no extras and is offered in 1080p High-Definition Widescreen image and DTS-HD Master Audio. The picture and sound is fine if nothing special. Shout Factory is wonderful with their product as a whole and this is no exception. The problem can by found in the pairing of the drive-in picture show. One is passion pit pleasure the other should have left the kids at home aggravation.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
'Ginger Snaps' Blu-Ray Review
In a world where mythic monsters dwell the 2000 film 'Ginger Snaps' stands alone. A twist cone mix that's one part 'The Trouble with Angels' one part 'I Was a Teenage Werewolf' and pure blood at its core. This tale of two sisters earned a cult following for its coming of age wickedness and truthfully stands the test of time nearly fifteen years later.
Brigitte (Emily Perkins) and Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) are sisters. Gothic threads hold them close while keeping at bay the rest of the local adolescent rabble. They have sworn a death pack and would rather disappear from this world than suffer the pains of young womanhood. Sadly Mother Nature calls and with her a lycanthropes wrath. After being bitten Ginger snaps in more ways than one. Soon classmates are dying and the town is closing in on our full moon siblings. Brigitte is left alone to save her sister from her changing nature. Both well done and cliched this is a classic in the horror genre. A slightly different take on werewolf legend that both scares and brings a tear. If you haven't seen it, please take a chance on this thoughtful terror tale.
Scream Factory has given us a superb package for this film. This two disc set contains both Blu-Ray 1080p High Definition Widescreen and Anamorphic Widescreen images. Both are lovely and the DTS and Dolby Digital sound choices are equally well done. The special features are also a real treat, containing new interviews with actors Emily Perkins and Jesse Moss, as well as make-up artist Paul Jones and composer Mike Shields. There are deleted scenes, cast rehearsals, and the usual trailers. A New Women in Horror panel discussing 'Ginger Snaps' combined with wonderful commentary track by Director John Fawcette is the icing on this horror set cake.
The classic legends of monster lore have many adventures to tell. Frankenstein's Monster has gone from country side to outer space. Dracula's myth has worn so thin that he's nearly unrecognizable. With 'Ginger Snaps' our tired Werewolf becomes once again renewed. A pup as menstruating menace counting calender days toward both fertility and the madness of the moon.
Brigitte (Emily Perkins) and Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) are sisters. Gothic threads hold them close while keeping at bay the rest of the local adolescent rabble. They have sworn a death pack and would rather disappear from this world than suffer the pains of young womanhood. Sadly Mother Nature calls and with her a lycanthropes wrath. After being bitten Ginger snaps in more ways than one. Soon classmates are dying and the town is closing in on our full moon siblings. Brigitte is left alone to save her sister from her changing nature. Both well done and cliched this is a classic in the horror genre. A slightly different take on werewolf legend that both scares and brings a tear. If you haven't seen it, please take a chance on this thoughtful terror tale.
Scream Factory has given us a superb package for this film. This two disc set contains both Blu-Ray 1080p High Definition Widescreen and Anamorphic Widescreen images. Both are lovely and the DTS and Dolby Digital sound choices are equally well done. The special features are also a real treat, containing new interviews with actors Emily Perkins and Jesse Moss, as well as make-up artist Paul Jones and composer Mike Shields. There are deleted scenes, cast rehearsals, and the usual trailers. A New Women in Horror panel discussing 'Ginger Snaps' combined with wonderful commentary track by Director John Fawcette is the icing on this horror set cake.
The classic legends of monster lore have many adventures to tell. Frankenstein's Monster has gone from country side to outer space. Dracula's myth has worn so thin that he's nearly unrecognizable. With 'Ginger Snaps' our tired Werewolf becomes once again renewed. A pup as menstruating menace counting calender days toward both fertility and the madness of the moon.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
'The Perfect House' Movie Review: One tale too many
Horror, as defined by Webster's, is a very strong feeling of fear, dread, and shock. When one enters into a viewing of the latest horror production their hope is to be served up all three. Sadly most times one if not all of those feelings are missing. 'The Perfect House' offers no exception to that rule. Fear is totally absent, dread is only present as one counts the minutes till the end, and shock is dished out in predictable gory moments. Very disappointing indeed.
We are brought to the perfect house via a neighborly dinner party that takes a turn for the worse. This is an anthology so we are shown a historic tour through this homes evil ways. There is mayhem in a storm cellar, caged victims for the torture, and that original dinner parties ultimate ending.We are led on this journey by a sexy real estate agent (Monique Parent) and her potential buyers.
