Cinematic Autopsy

"The Human Centipede 2: Full Seqence (2011/Blu-ray/IFC Midnight)" Review

2012-02-17T16:13:00.000-08:00

Review: Unlike most sequels that either follow right off where the original ended or even a few years later this sequel takes it in a most fresh direction and goes a different route. That route being one that follows an obsessed fan of the original film that wants to desperately make his own real life human centipede. With a crowbar in one hand and a roll of duct tape in the other he is determined to fulfill this dark desires one ass to mouth at a time. With the film going the way it did it really made me skeptical if it could live up to the previous films standards. To me I think it did in someways but only failed at 1 thing, it was missing a oddly likeable demented surgeon.

On the other hand it did deliver what I expected and that was for the gross out factor to be over flowing this time around and for it also to not hold back. Especially in the final scene when his creation comes together and he injects them each with medicine to give them diarrhea. That scene actually did gross me out a bit even if it was in black & white. Also you get to see our main sicko Martin take barbed wire and put it on his cock and rape the girl at the end of the centipede. Like I said this film does push the limits. I actually think them doing the film in B&W was a great idea because it makes it look so much darker and grittier than the first film looked.

Unlike the original I actually felt dirty after the film ended which hasn't happened to me since I watched "A Serbian Film". The only thing that got a little old is that most of the violence he uses to knock out his victims is him simply hitting them with a crowbar. Which I guess works for the character because he is supposed to be mentally challenged and if you look at it he has a lack of resources unlike Dr. Heiter. In the end it did make me actually happy to hear that there will be a third and final film to complete the trilogy also it's supposed to be that much more extreme. Which really got me excited to hear!

Overall this was a very unique sequel that does stand strong next to it's now cult hit counterpart. I say if you like the original then you really need to give this one a try even if it is only for 1 viewing!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Douglas McKeown
Genre: Horror
Blu-ray Release Year: 2012
Theatrical Release Year: 2011
Time Length: 91 mins.
Company: IFC Films
Website: www.ifcfilms.com

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"The Deadly Spawn (1983/Blu-ray/Elite Entertainment)" Review

2012-02-17T14:26:00.000-08:00

Review: I first heard about this film getting it's debut release onto blu-ray a few months back and at first I was excited, then I got a little more curious as how this release was going to look especially since Synapse Films (which has a great track record in my book for doing great HD releases) was not going to be doing the release, but instead Elite Entertainment. Well it's finally here and I must say this a mixed bag release. I will get into that but first I want to give a rundown of the film for those who have never seen it.

The film starts off with a meteor crashing to earth and after a pair of campers find it they are devoured by the creature that was on the meteor. After having it's midnight snack the creature finds it's way to a nearby house where it takes shelter in the basement. From there the "Deadly Spawn" starts killing off one person after another as grows bigger and bigger. It's up to a group of kids to take down the vile creature before it consumes them and the world around them. With a plot like that how can you go wrong!

Being a huge fan of creature features like I have stated before, I was excited the first time I heard of The Deadly Spawn. I quickly searched for a copy and found out that Synapse Films had released it and I quickly picked it up. From that first viewing I was hooked and this film became one of my all time favorite sci-fi/horror films. It's like a 50's monster movie splattered with barrels of gore and blood and a bad ass monster to top it off. The monster is in ways like a leech on steroids with multiple heads and only will be able to attack you if you make noises and movements, yes just like the creatures from Tremors. Now when it comes to the human characters the best one in my eyes is the younger boy who loves horror films. The only thing I wish they would of done is make a sequel because the ending left it open for one! Overall this was a very cool film that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Now for the part that alot of fans of the film want to know, is it worth the upgrade? Well it all depends on your taste when it comes to picture image. My problems with this release are exactly with that. Now things like some of the colors a whatnot are just fine and at times do pop very well. If your picky like me then the large amounts of film damage may possibly get to you, for me I was able to handle that aspect, but the thing that drove me nuts is that the film seems like it has an odd blur to it which I noticed while watching on both my computer and my HD TV. I am not sure if that's normal but it really killed this release for me. To me it's not completely unwatchable, but I really wish that Elite would of took more time on cleaning up the film damage. In the end I really wish Synapse would of done this release!

Aside from the bad picture quality you do get all the same special features from the older release, but with a newly done commentary. If I was you I would still hold onto those older Synapse dvd's of The Deadly Spawn! Overall this is a great low budget horror film on a mixed bag release.

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Douglas McKeown
Genre: Horror/Sci-fi
Blu-ray Release Year: 2012
Theatrical Release Year: 1983
Time Length: 81 mins.

Company: Elite Entertainment/MVD Visual

Website: http://mvdb2b.com/

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"I Melt With You (2011/Blu-ray/Magnolia Home Entertainment)" Review

2012-02-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

Review: This is one of those films that from the cover art and the trailer (depending on which of the trailers you see) it may mislead you to thinking it's either a Hangover ripoff or something that is more of a uplifting coming of age type of film. I can tell you that it really is far from either of those. Instead you get a trip into madness where a group of 4 friends get together to celebrate a birthday and in turn truly discover who they really are and finally confront their dark pasts. Now this is one of those films that really make you think and also make you reflect on your own life, but I am not saying that everyone will get the same message from I Melt With You.

One thing you can expect is a very dark drama that starts off fairly fun with a group of guys getting together and reminiscing on the past while getting drunk and doing drugs then sharply turns dark and keeps descending into that direction until it comes to crashing end. Now I am not going to get into the details of what happens because it is something to experience and not to have described to you. With that being said this will not be an overly long review that could spoil the film (like I usually try to do). One thing I will say is that at a certain point I did figure out what was going to happen (as will most people), but not sure how. Which I can honestly say did not kill the film for me.

Now when it comes to the cast of I Melt With You they did an amazing job with picking the right people for each of the roles. To me it really took some great talent for this group of characters to come alive on screen. First off that had to be versatile and able to convey the vast amount of emotions that they go through and they did flawlessly. There really is only 5 main characters of which 4 are always on screen and those are played flawlessly by Thomas Jane (The Mist), Jeremy Piven (Entourage), Rob Lowe (Wayne's World), Christian McKay (Me and Orson Wells), and Carla Gugino (The Watchmen/Son In Law). With a great cast like that you know you are in for a great film.

Besides the cast you also get a great score that is filled with plenty of great music from such bands as Bauhaus, Pixies, Funkadelic, and Filter. I especially like the scene where they use "Hey Man, Nice Shot" by Filter which fits the scene oh so well. Overall this was a very strong and powerful film that I feel you will either hate and think it's pointless or you will go the other way and actually open your mind to the message behind it. I say give it a chance, but please go into it with an open mind.

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Mark Pellington
Genre: Drama
Blu-ray Release Year: 2012
Theatrical Release Year: 2011
Time Length: 122 mins.

Company: Image Entertainment

Website: www.magpictures.com

"The Toy (1982/Blu-ray/Image Entertainment)" Review

2012-02-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

Review: Many years ago I was introduced to The Toy and subsequently I was also introduced to Richard Pryor for the first time as well. As I got older I discovered pleanty more of his films , but none stuck with me quite as much as this film did. Do I consider this to be his best film? Actually I do not, I personally hold that title for "See No Evil, Hear No Evil". Like you would expect from alot of what Richard Pryor has done there is a good balance between humor that sometimes goes on the racey side and some actually touching moments in The Toy.

In The Toy we follow Jack Brown (Richard Pryor) who is an out of work newspaper reporter who after looking all over for a job lands one at a toy store which leads him to being bought by spoiled rich kid Eric Bates (Scott Schwartz) to be his toy for a week. After Eric's father U.S. Bates (Jackie Gleason) finds out what he does he works out a deal with Jack to have him be his sons toy. From there Eric gets more than what he was expecting, instead of just someone to play with he gets a life lesson about friendship he will not soon forget.

When I stated before that there are some real touching moments I did mean it. They are mainly between Eric and Jack as they go from being 2 people who do not blend well to being the best of friends. Along with that you do get plenty of great laughs and silly hijinks that the 2 pull on each other and those who surround them. Most notably is when they decide to ruin a fundraiser that U.S. Bates is having after he destroyed the newspaper that Eric and Jack made.

The thing that I think really shines in this film is the cast that is involved. You get Richard Pryor, Jackie Gleason, Ned Beatty, Teresa Ganzel, Scott Schwartz and many others. With a cast like that how can you go wrong, especially with the pairing up of comic legends Pryor and Gleason. There really was no bad acting or unlikable characters in The Toy, even with Eric Bates being an annoying little brat at first. Also this film is directed by the legendary Richard Donner! Overall this film gets a solid 4.5 out of 5!

Now for the reason why most of you are reading this review and that is to find out if this blu-ray release is worth the upgrade or not. I have to say that it most definitely is! What you get is the best presentation that has ever been released on any home format, way better than the DVD. The picture is very much free from heavy film damage and most of all the grain is still intact, which is always a good thing. The only thing I think some people with probably complain about is the audio selection because you only get an Uncompressed PCM Mono soundtrack, which if you ask me I think it's fine. I would rather have the original audio than a possible crappy 5.1 mix. My verdict is that this is definitely an upgrade from the previous releases!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Richard Donner
Genre: Comedy
Blu-ray Release Year: 2012
Theatrical Release Year: 1982

Time Length: 102 mins.

Company: Image Entertainment

Website: www.watchimage.com

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" 50/50 (2011/Blu-ray/Summit Ent.)" Review

2012-01-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: An otherwise healthy twentysomething has a comically early midlife crisis when he gets slapped with a cancer diagnosis and a 50-50 chance of survival. But what's the meaning of life when you're not sure how long yours will last?

Review: Dramedies have always been a genre of film that I have always enjoyed especially when they can do both things which is bring comedy and drama to the screen and make them mesh well with one another. 50/50 is definitely one of those that does the job perfectly and effectively. When I originally saw the trailer for 50/50 I had a feeling about this film and how it would turn out and it actually met my expectations. What I mean by that is that it's not overly funny to the point where it makes it goofy, but it's not overly serious as well. It is also one of the most intelligent films I have seen in awhile as well.

The plot basically takes a much more believeable stance on someone having cancer and how they go about dealing with it. Being someone who has seen family members go through cancer like Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has it touches base quite well and helped me to look at what they went through. While this film can be a tear jerker at times it does help to have funny man Seth Rogen on board as Kyle who is Adam's best friend to break the tension. Along the side of the drama and comedy there is a love interest in there to add more to this film.

One very alluring part of this film was the cast, for me just seeing Joseph Gorgon-Levitt as the lead role drew me into wanting to see 50/50. He has been one of my more favorite actors since I first saw him in the TV series 3rd Rock From The Sun back in the 90's and his occassional role in Roseanne. Along the side of him you also get Seth Rogan, Anna Kendrick (Scott Pilgrim VS The World), Anjelica Huston (The Witches), Philip Baker Hall (Magnolia), and Matt Frewer (Senior Trip) to list a few. To me I found about every character to be quite enjoyable except that of Rachael who plays as Adam's girlfriend which in real life would be a very unappealing, but I think that is the point with her character and Bryce Dallas Howard did an excellent job at playing her.

One last thing I must add is that I personally found a quote on the back on the cover of this release to be kinda misleading because it says "50/50 is consistently, uproariously funny" which in my eyes makes this film seem like it's going to be a laugh fest when in fact it doesn't really go in that direction as much as that quote would let off. Overall this was a very well crafted film that deserves all the appraise it gets!

Video: 5/5, Audio: 5/5, Film: 5/5, Special Features: 4.5/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Jonathan Levine
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Blu-ray/DVD Release Year: 2012

Theatrical Release Year: 2011

Time Length: 100 mins.

Company: Summit Entertainment

Website: www.summit-ent.com

"The House By The Cemetery (1981/Blu-ray/Blue Underground)" Review

2012-01-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

Review: My personal history with this film is that of it being the first film I ever saw that Lucio Fulci directed. Many years back I picked up a Diamond release of the film for quite cheap off a blind buy and from then I was hooked. I couldn't get enough of Lucio Fulci. Like a many of his other horror films go this one grabs you by the neck with it's maggot filled hand and does not let go.

House By The Cemetery follows a young boy named Bob and his mother Lucy as theymoved away from their city apartment to a house that is located next to a cemetery. Before they leave Bob sees a girl in a picture of the house who warns him not to go, like a typical parent after Bob tells his mother she does not take him seriously (which is very much like The Shining). Things start to get weird shortly after they arrive at the house, which leads to some very tense moments of pure terror and a showdown with the maggot infested Dr. Freudstein.

Fulci does exactly what you would expect from a film of his in this genre and that is he delivers a great atmosphere that is interlaced with extreme violence and gore by the barrels full. Sometimes I do find that he does concentrate a bit too much on the violence and gore, but for the most part in this film he does do a good job with keeping the atmosphere creepy. There is many scenes that stick out to me but one in particular that always has stuck out the most. That scene is when plays this audio recorder and it has this researcher talking about Dr. Freudstein's house and he says the lines "Freudstein's house it draws me in like an infernal magnet, it frightens me, how many have wondered innocently into the waiting spider web, how many are doomed to follow, the smell of the rooms terrifies me, the smell of blood!". That with the creepy music and scenes of body parts and corpses makes for some great horror.

That part of the film was also used in the song "House By The Cemetery" from death metal legends Mortician, which added positively to that song as it did to the film. Now as far as the acting goes I could not find anything wrong with the performances of 3 time Fulci film actress Catriona MacColl or that of 2 time Fulci film actor Paolo Malco, but I must say that the character Bob (played by Giovanni Frezza) was absolute annoying in too many scenes, kinda like the boy from The Shining. Both of which I hoped would just get slaughtered half way through the film. Other than that I was pleased with the entire cast. I espcially like Lucio's Hitchcock inspired appearance in this film.

One thing I can say is that you can very much tell the Lovecraft inspiration in House By The Cemetery, mainly of course with it's supernatural side. On a side note I think Rob Zombie was inspired from the look of Dr. Freudstein when he designed Dr. Satan's henchman's face. I could be wrong but that is what I noticed. For those who are looking for some top notch gore and some pretty terrifying scene with just enough atosphere to chill your spine should look no further and pick this film up!

On top of an awesome film you get it looking the best it has ever on any home video format. The film grain is intact which really helps add to the detail which is great. Along with the film you get a good amount of special features that are in HD and are mainly interviews with cast and crew members as well as deleted scenes ( not in HD), theatrical trailers, tv spot, and a poster & still gallery. All of which makes this the essential House By The Cemetery experience!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Lucio Fulci
Genre: Horror
Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1981

Time Length: 86 mins.

Company: Blue Underground

Website: www.blue-underground.com

"Bloody Birthday (1981/DVD/Severin Films)" Review

2012-01-13T10:06:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: In 1970, three children are born at the height of a total eclipse. Due to the sun and moon blocking Saturn, which controls emotions, they have become heartless killers ten years later, and are able to escape detection because of their youthful and innocent facades. A boy and his teenage sister become endangered when they stumble onto the bloody truth.

Review: There is a few good killer kid movies out there and like always there is some crappy ones. Bloody Birthday does luckily land in the good category. Unlike films like "Beware Children At Play (1989)" this film actually has some pretty good acting as well as a very cool plot. Now is the plot believable, not really but it does make for a fun film. The plot takes supernatural elements and then adds them to a good old slasher film, kinda like they did later on in the Halloween series in the much hated Halloween 6. The plot also brings up the taboo question of "Could you kill or hurt a kid, if they tried to kill you?". To me the answer would be yes, before you get all huffy about that think of it as that if they had the balls to pick up a gun and try to shoot you, then they should be able to suffer the consequences no matter how young they are.

Even though the suspense of trying to find out who the killer is taken away from the start there is still some very tense and suspenseful scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat. One in particular is when they lock Timmy into an old freezer in a junk yard. Like you would expect the kids have the adults wrapped around their fingers so no one will suspect them or believe Timmy or Timmy's bigger sister Joyce when they try to get them caught. The plot is very well thought out and terrifically executed. Sadly this one of the last films that director Edward Hunt did along with one of my faves "The Brain (1988)" starring David Gale (R.I.P.). I think he made something that could of turned out very cheesy and made it into something great.

The cast in Bloody Birthday is great as well. You get Julie Brown (MTV VJ) as Beverly Brody who had an awesome nude dancing scene, K.C. Martel (E.T.) as Timmy Russel, Lori Lethin (Return To Horror High) as Joyce Russel, and Elizabeth Hoy (Hospital Massacre) as Debbie Brody to name a few. Some of the cast did go onto other things and some just quite not long after this film. The adult actors did a great job but I give it up most to the child actors because they did a great job at making what they did somewhat believeable and realistic. That is hard to find in a film like this. Most the time the characters are made too much over the top and silly which kills the atmosphere it could of had. Overall great cast and great acting.

When it comes down to it there is not really anything that I did not like about this film. Now as far as this release goes Severin did a great job. The picture is for the most part quite clear and you get the original mono soundtrack. Also included is an audio interview with the director Ed Hunt, and interview with star Lori Lethin, and a featurette called "A Brief History of Slasher Films". The special features help to make this a very well rounded DVD release!

Overall this was a very cool and quite unique release in the horror and slasher genres! I highly recommend this to slasher fans and those looking for a suspenseful film!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Ed Hunt
Genre: Horror/Slasher

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year:1981

Time Length: 85 mins.

Company: Severin Films

Website: www.severin-films.com

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"Half Pint Brawlers: Season 1 (2010/Image Entertainment)" Review

2012-01-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

Review: There comes along shows every once in awhile that are simply very cool, but sadly don't go further than 1 season due to low ratings or something like that and the show Half Pint Brawlers is one of those. From my knowledge at this point I cannot find any new info on a 2nd season. Anyways what this show is about is a group of midget wrestlers (yes they use the term midget) who go from one event to another and in the mean time they put a newbie through many tasks to prove he is worthy of being in their group of wrestlers. Yes this show is a reality show and that's fine with me because not all reality shows are bad, especially ones like this that are truly unique.

The only thing I will say that I didn't like about this show is how it only was only 6 episodes which is half of what most shows get for a first season and to top it off there are no special features at all. Even with that going on with this DVD it still didn't take away from my enjoyment of the show. I think this show will appeal to a couple different types of people. Those who like wrestling, those who like midgets, and those who just like something a little more off beat from mainstream shows. Along with them wrestling you also get them doing jackass inspired stunts, like drinking their own piss or jumping crocks with a motorbike.

For the most part they do traditional wrestling, but they do also some hardcore wrestling with weapons like staplers. Aslo they even have a wrestling match with some women in a pool filled with either lube or baby oil which was pretty cool to see. Basically this show does what it's supposed to and that is entertain. To me that's all I ask for, it's not something that's supposed to be life changing or anything like that which is fine. I will also add there is some drama added in when a former wrestler that was in their group comes in to help them out at an event which just adds to the show. Anyways whats reality TV without a little drama.

Overall this was a very cool show that I found highly entertaining! I recommend this to fans of wrestling and also those looking for something unique in a sea of reality show rip offs and spin offs! Now bring me a 2nd season please!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: N/A
Genre: Reality TV/Sports
DVD Release Year: 2011
TV Syndication Year: 2010

Time Length: 138 mins.

Company: Image Entertainment

Website: www.halfpintbrawlers.com

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"Gurokuza (2005/DVD/Synapse Films)" Review

2012-01-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: A fun getaway turns into a journey to Hell for some teenage girls visiting an isolated house to rehearse and perform a play for their private movie club. Taking the trip with an adult chaperone, the girls learn a previous club member supposedly went missing in the house, and another insane! Shortly after they arrive, a mysterious videotape is found with footage of a violent killer wearing a Japanese “deigan” mask. Is this footage real or fake? Soon, their food and equipment disappears and one of the girls is haunted by ghostly visions of the masked demon. Someone or something is in the house, and gruesome death awaits those who cannot escape!

Review: Synapse films over the past decade has brought out some very cool releases out in their Asian Cult Cinema Collection and this time around they have chosen another good one. Of that collection of films I have to say this is the most tame of all of them. What you get is a film that takes the traditional Japanese ghost story and mixes it with the classic slasher elements. Unlike alot of other films that take on the ghost story I actually liked what this film had to offer. That could be also because they added some great gore along the side of some very creepy scenes laced with haunting atmosphere.

Unlike most horror films you get an all female cast of characters that are not all the same and do have conflicts with one another. That in which adds to the mystery of who or what is killing everyone off. One minute I would think it's one thing then I would be thrown for a loop and think something else. Which I think really helped to keep me hooked and drawn into the story. Going back to the plot what they do is use the classic Ringu element of the group of girls finding a video tape and after they watch it things start to go bad. On the other side it doesn't take any certain influence from a particular slasher film , but does have the classic elements.

The only thing that sucks about this film is the "re-watch ability" factor, because it lands in that category of a film that is quite good but won't work for watching over and over like alot of the classic horror films. Other than that this film is well worth a watch, even for those like myself who are not into japanese ghost films that much. Overall this was a pretty cool horror flick that delivers quite well on the shock and scare factors! Once again great job Synspse!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Yoichi Nishiyama
Genre: Horror/Slasher

DVD Release Year: 2012

Theatrical Release Year:1989

Time Length: 84 mins.

Company: Synapse Films

Website: www.synapse-films.com

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"Four Rooms (1995/DVD/Echo Bridge Entertainment)" Review

2012-01-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: It's Ted the Bellhop's (Tim Roth, Pulp Fiction) first night on the job...and the hotel's very unusual guests are about to place him in some outrageous predicaments. It seems that this evening's room service is serving up one unbelievable happening after another.

