Phil’s Horror Watch: BASKET CASE (1982) from Arrow Video - August 14, 2019

BASKET CASE Slipcover

BASKET CASE (1982)

Starring Kevin Van Hentenryck, Terri Susan Smith, Beverly Bonner, Robert Vogel, Diana Browne, Lloyd Pace, Bill Freeman, Joe Clarke
Screenplay by Frank Henenlotter
Cinematography by Bruce Torbet
Edited by Frank Henenlotter
Produced by Arnold H. Bruck (as Arnie Bruck), Tom Kaye, Edgar Ievins
Directed by Frank Henenlotter
Originally released by Analysis Film Releasing Corporation
Re-released by Arrow Video

Welcome back horror fans to another edition of Phil's Horror Watch. For today's cinematic fright flick, I thought it would be fun to stroll down memory lane and visit the old grindhouse theaters that populated New York's 42nd Street. There, you could see some of the most outrageous films ever made! Sometimes I feel like I was born in the wrong decade. I would have love to see many of the film I have watched on Blu-Ray or on DVD up on the big screen. Just imagine walking around The Deuce, looking up at all the marquees, seeing what's playing, then buying a ticket to watch a movie and wonder what the hell am I watching! Take for example today's film. I guarantee that you have never seen a film like BASKET CASE before, nor could you ever forget it!

The film's official synopsis: Duane Bradley is a pretty ordinary guy. His formerly conjoined twin Belial, on the other hand, is a deformed, fleshy lump whom he carries around in a wicker basket. Arriving in the Big Apple and taking up a room at the seedy Hotel Broslin, the pair set about hunting down and butchering the surgeons responsible for their separation. But tensions flare up when Duane starts spending time with a pretty blonde secretary, and Belial’s homicidal tendencies reach bloody new extremes.

Now doesn't that sound like a fun film to watch in a 42nd street grindhouse theater? Well guess what? It DID play at a 42nd street grindhouse theater! Budgeted at only $35,000, the film was released by Analysis Film Releasing Corporation in April of 1982, but it gained a cult following once it was released onto home video by the mid 80's. The special effects for Belial consist largely of a puppet in some scenes and stop motion in others, which only added to the magic and the allure of the film.

Original Theatrical Poster (1982)

The film was written and directed by Frank Henenlotter, and it was his feature length debut. Henenlotter would go on to direct other cult classics such as BRAIN DAMAGE, FRANKENHOOKER, and two sequels: BASKET CASE 2 and BASKET CASE 3: THE PROGENY. He also directed the documentaries  HERSCHELL GORDON LEWIS: THE GODFATHER OF GORE and THAT'S SEXPLOITATION! (both for Something Weird Video). He also did the audio commentary for FUGITIVE GIRLS along with Ed Wood biographer Rudolph Grey.

Arrow Video did a tremendous job with this release! It boasts a brand new 4K restoration from the original 16mm negative by MoMA )Museum of Modern Art), a High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation, Original Uncompressed Mono Audio, and Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, and a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck, which looks awesome!

Then there's the Special Features, which are both phenomenal and plentiful: Brand new audio commentary with writer/director Frank Henenlotter and star Kevin Van Hentenryck, BASKET CASE 3-1/2: An Interview with Duane Bradley – Frank Henenlotter revisits Duane Bradley decades after the events of the original Basket Case, Seeing Double: The Basket Case Twins – a brand new interview with Florence and Maryellen Schultz, the twin nurses from Basket Case, Brand new making-of featurette containing new interviews with producer Edgar Ievins, casting person/actress Ilze Balodis, associate producer/effects artist Ugis Nigals and Belial performer Kika Nigals, Blood, BASKET and Beyond – a brand new interview with actress Beverly Bonner, Belial Goes to the Drive-In – a brand new interview with film critic Joe Bob Briggs, Outtakes Featurette, In Search of the Hotel Broslin – archive location featurette, SLASH OF THE KNIFE (1972) – short film by Frank Henenlotter, Belial’s Dream (2017, 5 mins) – brand new Basket Case-inspired animated short by filmmaker Robert Morgan, Behind-the-scenes of Belial’s Dream, Extensive Still Galleries, Trailers, TV Spots and Radio Spots! *whew* Holy crap that's a lot of special features!

BASKET CASE is a true bona fide cult classic, a grindhouse classic, a horror film classic, and still one helluva fun ride to watch! Take from me folks. Horror, B-movies, and exploitation films are my main passions in life, and I can assure you that this film is just awesome to watch! And thanks to Arrow Video, the film looks exquisite, contains astounding special features, and is required for any horror fans film library! This is a must-own release!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

BASKET CASE is available on Blu-Ray from Arrow Video. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit the Diabolik DVD website at www.diabolikdvd.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil’s Horror Watch: INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS (1972) from Severin Film - August 13, 2019

INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS Slipcover

INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS (1972)

Starring Norman Kelley, Tanna Hunter, Bruce Detrick, Paul Craig Jennings, Jack Neubeck, Richard Erickson, Cynthia Fleming
Screenplay by Ed Adlum, Ed Kelleher
Cinematography by Roberta Findlay (as Frederick Douglass)
Edited by Michael Findlay
Produced by Ed Adlum, Milton S. Greenman
Directed by Ed Adlum
Originally released by N.M.D. Film Distributing Company
Re-released by Severin Films

Today's film review is an interesting one. It was probably one of the worst films ever made.  And I've seen some bad films in my lifetime. Granted, some you have to take with a pinch of salt, while others I wondered how they were even made, let alone how the filmmakers would watch their final cut of the film and say to themselves, "Yup, we have a winner here!" Today's film is one of those films that I would see religiously on the shelves at my local mom & pop video store, but never had the balls to rent it. Over thirty years later, I finally watched INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS, and now I wish that I rented this all those years ago!

The film's official synopsis: In 1972, a team of New York City exploitation outlaws that included Ed Adlum (SHRIEK OF THE MUTILATED), Ed Kelleher (PRIME EVIL) and Michael & Roberta Findlay (THE TOUCH OF HER FLESH, SNUFF) – along with first-time assistant cameraman and future award-winning cinematographer Frederick Elmes (ERASERHEAD, BLUE VELVET) – descended on bucolic Westchester County with 8½ bottles of stage blood to make a movie about a Druid cult seeking to resurrect their dead queen. The budget was $24,000. The cast was paid in beer. And the result remains one of the greatest achievements in schlock/shock cinema history.

Original Theatrical Poster (1972)

Believe it or not, despite its low budget, the film has yet made its money back. Which is a real shame, if you ask me. The movie would have killed it at the drive-ins in rural America, and in the grindhouses that laced 42nd Street in New York City. The movie has it all: bewildering story, inane acting (both Richard Erickson () and Richard Kennedy () were so bad that they had to read off cue cards for their lines), and, according Adlum, the production went through eight and a half bottles of stage blood. Seriously, what more do you want in a cheesy low budget horror movie?

The film was released by N.M.D. Film Distributing Company on August 23, 1972 (364 days before my birthday). It was released on VHS in 1984 by Regal Video. After several years, it was released on DVD by filmmaker Fred Olen Ray's company Retromedia Entertainment in 2001. Afterwards, both Cheezy Flicks Entertainment and Code Red released DVD editions in 2011 and 2013, respectively, before landing at Severin Films.

Hailed as a  “accidental masterpiece” among genre fans, the film has garnered the status as a cult classic, and has been on many horror fans' Blu-Ray wish list. Again, Severin Films have come to the rescue, thanks to a brand new 2k restoration scan from the original negative for the first time ever! Plus they've added some cool bonus features to go along with this collector's release: Audio commentary with director Ed Adlum and actress Ortrum Tippel, moderated by Kier-La Janisse, author of "House of Psychotic Women", Nothing You’d Show Your Mom: Eddie Adlum’s Journey through Exploitation, Coin-Op & Rock n’ Roll, Harvesting the Dead: Interview with actor Jack Neubeck, Painful Memories: An interview with cinematographer Frederick Elmes, and the film's original theatrical trailer.

INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS is an unspeakable, grizzly, gory, Grade-Z horror flick that will make you go mad just by watching the first five minutes of it! So of course it's gonna be awesome!! It's hard to believe that it's taken me 30 years to get around to watch this movie! And now, thanks to Severin Films, I, along with horror fans, can now watch it whenever we want! And it's never looked this good before! So grab yourself a copy of this diabolical fright flick, and see what the hype is all about! You'll be glad you did! 4 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!

INVASION OF THE BLOOD FARMERS is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD from Severin Films. To purchase a copy, visit their website at severin-films.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil’s Exploitation Cinema: FUGITIVE GIRLS (1974) from Vinegar Syndrome - August 10, 2019

FUGITIVE GIRLS Blu-Ray Cover

FUGITIVE GIRLS (1974)

Starring Jabie Abercrombe, Rene Bond, Tallie Cochrane, Donna Young, Margie Lanier, Harvey Shain, Nicolle Riddell, Edward D. Wood Jr.
Screenplay by Stephen C. Apostolof (original screenplay) (as A.C. Stephen), Edward D. Wood Jr. (original screenplay)
Cinematography by Robert Birchall
Edited by Luigi Rogatoni (as Louigi Rogatoni)
Produced by Stephen C. Apostolof (as A.C. Stephen), S.B. Cooper
Directed by Stephen C. Apostolof (as A.C. Stephen)
Originally released by SCA Distributors
Re-Released by Vinegar Syndrome

Awww......is there anything better than 70's exploitation smut? The short answer is no! During this groovy decade, drive-ins and grindhouses were filled with these types of movies: sex crazed fiends, hot nude scenes, sizzling sex scenes, violence, and acting that ranks right below high school drama class. However, they were never boring; sometimes there were really risque with the subject manners ranging from lesbianism, rape, violence towards women, and prison treatment. A lot of these topics appear in the grindhouse sexploitation classic FUGITIVE GIRLS (which was co-written by the late, great Edward D. Wood Jr.) from Vinegar Syndrome!

The film's official synopsis: Beautiful Dee is implicated in a fatal liquor store shooting committed by her boyfriend. Sent to an all-female work camp, she quickly finds herself at the mercy of four other violent and sex crazed prisoners who force her into their daring escape plan. Once on the outside, the five fugitives embark on a brutal and sex filled rampage across the countryside, while making their way to a mystery site rumored to have a buried suitcase full of money!

Original Theatrical Poster (1974)

The movie was directed by Stephen C. Apostolof (as A.C. Stephen) and co-written by Edward D. Wood Jr. The same team that brought us ORGY OF THE DEAD (also from Vinegar Syndrome), this dynamic duo hit their peak with this movie (the two made nine films together). Hell, even Wood has a couple of roles in the movie, unfortunately you can see how hard life has hit him. Sadly, Wood would pass away on December 10, 1978, four years later after appearing here. Another legendary sexploitation star appears in the film. Rene Bond got her start acting in several Harry Novak produced exploitation flicks, such as COUNTRY CUZZINS, COUNTRY HOOKER, and PLEASE DON'T EAT MY MOTHER. She would also appear in several hardcore pornography films, and was one of the first actresses to have a breast enlargement. She left the film industry in the late seventies and was never seen again, until he appeared on the old game show Break the Bank in the mid-eighties. She passed away from of liver problems on June 2, 1996 at the young age of 45. Apostolof made two more movies after this, then left the film industry. He made several appearances in Ed Wood documentaries, then died on August 14, 2005, aged 77.

There were actually two different versions of the film being played back then. There was the exploitation version called FUGITIVE GIRLS without the softcore sex scenes, then there was the one with all the softcore sex scenes which was called FIVE LOOSE WOMEN. Now, thanks to Vinegar Syndrome, they were able to restore the film with all of the sexiness and put it out under the title.

Vinegar Syndrome once again has done an incredible job of restoring the film, featuring a newly 2k scan from the 35mm original camera negative. Some of the special features include the following: Audio commentary track with Frank Henenlotter (Exploitation filmmaker) and Rudolph Grey (Ed Wood biographer), archival audio interview with Tallie Cochrane (actress), moderated by Casey Scott, original theatrical and promo trailer, and English SDH Subtitles. The region free Blu-ray/DVD combo pack is limited to only 2,500 units, ans as I am writing this review, there are only eight copies left on their website!!

FUGITIVE GIRLS is a sexploitation cult classic for fans who love these films, and is a required addition to any Ed Wood library!! Here is a film that has been long overdue for a reissue and a rediscovery, and now you have a chance to won this amazing sex-filled, nudity laced, Ed Wood hamming it up acting, and lesbian loving gem of a flick! So what the hell are you waiting for? Order this movie now! 4 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!

FUGITIVE GIRLS is available in a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack from Vinegar Syndrome. To order a copy for yourself, visit their website at vinegarsyndrome.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil’s Horror Watch: DEAD PIT (1989) from Dark Force Entertainment/Code Red - July 22, 2019

DEAD PIT Blu-Ray Glow-in-the-Dark Slipcover

DEAD PIT (1989)

Starring Jeremy Slate, Cheryl Lawson, Stephen Gregory Foster, Danny Gochnauer, Geha Getz, Joan Bechtel, Michael Jacobs
Screenplay by Brett Leonard, Gimel Everett
Cinematography by Marty Collins
Edited by Gimel Everett, Brett Leonard
Produced by Jack A. Sunseri, Gimel Everett
Directed by Brett Leonard
Originally released by Imperial Entertainment
Re-released by Dark Force Entertainment/Code Red

Hello boils and ghouls and welcome back to another edition of Phil's Horror Watch! Today's film I'll be reviewing is one of my favorite horror films to come out of the late 1980's! The movie holds a special place in my heart, as it was filmed here in the South Bay, Santa Clara to be exact. The special effects were done over the hill in Santa Cruz. And it's one of the most excellent batshit crazy horror flicks this side of the nuthouse! I bought the special edition DVD years ago and I've been waiting it to be released on Blu-Ray. Now, thanks to Dark Force Entertainment, in partnership with Code Red, I just watched the brand new version of DEAD PIT Special Edition Blu-Ray and it was gloriously awesome!!

The film's official synopsis:

Phil's Horror Watch: THE DEAD NEXT DOOR (1989) from Tempe Entertainment - May 8, 2019

THE DEAD NEXT DOOR Slipcover

THE DEAD NEXT DOOR (1989)

Starring Pete Ferry, Bogdan Pecic, Michael Gross, Jolie Jackunas, Robert Kokai, Floyd Ewing Jr., Maria Markovic, Roger Graham, Bruce Campbell (voice) (uncredited)
Screenplay by J.R. Bookwalter
Cinematography by Michael Tolochko Jr
Edited by J.R. Bookwalter
Produced by J.R. Bookwalter, Michael Todd, Sam Raimi (under the pseudonym The Master Cylinder)
Directed by J.R. Bookwalter
Originally distributed by Tempe Video
Re-released by Tempe Entertainment

The independent and underground film world unleashed some of the greatest, important, and infamous horror films of all time! Filmmakers like George A. Romero, Wes Craven, Sam Raimi, and John Carpenter have become industry icons and legends within the horror genre. One such filmmaker to emerge from this environment J.R. Bookwalter, a 19 years old from Akron, Ohio wrote, produced, and directed a zombified, Super-8mm full length feature film that became a popular video rental. Three decades later, THE DEAD NEXT DOOR remains a cult classic from the mom & pop home video era!

The film's official synopsis: Two and a half decades before "The Walking Dead" made zombies mainstream on cable television, 19-year-old writer/director J.R. Bookwalter (OZONE, WITCHOUSE 2: THE COVEN) embarked on THE DEAD NEXT DOOR, an ambitious horror feature pitting an elite team of Zombie Squad soldiers against hoards of the undead and the secretive religious cult hell-bent on protecting them. The film would ultimately take four years to complete with the help of a now-famous Hollywood director and more than 1,500 Northeast Ohio residents, who portrayed the multitudes of bloodthirsty ghouls.

Phil's Cult Classics: ROBOT NINJA (1989) from Tempe Entertainment - April 24, 2019

ROBOT NINJA Slipcover Blu-Ray

ROBOT NINJA (1989)

Starring Michael Todd, Bogdan Pecic, Maria Markovic, Floyd Ewing Jr., Bill Morrison, James L. Edwards, Michael Kemper, Burt Ward, Linnea Quigley, Scott Spiegel
Written by J.R. Bookwalter
Cinematography by Michael Tolochko
Edited by J.R. Bookwalter
Produced by David DeCoteau, J.R. Bookwalter
Directed by J.R. Bookwalter
Originally distributed by Cinema Home Video
Re-released by Tempe Entertainment

By the late 1980's, video stores were booming, and there was plenty to rent on their shelves. At this time, the home video market became a cash cow for low budget, independent horror films and cult classics. Among the names that were synonymous during this era were Fred Olen Ray, David DeCoteau, Rick Sloane, and Jim Wynorski. But there was another name that snuck in late in the game but made some great low budget films for the mom & pop video stores. His name was J.R. Bookwalter, and, in 1986, made the 8mm horror film THE DEAD NEXT DOOR for video renters. In 1989, he made his sophomore feature that, unfortunately, didn't measure up to his expectations, and was abandoned by the filmmaker himself. Now, thirty years later, Bookwalter has repaired and restored this forgotten movie and has unleashed ROBOT NINJA onto the masses once again!

The film's official synopsis: Late one night, frustrated comic book artist Leonard Miller witnesses the brutal rape and murder of a young couple at the hands of ruthless small-town thugs. Seeking vigilante justice, Miller decides to become his most famous character, stalking the night intent on spilling the blood of any criminal who stands in his way! Painstakingly restored from a 2K film scan of the original 16mm A/B roll cut negative with a dynamic new 5.1 surround sound remix, this VHS-era classic returns in a streaming-exclusive 16:9 widescreen presentation for the first time ever. Written, produced, and directed by J.R. Bookwalter (THE DEAD NEXT DOOR, OZONE), ROBOT NINJA slashes, stabs, guts, pokes, and jabs its way to a climactic finale, putting a unique imprint on the superhero genre.

Bookwalter has done a fantastic job of restoring his movie, as well as going all out with the special features and improvements! There's a lot to list here, so bare with me for a second while I list them all! This is Blu-Ray/DVD 2-Disc Combo. Disc One is the Blu-Ray and offers the following: DTS HD-MA 5.1 Surround Remix, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Remix, Audio Commentary with writer/director J.R. Bookwalter, moderated by Matthew Dilts-Williams of Phantom Pain Films, Audio Commentary with executive producer David DeCoteau & producer J.R. Bookwalter, Audio Commentary with director J.R. Bookwalter, star James L. Edwards, associate producer Scott P. Plummer, co-creator David Lange, and special makeup consultant David P. Barton, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Dubbed Mix in German, Italian, and Castilian Spanish, Rebuilding the Robot: J.R. Bookwalter on the Restoration, Thank You Miss Barbeau: Interview with Linnea Quigley, Contemplating Coleslaw: Interview with Scott Spiegel, Dr. Goodknight's Neighborhood: Location Tour with Benjamin Bookwalter, "The Robot Ninja" 2013 Fan Film with introduction by director Johnny Dickie, Artwork & Promotional Gallery, Behind The Scenes Gallery, Production Stills Gallery, Optional English or Spanish Subtitles, and four Tempe Digital Trailers! *whew*

And now on to Disc 2 which is the DVD portion of the combo. Here are the following: The 1989 VHS Version in 4:3 Original Aspect Ratio (1.33:1, 80 mins.), Unreleased Dolby Digital 2.0 Original Stereo Mix, Audio Commentary with Doug Tilley and Moe Porne of The No-Budget Nightmares Podcast, Robot Ninja: Unmasked! featurette, Behind-the-Scenes Footage with audio commentary by director J.R. Bookwalter, Rough Cut Outtakes, "The Adventures of Robot Ninja" TV Show Promo, Newscast Outtakes, Location Preshoots, Original 1989 VHS Release Trailer, Optional English or Spanish Subtitles, and more Tempe Digital Trailers! Holy crap, I feel like I just ran a 100 mile marathon!!

ROBOT NINJA is a bona fide VHS rental cult classic that is long overdue of a resurgence of notoriety!! It's a fun, down and dirty, DIY indie film that provides the fun, action, blood, and gore for the ages!! Now, a whole new generation of genre fans can now bare witness to a film that was ahead of its time! With the Age of the Superheroes dominating the cinemas, what better time to revisit this awesome cult classic!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

ROBOT NINJA is available on Blu-Ray/DVD Combo and Limited Edition VHS for collectors. To purchase a copy and other J.R. Bookwalter titles and Tempe Entertainment releases, please visit makeflix.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Shudder Picks: HORROR NOIRE: A HISTORY OF BLACK HORROR - Feb. 9, 2019

HORROR NOIRE: A HISTORY OF BLACK HORROR (2019)

Starring Jordan Peele, Keith David, Tony Todd, Rachel True, Miguel A. Núñez Jr., Loretta Devine, Paula Jai Parker, Ken Foree, Kelly Jo Minter, Richard Lawson, Ernest R. Dickerson, Rusty Cundieff, Ken Sagoes, Tina Mabry, William Crain
Written by Ashlee Blackwell, Danielle Burrows
Based on the book by Robin R. Means Coleman, PhD.
Cinematography by Mario Ricardo Rodriguez
Edited by Horatiu Lemnei, Scott Strobel
Produced by Ashlee Blackwell, Danielle Burrows, Robin R. Means Coleman, Tananarive Due, Phil Nobile Jr., Kelly Ryan
Directed by Xavier Burgin
Released by Shudder

February is Black History Month, and it is a time we celebrate the extraordinary achievements, accomplishments, and contributions made by African Americans. It's also a month that we reflect on the past; how these individuals and ancestors were mistreated, exploited, and ridiculed. One of these areas that African Americans were blantedly stereotyped was in the cinemas. Since its inception, movies have portrayed them as less than human; a bigoted slant that they were forced to see on the silver screen. This is true even in the horror genre; as they subjected to the same stereotypes and is usually the first to fall victim. But over the years, fans of the genre have witnessed a resurgence of new horror films told from a black perspective, courtesy of black filmmakers who have the courage and talent to tell their stories to a mass audience. The first of its kind, HORROR NOIRE: A HISTORY OF BLACK HORROR is a documentary about a subject that has long been overlooked, and quiet frankly, needed to be told!

The film's official synopsis: Delving into a century of genre films that by turns utilized, caricatured, exploited, sidelined, and finally embraced them, Horror Noire traces the untold history of Black Americans in Hollywood through their connection to the horror genre. Adapting Robin Means Coleman’s seminal book, HORROR NOIRE: A HISTORY OF BLACK HORROR will present the living and the dead, using new and archival interviews from scholars and creators; the voices who survived the genre’s past trends, to those shaping its future. A SHUDDER ORIGINAL.

Based on the 2011 book of the same name by Robin R. Means Coleman, PhD., the film examines how African Americans were portrayed in American films, and the racist stereotypes that Hollywood made into the norm. Starting with the 1915 film BIRTH OF A NATION, the documentary goes through the decades leading up to the transformative horror film NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, which was released in 1968. Directed by the late, great George A. Romero, the movie shattered the norm by having a black actor as its lead and hero, giving orders to the white people in the house that they are all hiding in, killing white zombies, and then being killed at the end, The movie was made during the height of the civil rights movement, and was released right after the assignation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

HORROR NOIRE: A HISTORY OF BLACK HORROR is one of the best documentaries of 2019, period!! Insightful, informative, and eye opening, the movie shines a light on a topic that has been living in the shadows for far too long! In this day and age, it's a reminder that history does repeat itself, if we don't learn from it. With the current administration, the climate of America is one of fear, racism, and idiocy. To combat these, we possess education, enlightenment, and to keep us moving forward! The same came be said in Hollywood, and in the horror genre! If this doesn't inspire you, then nothing will! It's now time more than ever for new voices to be heard, and the horror community welcomes it with open arms!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

HORROR NOIRE: A HISTORY OF BLACK HORROR is now streaming exclusively on Shudder. To view it, sign up on its website at www.shudder.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the education! 

Phil's Horror Watch: SKINNER (1993) from Severin Films - February 8, 2019

SKINNER Limited Edition Slipcover Blu-Ray

SKINNER (1993)

Starring Ted Raimi, Traci Lords, Ricki Lake, David Warshofsky, Richard Schiff, Blaire Baron, Christina Engelhardt, Roberta Eaton
Written by Paul Hart-Wilden
Cinematography by Greg Littlewood
Edited by Jeremy Kasten, Fred Roth, Peter Schink (as Peter Schenk)
Produced by Mark Beychok, Nelson I. Korchak, Dan Sales (as Daniel Sales), Tamar E. Glaser, Jeff Pollon, James H. Rutt, Brad Wyman
Directed by Ivan Nagy
Originally released by A-Pix Entertainment
Released by Severin Films

Over the years, there have been a resurgence of horror films from the early 1990's that people are finally discovering. Granted, this was not the best time for the horror genre; with the slasher genre dead and most being cheap direct-to-video releases, there were little choices for fans. But there were some diamonds in the rough, but they were few and far between. Some of these lost gems have gone on to become cult classics, attracting new viewers with each passing year. One of these films was a down-and-dirty horror flick that became somewhat popular for several reasons. Make no mistake, SKINNER is still shockingly weird and disturbingly fun after all these years!!

The film's official synopsis: It’s been called “sleaze-oozing” (Flick Attack), “gut-churning” (The Bedlam Files) and “incredibly tasteless” (Cult Reviews). It featured the most intensely graphic scenes yet by KNB EFX Group (The Walking Dead). Uncut, it remains perhaps the most disturbing – and rarely seen – shocker of the ‘90s: Ted Raimi (Xena: Warrior Princess) delivers an unnerving performance as psycho drifter Dennis Skinner who wears flesh-suits he slices from doomed prostitutes, falls for a lonely young housewife (Ricki Lake of HAIRSPRAY fame), and is himself hunted by a horribly scarred survivor (an equally unhinged performance by Traci Lords). Richard Schiff (The West Wing) co-stars in this still-potent sickie from veteran television director – and one-time Heidi Fleiss boyfriend – Ivan Nagy, now scanned in 4k from the original camera negative and including the complete hooker-flaying sequence.

Original VHS Box Cover (1995)

I recall seeing parts of the movie back in the day, but this was the first time for me of actually watching the whole thing, and in its restored edition! Ted Raimi is flat out crazy awesome in the film, and he brings his A-Game to the antagonist Dennis Skinner. Traci Lords is just as crazy as the scarred Heidi, whose thirst for revenge will take her on a dangerous path! Ricki Lake's character Kerry Tate is the only normal person to be found in the movie, even though she's alone all the time, so it's only natural that she would start to have feeling for Dennis. He's calm, listens to her, and is quite good looking, for a serial killer! C'mon Kerry, wake up! He's totally creepy, and there's plenty of clues to his behavior! Why did he always carry that tool bag around? Why was he coming and going at all those random times of the day and night? Weren't you curious as to where he came from? Oh, he's got money for rent and such. OK, but where the hell did he get it all? Yeah, there are a couple of holes in the script, but overall, I was very entertained.

The film was released on VHS from A-Pix Entertainment, the company that brought other 90's direct-to-video titles such as JACK FROST, EVIL ED, BREEDERS, THE ICE CREAM MAN, and UNCLE SAM. It was eventually released on DVD by Image Entertainment, but the transfer of the picture wasn't all that great, plus it was the edited version as well. Then in November, Severin Films announced that they obtained the rights and were finally releasing the unedited version.

Bless the hearts over at Severin Films, as they restore some of the best forgotten, overlooked, and infamous movies of all time! Who else would take the original camera negatives and make a brand new 4K scan of this 90's cult classic? These guys of course! The picture quality is fantastic, looking so sharp and crisp! When this title was announced as part of their Black Friday sale, it featured an exclusive Limited Edition slipcase. As I am writing this review, I believe these copies are now sold out, but the standard Blu-Ray copies are still available to purchase.

The special features on here are not only awesome, but informative and cool! Included are the following: A Touch of Scandal - Interview with Director Ivan Nagy, Under His Skin - Interview with Star Ted Raimi, Bargain Bin VHS For A Buck - Interview with Screenwriter Paul Hart-Wilden, Cutting Skinner – Interview with Editor Jeremy Kasten, Flaying Sequence Outtakes and Extended Takes, and the film's trailer.

SKINNER is a lost 90's fright flick that will transport you back when direct-to-video movies were all the rage at your local video store!! For the first time, you get to see the uncut, unrated, and uncensored version of the this sick and twisted cult classic! What more do you need? Make tonight an outrageous 90's horror movie night!! Just make sure you don't invite anyone named Skinner to cover and watch it with you! 4 out of 5 stars! Highly recommended!

SKINNER is available on both Blu-Ray and DVD from Severin Films. To purchase a copy, visit their website at severin-films.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil’s Horror Watch: ZOMBIE (1979) from Blue Underground - February 7, 2019

ZOMBIE Limited Edition "Bridge" Slipcover Blu-Ray

ZOMBIE (aka ZOMBI 2) (1979)
Starring Tisa Farrow, Ian McCulloch, Richard Johnson, Al Cliver, Auretta Gay, Stefania D'Amario, Olga Karlatos
Written by Elisa Briganti, Dardano Sacchetti (uncredited)
Cinematography by Sergio Salvati
Edited by Vincenzo Tomassi
Produced by Fabrizio De Angelis, Ugo Tucci, Gianfranco Couyoumdjian
Directed by Lucio Fulci
Originally released by The Jerry Gross Organization (USA), Variety Film (Italy)
Released by Blue Unnderground

For today's installment of Phil's Horror Watch, I visited the land of Italy, home to some of the most intense, gruesome, gory, and celebrated horror films of all time! What made me want to visit this far and away land? I have two words for you: Lucio Fulcio! You see, late last year Blue Underground re-released one of his greatest films of all time, in a brand new, 3-Disc, 4K restoration! And, it came with not one, not two, but three different lenticular slipcovers! Granted, the film itself is enough to make any horror hound happy! If you don't believe me, then you have never seen the film ZOMBIE, especially in high definition!!

The film's official synopsis: In Italy, it was considered the ‘unofficial sequel’ to DAWN OF THE DEAD. In England, it was known as ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS and banned as obscene. In America, it was called ZOMBIE and advertised with the depraved tag line “WE ARE GOING TO EAT YOU!” Tisa Farrow (THE GRIM REAPER), Ian McCulloch (CONTAMINATION), Al Cliver (CANNIBALS), and Richard Johnson (THE HAUNTING) star in this worldwide splatter sensation directed by ‘Maestro Of Gore’ Lucio Fulci (CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD, THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY) that remains one of the most eye-skewering, skin-ripping, gore-gushingly graphic horror hits of all time!

Original Theatrical Poster (1980)

Sounds like a very intriguing film indeed, but the backstory of the film is even more fascinating. In 1977, American filmmaker George Romero teamed up with Italian filmmaker Dario Argento, who would help with the financing to make DAWN OF THE DEAD. In exchange Argento would distribute the film in Europe, where it was retitled as ZOMBI. Director Fulci decided to capitalize on the film's success by making his own gore-infested, living dead film. Thanks to a legal loophole, Fulci was able to slap a sequel number to his film, allowing moviegoers to think that his film was an actual follow up to Romero's film. Unbelievably true, but in the end Fulci's ZOMBI 2 did phenomenal at the European boxoffice. When the film was imported to America, it was retitled ZOMBIE, as to not confuse American audiences.

The film itself is highly regarded as Fulci's best film ever, and a welcomed entry to the annals of horror. The special effects by F/X wizard Gianetto de Rossi are very impressive, and they still hold up to this very day. When Auretta Gay has her throat torn out is just gore-tastic. The scene when Olga Karlatos' eye is shoved into a large piece wood splinter is just so gruesome and painful to watch that I dare you to not look away. And of course, the film's most famous scene is when a zombie attacks and eats a shark. Yes my friends, that is a REAL person fighting a REAL shark! There is no CGI in this film people! Real sharks, real special effects, and real gore drenched the screen as it has never before. The Italians very much celebrated gore and violence, and in the process, made it into an art form that has influenced several big name horror directors. From Sam Raimi and Sean Cunningham to Eli Roth and James Wan, the Italian horror films from the late 70's to the mid 80's had a huge impact here in America. The film was released in Italy on August 25, 1979. It was imported and released to theaters here in America on July 18, 1980.

The movie has been released for the home video market in several different formats over the years by several distributors. In the 1980's and early 1990's, it was distributed by video companies like Wizard Video, Magnum Entertainment, and T-Z Video here in the states, while in the UK, it was part of the "Video Nasties" and was banned their for a time. By the late 90's, companies like Anchor Bay Entertainment, Shriek Show, and Blu Underground had released the film on DVD and Blu-Ray. In 2011, Blue Underground had restored Lucio's classic in a 2K restoration, and released it back to select theaters across the country (this lucky guy saw it at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco in October of that same year). Then in 2018, while being very quite for most of the year, they announced that they were once again restoring the film, this time in a new 4K scan in time for its 40th anniversary!!

Original Italian Theatrical Poster (1979)

This new Blu-ray release Blue Underground looks absolutely fucking amazing!! Holy shit! I have never seen the movie look this sharp, clear, fucking gorgeous before!! Their brand-new 4K Restoration from the uncensored original camera negative looks insanely flawless!! This limited collector’s edition includes 1080p Feature on Blu-ray, bonus High Def Extras Blu-ray, Soundtrack CD, collectible booklet, reversible sleeve with original US poster artwork, a collectable booklet with a new essay by Author Stephen Thrower, and three different special 3D lenticular slipcovers (for its First Pressing only)!!

Blue Underground also loaded this 3-Disc set with a ungodly amount of amazing special features! So what I'm doing is just copying what is on all three discs, just to make it easier on myself as to not leave anything off. On Disc One there's a new Audio Commentary #1 with Troy Howarth, Author of "Splintered Visions: Lucio Fulci and His Films", a second audio commentary with Star Ian McCulloch and Diabolik Magazine Editor Jason J. Slater, When The Earth Spits Out The Dead - Interview with Stephen Thrower, Author of "Beyond Terror: The Films of Lucio Fulci", theatrical trailers, TV and radio spots, poster & still gallery, and a cool intro by Guillermo del Toro. Disc Two has all the special features: Zombie Wasteland - Interviews with Stars Ian McCulloch, Richard Johnson & Al Cliver, and Actor/Stuntman Ottaviano Dell'Acqua, Flesh Eaters on Film - Interview with Co-Producer Fabrizio De Angelis, Deadtime Stories - Interviews with Co-Writers Elisa Briganti and (Uncredited) Dardano Sacchetti, World of the Dead - Interviews with Cinematographer Sergio Salvati and Production & Costume Designer Walter Patriarca, Zombi Italiano - Interviews with Special Make-Up Effects Artists Gianetto De Rossi & Maurizio Trani and Special Effects Artist Gino De Rossi, Notes on a Headstone - Interview with Composer Fabio Frizzi, All in the Family - Interview with Antonella Fulci, Zombie Lover - Award-Winning Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro talks about one of his favorite films . Disc Three is the aforementioned CD soundtrack by the great Fabio Frizzi!

ZOMBIE is one of the all-time greatest zombie films ever made!! For it's shock value and sheer madness, no other zombie film can compare to nor come close to it! With this film, director Fulci was given the mantle "The Maestro of Gore." It is without hesitation to say that, after its initial release 40 years later, it is a title that no one has come close to achieving. Years after his passing, he continues to live on in his films, which are not only his legacy, but a gift to us to enjoy over and over again! And thanks to Blue Underground, we can have this new 4K restoration to watch over and over again! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly Recommended!! 

ZOMBIE is available in a 3-Dics Limited Edition with three different lenticular slipcovers (or purchase all as a bundle for a limited time) from Blue Underground. To order your copy, visit their website at www.blue-underground.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming! 

Phil's Horror Watch: SPLATTER UNIVERSITY (1984) from Vinegar Syndrome - Jan. 30, 2019

SPLATTER UNIVERSITY Slipcover Blu-Ray

SPLATTER UNIVERSITY (1984)

Starring Forbes Riley (as Francine Forbes), Ric Randig, Dick Biel, Kathy LaCommare, Laura Gold, Ken Gerson, Noel Stilphen, Mary Ellen David, Sal Lumetta
Written by Richard W. Haines, Michael Cunningham, John Elias Michalakis (as John Michaels), Miljan Peter Ilich
Cinematography by Fred Cohen, Jim Grib
Edited by Richard W. Haines
Produced by Richard W. Haines, John Elias Michalakis (as John Michaels), Miljan Peter Ilich
Directed by Richard W. Haines
Originally released by Troma Entertainment
Released by Vinegar Syndrome

Welcome back horror hounds to another horrifyingly scary installment of Phil's Horror Watch! Now as some of you may know, the 1980's had some of the best horror films ever made! With the slasher genre in full swing, and with latex make-up and special effects becoming more advance, horror movies were now more stained with blood and gore than ever before, and fans were flocking to the nearest theater to watch it all unfold on the big screen. One of these gems was the Troma Entertainment horror flick SPLATTER UNIVERSITY, which was just released by the fine folks at Vinegar Syndrome.

The film's official synopsis: Years ago, a madman escaped from an asylum, slashing his way through to freedom and continuing his bloody rampage at nearby Saint Trinian’s College. Now, years later, new teacher Julie Parker, begins to sense that something isn’t quite right at the small town college and it’s not long before her students and fellow faculty members begin disappearing or, worse yet, are found brutally butchered. Determined to uncover the truth behind the ongoing violence, Julie begins her own investigation, unaware that she’s putting herself at risk of becoming the ruthless murderer’s next target.

The film was the feature length debut of Richard W. Haines, who would also co-direct another Troma classic CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH in 1986. Haines actually shot the film in 1981, but when it was edited together, he realized that it was only 65 minutes long. The following year, he shot extra footage to pad the film out to a lean, mean 79 minutes running time. However, this wasn't to be the first obstacle that he had to face. The film was shot at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, New York, and Haines and his crew were told that they could film there for two weeks during their spring break. But shortly after production began, the college told them that they only had one week to film, and many of the crew members slept in several of the classrooms so they could finish the project.

Original Theatrical Poster (1984)

While cheesy in some scenes, the film is quiet mean and nasty, with kills galore and bloodshed everywhere. The cast were fine in their roles, but shout out to the amazing Forbes Riley for carrying the film on her shoulders. She was the standout out of everybody; bringing depth, vulnerability, and class to her character Julie Parker. Again, she was fantastic, and I was shocked about what happened to her at the film's finale! Holy crap what a freaking ending!!

The movie was originally released to theaters on July 13, 1984 by Troma Entertainment, an independent film studio founded in 1974 by Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz that's still in business to this very day! Believe it or not, the film actually played on the infamous 42nd Street in Times Square in New York! The movie was a success, and was eventually released on VHS from Troma, and later on DVD. Fun Fact: Troma model Elizabeth Kaitan was featured on both the film's poster and VHS cover, but wasn't in the movie. In late, 2018, Vinegar Syndrome announced that they would be releasing the movie on Blu-Ray for the very first time.

As for the transfer, it looks really fantastic! The film was newly scanned & restored in 2k from 16mm camera negative and looks better than ever. English SDH subtitles were also added to both disc and the combo features reversible cover artwork. For collectors, there's a special limited edition embossed slipcover and is limited to only 1,500 units! The slipcover is designed by Earl Kessler Jr. and looks awesome! This limited edition slipcover is available only at the Vinegar Syndrome website.

The combo disc comes packed with some cool extras. The special features include commentary track with director Richard W. Haines, a separate commentary with The Hysteria Continues!, audio interview with composer Christopher Burke, still gallery, theme song, script gallery, radio spots, original trailer, and TV spot.

SPLATTER UNIVERSITY is an unique, twisted, nasty horror movie that will appease even the most rabid horror fan! It's a movie that many people may not have seen nor heard, but now thanks to Vinegar Syndrome, the film is now ready to be seen by the whole world! And also thanks to Troma Entertainment for releasing it all those years ago! So grab your college friends and get ready to cram for this all-nighter of a flick!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

SPLATTER UNIVERSITY is available in a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack from Vinegar Syndrome. To order a copy for yourself, visit their website at vinegarsyndrome.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Cult Classics: SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA (1988) from FUll Moon Features - January 28, 2019

SORORITY BABES Blu-Ray

SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA (1988)

Starring Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, Michelle Bauer, Andras Jones, Hal Havins, John Stuart Wildman, Kathi O'Brecht, Carla Baron, Robin Stille (as Robin Rochelle)
Written by Sergei Hasenecz
Cinematography by Stephen Ashley Blake
Edited by Tom Meshelski, Barry Zetlin
Produced by Charles Band, David DeCoteau, John Schouweiler, Thomas Keith
Directed by David DeCoteau
Originally released by Urban Classics
Released by Full Moon Features

Hello B-movie fanatics and welcome to the first installment of Phil's Cult Classic of 2019! For today's film, I decided to revisit a favorite of mine, and for those who've read my blog, you may recall that I did a review of the this film several years ago. However, Charles Band, the man behind Full Moon Features, teamed up with director David DeCoteau to restore this beloved 80's gem of a flick. Looking brand new like never before, SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA is now once again available to fans in a new 2k restoration!!

The film's official synopsis: Three frat boys Calvin (Jones), Jimmie (Havins), and Keith (Wildman) sneak into the Tri-Delta sorority to witness the initiation of two new pledges Taffy (Stevens) and Lisa (Bauer). However the boys are busted by sorority sisters Rhonda (Kathi O'Brecht), Frankie (Carla Baron), and den mother Babs Peterson (Stille). As punishment, Babs sends the new pledges and the unwanted frat boys to the local bowling lane to steal a trophy. There the group meets Spider (Quigley) who is robbing the bowling alley. However an accident causes the trophy to break open, releasing an evil imp who then begins wreaking havoc by granting wishes that have dire consequences.

The film was directed by David DeCoteau, who was one of the Top Three B-movie directors during the 1980's (the other two being Rick Sloane and Fred Olen Ray). DeCoteau has directed several low-budget classics from the 80s, such as CREEPOZOIDS, NIGHTMARE SISTERS, DR. ALIEN. DeCoteau would also go on to direct films for Charles Band's company Full Moon Entertainment: PUPPET MASTER III, BEACH BABES FROM BEYOND, THE KILLER EYE for example. In recent years, he has directed a plethora of  television movies for the Hallmark Channel, including THE WRONG STUDENT, DEADLY LESSONS, and MY MOTHER'S STALKER just to name a few. Then there's the films he's made for his own company Rapid Hearts Pictures like the 1313 SERIES, LEECHES, 90210 SHARK ATTACK, and SWAMP FREAK. Overall, DeCoteau has directed a staggering 147 films!!

Original Theatrical Poster (1988)

Another interesting and noteworthy fact is that this was the first film that had all three of the legendary Scream Queens together at once. Quigley, Stevens, and Bauer were at that time the biggest names in the B-movie universe. They appeared in countless films during the 1980s, however it was DeCoteau who was able to bring these ladies together in one film. He would do this again with NIGHTMARE SISTERS that same year, and almost 25 years later, DeCoteau would reunite them again years later for 1313: COUGAR CULT and 3 SCREAM QUEENS. SORORITY BABES had a limited theatrical release on January 29, 1988, courtesy of Band's Urban Classics label. It was later released on VHS and was a staple on the USA cable's late night movie show UP ALL NIGHT during the 1990's. The show was hosted by Rhonda Sheer and Gilbert Gottfried on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.

Again, this transfer of the movie is the best version that I have ever seen! It looks so damn amazing that I thought I died and gone to heaven. So the story goes is that DeCoteau was going through Band's collection at the Full Moon Warehouse and he came upon the original camera negatives of the film. So they took them, did a 2k scan of it, did a color correction, and added some new special features and released on Blu-Ray. For all these years, what Full Moon Features have been doing is releasing the movie on VHS and DVD, but using an old video copy as their source material, which is way it always looked bad.

As I stated, there's some cool new special features on the disc: Tales from the Bowling Alley: never before-seen behind the scenes featurette featuring an in-depth interview with director David DeCoteau on the making of the film, Original Theatrical Trailer, New 2017 Restored Trailer, Brand New audio commentary with director David DeCoteau, writer Sergei Hasenecz and Scream Queen Brinke Stevens, new intro by David DeCoteau, and several Full Moon Features trailers.

SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA is one of best B-movies to come out of the 1980s! While the film seems tame by today's standards, what makes it so much fun was that there's a touch of innocence to it. These films were just innocent fun, and unfortunately, they don't make 'em like this anymore. So if you're looking for a midnight movie to watch, give this film a whirl and have fun! Just don't let any imps out of bowling trophies! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

SORORITY BABES IN THE SLIMEBALL BOWL-O-RAMA is now available on Blu-Ray and DVD from Full Moon Features. To purchase a copy, visit their website at www.fullmoondirect.com. 

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!  

Phil's Horror Watch: DOOM ASYLUM (1988) from Arrow Video - January 14, 2019

DOOM ASYLUM Blu-Ray.

DOOM ASYLUM (1988)

Starring Michael Rogen, Patty Mullen, Ruth Collins, Kristin Davis, William Hay, Kenny L. Price, Harrison White
Written by Richard Friedman, Rick Marx, Steve Menkin
Cinematography by Larry Revene
Edited by Ray Shapiro
Produced by Alexander W. Kogan Jr., Barry Tucker, Ted Hope, Steven G. Menkin
Directed by Richard Friedman
Originally released by Academy Video
Released by Arrow Video

Continuing the legacy of the totally radical year of 1988, today's film is another shining example of independent horror filmmaking, and an example of what not to do when making an independent horror film. This particular movie has a reputation of being one of  the worst films to come out of the 1980's, which to me is unfair. It's not that bad. It falls into the "It's so bad, it's good" category. What I loved about the movie that it tries really, really hard to be a good movie. And it's that good intentions that make DOOM ASYLUM such a charming movie!

The film's official synopsis: When a group of horny teens wind up on the grounds of a creepy abandoned asylum, they think they’ve found the perfect place to party. Little do they know that inside the building’s crumbling walls lurks a freakishly deformed maniac, driven to madness by the tragic loss of his fiancée in a car accident. With an array of grisly surgical tools at his disposal, it’s only a matter of time before the youngsters begin meeting various splattery ends at the hands of the ghoulish Coroner. Helmed by director Richard Friedman and also starring Penthouse Pet of the Year 1988 Patty Mullen, DOOM ASYLUM combines outlandish gore and a wise-cracking villain to create one of the most wildly entertainingly blood-spattered slashers of the late ’80s.

Now, this was my first time watching the movie, but I have known of its existence for a long time. Back in 1994, while I was at a horror convention here in San Jose,  I purchased a book called "Invasion of the Scream Queens" and it contained within its pages an interview with actress Ruth Collins. In her interview, the authors included a full page poster of DOOM ASYLUM, and it looked so cool. I looked for it at all of my favorite local mom & pop video stores, but always came up empty handed. Now, in 2019, I finally purchased my very own copy, and I must confess, it was soooo worth the wait!

Original VHS Cover Art (1988)

The movie is full of cheesy goodness that I'm surprised that it wasn't on the old USA Up Al Night show back in the 90's! The plot is paper thin, the acting is mostly wooden, the special effects are really awesome, and the characters are just so damn goofy that it puts a smile on my face. There's an innocence to the film, which is a common thread for a lot of the B-movies being made at that time. The film doesn't take itself seriously, and that's what makes it so much fun to watch! It's a type of film that doesn't get recognize enough, nor does it get made anymore. This is a lost art form, and I'm glad to see it back in the public's eyes once more!

The cast is totally awesome in their respective roles! Lead actress Patty Mullen became more well known a couple of years later when she starred in Frank Henenlotter's 1990 cult classic FRANKENHOOKER. Ruth Collins would go on to star in other low budget films like PSYCHOS IN LOVE, CEMETERY HIGH, PRIME EVIL, and DEADLY EMBRACE. The film would mark the acting debut of one Kristin Davis, who can also be seen in TV shows like General Hospital,
Melrose Place, and Seinfield, but it was her role as Charlotte York on the hit Showtime series Sex and the City that landed her in the public's conscience. Our antagonist Michael Rogen had a very short acting career, having appeared in a handful of projects. You can see him Frank Henenlotter's 1990 sequel BASKET CASE 2, PUNCH THE CLOCK, and on the television show Tribeca as Albert.

The movie was co-written and directed by Richard Friedman. Having directed some television episodes, he would go on to direct a plethora of projects, including PHANTOM AT THE MALL: ERIC'S REVENGE, SCARED STIFF, and DEATH MASK as well as TV shows like Silk Stalkings, Baywatch Nights, and Friday the 13th: The Series, as well as a series of short films and then that was that for him. It's too bad, because I would have liked to see more from him.

Once again the wonderful people at Arrow Video have pulled out all the stops restoring this lost classic! They did a brand new 2K restoration of the film from the original camera negative, offer 1.85:1 and 1.33:1 versions of the feature, original uncompressed PCM mono audio, optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Justin Osbourne, and a fully-illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Amanda Reyes for the first pressings of the Blu-Ray/DVD combo.

Arrow Video also dished out some pretty damn cool special features as well for the combo. Included are a brand new audio commentary with screenwriter Rick Marx, brand new audio commentary with The Hysteria Continues, a brand new interview with actress Ruth Collins entitled, "Tina’s Terror", a brand new interview with director of photography Larry Revene entitled, "Movie Madhouse", a brand new interview with special make-up effects creator Vincent J. Guastini entitled, "Morgues & Mayhem", Archival Interviews with producer Alexander W. Kogan, Jr., director Richard Friedman and production manager Bill Tasgal, and a stills gallery!

DOOM ASYLUM is one of the most entertainingly, goofy, silly, off-the-wall wacky slasher flick that I have ever seen in my lifetime!! If you're looking for a weird ass horror film from the Decade of Decadence that has to offer, then look no further!! From bad puns and 80's high-cut bathing suits, this movie has it all and more!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

DOOM ASYLUM is available on Blu-Ray from Arrow Video. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit the Diabolik DVD website at www.diabolikdvd.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!

Phil's Horror Watch: DEADBEAT AT DAWN (1988) from Arrow Video - January 14, 2019

DEADBEAT AT DAWN Blu-Ray.

DEADBEAT AT DAWN (1988)

Starring Paul Harper, Jim Van Bebber, Megan Murphy, Ric Walker, Marc Pitman, Maureen Gentner
Written by Jim Van Bebber
Cinematography by Michael King
Edited by Jim Van Bebber
Produced by Michael King
Directed by Jim Van Bebber
Originally released by Ketchum Video
Released by Arrow Video

Welcome back to the first installment of Phil's Horror Watch of 2019! Today's feature leans more towards exploitation than horror, however, it exploits the horror of living in the town of Dayton, Ohio during the 1980's.  It's also a great example of the Do-It-Yourself independent filmmaking that was sweeping the nation during the decade. It's depictions of gang violence, lost love, and revenge made it a cult classic when it was first released back in 1988. Over three decades later, the fine folks over at Arrow Video gave the film a new and improved upgrade that it so richly deserved. Now, fans old and new can witness the brilliant and violent cinematic treasure called DEADBEAT AT DAWN!

The film's official synopsis: Written by, directed by, and starring Van Bebber, Deadbeat follows the story of Goose – a gang leader whose girlfriend is brutally slaughtered when he attempts to leave the thug life behind. Pulled back into the gang, who’ve now formed an uneasy alliance with the thugs that butchered his girl, Goose sees an opportunity to exact his brutal, deadly revenge. The very definition of DIY, independent filmmaking (VanBebber quit film school after his first year and used his student loan to fund the movie), DEADBEAT AT DAWN surpasses its low-budget origins to create a revenge movie that delivers more thrills and bloody spills than all of Chuck Norris’ films combined.

When I first watched the movie, I thought it was shot in New York City, but to my surprised, it was filmed in Dayton, Ohio. Van Bebber captures the plight of his city the same way that filmmakers have done prior for the Big Apple. Some of the names that come to mind are Abel Ferrara's DRILLER KILLER and MS.45, Buddy Giovinazzo's COMBAT SHOCK, and Susan Seidelman's SMITHEREENS for example. Van Bebber's style of directing is both beautiful and haunting, grotesque and confrontational. His camera doesn't shy away from those moments of both happiness and sheer violence of gang violence. His style lies somewhere between traditional and documentary, showing us that he isn't afraid of pushing the envelope, and then showing us what's inside. And it's all shot on glorious 16mm filmstock, giving it this aura of sleaze and griminess that looks like it would've been screened at a grindhouse theater on 42nd Street.

Original Theatrical Poster (1988)

Applause goes to Arrow Video for their tremendous job of restoring this beloved cult classic! They did a brand new 2K restoration from original film elements, supervised and approved by Jim VanBebber himself, and looks better than ever in High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation! The discs also offer the original uncompressed PCM mono audio, optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, and a reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Peter Strain.

The Blu-Ray/DVD also comes with a plethora of awesome special features. Included are a brand new free-wheeling audio commentary with Jim VanBebber ('Goose', The Ravens' Gang Leader), actor Paul Harper ('Danny Carmodi', The Spyders' Gang Leader) and guest Cody Lee Hardin, moderated by filmmaker Victor Bonacore (Diary of a Deadbeat: The Story of Jim VanBebber), Archival 1986 behind-the-scenes documentary Nate Pennington's VHS documentary on a failed Deadbeat shoot, Outtakes, newly transferred in HD, Four newly-restored VanBebber short films Into the Black (1983, 34 mins), My Sweet Satan (1993, 19 mins), Roadkill: The Last Days of John Martin (1994, 14 mins) and Gator Green (2013, 16 mins), Jim VanBebber Music Video Collection, featuring never-before-seen Director's Cuts, Chunkblower promotional trailer for an unfinished Gary Blair Smith-produced gore-soaked feature film, Extensive Image Gallery Never-Before-Seen Stills, Jim VanBebber, Deadbeat Forever! a brand new retrospective documentary on VanBebber and the Deadbeat legacy by Filmmaker Victor Bonacore, featuring first-time interviews, super-rare footage, VanBebber's college films and much, much more! Plus, a collector's booklet featuring new writing by Scott Gabbey and Graham Rae for the first pressing of the combo only!

DEADBEAT AT DAWN is a tried and true cult classic that examines the hardship of living in Regan's America during the 1980's!! With it's down and dirty gorilla filmmaking and over-the-top violence and brutality, the movie is a time capsule that captures the spirit of independent filmmaking during that decade! It also announces the masses the arrival of a true auteur whose film still manages to shock and surprise   5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

DEADBEAT AT DAWN is available on Blu-Ray from Arrow Video. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit the Diabolik DVD website at www.diabolikdvd.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil's Top Ten Horror Films of 2018 - January 3, 2018

2018 was another banner for the horror genre!! Horror hounds as we were treated  once again with a plethora of outstanding, thought provoking and truly terrifying movies to watch! There was so much great films that I thought I died and gone to Hell! Now this was really a daunting task, due to the fact that there were some truly incredible and remarkable films that I saw in theaters, Blu-Ray, DVD as well as on VOD and streaming services like Shudder and Netflix. So boils and ghouls, here is my Top Ten Horror Films of 2018!

10) THE STRANGERS: PREY AT NIGHT: A family's road trip takes a dangerous turn when they arrive at a secluded mobile home park to stay with relatives and find it mysteriously deserted. Under the cover of darkness, three masked psychopaths pay them a visit to test the family's every limit as they struggle to survive. Right from the beginning, the film has the aesthetic of a 70's horror film, right down to it's logo design. And I was digging it man! While the first installment was extremely unnerving and highly suspenseful, the sequel knows exactly what it is, as that your straight forward slasher flick. And there's nothing wrong with that. Over the duration of the movie, director Johannes Roberts keeps his eye of the prize; providing shocks, scares, suspense, and shenanigans to keep horror fans happy. And that freaking pool scene!! An intense, thrill ride of a slasher movie that's short on plot but makes up in sheer joy and enthusiasm!

9) THE BABYSITTER: Cole (Judah Lewis) loves his babysitter (Samara Weaving) Bee. She's hot, funny, and popular. One night, in a moment of defiance, Cole secretly stays up past his bedtime to discover she's actually a cold-blooded killer who's in league with the Devil. He now must spend his night evading Bee's band of killers who will stop at nothing to prevent Cole from spilling their dark secret. It's up to Cole to survive the night (and blow up a few people along the way). The characters are very relatable and sympathetic. I mean, c'mon, who didn't have a crush on their super hot babysitter when they were kids?!? Now, add in some awesome gore, bloodshed, and hysterical hijinks and you have yourself on hell of a film!! It follows along the lines of recent horror comedies like SHAUN OF THE DEAD, TUCKER AND DALE VS. EVIL, and BETTER WATCH OUT.One of the most outrageous, blood stained, batshit crazy, bonkers as hell, flat out gross out horror comedies of all time!! I freaking loved this movie!

8) NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE: Five teenage friends set out for the beach on their Spring Break vacation. Good times are cut short when one of the group, Carrie, contracts a deadly sexual transmitted disease during a bathroom stop. When they stop for the night at an isolated motel, the real terror begins when the STD virus starts running rampant, turning those infected into the living dead. However, there's more going on at the motel than meets the eye. f there was ever a film that promotes that abstinence as well as the dangers of necrophilia, it's this film! Writer/director Jonathan Straiton, along with co-writers Ron Bonk and Mean Gene, crafted one of the most insane, gory, fast paced, darkly sexual, horror film I have ever seen! One of my favorite independent horror films of 2018!!

7) CULT OF CHUCKY: After accused of murdering her family, Nica (Fiona Dourif) is taken to an asylum and thinks that she's the cause of the deaths of her family. However, when grizzly deaths start to occur, she then realizes that Chucky (Brad Dourif), her illusion might not be make believe. She also finds out that the doll is slowly starting to possess anyone or anything to join a huge cult to kill off Chucky's victims, but things don't go to well in the asylum, including for Chucky's long lost friend Andy Barcley (Alex Vincent) who tries to stop the cult from getting bigger while also trying to get past Chucky's wife, Tiffany (Jennifer Tilly). I am so impressed with Mancini's directing. He clearly has a vision and, despite its very low budget, he is able to capture some outstanding sweeps, compositions, and gore galore. He finds the balance of scares and drama, with a little bit of humor for good measure. You can also see how much confident he gains from each film. I cannot wait to see what he does in his next film!

6) REVENGE: Debut director Coralie Fargeat announces her stunning arrival, painting a crimson canvas of hypnotic beauty and bloody retribution in this razor-sharp feminist subversion of the revenge-thriller. Jen (fearlessly embodied by Matilda Lutz, Rings) is enjoying a romantic getaway with her wealthy boyfriend which is suddenly disrupted when his sleazy friends arrive for an unannounced hunting trip. Tension mounts in the house until the situation abruptly––and viciously––intensifies, culminating in a shocking act that leaves Jen left for dead. Unfortunately for her assailants, Jen survives and reemerges with a relentless, wrathful intent: revenge. An ungodly violent and grotesque entry in the rape/revenge genre, the film grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go until the final credits roll! I had seen the film first on Shudder, but then I bought it on Blu-Ray once it became available. A powerful and raw film!!

5) TERRIFIER: Based on a character from the cult anthology, ALL HALLOW'S EVE, the gory 80's slasher throwback takes place on Halloween night as the demented Art the Clown sets his sights on terrorizing two girls and anyone else that gets in his way. Yeah, this is one fucked up horror movie!! It has that old school, 1970's grindhouse horror film aesthetic that the movie nails you to the back of the theater and doesn't let go till the end credits. It's also super nasty, meaning everything about it makes you feel dirty watching it. Credit goes to actor David Howard Thornton for his performance of Art the Clown, one of the most horrifying clowns I have ever seen in a horror film! He doesn't speak a word and he doesn't have to: his body language, his mannerism, his facial expressions, every little thing he does adds to mystic to his role! One of the most shocking, grotesque and insane horror films of the past decade!! This movie is not for the faint at heart! If you like your horror movies outrageously fucked-up, and covered in blood and guts, this one was made for you!

4) HALLOWEEN: Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her iconic role as Laurie Strode, who comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago. Holy crap I loved the hell outta this movie!! This surpassed beyond my expectations! Jamie Lee Curtis returns to bring a new dimension to her iconic character Laurie Strode. Life has been hard on Laurie, and we learn the sacrifices, consequences, and loss that she has lived through these past 40 years. This is the sequel that we have been waiting for for the last 40 years!! Everything in this movie was phenomenal!! The acting, the directing, the cinematography, the film's score, there wasn't anything wrong with the overall presentation! And the kills were graphic, gory, and gorgeous!!

3) A QUIET PLACE: If they hear you, they hunt you. In this terrifyingly suspenseful thriller, a family must navigate their lives in silence to avoid mysterious creatures that hunt by sound. Knowing that even the slightest whisper or footstep can bring death, Evelyn (Emily Blunt) and Lee (John Krasinski) Abbott are determined to find a way to protect their children at all costs while they desperately search for a way to fight back. Holy shit was this an intense, nail biter of a horror flick!! Emily Blunt is absolutely amazing!! Actor/director John Krasinski crafted one of the finest horror films of the year! And having deaf actress Millicent Simmonds gave the film more credibility, as it brought the world of ASL (American Sign Language) to the forefront. And since my girlfriend is an ASL Interpreter, this brought it closer to the world that she lives in. One of the most frightening horror flicks of 2018!!

2) MANDY: The quiet life of devoted couple Red (Nicolas Cage, Leaving Las Vegas) and Mandy (Andrea Riseborough, Birdman) takes a dark and bizarre turn when a nightmarish cult and their maniacal leader (Linus Roache, “Vikings”) seek to possess Mandy…body and soul. A shocking assault on the innocent pair leads to a spiraling, surreal, bloody rampage of all out, mind-altering vengeance. Holy crap was this one of the most batshit crazy film of the year!! Cage gives a tour de force performance as our protagonist Red Miller. Co-writer/director Panos Cosmatos made a name for himself with his breakthrough debut BEYOND THE BLACK RAINBOW back in 2010. One of the most talked about films of 2018!!

1) HEREDITARY: When the matriarch of the Graham family passes away, her daughter's family begins to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry. Actress Toni Collette gives one of her greatest performances of all time!! Actor Gabriel Byrne is the world's biggest asshole in cinema history!! The film was written and directed by Ari Aster, who before this film several short indie films. This was his feature full length debut and he knocked it out of the mother fucking park!! If there was one film that talked about more than any other film of 2018, it was this film!!

And that, my fellow children of the night, is a wrap! I sincerely hope you enjoyed my Top Ten Horror Films of 2018 and I really hope this encourages you all to check out these incredible fright flicks! Remember, if you get scared from watching these cinematic nightmares, keep repeating yourself: It's only a movie...only a movie...only a movie...only a movie....BOO!!

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the screaming!