Underworld : Blood Wars – UK DVD review

Yes, Kate Beckinsale is back in the skin tight leather and PVC fighting werewolves in the fifth instalment of the Underworld franchise, “Underworld Blood Wars”, which is already available digitally but is released to UK disc May 29 from  Sony.

Set some time after the events of “Underworld : Awakening”, vampire outcast Selene (Kate Beckinsale) finds herself being pursued at every turn by a vicious Lycan leader named Marius (Tobias Menzies – TVs “Game of Thrones”), who’s wants to get his hands on her daughter for some nefarious reason.

Finding no sanctuary amongst her own kind, with vampire leader Semira (Lara Pulver – Edge of Tomorrow) planning to overthrow the other council members of the Eastern coven, she is forced to head North to try and enlist the help of the long fabled Nordic coven, to stop Semira and join the fight against the Lycans, who are planning to wipe them all out.

Plenty of gun fights and action scenes subsequently ensue, as you have come to expect with this franchise. With Theo James and Charles Dance returning to reprise their roles as Marius and Thomas from the previous film. The cast also benefits from the inclusion of Bradley James (TVs Damien, iZombie) and Daisy Head (The Last Seven, TVs The Syndicate) as a pair of vampires with very different allegiances (and Daisy Head looks seriously awesome as a vampire in this).

The film is out on Ultra-HD Blu-Ray, 3D Blu-Ray, Standard Blu-Ray and DVD.

I was sent the DVD to review, which contains the following extras…

Old and New Blood feature (6mins) – The director and producers discuss the concept of the Nordic coven with cast members Charles Dance, Theo James and Clementine Nicholson.

The Evil Evolved feature (5:50) – Cast members Lara Pulver, Bradley James , Daisy Head, and James Faulkner discuss their characters.

The Blu-Ray releases also contain the additional extras…

Evolution of Selene feature
Building a Bloodwar feature
Official graphic novel

If you’re a fan of the Underworld films, go check this one out. The film is out on UK disc May 29.

Buy the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk

Buy the UK BD from Amazon.co.uk

Buy the 3D BD from Amazon.co.uk

Buy the UHD-BD from Amazon.co.uk

 

 

 

The Void - Guests at MCM London Comic Con

The Void directors Jeremy Gillespie & Steven Kostanski are guests of MCM London Comic Con this weekend.

Steven and Jeremy appear all weekend for two special panels on Sat and Sun hosted by Jed Shepherd, and an MCM Buzz Stage chat, to discuss their varied movie production work, movies including hit horror The Void, current projects and future work. With clips and loads of freebies for questions and the best outfits. 

The Void appear at MCM London Comic Con this weekend May 27-28th : 

Silver Stage Panel 15.30-16.15 on Saturday 

Buzz Stage 12.30-13.00 on Sunday 

Gold Stage Panel 14.30-15.00 on Sunday 

For more info visit the MCM Comic Con London Page 

 

FAB Press re-issues Beyond Terror Lucio Fulci tribute, Indiegogo campaign live now

FAB Press has today launched a new Indiegogo Campaign to raise the funds needed to re-issue the acclaimed book BEYOND TERROR: THE FILMS OF LUCIO FULCI.

Written by celebrated writer, researcher & film critic Stephen Thrower, the book runs to 440 large format pages and contains more than 1,100 illustrations. 

Our goal is to re-issue Beyond Terror in a massively revised and expanded edition along with an exclusive DVD of all known Lucio Fulci trailers, gathered together for the first time ever, all presented in a heavy duty case reminiscent of the Book of Eibon from Fulci’s classic supernatural horror film The Beyond. This special edition of Beyond Terror will never be re-issued and will be vastly superior to the highstreet trade edition of the book that will follow.

A Radical New Edition

This is more than just a re-issue; Stephen Thrower  and FAB Press have spent the past three years working to fully revise, update and expand Beyond Terror to take account of the intervening twenty years of research and every new discovery about Lucio Fulci and his work. In fact so much has changed compared to the first edition that we can confidently claim this is effectively a NEW BOOK that will be of great value even to fans who already have a treasured copy of Beyond Terror in their library.

SO MUCH MORE NEW MATERIAL:

•  80,000 more words

•  128 more pages, including an extra 40 pages in full colour

•  350 more images

Exclusive to the Beyond Terror Special Edition

• Exclusive Feature 1)  — LUCIO FULCI TRAILER SHOW — a full length DVD featuring a re-mastered collection of every known Lucio Fulci movie trailer, produced exclusively for FAB Press by Nucleus Films’ Marc Morris. All trailers are in English except where foreign language was the only option, and for all of those we have produced brand new specially commissioned English subtitles! This DVD is NTSC format, no region coding, so it can be played wherever you are in the world.