There is lots of gore to go around but in a market that has seen the likes of mainstream torture porn like the 'Hostel' and 'Saw' franchises this low budget 2012 entry pales in comparison. Truthfully there are many low budget gorefests that simply get it much more right than this. Some of the acting is well done especially by 'Sleepaway Camp' stars Felissa Rose as one terrorized Mother and Jonathan Tiersten in serial killer mode. Directors Kris Hulbert and Randy Kent certainly show a great love for the genre of terror as mutilation but the lack of true fright just can't save the show.
In the horror film market today fear is to frequently confused with all things disgusting or disturbing. Gore is not fear. Dissonance is not fear. Chaos is not fear. Making the audience uncomfortable is fine but none of that beats a good scare. The theater seat is painful enough. What we horror fans long for is a terrifying close call with what truly awaits us in the dark.
We are brought to the perfect house via a neighborly dinner party that takes a turn for the worse. This is an anthology so we are shown a historic tour through this homes evil ways. There is mayhem in a storm cellar, caged victims for the torture, and that original dinner parties ultimate ending.We are led on this journey by a sexy real estate agent (Monique Parent) and her potential buyers.
There is lots of gore to go around but in a market that has seen the likes of mainstream torture porn like the 'Hostel' and 'Saw' franchises this low budget 2012 entry pales in comparison. Truthfully there are many low budget gorefests that simply get it much more right than this. Some of the acting is well done especially by 'Sleepaway Camp' stars Felissa Rose as one terrorized Mother and Jonathan Tiersten in serial killer mode. Directors Kris Hulbert and Randy Kent certainly show a great love for the genre of terror as mutilation but the lack of true fright just can't save the show.
In the horror film market today fear is to frequently confused with all things disgusting or disturbing. Gore is not fear. Dissonance is not fear. Chaos is not fear. Making the audience uncomfortable is fine but none of that beats a good scare. The theater seat is painful enough. What we horror fans long for is a terrifying close call with what truly awaits us in the dark.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
'The Den' DVD Review
Illusion, perception, the minds eye, all are real and all highly influenced by manipulative forces. The visual medium has been used to lure us since our imaginations dawned. From shadow puppets to Polaroid's instant scratchy intrigue, the image and more importantly what lies in the darkness within yet just beyond the image has compelled us. Enter our world today filled with internet webcams, phone cameras, and all manners of surveillance, and what you find yourself living in is a jumbled mix of absolute reality and social media bullshit. Deciphering between the two can be a stressful endeavor that can spread the fragile mind just a little to thin. 'The Den' takes it one step further.
Grad student Elizabeth Benton (Melanie Papalia) has been given a grant to study the online social media site called The Den. Linking up with various types of people across the globe seems like a tame task, but one random connection turns our students world upside down. After witnessing a maybe murder her life and the lives of her closest friends and family are invaded and not their own.
'The Den' is a creepy cautionary tale that has some genuine scares but whose gimmick heavy storytelling can grow tiresome. It's what might happen if Hitchcock's classic 'Rear Window' exited out of boredom leaving 2007's pale yet enjoyable imitation 'Disturbia' to take over and then swirling it all together with a ribbon of 'Hostel' just for kicks. A lazy evening viewing is cool but nothing overwhelmingly special overall.
IFC Midnight has given us a very nice DVD package. The image and sound are quite decent. The special features include an interesting Behind the Scenes look at the production and its players, the trailer, and a commentary featuring writer/director Zachary Donohue and producers Dan Clifton and David Brooks. Mr Donohue in particular is very interesting to listen to and equally proud of his first feature film.
The internet and social media in general is a vast desert of who knows what is truly lurking out there. 'The Den' takes us on a journey that is filled with unanswered questions and a general reassurance that perhaps accepting every friend request may not be the best idea.
Grad student Elizabeth Benton (Melanie Papalia) has been given a grant to study the online social media site called The Den. Linking up with various types of people across the globe seems like a tame task, but one random connection turns our students world upside down. After witnessing a maybe murder her life and the lives of her closest friends and family are invaded and not their own.
'The Den' is a creepy cautionary tale that has some genuine scares but whose gimmick heavy storytelling can grow tiresome. It's what might happen if Hitchcock's classic 'Rear Window' exited out of boredom leaving 2007's pale yet enjoyable imitation 'Disturbia' to take over and then swirling it all together with a ribbon of 'Hostel' just for kicks. A lazy evening viewing is cool but nothing overwhelmingly special overall.
IFC Midnight has given us a very nice DVD package. The image and sound are quite decent. The special features include an interesting Behind the Scenes look at the production and its players, the trailer, and a commentary featuring writer/director Zachary Donohue and producers Dan Clifton and David Brooks. Mr Donohue in particular is very interesting to listen to and equally proud of his first feature film.
The internet and social media in general is a vast desert of who knows what is truly lurking out there. 'The Den' takes us on a journey that is filled with unanswered questions and a general reassurance that perhaps accepting every friend request may not be the best idea.
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