Review: I am sure if your like me you have had someone mention a film to you and they talk very highly of it and the title sounds very much familiar and after long procrastination you finally watch it and you realise that you have seen it before, but was never really sure what the name was. Well that is what happened to me when it comes to Four Rooms. After watching this film I realized that I had seen it many years back on Cinemax and loved it but somehow forgot about it. I can say now that I truly think this film is one of the many lost gem films of the 90's.

What you get with Four Rooms is an anthology that was done up by 4 director's consisting of Allison Anders, Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez, and Quentin Tarantino. There is so many things that shine in this film and the cast has to be the thing that shines the most. You get such a wide range of talent, honestly there are far too many people to fully list here. I will say the 3 main characters who I did like the most was Antonio Banderas as a very serious but over the top father, Quentin Tarantino who is Chester who is quite eccentric, and last but not least Mark Lawerence as Ted the Bellhop. The greatest part about Sam the Bellhop is that you get to see his progression from an uptight worker to getting to the point where he just doesn't care. His character is pure comic gold and the actor behind the character is simply great!

Now as far as what I would consider my favorite story in this anthology to be I would have to pick the one entitled "The Misbehavers" which was directed by Robert Rodriguez. This story was great from the start when Antonio shows up on screen and does a very funny job of being a serious but over the top father warning his kids to not misbehave and he gets even better when he returns to his room that is entangled in chaos. Now don't get me wrong the other stories were great as well but that one stuck out to me the most. One thing that kinda suprised me was the fact that Bruce Willis plays a small role in the final story but he is not credited for his role.

Overall this was a very hip and cool movie that has all the right moves that make it a great film! I highly recommend this film to anyone who digs the earlier films of both Rodriguez and Tarantino!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Allison Anders,Alexandre Rockwell, Robert Rodriguez, and Quentin Tarantino
Genre: Comedy
DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1995

Time Length: 97 mins.

Company: Echo Bridge Entertainment

Website: www.echobridgehe.com

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"Elvira's Haunted Hills (2001/DVD/EOne Entertainment)" Review

2012-01-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

Review: After nearly 13 years there was finally a follow up to the cult hit Elvira Mistress of the Dark. To me when I first heard about this sequel I was very excited, until I saw it back in 2002 after Good Times released it. It has been a tad under 10 years since I last saw this film and I am glad I gave it another shot because my opinion is way different than it used to be! First I will say that if you liked the original film Elvira did then I think you will enjoy this one as well, but beware it is a tad different.

This time around we follow Elvira and her servant as they are traveling to Paris, but along the way ends up at a haunted castle and from there things just get weird for the pair! This film is very much in the vein of other classic horrors like "The Fall of the House of Usher" or "The Pit And The Pendulum" that have a very gothic feel. Everything from the costumes to the very bizarre castle owner Lord Hellsubus follows in the tradition of those films. Now it does take that type of story and like you would expect adds humor and satire into the mix that Elvira is so famous for.

I must warn you though if you don't like Elvira's sense of humor and wise cracks then you will not enjoy this film. There really is nothing bad I can honestly say about this film, it has all the right elements and does them well. Overall it's basically a satire of those films I mentioned previously. Now this released from E One does have more features than the previous Good Times release. Before all you got was a "Making Of", "Interview With Richard O'Brien", and "Photo Gallery". Now you get those plus outtakes, "Transylvania of Bust: Elvira & Company Tell All Feature", and an Audio Commentary. Which truly make it a well rounded release! Now they just need to put this film and the original Elvira films on Blu-ray!

Overall this was a very cool and fun film that stands up strong as a sequel to the 1988 classic! I highly recommend this to fans of Elvira and those who enjoy a good comedy horror film!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Sam Irvin
Genre: Comedy/Horror

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2001

Time Length: 90 mins.

Company: E One Entertainment

Website: www.elvira.com

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"Sid & Nancy (1986/Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

2012-01-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

Review: Since the dawn of Punk there has been many names that are most synonymous with the genre and Sid Vicious was definitely one of them. This film follows the tragic down fall of the legendary Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious and his accomplice Nancy Spungen. Anyone who knows anything about the Sex Pistols and Sid & Nancy will have some problems with this film due to it's inaccuracies and over the top characters. Most of those people will either hate this film or enjoy it for what it is, which is a story of 2 punks in romance that leads to their demise.

I will touch on the parts that myself as well as others have had a problem with about this film. First off most of the characters were a little more over the top and more cartoon like in the way they acted. Sid was portrayed throughout the film more as his stage presence than how he was really off stage. Which did not completely bother me due to the context of the film and what it was going for. Also the Johnny Rotten quite a bit off from how he really is, except for his stage presence which wasn't bad. The only character I am not sure how accurate it was Nancy because I could see her being as annoying as she was on screen. Other than those things I had no other problems with the characters.

Even though this film does have a few short coming, it still does stand strong to me as a great film that does show the dark side of punk that is not often shown. Also it does have a very strong performance from Gary Oldman as Sid Vicious. Despite if you are a fan of this film or not one thing that I think all can agreee is that this film has one hell of a punk soundtrack! If you have not seen this film and you are into punk music and romeo & juliet-esque films than this is the film you really need to see! Overall this is a pretty cool film about a legendary couple of punks!

One thing there is no debate about is that this release of Sid & Nancy looks fantastic! The print they used in the transfer is cleaned up, but still has all it's grain intact. The colors are a bit drab but that I think is mainly due to the actual look of the film. Also the audio is great, but sadly you only get the choice of an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and not the choice of the original stereo recording. Along with the film you do get a couple special features that aren't very amazing but they work fine.

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Alex Cox
Genre: Drama/Music

Blu-ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1986

Time Length: 113 mins.

Company: MGM Home Entertainment

Website: www.mgm.com

Battle Royale: The Complete Collection Set To Be Released March 20th!

2012-01-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

Finally after much wait Battle Royale will finally be getting an official US release from Anchor Bay! There will be a total of 4 way it will come out. The first being a 4 disc set with 3 Blu-rays & 1 DVD, second being a 4 disc DVD set, third being a a single DVD, and forth being a single Blu-ray!

One Of The Most Controversial Film Series Of All Time Now Available For The First Time In America In 2000, director Kinji Fukasaku unleashed BATTLE ROYALE, his violently poetic epic about an innocent group of Junior High students forced by the government to hunt and kill their classmates for sport. It was nominated for 10 Japanese Academy Awards, launched a global phenomenon, and banned from screens by frightened civic groups and distributors across America. Three years later, the equally disturbing sequel – featuring a new class, new rules, and a brutal terrorist plot by the first film’s young survivors – triggered its own tragic firestorm around the world. Now for the first time ever, you can see it all: Experience the entire BATTLE ROYALE saga on 4 discs – including more than 3 hours of definitive Special Features – that forever blasts open one of the most potent, shocking and savagely influential sagas in motion picture history. 4 Discs - More Than 3 Hours Of Special Features

Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Thriller
Cast: Chiaki Kuriyama, Beat Takeshi
Director: Kinji Fukasaku

"Apollo 18 (2011/Blu-ray+DVD Combo/Anchor Bay Ent.)" Review

2012-01-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

Review: As any film fan already knows there has been a boom of "found footage" films really ever since the Blair Witch craze that happened many years ago. In the case of this film instead of zombies or paranormal themes this film takes on space exploration.In particular the Apollo missions they ran from 1961 to 1972 and ended at Apollo 17, but this film goes with the plot that there was an Apollo 18 mission and the found footage this film is made of is the reason why we never went back to the moon again. Which I think this film did a great job of portraying that.

Now there is a pretty big hole in the plot that I could only find out of the whole film and that is, how did anyone get ahold of the footage if we never went back and alot of the footage was done on cameras that did not transmit a signal to earth? Other than that they did an amazing job at making this film feel and seem realistic. Everything from the props to the suits to the sets they all are so damn realistic and very well crafted. Especially that of the moon set which was so realistic looking it's scary.

One of the best things this film does is it works more on suspense that leads to a very intense and climatic ending that left me floored, which hasn't happened since my first viewing of The Mist. Also like the classic film Alien this film also doesn't just throw a bunch of creatures at you early in the film, it works it's way up to the reveal and then hits you hard. Like you would expect when they do show the creatures they are done with CGI which works fine and they don't keep them on screen for too long in their scenes which works because if they were on the screen too long it would of killed the scene.

When I spoke of how they made it look authentic I was also talking about the look of the film. They basically used a variety of cameras and many techniques to make the film look damaged. For the most part Apollo 18 was filmed with a 16mm HD camera, which does help to give the right look. Now one thing I can say that I won't ever agree with other reviewers on is when they say this film is too slow and boring. To me it is far from that and is quite superior to crappy found footage films like Paranormal Activity. Apollo 18 keeps a steady pace and really gets moving as the film gets deeper and deeper in. Also you get a way better feeling of suspense added with a claustrophobic feeling that truly makes this film terrifying.

This is basically a film that you will most likely like if you enjoyed any "found fottage" film, but if you don't then you simply will hate it and not get it. Overall this is a great film that does deserve a better response that what it has gotten! There is 2 things I need to also mention and that is there is a couple of alternative ending in which I still prefer the one they used, but the others are worth checking out. Secondly I highly suggest you watch the film with the audio commentary the second time of watching it, it's very informative!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego
Genre: Horror/Sci-fi

Blu-Ray/DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2011

Time Length: 87 mins.

Company: Anchor Bay Entertainment

Website: www.anchorbayent.com

"More Brains!: A Return To The Living Dead (2011/CAV Distribution)" Review

2011-12-27T18:49:00.000-08:00

Review: Return of the Living Dead is one of those classics that has stayed with me for so many years as one of my favorite horror comedy films ever since I saw Joe Bob Briggs host it on Monster Vision. Finally we get an in depth look behind the making of this cult classic from the perspective of the cast and crew, well those who are still with us! Also you do get a very similar but shorter look at the 2 sequels, yes I do not count anything after Return of the Living Dead 3 a sequel! The people behind this documentary are some of the same people who brought us the documentary "Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy".

This documentary also is around 4 hours total after you add the main feature with all the other features as well, so you do get alot of entertainment and a great lesson behind the films as well. Of all the content you get the one thing I enjoyed the most besides the main feature was the last interview with Dan O'Bannon. It's one of those things that any horror enthusiast will love to see and trust me those who are will love it. Also you get a pretty cool feature that's about 10 minutes long where 2 actors from the film (Beverly Randolph & Brian Peck) go to some of the places where Return was filmed and show them how they are now.

Like the Never Sleep Again documentary you get a very big amount of information and knowledge behind the films and a great understanding about what they went through to make these films. Really there is nothing that I did not like about what you get on this release, this met and even went above what I was expecting. Also I must mention that even though it does run 2 hours on the main feature it goes by smoothly and does not slow down to the point of loosing your attention. overall this was a very well put together documentary that once again shows you and teaches you everything you ever wanted to know about the Return of the Living Dead trilogy and then some! If your a fan I suggest you go order this one now!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Bill Philputt
Genre: Documentary/Horror

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2011

Time Length: 240 mins.

Company: M.P.E./CAV Distribution

Website: www.cavd.com

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD CAST & CREW PICS (CLICK TO ENLARGE!):

(IF YOU USE ANY OF THESE PICS PLEASE GIVE ME CREDIT BECAUSE IT TOOK SOMETIME AND WORK TO GET THESE SCREEN SHOTS!)

"Evil Bong 3: The Wrath of Bong (2011/DVD/Full Moon Features)" Review

2011-12-21T16:16:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: When an Evil Bong descends from the stars to stake its claim on planet Earth, four stoners are instantly transported to the smoky invader's home planet. There, they must battle buck naked extraterrestrial babes in the fight to get back home, and defeat the Evil Bong.

Review: Once again the group of stoners from the previous 2 films are confronted with another Evil Bong but this time it's from space! Luckily though this film doesn't take place in space like other films have done with cheesy outcomes. I see this film in this series like that of the other franchises to come out of Full Moon in the past 10 years or so and that is that they seem to get better and better each sequel that they release. Now I don't think I would say this one tops the other 2 but I will say it stands up to expectations most fans of the prior 2 will have.

The thing that does separate this series from the others from Full Moon is that you have more of the characters coming back from film to film instead of maybe 1 or 2. Basically you get the same set of characters, similar plot line, and plenty of pot & cultural references of course. The returning cast of characters are Alistair, Larnell, Bachman, Brett, Luann, Cyril (credited and Gramps), and Evil Bong (original one) which is played by all the original actors and actresses. Also that is basically the same main cast from the other 2 as well. I also want to mention that there is a small role in the beginning of a killer played by cult legend Irwin Keyes (Oblivion) which is fucking awesome to see!

For me the other thing that stayed the same is the hit and miss humor of the others, what I mean by that is that you get plenty of laughs but they aren't as often as most comedies or satires. Now don't let a comment like that discourage you from seeing this film because you will still get the laughs and also a great popcorn flick. One thing I wish I would of been able to do is be able to see what this film looked like in 3D even if it doesn't seem like it plays on the 3D gimmick like films like Piranha 3D or Drive Angry did. I must warn you that if you do not like any of the other 2 films then you will most likely not like this one, even if it is a little more fun at times.

Overall this was a very cool film that easily follows in step with the prior films and works great as a sequel. This is a must see for anyone who are fans of Evil Bong 1&2 as well as fans of stoner comedies!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Charles Band
Genre: Comedy/Horror/Sci-fi

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2011

Time Length: 86 mins.

Company: Full Moon Entertainment

Website: www.fullmoondirect.com

Synapse Films Set To Release "Thou Shall Not Kill...Except" March 13th 2012!

2011-12-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

SYNAPSE FILMS PRESENTS

JOSH BECKER'S EXPLOITATION CLASSIC

THOU SHALT NOT KILL... EXCEPT

STARRING ★SAM RAIMI★ AS A MANSON-LIKE HIPPIE CULT LEADER!

WHEN VIOLENCE DEMANDS REVENGE…
THE EXPLOITATION ACTION CLASSIC FROM THE PEOPLE WHO BROUGHT YOU THE EVIL DEAD AND EVIL DEAD 2!
Vietnam, 1969. War is Hell. For Marine Sergeant
Jack Stryker (Brian Schulz), however, Hell is just the beginning. Trapped outside a Viet Cong village, Stryker takes two bullets to the leg.
Sent home from the war, he discovers his ex-girlfriend (Cheryl Hausen) has been kidnapped by a religious cult with a vicious Manson-like leader (played by THE EVIL DEAD and SPIDER-MAN trilogy director, Sam Raimi). Stryker teams up with his marine buddies to form an assassination squad to annihilate the gang of crazed killers.
Synapse Films proudly presents THOU SHALT NOT KILL… EXCEPT in an all-new 2K high-definition transfer from the original negative. Directed by Josh Becker, this “must see” (Detroit Free Press) cult classic features many of the creative personnel responsible for THE EVIL DEAD, including co-writer Bruce Campbell, writer/producer Scott Spiegel (INTRUDER), composer Joseph LoDuca, and actor Ted Raimi.

Special Features:
• All-New High-Definition 2K Digital Restoration from the Original Negative
• The Original Super 8mm Short film, STRYKER’S WAR, starring Bruce Campbell!
• Made in Michigan: The Making of THOU SHALT NOT KILL… EXCEPT – Featurette
• Two Audio Commentaries featuring Director Josh Becker, Bruce Campbell, and Star Brian Schulz
• All-New Video Interview with Actor/Writer Bruce Campbell
• Deleted Scene with Optional Director's Commentary
• Alternate Title Sequence
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Reversible Alternate Cover Artwork

Disc Info:

Director: Josh Becker
Starring: Sam Raimi, Ted Raimi, Scott Spiegel, Brian Schulz
Run Time: 83 minutes
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Language: English
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.66:1
Format: DVD/Blu-ray combo
Region: All regions

Price: $29.95

Synapse Films

"TIM & ERIC'$ BILLION DOLLAR MOVIE" COMING TO THEATERS MARCH 2ND!

2011-12-18T10:01:00.000-08:00

If you are a fan of the very odd and over the top show "Tim & Eric Awesome Show Great Job!" then you are very much anticipating the new film and thanks to Magnet Releasing we will be able to on either January 27th (On Demand) or March 2nd (Theaters)! Below is the poster art, synopsis, and trailer!

Film Synopsis: An all new feature film from the twisted minds of cult comedy heroes Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim (“Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job”)! Tim and Eric are given a billion dollars to make a movie, but squander every dime… and the sinister Schlaaang corporation is pissed. Their lives at stake, the guys skip town in search of a way to pay the money back. When they happen upon a chance to rehabilitate a bankrupt mall full of vagrants, bizarre stores and a man-eating wolf that stalks the food court, they see dollar signs—a billion of them. Featuring cameos from Awesome Show regulars and some of the biggest names in comedy today!

"CORMAN’S WORLD: EXPLOITS OF A HOLLYWOOD REBEL" Documentary Release Date!

2011-12-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

Corman’s World’s: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel opens in select theaters on December 16th.

"CORMAN’S WORLD: EXPLOITS OF A HOLLYWOOD REBEL" is a tantalizing and star-studded tribute to Roger Corman, Hollywood’s most prolific writer-director producer, and seminal influencing force in modern moviemaking over the last 60 years. Featuring interviews with Hollywood icons and cinematic luminaries, some who launched their careers within Corman’s unforgettable world of filmmaking, including Paul W.S. Anderson, Peter Bogdanovich, Robert De Niro, Peter Fonda, Pam Grier, Ron Howard, Eli Roth, Martin Scorsese, William Shatner and Jack Nicholson, along with many others, this documentary chronicles how Corman created his cult film empire, one low-budget success at a time, capitalizing on undiscovered talent, and pushing the boundaries of independent filmmaking. Director Alex Stapleton weaves archival footage following Roger’s illustrious career: From his early days of genre-defining classics including the original Fast and Furious, the original Little Shop of Horrors, The Crybaby Killer, The Intruder, House of Usher, and The Wild Angels (which at that point in 1966 was his 100th film) – to present day video of him and his wife Julie on location, still at work as they continue to produce and distribute films outside the studio system: fast, cheap and out-of-this-world! Distributed by Anchor Bay Films, Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel is rated R for some violent images, nudity and language. Run time 90 minutes.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.cormansworld.com

"Deadly Spawn: Millennium Edition" Blu-ray and "Hell on Earth" DVD coming January 24!

2011-12-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

The cult classic film The Deadly Spawn will see a "Millennium Edition" debut on Blu-ray this January 24th courtesy of Elite Entertainment. The company will also release Hell on Earth - the latest release from the creators of The Deadly Spawn - on DVD the same day.

In The Deadly Spawn, two campers in the New Jersey woods have their outdoor fun interrupted by the arrival of a meteorite crashing nearby. They go to investigate the crater, but are suddenly attacked and devoured by alien parasites who have hitched a ride to Earth. After finishing off the campers, the hungry space monsters head for a nearby town, where they make their domain in the basement of an old house and soon begin polishing off one hapless inhabitant after another. Four young teenagers, plus one pre-teen boy, try to find a way to stop the angry space monsters before they reproduce and literally eat humanity.

Bonus Features: Commentary, still gallery, casting footage, gag reel, theatrical trailer & TV spot, enhanced opening scene, television review footage and more!

In Hell on Earth, Seventeen year old Bobby, walks with the help of metal leg braces and lives with his nasty parents and repulsive sister, Peggy. He plays with "imaginary friends" provided by the mysterious and ancient "Apocryphal Book of Tarkuhm" provided by his eccentric and somewhat crazy Aunt Sadie. What he does not know is that the monsters and demons are only biding their time until the planets are aligned and they can get him to read the passage freeing their master from the "Hell" of another universe.

Bonus Features: Director's Commentary, still gallery & audition/casting footage

ANCHOR BAY FILMS WELCOMES MOTHER’S DAY TO THEIR UPCOMING SCHEDULE!

2011-12-18T09:03:00.000-08:00

Anchor Bay Films has announced today it has acquired the horror film Mother’s Day, directed by Saw veteran Darren Lynn Bousman and starring Rebecca DeMornay, Jamie King, Deborah Ann Woll and Shawn Ashmore. The film is a loose remake of the original Troma film of the same name directed by Charles Kaufman. The announcement, which includes rights North American rights, was made by Bill Clark, President of Anchor Bay Entertainment.

“With Saw’s Darren Lynn Bousman at the helm, and a cast featuring DeMornay, Ashmore and Woll, Mother’s Day has an unbeatable horror pedigree,” noted Kevin Kasha, Executive Vice President, Acquisitions and Co-Productions. “We’re thrilled to add this chiller to the Anchor Bay Films roster of terror classics.”

After a bank robbery gone wrong, three brothers head for home…only to discover that their mother lost the house in a foreclosure. The new owners and their guests, gathered for an ill-timed birthday party, become the brothers’ unwitting hostages. Their mother and sister arrive, and it soon becomes obvious that Mother will do absolutely anything to protect her children. In one terrifying evening, Mother brilliantly takes control of the situation and masterminds her sons’ escape. Sides will be taken, secrets revealed, and sins punished as the hostages struggle to make it through the night.

Mother’s Day is directed by Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II – IV), produced by Brett Ratner and Richard Saperstein with Jay Stern, Brian Witten, Jessie Rusu, Curtis Leopardo and Shara Kay. It stars Rebecca DeMornay (The Hand That Rocks The Cradle, The Wedding Crashers), Jamie King (Sin City, The Spirit), Deborah Ann Woll (“True Blood”), Patrick John Flueger (“Footloose”) and Shawn Ashmore (X-Men 2, Frozen). Mother’s Day is presented by LightTower Entertainment in association with Widget Films, The Genre Company and Rat Entertainment.

Mother’s Day is "a relentless feat that forced me to reconsider what American horror is capable of…" said Ain’t it Cool News. Dread Central added, “Mama's boys have once again made their mother very proud.”

The deal was negotiated by Josh Thomashow and Kevin Kasha for Anchor Bay Films and Ben Weiss from Paradigm for the film.

SNEAK PEAK AT THE NEW PUPPET FOR "PUPPET MASTER X"!

2011-12-17T18:59:00.000-08:00

HERE IS A PICTURE OF THE NEW PUPPET "BLITZKRIEG" FROM THE UPCOMING 10TH FILM IN THE PUPPET MASTER SERIES SIMPLY CALLED "PUPPET MASTER X". I CAN ONLY HOPE THEY DON'T TAKE THE LITTLE KILLERS TO SPACE LIKE THEY DID WITH JASON!

PERSONALLY i THINK THIS IS ONE OF THE COOLEST PUPPETS FROM THE SERIES, WELL NEXT TO "BLADE" OF COURSE! SEEING THIS MAKES ME EXCITED FOR THE UPCOMING FILM!

-DANIEL "DAMNATION" LEE

DEATH RACE 3 Currently Filming in South Africa!

2011-12-15T19:21:00.000-08:00

The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever For the

Ultimate Road Warrior In An All-New Deadly Race

DEATH RACE 3

currently filming in south africa

Universal City, California, December 12, 2011 – Death Race 3, the latest heart-pounding entry in the high-octane franchise, is currently filming in and around Cape Town, South Africa. In this all-new original feature film from Universal 1440 Entertainment, hardened criminalsrace for their freedom in vicious new vehicles and face-off in the ultimateblood sport, when the popular Death Race is transported across the globe to the unforgiving and rugged terrain of South Africa. Forced against his will to participate in this global TV spectacle, Frankenstein - the greatest Death Race driver of all time - takes on this ultimate challenge to not only save himself, but his pit crew as well. Inspired by Roger Corman’s cult classic thrill ride, Death Race 3 marks the return of Luke Goss (Death Race 2, Hellboy 2: The Golden Army, Blade 2), Danny Trejo (Death Race 2, Machete, “Sons of Anarchy”), Ving Rhames (Death Race 2, Mission: Impossible franchise, Pulp Fiction), Fred Koehler (Death Race 1 & 2, “Lost”), Robin Shou (Death Race 1 & 2, Mortal Kombat) and Tanit Phoenix (Death Race 2, “Femme Fatales”). Also, joining the action are Dougray Scott (Mission: Impossible II, “Heist”) and Hlubi Mboya (How to Steal 2 Million).

“Universal’s first two Death Race films have garnered an ardent global following that is eagerly awaiting a new chapter in this riveting saga,” says Glenn Ross,General Manager and Executive Vice President, Universal 1440 Entertainment. “Death Race 3 will exceed their expectations with even more explosive action, elaborately outfitted cars, inventive weaponry and death-defying stunts that have made the franchise such a huge fan favorite.”

Director Roel Reiné (Death Race 2, Scorpion King 3) once again takes the wheel of the explosive, action-thrill ride. Death Race 3 is produced by Mike Elliott (Death Race 2, Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassins Ball), with Paul W.S. Anderson and Jeremy Bolt serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Tony Giglio (Death Race 2). The film is an official South African/German Co-Production between Universal Pictures Productions GmbH and Moonlighting DR3 Production (Pty) Ltd, shot in South Africa and co-produced by Genevieve Hofmeyr, Marvin Saven, and Ralph Tuebben. The film’s stellar production team includes director of photography John Shields (The Last House on the Left).

SYNOPSIS:

Convicted cop-killer Carl Lucas, aka Frankenstein, is a superstar driver in the brutal prison yard demolition derby known as Death Race. Only one victory away from winning freedom for himself and his pit crew, Lucas is plunged into an all-new competition more vicious than anything he has experienced before. Pitted against his most ruthless adversaries ever, Lucas fights to keep himself and his team alive in a race in South Africa’s infernal Kalahari Desert. With powerful forces at work behind the scenes to ensure his defeat, will Lucas’ determination to win at all costs mean the end of the road for him?

Stop SOPA NOW!!! DOWN WITH THE MAN! SAVE THE INTERNET!

2011-12-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

I've censored the following, in protest of a bill that gives any corporation and the US government the power to censor the internet--a bill that could pass THIS WEEK. To see the uncensored text, and to stop internet censorship, visit: http://americancensorship.org/posts/12836/uncensor

IF YOU DO NOT ACT ████ IS ████ ████ ██████ TO THE ████████! IF YOU DO NOT ████ ████ TO ██████ ████ █████ IT AND ███████ ████ ████████!

"Fright Night (1985/Blu-ray/Twilight Time)" Review

2011-12-12T17:21:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: Nobody believes teenager Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale) when he discovers that his suave new neighbor, Jerry Dandridge (Chris Sarandon), is a vampire. So when the bloodsucker starts stalking Charley, he turns to has-been actor Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall), famed for portraying a ghoul hunter. Unfortunately for the would-be vampire slayers, Dandridge has set his sights on Charley's girlfriend in this clever spoof of the horror genre.

Review: As every horror fan already knows the cult classic I have before myself today was remade and got very mixed reactions from fans in the horror community, luckily for that remakes sake I don't have to review it. For me seeing this film back when I was around 10 years old it was awesome due to it's well done balance of terror and comedy. I have always looked at this film as one that went along perfectly with Gremlins, Ghostbusters, and An American Werewolf In London due to them being able to have the same balance of comedy and horror.

Fright Night takes on the classic vampire films elements that they used in the Hammer and Universal films, but takes them into the 80's and adds a newer edge to them and also I think unintentionally pays tribute to Hitchcock's "Rear Window". Now there was a few other films out in the 80's that did the same thing by mixing horror and comedy and they for the most part were great as well. Aside from the great combination of the genres you also get some awesome practical effects done by those who did them in the film Ghostbusters! You do get some of those effects early in the film, but it doesn't get really going with them until the third act of the film which makes for a great finale.

The other thing that shines for Fright Night is the cast involved. You get a very Peter Cushing-esque character Peter Vincent from Roddy McDowall (Class of 1984), Chris Sarandon (The Nightmare Before Christmas) as the evil but likable vampire next door Jerry Dandrige, Stephen Geoffreys (976-Evil) as eccentric friend Evil Ed, William Ragsdale (Fright Night Part 2) as horror fiend Charley Brewster, and Amanda Bearse (Married With Children) as lovable girlfriend Amy Peterson. With a main cast like that you really can't go wrong!

Now as far as the presentation goes on this blu-ray release, well you will get exactly what you pay for and that is and awesome presentation in it's original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and also has a picture quality that blows the older DVD release out of the water! The grain is still intact and seems to be untouched by the film killing DNR or edge enhancement which makes for a more theatrical like experience. You also get some great detail that you were not quite able to see on the previous DVD release due to the film being compress down quite a bit. Now there is not really much when it comes to special features besides the isolated score track and the original theatrical trails, which is fine to me because really it ultimately comes down to the film when I buy any release.

Overall this is a very frightfully fun horror comedy that does deserve the cult status it has gotten and the love and attention to detail as Twilight Times has given to this HD release of this film!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Tom Holland
Genre: Horror/Comedy

Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1985

Time Length: 106 mins.

Company: Twilight Time

Website: www.screenarchives.com
(You Can Only Buy Directly From Screen Archives!)

THIS TITLE IS LIMITED TO ONLY 3,000 COPIES, SO GET IT WHILE YOU CAN!

Gurozuka Coming January 10th 2012 From Synapse Films!

2011-12-12T17:12:00.000-08:00

FROM DIRECTOR Yoichi Nishiyama COMES GUROZUKA! SET TO BE RELEASED BY SYNAPSE FILMS ON JANUARY 10TH 2012 AS APART OF THEIR EVER GROWING "ASIAN CULT CINEMA COLLECTION"!

SYNOPSIS: A fun getaway turns into a journey to Hell for some teenage girls visiting an isolated house to rehearse and perform a play for their private movie club. Taking the trip with an adult chaperone, the girls learn a previous club member supposedly went missing in the house, and another insane! Shortly after they arrive, a mysterious videotape is found with footage of a violent killer wearing a Japanese "deigan" mask. Is this footage real or fake? Soon, their food and equipment disappears and one of the girls is haunted by ghostly visions of the masked demon. Someone or something is in the house, and gruesome death awaits those who cannot escape! Synapse Films is proud to present Yoichi Nishiyama's GUROZUKA, a stylized horror film in the tradition of SCREAM and genre-bending Japanese classic, THE RING!Bonus Features: The Making Of Gurozuka Featurette, Original Trailer.

PRE-ORDER DVD HERE: WWW.SYNAPSE-FILMS.COM

"Ghost Warrior (1986/MGM Limited Edition Collection)" Review

2011-12-10T11:53:00.000-08:00

Review: When I came across a chance to review this flick I jumped on the chance because it has one of the most ridiculous plots I have heard in quite some time. This film stars Hiroshi Fujioka who I am not too familiar with, but I can say he looks in ways like Sonny Chiba who plays as an ancient samurai warrior Yoshimitsu that is frozen for over 400 years then brought back to life by cryosurgery. After killing a a staff member he wanders off into a world that has changed and must do anything it takes to survive the modern world of true savages.

At first all I could think is how unbelievable this films plot is but after I let my gaurd down I really started to enjoy the film for what it is. They take the "fish out of water" theme and mix it with a samurai and modern times, but add in some drama to make this film something worth watching. I can't say that this film had the greatest characters, even with that said there was a couple characters who really did help keep this film together and those ones were Chris Welles (Janet Julian) who is a doctor wanting to help Yoshimitsu and of course Yoshimitsu who you will really feel for him in his situation.

One thing that was quite interesting to find out is that this film was produced by Full Moon Features owner Charles Band and executive produced buy Albert band which of course is Charles Bands father, and the score was done by Richard Band who is his brother which I think is pretty cool. Overall this is a pretty cool film that I think more people who are fans of either the sci-fi or samurai genres should give a chance because I think this film will surprise you on how good it actually is.

The picture quality on this release looks great, there is very minimal damage and is very much cleaned up. Now the only thing that sucks is that it is letterboxed widescreen which kills it for watching on a widescreen TV. Other than that both picture and audio are great.

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: J. Larry Carroll

Genre: Sci-fi/Martial Arts/Drama

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1986

Time Length: 81 mins.

Company: MGM Home Entertainment

Website: www.mgm.com

"Killer Eye: Halloween Haunt (2011/Full Moon Features)" Review

2011-12-08T19:23:00.000-08:00

Review: This film is in ways a sequel to the 1999 film The Killer Eye which sadly I have not viewed before. What you get is film with a pretty basic plot about 5 girls who are setting up a haunted house and partying at the same time, but things go wrong when the killer eye goes from the screen to reality and starts taking the girls out one by one and using them as pawns in his game.

With this being a Creature Feature I couldn't help but be lured to it. Over the years I have gotten more familiar with the style and way that Full Moon makes their films and this one does follow that classic formula, but it does lack in 2 departments. The weaker points of this film is the dialogue and the acting. No normally the dialogue is usually ranges from being about average to actually pretty good, this films dialogue is simply horrible and very badly executed. Alot of it is very stale and quite forced, basically it doesn't seem natural like it should be. I will say that could also be because the actresses involved are just bad at acting, well all except for Erica Rhodes who plays Jenna. Now she does have some talent that is about average.

The thing that they did get right in this film like they do in all their other films is the monsters, like you would expect if you've seen Full Moon's recent flicks they use a mixture of practical effects as well as CGI effects which they have gotten better and better at the more films they do. One thing that fans of Full Moon's films will like is all the different props that are around the house are those of characters from their other films like Gingerdead Man and Killjoy. The bottomline is that most fans of Full Moon will be satisfied by this installment in the Killer Eye saga, but I don't think they will fulfilled by it.

Along with the feature film you also get some pretty cool special features that consist of trailers for current Full Moon films, Grindhouse Featurette, and a small selection of Far Out Youtube Videos. One of the Youtube vids I have seen before that's called "A Cult Influence" which is a very cool short documentary about cult films. Overall this was a pretty decent film by Full Moon that does deserve at least one watch from all the Full Moon-A-Manics out there!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Charles Band

Genre: Horror

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2011

Time Length: 71 mins.

Company: Full Moon Entertainment

Website: www.fullmoondirect.com

The Evil Dead (1981/Blu-ray/Anchor Bay Entertainment)" Review

2011-12-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: Five friends go up to a cabin in the woods, where they find unspeakable evil lurking in the forest. They find a tome called the Necronomicon and the taped translation of the text. Once the tape is played, the evil is released. One by one, the teens are possessed. With only one remaining, it is up to him to survive the night and battle the evil dead!

Review: I must first apologize to Anchor Bay for not having this review up way sooner than now, this release basically got lost in the mix due to certain circumstances. Evil Dead was one of the first horror films to ever really make an impact on me that would lead to my obsession of all things horror. This film had everything I could of wanted to see and then some. You get a great combination of incantations, demon killing, gore, some cheesy effects, tree rape, gallons of blood and of course Bruce Campbell.

There is so much to like about this film and any true film fan can see why Evil Dead influenced so many people to be film makers and have stuff to do with film making. One thing that I can say that was very unique to see at the time I was first exposed to this film was the camera angles they used throughout, you get some of the most unique angles that have ever been put into the film as well as the POV shot of the evil spirit inhabiting the cabin and the woods.

Now this film also did something that most other horror films of it's time did not do and that was have an element of dark humor added to the mix which of course paved the way for a slew of other films to copy that formula. The one part of the humor that I liked more than anything is the fact that Ash (Bruce Campbell) constantly keeps getting covered in blood one scene after another. Aside from the humor there is some very creepy and terrifying spots as well, one that I can point out that always stayed with me was when Linda (Betsey Baker) gets possessed and she keeps letting out this creepy laugh and just taunting Ash and also the most cringe worthy part is when Linda gets a pencil stabbed into her ankle.

Now at first I was a little bit worried that this release was only going to be in the widescreen format and not in it's original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, but I was quickly relieved when I found out it came in both formats. The picture quality is the best that this film has been shown in and is a step up from the Ultimate Edition that Anchor Bay previously released. Now if you do get a chance to get the set with the special features disc then get it but if you already own the Ultimate Edition it is necessary because you get the same features on that set that you would get on the bonus DVD with the blu-ray minus a feature called Book of the Dead: The Other Pages.

One thing though I must add that I liked about all the releases of this film so far is that on the trailers for Evil Dead they mention the Sunset Drive-In which I used to go to all throughout my life and actually still exists! Overall this is the best I think you will ever see Evil Dead look on any home format!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Sam Raimi

Genre: Horror/Dark Comedy

Blu-Ray/DVD Release Year: 2010

Theatrical Release Year: 1981

Time Length: 85 mins.

Company: Anchor Bay Entertainment

Website: www.anchorbayent.com

"Tucker & Dale VS Evil (2010/Blu-ray/Magnolia Entertainment)" Review

2011-12-01T02:42:00.001-08:00

Review: Finally after so many "backwoods" slasher films they finally make one that spoofs the genre, but in a caring way that still shows respect while having fun with the genre. What this film does is takes genretypical (yes that's a phrase I made up)group of college students on vacation in the woods and puts them in a typical situation found in the "backwoods" slasher genre and adds the perspective of 2 people who are from the countryside who are on vacation as well and are being treated like crazy rednecks by the college students like you always see in these type of films which makes for a fresh film. As the college students start getting killed off one by one the finger starts getting pointed at harmless Tucker and Dale, which as the title implies they must fight against the that is evil amongst them.

To be honest this is probably the best film of this sub-genre that has ever been made, even with it flipping the story around and being more on the comedy side it still tops the films it in way parodies. The cast is one of the best parts of this film, you get some familiar and not so familiar faces. The ones who I was familiar with was Jesse Moss (Ginger Snaps), Katrina Bowden (Sex Drive), and the 2 who I recognize the most Alan Tudyk (Death At A Funeral) as Tucker and Tyler Labine (Reaper/Sons of Tucson) as Dale which is awesome because I have thought for awhile he was an underrated actor. Now for the rest of the cast they are not known to me but they all still work their roles just the way you'd expect.

Like I stated before the plot of this film takes itself in a different direction than films like it and really brings a fresh breath of air to the horror genre. The college students (all but 1 of them) do exactly what you'd expect and overreact the situation and not take the time to figure out what is really going on and Tucker and Dal are 2 innocent guys caught in the middle of the mess that they stumble upon. Besides having a good horror side to this film there is a fantastic comedic side that I think will please all the fans of the comedy horror genre greatly. The comedy side does dominate this film most of the time but there are some parts where it gets serious and even suspenseful. This is definitely a good film to watch along the side of Shaun of the Dead and with a group of friends.

Overall this was a truly great comedy horror film that deserved all the hype it got and then some and I can surely see this film becoming a cult classic without a doubt!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Irvin Kershner
Genre: Action/Sci-fi

Blu-ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1990

Time Length: 117 mins.

Company: MGM Home Entertainment

Website: www.mgm.com

Robocop 2 (1990/Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

2011-11-30T20:41:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: After a successful deployment of the Robocop Law Enforcement unit, OCP sees its goal of urban pacification come closer and closer. But as this develops, a new narcotic known as "Nuke" invades the streets led by God-delirious leader Cain. As this menace grows, it may prove to be too much for Murphy to handle. OCP tries to replicate the success of the first unit, but ends up with failed prototypes with suicidal issues... until Dr. Faxx, a scientist straying away from OCP's path uses Cain as the new subject for the Robocop 2 project, a living God.

Review: Within 3 years of Robocop coming out we had a sequel and well it's a mix bag type of film. With such a great film as Robocop was there was alot of hype behind this film and speculation about if it would be as strong as the original and sadly it falls short. There is somethings going for it and those are Peter Weller coming back as Robocop, Nancy Allen back as Anne Lewis, Tom Noonan (Manhunter) as Cain, a great stop motion fight scene, and a interesting plot. Now the downsides come in many forms on Robocop 2.

First off they did not bring back director Paul Verhoeven who did a fantastic job directing the first, which I think was a very bad idea on the studios part. The second thing is the characters they added to the story. The ones I simply did not like that they added was Hob who was a evil and sadistic kid who really seemed unnecessary to the storyline, also there was another they changed a bit from the original and that was the CEO of OCP who seems to be much more sadistic than he was in the original, which just seems wrong to do in my opinion. Other than that I just found the story to go down hill around the half way point.

Now when I talked earlier about how I liked a particular stop motion fight scene, that one is when Robocop faces off against the Cain Robot which I loved so much because with it having the jerky type of movements by the Cain Robot maked it look that much more robotic like it should. Despite the fighting I really thought the Cain Robot looked awesome, it had a very raw and gritty look. Now there is 2 things that are a little odd to see in this film and those are Robocop driving a motorcycle similar to the one the Terminator rides in T2 and the color of Robocop which is more of a blue color rather than the original silver color he was in the first film, why the change I have no clue.

Now if you have never seen this film and only seen the first, I must warn you that this film is alot more violent and at times way more mean spirited. The violence is amped way up which may turn off some people who don't mind the violence but don't like it too extreme. Now those who like it cranked up to 11 will dig what this film has to offer, for me I don't care which way it goes as long as it fits the scene and what is going on.

I will say that I think MGM did do a pretty good job at the presentation of this film on Blu-ray, compred to their release of the first film on blu-ray this one looks a bit better and alot sharper. The colors seem to be alot more vibrant and pop out more.The grain is still intact so for those of us who enjoy that natural film look will be pleased by this presentation, also it is presented in it's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio which always good when they do that. The sound they did a good job as well, you get the average 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio as you would expect from alot of the older film releases put out by MGM, which sounds great considering the source.

Overall this is a decent sequel to a great film which I will still recommend those who liked the first to checkout because even though it does have it flaws there is some redeeming qualities and it is surely the best of the sequels!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Irvin Kershner

Genre: Action/Sci-fi

Blu-ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1990

Time Length: 117 mins.

Company: MGM Home Entertainment

Website: www.mgm.com

"Mysterious Island (1961/Blu-ray/Twilight Time)" Review

2011-11-30T18:56:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: The film centers around Union soldiers escaping in a gas balloon from a Confederate prison camp during the American Civil War. They end up crashing in the ocean, only to find themselves washed up on an unknown island where gigantic animals abound. It would later be revealed that the animals were the result of experiments by the presumed-dead Captain Nemo. He has been an unknown benefactor to the castaways as they struggled to survive on the island. The island's volcano threatens to erupt. After a skirmish with pirates, the stranded group manages to escape from the island on the pirates' ship as the volcano destroys the island.

Review: Finally after waiting Mysterious Island is on blu-ray and looking better than it ever has on any home format! There was a hand full of films that when I was younger always seemed to capture my imagination and enthrall me in wonder and Mysterious Island was one of those few. Like many others what made this film so cool to me at a young age was of course the giant animals that the survivors had to fend off, the octopus was my favorite. Now as I got older I was able to appreciate the rest of them film much more from a more mature view, don't get me wrong I still love the giant animals. Just a little piece of knowledge, the crab they used in the film was a real crab that had died and Harryhausen had turned into a stop motion puppet!

I could always tell that they of course were not really fighting the animals which of course opened my imagination to how they did the special effects. Watching Mysterious Island in HD really shows the layers between the animals and humans which could turn off some viewers, but ones like myself it will not bother and do the opposite. Now there has been pleantly of other versions of this story made into films as well, but none of them will ever live up to the 1961 version due the charm it has. Now as far as the plot goes it's not simplistic but not overly complex so weather you are young or old I think you will still be able to enjoy it. The characters are likable and work well off one another even when they don't get along or agree. Now the cast is not very big but that really does help the viewer get to know the characters involved and make it easier to follow. My personal favorite character besides Captain Nemo (Herbert Lom) was Gideon Spilitt (Gary Merrill) who is a very fun character who makes wise cracks and a bit of humor to the film which was needed amongst a cast of a little more serious characters.

Now as far as the aspect ratio goes the original ratio was 1.85:1 and it was that same ratio on the DVD release but has been done into a 1.66:1 ratio for this release which is very similar to the Jason and the Argonauts blu-ray release. The grain is still very much intact and is quite visible throughout the film. There are a few spots where it does get quite grainy which is mainly when they have special effects on screen.It also seems like they used the same source for this release as they did for the DVD, but more cleaned up and in a different ratio of course. As far as the audio goes you get a choice between the original DTS-HD Master Audio Mono or an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio which both are great but for someone like myself I prefer the original mono soundtrack. For what they had to work with Twilight Time has done an awesome job with this release of Mysterious Island and makes me want to see what else they will have to offer in the future!

Overall this is a great release of Mysterious Island and should please any fan of this film! Also I must add that if you are wanting this release I suggest you pick it up asap because it's limited to only 3,000 copies which means they will be gone in no time!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Cy Endfield
Genre: Action/Adventure/Fantasy

Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1961

Time Length: 100 mins.

Company: Twilight Time

Website: www.screenarchives.com
(You Can Only Buy Directly From Screen Archives!)

"Manhunter (1986/Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

2011-11-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: Will Graham is a former FBI agent who recently retired to Florida with his wife Molly and their young son. Graham was a 'profiler'; one who profiles criminal's behavior and tries to put his mind into the minds of criminals to examine their thoughts while visiting crime scenes. Will is called out of his self-imposed retirement at the request of his former boss Jack Crawford to help the FBI catch an elusive serial killer, known to the press as the 'Tooth Fairy', who randomly kills whole families in their houses during nights of the full moon and leaves bite marks on his victims. To try to search for clues to get into the mind of the killer, Will has occasional meetings with Dr. Hannibal Lecktor, a charismatic but very dangerous imprisoned serial killer that Will captured years earlier which nearly drove him insane from the horrific encounter that nearly cost Will's life...

Review: 5 years before the incredibly successful "Silence of the Lambs" there was a film by the name of Manhunter that first showed the world the legendary Hannibal Lecktor. Of those 2 films though I personally go more for Manhunter and not because it came first but more for it's very chilling story and unnerving atmosphere. Also I think the acting is better as well. When it comes to that aspect of this film you get some great talents like that of William Petersen (CSI), Brian Cox (Braveheart) as Dr. Hannibal Lecktor, Dennis Farina( Law & Order), and the quite talented Tom Noonan (Heat) as Francis Dollarhyde (aka Tooth Fairy). With a lineup like that and many others you have a very well acted film.

One thing that I have grown to appreciate about films more now than I did when I was younger is the music involved in the film because when done right it becomes it's own entity in the film and helps drive the atmosphere and it helps to draw you into the film and make you apart of it. The music in Manhunter does just that and also it takes a classic epic rock song and makes it work with the film instead of just being thrown in there and being cheesy and unnecessary, the song I am talking about is Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" and it's at the end of the film during it's climatic nail biter.

Now as far as the presentation of this film goes MGM did a pretty good job with Manhunter which is in it's original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and also still has all the grain intact. For the most part the grain is heavy, but for this film it doesn't bother me one bit. Also you get a English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio which for the most part clear but could be a little better, on the other hand they could of better balanced the sound and made it a little less front speaker heavy in sound. Other than that not bad. Now the only thing that I can say I wish they would of done with this release is I wish they would of added the director's cut also which is 4 minutes longer, but that's not a gripe just something that would of been cool.

If you have not seen this film yet but you have seen Silence of the Lambs all I can say is that you are missing out because this one is truly worth giving a try! Overall this film was a very well crafted adaptation as well as one of the most underrated suspense films to come out of the 80's!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Michael Mann

Genre: Thriller/Suspense/Horror

Blu-ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1986

Time Length: 120 mins.

Company: MGM Home Entertainment

Website: www.mgm.com

"Intruder (1989/Blu-ray+DVD Combo/Synapse Films)" Review

2011-11-27T13:14:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: It’s 10 pm and the employees of Michigan’s Walnut Lake Supermarket are in for a really bad night. The place is shutting its doors for good, and the night crew has a long shift ahead of them… longer than they think! The lovely check-out girl has a deranged ex-boyfriend, the store’s phone lines are cut, and the employees start dying in the most stomach-churning ways imaginable. A deranged killer is on the loose in the grocery store! Can anyone stop this murderous intruder?

Review: This is once again another film I am so glad I never saw the trailer for it before seeing the film because it would of ruined the film for me because when it comes to slasher films I prefer ones where I have to figure out who the killer is. This film was written & directed by the writer of Evil Dead 2 and is co-starred by Sam Raimi so with a pairing like that you know you are in for something good. One thing that I have heard about Intruder more than anything is that the gore effects were top notch, which is very true! They were done by the guys at KNB and knowing that it makes this film that much more worth checking out. The one effect in particular that I really like was when Bub (Burr Steers) gets his head crushed by a cardboard baler because I used to use them in previous job always wondered what would happen if you got crushed by one.

Aside from the gore effects the thing that I really liked about this film was the clever use of how they captured certain scenes, what I mean by that is they may show from the point of view of the rotary on a phone or the floor as someone is sweeping up the floor. I could really see the Sam Raimi influence when it came to that because of the camera work Raimi did in his films. To me it takes a film that would be considered just another slasher and adds a little more to it. Now as far as when I talked that I like to figure out who the killer is in a film like this I will say that I did figure it out easily and before the half way point, but still it was good to find out my own, I think most people would agree.

As far as the casting goes you do get some very likable characters that work well off each other and alot of them are probably like people you have or do know already. Sam Raimi plays a more straight laced guy were as Ted Raimi plays a somewhat goofy guy. Also you get a great lead female survivor Jennifer Ross (Elizabeth Cox) who is played like what you'd expect which is strong but vulnerable and on top of that she knows how to scream. The rest of the cast is great as well especially store co-owner Bill Roberts (Dan Hicks).

Intruder was released by Full Moon Pictures on DVD back in 2005 but never seeing that release I can't compare it to this one. What I can tell you is that Synapse has once again done an awesome job, the picture is what I would expect and that is with all the film grain intact, a very cleaned up picture and a very clear DTS-HD MA English 2.0 Mono audio track. Also you get a good amount of special features that even include extended murder sequences from the original workprint of the film! Also just to let you know if you are one of the first 500 people to order this set from the Synapse website you get a DVD-R of the workprint version which will not be sold separately! Get that deal before it's gone!

Overall this was a pretty cool slasher that I can actually see myself going back to watch from time to time unlike most slasher films out there! Thanks for another great cult release Synapse!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Scott Spiegel

Genre: Horror/Slasher

Blu-Ray/DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year:1989

Time Length: 85 mins.

Company: Synapse Films

Website: www.synapse-films.com

"Horror Express (1972/Blu-ray&DVD Combo/Severin Films)" Review

2011-11-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

Synopsis: An English anthropologist has discovered a frozen monster in the frozen wastes of Manchuria which he believes may be the Missing Link. He brings the creature back to Europe aboard a trans-Siberian express, but during the trip the monster thaws out and starts to butcher the passengers one by one.

Review: For so long I have been wanting to see Horror Express, but for so many years this film seems to of been mistreated and thrown to the side as just another campy B horror film and it was a turn off to wanting to see it as all the copies I found looked like crap and unwatchable. Finally a company as good as Severin Films has brought forth a very watchable version of this lost fright film classic!

Now don't get me wrong if you do read the synopsis for this film you will get the impression that you are about to watch something that is campy, but I can reassure you that this film offers more than just cheap thrills. What you get is a film with an amazing cast, great writing, and some truly frightening scenes all of which work perfectly together. The cast consists of film legends Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Telly Savalas, and Alberto de Mendoza(who kinda reminds me of a younger Paul Naschy) to name a few. This of course is 1 of the 22 films that Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee had done together and to me it's one of their best collaborations to be captured on film next to my personal favorite "The Creeping Flesh".

As you probably already know that Peter Cushing had just lost his wife before the shooting of this film and knowing that you really can tell he is a broken man at that point and instead of that altering his performance I think it makes it that much more stronger and convincing in the more dramatic parts. Of course Christopher Lee brings on another very strong performance as he always has no matter how good or bad the role is. Now for this film the person who kinda sticks out as the odd man is Telly Savalas who even though I think he sticks out like that he still brings something to the film that is missing which is a subtle comedic presence to break the tension for just enough time. Savalas is not like that all the time and he does play his role very seriously.

As much as those 3 really grabbed my attention I couldn't help but be enthralled by the character of Father Pujardov (Alberto de Mendoza) which is a priest who seems to be all about god until he is confronted with the mysterious evil presence that is aboard the train. He basically is like most humans who do try to be good but can be easily swayed by evil with the right circumstances. I also think his dirty priest look is also what captivated me to him, you can't beat a turned evil priest! The rest of the cast is great as well and they all do help out the film each in their own way.

Now I don't want to get too much into talking about the plot because there is things in it that I think are much more fun to find out as you watch the film rather than someone blabbing all of it to you one of which is a pretty cool twist. I will say that the plot is very much different and does seem a bit campy, but for it's time I'd say that plot was very unique and I think other film makers have gotten inspired from it on their own films. The monster of Horror Express is in my eyes very cool looking especially with his glowing red eye that reminds me of the Terminator's eye along with his man-ape looking body and partially skull face.

Severin did do an awesome job with bring this film to blu-ray, all the grain is intact as well as they kept the original 1.66:1 aspect ratio and did not stretch it out like other companies probably would of. Along with the film looking the best it ever has you also get a good selection of special features that include a new interview with director Eugenio Martin, 1973 audio interview w/ Perter Cushing and many other features which makes this a well rounded release that Severin Films is known for. Also on top of the special features you do get a DVD copy which has the same special features. Now the only thing that is odd about this release is the menu screens because they are kinda glitchy and don't go from one to another smoothly which is not that big of a deal because I am into this release for the film not the menus, but I figured I would mention it.

Overall this is a an excellent film that finally has a good proper release that will surely please those who are fans of the film as well as those who are going to watch it for the first time!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Gene Martin (Eugenio Martin)
Genre: Horror/Thriller/Sci-fi/Action

Blu-Ray/DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1972

Time Length: 90 mins.

Company: Severin Films

Website: www.severin-films.com

"Chillerama (2011/Blu-ray/Image Entertainment)" Review

2011-11-21T16:46:00.000-08:00

Review: Out of the films to come out in 2011 in the horror genre I have not heard as much hype about a film like I have about Chillerama and in alot of ways that hype is well deserved. If you don't already know Chillerama takes the horror anthology and flips it upside down with 4 very different stories from 4 very cool indie directors! I will do this review a tad different and review each short individually.

Wadzilla (Adam Rifkin): This story follows Miles Munson who finds out when trying to donate sperm that he has a very low count so the doctor gives Miles an experimental medicine to take but things go wrong everytime he becomes aroused. After consulting the doctor about the problem he is told to rub one out everytime this happens which causes one of his mutant sperm to get loose and cause havoc! This is honestly my favorite of the bunch and I think it's due to the over the top theme and one of the most bizarre monsters since the killer condom. There is really nothing that I could hate on about Wadzilla because it does what is meant to and that is to gross you out and make you laugh your ass off at the same time! Also Adam Rifkin plays a great role as Miles Munson! Also how can you beat a stop motion monster sperm climbing on the Statue of Liberty! This ranks up high with me next to his film The Dark Backward!

I Was A Teenage Werebear (Tim Sullivan): After Ricky finds himself getting this urge to be with men he soon enough runs into a rebel name Talon who tempts Ricky to "purge the urge" and next think you know it Ricky is turned into a "werebear" and has to face Talon to defend the ones around him! I Was A Teenage Werebear is a mixture between the classic werewolf mythos, The Lost Boys, a musical and spices it up with homoerotic themes which makes for something unique. Typically I would hate another worn out werewolf themed film but I can say this one was very different and caught my attention better because of that, the only part of this film that did turn me off was the musical parts because I hate about 99.9% of musicals. Now when it comes to how you kill a werewolf in this film is half way similar to the classic way with silver but trust me they don't use a silver bullet! Overall I did dig this one but not as much as I did the rest.

Diary of Anne Frankenstein (Adam Green): In this tale you will find out how the nazi's really lost the war! After Adolf Hitler gets ahold of Anne Frankenstein's journal he decides to make a monster that will help him conquer and destroy the on coming forces, but after the monster is created things go awry and Hitler sees his real downfall! Adam Green has amazed me with all his films and that's mainly due to his ability to take a classic theme and make it his own and go in a different direction than you'd expect. In "Diary of Anne Frankenstein" he truly does, because instead creating your stereotypical monster you get a monster rabbi who dismembers the Nazi's around him! Adam Green brought back Joel David Moore who played in a couple of his films to be Adolf Hitler in this one in which he doesn't speak real German. On top of it all it has the feel of an Ed Wood film and has one of my favorite scenes where the monster chases Hitler through the sets of the film showing off that they are sets. This would make a good double feature with Werewolf Women of the SS! Overall great fun!

Zom-B-Movie (Joe Lynch): This is the final chapter in this anthology but this is also the story that you would of been following from the beginning and in between each of the other films in which it follows several people who are watching the films and the owner of the drive-in along the side of one of his infected co-workers. After the infected co-worker taints some artificial butter his plague starts to infect everyone in the drive-in making them the horny-undead! This was a great way to end the anthology and it helped to get to know the characters from the beginning of Chillerama. The highlight of this tale is Richard Riehle who plays as drive-in owner Cecil Kaufman, I have always loved seeing this actor even in small roles and especially his roles in Hatchet & Office Space! Also how can you beat horny zombies fucking all over a drive-in!

Overall this was one of the most depraved anthologies I have ever seen and I fucking loved it! It was perverse, sexually charged, crude, rude, and politically incorrect which is all the things that make up a great film! I will say if you don't like tongue-in-cheek humor than stay away, but if you do then I say pick this one right up because it will satisfy your depraved side!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Adam Rifkin, Tim Sullivan, Adam Green, and Joe Lynch

Genre: Horror/Comedy/Spoof/Exploitation

Blu-Ray/DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2011

Time Length: 120 mins.

Company: Image Entertainment

Website: www.image-entertainment.com

"Our Idiot Brother (2011/Blu-ray/Anchor Bay)" Review

2011-11-19T16:30:00.000-08:00

Review: Our Idiot Brother follows Ned (Paul Rudd) who is a very care free and peaceful person who after going to prison for selling weed to a cop ends up floating from one sisters house to another with hopes of one day getting his dog back who he named Willie Nelson, but things go wrong for those around him after his truthful personality comes into their lives.

This was one of those films that I really wanted to see after watching the trailer earlier this year because I have always liked the roles Paul Rudd has taken on weather they are in mainstream films or off beat indie films, he has always entertained me. Sadly this film did not last long in my area so I missed out until now and I will say that I got exactly what I expected from this film and then some. Along with Rudd you also get a great cast of actors who I have seen in many other films and shows and each played their character like what you'd expect especially if you have seen their other films. Which can be a good thing and bad thing because the 3 sisters are really one sided and unlikable from time to time.

Despite that I still did like what each character brought to the story, now one thing I must kinda warn you is that they do center around Paul Rudd's character the most so if you like him like I do then you will love this film but if you don't you may want to stay away. As you would expect Ned was my favorite character and I think it's because I really wish there were more people like him but with a little more common sense. Another thing that made this film likable was the pacing, it goes along very smoothly and doesn't slow down to where it's boring but at the same time doesn't go too fast so that you don't get lost easily.

Now there is one thing I would of changed about this film and I would of kept the original ending because it may not of been funny but it would of been better instead of the somewhat Hollywood ending that they tacked onto this one. None the less it was a good film. Overall this was a really fun and sweet film that anyone with a pulse should give a shot at least one time!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Jesse Peretz

Genre: Comedy

Blu-Ray/DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2011

Time Length: 90 mins.

Company: Anchor Bay Entertainment

Website: www.anchorbayent.com

"A Serbian Film (aka Sprski Film) (2011/Blu-ray/Invincible Pictures)" Review

2011-11-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

Review: Of all the films that I have seen throughout my life that either had alot of hype around them for being shocking or disturbing very few of them have actually been disturbing or shocking to me. Now when it comes to the hype around the film we have here today, well it is much deserved.

I will give you a basic run down of A Serbian Film without giving away anything that will ruin the film for those who have not seen it. The film follows a once big Serbian porn star Milos who is propositioned to do a porn film from a guy claiming to be making a "artistic" porn film that will be revolutionary, but things turn out to be a bit more than he bargained for. That is the easiest way I could describe it without giving off too much. The controversy is mainly over a few scenes and how extreme the film gets at times. Most people who enjoy watching extreme horror films like the August Underground series or the Vomit Gore series will not have too hard of a time making it through, but those who can't stand those films better stay away by all means because it does get pretty fucked up!

Aside from the extreme aspect of this film the rest of it is great and really character driven and you get to know Milos and his past as well as his family, so it makes it that much more powerful than it would of if they'd just had the film get into the extreme elements earlier in the film. They did do a great job at casting Milos as well as the other cast members because each one really played off their characters well and also they looked each of their parts perfectly.

To those who have seen this for there is something you must know about this US release compared to other releases, this one is cut. From what I have gathered it is 2 select scenes near the end of the film that they cut down a bit which in ways I could see why because of how intense and graphic they are. On a side note I did hear from a friend that they cut them down due to legal reasons in the US. Either way it's cut the film works very well to shock and entertain the sick side of anyone. The gore is also a highlight and does look quite well and will satisfy any gorehound.

One thing I heard was that there is a message to this film and truly I could not figure it out, maybe I am just overlooking it or maybe there just is not one. None the less this was a very well made, well shot, and well acted film that deserves more respect for being those things instead of just being a shocking film. I highly recommend this to horror and film fans with strong stomachs because this film does push the boundaries!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Srdjan Spasojevic

Genre: Horror

Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2011

Time Length: 103 mins.

Company: Invincible Pictures

Website: www.invinciplepictures.com

"Frankenhooker (1990/Blu-ray/Synapse Films)" Review

2011-10-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

Review: Once again I am here to review another one of Frank Henenlotter's films that is the 2nd to last one he did before taking a break from directing for quite awhile. Like his other films Frankenhooker definitely has that Henenlotter look and feel that we have all grown to love and cherish. Like you would expect this film does take on it's own twisted version of the Frankenstein tale about a man by the name of Jeffrey Frank who wanting the love of his life back after she is chopped up by a lawn mower and in order to do so he decides to make "super crack" which he uses to make a group of hookers which makes them explode. After he is able to make his bride from the parts she runs away and goes on her own crusade of killing and sex which leads to a conflict between the former hookers pimp Zorro and Jeffrey!

With a plot like that you know you getting into something demented, twisted, and a hell of a good time and that is exactly what you get. Henenlotter takes on the Frankenstein tale with new life that we haven't seen in such twisted display since the Bride of Re-Animator. Like Bride of re-Animator this film does have a love story that is about a man that will do anything to get his loved one back but in the end they will pay the price for their ways of doing so. Frankenhooker takes it's story in a more over the top direction filled with sex, death, and exploding hookers and johns.

One of the main parts of this film that I was attracted to besides the crazy plot was the actor James Lorinz (The Sweet Life) who plays Jeffrey, he first caught my attention with his smaller role in Street Trash which I loved his New York way of speaking and smart ass attitude and you get a little of that in this film. For the most part he plays himself a little more serious when needed. Another stand out thing in this film for me was the way the deaths were done, you don't get a bunch of hacking and blood splatter instead you get people exploding but not in a gory way more like if they were a mannequin exploding with sparks flying which is something I had never seen done before. It adds to the over the top feel.

Like Henenlotter's other films I can't say that all genre and horror fans will like this one because it is very out there and goes by it's own rules a definitely strays from the path. To me that is a very good thing because I like to go down that demented path more often than not. One thing I can't do is try and compare it to his other films because each one has it's own unique personality and he really hasn't done a bad film, even Bad Biology was a decent entry into his catalog of films. Easiest way to put it is that if you are a fan of his other films than you will dig this film and if you are just being introduced to Henenlotter I say start with Basketcase and if you like that then watch Frankenhooker!

The only thing that surprised me about this Blu-ray release is that Synapse Films released it instead of Unearthed Films which released it on DVD back in 2006. None the less you still do get almost all of the special features from the Unearthed release minus the production photos feature which isn't that big of a loss. The picture is definitely an upgrade in which they did a 2K restoration on it which looks awesome, like expected the grain is still intact and not destroyed like some studios would of done. Synapse really has done an amazing job with this release and you can see how much care they took into making this film look great for this release like that have done with their previous releases. I highly recommend this upgrade to those who own the older DVD release or to those who have yet to own Frankenhooker!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Frank Henenlotter

Genre: Horror

Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year:1990

Time Length: 85 mins.

