Taking a Break (again)!

 Hi Guys. 

Life's been kinda getting on top of me lately and I'm struggling with motivation to keep on top of things, both here and in real life, so have decided to take a break from site updates for a little while.

This isn't the end, I will return, just as I did when I stepped away the other year. Also, I will  still be making the odd post over on my social media channels, so be sure to subscribe to those.

For now, I'm going to be spending time working on other projects and, in particular, trying to work on myself.

Site updates will (hopefully) return to normal sometime towards the end of the summer, if not sooner.

Be sure to visit our social media pages...

https://www.facebook.com/realmofhorror.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/RealmofHorror
https://www.youtube.com/@Realm-of-Horror

Also, come chat with us on Discord...

https://discord.gg/3YsNJCNFPh

V/H/S/94 - UK BD Review

V/H/S/94 is the fourth in the popular series of found footage anthology films, which all revolve around some hapless person, or persons, coming across a collection of VHS tapes and discovering the disturbing content recorded on them.

This one takes place, as the title suggests, in 1994 where a SWAT team are raiding a warehouse, which is the headquarters of a bizarre religious cult, who they believe are involved with human trafficking.

Finding the cult members to have all commited ritualistic suicide, they proceed to sweep the building, where they encounter a series of TVs and projection screens, playing various disturbing films, which form the basis of the 4 grisly stories that make up the film.

The first, STORM DRAIN, follows a local TV news crew investigating reports of a Rat-Man creature that supposedly lives in the drains underneath Ohio. Only to discover it's never wise to ignore local legends.

Next, THE EMPTY WAKE, a young girl at a funeral parlour finds herself stuck in the building after hours when a flash storm and a tornado warning traps her inside, only to discover the dead body in the casket she's minding may not be willing to be interred just yet, with some wry humour and gore that should appeal to fans of Re-Animator.

The third film THE SUBJECT clearly seems to have been influenced by those Guines Pig films from the early 90s. Taking place somewhere in East Asia, the police raid the laboratory of a mad scientist they believe to be responsible for a number of dissapearances, only to find that the bizarre creations he's been working on may not let them leave.

Lastly TERROR seems to be a bizarre mash-up of Vampire lore and Monty Python, as a group of redneck survivalists think they've found the ultimate weapon to use against the Government, in a bizarre stranger they have captive, who seemingly cannot die and whose blood produces positively explosive results. What could possibly go wrong???

Of course the real twist comes in the wrap-around story with the SWAT team, who discover that whatever horrors where in the films playing in the complex, a fate potentially even more horrific awaits them...

Whether you will like this will of course depend on your love of found footage films, of which I'm not really a fan of to be honest.

That being said, V/H/S/94 isn't a bad film, and found it passed 90mins quite well. If you liked the other films in the V/H/S series, I'd say pick this one up.

Extras on the Blu-Ray include....

Film makers commentary track
Seperate audio commentary for "The Empty Wake"
Behind the Scenes Feature
San Diego Comic-Con panel
Behind the Scenes Picture Gallery
Special Effects Feature (showing how they designed the creature for "Terror")
"The Empty Wake" - Visual Effects breakdown
Hail Raatma! (a look at the Ratman suit from the first story)
6x Deleted/Extended Scenes
Bonus "Veggie Masher" commercial (full length phony advert, partly shown during "Storm Drain")

V/H/S/94 is out now on UK BD and DVD.

Buy the UK BD from Amazon.co.uk

Buy the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk

 

 

 

THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 - In UK cinemas, May

From director Renny Harlin (Cliffhanger, Die Hard 2, The Exorcist: The Beginning) comes THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1.

After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple Maya (Madelaine Petsch - Sightless) and Ryan (Froy Gutierrez - TV's Teen Wolf, Hocus Pocus 2) are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. 

But chaos and panic quickly ensue, as they are subsequently terrorised by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive.

Will they survive the night, in THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1? The chilling first entry of this upcoming horror feature film series.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 is in UK cinemas 17 May from Lionsgate UK

 

 

Documentary MANCUNIAN MAN : THE LEGENDARY LIFE OF CLIFF TWEMLOW - UK Theatrical Tour

Following its successful festival run and ahead of its digital release in June 2024, Severin Films announces a UK theatrical tour of the acclaimed film MANCUNIAN MAN : THE LEGENDARY LIFE OF CLIFF TWEMLOW.

Tour dates:

3 March – Nottingham Broadway + Q&A with Jake West & David Gregory

13 March – Birmingham – Mockingbird Cinema + Q&A with Jake West

23 March – Exeter – Exeter Phoenix + Q&A with Jake West

26 April – London – Prince Charles Cinema + Q&A with Jake West

4 May – Glasgow – Glasgow Film Theatre + Q&A with Jake West

With more to be confirmed

Meet Cliff Twemlow – AKA Mancunian Man…Bouncer. Novelist. Composer. Screenwriter Producer. Stuntman. Star. In 1980s Britain Twemlow was all of these and much, much more. For more than a decade, he was in fact Britain’s most prolific indie filmmaker and in his hometown of Manchester, he was – and remains – a bonefide legend.

Between 1982 and 1993, he gathered a devoted team, including local doormen, martial artists, variety performers, club DJs, models, girlfriends, gym friends, family members and B-listers and created his own cut-rate Hollywood empire.

Perhaps best known for the ultra-violent G.B.H. (Grievous Bodily Harm) – which was banned as one of the notorious Video Nasties – Twemlow was a true trailblazer. Shooting with pioneering video technology, composing the music himself and working to almost non-existent budgets – he crafted movies of all genres, from gangster flicks to horror films, spy thrillers to sci-fi epics and beyond, with the help of his unlikely ensemble of misfits.

Now his unbelievable, but totally true story is brought to life by director Jake West (Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & Videotape, Razor Blade Smile and Doghouse) and Severin Films through exclusive new interviews, insane film clips and rare behind-the-scenes footage.

There’s only one real Mancunian Man, a true one-of-a-kind and legend whose story needs to be seen to be believed.

 

AWARE OF THE WOLF and ABADDON'S PIT - Available from Vipco

Indie distributers VIPCO have just released 2 more titles to their Digital catalogue, AWARE OF THE WOLF and ABADDON'S PIT. 

AWARE OF THE WOLF

VIPCO & BayView Entertainment have released the horror film AWARE OF THE WOLF, which is now available on Digital platforms (excluding Amazon Prime Video) worldwide. 

AWARE OF THE WOLF will also arrive on AVOD Digital Platforms worldwide on 30th April.
 
Official selection: New Jersey Mystery & Crime Film Festival, Thing In The Basement Film Festival.
 
Synopsis:
Terry is a life coach and motivational speaker for the meek and afraid, and his methods are very effective. But when his students start to become aware of the “wolf” inside of them, their transformations take a dangerous turn.

AWARE OF THE WOLF was Written and Directed by Joshua Nelson. The film stars Tony Murphy, Jenn Nobile and Katie Raulerson.

View the Trailer on YouTube

 
ABADDON'S PIT

VIPCO & BayView Entertainment have released the dramatic sci-fi thriller ABADDON'S PIT, which is now available on Digital platforms (excluding Amazon Prime Video) worldwide.

ABADDON'S PIT will also arrive on AVOD Digital Platforms worldwide on 30th April.
 
2023 Tabloid Witch Award Winner for Faith Kelly: Best Dramatic Actress ; Features the work of Emmy-nominated Production Designer Edic Dean (“The Bear”); Official Selection at these film festivals: Chain NYC Film Festival, Blow-Up International Arthouse Film Festival, Peephole FilmFest, International Art Film Festival, LA Sci-Fi & Horror Film Festival, Tuesday of Horror Fest.
 
Synopsis:
Blaming himself for the death of his wife Samara, Dave moves to the abandoned family farm to recover. There, he connects with his cousin Gareth. Together, they discover a bottomless pit that changes everything that enters it, and become obsessed with its secrets.
 
Abaddon’s Pit was Written and Directed by Jason Egan and Matthew Nash. The film stars Jeff Ayars, Alyssa Talbot, Lawrence Trailer and Faith Kelly.
 

View the Trailer on YouTube.

NYX UK to screen explicit horror anthology series THE HUNGER

NYX UK shows appetite for explicit horror with anthology series THE HUNGER, plus there are channel premieres for SISTERS, DARK TOUCH, GRIMM LOVE and THE DEMONIACS.

 

Coming to NYX UK on Thursday nights at 11pm is THE HUNGER, the horror anthology series that ran from 1997 to 2000, captivating audiences with its feast of eroticism, horror, and the macabre. The first series features stories that range from a young man’s eerie encounter with a carnival, a tragic love story entangled with disability and dependency, to forbidden love with a vampire, a chef's sinister culinary journey, and a newlywed couple's horrifying discovery at a remote inn. Familiar faces include Timothy Spall, Daniel Craig, Margot Kidder and Amanda De Cadenet. Exec produced by Ridley Scott, the first series is hosted by Terence Stamp.

Fridays nights continues to explore the realm of Euro exploitation  horror and the latest addition is the channel premiere of Jean Rollin’s THE DEMONIACS, a vampiristic mix of sensuality, the supernatural, and psychological torment.

Friday 9th March is International Women’s Day and to mark the occasion NYX UK is streaming the channel premiere of DARK TOUCH, Marina de Van’s harrowing, Ireland-set supernatural tale of haunting trauma and family tragedy.

The UK’s prime destination for horror fans is also celebrating David Cronenberg’s birthday on Friday 15th March with a double bill of two of his classic and much-loved movies – RABID and SHIVERS, both of which explore Cronenberg's signature blend of body horror, surrealism, and sexual exploration.

There are two more channel premieres this month. De Palma's 1973 thriller SISTERS weaves a riveting tale of suspense, identity, and madness, with Margot Kidder in a memorable dual role.  Then there is GRIMM LOVE, directed by Martin Weisz, which delves into the harrowing depths of human depravity and obsession, inspired by the true and unsettling story of Armin Meiwes, the German cannibal.

