Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: TRUTH OR DARE (1986) from SRS Cinema - Oct. 11, 2018

TRUTH OR DARE Limited Blu-Ray

TRUTH OR DARE (aka TRUTH OR DARE?: A CRITICAL MADNESS)
Starring John Brace, Mary Fanaro, Bruce Gold , Joel D. Wynkoop, Terence Andreucci, Raymond Carbone, Rick Paige
Written by Tim Ritter
Cinematography by Ned Miller, Christopher M. Burritt
Edited by Jack Behrend
Produced by Yale Wilson
Directed by Tim Ritter
Originally released by Peerless Home Video
Released by SRS Cinema

Welcome horror hounds to Day 11 of Phil's Halloween Horror Watch! For today's viewing, I went back to the year 1986 to watch a notorious, low budget, slasher horror film that's a great example of the DIY movement that was happening within the genre. Regular people were going out making their own movie, and with the video market still booming, it was easier to get your movie on the shelf right next to that Hollywood blockbuster. And you could make some decent money from the sales. But this film is really gory, really violent, psychologically twisted and it's awesome indie filmmaking! May I present to you the horror film TRUTH OR DARE from SRS Cinema!

The film's official synopsis: When an already unbalanced Mike Strauber catches his wife Sharon in bed with his best friend, the result is a rapid descent into insanity. Mike's revenge is masked in the form of the seemingly innocent child's game "Truth or Dare", but playing his demented and twisted version results in a bloodbath the likes that has never been seen before... with a trail of victims leading right back to his wife! This all-time horror classic from 1986 includes a special performance from a young AJ McLean of The Backstreet Boys.

Based on his short "Truth or Dare?" from 1985 anthology film TWISTED ILLUSIONS, filmmaker Tim Ritter was only seventeen when he sold film's script and eighteen when production began! Are you kidding me? When I was eighteen, I was collecting comic books, chasing girls, and watching my B-movies and horror flicks on USA Up All Night! And here's this kid, who's only six years older than me, who's making movies in his community. Ritter shot the film on 16mm for $200,000, and had it released directly to the home video market, courtesy of Peerless Home Video.

Original In-Store Promotional Poster (1986)

The movie is a bit amateurish, but it's really amazing. Ritter opens the film with some intense psychological damage right out of the gate. As the story progresses, the film takes a sharp right turn onto slasher territory, and that's when it starts to get fun! The gore comes fast a plenty, and there are some shocking deaths that are extremely taboo, so taboo that we don't see these in modern horror films. The movie showcases the potential that Ritter had even back then, and it's interesting to see where he started and how he's grown as a filmmaker. Some of the films he would make for the horror genre like DAY OF THE REAPER (his directorial debut), KILLING SPREE, CREEP, and has contributed to anthologies like TWISTED ILLUSIONS 2, HI-8 (HORROR INDEPENDENT 8), and HI-DEATH.

The movie spawned four sequels: 1994's WICKED GAMES, 1998's SCREAMING FOR SANITY: TRUTH OR DARE 3, 2011's DEADLY DARES: TRUTH OR DARE IV, and 2018's I DARES YOU! TRUTH OF DARE 5. Ritter wrote and directed all three films (he co-directed part 5 with Scott Tepperman) for the direct-to-video market. SRS Cinema has remastered and released the original the fourth film on special limited edition Blu-ray, DVD, and VHS.

Of course, I purchased the Special Collector's Edition Blu-ray, cause that's how I roll. The special features include Director's Commentary, "30 Years of the Game" montage, Trailers for all Five Films, and a crap ton of Trailers: HOUSE SHARK, SHE KILLS, KILLING SPREE, NIGHT OF SOMETHING STRANGE, EMPIRE STATE OF THE DEAD, GORGASM, GOROTICA, GORE WHORE, SPACE PSYCHOS, DEAD SILENCE, EASTER BUNNY BLOODBATH, LIGHTS CAMERA BLOOD!, TEENAGE SLUMBER PARTY NIGHTMARE, DEATH REEL, CHANNEL 13, THE HALLUCINATIONS/LETHAL NIGHTMARES DOUBLE FEATURE, DONALD FARMER COLLECTION VOL. 1, MASSAGE PARLOR OF DEATH, and KNIGHTMARE. *whew*

TRUTH OR DARE is an 80's horror slasher sick flick that will gross you out and scare you to death! It's proof that you don't need a major studio, big name stars, or a lot of money! If you have an idea for a horror movie, then go out and make it! Ritter and his film are testimonial of this mindset. With Halloween nearly upon us, why watch this slasher classic with that special someone? Just make sure they're not a deranged psychological killer!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

TRUTH OF DARE is available in a Special Collector's Edition Blu-ray (BD-R) from SRS Cinema. To purchase a copy for yourself and other titles, please visit their website at srscinemastore.com.

Thanks for watching, and enjoy the horror!

Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: Phil sees the 40th Anniversary Screening of John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN at the Cinemark Century Oakridge 20 - October 10, 2018

Welcome to Day Ten of my Halloween Horror Watch! In 1978, writer/director John Carpenter and co-screenwriter Debra Hill unleashed one of the most terrifying horror films ever to theaters. Their $250,000 film would end up grossing more than $70 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable indie films of all time. The movie became so popular, it ushered in the Slasher genre of the 1980's, garnered a legion of fans, and spawned a successful film franchise that includes seven sequels, and remake and sequel, with a new installment set to be released in a couple of weeks! And to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film's release, CineLife Entertainment is teaming up with Carpenter to bring HALLOWEEN back to theaters this October!

The film's official synopsis: On a cold Halloween night in 1963, six-year-old Michael Myers brutally murdered his 17-year-old sister, Judith. He was sentenced and locked away for fifteen years. But on October 30, 1978, while being transferred for a court date, a 21-year-old Michael Myers steals a car and escapes Smith’s Grove. He returns to his quiet hometown of Haddonfield, Illinois, where he looks for his next victims.

This is one of my all-time favorite horror films ever. The movie helped establish the "rules" for the slasher genre that would come charging in with the release of FRIDAY THE 13th just two years later. The film launched Jamie Lee Curtis' film career, and Carpenter became a legendary director within the horror genre.

The film has been discussed, written, dissected, reassembled, and worshiped since its release on October 25, 1978. There is nothing I can say about the film that hasn't already been said. The film can be classified as a "perfect" film. With Carpenter's beautiful directing, Curtis' down to earth performance, and thanks to Carpenter's simplistic soundtrack, there isn't one flaw to be found within the movie. If by chance you have never seen the film, you really need to see it! In fact, it is against the law to live your life without seeing this movie!

The movie has been released in various formats over the years. It was originally released on VHS by Media Entertainment, then by Anchor Bay Entertainment in a variety of ways and formats, including special edition VHS boxsets, DVD, and Blu-Ray. Just recently,  Lionsgate Home Entertainment released the movie in a Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray edition for the film's 40th anniversary.

HALLOWEEN is one of the greatest horror films of all time! Period! There is no discussion, no debate, and no questioning about it's place in not only horror film history, but in cinema history! The landscape of the horror genre wouldn't look the same without this film! It is required viewing, no matter what time it is within the calendar year! And with it available to watch on Blu-Ray, DVD, local television stations, VOD and various streaming platforms, there is no reason as to why you haven't watched it yet. This October, make a date with Michael Myers, and don't forget to hide your knives. 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

HALLOWEEN is playing in select theaters nationwide this October, courtesy of CineLife Entertainment. To see if it's playing in a town and theater near you, please visit their website at www.cinelifeentertainment.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!

Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES (1988) from Arrow Video - October 9, 2018

RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES Blu-Ray

RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES
Starring Anthony Starke, George Clooney, Karen M. Waldron (as Karen Mistal), John Astin, Steve Lundquist, Costa Dillon, J. Stephen Peace
Written by John De Bello, Stephen Andrich, Costa Dillon, J. Stephen Peace
Cinematography by Victor Lou, Stephen Kent Welch
Edited by John De Bello, Stephen Andrich
Produced by Lowell D. Blank, J. Stephen Peace
Directed by John De Bello
Originally released by New World Pictures
Released by Arrow Video

Welcome back to another thrilling installment of Phil's Halloween Horror Watch! After watching yesterday's mean and nasty film THE UNSEEN, I wanted to watch a more light hearted horror film. A horror comedy, maybe? Yes! So for Day Nine, I decided to watch the hilariously brilliant horror comedy that's a sequel to one of the greatest cult classics of all time! And it only took 10 years to finally getting around to making it! Go figure? Anyway, I went back to 1988 and watched my favorite entry of this legendary series entitled RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES!

The film's official synopsis: The killer tomatoes are back! But this time around, they’re going to have to contend with late ’80s George Clooney and his wicked mullet… Is it a fruit? Is it a vegetable? Nope, it’s RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES! Ten years on from the Great Tomato War, mankind lives in fear of another uprising by the waxy red menace. Meanwhile, Professor Gangreen – played with gusto by the great John Astin from TV’s The Addams Family – sets out to pursue his own evil ends by creating a burgeoning army of tomato militia men (who, somewhat conveniently, look just like regular men).

This movie is a laugh riot! In the same vein as AIRPLANE and THE NAKED GUN, the film is chock full of random humor, over-the-top cheesy acting, hilarious fourth wall breaking, brilliant self awareness, and the ridiculously humorous product placement running gag!! John De Bello, Stephen Andrich, Costa Dillon, J. Stephen Peace deserve eminence praise for making such a clever and hysterically batshit crazy movie that still speaks to my inner thirteen year old! The jokes still hold up, the cinematography looks even better than ever, and it's just a silly, funny, and entertaining film!

Original Theatrical Poster (1988)

The actors are all amazing! Anthony Starke's crazy and frantic Chad Finletter plays off well with the George Clooney's straight and suave ladies man Matt Stevens. Iconic actor John Astin's performance as Professor Gangreen is what a scientific madman should look and act like! And then there's the girl of my dreams: Karen Mistal. Good lord did I have a mad crush on this woman! She starred in another cult classic called CANNIBAL WOMEN IN THE AVOCADO JUNGLE OF DEATH and appeared in a number of television shows like The New Adventures of Beans Baxter, Coach, Baywatch, and Men Behaving Badly. Her last credit was on an episode of Dragnet as the character Laura Canrinus. Now known as Karen M. Waldron, she's co-produced the TV movies At the Hands of Another, Inside the Circle, The Note and the TV series The Clinic.

The film was released to theaters by New World Pictures on April 22, 1988. The company was actually founded by the legendary Roger Corman back in 1970 and was sold in 1983. The film grossed $5 million at the boxoffice. This fan found it at his local video store and rented it repeatedly until I bought it. Anchor Bay Entertainment released the movie on DVD several times before Arrow Video gained the rights and released it in June of 2016 on a High Definition Blu-ray.

The Blu-Ray comes with some cool special features: Brand new audio commentary with writer-director John De Bello, Brand new interview with star Anthony Starke, Original Theatrical Trailer, Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matthew Griffin, and a Fully-illustrated collector s booklet featuring new writing by critic James Oliver.

RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES is a horror comedy cult classic that will tickle your funny bone till milk come out of your nose!! It's far and away superior than the original, and it has the beautiful Karen Mistal and George Clooney and his wicked mullet!! Oh, and it's freaking funny too! So grab some friends and make it a night-in as you all watch this totally hysterical and wickedly smart film!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

RETURN OF THE KILLER TOMATOES 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 horror!

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

THE UNSEEN Blu-Ray

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

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

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

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

Original Theatrical Poster (19

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!

Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: SLEEPAWAY CAMP III: TEENAGE WASTELAND (1989) from Scream Factory - October 7, 2018

SLEEPAWAY CAMP III: TEENAGE WASTELAND Blu-Ray

SLEEPAWAY CAMP III: TEENAGE WASTELAND
Starring Pamela Springsteen, Michael J. Pollard, Tracy Griffith, Mark Oliver, Haynes Brooke, Jill Terashita
Written by Fritz Gordon (based on an original idea by Robert Hiltzik)
Cinematography by Bill Mills
Edited by John David Allen
Produced by Stan Wakefield, Michael A. Simpson, Jerry Silva, Robert F. Phillips
Directed by Michael A. Simpson
Originally released by Nelson Entertainment
Released by Scream Factory

Hello again and welcome to Day Seven of Phil's Halloween Horror Watch! Yesterday after watching SLEEPAWAY CAMP II: UNHAPPY CAMPERS (if you haven't read my review of the movie yet, shame on you), I decided to watch the follow-up sequel this morning. Nothing like the smell of the open air, birds singing in the trees, and people screaming as they're being killed off. Man, I love camping! So grab you sleeping bags, start eating your S'mores, and gather around the campfire as I tell you all the tale of SLEEPAWAY CAMP III: TEENAGE WASTELAND!

The film's official synopsis: Welcome to Camp New Horizons, where an autumn retreat brings together a group of obnoxious rich kids and surly city thugs for an "experiment in sharing." Under new inept management, this is the ideal setting for notorious psychopath Angela Baker (Pamela Springsteen, SLEEPAWAY CAMP II: UNHAPPY CAMPERS) to join the camp and do what she does best – eliminating "immoral" teenagers with everything from a knife to a lawnmower. Michael J. Pollard (HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES, BONNIE & CLYDE), Tracy Griffith (FEAR CITY, THE FIRST POWER) and Jill Terashita (NIGHT OF THE DEMONS) co-star in this third installment of the cult series.

After filming wrapped on SLEEPAWAY CAMP II: UNHAPPY CAMPERS, director Michael A. Simpson and his crew had only one weekend off before they had to start filming this movie! Believe it or not, they shot both films in just six weeks! What I really loved about the movie was that all the killings took place in the daytime. As a result, you could really see all the practical special effects and they weren't hidden in the shadows of the night. Of course, this didn't please the MPAA, who forced the filmmakers to heavily edited out the gore and bloodshed. This watered down the payoffs and disappointed fans who later learn about what was happening behind the scenes. But the film is still beautifully shot, the cast and crew were amazing, and it looked everyone was having making the movie! Like the last movie, there's a certain level of energy and comradery that can be seen thought the two films, and you can still see it 30 years later.

Original In-Store Promotional Poster (1989)

What I love about the movie was the moving performance of its lead actress Pamela Springsteen. She gives Angela a healthy dose of dark humor like in the last sequel, but here, she really does shine bright. There's one particular scene in the film that really movies me. It's a nice crane shot panning from the sky and moves over the exterior of the mess hall building and we see Angela dragging a big trash bag. She enters through the kitchen as she makes her way into the dining area. She stops and reminisces about being the counselor there, winning the counselor of the month, and receiving a blue ribbon and leads her friends into the song, "I'm a Happy Camper." She looks happy for a moment, then her expression turns to sadness and depression. I found myself totally relating to her. I'm 45 years old, and when I watch this film, and this scene, I find myself drifting back to the past, to when I was a teenager and watching this movie. I remember the house my family and I were living in, I remember being a freshman in high school, the season, the smell from outside, I remember it all. Springsteen really shows off her range as an actress in this scene, and to this day still moves me.

Like the previous installment, the film received a limited theatrical release on August 4, 1989 before being released on VHS by Nelson Entertainment in December that same year. In 2002, Anchor Bay Entertainment released the film on DVD as a stand alone and as part of their SLEEPAWAY CAMP SURVIVAL KIT Boxset. Then on June 9, 2015, Scream Factory (an imprint of Shout! Factory) released a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Collector's Edition of the movie.

Special features on the discs include Audio Commentary with Director Michael A. Simpson and Writer Fritz Gordon, "A Tale of Two Sequels" – Part Two featuring new interviews with director Michael A. Simpson, cinematographer Bill Mills, actors Mark Oliver and Kim Wall and more, Behind-The-Scenes Footage With Commentary By Michael A. Simpson, Home Video Promotional Trailer, Still Gallery, and (drumroll please) a Workprint Of The Longer Cut Of The Film (From VHS) and Deleted Scenes Featuring Additional Gore Footage Taken From The Workprint! For hardcore fans, this is the closest we'll to what the final film would've look like!

SLEEPAWAY CAMP III: TEENAGE WASTELAND is one of the last great horror film sequels of the 1980's!! The movie is also my favorite of the entire series! To see blood and gore in broad daylight was extraordinary and something we've never really seen before, making the movie stand out amongst the rest of pack! Nearly 30 years later, it has achieved the title of cult classic and so richly deserves it!! This Halloween, take a trip to Camp New Horizons and see what Angela Baker is all about!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

SLEEPAWAY CAMP III: TEENAGE WASTELAND is available in a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo from Scream Factory. To purchase a copy, visit their website at www.shoutfactory.com. To learn more about the history of the SLEEPAWAY CAMP franchise, visit the film's official website at www.sleepawaycampmovies.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror! 

Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: SLEEPAWAY CAMP II: UNHAPPY CAMPERS (1988) from Scream Factory - October 6, 2018

SLEEPAWAY CAMP II: UNHAPPY CAMPERS Blu-Ray

SLEEPAWAY CAMP II: UNHAPPY CAMPERS
Starring Pamela Springsteen, Renée Estevez, Tony Higgins, Brian Patrick Clarke, Walter Gotell, Valerie Hartman
Written by Fritz Gordon (based on an original idea by Robert Hiltzik)
Cinematography by Bill Mills
Edited by John David Allen
Produced by Stan Wakefield, Michael A. Simpson, Jerry Silva, Robert F. Phillips
Directed by Michael A. Simpson
Originally released by Nelson Entertainment
Released by Scream Factory

Welcome back to another installment of Phil's Halloween Horror Watch! For Day Six, I decided to go back to youthful days and revisit a personal favorite of mine. A film that I hold near and dear to me. And it was a sequel to one of the most infamous slasher flicks of all time! A sequel that I didn't see coming, but I loved the hell out of it! So for today kids, we're gonna take a trip back to 1988, and visit Camp Roaring Hills to watch SLEEPAWAY CAMP II: UNHAPPY CAMPERS!

The film's official synopsis: Welcome to Camp Rolling Hills! Meet your camp counselor, Angela Baker! She's the kind of counselor who enjoys camp songs, nature walks, board games and… murder! Five years after the horrific slaughter at Camp Arawak, Angela (Pamela Springsteen, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH) has created a new position for herself as a counselor at Camp Rolling Hills. Angela is about to teach "bad campers" a brutal lesson in survival when they are sliced, stabbed, drilled… and much worse. Renée Estevez (HEATHERS, INTRUDER) and Walter Gotell (THE SPY WHO LOVED ME) co-star in this outrageous sequel to the original cult classic.

Director Michael A. Simpson had the daunting task up of making a follow-up to one of the most notorious horror films from this era. Not only that, but he had to make both this movie and the other sequel back to back! What he accomplished was simply amazing! Simpson had to fight tooth and nail to make the films he wanted to make, which included some outstanding kills, that unfortunately, were trimmed down because of the MPAA (Booooooo!!!) He shot some gory death scenes, especially in the third film. But what he captured on film is now part of horror film history! Truth be told, I love the sequels more than the original film. And yes, if that makes me an asshole, then so be it! But there's a lot of energy and cleverness in this movie. For example, the characters Charlie and Emilio (played by Jason Ehrlich and Justin Nowell respectively) are the real life names of Renee Estevez brothers, Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez. Also, the other characters are named after actors associated with the 80's Brat Pack like Molly (Molly Ringwald), Ally (Ally Sheedy), TC (Tom Cruise), Rob (Rob Lowe), Demi (Demi Moore),  and so forth. This was a very smart idea from screenwriter Fritz Gordon. These two men would repeat this in the next installment.

Original In-Store Promotional Poster (1988)

As for the out lead actress, if her last name looks familiar, well it should! Pamela Springsteen is indeed the younger sister to the man himself: "The Boss" Bruce Springsteen! Now original Angela Baker actress Felissa Rose was asked to return but she was getting ready to attend college. Springsteen would return for the sequel, but then left acting to become a well-known photographer. Renée Estevez would go on to appear in a number of movies like HEATHERS, INTRUDER, SINGLE WHITE FEMALE, and another personal favorite of mine GOOD GIRLS DON'T. She also had a recurring character named Nancy on the hit TV show The West Wing, appearing alongside her father Martin Sheen.

The movie received a limited theatrical release on August 26, 1988. But it found a wider audience when it was released on VHS by Nelson Entertainment just two months later. In 2002, Anchor Bay Entertainment released the film on DVD and as part of their SLEEPAWAY CAMP SURVIVAL KIT Boxset. On June 9, 2015, Scream Factory (an imprint of Shout! Factory) released a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Collector's Edition of the movie.

Special features on the discs include Audio Commentary with Director Michael A. Simpson and Writer Fritz Gordon, "A Tale of Two Sequels" – Part One featuring new interviews with director Michael A. Simpson, cinematographer Bill Mills, editor John David Allen and more, "Abandoned: The Filming Locations of SLEEPAWAY CAMP II & III"– A tour of the shooting locales Behind The Scenes Footage with commentary by Michael A. Simpson, Home Video Promotional Trailer, and a Still Gallery.

SLEEPAWAY CAMP II: UNHAPPY CAMPERS is one of the best horror film sequels of all time!! Fans of the original movie should definitely see this one!! And don't listen to those naysayers who think the movie isn't good! It's one of the best direct video released of all time! And 30 years after its original release, the movie still holds up and will take you back to those simpler days of renting movies at your local mom&pop video stores!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

SLEEPAWAY CAMP II: UNHAPPY CAMPERS is available in a Blu-Ray/DVD Combo from Scream Factory. To purchase a copy, visit their website at www.shoutfactory.com. To learn more about the history of the SLEEPAWAY CAMP franchise, visit the film's official website at www.sleepawaycampmovies.com.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!

Phil's Halloween Horror Watch: RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD 3 (1993) from Vestron Video Collector's Series - October 5, 2018

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD 3 Blu-Ray

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD 3
Starring J. Trevor Edmond, Melinda Clarke, Kent McCord, James T. Callahan, Sarah Douglas, Jill Andre
Written by John Penney
Cinematography by Gerry Lively
Edited by Christopher Roth
Produced by Roger Burlage, Lawrence Steven Meyers, Brian Yuzna
Directed by Brian Yuzna
Originally released by Trimark Pictures
Released by Vestron Video

Welcome to Day Five of my Halloween Horror Watch! Today's film is a personal favorite of mine. Ever since I watched this all the way back in 1993, it left an indelible impression on me. It was an unique horror film that had drama and romance, a la Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, but with blood and guts. It was still a gnarly fright flick, but it had heart as well. It was also a major departure from the franchise because of these elements. So let me tell you all about the horror classic RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD 3 from Vestron Video Collector's Series.

The film's official synopsis: In RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD: PART II, the chemical Trioxin turned people into flesh-eating zombies. Now, the government is trying to control these unstoppable cannibalistic killers in RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD 3. When a young man uses the chemical to bring his girlfriend back to life after a motorcycle accident, she is driven to eat the only thing that will nourish her... human brains! She tries to stop her own feeding frenzy but a chain reaction has already begun, as hordes of undead are unleashed from the grave!

I've always been a fan of director Brian Yuzna, and I've always felt that he has never really been given enough credit for his contributions to the genre, or as an accomplished filmmaker. The list of titles that he has worked on are infamous! From being a producer on movies like RE-ANIMATOR, FROM BEYOND, DOLLS, TICKS, and NECRONOMICON: BOOK OF THE DEAD to to directing SOCIETY, BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR, THE DENTIST and THE DENTIST 2, and PROGENY. In 2000, he traveled to Spain to team up with producer Julio Fernández to created Fear Factory so they could produce, "modestly budgeted genre (horror, sci-fi, fantasy) films for the international market (shot in English language) using genre talent from all around the world and to develop local talent." There, he made the films FAUST (based on the ulta-violent underground comic book), DAGON (based on the H.P. Lovecraft short stories), THE NUN (different movie), BENEATH STILL WATERS and BEYOND RE-ANIMATOR (the final film of the series). This was his fourth film as a director and it's often overlooked because it strayed away from the dark humor of the previous two installments. It was much dramatic and I really loved that aspect. It still had all the gore but there was much more going on with the story and its characters. And it looked amazingly stylish for being a low budget horror movie.

Original Theatrical Poster (1993)

Another aspect that made the movie so memorable was the performance of its lead actress Mindy Clarke, now known as Melinda Clarke. She was only 19 at the time she made the film, but she was already an accomplished actress, having been playing the character Faith Taylor on the daytime drama Days of Our Lives. Her portrayal of Julie Walker was just so unbelievably outstanding!! She literally carried the movie on her shoulders! He transformation from a angst-filled teenager to an undead zombie was heartbreaking and gory as hell! That iconic image of her as the mutilated and pierced up zombie is legendary. It's so iconic that I'm very surprised that no one has made an collectible action figure of her yet! So to you guys over at NECA, Not Just Toyz, Sideshow Collectibles, you might want to get on this ASAP!!

The movie was released by Trimark Pictures on October 29, 1993 in a limited release run. It really found its audience when it came out on VHS. It was also released Unrated on VHS, which had more gore in it, which showcased the special effects. It was eventually released on DVD in less then stellar transfers, but it finally received the red carpet treatment in 2016 when it was released on Blu-Ray by Lionsgate on its Vestron Video Collector's Series label.

The Blu-Ray comes loaded with special features that fans will devour! It includes an Unrated Version of the film for the first time ever, Audio Commentary with Director Brian Yuzna, Audio Commentary with Star Melinda Clarke and Special Effects Supervisor Tom Rainone, Ashes To Ashes - A Conversation with Director Brian Yuzna and Screenwriter John Penney, Living Dead Girl – An interview with Actress Melinda Clarke, Romeo Is Bleeding – An Interview with Actor J. Trevor Edmond, Trimark & Trioxin – Interviews with Production Executive David Tripet and Editor Chris Roth, The Resurrected Dead – Interviews with Special Make-up Effects Designers Steve Johnson and Chris Nelson, Storyboard Gallery, Still Gallery, and Theatrical Trailers.

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD 3 is an unsung horror classic from the 1990's!! I had a blast re-watching the movie after all these years, and it's never looked this amazing! Fans of the zombie genre who are tired of watching the same old zombie movie, this will be like a breath of fresh air! It's got great characters, an interesting story, awesome special effects, and it's a love story as well!! What more could you ask for in a horror film?!? So check out this movie tonight with someone you love! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD 3 is currently available on a Special Edition Blu-Ray from Diabolik DVD. To order a copy of the movie for yourself, please visit their website www.diabolikdvd.com. Also, checkout the Vestron Video Collector's Series Facebook page for information on upcoming releases.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the horror!