Company: Synapse Films

Website: www.synapse-films.com

"American Grindhouse/Nightmares In Red,White, and Blue (2010/Kino Lorber Films)" Review

2011-10-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

In the past few years there has been a small boom of documentaries about various films from the Horror genre as well as the history of horror films and genre films. The first one I was able to checkout was on by the name of "Going To Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film" which was great especially for talking about that specific horror sub-genre and from there I saw many more, but now I get a chance to review 2 documentaries that cover both the history of grindhouse cinema and the american side of the horror genre! Shall we begin?

American Nightmares In Red, White, And Blue (2010):
In this documentary it takes you from the early days when Edison made his adaptation of Frankenstein as goes all the way up into the modern age of horror and talks about how it has evolved and how it shall continue to evolve. Like you would expect you do get a pretty good range of directors that talk about their films as well as their early experiences with the horror genre and what made them get into it, on top of that you get an awesome narration by Lance Henriksen (Alien, Pumpkinhead) who has a voice perfect for a narration talking about horror. The cast of people they do interview for the most part are some of the most well known director's of the genre and each one does have a very good take on the genre, now I would of liked to see a few more director's added to the mix but I do understand that it could of been hard for the director of this documentary due to budget restraints. One of which I wish they could of got was Stuart Gordon (Re-Animator) or even possibly Eli Roth (Cabin Fever), but it's all good because they still got some of the true masters of horror.

The documentary lasts about 96 minutes which honestly feels like it was less than that which could be due to the steady pace which crams you full of info like a machine gun which works fine in my opinion. Without a doubt they could of probably made Nightmares into a 3 or 4 hour documentary like they did with the Never Sleep Again (2010) documentary due to how much there is to cover. Really I have nothing bad to say about this effort on the part of Andrew Monument, he made a documentary they I have been waiting to be made for quite some time. The only thing that suprises me about this release is they did not have any bonus features of extended interviews or anything like that. Bottomline is that if you are a fan of the horror genre and you are wanting to learn a little more or just want to see what some great directors of the genre have to say than this is the documentary you need to go pick up right now! I highly recommend Nightmares!

American Grindhouse (2010):

What we have with this documentary is the true history of grindhouse cinema. Most people nowadays have been thinking that graindhouse cinema is that of the Tarantino/Rodriguez double feature that came out a few years back and even though those films in ways did have the essence of grindhouse cinema they were not quite what you really would get. Basically what a grindhouse is, is a film that predominantly shows exploitation films. There is a few depictions of infamous grindhouse cinemas on 42nd Street in NYC in a few films such as Taxi Driver and Midnight Cowboy. Alot of the times the prints that those theaters would get film prints that had been heavily used and by time they got them they were scratched up and even at times missing scenes. In American Grindhouse you get an awesome range of film historians and directors with a narration by Robert Forster (Mulholland Dr.).

Like Nightmares I wish they would of added a few other people to their mix that I think could of made American Grindhouse that much more better and those 2 are Eli Roth who is a living encyclopedia of horror and genre films and 42nd Street Pete who is a walking exploitation film. Those 2 would of added that extra bit of flavor to the documentary. They literally go through in detail the evolution of the exploitation film and show you how it pushed the envelope further and further and helped to evolve the entire film industry as time went along. My favorite era that they cover is the 70's because in my eyes that was when they came out with some of the most unique films of the genre including one of my favorite odd ball films The Thing With Two Heads (1972) which was a very odd film but with a good message about racism. My least favorite part is when they talked about the beach films because I hate them so much they're like the crappy teenie bopper films of the 90's and 2000's. Unlike Nightmare there is a decent amout of special features added on this release! Bottomline is that this is a very cool documentary that will open any film fan up to what really is a grindhouse film!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Andrew Monument (Nightmares In Red,White,and Blue)/ Elijah Drenner (American Grindhouse)

Genre: Documentary

DVD Release Years: 2010

Theatrical Year: 2010

Time Length: 96 mins. (Nightmares...)/ 82 mins. (American Grindhouse)

Company: Kino Lorber

Website: http://www.kino.com
www.lorberfilms.com

"Camp Nowhere (1994/Blu-ray/Mill Creek Ent.)" Review

2011-10-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Review: Christopher Lloyd is one of those offbeat actors that seem to always be able to steal the scene or even the film in some cases but sadly for the past few years he has kinda went off the radar as far as films go and only does them now and then but he has done TV shows alot more. Back in the 90's and up into the early 2000's he seemed to be on the top of his game with film especially for family and kids films like Dennis The Menace (1993) and Hey! Arnold The Movie (2002). Just in the year 1994 he appeared in 5 films alone and one of them was the film I am reviewing here today Camp Nowhere!

This film follows a group of friends that are so eager to get out of having to go to computer camp, fat camp and other various camps so they make up a way to dodge that and have a summer of freedom from parents, but thing go wrong when the word gets out and a bunch of other kids want in on it too. Christopher Lloyd plays as Dennis Van Welker who the kids blackmail to act as a councilor so their parents let them go to their summer vacation paradise. As you can tell this film does have a pretty basic plot but for a film like this would you expect anything else. Now even though it does seem as if you will only see a bunch of kids and teens going crazy and having fun which you do, but you also get more than that in the form of father/son like bonding between Dennis and Morris and a love interest side story between Dennis and a local female doctor.

If you are a fan of films from the 90's then you will love Camp Nowhere and if you are already a fan then you will love this blu-ray release! Mill Creek surely has done a great job on this blu-ray, the picture for the most part is damage free but you do still see some from time to time. The colors for the most part looks pretty good and most importantly the grain in still intact so you still do get some great detail. Now I can't compare this properly to the older DVD release because I have not seen that release in years, but for the most part it does seem to look better. Overall this is a great release of a very cool kids film from the early 90's that if you have not seen you need to go and do so now!

Picture: 4/5 Audio:3.5/5 Special Features: N/A Movie: 4/5
-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Jonathan Prince

Genre: Comedy/Family

Blu-ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Year: 1994

Time Length: 96 mins.

Company: Mill Creek Entertainment

Website: http://www.millcreekent.com/

"Conan O' Brien Can't Stop (2011/Magnolia Home Ent.)"

2011-10-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: A documentary on Conan O'Brien's “Legally Prohibited From Being Funny On Television” comedy tour of the U.S. and Canada after leaving "The Tonight Show" on NBC, and before “Conan” on TBS, trying to figure out where his career is heading along the way.

Review: As true and as honest as a documentary can hope to be, Conan O’ Brien Can’t Stop, captured not only what Conan himself was going through during his first ever tour, but it really showed what all entertainers go through. Rather it is selling out arenas, or playing the dive bar down the street, the life can get to you, and you have to ask your self, why keep going, why not just stop, and the answer is, you can't. At times the best feeling in the world, other times the worst, being an entertainer means you put it all on the line, and hoping, against all odds, for the best, by giving your best.

This documentary shows all sides of Conan and crew during this time in their lives, the good, the bad, the unsure, which there are plenty of, and sometimes even the ugly. Over the years Conan, along with sidekick Andy, and the Basic Cable Band, as they are now called, have become something of house hold faces, especially for the younger generation, who’ve grown up watching the Late Night show that brought them to popularity. This film allows us a behind the scenes look, letting us see what this group is like when they aren’t entertaining, and let their guard down.

Some of the better parts of the documentary are when things seems to be unsure, like the day of the first concert, they arrive in Portland, Organ, and it seems there is virtually no one around. Conan walks the streets cracking nervous jokes and you can see the obvious nervousness in his face, like a total fear has ran through him that the tour will be a flop, and no one will be at any of the shows. Of course the show is packed out, and the entire tour goes on to be an immense success, but then that turns into a new worry, will Conan hold out and make for it for the entire tour without collapsing under the pressure of having to be “on” all the time. Conan, even though he is in constant fear of loosing his voice, and wearing him self out, seems to be his own worst enemy, by never turning down any situation to meet with people, always talking with fans, friends, friends of friends, friends of the crew, journalists, executives, anyone who wants to, the man can just not stop him self from always giving his all, all the time.

After three viewings, once on Netflix, once on DVD, and once on DVD w/ the highly entertaining audio commentary, Conan O’ Brien Can’t Stop has without a doubt earned its way onto both my “top documentaries”, and “top films of 2011” lists. I urge any fan of Conan’s or just of well made documentaries in general to see this movie, and see it soon. One of the last good guys around, I’m hoping to see COCO become the Johnny Carson of our generation, and staying around for a long, long time to come.

Picture: 5/5 Audio:5/5 Special Features: 4/5 Movie: 5/5

- Foz Rotten

Director: Rodman Flender
Genre: Documentary
DVD Release Year: 2011
Theatrical Release Year: 2011
Time Length: 89 minutes
Company: Magnolia Home Entertainment
Website: http://conanobriencantstop.com/

"Ernest Scared Stupid (1991/Blu-ray/Mill Creek Ent.)" Review

2011-10-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

Review: Amongst the 9 Ernest films this one was really one of the last ones to have a decent budget, no to say any of the films after Ernest Scared Stupid weren't any good. Like you would expect Ernest still has his child-like charm and over the top humor. In this Ernest adventure we follow Ernest as he is working as a garbage truck driver and one day some local kids who Ernest is friends with need some help making a tree house and in the process Ernest unknowingly summons an ancient Troll that Ernest's ancestor had taken care of. Now Ernest has to save his friends and the town from the Troll and his army!

This is by far one of my favorites in the Ernest films and still even holds up strong today as it did back when I first saw it in the early 90's. Now for those who have never seen this Ernest film I can tell you that if you like any of the others than you will like this one as well because like I stated before you still do get all the elements that make an Ernest film great. One of the things I always found to be the cherry on top of this Ernest sundae was the troll effects they used which are simply phenomenal and of course they are done the good old practical way. The transformation when the Troll turns into a super troll is very cool and is well executed and brings that much more badass to that character. They only use non practical effects when they turn the children into wooden figures.

This blu-ray release is definitely one that I was glad to be able to see because if you own the much older DVD release you will already know that it is fullscreen aspect ratio and really doesn't look the greatest. So I can reassure you that if you plan on buying this release you won't be let down. The colors are presented very well and also you see the fine details quite well on the closeups. For those who enjoy the natural film grain will not be let down because it is all still intact and not taken away by DNR. Overall this is a big upgrade from the older a very much outdated DVD copy that all of us Ernest fans have sitting on our shelves! A must have for all Ernest fans!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: John Cherry

Genre: Comedy/Horror

DVD Release Year: 2011

Syndication Years: 1991

Time Length: 91 mins.

Company: Mill Creek Entertainment

Website: http://www.millcreekent.com/

"Act of Vengeance (1974/MGM Limited Edition Collection)" Review

2011-10-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: Five raped women band together to form a "Rape Squad"...to avenge themselves on the sadistic man who attacked them and who gets off by forcing the women to sing "Jingle Bells" as he assaults them.

Review: Believe it or not there is a rape revenge sub-genre out there and it is filled with plenty of shocking films that do push the boundaries, but sadly Act of Vengeance is not one of them and actually goes into being quite stupid and just plain dumb. Well to start off the plot is as weird as they come, they have a guy who goes around stalking women and then sexually assaulting them while making them sing jingle bells as he assaults them which is painfully retarded and not to mention he wears a hockey mask and a jumpsuit which yes was before the Friday The 13th series. When I originally heard what the rapist was going to do I thought it was going to be much more dark, but like I said before it turns out very stupid.

The other things that bothered me was that they made almost every single guy seem like they just want to rape women and assault them, which in real life is dead wrong. Also the women who form a "rape squad" seem to want to attack every man they see which I could see someone being deeply effected if they were raped but they took it too far in this film. I mainly wish they would of taken it in a much more serious direction than they did, this film failed where others like it succeeded. One example of one that truly succeeded was "I Spit On Your Grave (aka Day of the Woman)" in which it took a very serious route and showed the brutality of rape.

Honestly I couldn't find any redeeming factors in this film, granted they did leave you wondering a bit on who was the serial rapist but that is all it achieved. Basically if the subject of rape is going to be in a film then I either want it to be serious or controversial, not like this film did. I say that because it is a serious matter and should be held in serious regard. Overall this is a very bad film that tried to be different but just ended up being a failed effort in film history. I give it a 0/5.

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Robert Kelljchian

Genre: Drama

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1974

Time Length: 90 mins.

Company: MGM Home Entertainment

Website: www.mgm.com

SHADE RUPE Presents: T IS FOR TRICK

2011-10-20T03:03:00.000-07:00

PLEASE FOLLOW THIS LINK TO GO AND VOTE FOR THIS VIDEO FOR THE ABC'S OF DEATH: http://26th.theabcsofdeath.com/t-is-for-trick-2/

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"Dark Angel (1990/MGM Limited Edition Collection)" Review

2011-10-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

Review: Back in the 80's and early 90's Dolph Lungren was all over the place doing one film after another it seemed and surprisingly this is the film of his work during that time period that I had yet to see until now. Dark angel also has another alternative title which was "I Come In Peace" which is just taking one of the main villains lines and making it the film title which is kinda lame. Now I first watched the trailer to see what I was in for and about half way through I stopped it and had to just watch the film. I got something I didn't quite expect and that was a really entertaining film!

Now if you have not seen Dark Angel before please don't go into it expecting everything to be completely original and mind blowing, instead go into it with a clear mind that's ready to be entertained. The plot of this film follows detective Jack Caine who is one of those cops who doesn't always follow things by the rules and after his partner gets killed he is determined to take down who ever killed him but things go crazy after a string of odd murders start happening and Jack is paired up with an FBI agent to solve who and what is doing these killings.

As you would possibly suspect Dark Angel does use the classic "straight laced & rogue cop" premise and mixes it up with a sci-fi horror plot to make a great mix-up. Now what makes the story unique and not too cliche is that the evil alien in this film is actually an intergalactic drug dealer who came to earth to get the endorphins from humans to take back to where he came from and sell them, but he does have a cop from his planet out to hunt him down as well. Yes that does seem so over the top but trust me it makes this otherwise run of the mill film into something a bit more special and fun. You do still get all the elements of a film like this from that era, pleanty of explosions, violence, gore, and T&A.

The violence and gore can be at times pretty graphic but it's not overly graphic. The methods that the evil alien does to get the endorphins is a little graphic but they don't even show him stab a victim in the head from a front shot until about the 3rd or 4th person, most the other violence is gun shots or neck slices from a flying disc the alien uses. I wouldn't say that this film completely relies on fast action because you do get a little character development that will have you hoping Jack comes out on top. There is a little bit of a love interest that does get touched on but it doesn't take forefront much at all but is there to add a little to the story.

Overall this was a really entertaining film that I am very surprised I had never had a chance to view before, it's definitely one of Dolph Lundgren's best films and should be seen by alot more than what it probably has! Go pick this one up if your into Action Sci-fi flicks!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Craig R. Baxley

Genre: Sci-fi/Horror/Action

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1990

Time Length: 91 mins.

Company: MGM Home Entertainment

Website: www.mgm.com

"Drinking Made Easy: Season One (2010-2011/Magnolia Home Ent.)" Review

2011-10-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

Show Synopsis: "Drinking Made Easy" follows world drinking ambassador, Zane Lamprey, and comedians Steve McKenna and Marc Ryan as they explore the country's drinking customs. In each episode, they visit a different city hitting up local watering holes, pubs, cars, restaurants, breweries, wineries and distilleries where they find the most unique and interesting beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails across the great U.S.A.

Review: I was first introduced to Zane Lamprey back in 2009 I believe when I say his show Three Sheets on Hulu and I got addicted to that show because Zane and his humor. Now even though I liked that show I did have my gripes with it and that was mainly dealing with they retarded sound effects they used constantly in each episode, the good thing is that this show does not do that. Drinking Made Easy does have some of the characteristics of Three Sheets in the sense that it is a show about drinking but it also does show the culture of the place that they land in each episode.

They have put 2 other guys in the spotlight this time that was on Three Sheets as well and those 2 are Steve McKenna and Marc Ryan. Steve McKenna mainly does food eating challenges. Even to someone like myself who really doesn't drink I still find this show to be very entertaining and informative which is a great combination. Zane always go to local bars of all statures and he learns how they make their signature drinks in which he actually tries to make them himself. Also they do go to local breweries and alcohol factories and show what they have to offer and their signature drinks as well.

I like that it has the feel of the reality shows that they show on the Travel Channel. Unlike Three Sheets this time around they stick to going to all different cities in the United States as apposed to traveling the world and learning about their drinking cultures. The only bad part about this set is that you see this short thing were they talk about a drinking game you can do while watching the show which is cool but gets annoying after seeing it far too many times. One thing I did forget to mention is that they also do a six pack challenge each episode where the winner wins 6 six packs if they win which is hilarious. With this set you get Deleted Scenes, Commentary on each episode with Zane and crew, and also a live comedy performance. All of which is awesome and makes this set that much more worth buying! Overall this is a fun show and a great set for anyone who likes Zane's older show Three Sheets!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: N/A

Genre: Reality Tv/Television

DVD Release Year: 2011

TV Syndication Year:2010-2011

Time Length: 592 mins.

Company: Magnolia Home Entertainment/HD Net

Website: www.magpictures.com
www.hd.net

"Pawn Stars: Volume 3 (2010/History Channel)" Review

2011-10-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Show Synopsis: Venture inside the one family-run pawn shop in Las Vegas, where three generations of men use their sharp-eyed skills to carefully assess the value of items ranging from the obscure to the historic. In PAWN STARS, the rarely tactful and always confrontational Harrison family finds the gems and busts the fakes, all in hopes of making the biggest profit possible.
Review: In the last few years there has been a boom in "reality" television and it seems like about every subject matter available has been made into a reality show. This genre of television has been around for a long time but never really became big until shows like Big Brother and Survivor came onto the scene which those shows in ways spawned off from MTV hits Real World and Road Rules and before those was part of the subject of the film The Running Man (1987). Most the reality shows out now are quite bad but some are entertaining. Pawn stars falls in the entertaining category for me and that is due to the subject matter.

The show follows the daily business of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop owners as well as Chumlee, but mainly focuses on the items that people bring in that are special or just plain odd. Also you do see fellow experts from different places around the area that come in and help to appraise or authenticate the items. It's really cool to see what some people bring in especially the more historical items because some of them most people would never normally see in their life time. It says on the back of this set that it's 16 fan favorite episodes which is odd because it's actually the first 16 episodes of the 3rd season, honestly they should of just put the other 10 episodes of this season on this set and called it the complete 3rd season like they did previously on the first 2 seasons.

This show is one that I keep finding myself revisiting, so it's not one that alot of people will just watch once and never watch again so it is worth it to buy this set. There has been alot of people who go around saying this show is scripted like alot of those on the Real TV network, but I really don't think this show is. I just think they are more selective with the items that they have on the show and of course they do mic the people because the audio would be shit if they didn't. Overall this is a great show is very entertaining and if your a fan I say pick up this set despite the sets down falls with it not having all the episodes like it should!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: The History Channel

Genre: TV/Reality Television

DVD Release Year: 2011

Syndication Years: 2010

Time Length: 5 hrs. 52 mins.

Company: History Channel/New Video

Website: http://www.history.com

"Roseanne: The Complete 1st & 2nd Season Uncut (1988-1990/Mill Creek Ent.)" Review

2011-10-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

Show Synopsis: 'Roseanne' is the story of a working class family struggling with life's essential problems: Marriage, Children, Money and Parents in Law. A classic sitcom, the story circles around the Connor family - a family of five (DJ, Darlene, Becky, Roseanne and Dan). The household's mother, Roseanne, is being accompanied in her quest to keep the family together by her sister Jackie and various friends over the years...

Review: Ever so often throughout TV history there has been shows that break ground and do something different than other shows and Roseanne was definitely one of them. The difference that this show had going for it that others did not was a more realistic approach to how life and family life really is instead of trying to sugar coat it like so many shows try to do. You get a rich cast of characters that alot of people will be able to relate to and understand their situation no matter how bad things get. In the first season alot of the jokes were delivered by Roseanne Barr more like if she was doing her stand up and would crack a grin after every joke which eventually changed as the show progressed.

Unlike some shows that I look more back on for nostalgic reasons this one I also look back on because the show is simply great. Even with the sets and clothes being dated the stories and plot lines are not and with a cast of great actors and actresses it makes it that much more likable. When I was younger the only character I didn't care for much was Jackie but now I really like her and she does help the story out. Roseanne and Dan Conner have always been my favorites especially Dan because John Goodman just makes him very likable and he pulls off the wise cracks flawlessly and also shows a very serious side when needed.

The best part about these sets are that you finally get Season 1 in it's uncut form unlike the Anchor Bay setof the first season that came out a few years back. Each episode is about 2 to 3 minutes longer which adds to the show a bit. The picture and audio quality are just as good as the prior sets so for the price of each of these seasons you are getting a great deal since the older sets can be pricey from time to time. If you like this show then I say buy these sets now because you won't be disappointed!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Various

Genre: TV/Comedy/Sitcom

DVD Release Year: 2011

Syndication Years: 1988-1990 (For these 2 seasons)

Time Length: 18 hrs. 37 mins.

Company: Mill Creek Entertainment

Website: http://www.millcreekent.com/

"Phase 7 (2010/Bloody Disgusting Selects)" Review

2011-10-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: Coco (Hendler) has just moved to a new apartment with his wife Pipi (Stuart), who’s seven months pregnant. At first, they don’t seem to notice the growing chaos around them, but when authorities quarantine their building after a deadly pandemic breaks out, Coco joins forces with his off-kilter, but well-prepared and stocked next-door neighbor Horacio to defend his refrigerator and keep Pipi safe. Meanwhile, outside the building, Buenos Aires—and the world as the apartment denizens know it, is disappearing. The world is ending; got ammo?

