Phil wishes everyone a Happy Halloween - October 31, 2018

Welcome back horror hounds to Phil's Halloween Horror Watch! So, as some of you may have noticed, I didn't keep up with my blogging this month. Well, I have a very good reason for this. During the last weekend of October, my girlfriend and I moved into our new place! Yes, I was very exited about this! However, what made it so damn frustrating was that AT&T kept on flaking on setting up our Internet service! As a result, there was no way that I could write up my reviews even though I was still watching my movies. Now, to remedy this, I am going to post the rest of the movies that I watched, complete with the film's synopsis. Sit back, relax, and read on!

Day 22: SCALPEL (1976) from Arrow Video. The film's official synopsis: US television staple Robert Lansing (Star Trek, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Twilight Zone) stars as a deranged surgeon in this twisty-turny psychological thriller from Blood Rage director John Grissmer. In the film, Lansing plays Dr. Phillip Reynolds, a man whose daughter Heather (Judith Chapman, As the World Turns, General Hospital) has run away from home a year prior following the suspicious death of her boyfriend. When he happens across a young woman one night, her face beaten beyond recognition, the unhinged Reynolds sees his an opportunity to put his trusty scalpel to use – hatching a plan to “reconstruct” her face in the image of his missing daughter, and so claim her sizeable inheritance.

Day 23: TO HELL AND BACK: THE KANE HODDER STORY (2017) from Dread Central Presents. The film's official synopsis: Featuring interviews and appearances by fellow icons Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger), Cassandra Peterson (Elvira), Bruce Campbell (Ash Vs Evil Dead), Director Adam Green (the Hatchet franchise) and many more, TO HELL AND BACK: THE KANE HODDER STORY is the must-see documentary of the year.

Day 24: HOUSE OF THE DEAD (aka ALIEN ZONE) () from Vinegar Syndrome. The film's official synopsis: Four tales of intrigue and horror await anyone brave enough to enter the HOUSE OF THE DEAD… When a philandering husband accidentally finds himself lost during a rainstorm, he’s taken in by an elderly mortician and is forced to learn the ghastly origins of four freshly arrived corpses: a scornful teacher whose students teach her a fatal lesson, an amateur filmmaker with a deadly muse, two dueling detectives attempting to solve a mysterious murder, and a bitter man whose arrogance costs him everything.

Day 25: THE MUTILATOR (1984) from Arrow Video. The film's official synopsis: When Ed receives a message from his father asking him to go and lock up the family’s beach condo for the winter, it seems like the perfect excuse for an alcohol-fueled few days away with his friends. But no sooner are the teens on the island than they find themselves stalked by a figure with an axe (and a hook, and an outboard motor) to grind.

Day 26: EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL at the San Jose Stage One Theater. The musical's synopsis:

Day 27: THE CHURCH (1981) from Scorpion Releasing. The film's official synopsis: 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!

Day 28: BEHIND THE MASK: THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON () from Scream Factory. The film's official synopsis: You know legendary maniacs Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger. Now meet Leslie Vernon, the next great psycho-slasher. Nathan Baesel (Invasion) stars as Vernon, a good-natured killing machine who invites a documentary film crew to follow him as he reminisces with his murder mentor (Scott Wilson, The Walking Dead), evades his psychiatrist/nemesis (Robert Englund, A Nightmare On Elm Street), deconstructs Freudian symbolism, and meticulously plots his upcoming slaughter spree. But when the actual carnage begins, where do you draw the line between voyeuristic thrills, mythic evil, and good old-fashioned slasher movie mayhem?

Day 29: THE SLAYER (2006) from Arrow Video. The film's official synopsis: Two young couples set off to a secluded island for what promises to be a restful retreat. But the peace is short-lived: as a storm batters the island, troubled artist Kay begins to sense that a malevolent presence is here with them, stalking them at every turn. Is she losing her mind, or are her childhood nightmares of a demonic assailant coming to terrifying life?

Day 30: THE WITCHING SEASON (2015) from Scream Team Releasing. The film's official synopsis: Reminiscent of television shows like ‘Tales from the Darkside’ and ‘Tales from the Crypt’, The Witching Season is a five episode spine-tingling anthology of horror and suspense packed into one disc that delivers original tales of terror that capture the spirit of the Halloween season.

Day 31: TALES OF HALLOWEEN (2015) from Epic Pictures. The film's official synopsis: Named "the best horror anthology since Trick 'r Treat" by Fangoria and "among the best Halloween-themed horror movies ever made" by DailyDead, this critically acclaimed film weaves together ten chilling tales from horror's top directors. Ghosts, ghouls, monsters, and the devil delight in terrorizing unsuspecting residents of a suburban neighborhood on Halloween night.

And folks, there you have it! Another Halloween Horror Watch has come to a scary conclusion! I would like to thank all of you out there for reading my blog and I hope you've enjoyed learning about some of these horror films, cult classics, and modern day indie hits!

Thanks for reading, and Happy Halloween!

Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: THE UNSEEN (1980) from Scorpion Releasing - October 8, 2018

THE UNSEEN Blu-Ray

THE UNSEEN
Starring Barbara Bach, Karen Lamm, Lois Young, Sydney Lassick,  Stephen Furst, Douglas Barr, Lelia Goldoni
Written by Danny Steinmann (as Peter Foleg)
(Based on a story by Danny Steinmann (as Peter Foleg), Thomas R. Burman (as Tom Burman), and Stan Winston
Cinematography by Roberto A. Quezada
Edited by Jonathon Braun
Produced by Don Behrns, Howard Goldfarb, Anthony B. Unger
Directed by Danny Steinmann (as Peter Foleg)
Originally released by World Northal
Released by Scorpion Releasing

Welcome to Day Eight of my Halloween Horror Watch! Once again, I traveled back to the 1980's for today's fright flick. And it's a nasty one folks! I mean, it's not your usual fun-filled, goofy, tongue-in-cheek 80's horror movie. It's quite the opposite. It's got this 70's grindhouse element and feel to it. Now, it's been a while since I've watched this movie, and when it was re-released on Blu-Ray, I had to pick up a copy for my collection. So let's get settled in as I review THE UNSEEN from Scorpion Releasing.

The film's official synopsis: A TV reporter and two friends head to Solvang, California to cover a Danish festival. When a mix-up at the hotel leaves them stranded without rooms, the girls accept the invitation of a friendly museum owner to board at his farmhouse. But what the women don't know is that something is living in the basement of that farmhouse. Something unspeakable. And their stay soon becomes a horrific nightmare when they encounter the "unseen."

The was directed by Danny Steinmann, better known to genre fans as Peter Foleg. He would go on to direct other films like SAVAGE STREETS and the controversial FRIDAY THE 13th PART V: A NEW BEGINNING. He also wrote the screenplay for the film, which was based on a story he wrote with Thomas R. Burman and Stan Winston, Yes, the Stan Winston! The man who would go on to become one of the greatest special effects artists of all time! He was also one of the founders of visual effects companies Digital Domain, Stan Winston Digital and Stan Winston studios. You can see his genius at work in the films THE TERMINATOR, PREDATOR, ALIENS, JURASSIC PARK, and his 1989 directorial debut PUMPKINHEAD.

Original Theatrical Poster (19

The film stars the beautiful and talented Barbara Bach as Jennifer Fast. Her resume includes THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, SCREAMERS, UP THE ACADEMY and CAVEMAN. She is amazing in the film and carries it all to its crazy and pulse pounding conclusion. Our antagonist Ernest Keller is played by character actor Sydney Lassick, who is just creepy, disturbing and sleazy! Karen Lam, who plays Karen Fast, is killed in a most horrifyingly way ever captured on celluloid. Her death scene is just fucking scary ass shit! And it's because of her acting ability that that scene transcends it to a higher level! And I cannot forget Lelia Goldoni as the timid but brave wife Virginia Keller. Goldoni has some very impressive titles attached to her name. She was in John Cassavetes' 1958 arthouse film SHADOWS, Martin Scorsese's 1974 ALICE DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE, John Schlesinger' 1975 THE DAY OF THE LOCUST, Philip Kaufman's 1978 INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, and 2012's THE DEVIL INSIDE. Her next film project (the ironically titled) THE NEXT CASSAVETES is currently in post-production.

World Northal released the film to theaters in the states in September of 1981. It would later be released on VHS, were horror fans discovered it. In 2001, it was released on DVD by Prism, then by Digital Entertainment the following year. It was later released as a two-disk DVD by Code Red in 2008, then finally arriving on Blu-Ray by Scorpion Releasing in a brand new 2K scan of the original negative.

The disc comes loaded with Special Features, including "Watch in Katarina's Nightmare Theatre" mode (hosted by actress Katarina Waters, but wrestling fans will know her from Impact Wrestling and on Women of Wrestling as The Temptress), New interview with editor Jon Braun, Interview with producer Tony Unger, Audio commentary with Tony Unger and actor Stephen Furst, Interviews with Stephen Furst, Doug Barr, Craig Reardon and Tom Burman, Makeup tests, sketches and behind the scenes still gallery from makeup effects artist Craig Reardon, Theatrical Trailer, Reversible Cover and comes in a Limited Edition Slipcover while supplies last.

THE UNSEEN is a mean spirited, down and dirty horror movie that you'll want to take a shower after watching! It's an atrocious abomination that will disgust you until you puke your guts out! So watch with Grandma and freak her the hell out!! There's nothing better than watching a horror movie than with a loved one!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE UNSEEN is currently available on Blu-Ray with a Limited Edition Slipcover and DVD from Scorpion Releasing. To purchase a copy, visit their website at roninflix.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!

Phil’s Horror Watch: THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW (1982) from Scorpion Releasing - July 22, 2018

THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW Slipcover

THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW
Starring Kathryn McNeil, Eileen Davidson, Janis Ward (as Janis Zido), Robin Meloy, Harley Jane Kozak (as Harley Kozak), Jodi Draigie
Written by Mark Rosman and Bobby Fine (additional dialogue)
Cinematography by Tim Suhrstedt
Edited by Paul Trejo and Jean-Marc Vasseur
Directed by Mark Rosman
Originally released by Artists Releasing Corporation (through Film Ventures International)
Released by Scorpion Releasing

Today's film comes to us once again from the early 80's. The film is a genre classic. In fact, it's so popular that it was remade in 2009. And the film has been released over and over again in various formats; mostly DVD and Blu-Ray. The latter leads me to the newest and latest release of this beloved horror treasure. Today's film is none other than the 1983 horror slasher film THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW.

The film's official synopsis: Flirtatious young sorority sisters who are days away from graduation set out to throw one last decadent celebration. Unbeknownst to them, the strict matron of their house hides a horrendous secret thought long buried. A gruesome accident is witnessed by a hideous fiend, hidden within the once nurturing dwelling, which triggers a rampage of death and destruction. Before the end, the peril faced by this sisterhood will push them to the brink of annihilation. And rivers of blood will drown all who enter ... The House on Sorority Row.

Original Theatrical Poster (1983)

The film was released in US theaters on January 21, 1983, and took in $617,661 in its opening weekend. It would go on to gross a whopping $10,604,986! On November 14, 2000, Elite Entertainment released the movie on DVD. Then was re-printed and released again on November 18, 2003. Then it became out of print, but was once again re-released on January 12, 2010 as a special 25 year special anniversary edition. Soon this edition became out of stock as well. Then in 2011, Scorpion Releasing released a 2-disc remastered edition on DVD and Blu-ray, this time adding Katarina Waters's Nightmare Theater to it. All this leads up today.  Scorpion Releasing and Code Red released a new Blu-ray edition on May 11, 2018, featuring a new 2K scan of the original master negative with a slipcover and newly commissioned artwork. This new edition is only sold exclusively online and limited to 1,600 units, which is where I purchased my copy of the film.

Special Features include: New scan of the original internegative, New 5.1 Surrond Sound, Isolated score, Watch in Katrina's Nightmare Theater Mode, Interviews with stars Eileen Davidson, Kate McNeil, Harley Jan Kozak, director Mark Rosman, composer Richard Band and producer Igo Kantor, Audio Commentary with cast and director, Audio Commentary with director Mark Rosman, Alternate Ending Story Boards, Still Gallery, Trailer, and Reversible Cover. 

THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW is a great 80's horror slasher classic! The movie still holds up after all these years, and still attracts new fans year after year after year. There's a reason that the film still lives on, and the reason is that it's that's damn good and entertaining! And it's never looked this good before! So do yourself a favor tonight. Make some popcorn, turn off the lights, and have a good time watching this movie! But don't watch it alone, especially on a college campus! 4 1/2 out of 5 stars! Highly Recommended!!

THE HOUSE ON SORORITY ROW is available on Blu-Ray from Scorpion Releasing. To purchase a copy, visit roninflix.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!