Hitting Shelves - Tuesday, March 20th

You may have noticed some Amazon links showing up here lately. They recently started allowing North Carolina residents to participate in the affiliate program for the first time since I've lived here, so I signed up in hopes to make a tiny bit of money while here. I'm not going to be obnoxious about it and overload the site with ads and I won't I mention it constantly. But if you see something on this list you'd like to buy anyway and want to help me out a bit feel free to click on it.

Moving on, there are a ton of great releases this week; Black Scorpion, The 'Burbs, Michele Soavi's The Church, Robert Altman's excellent Images. I can't keep up, I'm going to need a third job if these boutique labels keep up this pace.

They’re big. They’re bad. They scuttle along in caverns miles beneath the Earth – until an earthquake opens paths to the surface. Now, these monsters of genus Arachnida are invading our world with deadly force! With top special effects co-designed by King Kong’s Willis O’Brien, The Black Scorpion is horror with a sting more lethal than the king-sized ants that overran Los Angeles’ sewers in the classic Them! Can humankind survive these invincible juggernauts? That fate rests on the shoulders of Hank Scott (1950s monster-movie stalwart Richard Denning) as the creatures rip a train from its track, snatch a helicopter from the sky and, in the film’s most gripping sequence, battle each other in their subterranean lair. Watch out!

Buy it on Amazon
Buy it on Diabolik

Tom Hanks stars in The 'Burbs, a comedy about a suburbanite whose plans for a peaceful vacation at home are disturbed by a creepy new family on the block. Much to the disappointment of his wife (Carrie Fisher), Ray Peterson (Hanks) and his three neighbors set out to investigate the next-door residence after they begin to observe strange happenings. Set in an average neighborhood that is anything but ordinary, The 'Burbs blends slapstick comedy and spine-thrilling mystery and is superbly directed by cult filmmaker Joe Dante (Piranha, Gremlins, Matinee, The Howling).

Special Features and Technical Specs:

• BRAND NEW 2017 2K REMASTER struck from an interpositive
• NEW Interviews With Director Joe Dante, Editor Marshall Harvey, And Director Of Photography (Additional Scenes) John Hora
• Audio Commentary With Writer Dana Olsen, Moderated By Author Callum Waddell
• There Goes The Neighborhood: The Making Of The 'Burbs – Includes Interviews With Director Joe Dante, Actors Corey Feldman, Courtney Gaines, And Wendy Schaal, Director Of Photography Robert M. Stevens, And Production Designer James H. Spencer
• Alternate Ending
• Original Workprint From Joe Dante's Archive (Includes Deleted And Extended Scenes)
• Behind-The-Scenes Still Gallery
• Stills And Posters Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer
• Optional English SDH subtitles

Buy it on Amazon
Buy it directly from Shout

In the middle of a modern city, an ancient evil is about to awaken! An elaborate cathedral that was once the site of a medieval massacre by crusading knights becomes a deadly trap for a group of visitors and staff when a sealed crypt is accidentally reopened. The laws of reality soon collapse as a nightmare takes hold and claims the lives of those within one by one, threatening to unleash a supernatural pestilence upon the world! Legendary horror maestro Dario Argento (Suspiria, Opera, Deep Red) presents this stylish shocker from director Michele Soavi (The Sect, Dellamorte Dellamore, Stagefright), featuring an avalanche of nightmarish visual effects and a powerful score by Goblin and Keith Emerson. Don't miss this baroque descent into the occult starring Tomas Arana (Gladiator, The Bodyguard, The Sect), Barbara Cupisti (Stagefright, New York Ripper), and Asia Argento (xXx, Land of the Dead), now in eye-popping, glorious HD!

Buy it on Amazon

If you're interested in the deluxe edition (which should be around $30-$35 and includes a lot of exclusive features) it will be available on Ronin Flix soon. The link says Sold Out, but that's just what Ronin puts on there until they've received stock. If you're not familiar with Ronin Flix, they sell a lot of Code Red and Scorpion titles. They've got the fastest shipping around - I've gotten packages from them less than 48 hours after placing an order. Don't hesitate to order from these guys.

The early seventies were a period of remarkable activity for Robert Altman, producing masterpiece after masterpiece. At the time he came to make Images, MASH and McCabe & Mrs. Miller were behind him, with The Long Goodbye, California Split and Nashville still to come.

Originally conceived in the mid-sixties, Images concerns a pregnant children s author (Susannah York, who won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival) whose husband (Rene Auberjonois) may or may not be having an affair. While on vacation in Ireland, her mental state becomes increasingly unstable resulting in paranoia, hallucinations and visions of a doppelgänger.

Scored by an Oscar-nominated John Williams, with sounds by Stomu Yamash'ta (The Man Who Fell to Earth), Images also boasts the remarkable cinematography of Vilmos Zsigmond (Close Encounters of the Third Kind).

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS

Brand-new 4K restoration from the original negative, produced by Arrow Films exclusively

High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation

Original English mono audio (uncompressed LPCM) soundtracks

Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing

Audio commentary by Samm Deighan and Kat Ellinger

Scene-select commentary by writer-director Robert Altman

Interview with Robert Altman

Brand new interview with actor Cathryn Harrison

An appreciation by musician and author Stephen Thrower

Theatrical trailer

Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by the Twins of Evil

FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Carmen Gray and an extract from Altman on Altman

Buy it on Amazon
Buy it on Diabolik

In a brand new Jumanji adventure, four high school kids discover an old video game console and are drawn into the game's jungle setting, literally becoming the adult avatars they chose. What they discover is that you don't just play Jumanji - you must survive it. To beat the game and return to the real world, they'll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, discover what Alan Parrish left 20 years ago, and change the way they think about themselves - or they'll be stuck in the game forever.

Buy it on Amazon
4K on Amazon

When three tourists stop at a roadside diner in Canyonland, they become the unwitting victims of a lethal scientific experiment. A deranged powerbroker and his high-tech army have sealed off the town and contaminated the water supply with a deadly toxin which turns calm, normal people into raving lunatics. Joining forces with the local sheriff and his daughter, this small band of holdouts wage an explosive life-or-death battle for survival.

Directed by Nico Mastorakis (The Zero Boys) , this thriller includes a B-Movie all-star cast featuring Wings Hauser (Vice Squad), Bo Hopkins (Mutant), George Kennedy (Airport), Brion James (Blade Runner) and Kimberly Beck (Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter).

Special Features and Technical Specs:

• BRAND NEW REMASTER struck from an interpositive
• Vintage featurette: The Making of Nightmare at Noon
• Original theatrical trailer
• Still Gallery
• Optional English subtitles for the main feature

Buy it on Amazon
Buy it on Diabolik

John Rudley (G. Michael Smith) is angry. When he was young, the local kids pushed him to the brink. Ten years in a sanitarium is a long time. Now he's free... free to release those savage frustrations... free to avenge himself against those responsible for his injuries... and in case anyone thought her was long gone... he can't wait to have them all wrapped up.

Buy Code Red's 4K scan Blu-ray on Amazon
88-Films also just put this out, theirs is only a 2K scan, but it does have a Hysteria Lives commentary track. Buy it if you want to spite Code Red's Bill Olsen and possibly have him refer to you as a tadpole nutsack on the utterly insane Blu-ray.com thread. Sad to say. Check out that thread here if you want to spend an evening having your mind altered.

Ralph (Dean Cameron, Summer School) is just your typical, average vampire with love in his heart, music in his veins — and a curse on his head. Every 22 years, poor Ralph is doomed to lose his soulmate, Mona, at the hands of a rhinestone-peg-legged pirate brandishing a large hambone (just go with us on this). But this time around, with the help of his newly-formed band Rockula, Ralph is determined to crush the curse once and for all — and show Mona that when you're a vampire, true love is eternal … and rock 'n' roll never dies!

Directed by Luca Bercovici (Ghoulies) and featuring an eclectic cast of co-stars, including cult favorite Susan Tyrrell (Forbidden Zone) and recording stars Thomas Dolby, Toni Basil, and Bo Diddley, Rockula is an absolutely batty, bloody bizarre comedy!

Special Features and Technical Specs:

• BRAND NEW MASTER
• NEW Audio Commentary With Director Luca Bercovici, Actress Tawny Fere, And Composer Hilary Bercovici
• NEW Interview With Director Luca Bercovici
• NEW Interview With Actor Dean Cameron
• Theatrical Trailer

Buy it on Amazon
Buy it direct from Shout

"Carrie, with Snakes" Film Jennifer Coming to Blu-ray From Kino

"JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN - Coming October 14th for the FIRST TIME on DVD and Blu-ray From Kino Lorber – Brice Mack’s 1978 Highly Requested Horror Film JENNIFER - Recommended to Kino Lorber by Scorpion Releasing - Starring LISA PELIKAN, BERT CONVY, NINA FOCH, JOHN GAVIN and JEFF COREY.

…Makes “CARRIE” Look Like An Angel!"

I have the old 23rd Century UK DVD release, which has a cool cover but a very VHS-ey full screen transfer. This is a very cool Carrie knock-off, I can't wait to see it with a good looking transfer.

Now, enjoy this ridiculously amazing alternate poster with the title Horrible Carnage:

Sorority House Massacre Slashes Its Way Onto Blu-ray July 8th

Scorpion has just announced that Sorority House Massacre, the lone film in director Carol Frank's filmography will be making its Blu-ray debut this July. Like with Slumber Party Massacre this is another film where I have only seen the sequels and not the original. I'm looking forward to seeing it.

OK, enough with the April Fools joke. Some real announcements. On July 8, in conjunction with New Horizons, we will be releasing a BluRay of SORORITY HOUSE MASSACRE, featuring a brand new HD master from the OCN!

Scorpion Presents Night of the Cobra Woman June 10th

Just announced by Scorpion!

On June 10th, in conjunction with New Horizons, Scorpion presents NIGHT OF THE COBRA WOMAN.

