Phil's Cult Classics: THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE (1991) from Vinegar Syndrome - January 30, 2019

THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE Slipcover Blu-Ray

THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE (1991)

Starring Craig Peck, Wendy Bednarz, Mark Collver, Bonnie Bowers, John Carhart III, Claudia Flores, Jeff Dachis, Lisa Grant
Written by Rolfe Kanefsky
Cinematography by Ed Hershberger
Edited by Victor Kanefsky
Produced by Victor Kanefsky
Directed by Rolfe Kanefsky
Originally released by Prism Entertainment
Released by Vinegar Syndrome

Greetings and salutations gore hounds! I decided to continue my theme from my previous review, and for today, I watched another Troma movie that was just released by Vinegar Syndrome on a brand new Blu-Ray/DVD combo. Now I did a review of this movie back in 2016, but with this new release, I felt that I needed to do a new write-up for it. After all, with it's fourth wall breaking, creature feature vibe, laugh-out-loud gags, nudity, and gore galore, THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE still remains one of the greatest cult hits of the early 1990's!

The film's official synopsis: Mike is always getting in the way of fun. His obsession with horror movies and their rules dictates that no matter where he goes, he can’t help but expect to find a monster lurking around every corner. But this time, his paranoia might be justified…After being invited to a remote lodge, along with some friends, Mike immediately begins to sense that something isn’t right, but none of his friends believe him. Unfortunately, they’re dead wrong, and a slimy alien frog monster has indeed landed in the nearby woods and set out to fulfill it’s mission of killing all human males and mating with females. Can Mike convince his friends that there IS something out there, before the men have their brains sucked out and the women are carrying green mutant fetuses?

Director Rolfe Kanefsky was only twenty years old when he made the film back in 1990. Plus, he wrote the script during his senior year in high school. Now back in those days, movies were shot on film and Kanefsky shot his directorial debut on 16mm film stock. His father Victor helped edit and produce the film. The budget was about $350,000 but back in 1990 that was a lot of money. Now that would barely cover craft services these days in Hollywood. What I loved about the movie was the script, which was very funny, clever and unique. It was a horror film with comedy that referenced horror films of the past. Does this sound familiar? Well, it should because five years later legendary director Wes Craven's SCREAM would do the exact same thing. Both Kanefsky and his film were way ahead of their time.

The actors and actresses were awesome in the film. Lead actor Craig Peck, who portrayed our horror aficionados Mike, is funny, smart and is a walking encyclopedia of horror movie trivia. He has the best one-liners and is the hero we all would want to be! Bonnie Bowers' character Stacy was in a sexy two-piece bikini for most of the whole film and was a total professional! That must've been very difficult to pull off, but she made it look so easy.

Original Theatrical Poster (1991)

The movie was originally released on VHS by Prism Entertainment back in the mid-90's. Years later, Image Entertainment release a special edition DVD version of the movie. Then in 2011, our good friends at Troma Entertainment released an ultra cool two-disc 20th anniversary special edition with all kinds of special features. And then out of nowhere, Vinegar Syndrome announced late in 2018 that they were planning on releasing the film on Blu-Ray for the very first time!

The movie was newly scanned & restored in 2k from it’s 35mm interpositive and it looks impressive. The picture looks much sharper and clearer, the colors look brighter and clean, and looks like a brand new movie! The combo package has a reversible cover artwork, and for collectors, there's a special limited edition embossed slipcover and is limited to only 2,000 units! The slipcover is designed by Earl Kessler Jr. and it looks super cool! This limited edition slipcover is available only at the Vinegar Syndrome website. 

Vinegar Syndrome spared no expense when it came to its special features, and boy, are they special! Just check out what's on the discs: “There’s A Movie Out There” – new interview with writer/director Rolfe Kanefsky and editor Victor Kanefsky, ”40 Years Of Cutting” – new interview with Victor Kanefsky, new interview with actor Craig Peck, a brand new group commentary with director Rolfe Kanefsky, Joe Lynch (filmmaker), Jeff Reddick (filmmaker) and others. There's also several short films to watch as well: ”Copycat” – a short film about the film’s influence, ”Murder in Winter” – an early feature film by Rolfe Kanefsky (Blu-ray only), ”Just Listen” and ”Mood Boobs”with a behind the scenes of “Mood Boobs” as well. Then there's all the special features that were imported from the Troma DVD release: Archival ‘20th anniversary’ commentary with Rolfe Kanefsky, archival group commentary with Rolfe Kanefsky, Victor Kanefsky, Craig Peck, Mark Collver and others, archival interview with Rolfe Kanefsky, theatrical trailer, music video, production stills gallery, behind the scenes rehearsal footage, pre-production footage and video storyboards, original cast auditions, and animation test footage and deleted shots. 

THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE is one of the best indie horror/comedies from the early 90's and has gone on to became modern day cult classic! The film still continues to attract new viewers to this very day! Now with this new release, old school fans and newbies alike will be able to see the very best version of the film ever released! If your looking for a wild, wacky, off-the wall, cult classic to watch tonight, then make a date with Mike and the gang and watch this fantastic fun fright flick tonight! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE 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: 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 attends the CINEQUEST MEDIA LAUNCH EVENT at the Hotel De Anza in Downtown San Jose - January 22, 2019

Today was a day that I was very much looking forward! I've waited to for week and now, it was time!  This past Tuesday afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending the CINEQUEST MEDIA LAUNCH EVENT here in Downtown San Jose! The event this year was held at the historic De Anza Hotel, a beautiful  10-story art deco building that has been opened since 1931. I got to see all my old friends like fellow blogger Jason Wiener (Jason Watches Movies), Terra Wood Taylor and Michael Rabehl from Cinequest as well as several people from the media. After some cocktails and meeting old friends and making new ones, the event began and I was very excited to see what what was planned for this year's festival.

Started in 1990 by co-founders Halfdan Hussey and Kathleen Powell, the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival has grown to epic proportions over the years, bring new visions and voices from up and coming filmmakers while bringing new technology and films to the masses. Now in its 29th year, the festival shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to bringing the very best in independent, foreign, and documentaries to film lovers.

Cinequest Publicity Manager Gabrielle Whelan kicks off the event.

The event began with Gabrielle Whelan, the Cinequest Publicity Manager. She welcomed everyone and thanks all those who took time out of their schedules to attended the media launch event. She discussed how big this year's festival and there is something for everyone. She then introduced the one and only Cinequest co-founder and director Halfdan Hussey.

Cinequest Co-Founder Halfdan Hussey announcing the festival's theme.

Hussey revealed this year's theme for the festival: THE UNEXPEXTED. Then we were all shown a great video with Hussey telling us how Cinequest has reached out on a global scale to influence the idea that YOU can go out a create your film and have it been seen by people, who will then in turn become transformed by your film. A great message for all future filmmakers! Once again, The California Theatre, 3Below Theaters, and the Hammer Theatre Center will be hosting the festival, along with the Century Downtown 20 in Redwood City.

Hussey also announced that this year's festival would have a total of 132 world premiers from over 56 countries, and 100 films by female filmmakers! Also, the festival will have 10% more films screened than last year's. These are staggering numbers folks! Once again, Cinequest is leading the charge of equality, diversity, and change to the film world, and it begins again here in Downtown San Jose!

He then talked about the opening night film that will kick off the festival. MANTO is a biopic chronicling the life and work of India's most controversial writer Saadat Hasan Manto. After the screening, there will be a conversation with the film's writer/director Nandita Das, who will also be receiving the Maverick Spirit Award. Afterwards, the celebration continues over at the Glass House on South Market Street for the big after party! Also, it was just announced that Bill Nighy will also be receiving the Maverick Spirit Award as well!

Again, the festival will have numerous world premiers from all over the world, and will offer 100 new films by female filmmakers. Some of these films include AN AUDIENCE OF CHAIRS directed by Deanne Foley, BLOOD PARADISE from Swedish filmmaker Patrick von Barkenberg, the Swahili drama OUR MADNESS by Joao Viana, the epic action film SHADOW from Chinese director Zhang Yimou, and GRIND RESET SHINE from Margarita Jimeno are just a few examples of what audiences can expect to see, along with ten percent more films than last year!

Other special screenings Hussey mentioned was the Kaiser Permanente Thrive Award Event taking place on Thursday, March 7th at 7:15pm at the historic California Theatre.  This year's film is CLOWNVETS, a documentary about Patch Adams, the founder of the Gesundheit! Institute, leading his group of humanitarians on a mission to Guatemala. Plus, Patch Adams, himself, along with the film’s artists will be part of the screening as well! Also at the California Theatre, the festival, along with the PACKARD HUMANITIES INSTITURE, will be the 1928 silent film STREAMBOAT BILL JR, starring silent film comic genius Buster Keaton. On hand playing the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ will be none other than the great Dennis James. This screening takes place on Friday, Mar 15th at 7pm.

 The festival will also once again have their Spotlight Films program featuring big time Hollywood names in thoughtful, provocative, and interesting titles and will be screened at both the California Theatre and Hammer Theatre. This year's films include titles like FREAKS starring Emile Hirsch and Bruce Dern, HOTEL MUMBAI featuring Anupam Kher, Dev Patel, and Armie Hammer, and THE HUMMINGBIRD PROJECT with Jesse Eisenberg, Alexander Skarsgard, and Salma Hayek just to name a few. While these films will be released theatrically, film lovers will be able to see them here at the festival.

There's so much more that I haven't even talked about! There's the Virtual and Augmented Reality programs and lounge, there's the new Television & Webisodes program, and also new this year is the Poets N Film program that celebrates, "the power of the spoken word in poetry, music, and film!" And not to mention Creativity at Cinequest program, featuring the aforementioned Television & Webisodes program, Creativity Summit, and Moving Stories!

 The festival concludes on Sunday, March 17th at the California Theatre with a film that I cou;d not believe! This year's Closing Night Film is none other than THE MAN WHO KILLED DON QUIXOTE, the latest film by the legendary filmmaker Terry Gilliam! The movie stars Adam Driver, Jonathan Pryce, Stellan Skarsgard, Olga Kurylenko, and Joana Ribeiro and if you haven't seen the trailer yet, holy crap!! If your a fan of Mr. Gilliam and would like to see his latest masterpiece on the big screen in a classic movie theatre palace, then make a date to come here!!

With the Picture the Possibilities, VIP Soirees, Maverick Meet-Ups, and VR Cinema Programs, there's something for everybody at this year's Cinequest!! So don't waste anymore time! The 29th Annual Cinequest Film and Creativity Festival will be held from March 5 - March 17, 2019. Tickets and passes are now available so make sure you get them now because they are already moving fast. To learn more about the festival, film schedules and events, volunteering, and to buy your tickets and passes, visit their website at www.cinequest.org

Thanks for reading, and I'll see you in Downtown San Jose for Cinequest!  

Phil's Porno Chic Theatre: DEEP THROAT (1972) from Sunset Entertainment - January 19, 2019

DEEP THROAT Blu-Ray

DEEP THROAT (1972)

Starring Linda Lovelace, Harry Reems, Dolly Sharp, Carol Connors, Ronnie Shark, William Love, Bob Phillips
Written by Gerard Damiano (as Jerry Gerard)
Cinematography by João Fernandes (as Harry Flecks)
Edited by Gerard Damiano (as Jerry Gerard)
Produced by Phil Parisi (as Phil Perry), Louis Peraino (as Lou Perry)
Directed by Gerard Damiano (as Jerry Gerard)
Originally released by Bryanston Distributing Company
Released by Sunset Entertainment

Greetings and salutations all you sexy people and welcome to the first installment of Phil's Porno Chic Theatre for 2019! For today's review, I'll be talking about one of the most important adult films ever made in cinema history. Now, for those of you may not know what "Pono Chic" means, it refers to a time when it seemed okay to go out and see a "dirtornimovie" at your local cinema. Couples were going, along with groups of women and celebrities, who were curious as to what the clamour was all about. Today's film has been called, "the one that started it all." On June 12, 1972, the adult film DEEP THROAT had its world premiere at the World Theatre in Times Square in New York. On that warm, summer day, history was made and the world we live in would never be the same again.

The film's official synopsis: The film tells the story of Linda Lovelace, your typical girl-next-door, who unfortunately is having problems achieving an orgasm. Even though she has a very high and adventurous sex life, she still feels unsatisfied. After a wild sex party leads to disappointment, Linda asks her friend Helen (Dolly Sharp) for help. She recommends that she visit a doctor, so Linda meets the wacky Dr. Young (Harry Reems). During Linda's examination, the doctor discovers that her clitoris is mistakenly located at the back of her throat. What's a girl do to? According to the good doctor, she can achieve orgasms by performing the oral sex skill he calls "deep throat." After seeing fireworks going off, bells ringing, and rockets exploding, Linda is finally sexually satisfied. She works for Dr. Young as a nurse and performs her "deep throat" talent on various patients until she finds the one she wants to marry.

The film was a first of its kind. It was a pornographic movie with a plot. Up until then, what was being shown were the old stag films as well as loops in converted store front theaters. But in early 1973, a news article about the film appeared on the New York Times. Written by reporter Ralph Blumenthal and using the phrase "Porno Chic" for its title, it helped usher in what has been coined "The Golden Age of Pornography," which lasted between 1972-1984. Because of the New Your Times article, it made couples want to go porno theatres and see what the hype was all about. Celebrities also came to see the film: Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty, Martin Scorsese, Brian De Palm, and Johnny Carson. Seeing the film became the hip thing to do.

Original Theatrical Poster (1972)

The film was an amalgam of slapstick comedy, bad puns, and hot sex with hilarious one-liners, such as, "Mind if I smoke while you eat?" While amateurish in certain parts, the film as a whole is quite entertaining and captures the 70's sexual revolution: its ideas, its frankness about sex, and stating that women have the right to have orgasms. It was in some ways a form of enlightenment for women, who saw the film as a form of sexual freedom and exploration. However, with this new freedom, there came a hefty price.

The film was tried and banned in New York, and soon, it would become banned in 23 states. Actor Reems was tried and was almost sent to prison. The film was then distributed by a network of Mafia-connected associates of the Peraino family. The film has been rumored to have grossed as high as $600 million, which would make the film one of the highest grossing films of all time. It's been reported that the film actually earned somewhere between $30–50 million. However, because of the Perainos, it is unsure as to how much the film actually earned.

The popularity of the film became part of the mainstream in a major way. Assistant FBI director W. Mark Felt, the Watergate informer that blew the whistle on then President Richard Nixon was nicknamed "Deep Throat." It was talked about in the news, on late talk shows as well as variety shows. It's been referenced in books, newspapers, mainstream movies, as well as becoming part of the sexual dictionary. In 2005, the film would also become the subject matter in the documentary entitled INSIDE DEEP THROAT. In it, directors Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato chronicled (and in some parts exaggerated) the history of the film and the ramifications of its impact. The movie was also the first film to be inducted into the XRCO Hall of Fame. On August 9, 2013, the dramatic biopic LOVELACE, starring Hollywood A-listers Amanda Seyfried, Peter Sarsgaard, Sharon Stone, Adam Brody, James Franco, Chloë Sevigny, and Juno Temple, was released to theaters by The Weinstein Company. Based on Lovelace's life, it was written by Andy Bellin and directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman.

On April 22, 2002, Linda Lovelace died from injuries sustained from a car accident at the young age of 53. Then Gerard Damino passed away at age 80 on October 25, 2008 following complications from a stroke he suffered. And then finally, on March 19, 2013, Harry Reems died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 65. In December 2014, the website The Rialto Report (which documents the golden years of adult cinema) released a podcast which revealed the identify of Dolly Sharp, who had disappeared from the public's eye after the release of the film. Through their investigations, they reported that Sharp was actually in fact Helen Wood, a former Broadway performer and Hollywood actress, who appeared in the 1953 musical GIVE A GIRL A BREAK and in director William Friedkin's 1968 film THE NIGHT THEY RAIDED MINSKY'S. Sharp passed away from colon cancer on November 1, 1998 in Los Angeles. She was just 63 years old.

The new Blu-Ray release looks absolutely gorgeous!! There are still some small scratches and dirt, but overall, the movie has never, and I mean never, looked this pristine before!! It looks like a brand new movie all together!! The visuals look so crisp and sharp, the soundtrack and dialogue sounds clear, and it looks amazing in HD!! Congratulations to Sunset Entertainment for making this the best version of the film ever!!

Sunset Entertainment also offers up some cool special features for this Blu-Ray release. There's an interview with the late Linda Lovelace, several random adult trailers from the 1970's, and a second feature DEEP THROAT II, which was written and directed by the legendary Joseph Sarno and released in 1972. The sequel is an exploitation comedy, rather than a true adult sequel. The picture and sound quality is decent, but that's about it. The film was produced once again by Phil Parisi and Louis Peraino and though the production company that made the film was called Damiano Films, Gerard Damiano had no involvement with the sequel.

DEEP THROAT and its impact on our society and culture have been immeasurable. It was the first of its kind, and while there have been a plethora of its kind since then, it still remains as one of the most important films in American cinema history. Forty-seven years later, the film still resonates within our society, and its influence is still part of our pop culture as well as our sexual lexicon. But one must remember, when watching the film, we are watching a time capsule that captured a society on the eve of change. The film documented a cultural shift; an open mindedness about sex. For a brief moment in history, it looked like America was going to adult about its sexuality. However the opposite occurred, and now we live in society that glamorizes and praises violence while sex is still a taboo subject. As a result of this, we repress our sexuality instead of talking about, exploring it, and celebrating it. So ask yourself this question: Would you rather see gratuitous acts of violence or gratuitous acts of love? 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

DEEP THROAT is available on Blu-Ray from Sunset Entertainment. To purchase a copy for yourself, visit the Diabolik DVD website at www.diabolikdvd.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!