Wednesday nights continues with ELVIRA’S MOVIE MACABRE, which revives the iconic horror hostess Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, as portrayed by Cassandra Peterson and  FrightFest Saturday Scares with Alan Jones continues, with our genial host introducing and discussing his favourite films, including THE BOOGEY MAN (1980).

For weekly schedule and full listings: https://www.nyxtv.co.uk/tv-guide

 

 

LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL - Coming to UK Cinemas, March

Shudder and Vertigo Releasing are thrilled to confirm the release of the upcoming horror, LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL. The film will be in UK Cinemas from 22nd March.

In 1977 a live television broadcast goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into living rooms across the United States.

The film stars David Dastmalchian (Dune, The Dark Knight) as Jack Delroy, host of a late-night talk show. On Halloween night 1977 havoc unfolds when Delroy interviews a parapsychologist and the subject of her recent book, a young teenager who is the sole survivor of a Satanic church's mass suicide. 

LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL will be in UK Cinemas from 22nd March 

View the Trailer on YouTube.

British horror THE BORDERLANDS - Limited and Standard Edition Blu-rays, available April

Say your prayers as writer-director Elliot Goldner’s chiller THE BORDERLANDS is set to strike fear into your very soul, as this acclaimed British horror classic comes to Limited Edition Blu-ray from Second Sight Films. The brand-new set arrives on 8 April 2024 and comes complete with a host of fascinating special features, it will also be available in a standard edition.

When frequent strange happenings are reported at a thirteenth century church in rural Devon, a small team of Vatican investigators are sent in to try and demystify the unusual goings on… But what they discover is more disturbing than they could ever imagine.

Acclaim for THE BORDERLANDS (aka Final Prayer in the US) has been wide reaching, with some drawing comparisons to not only horror classics, such as The Omen, The Exorcist and The Wicker Man (The Independent) as well as Blair Witch and Kill List, but the surprising too: sitcom Peep Show (The Guardian). With Goldner’s sharp script and some brilliant special effects, the film really does bring its own brilliant spin to the found footage horror genre.

Lauded for its humour and creepy location by many, with Evening Standard noting ‘The banter between Robin Hill (Kill List, Down Terrace) and Gordon Kennedys (The Halycon, Robin Hood) cynical Scot is funny and unsettling. And the stark church is a winner’, the film makes for a unique and terrifying watch.

Special Features 

- New audio commentary by Actors Robin Hill and Gordon Kennedy, Producer Jennifer Handorf and Special Effects Artist Dan Martin
- Dressed the Part: a new interview with Robin Hill and Gordon Kennedy
- Losing Faith: a new interview with Jennifer Handorf
- Monster Goo: a new interview with Dan Martin
- Archive featurette: Behind the Scenes

Limited Edition Contents

- Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Christopher Shy
- 70-page book with new essays by Tim Coleman, Martyn Conterio, Shellie McMurdo and Johnny Walker
- 6 collectors' art cards 

Pre-order the UK Ltd Ed BD from Amazon.co.uk

Pre-order the UK Std Ed BD from Amazon.co.uk 

Short horror ESCALATION - At the Romford Horror festival.

Director Christian Bachini got in touch to tell us about his horror short ESCALATION, which is being shown at this years Romford Horror Festival.

ESCALATION is a full blown homage to the old school European horror style, from Italy's Dario Argento and Lamberto Bava style gore movies to the gothic and eerie style of Hammer and Amicus films. 

The film started its festival run in the US, but is getting it's final screening at Romford Horror in the UK, which is were the movie style belongs.

Speaking of the film the director said "I believe it doesn't matter how much budget US horror films have or which stars they use, at the end of the day the horror and genre movies that truly leave a mark are those which come from European filmmakers. The style, the cinematography, the lighting, everything we do has a sort of spooky charme that audiences worldwide cannot avoid falling in love with."

View the Trailer on YouTube. 

For more info on this and other films at the festival, along with info on how to book tickets, visit...

http://www.romfordhorrorfestival.com/

DAGR - A Review

On Friday, 23rd of June there was a special screening of the indie horror film DAGR at one of the cinemas local to me, and as we don't get too many preview screenings in my neck of the woods, felt compelled to attend.

The story essentially revolves around a couple of annoying teenage internet pranksters, Thea and Louise (yes, you read that right) who are in the middle of filming their latest video, which is intended to be their most daring one yet. 

Their plan is to infiltrate the film set of an advertising company, who are shooting a commercial for a high-brow fashion brand, by posing as caterers. Then film themselves stealing all the designer clothing and film equipment, which they intend to donate to charity.

Unfortunately, when they (finally) arrive on the set, they soon find themselves stumbling into a "Blair Witch" style scenario as the crew are nowhere to be found and they discover some very disturbing footage left on the crews equipment. More worryingly, whatever caused the film crews dissapearance may still be close by. But, there is the question as to whether whats happened was real, or are the pranksters being pranked themselves? Either way, will they live to regret their latest escapade?

Described as "Blair Witch Project" meets "Absolutely Fabulous", this was filmed entirely using Iphones and Ipads, so whether you will like this will depend largely on whether you like "Found Footage" style films. Generally I'm not fan of this style, and there did seem to be a lot of padding during the first half. But once it got going, I actually found myself largely enjoying it. Even if it was just for the fact, that there's something peversely satisfying about seeing a couple of whiny "Millenials" and pretentious advertising executives being seemingly terrorised and killed in various nasty ways.

Director Matthew Butler-Hart was in attendance, along with his wife Tori who played one of the characters in the film, who sat and chatted with the audience afterwards about how the film was made, as well as fielding questions, which was both interesting and amusing, as they described the guerilla tactics they had to resort to, in getting the film made on time and within budget.

Was very surprised to learn that Sir Ian McKellen (yes THAT Ian McKellen) actually helped finance the film and served as Executive Producer.  In fact, he's going to be appearing in their next film, about a bunch of Drag Queens attempting to pull off a daring heist at the home of an unscrupulous banker, which certainly sounds "interesting". I shall defintely keep an eye out for that one.

But anyway, if you enjoy found footage films, you should enjoy this. The film is due to be released Digitally to Buy/Rent in April and should be available to view on streaming platforms sometime after.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

For more info on this and other films by the Director visit...

https://www.fizzandgingerfilms.co.uk - Official Website 

Fizz and Ginger Films - Official YouTube

DAGR - The Film - Official Facebook Page

Fizz and Ginger Films - Official Facebook

Fizz and Ginger Films - Official Twitter

Director Matthew Butler-Hart - Official Twitter

 

 

 

Survival Horror SOMETHING IN THE WATER - In UK Cinemas, July

Studiocanal have released the trailer and poster for the exhilarating and emotionally fraught action thriller SOMETHING IN THE WATER, to be released in UK cinemas 5 July 2024. 

When Meg (Hiftu Quasem - Ten Percent) attends the wedding of old friend Lizzie (Lauren Lyle - Outlander) with fellow pals Cam (Nicole Rieko Setsuko - Eavesdropping), Ruth (Ellouise Shakespeare-Hart - One Four Three), and former partner Kayla (Natalie Mitson - The Larkins), an emotional reunion turns into an epic battle for survival in the Caribbean. 

Shot on location in The Dominican Republic, experience suspense, survival, horror and biting humour in SOMETHING IN THE WATER, Directed by Hayley Easton Street (Art director - Star Wars Episode VII – The Force Awakens) the film was produced by Julie Baines (Triangle and Four Kids In It) and written by Cat Clarke (Ten Percent, Good Omens).

SOMETHING IN THE WATER, is released to UK cinemas 5 July 2024 from Studiocanal.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Sci-Fi Thriller THE SHIFT - coming to Digital and Disc

Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment are excited to announce that THE SHIFT will be releasing on Digital Download from 25 March and on Blu-ray and DVD from 1 April.

A gripping sci-fi thriller from the studio behind breakout hit Sound of Freedom, starring Kristoffer Polaha (Wonder Woman 1984, Mad Men), Neal McDonough (Minority Report, Yellowstone), Elizabeth Tabish (The Chosen) and Sean Astin (Stranger Things, The Lord of the Rings).

THE SHIFT is a modern-day retelling of the book of Job. Kevin Garner (Polaha) gets separated from Molly (Tabish), the love of his life, when a mysterious adversary known as The Benefactor (McDonough) sends him to an alternate dystopian reality. Will hope and faith be enough to find his way back?

First released in the US in December 2023 by Angel Studios, THE SHIFT struck a bold chord with viewers, grossing $12 million domestically, as well as remaining in the box office Top 10 for two weeks running. Before then being released theatrically in the UK in January 2024 on over 150 screens across the nation.

Marking the debut feature from writer, director Brock Heasley, THE SHIFT has sparked worldwide discussion with its unique blend of sci-fi, romance, and allegory. 

THE SHIFT will be available on Digital Download from 25th March & Blu-ray and DVD from 1st April

View the Trailer on YouTube. 

Pre-order the UK BD from Amazon.co.uk

Pre-order the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk

 

Goredrome Pictures present THE WIND, TRYPOPHOBIC POSSESSION and VISIONS OF FILTH.

This month, Goredrome Pictures is proud to announce the release of THE WIND, the 1986 American slasher film directed by Nico Mastorakis (Island of Death), the extreme film TRYPOPHOBIC POSSESSION about trypophobia and VISIONS OF FILTH, the sixth film of the Abomination Collection series.

All of them are already available for pre-order on Goredrome Pictures and TetroVideo official websites together with the new edition with 2 discs of the 1987 italian cult film Cross of the Seven Jewels (aka La croce dalle sette pietre) by Eddy Endolf.

THE WIND (aka The Edge of Terror) is a film with a number of genre influences and is co-written, produced and directed by Nico Mastorakis. It stars Meg Foster (They Live, Leviathan), Wings Hauser, Robert Morley and David McCallum and the story follows Sian Anderson, a famous mystery author who is under attack by an assailant during a windy night in Monemvasia in Greece.

THE WIND comes in a Limited Mediabook edition (Cover A and B) + 2 Blu-ray discs, Slipcover, Booklet and 2 cards.

Slipcovers and cards are limited to the pre-order customers only.

TRYPOPHOBIC POSSESSION (2023) is an extreme horror film starring Cory DeAn Cowley (6 Songs), an SFX artist and indie actress known for her visceral style, extreme works and dark art

TRYPOPHOBIC POSSESSION comes in a Ultralimited Mediabook edition (Cover A and Cover B) + 2 Blu-ray discs, Slipcover, Booklet and 2 cards. The second disc, cards and slipcovers are limited to the pre-order customers only.

The film is about Trypophobia, an aversion to the sight of repetitive patterns or clusters of small holes or bumps. TRYPOPHOBIC POSSESSION, Cory DeAn Cowley plays a disturbed woman affected by this particular phobia which will drag her into a vortex of madness and death. 

Written and directed by Jason Impey, VISIONS OF FILTH (2021) is the sixth film of the Abomination Collection series that includes Scarlet Piss Princess, Necromaniacs, Beyond Dark Dreams, Mutilation Theatre and Solitude of the Tormentors.

The film is available in the standard edition (DVD + booklet).

The story follows a dying man (Martin W. Payne - Videoshop : Tales of Terror) who relives his past crimes in his last few days. His final act of depravity is coming back to haunt him on his death bed.

Martin W. Payne, Kieran Johnston, Rina Julia and Peter Tilley star.

Available to pre-order on TetroVideo and Goredrome.

 

NIGHTMARES IN A DAMAGED BRAIN & BAD BIOLOGY - On UK Special Edition 4K UHD & Blu-ray

NIGHTMARES IN A DAMAGED BRAIN - SPECIAL EDITION 4K UHD/BLU-RAY

Hailed as ‘a forgotten classic’ (Horror News) and ‘graphic and unapologetic’ (Sex Gore Mutants), NIGHTMARES IN A DAMAGED BRAIN remains one of the most reviled, controversial and misunderstood genre films of the 1980s. 

 

Now it can be experienced like never before, as Severin Films presents a brand new Special Edition, which comprises of two-discs, including a never-before-seen restored version and more than five-hours of brand new special features. 

 

Baird Stafford (Dog Tags) gives an enduringly disturbing performance as a seriously disturbed, homicidal patient who escapes from a psychiatric hospital, during an experimental drug programme. What follows is a mind-blowing trail of psychosexual carnage, that takes the maniac from the peep shows of 42nd Street to the shores of Florida, causing unimaginable slaughter and chaos his wake.

 

Written and directed by Romano Scavolini, this ‘devastating masterpiece’ (Cinefear), can now be experienced like never before, following its painstaking restoration process which involved scanning from the internegative and multiple foreign print sources to create the ultimate version.

 

The set includes an in-depth feature – Damaged: The Very British Obscenity of David Hamilton-Grant – that explores the salacious career of the mysterious British filmmaker and distributor, who was the only supplier to be sent to prison for releasing a “video nasty”, following the UK release of the film; this joins a slew of fascinating extras, please see full list below.

 

Prepare to experience something far beyond your worst NIGHTMARES IN A DAMAGED BRAIN.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Disc 1: 4K UHD
- Audio Commentary with star Baird Stafford and special effects assistant Cleve Hall moderated by Lee Christian and David DeCoteau
- Audio Commentary with producer William Paul
- Trailers
Disc 2: Blu-ray
- Damaged: The Very British Obscenity of David Hamilton-Grant
- Audio commentary with Baird Stafford and Cleve Hall moderated by Lee Christian and David DeCoteau
- Audio commentary with producer William Paul
- Kill Thy Father and Thy Mother – Interview with director Romano Scavolini (71 mins)
- Dreaming Up A Nightmare – Featuring former president of 21st century distribution Arthur Schweitzer, actor/unit production manager Mik Cribben, Production Supervisor Simon Nuchtern, Florida producer/special effects artist William Milling, uncredited editor Jim Markovic and archival interviews with actor Baird Stafford and special effects artists Edward French and Cleve Hall
- The Nightmare Of Nightmare – interview with erroneously credited special effects director Tom Savini
- Legendary Loser – Music Video by R.A. The Rugged Man Thorburn
- Deleted scenes
- Image Gallery – publicity pics, behind-the-scenes shots, video covers and death pix
- Trailers

This must-have set will be available from 26 February 2024, alongside a standard edition Blu-ray.  

Pre-order the UK 4K UHD/BD set from Amazon.co.uk

Pre-order the UK BD from Amazon.co.uk

BAD BIOLOGY - SPECIAL EDITION 4K UHD/BLU-RAY

After a 17-year break in filmmaking, splatter maestro Frank Henenlotter – writer/director of Frankenhooker, Brain Damage and The Basket Case Trilogy – returned with the most graphic, transgressive and jaw-droppingly depraved black comedy shocker of his career… BAD BIOLOGY. 

 

Now this wickedly warped feature gets a re-birth from Severin Films in a Special Edition set, that includes the film in its newly restored version, scanned in 4K from the camera negative. 

 

Jennifer, played by singer Charlee Danielson, is a homicidal nymphomaniac who spontaneously births mutant babies, while in another part of town Batz (Anthony Sneed – Chasing Banksy), has a monstrous penis, with a mind of its own, to contend with. In a city ruled by pleasure and pain, will the two made-for-each-other freaks deliver the ultimate orgasmic horror? 

 

Eleonore Hendricks (Daddy Longlegs), radio host Rude Jude and director James Glickenhaus (The Exterminator) co-star in ‘one very entertaining seriously batshit film’ (JoBlo), produced and co-written by underground hip-hop hero R.A. The Rugged Man Thorburn, with insane special effects by Gabe Bartalos (Skinned Deep).

 

Frank Henenlotter’s ball-busting freak fest should-be seen to be believed, so grab a copy for a shocking lesson in Bad Biology.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Disc 1: 4K UHD
- Commentary With Director Frank Henenlotter, director of photography Nick Deeg and actor Anthony Sneed
- Archival commentary with Frank Henenlotter and producer R.A. The Rugged Man Thorburn
Disc 2: Blu-ray
- Commentary with Frank Henenlotter, Nick Deeg and Anthony Sneed
- Archival commentary with Frank Henenlotter and producer R.A. The Rugged Man Thorburn
- Spook House – Interviews with Frank Henenlotter and R.A. The Rugged Man Thorburn, production coordinator Michael Shershenovich, Nick Deeg, retired detective David Henenlotter and production manager Chaz Kangas
- In The Basement With Charlee Danielson – A brief, completely off-kilter interview with the elusive Miss Charlee Danielson and a Basketball
- Deeg and Sneed – A Conversation between Nick Deeg and Anthony Sneed
- Swollen Agenda – Interview with make-up effects artist Gabe Bartalos
- Beyond Bad – Behind the Scenes of Bad Biology
- F*ck Face – Photographer Clay Patrick McBride runs around the director's apartment filming guys making their 'O Face'
- SUCK – A wonderfully twisted short film by Anthony Sneed
- Legendary Loser – Music Video by R.A. The Rugged Man
- Thorburn Image Gallery – publicity pics, behind-the-scenes shots, video covers and death pix

This Dual 4K UHD and Blu-ray release gets its UK bow on 26 February, and will also be released on standard edition Blu-ray.

Pre-order the UK 4K UHD/BD set from Amazon.co.uk

 

Pre-order the UK BD from Amazon.co.uk

Aracnid Horror STING - in UK Cinemas, May.

Arachnophobes beware – your biggest fear just got bigger as horror movie STING crawls into UK cinemas on Friday 31 May 2024.

Directed by Kiah Roache-Turner and starring Ryan Corr (House Of The Dragon) and Alyla Browne (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), STING is set to bring audiences’ arachnophobia to horrifying life with hyper-realistic practical effects created by five-time Academy Award Winner Weta Workshop studio.

On a stormy night in New York City, a mysterious egg falls from the sky and smashes through the window of a rundown apartment building. From it a strange little spider emerges and is discovered by Charlotte, a rebellious, lonely 12-year-old girl obsessed with comic books. She names it Sting. 

As Charlotte’s fascination increases, so does Sting’s insatiable appetite. Growing at a monstrous rate, neighbours and their pets start to go missing. Soon, Charlotte’s family realise they have become the prey of a ravenous supersized arachnid with a taste for human flesh… and Charlotte is the only one who knows how to stop it.

STING is written and directed by WYRMWOOD creator Kiah Roache-Turner, and produced by Jamie Hilton and Michael Pontin via See Pictures, together with Pictures in Paradise’s Chris Brown. 

Alongside Corr and Browne, STING also stars Penelope Mitchell (Hellboy), Robyn Nevin (Relic, Wolf Like Me), Noni Hazlehurst (The End) and Jermaine Fowler (The Blackening).

View the Trailer on YouTube.

 

 

INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS out now on 4K UHD

When health official Elizabeth Driscoll (Brooke Adams) notices that her lover has become strangely distant, this sets in train a series of shocking discoveries that sees both her and colleague Matthew Bennell (Donald Sutherland) fleeing for their lives to the sound of ear-piercing alien screams.

Remakes of great films are usually on a hiding to nothing, but Philip Kaufman’s brilliant update of the 1956 classic, which also stars Veronica Cartwright, Jeff Goldblum and Leonard Nimoy, is a rare and memorable exception.

Transposing the action to the heart of San Francisco allows Kaufman to retain all the suspense of Jack Finney’s original story while adding caustic social commentary about the selfishness of the 1970s “me generation” that remains all too relevant today.

But it’s a paranoid thriller first and foremost, based on one of the most psychologically terrifying of all premises – what happens when you can no longer trust not just the authorities but even your nearest and dearest?

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Original uncompressed stereo 2.0 and 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio sound
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Audio commentary with director Philip Kaufman
Discussing the Pod, a panel conversation about Invasion of the Body Snatchers and invasion cinema featuring critic Kim Newman and filmmakers Ben Wheatley (Kill List) and Norman J. Warren (Satan’s Slave)
Writing the Pod, an interview with Jack Seabrook, author of Stealing Through Time: On the Writings of Jack Finney about Finney’s original novel The Body Snatchers
Re-Visitors from Outer Space: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Pod, a documentary on the making of the film featuring Philip Kaufman, Donald Sutherland, writer W.D. Richter and more
The Man Behind the Scream: The Sound Effects Pod, a look at the film’s pioneering sound effects
The Invasion Will Be Televised: The Cinematography Pod, cinematographer Michael Chapman (Taxi Driver, Raging Bull) discusses the look of and influences on the visual style of the film
Practical Magic: The Special Effects Pod, a look at the creation of the special effects from the opening space sequence
Original theatrical trailer
Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tony Stella
Six postcard-sized artcards
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by David Cairns and Charles Freund, and archival interviews with director Philip Kaufman and writer W.D. Richter
Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options

View the Teaser Trailer on YouTube.

Buy the UK 4K UHD from Amazon.co.uk

 

 

Mystery Thriller COLD MEAT - Coming to UK Digital Outlets.

This chilling game of cat-and-mouse will keep you wondering who’s hunting who.  David Petersen is passing through the Colorado Rockies. After saving a young diner waitress from her violent ex-husband during a break from driving, he hits the road again alone through a dangerous snow blizzard. 

One false move behind the wheel has him waking up inside a ravine, in the eye of the storm. But the cold is the least of his worries when a beast starts prowling outside. How will he survive? 

Starring Allen Leech (Downton Abbey) and Nina Bergman (Hell Hath No Fury), COLD MEAT is directed by Sébastien Drouin in his debut feature.

COLD MEAT on Digital Platforms 26th February from Signature Entertainment

View the Trailer on YouTube.

For more info on this and other Signature Entertainment releases, visit their social media pages... 

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Sci-Fi, Action, Horror BONELESS - Set to Unveil at European Film Market

Prepare to be transported into a realm of cosmic conflict and unimaginable horrors as director Dario Bagatin unveils his first feature, BONELESS, at the European Film Market in Berlin.

In this heart-pounding horror and action-packed science fiction, an ordinary couple's quiet business trip to Venice takes a terrifying turn when they offer a ride to a mysterious hitchhiker. A wrong turn catapults them into a reality beyond their wildest nightmares, as they find themselves thrust into the midst of an intergalactic war between humans and aliens. 

As they navigate through unknown alien worlds and face threats that defy imagination, the protagonists must fight for survival while desperately seeking a way to return home. Unexpectedly drawn into the cosmic conflict, they join the human resistance against alien invaders, realizing that the fate of not just one planet, but Earth itself, hangs in the balance.

With over twenty international awards won, BONELESS is a gripping story that mixes the ordinary and the extraordinary, taking viewers through a galaxy of adventures, discoveries and crucial decisions that will shape the fate of two worlds at war. The film pays homage to the low- budget cinema of drive-ins and the legendary Roger Corman, immersing itself in the golden era of the 1950s science fiction and its captivating themes linked to the cold war.

The film’s aesthetics are a celebration for retro enthusiasts with a clear tribute to the ‘80s style and practical effects. The inclusion of stop-motion animations inspired by the master Ray Harryhausen adds an unique touch. BONELESS will make its market debut at the European Film Market in Berlin, running from the 15th to the 20th of February. EuroObscura will handle international sales.

View the Trailer on YouTube. 

For more info on this and other films by EuroObscura, visit http://www.euroobscura.com

 

 

Psychological horror LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP - on Digital, March

LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP is a twisted psychological horror starring Georgina Campbell (Barbarian) as Lennon, who starts a new job as a back-country ranger on an isolated outpost but soon realises that something sinister is lurking in the woods. 

As strange visions begin to take hold and a cosmic fever dream unravels, will she uncover the origins of a tragedy that has haunted her since childhood?

LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP has screened at Toronto After Dark Film Festival, Fantasia International Film Festival, Beyond Fest and had its UK Premiere at FrightFest Halloween. It is the feature debut from Teresa Sutherland (writer; The Wind, Midnight Mass). 

Blue Finch Film Releasing presents LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP, on UK and Ireland Digital platforms from 25 March

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Eli Roth's THANKSGIVING - Available now, Digitally

Critically acclaimed horror director Eli Roth (Hostel, Death Wish) brings you his latest gore fest THANKSGIVING, coming to Digital on 12th February.   Starring Patrick Dempsey (Bridget Jones’ Baby, TV’s ‘Grey’s Anatomy’), Addison Rae (He’s All That), and Nell Verlaque (Nowhere, The Marijuana Conspiracy), THANKSGIVING follows a gruesome killer, masked as the iconic John Carver, as he creatively murders his way through the town of Plymouth, Massachusetts – will anyone survive to unmask the killer before his sadistic feast?
 
Synopsis
After a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy, a mysterious Thanksgiving-inspired killer terrorizes Plymouth, Massachusetts – the birthplace of the holiday. Picking off residents one by one, what begins as random revenge killings are soon revealed to be part of a larger, sinister holiday plan. Will the town uncover the killer and survive the holidays…or become guests at his twisted holiday dinner table?

THANKSGIVING is available to buy Digitally from Sony Pictures Entertainment. 

View the Trailer on YouTube

View/Download from Amazon.co.uk

 

Director Federico Zampaglione talks about THE WELL, premiering at Glasgow FrightFest.

Ahead of the UK premiere of graphic and disturbing supernatural horror film THE WELL at FrightFest Glasgow 2024, director Federico Zampaglione talks about returning to hardcore horror, working with the late, great Giovanni Lombardo Radice and emerging from the shadow of Italian masters of the genre.

Q) So, Federico, THE WELL has its UK premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival, as part of the popular FrightFest event. Excited, or what?

A) Frightfest it' s the place where everything has started in 2009 and it's one of the best festivals in the world. I can' t wait to show THE WELL to the UK fans.

Q) What inspired you to make the movie?

A) Wanting to get back on the horror horse! I deeply love this genre, because it speaks to the human soul, investigates our unknown fears and gets lost in deep darkness whilst clinging to a blade of light. THE WELL pushes at the most extreme emotions, destroying the border between reality and fantasy, good and evil, life and death. You will discover that evil has new depths”. Hopefully, it brings new life into contemporary Italian horror.

Q) Without giving too much away, how would you describe THE WELL?

A) The Well is a terror puncher. My regular screenwriting partner and I started throwing ideas around – from The Picture of Dorian Gray, Countess Dracula and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre - and one concept I kept coming back to was the double level chiller, a sort of ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ type of story. Then I was discussing with my wife (actress Giglia Marra), what the scariest place in the world could be and she came up with a well. Trapped deep underground in a constricting space full of dank water, what could be worse?

Q) It’s a terrific cast, a combination of rising talent such as Lauren LaVera and Taylor Zaudtke, mixed with legends like Claudia Gerini and Giovanni Lombardo Radice. And one of your daughters has a substantial role. Take us through the process.

A) I saw Terrifier 2 and liked it a lot, it was a full-on, no excuses gore-fest and Lauren LaVera was a fantastic anchor. So, I contacted her on social media and told her I was about to make this new horror movie and that she would be great as the main character. She was interested, I sent her the script, two days later she said she loved it. I couldn’t be happier with all the casting choices. It was a great experience. Every single actor was so talented and inspired and a real pleasure to work with.

Q) Sadly, Radice passed away a few weeks after filming THE WELL. How would you describe his legacy?

A) He was an immense actor and a very unique guy. Despite him being just in a cameo role he gave an incredible strength to a very important moment of the film.  When I knew he passed away  I felt very sad.  It was an honour to share the set with such a legend.

Q) You’re on record as saying you were very determined not to compromise on the horror, suggesting that extreme gore is where the zeitgeist is. Can you explain in more detail?

A) Just look at Terrifier 2, Scream VI and Evil Dead Rise. No compromises. I wanted . The film is very graphic. Importantly both producers didn’t want me to lighten the horror. They insisted it be gory in the extreme, so it gets really nasty and brutal at times. The master of practical effects, Carlo Diamantini, did a very impressive job. You will feel  on your own skin every single moment of pain because that’s where the zeitgeist is.

Q) Are you worried that the film is too extreme for the mainstream genre audience?

A) It' s definitely extreme but you also have some touching dramatic moments  and a little bit of black humour in a couple of scenes as well.  Just to make you breathe in that bloodbath .

Q) The Well is set to solidify your reputation as a stand-alone genre filmmaker. Has it been tough coming out from the shadow of other Italian genre filmmakers, such as Argento?

A) Yes, very tough.  We all love and respect the great Masters of Italian horror, but they can easily overshadow you . I learned so much from them and I have a beautiful relationship with a lot of them; but at the same time I' m working on my style ...to get better and better and deliver my own vision of the darkness.

Q) What is your opinion of the current horror trends? Do you have a favourite film of 2023?

A) This is a very good moment ! I loved " When evil lurks", " Talk to me" , "Speak no evil", "Barbarians"  and many others. It seems that this genre is getting to the next level.

Q) Finally, what’s next?

A) Who knows ?...  

THE WELL is showing at the Glasgow Film Theatre on Sat 9 March, 6.05pm, as part of FrightFest Glasgow 2024. Lauren LaVera and Federico Zampaglone will be attending.

For full programme details: http://www.frightfest.co.uk/

Buy Tickets Online: https://glasgowfilm.org/glasgow-film-festival