Special Features include:

Brand New HD transfer (16x9, 1:78) from the original IP
Interview with star Marlene Clark
Interview with Roger Corman
Original trailer

MSRP for the DVD is 19.95

New This Week 2.11.14 - French Vampires & Japanese Sex Nurses

Kino has bundled 4 Jean Rollin vampire films into one 4-disc box set:

As the constraints of censorship began to see in the late 1960's and early '70's, visionary French filmmaker Jean Rollin created a series of mesmerizing thrillers that injected the Gothic vampire film with a more contemporary strain of eroticism. Fluctuating between visual poetry and shocking violence, Rollin's deeply personal films have come to be recognized as classics of the horror genre, and are presented here in deluxe editions, mastered in HD from the original 35mm negatives, and accompanied by printed essays by Tim Lucas (Video Watchdog).

This box set contains:
THE RAPE OF THE VAMPIRE
THE NUDE VAMPIRE
THE SHIVER OF THE VAMPIRES
REQUIEM FOR A VAMPIRE

Buy it

Scorpion was able to wrangle this title away from Code Red

From the director and producer of the greatest martial art film of all time ENTER THE DRAGON comes FORCE: FIVE! A martial-art expert leads his team of fellow martial artists to rescue a senator's daughter from an island ruled by the evil leader of a religious cult in this action packed film, starring some of the greatest martial art stars ever assembled! JOE LEWIS (Jaguar Lives!), BENNY THE JET URIQUIDEZ (undefeated 27 year Kickboxing champion) , RICHARD NORTON (The Octagon), SONNY BARNES (Black Belt jones) takes on MASTER BON SOO HAN (Kentucky Friend Movie) in a fight to the death! Now see this martial art classic in glorious widescreen from a brand new HD master! 

Support Scorpion, grab this one today.

The zombie comedy schtick has been done to death at this point, but I know Synapse wouldn't waste their time releasing a movie that sucks, so I trust Reel Zombies will be worth a look. 

Independent underground filmmakers Mike Masters and David J. Francis (playing themselves) are eager to complete the third film in their ZOMBIE NIGHT film trilogy, a series of rather unsuccessful low-budget, shot-on-video gore fests. The problem, however, is a recent zombie apocalypse has taken over the world since their series began. The dead are rising from their graves and eating the living... for real this time! Masters and Francis embark on the production of their newest masterpiece anyway, only to discover shooting in a post-apocalyptic world offers many unforeseen challenges. Instead of giving up, they decide to capitalize on the cannibalistic catastrophe. No need for latex and fake blood when there's an entire world of flesh eating undead to add realism to their film, and help save money on special effects costs! Touching upon the real-life headaches of low-budget filmmaking, with numerous nods to the zombie film genre, REEL ZOMBIES is a satirical mockumentary feature that dives head-first into self-parody and an improbable but inspiring lesson in film craft proving that passion and dedication can overcome all obstacles even the ones that want to chomp your brain out! (Simon Laperrière, Fantasia Film Festival)

Special Features:

• Over 40 Minutes Of Deleted Scenes
• Trailer
• Audio Commentary

 Amazon

Abigail Breslin (Ender s Game, Zombieland) stars in HAUNTER, a unique take on the traditional haunted house story from director Vincenzo Natali (Splice, Cube). In 1986, teenager Lisa (Breslin) and her family died in their home under sinister circumstances. Unable to move on, their spirits continued to roam the house during the intervening years. Now, over a period of six days , Lisa must reach out from beyond the grave to help her living counterpart Olivia avoid the same fate that Lisa and her family suffered long ago. Uniquely unsettling and shocking, HAUNTER is a one-of-a-kind reverse ghost story that chills long after the final frame. 

Haunter is currently available on Amazon at the suspiciously low release date price of $10. 

Vinegar Syndrome is continuing their new Peek-A-Rama line with this double feature of Deep Roots and Starlet Nights:

DEEP ROOTS (1978): an American Indian journeys from his reservation to the lust capital of Hollywood where he finds himself surrounded by his wildest fantasies! Featuring Andy Warhol superstar, Liz Renay! STARLET NIGHTS (1978): this sexy retelling of Snow White stars Leslie Bovee as a beautiful, but wicked, stepmother trying to ruin the virginal reputation of her stunning stepdaughter, Snow. Vinegar Syndrome presents both films freshly transferred and restored in 2K from 35mm original elements!

Get it direct from Vinegar Syndrome.

Impulse continues their wildly popular Nikkatsu Collection with the absurdly titled Nurse Girl Dorm: Sticky Fingers from director Yoshihiro Kawasaki.

There's a new group of young ladies working at St. Elizabeth Hospital and they're all looking for love. These nurses are watched over by a fairly strict dorm supervisor, but with the help of the mysterious Yuki, they are able to sneak in their boyfriends at night. Yuki is a terrible influence on the girls, but she sure knows how to have fun! When a bandaged man walks into the hospital looking for Yuki, her past is revealed. His name is Tadao and he was secretly married to Yuki. He wants to rekindle their failed relationship, but she has other ideas. On one strange night, the boyfriends, Tadao and many others all converge at the hospital for the evening. NURSE GIRL DORM: STICKY FINGERS mixes madcap comedy and jaw-dropping scenes that only Nikkatsu studios could unleash.
Special Features:

• Newly Translated Removable English Subtitles
• Original Trailer
• Liner Notes

 Buy it!

Also from Impulse is the less ridiculously (though still ridiculous) titled Sex Hunter: 1980 from Toshiharu Ikeda:

Miki, a young and talented ballet dancer is accepted into an exclusive and very private academy run by a mysterious woman named Kaibara Akiko. Miki wants to further her dance education and rekindle her relationship with her boyfriend, but soon discovers all the horrible things forced upon the academy students. She is subjected to constant torture and realizes there may be no escape! With similar tones to Italian horror maestro Dario Argento's masterwork SUSPIRIA, SEX HUNTER: 1980 is one of the more controversial entries in the Nikkatsu Erotic Films Collection.
Special Features:

• Newly Translated Removable English Subtitles
• Original Trailer
• Liner Notes 

Buy it!

And finally, from Anchor Bay comes this comedic slasher film from directing duo Chris Freeman & Justin Jones

An isolated town full of sexy college girls. A tough big-city cop investigating a series of unsolved disappearances. A psychotic killer with a taste for terror, torture and sorority sister torment. But when this party gets started, will all of them receive an advanced degree in extreme horror? Tom Downey, Kevin Sorbo(Hercules: The Legendary Journeys), Ed O'Ross (Six Feet Under), Leslie Easterbrook (THE DEVIL'S REJECTS), Richard Moll (HOUSE), adult film legend Ron Jeremy and new Scream Queens Marissa Skell, Eve Mauro and Yvette Yates co-star in this twisted shocker that Screen Spotlight raves, delivers red hot naked women and gruesome murders... SORORITY PARTY MASSACRE is a surefire winner! 

Like Haunter, this one is also currently only $10 on Amazon

House on Sorority Row Comes To Blu-ray From Scorpion

At last, the severed-head-in-a-toilet film that spawned a mediocre remake (that failed to even provide us with a severed head in a toilet) is coming to Blu-ray from Scorpion:



"On April 22nd, in conjunction with Camelot Entertainment, we will finally release HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW on Blu. We have corrected the pre-credit sequence to the preference of director Mark Rosman (the original pre-credit sequence will be an extra on the Blu), and all the extras will carry over from the SD release (except for one, the Nightmare Theater mode, due to contract stipulation). MSRP is $29.95. This is the first of our catalog titles to be released on Blu, and based on how well this does, we will determine if we should release BluRay editions of some of our other previously released titles."

New This Week 1.28.14

Wow, tons of new stuff out there today:

Scream Factory's latest double feature is this pair of of fun prehistoric creature featuress:

The Beast Of Hollow Mountain
Based on an idea by the legendary special effects wizard Willis O’Brien (King Kong, Son Of Kong, The Lost World), The Beast Of Hollow Mountain is a classic creature feature. An American rancher living in Mexico is staying near Hollow Mountain, an impenetrable swamp where, stories have it, dwells a living prehistoric Tyrannosaurus Rex!

The Neanderthal Man
A mad scientist uses his new serum on his housekeeper, turning her into an ape-woman. Like most crazed scientists, he then tries the serum on himself, creating…The Neanderthal Man! Robert Shayne (How To Make A Monster) and Beverly Garland (It Conquered The World, The Alligator People) star in this harrowing creature feature.

Pick it up from Shout!

Finally, at long last the legendary Argento's Dracula makes its US Blu-ray & DVD debut!

Horror maestro Dario Argento (Suspiria) puts his unique stylistic spin on the classic supernatural tale with DRACULA, a visually sumptuous retelling of the legendary myth. It s been 400 years since Count Dracula s (Thomas Kretschmann, Wanted) beloved Dolingen De Gratz passed away, leaving the immortal bloodsucker forever abandoned. But when he discovers that local newlywed Mina Harker (Marta Gastini, The Rite) bears a striking resemblance to Dolingen, his furious yearning is reawakened as he believes Mina to be a reincarnation of his beloved. Luring her husband Jonathan away to his castle with the help of his minion (and Mina s best friend) Lucy (Asia Argento, xXx), Dracula embarks on a bloody quest to reunite with his long lost love and live forever with her in hellish immortality. Only the arrival of vampire expert Abraham Van Helsing (Rutger Hauer, Blade Runner) can put an end to the fiend s unholy plan. Luridly violent and brimming with passionate eroticism, Dario Argento s DRACULA is an all-out assault on the senses from one of horror cinema s most celebrated auteurs.

Read my take here, if that doesn't scare you off, own it here.

Considered by many to be the first great American horror film, John S. Robertson's DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE allowed stage legend John Barrymore to deliver his first virtuoso performance on film. Blending historic charm with grim naturalism, this version of DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE is one of the more faithful of the many screen adaptations of Stevenson's story (though greatly influenced by T.R. Sullivan's popular stage treatment), recounting a visionary scientist's ill-fated attempts to unleash the human mysteries that dwell beneath the shell of the civilized self.

Mastered in HD from a 35mm negative, with a wealth of bonus material, this Kino Classics edition beautifully showcases the dramatic brilliance and gruesome thrills of this influential silent classic.

• Mastered in HD from acrhival 35mm elements
• Musical score compiled by Rodney Sauer, performed by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde the 1912 Thanhouser version, starring James Cruze (12 min., Courtesy of Film Preservation Associates)
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, a 15-minute cut of the rival 1920 version, starring Sheldon Lewis, produced by Louis B. Mayer
• "Dr. Pyckle and Mr. Pride," a 1925 slapstick parody starring Stan Laurel
• "The Transformation Scene," a rare 1909 audio recording 

Amazon, or from Kino

Also out today on Blu-ray is the latest Hammer release from Millennium, Frankenstein Created Woman:

A tormented girl (Susan Denberg) drowns herself after her lover is framed for her father s murder and guillotined. Baron Frankenstein (Peter Cushing), experimenting with the transfer of souls, places her lover s soul into her body, bringing Christina back to life. With no memories of her past life, she becomes driven by a ghostly revenge and carries out a violent retribution on those responsible for both deaths.

Extra features: Commentary Featuring Derek Fowlds, Robert Morris, Jonathan Rigby; Frankenstein Created Woman Trailer; World of Hammer Episode ‘The Curse of Frankenstein’; World of Hammer Episode ‘Hammer Stars: Peter Cushing’; Brand New Documentary: Hammer Glamour; Animated Stills Gallery; Includes Exclusive Collectable Cards!

Amazon

Five university friends gather at a house party to ring in the New Year. Unbeknownst to them, an epidemic has erupted outside, causing outbreaks around the world. With nowhere else to turn, they barricade themselves indoors with only their phones, laptops, and other tech devices. They use their devices to research the possible cause of this outbreak. Information and video footage over flow their computers as they descend further into the cause and the ensuing chaos. As the virus spreads, the mood in the house changes from fear to paranoia. Who is safe? Who can they trust? Reality becomes blurred as they slowly discover the source of the virus causing the sickness...and there is no going back. 

The DVD includes a behind the scenes featurette and a commentary from the director - check it out at Amazon.

Scorpion's new Dangerous Beauties line debuts today with this double feature:

First up, MALIBU HIGH! Every teacher wanted to flunk her... but no one dared! As Kim enters her final year at Malibu High School, she has a few problems. Her grades are poor, her boyfriend has dumped her for a snobby rich girl and her financial situation is disastrous. She makes an after hours meeting with a teacher to improve her grade point average and soon, she is working her way through the entire faculty room! But when that isn't enough, Kim turns to murder as danger heats up!. Now see the cuolt classicfrom a brand new 16x9 master in HD from the original camera negatives first time anywhere!

Next up, HUSTLER SQUAD! You pay for the pleasure... the killing is free! An unlikely group of freedom fighters - professional prostitutes - are recruited by the U.S. Army to perform a dangerous, quite unorthodox military mission.! Watch this film in widescreen on DVD, from a brand new master from the vault elements, first time anywhere! 

Whoever did this write-up really likes exclamation points! Buy your copy today at Amazon!

And another Dangerous Beauties release with a write up as enthusiastic as the last:

First up, RUNNING HOT! Acclaimed actor Eric Stoltz (Mask, Pulp Fiction) stars in this volatile tale of star-crossed lovers in a last ditch escape from the law. A stripper (Monica Carrico) watches the trial of a younger man (Stoltz) accused of murdering his father. As she falls in love with his tragic image, she writes love letters to him in prison. When the object of her obsession shows up at her doorstep, having made a bloody escape, she joins him in a perilous, passionate run for their lives from a sadistic cop (Stuart Margolin, TV's Rockford Files). In the tradition of Badlands and True Romance this thrilling 1984 film is a rare gem directed by award winning director Mark Griffiths, and from the producer of the popular TV show The O.C... Now see the cult classic from a brand new 16x9 master in HD from the original camera negatives first time anywhere!

Next up, HOT TARGET! At first glance, Christine Webber (Simone Griffeth, Death Race 2000) would seem to be a woman who has everything. A wife of a successful NZ businessman, she is beautiful, sophisticated, stylish - the perfect wife and mother. But scratch the surface and see that Christine is also a Woman trapped by the very "perfection" of her life.Watch this film in wqidescreen on DVD, from a brand new master from the original IP, first time anywhere!

Get it at Amazon

After a mysterious and bloody massacre in their isolated country house leaves her parents and younger brother dead, 11-year-old Neve is taken by police to friends of the family to be looked after. When Neve tries to explain that an evil force within the house caused her family s deaths, she s met with disbelief from both the authorities and her new family. As the police try to find the crime s real perpetrators, Neve is given a social worker to try to ease her trauma. But before long it becomes apparent that whatever killed her family has followed Neve to her new home, and soon she and all those around her are in mortal danger of the malevolent power that seems to be tied to the innocent girl. A pulse-pounding supernatural thriller, DARK TOUCH weaves the tension of a horror film with the plight of a newly orphaned girl to create a unique examination of the paranormal. Buy the DVD or Digital Download from Amazon.

 
And finally, the Rifftrax release of Umberto Lenzi's 1988 film Ghosthouse (La casa 3) is out from Legend Films. Funnily enough, this movie never received an actual US DVD release, but here it is with Mike and the former bots Rifftraxing it up. According to the cover it has both the Rifftrax and the original audio which is great for Lenzi fans who don't care for Rifftrax. And even greater for people like myself who are fans of both Lenzi and Rifftrax. Get it here.

New This Week 01.07.14

Finally, after a few weeks of nothing we finally have some new releases worth picking up.

Few sexploitation filmmakers were as bold, daring and bizarre as Walt Davis, the enigmatic auteur behind some of the wildest X rated films to come out of Hollywood.

In EVIL COME, EVIL GO (1972), traveling Evangelist preacher, Sister Sarah Jane (Cleo O’Hara), is hellbent on ridding the world of evil, sex-obsessed men. Taking to the streets of Los Angeles, she quickly befriends a gullible young woman and the two embark on a mad, sex-filled killing spree.

Cleo O’Hara returns in OH! YOU BEAUTIFUL DOLL (1974), an almost surreal blend of madcap improvization and low-rent thrills as over-the-hill film starlet Gaye Ramon lounges around her cluttered Hollywood home, molesting bananas and conning innocent men into taking her carnal acting courses. Meanwhile, a con-artist photographer manipulates beautiful hippies into revealing poses.

Finally, in one of Davis’ hardcore efforts, WIDOW BLUE (1970), a homosexual affair results in a gory decapitation and a living room orgy. But more bloodshed is afoot…Featuring an all-star cast, among them John Holmes and Sandy Dempsey, as well as gore effects straight out of H.G. Lewis’ playbook, WIDOW BLUE is a demented masterpiece of sex and death, which is coming to home video fully uncut for the very first time!
Vinegar Syndrome presents all three of these mind-numbing X rated classics newly transferred and restored in 2K from their original negatives.
EVIL COME, EVIL GO
1972 | 73 minutes | Color | 1.33:1
OH! YOU BEAUTIFUL DOLL
1974 | 60 minutes | Color | 1.33:1
WIDOW BLUE
1970 | 78 minutes | Color | 1.33:1
Features Include:
+ 2 Disc DVD Set | Region Free | 1.33:1 | MONO
+ Scanned and restored in 2k
+ Video Interview w/ Producer Bob Chinn
+ Theatrical Trailers for EVIL & DOLL + Outtake footage from WIDOW
Get yours directly from Vinegar Syndrome

Two regional sexploitation rarities that showcase the seedier side of the USA.
JUDY (1969)
A sex killer is on the loose, terrorizing working girls in Boston’s seedy ‘combat zone.’ Will a rogue ex-detective solve the mystery before more buxom beauties meet an unfortunate demise?
Director: David W. Hanson
75 minutes / Color / AR: 1.33:1
THE NIGHT HUSTLERS (1968)
In this Florida lensed sexploitation oddity, a group of Vice cops trade stories of their sleazy, sex-filled busts.
Director: Bobby O’Donald
57 minutes / Color / AR: 1.85:1
Features Include:
+ Dual Layer DVD-9 | Region Free | 1.33:1 Full Frame & 1.85:1 Anamorphic | MONO
+ Scanned and restored in 2k from 35mm elements
Get yours directly from Vinegar Syndrome


Vinegar Syndrome debuts their new X-Rated Peekarama line today with their double feature of Abduction of an American Playgirl and Winter Heat.

ABDUCTION OF AN AMERICAN PLAYGIRL (1975)
Two lonely men kidnap a beautiful woman and subject her to their shocking carnal desires. But much to their surprise, she loves every minute of it and soon the hapless men realize that they are incapable of satisfying her lustful urges!
Director: Unknown
71 minutes / Color / AR: 1.33:1
WINTER HEAT (1976)
In this notorious roughie, a group of ex-cons terrorize and abuse a trio of helpless young women who are held hostage in a snowbound cabin.
Director: Claude Goddard
70 minutes / Color / AR: 1.33:1
Features Include:
+ Dual Layer DVD-9 | Region Free | 1.33:1 Full Frame | MONO
+ Scanned and restored in 2k from 35mm elements
+ Original theatrical trailer for ABDUCTION OF AN AMERICAN PLOWGIRL

Birth of the Living Dead

In 1968 a young college drop-out named George A. Romero directed Night of the Living Dead, a low budget horror film that shocked the world, became an icon of the counterculture, and spawned a zombie industry worth billions of dollars that continues to this day.

Birth of the Living Dead shows how Romero gathered an unlikely team of Pittsburghers policemen, iron workers, teachers, ad-men, housewives and a roller-rink owner to shoot a revolutionary guerrilla style film that went on to become a cinematic landmark, offering a profound insight into how our society worked in a singular time in American history.

Get it at Amazon. And in case you're wondering, Amazon is sure to point out that yes, this release is Packaged in a 100% Certified Green Forestry Practices Eco Pack

Out today from Scorpion Releasing is The Power from writer/director Stephen Carpenter (the man who brought us The Dorm That Dripped Blood). I've never seen this one before, though Carpenter's involvement certainly has me interested, and that hypnotic cover art is sucking me in. I'm feeling saucy. I think I'm going to buy it.

"An Aztecan idol is stolen from a professor and ends up in the experimental hands of three high-school students who use it to get in touch with the spirit world. Things start to go wrong when a cemetery worker dies during one of these spirit sessions, and everything goes wrong after the Aztecan god possesses the body of a young man who steals the idol for his own purposes as the horrors of Destacatl is unleashed . Now see THE POWER from a brand new master!"  Amazon

Entertainment One's We Are What We Are is loosely based on the 2010 Mexican film "Somos lo que hay", though from what I've read it's quite a bit different than the original, so much so that it can barely be called a remake.

"The Parkers, a seemingly wholesome and benevolent family, keep to themselves, and for good reason. As they struggle to keep their ancestral customs intact, local authorities begin to uncover clues that bring them closer to the secret that they have held closely for so many years."

Bonus Features: An Acquired Taste: The Making-of We Are What We Are.
Interviews with Director Jim Mickle, Bill Sage and Julia Garner, Audio Commentary with Cast & Crew.

Available on Blu-ray and DVD, pick up a copy today.

The comedic masterpiece that is Neil Labute's The Wicker Man has been on Blu-ray pretty much since the format began, and finally Robin Hardy's excellent original (you know, the one that isn't universally considered to be a cinematic abortion) hits Blu-ray from Lionsgate. For those of you who are big fans of the film, according to the review at Blu-ray.com the UK release by Studio Canal has two additional cuts (UK Theatrical and Director' cut, in addition to the Final Cut offered on the Lionsgate disc) plus more bonus features, so that will probably be the version to go for. Get this release at Amazon.

Force Five, Blood Feud & More Coming 2014 From Scorpion

No Horror titles in the bunch, but Force Five certainly looks like it's worth a look




News comes directly from Scorpion's Facebook:

On 2/11, we at Scorpion are releasing FORCE FIVE. To make a long story short, I convinced Code Red that this title has a much broader appeal and deserves a wider release than just being available at his store. So watch it hit the shelves on 2/11!

The DVD will feature a brand new 16x9 widescreen master in HD, and an original trailer.

On 2/18, Scorpion Releasing, in conjunction with Westchester Films, presents ON THE YARD, a hard look at life in a prison facility. The film stars John Heard of CAT PEOPLE, Thomas G. Waites of THE THING, and Mike Kellin of SLEEPAWAY CAMP.

The DVD features a 16x9 widescreen (1.78:1) HD master, and an on camera interview with star Waites. The DVD's MSRP is 19.95.

On 3/11, in conjunction with ITV, we are releasing Lina Wertmuller's BLOOD FEUD with Sophia Loren, and Marcello Mastroianni, in widescreen from an HD master. Please note that this is the U.S. cut, and the English dub version, as that is what’s been licensed to me. ITV does not control the other version or language tracks for the U.S. MSRP is 19.95.

New This Week 11.26.13

First and most importantly is Shout! Factory's latest Mystery Science Theater 3000 set. This volume - which is the 28th box set, but labeled as the "25th Anniversary Edition" to celebrate the show's anniversary - comes housed in a Limited Edition collector's tin and contains six episodes, instead of the usual four. The four new to DVD episodes are as follows:

Moon Zero Two
The Day The Earth Froze
The Leech Woman
Gorgo

This set also features a bonus disc containing The Brain That Wouldn't Die and Mitchell, two classic long out of print episodes from way back  when Rhino was putting out single episode releases. I already have the original Rhino releases of these two, but their inclusion is very welcome for anyone who doesn't already own them.

In addition to the six episodes, Shout! has loaded this set up with even more great bonus material than usual including an excellent newly produced 70-minute three part Return to Eden Prairie documentary.

• 3-Part Documentary Return To Eden Prairie: 25 Years Of Mystery Science Theater 3000
• Ninth Wonder Of The World: The Making Of Gorgo (MST3K Edition)
• Last Flight Of Joel Robinson
• Life After MST3K: Mary Jo Pehl
• Interview with “Brain” performer Marilyn Neilson
• “Moon Zero Two” Intro by Hammer Films Historian Constantine Nasr
• MST Hour Wraps
• Leonard Maltin Explains Something
• Original Trailers
• 4 Exclusive Mini-Posters By Artist Steve Vance

This set is essential, grab it today:
Amazon
Shout!

Also from Shout! is George A. Romero's jousting biker film Knightriders. You know, I've never actually seen Knightriders, which is odd because I'm a big Romero fan. I don't want to knock the film or its fans because I've heard this is a good movie, but motorcycle knights seems like a ridiculous premise and every time I see this image of Tom Savini I turn into a 13-year old and start giggling uncontrollably:

Anyone out there reading this please chime in and let me know if this one is worth a look or not.

The members of a traveling Renaissance Faire, who saddle up on motorcycles instead of horses, ride from town to town to stage medieval jousting tournaments with combatants in suits of armor and wielding lances, battle-axes, maces and broadswords. The spectacle of this violent pageant soon garners national attention, much to the dismay of the current king of this Camelot. A challenger to his throne arises as they try to maintain their fairytale existence in a world wrought with corruption.

Written and directed by George A. Romero (The Night Of The Living Dead series) and starring Romero regulars Ed Harris (Creepshow), Tom Savini (Dawn Of The Dead), John Amplas (Martin), Patricia Tallman (Monkey Shines) and Ken Foree (Dawn Of The Dead), this “vastly underrated elegy to idealism and rugged individualism” (TV Guide) offers “a compelling reworking of Arthurian legend [and] remarkable action scenes in the process” (The Onion A.V. Club)!

Bonus features:

• Audio Commentary w/ George Romero, Tom Savini, John Amplas, and film historian Chris Stavrakis
• Behind the Scenes: The Stunts of Knightriders
• New Interviews with Romero, Savini and Ed Harris
• Trailers and TV Spots

Pick it up today:
Amazon
Shout!

From Scream Factory comes The Horror Show, a truly odd film from Jason X director James "Smash" Isaac (RIP) starring Lance Henriksen and Brion James (also RIP).

116 people are dead at the hands of Max Jenke (Brion James – Blade Runner, Crimewave) and his trusty meat cleaver. Now, justice is about to be served as Jenke is sentenced to the electric chair. But from the first high voltage blast, it becomes clear that Max is no ordinary serial killer.

With a blood-chilling laugh from the depths of hell, Max enters our world, transformed into a supernatural force by the high-voltage blast of electricity. Max vows revenge on the cop who captured him. Well-aware of the maniacal killer’s passion to destroy, Detective Lucas McCarthy (Lance Henriksen – Pumpkinhead, Aliens) can only begin to imagine the horror that awaits him and his family.

Get it
Amazon
Scream

Scorpion is continuing to crank out new Blu-ray releases, and their latest is this reissue of Day of the Animals which was originally put out by Shriek Show in 2006. Non-Blu-ray people, fear not, this is also available on DVD.

The Terrifying Movie Of A World Gone Mad!

Scientists warn that the depletion of the earth's ozone layer is reaching critical levels, particularly in higher altitudes. How critical? Enough to unleash the vengeful wrath of the entire animal kingdom! No human is safe, particularly a group of nature-loving hikers (including Leslie Nielsen, NAKED GUN, AIRPLANE, Richard Jaeckel, GRIZZLY, Jon Cedar, THE MANITOU, Lynda Day George, PIECES)) lead by their guide (Christopher George, GRIZZLY, MORTUARY) who are constantly menaced by every conceivable mountain-dwelling creature. Dogs, rats, snakes, hawks, owls, mountain lions and bears are out to send a clear message about chlorofluorocarbon abuse.

Director William Girdler follows up his 1976 hit film, Grizzly, with this eco-sensitive, nature-runs-amok thrill-ride. Now see it from a brand new HD master from the original IP in correct widescreen scope format, along with a brand new 5.1 mix, first time anywhere in the world!

Also EXCLUSIVE to this BluRay release, isolated music track.

You can pick it up from Amazon, but it's currently significantly cheaper on ImportCDs

Scorpion also has a brand new Katarina's Nightmare Theater release out there:

Its a American Grindhouse double bill! Both for the first time digitally remastered from the original vault elements!

First up, LURKERS! From cult director Roberta Findlay (SNUFF) comes a psychological thriller about a beautiful, young New York cellist, whose demonic childhood nightmares have returned, plunging her into a horrific series of events that threaten her success, her sanity...and her life. Now see the horror from a brand new 16x9 master from the original IP first time anywhere!

Next up, DIE SISTER DIE!. A man (Jack Ging-SSSSSSS) hires a nurse (Antoinette Bower - PROM NIGHT) to care for his ailing but nasty and shrewish sister. What he really intends to do, however, is to convince the nurse to join him in a plot to kill her! Watch this film in its fist official/authorized DVD release, from a brand new master from the original negatives, first time anywhere! 

Get it from Amazon, but again, ImportCDs is often the cheapest place to get Scorpion titles. Actually they're usually the cheapest place to get a lot of these smaller company releases, so be sure to check them out if you haven't before.

Scorpion Releasing Announces "Dangerous Beauties Collection"

From Scorpion's Facebook:

"We are starting a new "banner" line called Dangerous Beauties Collection. We have two double bills within this line: RUNNING HOT/HOT TARGET and MALIBU HIGH/HUSTLER SQUAD. Both will have a Katarina's Kat Skratch Cinema segment, but we are not going to use that banner. We decided to opt for this other moniker instead as we are hoping to do some standalone "dangerous beauties" titles in our pipeline from a recently licensed library. FYI, these two are the last Kat Skratch Cinemas."

 

Extras on RUNNING HOT/HOT TARGET are: RUNNING HOT - Brand new 16x9 master from 2012 mastered in HD, play with or without Kat Skratch Cinema mode, original trailer. HOT TARGET - Brand new 16x9 master from the original IP, first time in widescreen on DVD, isolated music only track by Gille Melle.
 

Extras on MALIBU HIGH/HUSTLER SQUAD are: MALIBU HIGH - Brand new 16x9 (1.78:1) master in HD from the original negatives, on camera interview with star Tammy Taylor, play with or without Kat Skratch Cinema mode, Original Trailer. HUSTLER SQUAD - Brand new 16x9 master from the original CRI, first time in widescreen on DVD, Original Trailer.

Both MSRP are 16.95.

Amazing Deal of the Day: The Monster Club Blu-ray $10.98

 
Scorpion's Blu-ray of The Monster Club just came out two weeks ago and Amazon currently has it on sale for the pretty remarkable price of $10.98. I believe it was in the $20-$25 range last time I checked, and it's hard to tell how long Amazon sales will last, so grab yourself a copy before the price jumps back up.