• Exclusive Feature 2)  — EIBON COLLECTOR'S BOX PACKAGING — the book and DVD will be housed together in a custom designed heavy duty presentation box reminiscent of the Book of Eibon from The Beyond, complete with silk pull ribbon to lift the book from the box, textured cover and magnetic closure flap.

• Exclusive Feature 3)  — BONUS CHAPTER — an extensive interview with Lucio Fulci... This new pressing of Beyond Terror will include a final chapter that will only ever be included in the Special Edition — it will NOT be in any future high street or trade edition, neither will it be in any edition offered for sale online anywhere else except direct from the FAB Press Indiegogo page… When Lucio Fulci visited the UK in 1994 as a film festival special guest, he was interviewed by renowned horror journalist John Martin. For the first time ever John has allowed that entire conversation to be published completely uncut, accompanied by rare behind the scenes and personal photographs of Fulci at work and at leisure.

• Exclusive Feature 4)  — THE BEYOND WRAPAROUND BOOK JACKET — Special Edition books will be complete with the trade edition Zombie Flesh Eaters cover design, but they will ALSO include the original cover design from the 1999 hardback and 2003 paperback editions included as an additional bonus dust jacket...

The Beyond Terror Indiegogo campaign is now live, and runs for 35 days, finishing on 28 June. Please visit campaign today and share the link…

https://igg.me/at/BeyondTerror

A Ghost Story in UK cinemas - August 11th

UK distributers A24 announced today that it will release highly acclaimed Sundance favorite "A Ghost Story" in the UK on August 11th. The studio will partner with frequent collaborator Picturehouse Entertainment on the theatrical rollout. 

Recently deceased, a white-sheeted ghost (Casey Affleck) returns to his suburban home to console his bereft wife (Rooney Mara), only to find that in his spectral state he has become unstuck in time, forced to watch passively as the life he knew and the woman he loves slowly slip away. Increasingly unmoored, the ghost embarks on a cosmic journey through memory and history, confronting life’s ineffable questions and the enormity of existence. An unforgettable meditation on love and grief, A Ghost Story emerges ecstatic and surreal — a wholly unique experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

The film, a cosmic exploration of time, love, and the essential human longing for meaning and connection, was directed by renowned filmmaker David Lowery (Pete’s Dragon, Ain’t Them Bodies Saints) and stars recent Academy Award winner Casey Affleck and two‐time Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara. It premiered earlier this year at Sundance to rave reviews and was recently announced as the closing film at Sundance Film Festival: London.

 

#AGhostStory

Watch the US trailer on YouTube   

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First images released from "NECRONOMICON, The Book of Hell"

The first images of upcoming argentinian film "NECRONOMICON, The Book of Hell" have been released (see below).

 The universe of H.P. Lovecraft has been recreated in the Argentinian film industry for the very first time. Marcelo Schapces is the director behind “Necronomicon: The book of hell”, an ambitious horror film; where part of the action and atmosphere also takes place at the National Library of Buenos Aires, supposedly – as Lovecraft wrote – a location where one of the three copies of the NECRONOMICON is hidden.

The first footage of this project will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival, as “Necronomicon” is part of the Blood Window´s galas, which features a selection of horror and genre´s top-projects from Latin America. A teaser and WIP footage will be shown in the event called “Upcoming Fantastic Films”, on May 20th.

“Necronomicon” was shot in a five weeks period on location on Buenos Aires, alongside a wide range of special effects, creature makeup and VFX scenes.

The film is currently in post-production. The digital effects are been developed by Nuts Media.  They have the mission to bring to life the characters created by the artist Salvador Sanz, one of the most respected comic book creators from Argentina ("The Skeleton", "Legion", among others) who has designed the numerous creatures from the underworld as well as the semi-human figures known as “The Others”.

SYNOPSIS
For centuries, Dieter, a man without age, has been guarding the infernal book NECRONOMICON, to keep it locked and to prevent its evil conjures to summon the dark abyss from taking over humanity and earth. However, a copy of the book lies well-hidden in the National Library of Buenos Aires. The mysterious death of Dieter leads Luis, a simple librarian, to confront the forces that lurk the NECRONOMICON. In a city that’s corroded by apocalyptic climate, a man faces the forces of darkness.

ALIEN: COVENANT & THEY LIVE Collections On Sale Now at Fright-Rags

Fright-Rags is proud to present new apparel from John Carpenter's They Live and Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant. One is bone fide cult classic, the other is a highly-anticipated new film, and both uniquely blend horror, science fiction, and action.