Review: Know the saying never judge a book by it's cover well this is one of those cases because this film has some very badly done artwork that I would normally pass up, but what lurks on the DVD is way better than it would appear. On the back it says Phase 7 is a mixture of "Shaun of the Dead Meets [REC]" which is kinda true in the aspect that it is about a virus breakout and a group of people are quarantined in an apartment building with some humor thrown in, but Phase 7 is actually more than just that and actually touches on some political issues at the same time. Mainly talking about the New World Order which is something that could happen and how Phase 7 is a plan that the N.W.O. would use to regulate the population of the world with a virus.

Also it shows like a few films I have seen before of how humans will be friendly one minute but when they need to be friendly and helpful the most they turn on one another to survive. For the most part this film sticks to being more serious than you would assume due to the comparison on the back, there is some humor thrown in from time to time but it's nothing really like you see in Shaun of the Dead, I guess I am trying to say it's a little more subtle. Now as far as the characters go you really can only count it as having 4 main characters and the rest are supporting cast that get taken out early or just really aren't in the film all that much. You get a younger couple that consists of Pip a pregnant woman who doesn't see the situation as that bad and Coco her naive husband that quickly changes his view after seeing what is truly happening around him, Horacio a very ready an intelligent neighbor who most look at as very paranoid but turns out to be wise about the situation at hand, and Zanutto a old man ready to defend himself no matter what the cost.

Overall great cast of characters that work great with and against each other perfectly. As far as the pacing goes it stays steady from the start to the finish with the occasional slowdown but not to the point where you will become bored. You do get some character development so you probably will connect with characters in ways that will get you more invovled with the film. One little thing I must point out is that I loved that the character Coco was wearing a S.O.D. shirt for a little bit in the beginning which was awesome in my opinion. Overall this film was great and definitely is better than one would suspect from seeing the DVD artwork, if you want a good outbreak or virus film with a tinge of humor than I say give this one a shot!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Nicolas Goldbart

Genre: Horror/Action

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year:2010

Time Length: 95 mins.

Company: Bloody Disgusting Selects

Website: www.bloody-disgusting.com/selects

"The Last Circus (2010/Magnolia Home Entertainment)" Review

2011-10-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

Review: Insanity is the only way I could possibly begin to describe what this film is, it's been quite sometime since I have laid my eyes on a film that is as crazy as this one is. It starts off with a small circus being raided by military men and them making the clowns and other performers fight along them against the rebels and next thing you know it you see a clown in full clown attire with a sword kicking some ass, how fucking cool is that! Then it slows down a bit to get our main character Javier to start his part of the story, but it goes crazy once again after Javier is tempted by a fellow performer Natalia that is a couple with the abusive and psychotic lead happy clown Sergio.

I can easily say that this is one of my favorite clown themed films to ever be made, I know there is not a ton of them but this one certainly tops most of them. It's kinda hard to really categorize The Last Circus because it has so many layers to it that really prevent it from being stuck in any certain genre. There are elements of horror, action, drama, romance, and even some comedy from time to time, but that is the only really scarce element of the film. Each one of the characters have great actors playing them, each one comes off perfectly as they were meant to be weather it's Javier who is a very shy and kinda timid guy who has a much darker side than anyone would of thought or Sergio who takes on more of the abusive drunk who loves his job as a clown but deals with his own demons which cause him to do things any normal person wouldn't.

Basically you get great characters that work well together in the world that surrounds them, no matter how fucked their world gets. The style and look of the film is great as well, it stays more with a kinda washed out dreary look that works perfectly for a film like this one. I think the best part of the film besides everything else that goes on in it is the ending, it has one of the best endings that any film of this bizarre magnitude should have! Trust me I won't give it off to those who have not experienced this film yet but those who have will know what I am talking about!

Overall this is the best film I have seen this year hands down! I am not fucking kidding when I say this, I am dead serious! If you are looking for something original that takes you onto a journey into madness then this is the perfect film for you to pick up and experience, I say experience because that is exactly what it is! Fuck films like "Tree of Life", go for films like The Last Circus!

Picture: 5/5 Audio:5/5 Special Features: 5/5 Movie: 5/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Alex De La Iglesia

Genre: Horror/Action/Exploitation/Drama

Blu-Ray/DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year:2010

Time Length: 101 mins.

Company: Magnolia Home Entertainment

Website: www.magpictures.com

"Scream 4 (2011/Blu-ray&DVD/Anchor Bay)" Review

2011-10-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: Sidney Prescott, now the author of a self-help book, returns home to Woodsboro on the last stop of her book tour. There she reconnects with Sheriff Dewey and Gale, who are now married, as well as her cousin Jill and her Aunt Kate. Unfortunately, Sidney's appearance also brings about the return of Ghostface, putting Sidney, Gale, and Dewey, along with Jill, her friends, and the whole town of Woodsboro in danger.

Review: When Scream first came out into theaters back in 1996 I passed it up as just another over hyped horror film and waited until it came to VHS to check it out and at the time I wasn't into it but since then I have grown a new found respect for it and what it is, which was a slasher film that took the previously used "self aware" horror theme and made it into something fresh for the slasher sub-genre. It did go on to make 2 sequels before this one which I did not like and now I am faced once again by Ghostface in Scream 4 and how did I like it, well read on to find out!

Well I don't love this film but at the same time I don't hate it, I find it to be alright. Scream 4 does go in a little bit different of a way from the previous films but at the same time it does keep to it's classic formula. Like the other 3 you do get plenty of twists and turns to constantly keep you wondering who is behind the Ghostface mask this time and Wes Craven is great at doing that. There is alot of references to films they consider "torture porn" and as well as poking fun at remakes and reboots which is odd because this film is a reboot to a horror franchise. Also they do point out the facts about horror films like Saw that make a million sequels and how each one gets way more stupid and predictable as it goes along which they portray in the beginning.

Like the previous films in the series I could stand most of the actors in the roles and the characters they portrayed and sat there hoping those characters would just die already. It could of just been bad writing to be honest or my boredom from seeing the same rehashed characters for far too long. Now with that being said not all the cast was bad or stale, I did like to see David Arquette return as Dewey Riley and it was kinda cool to see Rory Culkin (Signs) as Charlie Walker who was a bigger character than I ever would of thought before I saw Scream 4.

The only thing that I go back to and keeps me going beyond my views of it being alright is that it felt too predictable even with it's new set of twists. One very good thing is that you really only need to see the first film to get what is going on with the returning characters, in ways it acts like the previous 2 never happened which is a good thing. Bottomline is that this is a film that I am not going to bash because of the things I didn't like about it but I can't fully say it was great because of those things I didn't like. Wes Craven you can tell did give it his all when it came to this sequel and I can see that and I will praise him for that, but I can only say try and go into it with an open mind even if you have a bad taste in your mouth from the previous 2 sequels because you may just enjoy because it is entertaining in it's own way.

Picture: 5/5 Audio:5/5 Special Features: 5/5 Movie: 3/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Wes Craven

Genre: Horror/Slasher/Thriller

Blu-Ray/DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2011

Time Length: 111 mins.

Company: Anchor Bay Entertainment

Website: www.anchorbayent.com

"The Last House On The Left (1972/Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

2011-10-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: On the eve of her seventeenth birthday, Mari Collingwood tells her parents that she is going to the concert of underground band Bloodlust in New York with her friend Phyllis Stone. She borrows the family's car and heads with her friend to a dangerous neighborhood in the city. Meanwhile, the sadistic and cruel escapees Krug Stillo and Fred 'Weasel' Podowski are hidden in a hideout with their partners Sadie (Jeramie Rain) and Krug's addicted son Junior Stillo (Marc Sheffler) after killing two guards and one shepherd in their runaway. The two girls seek marijuana near the theater and meet Junior that offers some Colombian grass to them. They go to his apartment and are subdued by the criminals that rape Phyllis. On the next morning, they hide the girls in the trunk of their convertible and head to Canada. However, they have a problem with the car's rod and they stop on the road close to Mari's house..

Review: Like I stated in my review of "The Hills Have Eyes" Wes Craven has always been a hit or miss director and like that film he hit the nail on the head! Last House On The Left was one of the first revenge type of films that I had really ever seen and it truly left and impact on me that has only been matched by one other film and that was I Spit On Your Grave. The plot of this film in alot of ways is simple, but for a film like Last House On The Left it works perfectly. You basically follow these 2 girls who are killed by a psychotic family of criminals that get what they deserve by the parents of one of the murdered girls. Like I said it's a simple plot but it is quite effective and that could be from the way the film looks as well as how it is shot.

Like Texas Chainsaw Massacre this film has a very dark and gritty look and feel that is very much in a documentary style that helps it to seem more real and terrifying. The cast really helps this film out as well especially the most notable performance from David Hess (R.I.P.) as the character Krug Stillo who is quite a ruthless killer who seems to have no sympathy. There will be alot of people who will hate this film due to violent content or even just the look of this film, Last House On The Left is definitely not for everyone.

Enough of talking about the film and lets get onto the presentation of this film. Originally this film was shot on Super 16mm which is in the 1.33:1 aspect ratio and blown up to 35mm which really makes this film look worse than it would of if they would of stuck to the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The Basket Case blu-ray release is a good example of that it's good to keep a film in it's original aspect ratio no matter how much people would bitch if they had to watch it with black pillars on the sides of their HD TV's. None the less this film looks the best it ever has on any home format. One redeeming factor is that they did keep the original mono soundtrack. Overall it's a good presentation minus the very bad cover they put on this release. You also still get the same special features as they had on the 2008 DVD release which is great if you don't own the DVD release, just wish they were in HD as well.

Picture: 3/5 Audio:4/5 Special Features: 5/5 Movie: 3.5/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Wes Craven

Genre: Horror/Exploitation

Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1972

Time Length: 84 mins.

Company: MGM

Website: www.mgm.com

Tech Aspects:
Audio: English Mono DTS-HD Master Audio
Aspect ratio: Widescreen 1.85:1
Codec: AVC @ 40 MBPS
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

"Jem and the Holograms: Season One (1985-1987)" Review

2011-10-08T08:11:00.001-07:00

Review: Throughout the 80's it seemed like there was more shows made for boys than girls, yes girls had shows like Rainbow Brite, My Little Pony, and Pound Puppies but they had very few shows that went outside the cutesy edge. There really was only 2 that I could think of that stepped outside the cutesy little kid style and that was She-Ra and the show we have here Jem And The Holograms! This show did appeal to the occasional boy which at the time was not me, but I did know a boy or 2 that did actually like and follow Jem.

The storyline of this show is simplistic and pretty easy to follow for the most part like alot of kids shows generally are and looking at it now it's decently entertaining. With myself never really watching it as a child I now don't really have a nostalgic feelings towards it so my review may be a bit different than most. The basic plot of this show is about a girl named Jerrica Benton whose father dies and she inherits a record company named Starlight Music and Starlight House, but things aren't as easy as they seem because there is a co-owner who is out to gain total control and is using his rebel girl band The Misfits (nowhere near as cool as the real life punk band of the same name) to do so. Jerrica uses a system called Synergy to turn into mega pop star Jem and her band called The Holograms!

As I said the plot of the story is pretty simplistic which is fine for this show. Personally no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get into it one bit, but honestly it is one of those shows where you will either like it or you don't. It does have a few things going for it but not enough to really make me get into it more than I did, I did like the fact that it is a cartoon that is musically themed and that it in ways has a sci-fi feel to it as well. After watching this season I can definitely tell that who ever was behind Hannah Montana had to of gotten some inspiration from this show, mainly dealing with the girl who tries to hide her pop star lifestyle from the people around her.

The things that I was surprised that I didn't care much for was the animation which is very odd considering it's the same company who did the animation for Transformers and Dragonball Z. I just thought the animation was bad, I know plenty would argue with me on that. Also I found the storyline to be quite stale after a short bit, but that could be because I didn't get into the show. None the less I could see how some people could really enjoy this show and really like it, there is a certain charm to it. Overall like I said before I didn't care for Jem but I certainly can recommend this set to people who are already fans and to those who are wanting a show that can be in it's own way empowering for women!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Ray lee

Genre: Cartoon/Television

DVD Release Year: 2011

Syndication Years: 1985-1987

Time Length: Approx. 10 hrs.

Company: Shout! Factory

Website: www.shoutfactory.com

Synapse Films Set To Release Scott Spiegel's "Intruder" On December 13th!

2011-10-06T20:48:00.000-07:00

Scott Spiegel's infamous gore classic finally hits the aisles with a splatterific new HD Blu-ray transfer!

From Lawrence Bender, the producer of
Quentin Tarantino's PULP FICTION
and RESERVOIR DOGS, and the classic FROM DUSK TILL DAWN!

Scott Spiegel's INTRUDER presented uncut for the first time in beautiful high-definition in a DVD/Blu-ray combo!

It’s 10 pm and the employees of Michigan’s Walnut Lake Supermarket are in for a really bad night. The place is shutting its doors for good, and the night crew has a long shift ahead of them... longer than they think! The lovely check-out girl has a deranged ex-boyfriend, the store’s phone lines are cut and the employees start dying in the most stomach-churning ways imaginable (courtesy of Academy Award®-winning KNB EFX Group). A deranged killer is on the loose in the grocery store! Can anyone stop this murderous intruder?

Synapse Films is proud to present Scott Spiegel’s INTRUDER, the “holy grail” of extreme gore cinema, in an all-new 2K high-definition transfer of the original uncut, uncensored version. Sam Raimi (director of THE EVIL DEAD and SPIDER-MAN trilogies) and Renée Estevez (TV’s THE WEST WING) star in this blood-drenched cult film classic that critics call “a gorgeous low-budget shocker that has long been one of the best kept secrets of the genre scene” (Alan Simpson, Sex Gore Mutants). Be sure to look for Bruce Campbell (THE EVIL DEAD, TV’s BURN NOTICE) in a cameo role.

Special Features and Disc Info:

Audio Commentary with Director Scott Spiegel and
Producer Lawrence Bender
"Slashed Prices: "The Making of INTRUDER" featurette, including interviews with Spiegel, Bender, the KNB EFX team, actors Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi, Elizabeth Cox, Danny Hicks and others
Never-before-seen extended murder sequences from the original workprint
Outtakes from NIGHT CREW short film
Interview featurette with filmmaker/fan Vincent Pereira on INTRUDER
and GOREZONE magazine
Cast Audition Tapes
Behind-the-Scenes Still Gallery
Original Theatrical Trailer

Director: Scott Spiegel
Starring: Sam Raimi, Ted Raimi, Bruce Campbell, Elizabeth Cox, Danny Hicks
Run Time: 88 minutes
Release Date: December 13, 2011
Language: English
Aspect Ratio: 1:78:1
Format: DVD/Blu-ray Combo
Price: $29.95

"Straw Dogs (1971/Unrated Version Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

2011-10-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: To escape the Vietnam-era chaos in the U.S., American mathematician David Sumner (Hoffman) moves with his British wife Amy (George) to an isolated English village. Their presence provokes antagonism among the village's men. Escalating from routine bullying to the gang rape of his wife, David finds his pacifist self being backed into a corner and responds in the violent and gruesome manner he abhors.

Review: This film is another one of those controversial classic that I have passed up for so many years and for far too many times. I guess it was the fact that I was just not quite ready for it and what it was about. After my first viewing I am left kinda split on weather I liked it or not, because I loved the overall story and especially the ending but not sure about the rest of the film. To some people this film seems to revolve around the rape scene controversy and if you really look beyond that part of it you get something more deep about human behavior.

It really shows that no matter how much we try to be civil we all have our breaking point and will do what we need to survive and stand up for what we believe in no matter how heinous or brutal the act is that we must do. In alot of ways this film acts out more as a modern day western and does a great job at that. Some of the things that shine through about Straw Dogs is the actors that are involved, they play perfectly with one another to create an atmosphere that becomes more and more tense until the beautifully violent ending.

I guess the only thing that I ever really had a complaint about is the length of this film and really it's not a big complaint at all. I just found that at times it seemed to drag a bit which in alot of ways can happen to any film. The further I get into this review the more I realize that I like this film more than I was initially thinking. To me the thing that made this film that much more better for me is Dustin Hoffman in a role that I had really never seen him do, he plays great as the city man who acts like he is non-violent but at the same time treats his wife like dirt in some ways which is different from his role in The Graduate and especially from his role in Meet The Fockers.

The transfer on this blu-ray release looks great, they kept all the grain intact and looks like they cleaned it up very well, now I cannot give any comment on how much better it is that any of the former DVD releases but I think it probably is worth the upgrade none the less. They also did a great job with the audio as well, there is really nothing I could gripe about in the overall presentation of this film. The only thing I found odd was that there is no special features like you get with the Criterion DVD release and there is no main menu at all.

Overall this was a great film from a director who I am a fan of after watching his western masterpiece "The Wild Bunch" and this I consider his masterpiece in the drama genre.

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: JSam Peckinpah

Genre: Drama/Thriller

Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1971

Time Length: 118 mins.

Company: MGM Home Entertainment

Website: www.mgm.com

Tech Aspects:
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio
Aspect ratio: Widescreen 2.35:1
Codec: AVC @ 31 MBPS
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

"Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore (2010/Something Weird Video)" Review

2011-10-04T09:11:00.000-07:00

Review: At last someone has finally decided to make a documentary about Herschell Gordon Lewis who essentially started a new sub-genre of horror known as "gore films", that pushed the boundaries of the horror genre for it's time and influenced so many other filmmakers to do the same! My personal intro into the world Herscell Gordon Lewis was with his film "Two Thousand Maniacs" which I had heard about so many times before a friend of mine lended me his DVD copy of it and after my viewing I was hooked.

If you are not familiar with Herschell's work then basically what he did to the horror genre is take it away from the "invisible gore" & "red spot gore" and went out and got some animal innards and used them to make up the aftermath after the butchery was done which helped to make true gore.You can tell this documentary was made by true fans of his as well as people who enjoyed working with him. One of the men behind this documentary is cult filmmaker Frank Henenlotter who even gives his input as well which I can't get enough of hearing. They picked a great cast of people to talk about Herschell's career which is composed of former cast and crew who worked with him as well as John Waters, Joe Bob Briggs and the man himself Herschell Gordon Lewis. All of which I loved to hear speak and could of went on another 2 hours of listening to.

Now even though I am not into the "Nudie Cutie" films I did still like to hear about what he did and how he contributed to that genre of film. In some ways he is kinda like Ed Wood because of his ability to produce films fast and cheap in a few days, but in my opinion alot better. Now I don't personally look at his films as masterpieces, but I do see them as very fuckin' entertaining! There is honestly nothing I can say bad about this documentary, it was made perfectly by a group of people who care for and love his films! Bottom line is that if you are a fan of Herschell's film then you have to go out and pick this one up now! I am serious go now and get it!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Frank Henenlotter/Jimmy Maslon

Genre: Documentary

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2010

Time Length: 106 mins.

Company:Image Entertainment/ Something Weird Video

Website: www.image-entertainment.com
www.somethingweird.com

"Maniac Cop (1987/Blu-ray/Synapse Films)" Review

2011-09-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: Innocent people are being brutally murdered on the streets of New York by a uniformed police officer. As the death toll rises and City Hall attempts a cover-up, Frank McCrae heads the investigation. A young cop, Jack Forrest, finds himself under arrest as the chief suspect, having been the victim of a set-up by the real killer and a mysterious woman phone-caller. Forrest, his girlfriend Theresa, and McCrae set out to solve the puzzle before the Maniac Cop can strike again

Review: In my book William Lustig has yet to disappoint me with any of his films that I have seen so far which is a hard task to do for me. In 1988 he delivered a film to the world that took the vigilante cop theme from Magnum Force and intensify it with plenty of gore, a scary as hell cop, and Tom Atkins! Maniac Cop spawned off 2 sequels that some say are better than the original, but you won't hear me personally say that. The plot to this film is in alot of ways simple, but William Lustig was able to take that and make it into a very character driven film with a fair amount of suspense.

The actors he chose to take on the primary roles where to me beyond perfect. Tom Atkins plays Frank McCrae a badass Lieutenant, Bruce Campbell is Jack Forrest who's a young cop who is the main suspect in his wives murder, Laurene Landon who plays Theresa Mallory who is Jack Forrest's new lover and co-worker, and of course Robert Z'Dar who plays Matt Cordell the Manic Cop to name a few. Of the cast I honestly didn't find one performance that I didn't like, I thought everyone represented their characters quite well.

If you have not seen this film yet don't let anyone try to hype it up by them talking about the brutal violence and gore in this film because it is much more than that and actually is more character driven than films like it. You do get to know alot of the characters and even the motives why Matt Cordell aka Manic Cop is doing what he is doing. Don't get me wrong the violence and gore is great in Maniac Cop but I just don't see it as the main focus of the film like some people will.

Synapse Films has once again done an awesome job with this release of Maniac Cop, this time around you get a perfect transfer that has kept all it's grain intact and is cleaned up beautifully. You get an all new 2K HD transfer and restoration which honestly does make this an upgrade from their 2006 DVD release, not to say that had a bad transfer but it worth the upgrade. You also get all the original special features and even 2 other new features as well which are "Out the Window-Interview With Tom Atkins and Three Minutes With Danny Hicks. The sound options on this release are a choice between English: DTS-HD Master Audio 6.1, English: DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0, English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

Overall this is a badass release of an awesome 80's horror classic from the great Synapse Films! Definitely one of the best Blu-ray releases of the year!

Picture: 5/5 Audio:5/5 Special Features: 5/5 Movie: 4.5/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: William Lustig

Genre: Horror/Action

Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year:1987

Time Length: 87 mins.

Company: Synapse Films

Website: www.synapse-films.com

(SCREENSHOT WERE PROVIDED BY CHIP PARTON OF THE SINS OF CINEMA!)

SYNAPSE FILMS snares Fantastic Fest favorite ADRIAN GARCIA BOGLIANO in three-picture deal!

2011-09-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

SYNAPSE FILMS Rewards Fantastic Fest Favorite ADRIAN GARCIA BOGLIANO with Triple-Crown Feature Film Pickup

ROMULUS, MI - September 28, 2011 - Synapse Films has snared rights to three terrifying feature films by celebrated Fantastic Fest and SXSW filmmaker Adrián García Bogliano, the Argentine director of festivl favorite COLD SWEAT and the upcoming PENUMBRA, grabbed by IFC Midnight on the eve of the film's Fantastic Fest world premiere.

In ROOMS FOR TOURISTS a busload of girls fall prey to a town of terror... what connects the victims? The young filmmaker of WATCH'EM DIE takes a job that leads to horror. Four young girls stop to help a woman in the street and it leads to rape horror and death in the breath-stopping I WILL NOT DIE ALONE.

"I am a huge fan of Adrian's films and have seen every single one. I feel that he may be the most talented new filmmaker I have come across," enthuses Synapse head Jerry Chandler. "He is a master of making the most of miniscule budgets and his attention to detail is unmatched. I was hooked when I first saw ROOMS FOR TOURISTS---the atmospheric dread is palpable early on. I WILL NOT DIE ALONE is somewhat similar to I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, only it's a great movie! And WATCH'EM DIE is much more fun to watch than Hostel or its myriad imitations."

Synapse Films exec Jerry Chandler negotiated the deal with the filmmaker.

Synapse Films has recently released brand-new remastered Blu-ray releases of James Glickenhaus' THE EXTERMINATOR, William Lustig's MANIAC COP, and Frank Henenlotter's FRANKENHOOKER, with Tarantino-producer Lawrence Bender's INTRUDER out this December.

"Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall (1974/MGM LImited Edition Collection)" Review

2011-09-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: A smart mouthed and quick witted trumpet player, Spike Milligan, gets called to serve his country during world war two. While training at a British artillery base, high jinks run amok and the grim realities of war are made real.

Review: This is a film adaptation of the memoirs of comedian Spike Milligan's experiences during the second world war. This movie pays out what you expect from a British comedy, from snarky comments to over the top slapstick. Surprising enough, almost none of the gags are dated. I can only think of one during the whole run time and that one you still got it because of the context. One on the greatest elements of the film is the contrast between the comedy and the pure realities that was taking place all around then. You get a real sense of the loss of innocents. Spike Milligan actually plays his own father in the movie. The cast is mostly made up of little know British actors, but everyone of them pulls their weight and keeps you glued to what's next.

I was surprised by the film quality with it being a demand release by the parent company itself. I used the trailer on the disk as a reference to compare the film to, to see how well they did on touching up the movie since the first thing you see when you hit play is a notice that the DVD was made using the best source material available. I have to say that I'm floored on the quality of such an uncommon movies with a limited budget for it's DVD release.

There is a very minimal title screen and the only options are to watch the film and to watch the trailer. I would of liked to see an interview added with the real Spike Milligan since, at least for me, after watching the movie it made me want to find out more about the real Spike's life. I do have to say that none of this detracts from the experience or the value of this release.

Picture: 4/5 Audio: 4/5 Special Feature: 1/5 Movie: 5/5

-Drew Lovecraft

Director: Norman Cohen

Genre:Comedy/Drama

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1974

Time Length: 103 mins.

Company: MGM Home Entertainment

Website: www.mgm.com

New Bloodsoaked Video For "Infestation"!

2011-09-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

Checkout the new video from Bloodsoaked entitled "Infestation" off the The Death of Hope album!

"The Pee Wee Herman Show On Broadway (2011/Blu-ray/Image Ent.)" Review

2011-09-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

Review: Back 30 years ago in 1981 Paul Reubens brought together his trademark character Pee-Wee Harman with a band of misfit characters to do his live show The Pee Wee Herman Show for HBO and was filmed at The Roxy and now 30 years later Pee-Wee Herman is back with his stage show but this time around he mixed up his older stage show with characters and themes from his TV show Pee-Wee's Playhouse. There is some changes that he did to the show as well as adding new characters in and some current pop-culture references as well.

The new characters that Reubens has brought to the show are Sergio (Jesse Garcia), Bear (Drew Powell), and Firefighter (Josh Meyers) which all of these characters help add to the story and make it more vast. You do get returning cast members as well and some new ones playing older characters, Paul Reubens of course comes back as Pee-Wee Harman (live and TV show), Lynne Marie Stewart as Miss Yvonne (live and TV show), John Moody as Mailman Mike (original live show), John Paragon as Jambi (live and TV show). The new cast for older characters are Cairry played by Lexy Fridell, Cowboy Curtis played by Phil LaMarr, and King of Cartoons played by Lance Roberts. The main person I missed was of course Kap'n Karl which was played by Phil Hartman (R.I.P.) on the TV series as well as the 81' special.

The shows story basically is alot like the original 81' live show where Pee Wee gives away a wish he was going to use to be able to fly in order to get Cowboy Curtis to really like Miss Yvonne, but Pee Wee isn't truly happy to of given away his wish along the side of that part of the story they also follow the other characters of the playhouse as they try to show Pee Wee that he does not need a high tech computer and all he needs is them . Around that main storyline there is a ton of other jokes, skits, and even a Penny Cartoon from The King of Cartoons as well as the Mr. Bungle PSA.

There was a couple of parts where I was wondering what the hell they were doing in there and it was the parts where they either talk about or even refer to "As Seen On TV" items and even making a character after a Sham Wow. Just like you would expect there is a decent amount of adult humor added in but it's the kind that adults will get and about all children will not so it's safe to show to kids as well. This is definitely the thing all of us Pee Wee fans have been waiting for next to an actually new Pee Wee Herman movie.

The picture on this Blu-ray looks awesome and definitely met my expectations, oddly it's in 1080i but that could be due to them presenting it in the original broadcast (most TV broadcasts only go up to 1080i). The audio is awesome as well, it's very clear and sounds perfect. There is only 1 bonus feature on the disc and it's a commentary track with Paul Reubens & Cast which has some adult language so you should probably listen to that while the kids are gone! Overall this was an amazing show that Reubens and crew put on and really brings back alot of childhood memories, definitely a must have for all fans of Pee Wee Herman!

Picture: 5/5 Audio:5/5 Special Features: 4/5 Movie:5/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Alex Timbers

Genre: Comedy/Live Performance

Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2011

Time Length: 89 mins.

Company:Image Entertainment

Website: www.image-entertainment.com

Captain America (1990/MGM)" Review

2011-09-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: The Red Skull defeats Captain America in 1941, but the super hero is thrown into suspended animation. Captain America is revived 50 years later to face the Red Skull one more time.

Review: Of all of the Super Hero films that have been released and some unreleased (ie Fantastic Four (1994) produced by Roger Corman) there has been a few that I never in the world would of thought they would ever release Captain America on any other format besides the very much out of print VHS tape or laserdisc. Now at long last this one is available which is probably mostly due to the release of the new Captain America which is a very smart move. I remember when I first ever saw this film back in the early to mid-nineties, I was browsing the action section of a video store called E&D's Video and I was instantly drawn in by it's cover and the fact that it was a comic book hero.

For many this film was and will always be a failure on many levels but to someone like myself it is a throw back to our youth. Was the film low budget and campy? Why yes it was, but that is what gave the film it's charm. Now it wasn't completely badly budgeted, the costumes and sets where very well done, but the film does have that good old "made for TV film" look. As far as the actors go you get the talents of Matt Salinger (Revenge of the Nerds) as Captain America, Scott Paulin (The Right Stuff) as Red Skull, and the great talents of Ned Beatty (Deliverance) as Sam Kalowetz as well as Darren McGavin (A Chrstmas Story) as General Fleming to name a few of them. The action is not overly brutal and stays on what they call "cartoon violence" so this is a film that you could show to kids without them seeing graphic violence or gore.

The only thing that suffers about this release is the overall picture quality, I wish they could of gotten a better source than the one that they used. Now being a fan of this film I won't complain about it too much due to the fact that it's great to see this one being released on DVD at all. It is more on the VHS or laserdisc quality which may disappoint some and be just fine for others like myself. Overall I highly recommend this version of Captain American to anyone who is a fan of super hero film and that don't care what the budget is!

Picture: 3/5 Audio:3/5 Special Features: N/A Movie:3.5/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Albert Pyun

Genre: Action/Adventure

DVD Release Year: 2011

VHS Release Year: 1992

Time Length: 97 mins.

Company: MGM Home Entertainment

Website: www.mgm.com

"Conan The Adventurer: Season One (1992/Shout! Factory)" Review

2011-09-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

Show Synopsis: Conan The Adventurer focuses on the titular hero and his frends Jezmine, Snagg, Needle, Greywolf and Zula and their quest to rescue Conan’s family from an evil spell cast by the Serpent Man wizard Wrath-Amon. Armed with a powerful sword forged from Star Metal and faith in his god Crom, Conan will not stop until his family is safe and the evil wizard is reimprisoned in the mystical Abyss.

Review: Since the hit Conan films from the 80's there has been 2 different Conan adaptations onto television one which came in 1997 that was live action similar to Xena and then there was the one we have here Conan: The Adventurer which was an animated series more geared towards children. The animation was done by the same people who was behind Transformers and G.I. Joe: American Hero. For most fans of those shows they will undoubtedly like this show as well, you get great animation, a great storyline, and plenty of action to keep you drawn in.

This show did do one thing that alot like it never did and that is it actually finished off the entire story before it ended unlike so many other shows like it. I remember watching Conan every saturday morning back when it originally aired and I still see it as one of the best for it's time along the side of the animated X-men series. To most this show has been forgotten, but hopefully with the release of the new Conan film it will help shed some light on this truly underrated classic. The animation done on this show was very well drawn out and the detail is awesome, everything from the background to the characters themselves look fantastic.

Now as far as the actually story and characters go they are both done very well also, the plot does mainly stick to a more serious route but does stray from time to time with the intent of breaking the tension and making the show more fun. The main person they use as comic relief is Needle who is a Pheonix who helps get Conan out of tight situations all the time. One thing that I oddly do like about this show and others from it's time is when they do this thing before and after the commercials where they have the characters either talk about the upcoming commercials or about them getting back to the show. They definitely don't do that anymore! Overall this was a great show and Shout! Factory has done an amazing job on this set for Season One and I highly recommend any fans of this series or the Conan books, comics, and films go buy this one now!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Link to buy set at: CLICK HERE!

Director: Christian Choquet

Genre: Action/Animation/Television

DVD Release Year: 2011

Year Aired: 1992

Time Length: Approx. 5 hrs.

Company: Shout! Factory

Website: www.shoutfactory.com

"The Silent House (2010/IFC Midnight)" Review

2011-09-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

Review: There have been very few films that have been as brave as the one I am reviewing here today and I make that statement because of 2 things this film does differently than your typical film does not do. First thing it does is that this film was shot in 1 single continuous shot from start to finish, secondly this film plays out in real time similar to the 1952 western film High Noon. The Silent House follows 2 characters but I really only count it as one because the father of the pair is taken out withing the first 20 minutes of the film, anyways the pair go to this house that a friend is about to put up for sale so they can get it cleaned up and looking decent but shortly after arriving to the house things start to go wrong and the daughter is left along to defend herself from the evil lurking inside the house.

After seeing the trailer for The Silent House I got really excited and for me to get excited over a film that looks like a haunted house film is quite rare, but none the less I was. Going in I was excited to see a film done like this one was because it's a little more unique to the current horror landscape but it only took about 40 minutes to turn my excitement into pure let down. What I mean by that is that what I expected this film to be about was anything but that, instead I got a film with no ghosts at all. Now I am not going to say what happened for the sake of anyone who wishes to view this film. There is a twist I did not see coming until it hit, now even though I did not like that it was not in the haunting genre I will say it did have an interesting story.

Personally with a great idea of making a film in real time and one continuous it would of been awesome to do a really chilling film that be like going through a real life haunted house. Despite my criticism and let down of this film I will recommend this to anyone who wants to see a horror film that has true suspense and an original plot in a sea of horror remakes! The only bit of advice I have left to give you about this film is DO NOT WATCH THE TRAILER!

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Gustavo Hernandez

Genre: Horror/Thriller

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2010

Time Length: 89 mins.

Company: IFC Films

Website: www.ifcfilms.com

Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings Coming To Blu-ray October 25th!

2011-09-19T12:43:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO THE PLACE THAT

RAISED THE MOST DANGEROUS

KILLERS YOU NEVER WANT TO MEET…

Witness The UNRATED Bloody Beginnings of

Three Finger and

His Family of Hillbilly Cannibals on

Blu-ray and DVD October 25

Los Angeles (September 14, 2011) – Before their victims ever hit a “Dead End,” one family took terror to a gruesome new level. Discover the disturbing origins and bloody beginnings when WRONG TURN 4: Bloody Beginnings debuts on unrated Blu-ray and DVD October 25 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

In 1974, Glenville Sanatorium was the site of a brutal and horrific crime, as three hideously deformed cannibals went on a merciless killing spree. Now, years later, a group of college kids having the time of their life make a fateful wrong turn, giving this family of blood-thirsty cannibals new prey to stalk. The abandoned medical wards within the sanatorium soon become killing fields as the panicked victims come face to face with a chilling choice: fight back or die.

With bonus footage too graphic for theaters including behind-the-scenes featurettes and commentary from director Declan O’Brien (Wrong Turn 3, Sharktopus), WRONG TURN 4:

Bloody Beginnings takes audiences back to the most terrifying place of all… the beginning. Available on Blu-ray and DVD October 25, prebook is September 28.

WRONG TURN 4: Bloody Beginnings Special Features

Feature Commentary from Director Declan O’Brien
Director’s Die-aries
Making Another Wrong Turn
Lifestyles of the Sick and Infamous
Music Video Featuring The Black Out City Kids

"Basketcase (1981/Blu-ray/Image Ent./Something Weird Video)" Review

2011-09-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Review: Back in 1981 a brave young director by the name of Frank Henenlotter set out to make a film about 2 brothers who were separated at a young age that decided to teach the people who separated them a lesson they would never forget and what came to theaters in April of 1982 was Basket Case! Which to myself is one of the most touching coming of age tales that has ever been put on to film ...oh wait we're talking about Basket Case not Stand By Me!

Well in ways I guess you do get a coming of age tale in this film but it goes down a way more demented path. This film surrounds itself mainly with 2 brothers Duane Bradley and his small deformed brother Belial who are on a mission in New York City to get revenge on those who were involved in their separation when they were children. Duane and Belial take up a room in a very crappy hotel where everyone seems to be nosey or just plain odd. After Duane starts getting close to a female he meets at a doctors office Belial starts to get very mad and jealous of Duane and from there things go into a spiral that leads to a very shocking ending!

To myself this is one of the cooler films of it's time and has stuck with me for many years ever since I got my first viewing of it on a very crappy VHS copy. As most of you already know this film also spawned 2 sequels which I really liked alot as well even though most seem to hate them, hopefully I will touch on those other 2 one day. A good thing about Basket Case is that you don't have to take it so seriously like you would with alot of other exploitation or horror films, it has it's more serious moments when the 2 brothers get their revenge as well as flashbacks of them when they were younger and being separated by a team of 3 low brow doctors.

Then you get the lighter side when you see the interaction of the hotel keeper with the patrons on the hotel as well as a scene when Belial goes crazy and starts tearing their room apart in very cool stop motion animation. The main attraction of this film for me has always been Belial because he just looks beautifully grotesque and I love the sounds he makes when he gets mad as well as when he kills someone. From what I have gathered they used Belial puppets as well as a glove that looked like Belials hand which was used by Henenlotter mainly during the killing scenes. Also really liked the character Duane, he just has this friendly but kinda creepy way of acting that made me laugh a few times especially when he is in a bar with a woman from the hotel and he is describing his brother and laughing hysterically. On a little side note you can also see him do a cameo in the Henenlotter's film Brain Damage (1988)!

To me I was quite surprised like you may be also about this film being brought to the blu-ray format because the type of film it is you'd never expect it, but of course films like Basket Case are making it to this format by great companies like Synapse Films, Blue Underground, Severin Films, Image Entertainment ect. Now I was quite skeptical on how Basket Case would look and after popping it in the player I was blown away by how great the film looks! As described in the new intro by Frank Henenlotter, he wanted to make the film look like it's original 16mm release print which does make it an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. All the grain is still intact and is very well cleaned up and really looks the best it probably will ever and is a big step up from the older 20th anniversary edition. You also get all the special features from that edition as well!

Picture: 5/5 Audio:4/5 Special Features: 5/5 Movie:4.5/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Frank Henenlotter

Genre: Exploitation/Horror/Creature Feature

Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1982

Time Length: 91 mins.

Company:Image Entertainment/ Something Weird Video

Website: www.image-entertainment.com
www.somethingweird.com

(PLEASE NOTE THE SCREENSHOT ON THIS REVIEW ARE NOT FROM THE BLU-RAY, SORRY!)

"Dressed To Kill (1980/Unrated Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

2011-09-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Review: In 1980, Brian De Palma, the director of Carrie and Blow Out, released this mystery/thriller about a therapist, Dr. Robert Elliott, who gets involved in a murder a long side two women, Angie Dickinson and Nancy Allen, which are involved in his life in some way. Nancy Allen witnesses a murder in an elevator and is soon stalked by a woman with blonde hair and a long black trench coat on. Can Robert Elliott stop this woman from getting to Allen’s character before it is too late or not? In my opinion, Dressed to Kill is my favorite Brian De Palma film that he has brought us so far.

I love everything about the film from the directing, writing, the score, and acting. De Palma directed and wrote this film in which he uses fantastic directing angles and writing that keeps you guessing with shocks and thrills. The one thing you can tell is that De Palma is a fan Alfred Hitchcock films and you can see he is inspired in some way or form from some of his films including this film, which is not a bad thing at all. I love that he respects Hitchcock’s work and includes some of the same styles of directing in his films. He is able to use some of the same shocks and thrills that Hitchcock used which I really love in films because I sometimes want to have that same shock value that Dressed to Kill has. Now, if you have heard of this film or have seen it you probably won’t be too shocked by the film when it comes to something’s that you don’t expect to happen in the film and the shocking twist towards the end. Even if you have heard or have seen these things dealing with the film, I don’t think it will take away from how enjoyable the film is.

The music score in the film is great overall. I love the soft melody that the film gives, but also the creepy and yet heart pounding score that the film has. Also, the music is used very well with the directing shots in which both the directing and score go perfectly together including a scene involving a museum, scene at the very end, and the classic plus big elevator scene.

The acting is another great thing about the film. Caine brings a great and mysteries performance because you plays this kind guy, but also has some secrets that are revealed at the end. Caine gives the best performance in this film by far. Allen brings a great performance in which she can play a scared, tough, and likable character. Dickinson plays a great part as well, but is my least favorite performance out of three main leads in the film. She is likable, but also is a character where she gets herself involved with some bad situations which makes me like her, but also not like her. But Dickinson does give a great performance.

The blu-ray of this film is definitely a step up from the older DVD release, the picture quality of this transfer is absolutely beautiful and clear and I think really represents the original theatrical experience perfectly. All the grain is still intact and you can tell they did not destroy this film with DNR or edge enhancement. Anyone who is a fan of the film like I am will be very please with what you get here. The audio also stands firm on this release as well with a great English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. Also you get a whole slew of special features that even includes a very cool featurette that compares the unrated version, the R rated version, and the TV version of the film.

-Justin Rhine (Contributor)

Director: Brian De Palma
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011
Theatrical Release Year: 1980
Time Length: 105 mins.
Company: MGM Home Entertainment
Website: www.mgm.com

Tech Aspects:
Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French Mono
Aspect ratio: Widescreen 2.35:1
Codec: AVC @ 36 MBPS
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

"Gingerdead Man 3: Saturday Night Cleaver (2011/Full Moon Ent.)" Review

2011-09-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Review: Once again the man from the baking pan is back, but this time he is back in 1976 and ready for a disco slaughter! Like you would expect cheesiness does fill this movie with bad acting, one liners, and some pop culture references that I did not expect. Basically the plot goes like this, the film starts out with an investigator named Clarissa Darling (yes like from Clarissa Explains It All) who goes to see the Gingerdead Man in a jail for homicidal baked goods and when things go bad he is freed and finds his way to a science lab where he uses a time machine to escape and ends up in a roller disco in 1976 where he goes on a murderous rampage!

First off I will point out the references I noticed. First off the film starts off like Silence of the Lambs with a character named Clarissa Darling like the main character in the hit 90's TV show "Clarissa Explains It All", the other thing I noticed is there is a character named Ingrid who looks alot like Miss Balbricker from "Porky's". Now as far as the acting goes you basically get a range of very bad acting to some pretty good acting from a few.You also get a small role as a disco DJ by Selene Luna (My Bloody Valentine 3D/Demonic Toys 2) and a bigger role from well known female impersonator Kent Fuher(Flawless) as Trixie.

When it comes to the special effects you basically get a mix between practical and CGI, now for the practical effects they all look awesome especially the Gingerdead Man I think he continues to look better and better in each film and even as much as I loved Gary Busey doing the voice in the first film I actually kinda like John Carl Buechler doing the voice a little more this time around. The CGI effects alot of the time are very cheap looking, but for the most part they work perfectly with this film. I honestly don't expect the CGI to look amazing in a lower budget film like this, instead I expect good one liners, boobs, sex, death, and a bad-ass character like the Gingerdead Man!

Overall this is a great effort on Full Moons part and a worth film to go along with the previous two, if your a fan of the others than I highly recommend you go and pick this one up now!

Picture: 5/5 Audio:4/5 Special Features: 1/5 Movie:4.5/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: William Butler

Genre: Horror

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 2011

Time Length: 78 mins.

Company: Full Moon Entertainment

Website: www.fullmoondirect.com

"The Incredible Melting Man (1977/MGM Limited Edition Collection)" Review

2011-09-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: This film is about 1 mans struggle while his body begins to meltdown after a space mission where he is exposed to extremely high levels of radiation. In the meantime he is being hunted down by government authorities as he sets loose on a murderous rampage! Can anyone stop his murderous rampage and help him before he goes into total meltdown?!

Review: This film is the one that really helped to show me that the average well paid film reviewers are complete assholes and do not have any bit of taste when it comes to films. Just because this film in particular isn't something like that of Citizen Kane then it is crap, well that is far from the truth if you ask me! Yes it is plagued with alot of bad acting and some cheesy dialogue, but that is what makes this film so awesome. Now I am not sure if they where going for a straight up serious film or if they did intend on making it a mixture of horror and comedy because there was alot of spots that did make me laugh.

One in particular is a scene with this older couple who are driving down a country road near a lemon field and the dialogue and interaction between them was hilarious, it's definitely a scene you have to see to get what I mean. I seriously found this film to be alot of fun and very entertaining, basically if you are not into cheesy films like I am than you will most likely hate The Incredible Melting Man. One great highlight of this film is the makeup effects and the gore effects, I loved the way our main melting man looked even if it was a bunch of flesh and skin colored slime over a latex mask and hands.

Now even though this is hated by so many critics and movie goers it still does retain a certain level of cult status and is a rare find amongst collectors. Before this release of the film you either had to hunt down a VHS copy or pick up a bootleg copy at a horror convention that was usually bad quality. Personally I always held out on the chance that it would get a proper release and I am definitely glad it has, next step I would love is if they could put it out on Blu-ray which will probably never happen sadly. I think for fans of this film this particular release will satisfy them just fine because you get a very clean and sharp presentation on the film in a 16x9 1:85.1 Letterbox Widescreen.

Overall this is a great cheesy film that does deserve more appreciation that is has gotten over all these years, if you are into low budget films that do have an edge of humor like that of return of the Living Dead than I say check this film out now!

Picture: 5/5 Audio:4/5 Special Features: 2/5 Movie:4/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: William Sachs

Genre: Horror/ Creature Feature

DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1977

Time Length: 86 mins.

Company: MGM Home Entertainment

Website: www.mgm.com

More Brains!: A Return To The Living Dead Comes To DVD October 18th 2011!

2011-09-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

More Brains! A Return to the Living Dead
DVD Details:
Label: Michael Perez Entertainment
Pre-book: 10/11/11 Streets: 10/18/11 SRP: 19.95
UPC: 063390095667 Cat: 9566 Not Rated
Run Time: 240 Minutes In English Color
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 1.85:1 Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Region 0
Production year: 2011
Director: Bill Philputt
Stars: James Karen, Clu Gulager, Don Calfa, Thom Mathews, Beverly Randolph

It worked in the movie!" When an army drum is breached and a mysterious chemical gas is released into a nearby cemetery, the dead return to life with only one thing on their minds...brains! The zombie menace quickly descends upon a group of misfits who must fight for survival as they are picked off one at a time by a horde of the undead. "Do you ever wonder about all the different ways of dying?" Dan O'Bannon's outrageous splatter classic "The Return of the Living Dead" has continued to terrify and entertain horror fans for over twenty-five years with its delicious mix of blood, guts, sex and punk. Boasting off-beat humor, plenty of attitude and one of the most famous zombies ever committed to celluloid, it's easy to see why the film's legacy continues to grow. "It makes the pain go away..." MORE BRAINS! A RETURN TO THE LIVING DEAD is the ultimate account of the tongue-in-cheek, stylish and apocalyptic zombie movie. It features -- for the first time ever! -- contributions from all the main cast as well as clips, photographs, storyboards, conceptual art, publicity materials, archival documents and behind-the-scenes footage. "They're back from the grave and ready to party!" Through this definitive retrospective fans are finally able to explore the film's journey from the world of "Night of the Living Dead" to the mind of acclaimed writer/director Dan O'Bannon. Narrator Brian Peck ("Scuz") guides you through the blood, sweat and tears as cast and crew look back on their experience in the graveyard creating the film that's been called "a beauty of a cult classic!"

Bonus Features: Never-before-seen deleted, behind-the-scenes, blooper and special effects test footage that brought the Dead to life, 2-hours of incredible bonus features including "A Conversation with Dan O'Bannon: The Final Interview, They Won't Stay Dead: A Look at Return of the Living Dead Part 2, Love Beyond the Grave: A Look at Return of the Living Dead, Stacey Q Live! Exclusive "Tonight" Music Video, Even More Brains: Deleted Documentary Interviews, Return of the Living Dead in 3 Minutes, and more! Limited edition premium collectible O-sleeve packaging featuring artwork created by original "Return of the Living Dead" poster artist Carl Ramsey!

"The Hills Have Eyes (1977/Blu-ray/Image Entertainment)" Review

2011-09-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: The Carters are an all-American family on their way to California when their car breaks down far from civilization in the remote southwestern desert. But they are not alone. Watching from the hills is a very different kind of clan, a family of marauding inbred cannibals with an unspeakable taste for human flesh and monstrous brutality. In the nightmare that follows, what depravities must this wholesome family endure to survive? And in a primal wasteland ruled by lust and rage, who will become the most shocking savages of all?

Review: Wes Craven has been one of those directors who has made films that have broken ground in the horror genre, but at the same time he has made some really bad films as well which to me has made him into a director that can be hit or miss. Now this film we have before us here today is one of his hits. Now I am not going to get into talking too much about this film because there is not much more that can be said about it that hasn't already been said before.

To me this is the grandfather film of "backwoods cannibals" long before films like Wrong Turn came along and started a wave of half-assed films in this sub-genre. This was the second film that I ever experienced in the Craven catalog and it truly has stuck with me well throughout my life. It has a basic premise about a family who gets terrorized by cannibal cave dwellers along with a minimal cast of great actors to round this film off. You have the great talents of Michael Berryman (Weird Science) as Pluto, Dee Wallace Stone (Cujo) as Lynne Wood to name a few. This film truly shows that with the right cast and locations you can make a film great without having to spend out 100 million dollars. On that note also what made me love this film that much more was the location they filmed at, it has this very prehistoric look to it that seems like it has not changed in millions of years. Bottomline this is truly a great film and a great lesson in film making.

Now onto what you want to know about and that is the overall presentation of this blu-ray. Well I am very split on this one, on one hand I do realize that this film was done on Super 16 film which is a cheaper way to do a film but the drawback is that the film may look alot more grainier than normal and rougher. Sadly I cannot use that as an excuse for the transfer on this release because if you go back and watch the amazing transfer of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) blu-ray it will show you that you can even make a film done on 16mm look great as well on blu-ray. The picture basically looks like an upscaled DVD which is very sad because with the time and effort this could of been an awesome release.

Now there is one positive thing to this release and that is they did port over all the special features from the 2 DVD set that Anchor Bay released years ago so those who did not get that set can now have them. Overall I say if you want to give it a chance than go ahead, but be warned you may not like what you see.

Picture: 2.5/5 Audio:4/5 Special Features: 5/5 Movie:4/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Wes Craven

Genre: Horror

Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1977

Time Length: 90 mins.

Company:Image Entertainment

Website: www.image-entertainment.com

"Hellbound: Hellraiser 2 (1988/Blu-ray/Image Entertainment)" Review

2011-09-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: For Kirsty Cotton (Ashley Laurence), the nightmares never end. Still fresh in her fevered memory are her father's skinned corpse, the evil machinations of her uncle Frank's reanimated body and the unspeakable perversity of the Cenobites. But the worst is yet to come. From beyond the Outer Darkness, from the darkest regions of the imagination comes Hellbound: Hellraiser II.

Review: Over the span of the Hellraiser franchise it has had it's ups and downs and even a shift in the style of film starting after the 4th film (Hellraiser:Bloodline). The only one to truly follow the same style and feel as the first film was the one we have here today Hellbound: Hellraiser 2. Alot of that could be because you have a good majority of the original cast and crew aboard for this sequel. Now with that said I must also add that it does go in it's own direction in ways and expands upon the story that really helps to make it a little more fresher. It's great to see Ashley Laurence reprise her role as Kristy Cotton as well as Clare Higgins as the demented stepmother and of course Doug Bradley as the chill inducing Pinhead along with his beautifully grotesque group of Cenobites.

Now there is one thing that this film does or may do to you on your first watch and that is confuse the hell out of you, I say this because of the placement of some of the scenes. Basically this film jumps around alot. Which after you get the hang of how this film flows you can really start to get what is going on. Now for me what I enjoyed about this film and the original is the visuals, weather it's the demented halls of the psychiatric hospital or the amazing look of the cenobites. Now don't get me wrong because I do love the story as well, but there is something that just draws me to the visual look of this film. Would I say that this one is better because it amps up the gore and blood, no I will not but it does stand firm as the best sequel to Hellraiser.

Now onto the part that alot of you really want to hear about and that is, is this blu-ray of Hellbound: Hellraiser 2 worth the upgrade or should I stick with my 2008 Anchor Bay released special edition? Well I have to say yes, but I only say that for the film itself, visually it is a step up from that special edition but it's not a hugely drastic step up because you basically get what looks like a blu-ray from the same source materials as the DVD release, but of course in HD which makes for better detail. I say buy the blu-ray of this release, but at the same time I would keep my DVD release because you get absolutely none of the special features that they put with the DVD.

Overall this is a great HD release of the best sequel from the Hellraiser franchise and does deserve a watch!

Picture: 4/5 Audio:4/5 Special Features: 0/5 Movie:4.5/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: Tony Randel

Genre: Horror

Blu-Ray Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year: 1988

Time Length: 99 mins.

Company:Image Entertainment

Website: www.image-entertainment.com

FRANKENHOOKER Is Coming To Blu-ray November 8th From Synapse Films!!

2011-09-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

FRANKENHOOKER BLU-RAY RELEASE INFO:

Pre-book: 10/11/11 Streets: 11/08/10
SRP: 24.95 UPC#: 654930313497 Cat#: SFD0111
Run Time: 85 Minutes English language Color
Widescreen Anamorphic 1.78:1 DTS-HD MA 5.1 Surround
All Regions
Production year: 1990
Director: Frank Henenlotter
Stars: James Lorinz, Patty Mullen, Louise Lasser, Jennifer Delora
Genre: Horror

Synopsis: From Frank Henenlotter, the creator of the BASKET CASE trilogy and BRAIN DAMAGE, comes FRANKENHOOKER, a gory horror-comedy twist on the Frankenstein legend. When Jeffrey Franken's fiancee is chopped to pieces by the blades of a remote-controlled lawnmower, he uses his dubious medical knowledge to try to bring her back to life. He reassembles his beloved Elizabeth using the body parts of New York City's finest prostitutes, and resurrects her during a heavy lightning storm. Unfortunately for Jeffrey, his dear Elizabeth's brain is scrambled and she runs amok on 42nd Street, turning tricks and bringing high-voltage death to her customers! Synapse Films is proud to present the uncut version of FRANKENHOOKER in an all-new 2K high-definition transfer created from original vault materials and digitally re-mastered 5.1 surround sound!

Bonus Features: Audio Commentary with Director Frank Henenlotter and Make-Up Effects Designer Gabe Bartalos, "A Salad That Was Once Named Elizabeth" - Patty Mullen Featurette, "A Stitch in Time: The Make-Up Effects of FRANKENHOOKER" - Featurette, "Turning Tricks: Jennifer Delora Remembers FRANKENHOOKER"- Featurette, Jennifer Delora's FRANKENHOOKER PHOTO SCRAPBOOK, Theatrical Trailer

"The Exterminator (1980/Synapse Films)" Review

2011-09-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

Synopsis: A Vietnam veteran declares a one-man war on crime in this vigilante revenge thriller. Michael Jefferson (Steve James) saved the life of his best friend John Eastland (Robert Ginty) while the two were serving in Vietnam, so when Jefferson is left permanently paralyzed after a vicious attack by muggers, Eastland is determined to get revenge. Declaring war not only on the thugs who injured Jefferson but the entire lawless underclass, Eastland becomes known as "The Exterminator" for his swift and deadly retaliation against muggers and other street criminals. While Eastland's actions may be making for safer streets, they're also illegal, and just as the mob have put a price on Eastland's head, Detective James Dalton (Christopher George) has set his sights on putting "The Exterminator" out of business.

Review: Amongst all the revenge and vigilante films that have been released over the last few decades there really has only been a few that really stick out and shine for their own reasons and The Exterminator is one of those films. The film surrounds itself around Vietnam vet John Eastland (Robert Ginty) who deceides to seek revenge after his best friend is attacked and paralyzed by a local gang called the "Ghetto Ghouls", and from then he decides to take an all out attack on the sleazy New York underworld! John Easland is very much like that of Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) of the Death Wish series in the ways of being a normal everyday man who is sick of the filth of the city and is ready to clean it up by any means necessary. Now this film takes a more grittier and dark route and when there is violence for the most part there are no punches held back.

One of the key things I liked about the main character is that he is more like an everyday guy and not some smooth and slick professional killer. For me that is awesome because it helps to make the character more believable and in ways likable. Amongst all the action and violence in this film there is some very deep and emotional scenes when John visits his friend in the hospital. Another character that I really did like is the main detective played by legendary Christopher George (Pieces/City of the Living Dead). I have always liked him especially in this film and COTLD. Besides the great acting and characters is this film another great highlight is the locations that they shot at, mainly the Times Square area that was filled with plenty of shady characters during that era of Times Square.

Now I have never seen this film on any of the previous DVD releases so I can't really compare them to this release from Synapse, but I can say that this release looks amazing! It has been very well cleaned up but not to the point where it looks over polished also the grain is still intact which is awesome in my opinion. Now as far as the sound goes you get a choice between DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo mix and a DTS-HD 2.0 MA Mono mix, either one you choose you can trust me that it sounds great.

Overall this is one of the coolest and best vigilante films that I hav ever seen and it's great to see such a film get the proper treatment that it deserved on this release! Great job Synapse!

Picture: 5/5 Audio:5/5 Special Features: 5/5 Movie:5/5

-Daniel "Damnation" Lee

Director: James Glickenhaus

Genre: Horror/Action

Blu-Ray/DVD Release Year: 2011

Theatrical Release Year:1980

Time Length: 102 mins.

Company:Synapse Films

Website: www.synapse-films.com

Cinematic Autopsy

"The Human Centipede 2: Full Seqence (2011/Blu-ray/IFC Midnight)" Review

"The Deadly Spawn (1983/Blu-ray/Elite Entertainment)" Review

"I Melt With You (2011/Blu-ray/Magnolia Home Entertainment)" Review

"The Toy (1982/Blu-ray/Image Entertainment)" Review

" 50/50 (2011/Blu-ray/Summit Ent.)" Review

"The House By The Cemetery (1981/Blu-ray/Blue Underground)" Review

"Bloody Birthday (1981/DVD/Severin Films)" Review

"Half Pint Brawlers: Season 1 (2010/Image Entertainment)" Review

"Gurokuza (2005/DVD/Synapse Films)" Review

"Four Rooms (1995/DVD/Echo Bridge Entertainment)" Review

"Elvira's Haunted Hills (2001/DVD/EOne Entertainment)" Review

"Sid & Nancy (1986/Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

Battle Royale: The Complete Collection Set To Be Released March 20th!

"Apollo 18 (2011/Blu-ray+DVD Combo/Anchor Bay Ent.)" Review

"More Brains!: A Return To The Living Dead (2011/CAV Distribution)" Review

"Evil Bong 3: The Wrath of Bong (2011/DVD/Full Moon Features)" Review

Synapse Films Set To Release "Thou Shall Not Kill...Except" March 13th 2012!

SYNAPSE FILMS PRESENTS

JOSH BECKER'S EXPLOITATION CLASSIC

THOU SHALT NOT KILL... EXCEPT

STARRING ★SAM RAIMI★ AS A MANSON-LIKE HIPPIE CULT LEADER!

Disc Info:

"TIM & ERIC'$ BILLION DOLLAR MOVIE" COMING TO THEATERS MARCH 2ND!

"CORMAN’S WORLD: EXPLOITS OF A HOLLYWOOD REBEL" Documentary Release Date!

"Deadly Spawn: Millennium Edition" Blu-ray and "Hell on Earth" DVD coming January 24!

ANCHOR BAY FILMS WELCOMES MOTHER’S DAY TO THEIR UPCOMING SCHEDULE!

SNEAK PEAK AT THE NEW PUPPET FOR "PUPPET MASTER X"!

DEATH RACE 3 Currently Filming in South Africa!

Stop SOPA NOW!!! DOWN WITH THE MAN! SAVE THE INTERNET!

"Fright Night (1985/Blu-ray/Twilight Time)" Review

Gurozuka Coming January 10th 2012 From Synapse Films!

"Ghost Warrior (1986/MGM Limited Edition Collection)" Review

"Killer Eye: Halloween Haunt (2011/Full Moon Features)" Review

The Evil Dead (1981/Blu-ray/Anchor Bay Entertainment)" Review

"Tucker & Dale VS Evil (2010/Blu-ray/Magnolia Entertainment)" Review

Robocop 2 (1990/Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

"Mysterious Island (1961/Blu-ray/Twilight Time)" Review

"Manhunter (1986/Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

"Intruder (1989/Blu-ray+DVD Combo/Synapse Films)" Review

"Horror Express (1972/Blu-ray&DVD Combo/Severin Films)" Review

"Chillerama (2011/Blu-ray/Image Entertainment)" Review

"Our Idiot Brother (2011/Blu-ray/Anchor Bay)" Review

"A Serbian Film (aka Sprski Film) (2011/Blu-ray/Invincible Pictures)" Review

"Frankenhooker (1990/Blu-ray/Synapse Films)" Review

"American Grindhouse/Nightmares In Red,White, and Blue (2010/Kino Lorber Films)" Review

"Camp Nowhere (1994/Blu-ray/Mill Creek Ent.)" Review

"Conan O' Brien Can't Stop (2011/Magnolia Home Ent.)"

"Ernest Scared Stupid (1991/Blu-ray/Mill Creek Ent.)" Review

"Act of Vengeance (1974/MGM Limited Edition Collection)" Review

SHADE RUPE Presents: T IS FOR TRICK

"Dark Angel (1990/MGM Limited Edition Collection)" Review

"Drinking Made Easy: Season One (2010-2011/Magnolia Home Ent.)" Review

"Pawn Stars: Volume 3 (2010/History Channel)" Review

"Roseanne: The Complete 1st & 2nd Season Uncut (1988-1990/Mill Creek Ent.)" Review

"Phase 7 (2010/Bloody Disgusting Selects)" Review

"The Last Circus (2010/Magnolia Home Entertainment)" Review

"Scream 4 (2011/Blu-ray&DVD/Anchor Bay)" Review

"The Last House On The Left (1972/Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

"Jem and the Holograms: Season One (1985-1987)" Review

Synapse Films Set To Release Scott Spiegel's "Intruder" On December 13th!

Scott Spiegel's infamous gore classic finally hits the aisles with a splatterific new HD Blu-ray transfer!

From Lawrence Bender, the producer ofQuentin Tarantino's PULP FICTIONand RESERVOIR DOGS, and the classic FROM DUSK TILL DAWN!

Special Features and Disc Info:

"Straw Dogs (1971/Unrated Version Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

"Herschell Gordon Lewis: The Godfather of Gore (2010/Something Weird Video)" Review

"Maniac Cop (1987/Blu-ray/Synapse Films)" Review

SYNAPSE FILMS snares Fantastic Fest favorite ADRIAN GARCIA BOGLIANO in three-picture deal!

"Adolf Hitler: My Part in His Downfall (1974/MGM LImited Edition Collection)" Review

New Bloodsoaked Video For "Infestation"!

"The Pee Wee Herman Show On Broadway (2011/Blu-ray/Image Ent.)" Review

Captain America (1990/MGM)" Review

"Conan The Adventurer: Season One (1992/Shout! Factory)" Review

"The Silent House (2010/IFC Midnight)" Review

Wrong Turn 4: Bloody Beginnings Coming To Blu-ray October 25th!

"Basketcase (1981/Blu-ray/Image Ent./Something Weird Video)" Review

"Dressed To Kill (1980/Unrated Blu-ray/MGM)" Review

"Gingerdead Man 3: Saturday Night Cleaver (2011/Full Moon Ent.)" Review

"The Incredible Melting Man (1977/MGM Limited Edition Collection)" Review

More Brains!: A Return To The Living Dead Comes To DVD October 18th 2011!

From Lawrence Bender, the producer of
Quentin Tarantino's PULP FICTION
and RESERVOIR DOGS, and the classic FROM DUSK TILL DAWN!