Greetings and salutations and welcome to Day Three of my trip to the 29th Annual Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival!! So far I've seen two amazing films; foreign films to be precise.What I really enjoy about watching foreign film sis that I am transported to a far away land that I will never get to visit, meeting people I will never get to meet, explore their cultures, beliefs, and their histories. Today was one such film, as I made my way once again to the California Theatre to see the Albanian export A SHELTER AMONG THE CLOUDS.
Besnik is a lonely shepherd and devoted Muslim, haunted by unfulfilled
love. He is the son of a Catholic mother and formerly Communist father
whom he takes care of in an Albanian village in the mountains. Up here,
Christians and Muslims have found a way to co-exist peacefully. Even
after the discovery that the old mosque used to be a church and that the
building was actually shared by the two religions in the past, the calm
of daily life can be preserved - with Besnik's help. After the death of
his father, however, drastic changes threaten Besnik's multi-faith
family and the shepherd is forced to seek his own path.
I found the movie to be interesting and thoughtful, albeit the pacing of it is very slow. There were several things that I found to be fascinating. The first being the setting, which is basically a village within the mountains. It's hard to fathom that, even in the 21st century, there are still places that haven't been corrupted by the so-called "wonders of technology." The people who live in this village live a very simple life; some are Sheppard, women wash the laundry by hand and hang them up to dry and a rope tied to trees, houses look ancient and primitive, etc. The world of today doesn't exist out there. The second is that while they live a simple life, that way of life is almost ruined by the religions they practiced. It's one thing to believe in God, but religion and the "right way" to worship Him is what tears about families and communities. Overall, the film is a dramatic, character driven film, with beautiful cinematography, but the finale was a bit lackluster and felt flat to me. 3 out of 5 stars!
A SHELTER AMONG THE CLOUDS will be screened one more time on Saturday, March 16th at 3:10pm at the Century 20 Redwood City.
And that was Day Three of my Cinequest 29 excursion! Three films in so far, but there's still plenty more to watch! Remember the festival ends on
Sunday, March 17th so make sure you come out here to Downtown San Jose! To view
the festival's film schedule, purchase tickets and passes, visit
their official website at www.cinequest.org.
Hello film fanatics and welcome of Day Two of my trip to the 29th Annual Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival!! After last night's opening night and party, I was super hyped to begin my cinematic journey of the festival! Today I found myself once again at the historic and majestic California Theatre in the heart of Downtown San Jose to see the dramatic and sexually charged Norwegian film AN AFFAIR (En affaere).
The movie is about Anita, a lovely women who just started her new job as the new gym and home room teacher at a local high school. She is also married to the ideal man, lives in a beautiful house, so it would seem that Anita is living the life. But then, her life takes an unexpected turn as she becomes stalked by Markus, a student of hers. After resisting his advances, she eventually gave in to her lustful desires, and the two begin an intense and erotic affair. But then the dynamics shift, and soon it is Anita who stalks Markus, unable to control her needs and emotions for the teenager. But will she risk her marriage, her career, and her life for the satisfaction of a torrid sexual affair with her student? I found the film to be astounding; bring the teacher/student sex angle that's been all over the news in recent years here in the states. However, these events are played out differently over in Norway. While here there would be police involved, newspaper and news reporters, tabloid stories published, and sometimes the church, over there it's the opposite. For one, they don't frown about sex; hell, there's a scene where Anita is driving with Markus' mom (who she was friends with back when they were in gymnastics) and she was telling Anita how she would hear her son with his girlfriend having sex! Yeah, that's not the norm over here! Also, the outcome of the film didn't involve the police at all, just by the individuals involved. Anita is played by the incredible actress Andrea Bræin Hovig, who gives one of the most fearless and disturbing performances I have ever seen! She goes from a timid, unsure school teacher to a sex crazed, cub stalking, twisted cougar who will stop at nothing to make Markus hers and hers alone! Hovig was really creepy and unnerving, and yet, beautiful and sexy at the same time! Kudos to this amazing actress for making me squirm in my seat during the movie! Add Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken's superb directing and Oskar Dahlsbakken gorgeous cinematography, and you've got one hell of a film!! 5 out of 5 stars!!
AN AFFAIR (En affaere)will have three more screenings: Thursday, Marsh 7th at 1:00pm and Friday, March 15th at 9:15pm at the Century 20 Redwood City and Sunday, March 17th at 7:50pm at the 3Below Theaters.
And folks, there you have Day Two of Cinequest 29! And there's still 11 more days of movie watching for me! Remember the festival ends on
Sunday, March 17th so make sure you come out here to San Jose! To view
the festival's film schedule and purchase tickets and passes, visit
their website at www.cinequest.org.
It's that most amazing time of the year!! That's right folks!! Tonight was the opening night
of the 29th Annual Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival!! I am
expecting to see some of the very best in independent, foreign, and
documentaries here for the next thirteen days! Once again I got to see
some of my old
friends like Jason Wiener from Jason Watches Movies
as well as my old buddy Roy from the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum, Terra Wood-Taylor, Michael Rabehl, and a few others. At this year's festival I hope to once again make
new friends and as well as new
memories. Back in 2014, I set an all-time personal record by attending 60
screenings in 13 days! Let's see if I can even bet that record this year!!
The opening night was held once again at the beautiful California
Theatre on South First Street. There was the traditional red carpet with
numerous filmmakers talking about their films to the press and posing
for the cameras. Soon I found my way towards the front of the stage,
bouncing in my seat with excitement. Then at 7:15pm, the lights slowly
dimmed and the show
began!
Cinequest director and co-founder and Halfdan Hussey came out and
greeted everyone and thanked all our sponsors. He then had the theatre screen this year's festival trailer, which was done once again by SF Bay Area production company Guerrilla Wanders.
The audience were then treated to a amazing a hilarious singing number from three young, talented singers from the Children's Musical Theater, an informative speech from Stand Up to Cancer (which was founded by Laura Ziskin, who passed away from breast cancer in 2011). After, Halfdan introduced Cinequest co-founder Kathleen Powell, who then presented the Maverick Spirit Award to tonight's opening film director Nandita Das! She was interviewed by Sean McCarthy from Guerilla Wanderer. She spoke of her acting career, her thoughts on religion, what drives her to create art, and what the process of making tonight's film. I found her to be absolutely astounding, funny, charming and wise woman, Her words are powerful tools to make change, to counter hate, and she processes a pose and class that I fell in love with this woman! After the festival's conclusion, I'll be making a effort to track down and watch her films! After the the interview, she posed with her award for the photographers and fans, and then it was time to watch the opening night's film MANTO.
MANTO actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and writer/director Nandita Das.
The film's official synopsis: The film follows the most tumultuous four years in the life of
Manto and that of the two countries he inhabits - India and Pakistan. In
Bombay's seedy-shiny film world, Manto and his stories are widely read
and accepted. But as sectarian violence engulfs the nation, he makes
the difficult choice of leaving his beloved Bombay. In Lahore, he finds
himself bereft of friends and unable to find takers for his writings.
His increasing alcoholism leads him into a downward spiral. Through all
of this, he continues to write prolifically, without dilution. This is
the tale of two emerging nations, two faltering cities, and one man who
tries to make sense of it all.
This was an extraordinary, emotionally charged film about an individual I never knew existed, nor heard of his work! Not only did he fight against the system that deemed his literature obscene to society at that time, he was also battling his own demons that, eventually, took its toll on his lifem his work, and his family. His story almost parallels the story of Ellen Ginsberg, in that their stories and words shocked people and society as well as challenged the status quo of what was acceptable and what wasn't. Lead actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui was just outstanding as Manto; bringing to life a very revered artists and tragic human being! This was the third film that Nandita Das directed and it was flawless! I was completely emerged withing the frames of the film that I just sat in my chair motionless for the film's two hour running time!! A tour-de-force masterpiece of a film that everyone should see!!
After the screening, everybody headed over to the lavish after party, which
was held over at The Glass House on 12 South Market Street, where there was plenty to eat,
drink, and music to dance to shack our bootties to all night long! Drinks were once again
provided by Tito's Vodka, as well as by Hendrick's Gin, Drake's Brewing, and J. Lohr Winery!!
MANTO was the perfect film to kick off Cinequest 29! And
there's still 12 days of movie watching left! So what are you waiting
for? Now you can partake in this very important downtown event. The 29th Annual Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival runs from March 5th to March 17th!! To
view film
schedules, information about the festival, and to purchase tickets and
passes, visit their website at www.cinequest.org.
Starring Constance Worth, Willy Castello, Blanche Mehaffey, Clara Kimball Young, Carleton Young, Paula Bromleigh
Cinematography by Harvey Gould
Edited by Robert Jahns
Produced by Willis Kent
Directed by Herman E. Webber
Originally released by Willis Kent Productions (as Real Life Dramas)
Released by Something Weird Video
Welcome everybody to a brand new installment series entitled Phil's Exploitation Cinema! In case you don't know the term, an exploitation film, "is a film that attempts to succeed financially by exploiting current trends, niche genres, or lurid content; are generally low-qualityB-movies." Since the dawn of cinema, exploitation films have been part of the movie-going experience. Case in point, imagine if you will: The year is 1939. The two biggest films of the year GONE WITH THE WIND and THE WIZARD OF OZ are battling it out at their respective theater chains. But down the street, around the corner, and down an ally way there's an independently owned movie theater where they're showing a different kind of motion picture. One that offers something different, more adult, and more scandalous. The film in question is the exploitation classic THE WAGES OF SIN. The film's official synopsis: The sole support of her worthless family, Marjorie Benton (Worth) works during the day in a sweat shop. But when Florence (Mehaffey), a
co-worker, asks her to go on a blind date, Marjorie’s taken to a
roadhouse where she gets her first taste of booze and drugs. Marjorie promptly gets shitfaced and attracts the attention of
slimy Tony (Castello).
With big plans for her future, Tony arranges to have Marjorie fired
from her job, then asks her to move in with him, promising to marry her
in the morning. Three months later, they’re still not married when Tony decides to pimp her out. By the time another three months pass, Marjorie’s a hard boiled
hooker turning tricks at a local hotel under the “professional name” of
Judy. Starting to “look seedy,” Tony finally ships her off to Fat
Pearl’s whorehouse. All of which ends with Marjorie on trial for murder and a
contest for the audience: “What will the verdict be? $1,000 in cash
prizes will be given for the best answers. Mail your opinion in not over
300 words to Real Life Dramas, 4376 Sunset Drive, Hollywood, CA...”
Original Theatrical Poster (1938)
Australian born actress Constance Worth was originally brought over by RKO, but then was dropped her after her first two American features films (1937's CHINA PASSAGE being one of them) failed at the boxoffice. She worked for about three years at Columbia while also appearing in poverty row films and B-westerns like BORROWED HERO (1941), CITY WITHOUT MEN (1943), and WHY GIRLS LEAVE HOME (1945). She even has an uncredited role in Alfred Hitchcock's 1941 film SUSPICION. Willy Castello was notorious for playing the "heavy" in many B-movies! Look for him playing almost the same character in other Willis Kent films like SMASHING THE VISE TRUST (1937), RACE SUICIDE (1938), and MAD YOUTH (1939). Actress Blanche Mehaffey started off as a dancer with the Ziegfeld Follies before appearing in Hollywood comedies, westerns and dramas. She starred opposite Charley Chase and Glenn Tryon in several short comedies for the Hal Roach Film Company from 1923 to 1929, before leaving to go study voice and languages for more than a year in New York City. She made her return in 1931 film THE SUNSET TRAIL starring opposite Bob Steele. She went on to appear in other B-movies and westerns like RIDER OF THE NORTH (1931), BORDER GUNS (1934), and THE SILENT CODE (1935). She would retire from the movie business after the completion of this movie.
Producer Willis Kent is one of the most famous producers out of what was dubbed "The Forty Thieves," a group of directors and producers that operated outside the Hollywood Production Code during this time of cinema. Kent started off producing cheap, low budget B-movie westerns before churning out some of the most infamous exploitation films, such as THE PACE THAT KILLS, COCAINE FIENDS, and MAD YOUTH (all available from Something Weird Video), as well as SMASHING THE VISE TRUST, RACE SUICIDE, and his infamous film CONFESSIONS OF A VICE BARON. The reason why this was one of his infamous films was that it was mostly made up of scenes from earlier exploitation films with new footage of actor Willy Castello as a prisoner about to be executed who dictates the the story of his life of crime added on to the front and end of it! Overall, Kent produced 43 films from 1929 till 1958. He passed away in Los Angeles on
at the age of 87.
Something Weird Video was founded in 1990 by Mike Vraney, a former concert promoter who worked at several theaters during his teenage years. Named after the Herschell Gordon Lewis film, his Seattle based company would specialize in, "in releasing a rich array of low-grade trashy out-of-the-mainstream
independent fare on both VHS and DVD alike that runs the gamut from
horror features to softcore flicks to vintage classroom scare items to
TV commercials to hardcore X-rated smut to theatrical trailers to
collections of nudie loops and burlesque clips." He would go on to release the film libraries of some of the greatest exploitation filmmakers of all time, including Lewis, David F. Friedman, Harry H. Novak, Joseph W. Sarno, Doris Wishman, William Grefé, Bethel Buckalew and Barry Mahon. Unfortunately, Vraney died from lung cancer on January 2, 2014. He was only 56 years old. His wife Lisa Petrucci now runs the company and continues the legacy of her late, beloved husband.
THE WAGES OF SIN is one of most famous, funny, cheesy, and ludicrous exploitation films of all time! It's a highly entertaining, wonderfully absurd and bonkers movie
that diehard exploitation fans will love and new viewers will get an
education on the dangers of drugs, vice, and sex!! If you have never seen an exploitation movie before, this is the perfect place to start!! It doesn't get any better than this!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!
THE WAGES OF SIN is available on DVD-R from Something Weird Video. To purchase a copy for yourself, please visit their website at www.somethingweird.com
Starring
Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Phi Vu, Suraj Sharma, Sarah Yarkin, Rachel Matthews, Ruby Modine, Charles Aitken
Written by Christopher Landon
Cinematography by Toby Oliver
Edited by Ben Baudhuin
Produced by Jason Blum
Directed by Christopher Landon
Released by Universal Pictures
When I first saw HAPPY DEATH DAY back in October of 2017, it became one of my favorite horror films that year. It boasted a clever script, fantastic acting from its cast, especially from its lead actress Jessica Rothe, and was awesomely directed by Scott Lobdell. The film went on to dominate the boxoffice, as both horror fans and moviegoers alike helped the film earn a whopping $56.3 million worldwide! Blumhouse, the production company that helped produce the movie, announced last year that they were planning a sequel to capitalize on the fandom of the first film. Low and behold, I found myself making my way over to the Cinelux Almaden Cafe & Lounge to see the latest installment of the series entitled HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U!
The film's official synopsis: Having survived the farcical but utterly life-threatening events HAPPY DEATH DAY, the feisty sorority sister, Tree Gelbman, finds herself in the
same college dorm, thankful to be alive. However, this time, it's
Carter's roommate, Ryan, who claims that he is reliving the same
paradoxical day over and over again, as a mysterious paranoid killer in a
single-toothed baby-faced mask with a big kitchen knife has made a
habit of murdering him. Under those circumstances, a valiant but vain
attempt to face the challenge, once more, will send Tree back to square
one, trapped in an all too familiar and blood-drenched time loop. How
many deaths separate Tree from a truly happy birthday?
I must give credit to the filmmakers, the cast, and crew: They went there! They went there, took pictures, and came back! Writer/director Christopher Landon took the sequel in a totally different direction, one that I did not see coming, which was very clever on his part. Landon is no stranger to the horror genre, having helming films like PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE MARKED ONES and SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE and was the writer for DISTURBIA, VIRAL, SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE and PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2-4 and the THE MARKED ONES.
Landon 's script borrows more from films like BACK TO THE FUTURE: PART II (which was referenced in the film, like GROUNDHOG'S DAY in the first film) and leans more towards the sci-fi/comedy genre than the slasher genre. However, I found this quiet refreshing! It's no different than what Sam Raimi did with 1987's EVIL DEAD II: DEAD BY DAWN and his 1993 cult hit ARMY OF DARKNESS. It's this progression that really made me sit up and take notice. Landon is one evil genius and I'm hoping that he gets to make the third film of this new series!
Our heroine Tree Gelbman is portrayed by the very talented Jessica
Rothe. Tree isn't your typical sorority rich bitch. There's a reason
she's a self-absorbed, snotty and downright rude; she's been through a
lot and throughout the movie she evolves and changes, but still has that
cunning and at the end, she becomes that bad ass final girl horror fans
have grown to love. Her companion on this never-ending day trip is Carter Davis, played by Israel
Broussard. Both have great on-screen chemistry and it was great to see
their characters interact with one another, especially Tree remembering
everything and Carter always is the same person but not in the same
sense as the previous day.
As I mentioned earlier, I hope that Blumhouse gets Landon to make the next sequel, and let's face it, if this film blows up like the first one did, then it's a given! Also, this has nothing to do with the film's after credit scene that sets this up for a sequel. But, it's tongue-in-check and it might have been taken seriously, but you never know! It could very well become a reality in the very near future!
HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U
is a clever, funny, and entertaining sci-fi/horror/comedy/thriller that will keep you
guessing all the way to the final scenes!! Don't give this movie a
pass! Go to your local theater, grab some popcorn, snacks and drinks,
and then sit back and have a good time!! 4 1/2 out 5 stars!! Highly
recommended!!
HAPPY DEATH DAY is currently playing in theaters nationwide,
including at the Cinelux Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view
showtimes, visit their website at www.cineluxtheatres.com.
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.
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 Lakeof 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.