Alien: Covenant is out now in US cinemas and Fright-Rags has teamed with 20th Century Fox to release a collection of apparel for the film. The path to paradise begins with five exclusive shirts, including one that glows in the dark. The official Alien: Covenant poster art is also available on shirts, tank tops, baseball tees, and hoodies. Lastly, you can decorate your spacesuit with two Weyland-Yutani enamel pins.

Fright-Rags has come here to chew bubblegum and release They Live shirts… and they’re all out of bubblegum. Your alien-enhanced sunglasses will go great with three new tees from John Carpenter's 1988 film, plus the return of two fan-favorite designs.

Alien: Covenant and They Live collections are on sale now at Fright-Rags.com. 

Coming soon are collections dedicated to The Howling (May 24), Ghost (May 26), and Goosebumps (May 31).

SHOCK TREATMENT comes to UK BD for the first time ever.

From the writer and director of The Rocky Horror Picture Show comes not a sequel, not a prequel… but an equal to that classic, available on Blu-ray for the first time anywhere in the world, starring the cream of comedic talent in a riotous, unmissable cult musical.

Several years on from the events of the original Rocky Horror, Brad and Janet Majors find their strained marriage put to the test on popular Denton TV show Marriage Maze. Poor Brad is heavily sedated and institutionalised, whilst Janet is given a radical makeover and primed for stardom. But what are the real motivations behind the kooky DTV crew and their enigmatic head-honcho, Farley Flavors?

Featuring a host of familiar Rocky Horror faces including Richard O’Brien and Patricia Quinn as Dr Cosmo and Dr Nation, alongside Jessica Harper and Cliff De Young as Janet and Brad, plus the likes of Barry Humphries and Rik Mayall, this is a sexy, surreal satire that everyone should have on repeat prescription. With a rocking, shocking score from Richard O’Brien and Richard Hartley, including an irresistibly catchy title song, Shock Treatment is the follow-up that’s more than the equal of its predecessor.

Taking potshots at the medical industry, tacky TV shows, and everything in between, O’Brien’s film is bursting with energy and beautifully designed, and, as his character says, “you’ll be pathetically crazy about Shock Treatment - trust me, I’m a doctor!”

Presented in two highly collectable limited edition Blu-ray sets - each featuring one of the devious doctors from the film, Cosmo or Nation, on the packaging - it goes without saying that this world debut release is a must have for Rocky Horror fans. Altogether now, you need a bit of ooooh, Shock Treatment!

-Digital transfer from original film elements

-High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation

-5.1 and Mono audio options

-Isolated Music and Effects Track

-Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

-Audio commentary by Shock Treatment Fan Club presidents "Mad Man" Mike and Bill Brennan

-35 Years of Shock Treatment – live panel filmed at British Film Institute

-DTV Presents: A Shockumentary featurette

-Let's Rock 'n Roll: Shock Treatment's Super Score featurette

-Theatrical and International Trailers

-Exclusive Digipak Packaging featuring newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys

-Collector’s Booklet featuring new writing on the film by festival programmer Michael Blyth

-Set of Exclusive Shock Treatment Mix ‘n’ Match Cards!

-Exclusive double-sided DENTON poster

Pre-order the UK BD "Cosmo" version from Amazon.co.uk 

Pre-order the UK BD "Nation" version from Amazon.co.uk  

 

Horror Channel unleashes eight premieres for June

Horror Channel has eight prime-time weekend film premieres in June including the UK premieres of RETREAT, Carl Tibbets’ ‘ménage a trois of terror’ starring Thandie Newton, Cillian Murphy and Jamie Bell and R.D. Braunstein’s smartly gripping I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE 3: VENGEANCE IS MINE – widely seen as the best of the series.

There are also network premieres for Jennifer Lynch’s uncompromising and dark chiller CHAINED, William Malone’s gruesome cyber thriller FEARDOTCOM, starring Stephen Dorff and Natascha McElhone and Michael Reeves’s highly acclaimed WITCHFINDER GENERAL, starring Vincent Price.

In a deadly virus catching month, other highlights are first channel showings for John Pogue’s [REC] inspired scareline QUARANTINE 2 TERMINAL, Breck Eisner’s critically-acclaimed remake of George Romero's 1973 movie, THE CRAZIES and James Cameron’s directorial debut PIRANHA 2: THE SPAWNING starring Lance Henriksen and plenty of flying killer fish.

Full details of premieres in transmission order:

Fri 2 June @ 21:00 – QUARANTINE 2: TERMINAL (2011) *Network Premiere

A bizarre disease, unleashed in a run-down Los Angeles tenement killing everyone, has somehow mutated and got out. Now, aboard Flight 318, the first symptoms begin to show. As the infection begins to takes root, all on board begin to transform into terrifying, bloodthirsty killers. Forced to land at an isolated terminal, and surrounded by armed government agents, the crew and passengers grow increasingly desperate. The only question now is how far they will go to survive...

Sat 3 June @ 22:50 – WITCHFINDER GENERAL (1968) *Network Premiere

Set during the English Civil War, Matthew Hopkins (Vincent Price), a lawyer and self-appointed 'Witchfinder General', tours the Eastern counties instigating witch-hunts and extracting 'confessions' under torture. When a young woman, Sara (Hilary Dwyer), is raped by Hopkins and her priest father murdered, Sara’s lover, Richard Marshall (Ian Ogilvy), a soldier in Cromwell's army, vows revenge. The last and best film of director Michael Reeves's tragically brief career, Witchfinder General has received broad critical admiration

Fri 9 June @ 22:45 – I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE 3: VENGEANCE IS MINE (2015) *UK TV Premiere

After her harrowing experiences in 2010, Jennifer Hills (Sarah Butler) has taken the name Angela and is now working in an anonymous office job. Attending a rape support group to find closure, she meets feisty Marla Finch (Jennifer Landon) and they become firm friends. Then Marla suggests that Angela join her in taking revenge by proxy on the abusers they hear about in their secret sessions…

Sat 10 June @ 22:55 – FEARDOTCOM (2002) *Network Premiere

When four bodies are discovered among the industrial decay and urban grime of New York City, brash young detective Mike Reilly (Stephen Dorff) teams with ambitious Department of Health researcher Terry Huston (Natascha McElhone) to uncover the cause behind their violent and inexplicable deaths. The only common factor shared by the victims? Each died exactly 48 hours after logging on to feardot.com. Also stars Stephen Rea and Udo Kier.

Fri 16 June @ 21:00 – THE CRAZIES (2010) *Network Premiere

Anarchy reigns when an unknown toxin turns the peaceful citizens of Ogden Marsh into bloodthirsty lunatics. In an effort to contain the spread of the infection, authorities blockade the town and use deadly force to keep anyone from getting in or out. Now trapped among killers, Sheriff Dutten (Timothy Olyphant), his wife (Radha Mitchell) and two companions must band together to find a way out before madness and death overtakes them all.

Sat 17 June @ 22:55 – CHAINED (2012) *Network Premiere

A trip to the movies becomes a nightmare for Sarah (Julia Ormond) and her young son Tim (Eamon Farren) when they are kidnapped by Bob (Vincent D’Onofrio), a deranged taxi driver, and taken to his remote home.  There the nine-year-old sees his mother murdered - but it isn’t the last slaughter he witnesses for Bob enslaves Tim, chains him up and forces him to bury his victims’ bodies. As years go by, Tim is allowed some freedom only if he turns killer himself. Now the reluctant protégé must make a choice between following in Bob's bloody footsteps or breaking free. 

Fri 23 June @ 23:00 – PIRANHA 2: THE SPAWNING (1981) *Network Premiere

James Cameron’s directorial debut centres on a mysterious batch of eggs that have been left unrecovered from a sunken naval wreckage off a popular Caribbean island resort. When a series of bizarre deaths occur, scuba diving instructor (Tricia O’Neil), her biochemist boyfriend (Steve Marachuk) and her police chief ex-husband Lance Henriksen) try to find the link between the mutant strain of piranha fish terrorising everyone and their lair at the bottom of the sea...

Sat 24 June @ 23:00 – RETREAT (2011) *UK TV Premiere

Taking an isolated break on an uninhabited island, Martin (Cillian Murphy) and Kate (Thandie Newton) are about to find that their island retreat is about to become a prison of unimaginable terror. When a blood-soaked stranger (Jamie Bell) stumbles through their door claiming an apocalyptic virus is sweeping across Europe, their lives are turned upside down as they face what could be the end of everything they know. Using all means necessary, they must fight to escape the approaching threat. But escape is only the beginning of their terrifying fight for survival... 

TV: Sky 319 / Virgin 149 / Freesat 138 / Freeview 70

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Explore the terrifying real-life story of LAKE BODOM with SHUDDER

Based on terrifying real life events, LAKE BODOM is an intense, no-hold-barred post-modern slasher that takes the genre and injects it with cutting wit, thrilling twists and 21st century ferocity.

Every camper's worst nightmare came true at Lake Bodom in 1960 when four teenagers were stabbed to death while sleeping in their tent.

When four teens go on a pilgrimage to the site of the massacre, it appears that history may end up repeating itself.

For anyone jaded by cookie-cutter stalk ‘n’ slash films, LAKE BODOM is a palette refresher shot-though with deeply dark Nordic style.

Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving fans of thrillers, suspense, and horror. Backed by AMC Networks, Shudder has a growing and dynamic selection of thrilling premieres, originals, and exclusives, which complement its impressive library of international and independent films, gripping TV series, and Hollywood blockbuster favourites. Shudder streams ad-free in the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland on the web, iOS, Android, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Roku for £4.99/month or £49.99 with an annual membership. To try Shudder commitment-free for 7 days, visit www.shudder.com.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

 

RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER comes to UK Disc and Digital

RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER, the sixth and final installment in the worldwide franchise phenomenon, premieres first on UK Digital Download May 29 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD June 12 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. 

Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil franchise) is back as the iconic zombie slayer Alice, who is forced to return to The Hive, where her story began. The Umbrella Corporation is gathering its undead forces for a final strike against the survivors of the apocalypse and Alice must prevent complete human extinction before it’s too late. Returning with Jovovich are franchise regulars Ali Larter (Final Destination), Shawn Roberts (Resident Evil: Retribution) and Iain Glen (“Game of Thrones”), alongside all-new cast members Ruby Rose (“Orange is the New Black”), Eoin Macken (“The Night Shift”) and William Levy (The Single Moms Club).

Picking up after Resident Evil: Retribution, Alice (Milla Jovovich) is the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity’s final stand against the undead. Now, she must return to where the nightmare began – The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.

Written and Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER is produced by Jeremy Bolt, Paul W.S. Anderson, Robert Kulzer and Samuel Hadida; with Martin Moszkowicz and Victor Hadida serving as executive producers.

Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D 4K Ultra HD, DVD & Digital Bonus Materials Include:
Two Featurettes:
“Explore the Hive”
“The Badass Trinity & The Women of Resident Evil”
 

Bonus Disc Included with Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D 4K Ultra HD, DVD Includes:
 
“Directing The Final Chapter” Featurette
“Rola As Colbalt” featurette
“From Script To Screen” Featurette
And more!
Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D 4K Ultra HD and Digital Bonus Materials Include:
Retaliation Mode
Sneak Peek: Resident Evil: Vendetta
“Stunts & Weaponry” Featurette 

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

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

Pre-order the UK 3D BD from Amazon.co.uk

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

BESETMENT on US VOD this June

Uncork'd Entertainment invites you to a hotel of horrors this June with Brad Douglas’s highly anticipated thriller/chiller Besetment.

Besetment stars Abby Wathen (The Bay) as a young woman who takes a hotel position in a small town where she ends up fighting for her life.

Amanda Millard, struggling and desperate for a job, takes a position at a hotel in a small town in Oregon. It’s a creepy, back country kind of town but owners Mildred Colvin and her son Billy seem nice enough at first. It’s not long before Amanda discovers their real intentions, and her struggle to make a living becomes a nightmarish fight for her life.

Besetment won first place at the recent Rhode Island Vortex Horror Film Festival.

Abby Wathen and, Marlyn Mason (The Trouble with Girls) star with Michael Meyer, Douglas Rowe, Lindsea Kline, Greg James, Hannah Barefoot, John T. Woods, Sonya Davis, Max Gutfreund, Liam O'Sruitheain, Sadndra Doolittle, Tanner McCullough, Ashley Layton, Nona Bigham, and Edward Simper in a Brad Douglas film.

Besetment premieres on VOD June 6 with a DVD release to follow September 5

View the trailer on YouTube 

 

Arrow Video releases, this August.

New releases coming from Arrow video this August.

Shock Treatment - on Blu-ray on 7 August.

Available on Blu-ray for the first time anywhere in the world, it is with absolute pleasure that Arrow Video presents Shock Treatment – the criminally underrated sequel to The Rocky Horror Picture Show!

Featuring a host of familiar Rocky faces including Richard O’Brien and Patricia Quinn, alongside the likes of Jessica Harper, Barry Humphries and Rik Mayall – not to mention a rocking, shocking score from Richard O’Brien and Richard Hartley – Shock Treatment is the follow-up that’s more than the equal of its predecessor.

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
• Digital transfer from original film elements
• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
• 5.1 and Mono audio options
• Isolated Music and Effects Track
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Audio commentary by Shock Treatment Fan Club presidents "Mad Man" Mike and Bill Brennan
• 35 Years of Shock Treatment – live panel filmed at British Film Insitute
• DTV Presents: A Shockumentary featurette
• Let's Rock 'n Roll: Shock Treatment's Super Score featurette
• Theatrical and International Trailers
• Exclusive Digipak Packaging featuring newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys
• Collector’s Booklet featuring new writing on the film by festival programmer Michael Blyth
• Set of Exclusive Shock Treatment Mix ‘n’ Match Cards!
• Exclusive double-sided DENTON poster

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

 

Don’t Torture a Duckling - on Dual Format Blu-ray + DVD on 14 August.

Arguably horror film legend Lucio Fulci’s greatest achievement, this giallo masterpiece ticks all the boxes for aficionados of Italian red herring murder mysteries, with bodies piling up, festering small town corruption and shocking kills, as well as lead roles for giallo favourites Tomas Milian and Barbara Bouchet. 

The Dual Format release boasts a new commentary and interviews, a superbly illustrated reversible sleeve, and a collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film with the first pressing.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS:
• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
• Original mono Italian and English soundtracks (lossless on the Blu-ray Disc)
• English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
• New audio commentary by Troy Howarth, author of So Deadly, So Perverse: 50 Years of Italian Giallo Films
• The Blood of Innocents, a new video discussion with Mikel J. Koven, author of La Dolce Morte: Vernacular Cinema and the Italian Giallo Film
• Hell is Already in Us, a new video essay by critic Kat Ellinger • Interviews with co-writer/director Lucio Fulci, actor Florinda Bolkan, cinematographer Sergio D’Offizi, assistant editor Bruno Micheli and assistant makeup artist Maurizio Trani
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Timothy Pittides

FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector’s booklet with new writing on the film by Barry Forshaw and Howard Hughes

Pre-order the BD/DVD combo pack from Amazon.co.uk

 

The Slayer - on Dual Format Blu-ray + DVD on 21 August.

This infamous, influential shocker, about a brutal killer running amok on a remote island, finally gets the pristine Dual Format treatment, with a stunning new 4K restoration. 

The film, whose nightmares-seeping-into-reality theme predates a certain Wes Craven classic by several years, comes with a reversible sleeve featuring brand new artwork, and a collector’s booklet with the first pressing. 

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS
• Brand new restoration from a 4K scan of the original negative
• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentations
• Original Uncompressed Mono Audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Brand new interviews with cast and crew
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Justin Osbourn

FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector’s booklet featuring new liner notes by writer Lee Gambin 

Pre-order the BD/DVD combo pack from Amazon.co.uk

 

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 - on Blu-ray on 21 August

There is nothing to fear but fear itself!” So says Dennis Hopper as ex-cop Lefty Enright in Tobe Hooper’s insanely enjoyable sequel to his 70s horror classic. 

This time round kick-ass heroine Caroline Williams is a radio show host being terrorised by the cannibal clan, including Leatherface, Chop-top and Grandpa, deep in the heart of Texas. 

The fantastic Blu-ray package includes a commentary from Hooper, documentaries, deleted scenes and a whole lot more.

SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS
• High Definiton Blu-ray (1080p) presentation from a digital transfer supervised by Director of Photography Richard Kooris
• Original uncompressed Stereo 2.0 audio
• Optional English SDH subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Audio commentary with director and co-writer Tobe Hooper, moderated by David Gregory
• Audio commentary with stars Bill Moseley, Caroline Williams and special-effects legend Tom Savini, moderated by Michael Felsher
• It Runs in the Family: a six-part documentary looking at the genesis, making-of and enduring appeal of Hooper’s lm, with interviews including star Bill Johnson, co-writer L.M. Kit Carson, Richard Kooris, Bill Moseley, Caroline Williams, Tom Savini, production designer Cary White and more!
• Alternate opening sequence with different musical score
• Deleted scenes • Still Feelin’ the Buzz: interview with horror expert Stephen Thrower, author of Nightmare USA
• Cutting Moments with Bob Elmore: interview with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2’s stuntman
• Gallery featuring behind-the-scenes images
• Original trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Justin Erickson

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

The Mummy Trailer - Moments Worth Paying For

Sofia Boutella, star of upcoming action adventure The Mummy, is the latest actress to appear in an exclusive trailer for the Industry Trust’s Moments Worth Paying For campaign.

The Mummy opens in UK Cinemas on Friday 9th June. Book your tickets at FindAnyFilm.com.

THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM - UK trailer debut - in UK cinemas 1st Sept

Lionsgate UK have released the trailer for forthcoming "THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM", which hits UK cinemas September 1st. Check it out below...

A serial killer stalks the Limehouse streets of Victorian London in 1880, the terrified population of this squalid district of the East End believe that the “Golem”, a monster from Judaic mythology, is responsible. Inspector Kildare of Scotland Yard is handed the impossible task of solving these heinous crimes and his investigations lead him on a race across the capital from The Old Bailey, to Newgate Prison, to the music halls of London and the British Museum. His chief suspects are music hall superstar Dan Leno, political agitator Karl Marx, writer and philosopher George Gissing and journalist John Cree. Kildare believes that famed performer Little Lizzie Cree, who is almost certainly destined to hang for the poisoning of her husband, holds the key to the identity of the real Golem. Kildare must solve the case and in doing so, he believes he will save the life of Elizabeth Cree.
 
"THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM" comes to UK cinemas September 1st.

THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE - on UK Disc and Digital 26TH JUNE

Coming to UK DVD, BD and Digital outlets this June from Lionsgate...

 

Experienced coroner Tommy Tilden and his son Austin run a family-owned morgue and crematorium in Virginia. When the local Sheriff brings in an emergency case – an unknown female corpse nicknamed ‘Jane Doe’, found in the basement of a home where a multiple homicide took place – it seems like just another open-and-shut case.

But as the autopsy proceeds, these seasoned professionals are left reeling as each layer of their inspection brings frightening new revelations. Perfectly preserved on the outside, Jane Doe’s insides have been scarred, charred and dismembered – seemingly the victim of a horrific yet mysterious ritualistic torture. 

 

As Tommy and Austin begin to piece together these gruesome discoveries, an unnatural force takes hold of the crematorium. While a violent storm rages above ground, it seems the real horrors lie on the inside...

Bonus Features (DVD and Blu-ray formats)

 
-Q&A with Director André Øvredal

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

'SHOW PIECES' comes to SHUDDER - June 29th

From the mind of legendary writer Alan Moore (creator of Watchmen, V For Vendetta and League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) and acclaimed photographer and director Mitch Jenkins comes the multi-layered film anthology SHOW PIECES. The film launches on June 29th on AMC Networks-backed Shudder, the premium streaming service for all things thrilling and suspenseful.

 

Set in the town of Northampton, UK, SHOW PIECES is the first work by Alan Moore written specifically for the screen and the first work to explore the bizarre world and characters that frequent an otherworldly gentlemen's club. The five chapters of SHOW PIECES create a tapestry of madness, malevolence and murderous misdeeds, intersecting to form an original, occult noir thriller with Alan Moore himself appearing in character on screen.

In Chapter One: Act Of Faith, Faith Harrington, a young newspaper reporter with an exotic private life, prepares for a stimulating evening at home that doesn’t go according to plan. In Chapter Two: Jimmy’s End, louche and hard-drinking womaniser James Mitchum finds himself wandering into one strange bar too many. 

In Chapter Three: Upon Reflection, Faith’s first bewildered arrival at the club is captured in a fixed security mirror above the club’s oddly anachronistic lounge bar. Whilst in Chapter Four: A Professional Relationship, the unusual relationship between the club’s two managers is explored and in Chapter Five: His Heavy Heart, a dreadful realisation hits James Mitchum as he is shepherded into his unenviable afterlife.

The soundtrack to SHOW PIECES features original lyrics by Alan Moore set to music by Adam Drucker and Andrew Broder working as Crook & Flail with help from a cast of vocalists including Tunde Adebimpe (TV On The Radio), Alan Sparhawk (Low) and Nona Invie (Dark Dark Dark). 

Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving fans of thrillers, suspense, and horror.  Backed by AMC Networks, Shudder has a growing and dynamic selection of thrilling premieres, originals, and exclusives, which complement its impressive library of international and independent films, gripping TV series, and Hollywood blockbuster favorites. Shudder streams ad-free in the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland on the web, iOS, Android, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Roku for £4.99/month or £49.99 with an annual membership.  To try Shudder commitment-free for 7 days, visit www.shudder.com.

Arrow films release three brand new cult movie books.

Following the success of their lavish debut book last year, Cult Cinema: An Arrow Video Companion, at the end of July Arrow Books are releasing three brand new film books: Asian cinema expert Tom Mes explores the extraordinary world of the queen of Japanese action cinema in Unchained Melody: The Films Of Meiko Kaji; Anime authority Andrew Osmond examines the the story behind the visionary 1995 classic Ghost In The Shell; and filmmaker and writer Russell Gomm delves into the background of one of the most influential and groundbreaking horror films of modern times in The Blair Witch Project.

With specially commissioned cover artwork, and jam-packed with new interviews and illustrated with colour stills and promotional materials, the books are a genuinely exciting and highly collectable addition to any self-respecting film fan’s bookshelves.

All three books will be available on July 31 2017.

Unchained Melody: The Films Of Meiko Kaji by Tom Mes

The first ever book devoted to the iconic Japanese actress, star of Lady Snowblood and Female Prisoner Scorpion, who defined a decade of cult cinema, creating an archetype of female strength that was equal parts ferocious and mysterious.

Written by Japanese cinema expert, Tom Mes, one of the founders of Midnighteye.com, and author of books on cult filmmakers Takashi Miike and Shinya Tsukamoto, the book traces Kaji’s extraordinary career from teen model to critically-lauded and versatile actress for master directors including Kinji Fukasaku and Kon Ichikawa; as well as looking at a singing career that would introduce her to an international audience as the musical cornerstone to Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill.

Pre-order "Unchained Melody" from Amazon.co.uk

Ghost In The Shell by Andrew Osmond

A visionary science fiction classic that was largely overlooked on release, Ghost In The Shell has grown in stature with the support of such Hollywood fans as James Cameron and the Wachowskis, and in 2017 was controversially remade as a live-action blockbuster, starring Scarlett Johansson.

Anime authority Andrew Osmond traces the paths of the Japanese talents who came together to make the original 1995 film, including maverick director Mamoru Oshii, as well as the original manga creator, Masamune Shirow; explores the figure of Kusanagi, the film’s iconic cyborg heroine who's both a James Bond-style killer and a contemplative philosopher; and examines Ghost In The Shell’s debts to Blade Runner and Japan’s intriguing tradition of robot fantasies.

Pre-order "Ghost in the Shell" from Amazon.co.uk 

The Blair Witch Project by Russell Gomm

In the final months of 1999, the horror film landscape was changed forever by The Blair Witch Project, a film that rewrote the rule book in terms of film production, film marketing and film distribution. Film-maker Russ Gomm takes a look at the phenomena through the eyes of a fan who was captivated by the unusual promotional strategy that led up to the original release, and looks at the fascinating production history of the film from its low budget origins through to its sensational global box office success.

Including interviews with fellow fans, filmmakers and other industry professionals, the book also examines the lasting effect that this seminal film had on the film industry and the horror genre itself.

 Pre-order "Blair Witch Project" from Amazon.co.uk

"XX" - UK DVD review

Much hyped horror anthology "XX" comes to UK DVD this month, proudly proclaiming to be the first of its kind in featuring 4 terrifying tales from 4 female directors. But is it any good? Read on…

The first story, "The Box" by Jovanka Vuckovic, revolves around an ordinary family who are on the Tube train heading home, when the young son asks the old man sitting next to him, what’s inside the box he’s holding.

After letting him look inside, the young lad subsequently stops eating, claiming he no longer has any appetite. The Doctors can find nothing wrong, but what is more mysterious, is when he tells other people what he saw they stop eating too…

An interesting premise, but was felt let down by the unsatisfying conclusion, which was not helped by the fact this segment appeared to have 2 different endings (one of which was apparently a false ending/dream sequence) which made things a bit confusing.

The second tale, “The Birthday Party” by Annie Clark is a change of pace from the previous segment, being a comedy about a mother who’s attempts to provide an awesome birthday party for her 8 year old daughter are scuppered when the father commits suicide and the extraordinary lengths she goes to, to conceal his death until after the party.

Again, a promising idea, but the humour just seemed a little ‘off’ and I just didn’t find it all that funny, though the captions at the end did prove rather amusing.

The third segment, Roxanne Benjamin’s “Don’t Fall”, is your straight up “Teens in peril” slasher/monster movie. In which a group of youths exploring the great outdoors in their campervan, find themselves being stalked by something rather nasty from Indian folklore.

This was arguably my favourite of the segments, though to be fair was very formulaic and derivative of other films of its ilk.

The Final sequence, “Her Only Living Son” by Karyn Kusuma (The Invitation) revolves around a single mother, who’s rebellious teen son is really getting out of hand and turns out to be, quite literally, the spawn of satan.

But what starts as a dark and disturbing tale, is let down by its (in my view) unsatisfactory ending.

The 4 tales are linked together by a series of stop motion animated sequences about a dolls house with 4 legs and a face, wandering round some creepy old house. The point of which is never made.

The DVD contains the following extras …

Behind the scenes (3:30) – A short segment in which the directors discuss the idea behind making this anthology

Interview with Directors Karyn Kusama and Jovanka Vuckovic (7:18) – The 2 directors discuss the making of their films

Interview with Directors Roxanne Benjamin and Jovank Annie Clark (4:50) – The other half of the directing quartet discuss their segments.

Interview with Sofia Carrilo (6:30) – The animator behind the stop-motion sequences discusses the idea behind them.

Theatrical trailer – lastly the films trailer is included.

To summarise, despite all the hype and what looked like a promising trailer, I was left feeling somewhat underwhelmed by this.  It passed 90mins relatively well, but was otherwise fairly unremarkable. Several of my friends however have viewed it more favourably, so maybe I was just in the wrong mood when I viewed it or something.

Anyway, the film, is released to UK DVD 8th May from Soda Pictures.

View the trailer on YouTube

Buy the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk