Subterranean horror UNDERGROUND - On UK Digital, February...

We go UNDERGROUND for a dose of devilishly disturbing terror in this award-winning, relentlessly gripping, hen-do-turned-horror. Directed by Lars Janssen and co-written and co- produced by Charlotte Dawn Potter, this brand-new British thriller is set for its UK digital debut on 26 February, courtesy of Miracle Media.

A group of girlfriends head off for a night of wild abandon to celebrate a final night of freedom as one of them prepares to walk down the aisle. 

But they soon get way more than they bargained for as the drinks, dancing and full-throttle celebrations become terribly twisted when a wrong turn finds them trapped underground and in their worst nightmare...

Never mind making it to the alter, will they make it out alive?

Gripping, tense and claustrophobic – fresh terrors are lurking UNDERGROUND.

UNDERGROUND makes its UK Digital debut on 26 February, courtesy of Miracle Media.

 View the Trailer on YouTube.

 

Altman, Borowczyk and Belial in 4K this April from ARROW VIDEO

New releases from Arrow Video this April...

THAT COLD DAY IN THE PARK - Limited Edition Blu-ray 8 April

On a cold and rainy day, Frances Austen (Sandy Dennis - Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?), a reclusive virgin sheltered from the sexual revolution happening outside her door, suddenly becomes obsessed with an enigmatic 19 year-old boy she sees sitting on a park bench. Inviting him into her apartment to be bathed and fed, Frances’ repressed fantasies soon violently boil over into a dangerous and disturbing desire to keep the boy in her clutches… no matter what.

Adapted from Richard Miles’ novel by British author Gillian Freeman (The Leather Boys), Director Robert Altman (M*A*S*H) expertly turns the screws in this suspenseful tale of sexual repression, the chilly Vancouver locations vividly photographed by László Kovács the same year he lensed Easy Rider, and accompanied by a haunting score from Johnny Mandel, just before he co-wrote the anthem “Suicide Is Painless” for Altman’s next film.

TWO-DISC LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tom Ralston
• Illustrated collectors’ booklet featuring new writing by Brad Stevens, Anna Bogutskaya and James Flower, original press notes including an essay by Altman, and an excerpt from David Thompson’s Altman on Altman

DISC ONE

• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
• Original lossless mono audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
• New audio commentary by critic Samm Deighan
• Isolated music and effects track in lossless mono
• Crazy in the Rain: Altman’s Vancouver, a newly produced featurette revisiting the locations by Kier-La Janisse, author of House of Psychotic Women
• Archive interview with film critic and historian David Thompson, author of Altman on Altman
• Extended scenes from a pre-release print of the film, never seen on home video before
• Over ten minutes of behind-the-scenes footage featuring Altman and Dennis, from the archives of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
• Theatrical trailer
• Image gallery

DISC TWO (LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE)

• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation of a newly extended 114-minute version of the film re-integrating previously deleted material from a surviving pre-release print
• Original lossless mono audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing

 

BEHIND CONVENT WALLS - Limited Edition Blu-ray 29 April

A lushly filmed exploration of the relationship between flesh and spirit from Polish provocateur Walerian Borowczyk, director of Blanche, The Beast, and Immoral Tales. 

Behind the walls of an apparently serene convent, a zealous abbess tries in vain to keep order and prevent her sexually repressed charges from experiencing the sins of the flesh. 

When the unfortunate young nuns get out of control, the church inflicts cruel punishment for their carnal crimes.

Erotic, colourful and highly charged, Behind Convent Walls features striking handheld cinematography by Luciano Tovoli (Suspiria) and the final performance of Borowczyk’s wife, Ligia Branice.

LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• New 2K restoration by Arrow Films from the original 35mm camera negatives
• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
• Original lossless English and Italian mono audio options
• Optional English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
• Brand new audio commentary by film critic Justine Smith
• Anarchic Nuns and the Artistry of Desire, a new appreciation by film scholar Virginie Sélavy
• Brief Von Paris (1975), a short film by Walerian Borowczyk
• Theatrical trailer
• Reversible sleeve featuring two artwork options
• Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by film scholar Kat Ellinger and original press notes

BASKET CASE - Limited Edition 4K UHD 29 April
(also available as a Ltd Edition 4K Arrow store exclusive and on Ltd Edition BD)

The feature debut of director Frank Henenlotter (Brain Damage, Frankenhooker), 1982’s BASKET CASE is a riotous and blood-spattered “midnight movie” experience, now presented for the first time ever on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.

Duane Bradley seems like a pretty ordinary guy. His formerly conjoined twin Belial, on the other hand, is a deformed creature who lives in a wicker basket. Arriving in the Big Apple and taking up a room at a seedy hotel, the pair set about hunting down and butchering the surgeons responsible for their separation.

Filmed on a shoestring budget against the backdrop of 1980s New York (where it played on the midnight movie circuit for over two-and-a-half years), BASKET CASE has clawed its way from its humble origins to become one of the most celebrated cult movies of all time.

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS

• 4K restoration from the original 16mm negative by MoMA
• 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
• Original uncompressed PCM mono audio
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Audio commentary with writer/director Frank Henenlotter and star Kevin VanHentenryck
• Archival audio commentary with Frank Henenlotter, producer Edgar Ievins, actor Beverly Bonner and filmmaker Scooter McRae
• Basket Case 3-1/2: An Interview with Duane Bradley – short film by Frank Henenlotter
• Me and the Bradley Boys – interview with actor Kevin VanHentenryck
• A Brief Interview with Director Frank Henenlotter – a strange 2017 interview with the director
• Seeing Double: The Basket Case Twins – interview with actors Florence and Maryellen Schultz
• Blood, Basket and Beyond – interview with actor Beverly Bonner
• The Latvian Connection – featurette including interviews with producer Edgar Ievins, casting person/actor Ilze Balodis, associate producer/special effects artist Ugis Nigals and Belial performer Kika Nigals
• Belial Goes to the Drive-In – interview with film critic Joe Bob Briggs
• Basket Case at MoMA – footage from the 2017 restoration premiere
• What’s in the Basket? – feature-length documentary covering the three films in the Basket Case series
• In Search of the Hotel Broslin – archival location featurette
• The Frisson of Fission: Basket Case, Conjoined Twins, and ‘Freaks’ in Cinema – video essay by Travis Crawford
• Slash of the Knife (1976, 30 mins) – short made by Frank Henenlotter featuring many of the same actors from Basket Case, including optional audio commentary with Frank Henenlotter and playwright Mike Bencivenga
• Basket Case and Slash of the Knife outtakes
• Belial’s Dream (2017, 5 mins) – animated short by filmmaker Robert Morgan
• Extensive image galleries
• Trailers, TV & radio spots
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck
• Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sara Deck
• Collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by Michael Gingold and a Basket Case comic strip by artist Martin Trafford 

 

Survival thriller THE LIST - On Digital, Feb...

In the ultimate battle for survival, join THE LIST, a multi-award winning, world cinema political thriller from writer-director Michael J Hardy, in his feature debut.

Following its world premiere at Marbella International Film Festival, this brand-new Paraguayan-Argentine revenge-filled feature is set for its UK digital release on 26 February 2024, courtesy of Miracle Media.

Juan Torres (Fernando Abadie – Mission: Impossible : Rogue Nation) and his wealthy but fractured family have been living in Miami, but following the fall of brutal dictator General Russo, they return to their homeland, the Republic of the Gran Chaco, in a bid to start their lives over again.

However, things aren’t that easy... the new government is quick to accuse the family of collaborating with the old regime, labelling them criminals. To their horror, a new law sees them placed on a death list.

In one lawless, deadly night, everyone on the list has 12 hours to fight for survival as they are hunted by ruthless vigilantes and must prove their innocence to earn the right to live.

Can Juan and his family survive the brutal chaos?

With echoes of The Purge, this tense and evocative feature challenges the very essence of justice and survival and deserves to be on THE LIST of all film aficionados.

THE LIST comes to UK Digital outlets from 26th Feb, from Miracle Media.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Sci-Fi fable TROPIC, comes to Digital outlets, March.

The conquest of space enters a dangerous new era in the captivating sci-fi fable TROPIC, which comes to UK Digital outlets, March. 

Twin brothers Lázaro and Tristán are training for a launch that is set to be a historic colonisation
effort. But while they're training, an alien entity crashes nearby, contaminating Tristán with a mysterious residue, changing him forever. 

This disaster forces his brother Lázaro to let go of how he remembers his brother and learn to love him as he is now, in a world where there is no room for monsters. 

Directed by Edouard Salier and starring Pablo Cobo and Louis Peres. Tropic premiered at Fantastic Fest and has played at Sitges and Glasgow Film Festival.

TROPIC is out on UK and Ireland Digital platforms from 4 March.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

 

V/H/S/94 - Coming to physical and Digital Media, Feb

Seminal horror franchise V/H/S takes us back to the nineties with its fourth wicked instalment, V/H/S/94, that will have you taped to the telly. 

 

Dubbed a 'grisly, gory Gem' by The New York Times, this acclaimed Shudder Original promises more hair-raising, old-school entertainment and gruesome good fun with this new collection of bone-chilling tales of found footage terror. V/H/S/94 arrives on Blu-Rray, DVD and digital on 26 February 2024, courtesy of Acorn Media International.

The year is 1994 and when a mysterious VHS tape is found, a ruthless police SWAT team raid a remote warehouse, only to discover a sinister cult compound whose collection of pre-recorded material uncovers a nightmarish conspiracy... all will be revealed in the creepy compendium of horrors that follow.

The twisted tales are written and directed by an impressive line-up of horror talent, including Simon Barrett (You’re Next, The Guest) and Timo Tjahjanto (The Night Comes For Us, May the Devil Take You Too) and newcomers Jennifer Reeder, Ryan Prows and Chloe Okuno.

In Chloe Okuno’s STORM DRAIN, a reporter (Anna Hopkins – The Expanse) and her cameraman enter a drain to capture footage of a legendary creature known as The Rat Man, who has reportedly been spotted in the city’s sewers. Once down there, they soon get way more than they bargained for...

In Simon Barrett’s THE EMPTY WAKE, a young woman named Hailey is assigned to host the evening wake for a man named Andrew Edwards, but there’s a strange request: that Andrew’s casket be filmed for the whole night. What exactly is Hailey in for?

In Timo Tjahjanto’s THE SUBJECT, a deranged but skilled scientist, Dr James Suhendra, wants to create a successful mechanical-human hybrid and has started kidnapping humans to use as guinea pigs. Can they escape before falling victim to his violent experiments?

Finally, in Ryan Prows’ TERROR starring Christian Lloyd (The Handmaid’s Tale), a white supremacist extremist group known as the First Patriots Movement Militia is plotting to blow up a government building and take back America... but at what cost?

Prepare to have your nightmares rewound by V/H/S/94 – a bloodcurdling, eerily entertaining, graphically gory and at times darkly funny descent into the depths of horror.

V/H/S 94 Arrives on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital, 26 Feb

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

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

 

Romford Horror Festival - Four-Day Horror Extravaganza for Die-Hard Fans

Prepare for the chilling return of the Romford Horror Festival, an extended four-day plunge into the heart of cinematic horror, starting on Thursday, 29th February. Now in its fourth year, this festival, a twisted offshoot of the Romford Film Festival, is gearing up to unleash an unparalleled experience, unveiling its most diabolical lineup to date.

Plunge headfirst into a blood-curdling cinematic odyssey, featuring 168 feature films and shorts, including eight timeless classic horror masterpieces. The festival, spreading its dark influence across two screens and introducing a third exclusively for spine-tingling talks, continues its legacy of premiering global cinematic nightmares, boasting an astounding 33 world premieres that are sure to send shivers down your spine. 

The resurrection of fan-favorite segments like "Short, Sharp Shocks" and "Cheap Thrills" is now joined by two electrifying additions: "Student Bodies," showcasing student films, including seven from New City College, and the unpredictable "Horror Roulette," a pulsating party where filmmakers unveil short films under 15 minutes to an unsuspecting audience.

While the festival officially commences its reign of terror on Thursday, the true crescendo awaits on Friday, 1st March, featuring a live singer, the suspenseful horror roulette, stylized photo shoots for attendees, and invaluable networking opportunities, complete with dedicated breakout spaces for sinister meetings.

Renowned director Kenichi Ugana takes center stage this year, presenting two gripping films, "Visitors – The Complete Edition" and "Love Will Tear Us Apart." Southend-based TIS Films brings forth "Mosaic," with scenes shot at Romford’s Mercury Shopping Centre and along the eerie Southend coast. The festival casts a malevolent spotlight on a local filmmaker lineup of over 35 films, including titles like "Yellow," "Sunday Driver," "Newsgrid," "Punch," and "Sour Milk," promising to ensnare the audience in their dark narratives. Devout horror aficionados can rejoice as big-screen showings of acclaimed titles like "Possession," "The Medusa Touch," "The Entity," and "Cannibal Apocalypse" are set to summon nightmarish visions.

The festival is poised to summon an array of malevolent guests, including the esteemed Cinizia Monreale, flying in from Rome, renowned for her haunting role in the once-banned 1980 film "The Beyond." Caroline Munro and Pauline Peart, with illustrious careers steeped in Hammer films, Carry On movies, and James Bond, will join for a screening of "The Pocket Film Of Superstitions." Graham Cole OBE, infamous as Tony Stamp from The Bill, and indie film enchantress Dani Thompson, alongside various other horror luminaries, will grace the event. Stalls offering Blu-rays, DVDs, cursed jewelry, forbidden art, unholy magazines, sinister books, and ghastly special effects add an extra layer of malevolence to the festival atmosphere

Festival co-director Spencer Hawken expressed unbridled enthusiasm, stating, “We are truly unleashing the darkness this year, doubling the number of films and screens, curating a jam-packed agenda to cater to every horror taste. We want attendees to revel in an outstanding experience that remains accessible; a full festival pass is available for just £36, equating to an unbeatable £9 per day.”

For those opting for a selective festival experience, day passes are available for £15, and individual sessions can be enjoyed at a nominal cost of £3.50 per session, with sales commencing on February 1st. Attendees can also engage in post-screening Q&A sessions with esteemed actors and directors, exploring the depths of their demonic creations.

Following last year's phenomenal success, with 1000 attendees filling local hotels, organizers anticipate surpassing that number this year. Festival co-director Natalie Bays asserted, “Ticket sales have been exceptionally strong this year, signaling our expectation to exceed last year's attendance.”

This year’s film lineup promises a star-studded affair, featuring Tony Todd, Prunella Scales, Sean Young, Jamie Lomas, Kane Hodder, Kierston Wareing, Lynn Lowry, Caroline Munro, Graham Cole, Diane Franklin, Caroline Pickles, Pauline Peart, Guy Henry, Dani Thompson, Ayvianna Snow, and a myriad of other captivating talents, all ready to plunge audiences into a world of terror.

Just last week, the festival was recognized by Screen Daily as one of the 50 most important festivals in the UK, putting it head to head with giants in the UK festival circuit. Out of the 1043 film festivals operating in the UK, Romford Horror Festival stands as a beacon of terror.

Tickets and detailed information about the film lineup are available at www.romfordhorrorfestival.com, where you can secure your passage into the abyss.

 

 

 

FrightFest announces 2024 Glasgow Film Festival line-up

FrightFest, the UK’s No.1 horror fantasy event, returns to the renowned Glasgow Film Festival for its 19th year, from Thurs 7 March to Sat 9 March 2024.

This year’s diverse and creative line-up, once again housed at the iconic Glasgow Film Theatre, showcases the latest new releases from the horror, chiller and fantastic realms by auteurs from all over the globe who are not only transforming the genre in exciting ways but also celebrating its consistent appeal at the box office. This year we will be presenting twelve films from eight countries, spanning three continents, including two world and eight UK premieres.

Programme details

THURS 7 MARCH – GFT Screen 1

20:50 YOU’LL NEVER FIND ME (UK Premiere)

Directors: Josiah Allen & Indianna Bell. Cast: Brendan Rock, Jordan Cowan. Australia 2023. Ihr33min. 18.

Synopsis: An isolated man living in the back of a desolate caravan park is visited by a desperate young woman seeking shelter from a violent storm. As the savage storm worsens, these solitary souls begin to feel threatened- but who should really be afraid?

FRIDAY 8 MARCH – GFT Screen 1

13:00 TBC

15:25 THE DEEP DARK (UK Premiere)

Director: Mathieu. Turi Cast: Samuel LeBihan, Amir El Kacem, Jean-Hughes Anglade. France 2023 1hr41m 18.

Synopsis: It’s 1856 and in the historic coal mines of Northern France a group of miners find themselves trapped in the subterranean depths after a cave-in. But they are not alone…Decades later veteran miner Roland accompanies Professor Berthier underground to take samples. A sudden landslide prevents them from surfacing, and they too must face the ancient mutant that constantly craves blood.

18:00: THE INVISIBLE RAPTOR (UK premiere)

Director: Mike Hermosa. Cast: Mike Capes, Sean Astin, Sandy Martin. USA 2023 1hr52m 18.

Synopsis: The Tyler Corporation has figured out how to genetically engineer a prehistoric raptor, but they didn’t stop there…they also made it invisible. Unfortunately for them, he’s a really smart invisible raptor. After breaking out of it’s enclosure, it’s now up to amusement park palaeontologist, Dr Grant Walker and hapless Security Guard, Denny Denielson to stop the predator before it wreaks havoc on the entire community of Spielburgh County.

20:45: WAKE UP (UK Premiere)

Directors: François Simard, Anouk Whissell, Yoann-Karl Whissell. Cast: Turlough Convery, Benny O. Arthur, Jacqueline Moré. Canada 2023 1hr20m 18.

Synopsis: A group of young activists set out to make a political statement by vandalizing a home superstore as it closes. But their plan goes terribly wrong when they become trapped inside and must face a deranged security guard with a gruesome passion for primitive hunting. As the night fills with violence and terror, a desperate fight for their lives begins.

Plus, MOUSE (UK Premiere)

Director: Ewan j Fletcher. Cast: Rebecca Robin, Sandy Batchelor. UK 2023. 9 mins.

Synopsis:  A young woman faces great danger as she walks home at night through a predatory city. Or does she?

23:05 KILL YOUR LOVER (UK Premiere)

Directors: Alix Austin, Keir Siewert. Cast: Paige Gilmour, Shane Quigley Murphy, May Kelly. UK 2023 1hr17m 18.

Synopsis: Dakota has had enough of her toxic relationship with Axel, but the feeling isn’t mutual. As she tries to end things, Axel begins turning into something different, something monstrous. He gradually succumbs to the poison of the decaying relationship, becoming a creature with increased aggression, a touch that melts skin and worst of all, he’s contagious.

SATURDAY 9 MARCH – GFT Screen 1

10:30 MOM (World Premiere)

Director: Adam O’Brien. Cast: Emily Hampshire, François Arnaud, Christian Convery. USA/Canada 2023 1hr36m 18.

Synopsis: Meredith is a struggling mother abandoned by her family and partner after the appalling death of their newborn son. Alone in her house, she becomes more isolated, unaware that the death of her baby has caused the birth of something far more sinister.

13:00 THE FUNERAL (Scottish Premiere)

Director: Orcun Behram. Cast Ahmet Rifat Sungar, Cansu Türedi, Tekin Temel. Turkey 2023 1hr48m 18.

Synopsis: Cemal, a lonely hearse driver, has been entrusted to secretly transport the body of a murdered young woman, Zeynep, to her parents’ home at their final request. But during the journey the woman’s body comes back to life, Cemal falls in love with the undead woman. Now he must constantly feed her flesh by committing his own murders.

15:35 CUSTOM (World Premiere)

Director: Tiago Teixeira. Cast: Abigail Hardingham, Rowan Polonski, Brad Moore. UK 2023 1hr30m ? 18.

Synopsis: Jasper and Harriet are arthouse pornographers struggling to make ends meet. Their stock in trade is producing custom made erotic films for an exclusive clientele into the forbidden, the shocking and the strange. As they hit rock bottom that’s when they encounter ‘The Audience’, a mysterious client offering life-changing money to perform strange rituals on videotape.

Plus, SUBJECT 73 (World Premiere)

Director: Reiff Gaskell. Cast: Freya Warsi. UK 2023. 7 mins.

Synopsis: In a mysterious experiment, a participant's pursuit of wealth unravels as money and morality clash.

18:05 THE WELL (UK Premiere)

Director: Federico Zampaglione. Cast: Lauren LaVera, Claudia Gerini, Giovanni Lombardo Radice. Italy 2023 1hr32m 18.

Synopsis: Lisa Gray (Lauren LaVera), a budding art restorer, travels to the small Italian village of Sambuci just outside Rome to bring a medieval painting back to its former glory for a wealthy and titled client. Little does she know she is placing her life in danger from an evil curse and a monster born of myth and brutal pain.

20:25 ALL YOU NEED IS DEATH (UK Premiere)

Director: Paul Duane. Cast: Simone Collins, Olwen Fouéré, Gary Whelan. Ireland 2023 1hr30m 18.

Synopsis: A young couple records and collects folk songs in rural Ireland, selling them to a mysterious, rich buyer. When rumours of a song never-before-heard reach the couple, they find themselves in an uneasy alliance with a music professor to discover an ancient song, a taboo ballad that may end up unlocking some dark truth from the forgotten past that will alter all their isolated lives.

22:45 LAST STRAW (UK Premiere)

Director: Alan Scott Neal. Cast :Jessica Belkin, Jeremy Sisto, Taylor Kowalski. USA 2023 1hr21m 18

Synopsis:  A rural roadside diner becomes the host of a maniacal killing spree – leaving young waitress Nancy to clean up the bloody mess. After firing the staff at her dad’s diner, she covers the last shift of the night by herself. Little does she know though; she is far from alone. The day is coming back to haunt her and when things begin to spiral out of control, she must fight for her life over the course of one long night.

The Guest list will be announced soon.

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

How to Buy Tickets

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

Telephone: 0141 332 6535 (£1.50 fee per transaction, voice-mail available during peak business periods).

In person: Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow G3 6RB.

Pass Booking opens Friday 19 Jan at 12:00, individual films open Mon 29 Jan at 12:00

Glasgow Film Theatre Cinecard members get 4 days early-access to individual films from January 26 at noon, as well as discounted tickets for each performance.

WWW: www.frightfest.co.uk | FB: /FrightFestreal | Twitter: @frightfest | IG: @frightfestUK

 

Creepy sci-fi mystery MONOLITH - On Digital platforms, Feb

MONOLITH is a tense and terrifying sci-fi thriller starring Lily Sullivan (Evil Dead Rise) as a disgraced journalist who tries to salvage her career by turning to investigative podcasting. 

While trying to get to the bottom of a strange artefact that may be linked to an alien conspiracy, she begins to uncover the truth and lies at the heart of her own story.

MONOLITH has received acclaim on the festival circuit, where it played SXSW, Adelaide Film Festival and London’s FrightFest Film Festival and is the feature debut from Matt Velsey.

I actually reviewed the film as part of my coverage of last October's Mayhem Film Festival in Nottingham. You can read my review HERE.

View the Trailer on YouTube. 

MONOLITH is on UK and Ireland Digital platforms from 26 February.

Horror/Thriller THE DARK ROOM – Out now on Amazon Prime Video

BayView Entertainment have released the thriller film THE DARK ROOM, which is now available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and US. 

Synopsis:
As murders grip a small town, a photographer uncovers something sinister while developing pictures for a local religious leader. 

While the body count rises around him, the photographer is pursued by a mysterious woman and also finds his sanity questioned by his own doctor.

The Dark Room was Directed by Jake C. Young and Kenny Scott Guffey and stars Diane Franklin, iconic ‘80s film actress, known for BILL & TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE, BETTER OFF DEAD, THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN, and AMITYVILLE II: THE POSSESSION. Also starring are Jake C. Young and Shane Thompson.

View the Trailer on Vimeo.

View the Film on Amazon.co.uk

View the Film on Amazon.com

THE DARK ROOM is also out now on Blu-ray (Region FREE) in the US from Amazon.com.
 

Save your prayers for DELIVER US - Brutal religious horror releases Feb

Supernatural horror DELIVER US is being released on digital platforms in the UK & Ireland from 12 February.

Maria Vera Ratti (Inspector Ricciardi) stars as a nun who claims to have conceived twins through immaculate conception - that the Vatican fear will fulfil an ancient prophecy that one is the Messiah, and the other the Antichrist.  

DELIVER US also stars co-director Lee Roy Kunz, as well as Thomas Kretschmann (Infinity Pool), and Peaky Blinders star Alexander Siddig.

Co-directed by Cru Ennis, DELIVER US us a slick, striking and seriously scary slice of religious horror that will appeal to horror fans who enjoyed The Pope’s Exorcist, The Omen and The Nun movies.

SYNOPSIS: When a nun in a remote convent claims immaculate conception, the Vatican sends a team of priests to investigate, concerned about an ancient prophecy that a woman will give birth to twin boys: one the Messiah, the other the Antichrist.

DELIVER US is available on digital platforms including Google, Apple TV, Sky and Amazon from 12 February

View the Trailer on YouTube.

 

 

 

 

 

Eddie Izzard stars in DOCTOR JEKYLL - On Digital, March

Hammer Films is delighted to announce that their upcoming horror thriller DOCTOR JEKYLL will be available exclusively in the UK on Digital Download from 11th March.
 
An isolated mansion, a mysterious locked room, creepy corridors, a dusty cellar and a mad doctor... Hammer Horror is back! Dive into the haunting and enigmatic world of Doctor Jekyll.
 
Starring the incomparable Eddie Izzard in a role like you've never seen before. A fresh, horror-filled take on a timeless tale, this adaptation promises to send shivers down your spine.
 
Adapted from Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novel, Doctor Jekyll is directed by Joe Stephenson (Chicken, McKellen: Playing The Part), and also stars Scott Chambers and Simon Callow, as well as Lindsay Duncan, Jonathan Hyde, Morgan Watkins and Robyn Cara.
 
Watch the Trailer on YouTube.

For more infor visit... https://www.hammerfilms.com

Spine-chilling horror FEAR - Available Digitally from 22 Jan

Joseph Sikora (TV’s ‘Ozark’ and ‘Power’, Jack Reacher), Andrew Bachelor (The Babysitter, Greenland), and Annie Ilonzeh (All Eyes On Me, ‘Til Death Do Us Part, TV’s ‘American Horror Story’) star in this unspeakably spine-chilling horror, FEAR.

A group of friends embark on a much-needed paradise getaway surrounded by beautiful, natural scenery having lived through an entire year of a global pandemic. But when their weekend of dreams soon turns into a nightmarish reality, what will you FEAR?

Synopsis
A year into living through a worldwide pandemic, a group of friends gather in the remote Tahoe Mountains, to stay at the 'Historic Strawberry Lodge.' 

What was supposed to be a much needed getaway and celebratory weekend, quickly turns into a waking nightmare. As the truth about the historic lodge slowly unravels in front of them, this group of friends will be pushed to the brink of survival.

Also starring Iddo Goldberg (TV’s ‘Peaky Blinders’, Full Time, Anon) and Ruby Modine (TV’s ‘Shameless’, Happy Death Day 2U).

FEAR is available to Buy or Rent on Digital from Monday 22nd January 2024.

 View the Trailer on YouTube.

PUNCH - A Review

Set in a dreary seaside town in the south east of England, outside of the tourist season, young student Frankie (Alina Allison) returns home to visit her mother, who's been having a lot of emotional problems. Having told her, in no uncertain terms, that she will not be staying for any great length and plans on getting the train back to university the next day, she goes out that evening to visit her friend Holly (Faye Campbell).

Unfortunately, their night out on the town is marred by a maniac wearing a Mr Punch mask, who starts stalking them and proceeds to batter to death anyone who gets in his way, as he chases the girls round the town, leaving a trail of corpses in his wake.

But this is no ordinary serial killer, seems there's an ulterior motive as to why he has Frankie and her friends in his sights and they won't be able to count on help from the locals either...

This is Director Andy Edwards debut feature film and, from a technical viewpoint at least, I was pleasantly surprised. Despite the films obviously low budget we had actors who could actually act and there were some impressive visuals and some nice gore. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Horror B-movie actress Dani Thompson in a small role as a barmaid.

Unfortunately, when it came to the plot, I was left feeling somewhat underwhelmed. It took quite a while to get going, was paced unevenly, had few likeable characters, apart from the female lead and the “twist” ending (which I won't spoil for you) just seemed rather silly in my view.

Probably the sort of film that would play better with a festival crowd, as opposed to watching at home on your laptop. But whether you will enjoy this will depend largely on your love of British Indie horrors. 

PUNCH is released to UK Digital outlets, 22nd January

View the Trailer on YouTube.

 

 

 

Claustrophobic Thriller THE SEEDING - Coming to UK Digital Download, Feb

Lightbulb Film Distribution is pleased to share the poster & trailer for new claustrophobic horror-thriller, THE SEEDING - coming to UK Digital Download from 12th February.
 
The debut feature from Barnaby Clay (multi-award-winning music video director), the film stars Scott Haze (Jurassic World Dominion, What Josiah Saw) and Kate Lyn Sheil (She Dies Tomorrow, You’re Next).

The World Premiere took place at Tribeca in June 2023 with the UK premiere taking place at FrightFest in August 2023.

A man trapped in a desert canyon with a mysterious woman is held captive by feral children...
 
Filmmaker Barnaby Clay says, "The Seeding deals with big themes, but in a small, contained way, almost like a brutal adult version of a children's story or fable - something to bore under your skin and stick around for a while. I hope, like all great horror, it speaks some truth about human nature, even if it's a side we’d rather not see."

View the Trailer on YouTube. 

THE SEEDING will be available on UK Digital Download from 12th February 

Horror Makes Us Happy Podcast - 100th Episode and 4th Anniversary

Horror Makes Us Happy will be hitting their 100th podcast episode on February 2nd and their 4th anniversary on May 10th this year, and have lined up some great guests to celebrate.

Back to back for their 99th and 100th episodes they'll be interviewing Tom Holland (Fright Night, Child's Play, Psycho II) and Brian Keene (The Rising, Earthworm Gods, The Lost Level), and then for their 5th anniversary episode they're interviewing Joe R Lansdale (Bubba Ho-Tep, Hap and Leonard, Creepshow). 

The meat of each interview covers their guest’s exposure to horror media, from childhood through adulthood, with an emphasis on digging up the deeper psychological reasons that guest, as an individual, loves horror. Cohosts Steve Becker and Chris Whitman hope that after interviewing enough horror fans some interesting trends will arise, ones that could be handed back to mainstream academia. As they say in their excerpts on their YouTube channel, "There are good reasons for enjoying horror – but what are those reasons? The real reasons? Not the ones horror fans learn to make people leave them alone." 

The hosts of the Horror Makes Us Happy podcast are Steve Becker and Chris Whitman. Steve wrote A Guide to the Recovery Toolbox after ten years in recovery (now twenty), and Chris is the author and artist behind the horror webcomic PIECES. You can find out more about Steve, Chris, and their projects at https://HorrorMakesUsHappy.com

Comedy Horror SLOTHERHOUSE - Coming to Digital Download, Feb

Plaion Pictures is excited to announce that their new comedy horror, SLOTHERHOUSE, will be coming to all major Digital Download platforms on 12th February.
 
SLOTHERHOUSE follows Emily Young, a technology obsessed sorority senior trapped in the world of social currency and popularity, as she discovers the influence she can gain from cute animals after meeting an exotic pet distributor. Emily’s deep desire to become sorority house President leads to her adopting a poached pet sloth in order to use it to help her get elected new house President.
 
But when bodies slowly begin to pile up in the Lambda Omega Omega house, Emily and her sisters are slow to realize the deaths are being caused by their new house mascot, Alpha. It isn’t until the girls lock themselves in the house to celebrate the presidential election night that the truth is discovered about their sluggish pet—that this lackluster furball is actually nature’s perfect predator… 

Fueled by revenge, protected by adorableness, and armed with three razor-like claws on each hand. Will Emily and her sisters escape the house with their lives? Or is this death-sloth too quick for them?
 
Following the US theatrical release the film recieved critical aclaim with The Guardian saying "In a year (2023) full of surprisingly aggressive animal movies... Slotherhouse deserves to stand on top of the pile."

Featuring an impressive up and coming cast, British actress Lisa Ambalavanar (Titans, The A List) stars alongside EastEnders alumna Sydney Craven (Wolf Blood) and Andrew Horton (Jupiter's Legacy).

 View the Trailer of YouTube. 

 SLOTHERHOUSE, will be released to all major Digital Download platforms, 12th February.
 

Bayview Entertainment release THE EXORCISM TAPES

BayView Entertainment have released the horror film THE EXORCISM TAPES, which is now available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and USA.

THE EXORCISM TAPES will also be available to view on AVOD worldwide from 27th February 2024.
 
“Raw, uncut, and unnerving, this film feels like the real deal and not some tired Hollywood rehash.” – Videoscream Film Festival. Voted “Most Original Concept” at the 2021 Videoscream Film Festival.
 
Synopsis:
On Feb 24th, 2021, a video known only as ‘The Exorcism Tapes’ was uploaded to social media by an anonymous user.

In less than 72 hours, the video received more than 8 million views and drew instant criticism and complaints claiming that what it actually showed was the abuse and torture of a mentally ill man by members of his church.

The truth remains elusive.
 
THE EXORCISM TAPES was Written and Directed by Jason Hawkins and stars Jason Hawkins, David Mitchum Brown and Jason Reynolds.

View the Trailer on YouTube. 

View the Film on Amazon.co.uk

View the Film on Amazon.com

 

 

Brit Indie thriller THE GROUP - Available on Digital in the US

British Indie thriller THE GROUP, which debuted at last years FrightFest, is getting a release, in North America at least, this month on Digital.

After an overdose, heroin addict Kara (Evangelina Burton) returns to the support group she washed out of six months earlier to try and make amends for a tragic past mistake.

This is it. Her last chance to make things right. However, with tensions in the group threatening to boil over, it becomes clear that not everyone can forgive and forget...

When a new member, Jack, (Dylan Baldwin) pulls a gun in the meeting, taking the group hostage, they are quickly thrown into a fight for their lives. The rules have changed. He wants them to reveal the sins that brought them here and in turn, if he finds them deserving of his mercy, he’ll let them leave.

They needed a higher power to take control of their lives, and now they have one. Through the cycle of confession and betrayal, the group begins to fracture. Will they be able to overcome their differences long enough to fight back and escape?

THE GROUP is available to rent / buy in the US on the following Digital platforms:

- Vudu
- InDemand
- Dish
- Hoopla
- Kanopy
- Directv
- Apple
- Microsoft
- Amazon

View the Trailer on YouTube.

 

 

Michael Powell's PEEPING TOM - 4K Restoration available on UHD, Blu-ray, DVD

STUDIOCANAL are proud to announce the release of a spectacular 4K restoration of Michael Powell’s iconic serial killer classic PEEPING TOM, restored by The Film Foundation and BFI National Archive in association with STUDIOCANAL.  

Written by Leo Marks (Twisted Nerve) and starring Carl Boehm (Sissi), Anna Massey (Frenzy), Moira Shearer (The Red Shoes) and Maxine Audley (A King in New York), this influential cinematic masterpiece will be available on Special Edition 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD with 32-page booklet and 90 mins of brand new extra content from 29 January 2024

Mark (Carl Boehm), a focus puller at the local film studio, supplements his wages by taking glamour photographs in a seedy studio above a newsagent. By night he is a killer, stalking his victims with his camera forever in his hand trying to capture the look of genuine, unadulterated fear – an obsession that stems from his disturbing and terrifying childhood at the hands of his scientist father.  Mark slowly becomes enamoured with Helen (Anna Massey), who lives with her blind mother (Maxine Audley) in the flat downstairs, but how long before he turns the deadly gaze of his camera towards her? 

Now regarded as a ground-breaking masterpiece of the British horror movement, on its initial release in 1960, PEEPING TOM received a savage reception from critics who were dismayed by its controversial subject matter and the sympathy it seems to engender for its murderous protagonist.  The second film from visionary director Michael Powell, following his run of 1940s and 50s classics collaborating with screenwriter Emeric Pressburger, PEEPING TOM left Powell’s career in tatters and the film was made unavailable for many years.  PEEPING TOM has since become recognized as a watershed in genre cinema, its themes of voyeurism and psychopathy proving hugely influential on the evolution of the slasher movie. 

STUDIOCANAL will also be unveiling a brand new 75th Anniversary 4K restoration of THE SMALL BACK ROOM in 2024, which will then be released on UHD and Blu-ray for the first time, featuring brand new bonus content including interviews with filmmaker Kevin Macdonald and Powell & Pressburger expert Ian Christie. Together with a new release of OH… ROSALINDA!!, these two titles will be joining PEEPING TOM and THE TALES OF HOFFMANN in STUDIOCANAL’S Vintage Classics range in 2024. 

PEEPING TOM will be released as a Special Edition 4K UHD, Blu-Ray and DVD with 32-page booklet and 90 mins of brand new extra content on 29 January 2024

Special Features: 

- New Visions of Voyeurism: Peeping Tom by Sir Christopher Frayling
- New Take Me To Your Cinema: The Legacy of Peeping Tom, featuring a conversation between film critic / author Anna Bogutskaya and film critic Rhianna Dhillon
- New Restoring Peeping Tom
- The Eye of the Beholder
- Intro by Martin Scorsese (2007)
- Interview with Thelma Schoonmaker (2007)
- Audio Commentary by Professor Ian Christie
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- Behind the Scenes Stills Gallery
- 2023 trailer

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

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

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

 

Indie horror HE NEVER LEFT - to screen at this years Romford Horror Festival

Witching Season Films forthcoming feature HE NEVER LEFT, which has been going down a storm on the festival circuit, has just been accepted into this years Romford Horror Festival in London.

Synopsis:
After hearing strange noises coming from an adjoining motel room, Gabriel, a federal fugitive wanted for murder, and his girlfriend Carly inadvertently become targets of the notorious Pale Face killer, whose legend has consumed and haunted the local community for decades.

About the Film
HE NEVER LEFT, is the second feature produced by Witching Season Films following their previous distribution deal for their first feature film, They Live Inside Us, with Gravitas Ventures. 

In October of 2020, Director James Morris met actor Colin Cunningham at the Horrorfest Film Festival, where the two hosted a panel alongside Ted Raimi. They remained in contact through the following months, and James pitched Colin the original screenplay for the film.

The filmmakers ran a successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign where enthusiastic fans help raised part of the film’s budget. Production began on the film in October 2021 and wrapped in June of 2022. The film was shot entirely on location.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

Visit the film makers website at: https://witchingseasonfilms.com

The Romford Horror Festival runs from 29th Feb - 3rd March, for more info this and other films, and to get tickets, visit http://www.romfordhorrorfestival.com

 

SCREATURE OF THE LAGOON (Director's Cut) - Available on Amazon Prime

BayView Entertainment have released the Director’s Cut of SCREATURE OF THE LAGOON, which is now available to rent/buy on Amazon Prime Video in the UK and USA.

SCREATURE OF THE LAGOON (Director's Cut) is also out now on Blu-ray (Region FREE) in the USA and will also be available to view on AVOD worldwide from 27th February 2024.

Synopsis:
Matt Logan, an ex-special forces soldier and known as the man who can track down anyone, is given the job of finding a military experiment – known as “Screature” – gone wrong. 

Logan leads his band of mercenaries into the woods on what might be their final mission: find “Screature” and return it.
 
SCREATURE OF THE LAGOON was Directed by Jake C. Young and stars Jake C. Young, Jeremy Boggs and Brandon Humphrey.

View the Trailer on YouTube.

View the Film on Amazon.co.uk

View the Film on Amazon.com

Buy the US BD from Amazon.com

 

Indie horror actress Ayvianna Snow welcomes 2024 with pivitol role in BURNT FLOWERS

UK indie horror icon Ayvianna Snow returns to the screen with three new films for the first quarter 2024.

Cult director Michael Fausti's much anticipated second feature film, BURNT FLOWERS (premieres January 2024), sees Ayvianna Snow join fellow horror luminaries Dani Thompson and Laurence R. Harvey in this haunting and surreal Horror-Noir from one of the UK's most original horror directors.

 

Burnt Flowers focuses upon a mysterious femme fatale, Alice Kyteller (Ayvianna Snow), who approaches Detective Francis Alban (Amber Doig-Thorne) to search for her missing husband. The detective's search leads her to a 1960s serial killer, who was never caught, a violent gangster and ultimately… herself.  

 

The film stars Ayvianna Snow in a commanding central performance in a role that recalls the shape-shifting femme fatales of classic film noir. Snow's portrayal of Alice Kyteller leads the audience into the dark past of the 1960s criminal underworld and an obsessive, destructive love affair. 

 

Michael Fausti commented, "Ayvianna was just perfect for the role of Alice Kyteller. From the moment she arrived on set, she just nailed the sophistication and unassailable confidence of the character. She is a consummate professional who made the role her own. We are delighted she came on board and supported the project." 

 

BURNT FLOWERS premieres at the UK Horror-On-Sea Film Festival on Saturday 20th January 2024. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

 

In the new film PUNCH (available to stream from mid-January), a gothic, end-of-the-pier slasher, Ayvianna makes a memorable cameo as a striking but ill-fated party guest who becomes an unfortunate victim of the local seaside bogeyman, Mr Punch.  

 

Ayvianna also stars in the upcoming film BOGIEVILLE, set for release in Spring 2024 & directed by veteran 'bad guy' actor Sean Cronin.

 

View the Trailer to BURNT FLOWERS below...

NYX UK launches FrightFest Saturday Scares with Alan Jones

Coming to NYX UK from Saturday 20th Jan is a treat for horror fans - FrightFest Saturday Scares with Alan Jones, a brand new show, where our favourite genre critic, author and broadcaster goes behind the scenes with some of his favourite films, sharing personal anecdotes, revealing rarely known facts and sharing why the films have made such a lasting impression.

Broadcast twice a month, we kick off with Mario Bava’s archetypal giallo BLOOD ON BLACK LACE at 9pm on Saturday 20 Jan. In a first for a live streaming Fast TV channel, Alan will introduce the film, take over the ad breaks and conclude at the end of the screening. Shockmeister William Castle’s 13 GHOSTS is the second film in the series, screening at 9pm on Saturday 27 Jan. It is produced by FrightFest’s Ian Rattray and Greg Day.

Alan commentated: “When NYX offered me the opportunity to talk about some of my favourite titles they have in their impressive and extensive library, I jumped at the chance. This FrightFest-produced show allows me to share my memories, fun facts and rarely reported information, but primarily to delight the NYX audience who will hopefully make 'FrightFest Saturday Night Scares with Alan Jones' an appointment destination”.

The channel also celebrates John Carpenter’s birthday on Tues 16 Jan with a screening of his underrated supernatural shocker THE WARD, starring Amber Heard, and ‘Hammer Sundays’ continues its popular run, highlighted by SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA, on Sunday 14 Jan, which marks the final pairing of Lee and Cushing as Count Dracula and Van Helsing in the Hammer Dracula series.

Other juicy January delights include Norwegian found-footage thriller TROLL HUNTER, Jess Franco’s provocative erotic horror FEMALE VAMPIRE, THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETARY, helmed by the 'Godfather of Gore,' Lucio Fulci, and THE HOUSE ON THE EDGE OF THE PARK, directed by Ruggero Deodato, who is well-known for his controversial film "Cannibal Holocaust".

Films in transmission order:

Sat 13 Jan @ 21:00 – TROLL HUNTER (2010)

One of the most original found footage movies of recent times, Troll Hunter takes the genre to the next level. A group of university students have decided to investigate the story of a bear poacher and find the suspected hunter, Hans. But whilst following and filming Hans, they discover that he hunts down something far more deadly.

Sun 14 Jan @ 21:00 – SATANIC RITES OF DRACULA (1973) - Part of Hammer Sundays

Set in 1970s London, Scotland Yard investigator Murray (Michael Coles), enlists the help of occult expert Lorrimer Van Helsing (Peter Cushing) and his granddaughter (Joanna Lumley) to uncover a mysterious and powerful Satanic cult led by the enigmatic D.D. Denham. As they delve deeper, they discover that Denham is none other than Count Dracula (Christopher Lee), who has returned to unleash a deadly plague upon humanity.

Tues 16 Jan @ 21:00 – THE WARD (2010) - To celebrate John Carpenter’s birthday

Set in the 1960s, Kristen (Amber Heard), is a young woman who is involuntarily committed to a psychiatric institution after setting an abandoned farmhouse on fire. As Kristen struggles to come to terms with her new surroundings, she encounters a group of fellow patients, each with their own distinct personalities and histories. Soon, the patients begin to experience terrifying encounters with a malevolent ghost haunting the ward.

Fri 19 Jan @ 23:00 – FEMALE VAMPIRE (1973)

Countess Irina von Karlstein (Lina Romay) , a mute vampire, sustains herself not on the blood, but on the sexual energy of her victims, leaving them drained of life force, reaching their deaths in a state of orgasmic bliss, marking an erotic twist to the vampire trope. Irina's life takes a dramatic turn when a journalist, Raymond (Jack Taylor), comes to the island.

Sat 20 Jan @ 21:00 – BLOOD AND BLACK LACE *Channel premiere - Part of FrightFest Saturday Scares with Alan JonesMax Morlan runs a fashion house, which becomes the scene of a series of gruesome murders. When a young model is killed, her diary, filled with damning secrets about her colleagues and employers, disappears, and the subsequent victims are those whose unscrupulous activities were detailed in the diary. As the body count rises, the authorities scramble to unmask the mysterious, faceless killer.

Tues 23 Jan @ 21:00 – THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETARY(1981)

The Boyle family - Norman, his wife Lucy, and their young son Bob, move from New York to a quaint house in New England, only to discover that it hides a grotesque history of murder and mystery. When strange, inexplicable occurrences begin to happen, and Norman's research into the house's previous owner uncovers a nightmarish reality, the family finds themselves trapped in a vortex of terror.

Fri 26 Jan @ 21:00 – THE HOUSE ON THE EDGE OF THE PARK (2011)

Alex (David Hess) and Ricky (Giovanni Lombardo Radice), are two disturbed and violent small-time crooks who operate a car repair shop by day, engaging in random acts of violence by night. When a wealthy and sophisticated couple brings in their car for repair, Alex and Ricky seize the opportunity to infiltrate an exclusive party at the couple's upscale suburban home. Once inside the party, Alex and Ricky take the guests hostage, initiating a night of terror and degradation.

Sat 27 Jan @ 21:00 – 13 GHOSTS (1960) - Part of FrightFest Saturday Scares with Alan Jones

When occultist Dr Plato Zorba leaves a huge ramshackle house to his nephew Cyrus and his impoverished family, they are shocked to find the house is haunted. Their new residence comes complete with Doctor Zorba’s housekeeper, Elaine Zacharides, plus a fortune in buried treasure and twelve horrifying ghosts. However, there is someone in the house who is also looking for the money and is willing to kill for it…This infectious supernatural horror is directed by William Castle and stars Charles Herbert, Jo Morrow, Rosemary DeCamp, Martin Milner and Donald Woods.

Freeview 271 / Channelbox App / TCL TVs / Distro TV

www.nyxtv.co.uk

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube