Summer shocks in July on Horror Channel

Carpenter, Cronenberg and Eli Roth lead a summer charge of seasonal shockers on Horror Channel this July.

Considered one of David Cronenberg’s early genre classics, SCANNERS was based on Cronenberg’s scripts The Sensitives and Telepathy 2000, which he planned to pitch to Roger Corman. Starring Michael Ironside and Patrick McGoohan, the film went on to became one of the first produced in Canada to successfully compete with American films at the international box office. Also airing is David Cronenberg’s other cult classic body horror THE BROOD, which stars Oliver Reed and Samantha Eggar. To many this remains one of the director’s most frightening and resonant movie.

Although not an outright hit when it was released in 2001, JOHN CARPENTER’S GHOSTS OF MARS, which stars Natasha Henstridge, Ice Cube, Jason Statham and Pam Grier, has since gone on to cultivate a cult following, largely due to for the hard-core space action sequences and the soundtrack. Equally, Eli Roth’s notorious post-modern celebration of the Italian cannibal genre, THE GREEN INFERNO, has divided mainstream opinion but continues to delight genre fans for its homage to Italian cannibal films of the late 1970s.

Other Highlights include Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer’s stunning contemporary occult tale of Hollywood ambition, STARRY EYES, Timo Vuorensola’s barnstorming surreal sci-fier IRON SKY. Julian Gilbey’s harrowing British survival shocker, A LONELY PLACE TO DIE, starring Melissa George and Ed Speelers and fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger will welcome the clone-seeker’s top-notch performance in THE 6TH DAY

Full film details in transmission order: 

Friday 2 July @ 23:10 – SCANNERS (1981) – Cult Horror

Drifter Cameron Vale is plagued by incessant voices in his head unaware that he is a Scanner - a group of people with extraordinary powers who can not only read minds but literally tear them apart. He is discovered by a scientist aiming to help his kind adapt to society. However an underground movement of Scanners led by the psychotic Derryl Revok have other intentions and the ultimate confrontation of minds awaits.

Sunday 4 July @ 21:00 – THE 6th DAY (2000) - Thriller

A ruthless power broker is using his advanced genetic-engineering technology to clone human beings for personal gain. When Adam Gibson (Arnold Schwarzenegger), an old-fashioned family man and decorated fighter pilot comes home one night to discover that his life has been stolen by his clone, his existence erased. Plunged into a sinister world of murder, corruption and high-tech deception, Adam must fight back in order to reclaim his family and his identity.

Sunday 11 July – STARRY EYES (2014) - Horror

Determined to make it in Hollywood, reluctant waitress Sarah Walker (Alex Essoe) goes on countless casting calls in hope of getting her big break. After a series of weird auditions at the mysterious Astraeus Pictures, she lands her dream part. But with this opportunity comes bizarre ramifications that will transform her both mentally and physically into something beautiful and altogether more terrifying. This award-winning US indie was directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer, and stars Alex Essoe, Noah Segan, Pat Healy, Amanda Fuller and Shane Coffey.

Wednesday 14 July @ 21:00 – THE RESIDENT (2011) - Thriller

After separating from her adulterous husband, Dr. Juliet Devereau (Hilary Swank) moves to Brooklyn, NY and settles into a new life in her spacious apartment, Mysterious occurrences lead her to suspect she is not alone and quickly her fears become all too real as she discovers her seemingly charming landlord, Max, has developed a dangerous obsession with her. Unknown to both of them, Max suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder. A terrifying game of cat and mouse ensues as Juliet is forced to fight and free herself from Max’s increasingly sinister intentions. The film also features a cameo from Christopher Lee, in his first collaboration with the studio since 1976's To The Devil A Daughter and his last before his death in 2015.

Thursday 15 July @ 21:55 – THE GREEN INFERNO (2013) - Horror

Eli Roth’s long-awaited return to the director’s chair after this six-year absence finds politically attuned NYC university student Justine (Lorenza Izzo) roped into a campus activist group’s idealistic plan to travel to Peru to halt the annihilation of an endangered tribe by a corrupt construction company. But after a horrific plane crash that leaves half the radicals dead, the survivors are caged by the very tribe they were trying to help. Worse, the mountain clan are cannibals and they are ravenous.

Friday 23 July @ 21:00 – IRON SKY (2012) - Sci-Fi comedy

Achieving cult status for its brazen political incorrectness, this history-bending sci-fi thriller starts in 1945, with the Nazis flying to the Dark Side of the Moon, and establishing a secret hideout, where they've been preparing for their grand return. In 2018 the Americans return to the Moon in search for powerful energy source, Helium-3, discovering the Nazi fortress. Although the big Nazi weapon "Götterdämmerung" is not yet ready to be deployed, soon the skies are full of iron, as the Nazi war machines decide on a pre-emptive strike on Earth.

Friday 23 July @ 23:10 – THE BROOD (1979) Cult classic horror

Frank Carveth is becoming increasingly concerned about his ex-wife Nola’s secretive treatment at the sinister ‘Somafree Institute of Psychoplasmics. Headed by cult figure Dr Raglan, his controversial and extreme methods seek to unleash his patients' rage, often taking on physical manifestations. As Frank delves deeper he is finally led to an horrific and repellent final confrontation.

Sunday 25 July @ 21:00 – JOHN CARPENTER’S GHOSTS OF MARS (2001) Action horror

Mars, 2176 AD. On a Red Planet that has become the dangerous manifest destiny of an overpopulated Earth, police Lt. Melanie Ballard (Natasha Henstridge) is on assignment to bring James “Desolation” Williams (Ice Cube), the planet’s most notorious criminal, to justice. What began as a battle between cop and criminal soon turns into a battle for human survival and escape from the doomed planet, as Ballard and Williams join forces in mortal combat with the “Ghosts of Mars”. Although critically maligned at the time, (Carpenter confessed to suffering ‘burn-out’ making the film), it has gone on to become a cult classic

Sky Digital channel 317
Virgin TV channel 149
Freeview channel 68
Freesat channel 138

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Shudder to produce next instalment of V/H/S/94

Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, has acquired worldwide rights to V/H/S/94, the fourth instalment in the hit horror anthology franchise. The Shudder Original Film will release in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand later this year.  

V/H/S/94 marks the return of the infamous found footage anthology with segments from franchise alumni Simon Barrett (Séance) and Timo Tjahjanto (May the Devil Take You Too) in addition to acclaimed directors Jennifer Reeder (Knives & Skin), Ryan Prows (Lowlife) and Chloe Okuno (Slut). Greg Anderson of the legendary drone metal band Sunn O))) and Southern Lord Records founder will compose the film’s score.

In V/H/S/94, after the discovery of a mysterious VHS tape, a brutish police swat team launch a high intensity raid on a remote warehouse, only to discover a sinister cult compound whose collection of pre-recorded material uncovers a nightmarish conspiracy.

“The V/H/S series has been known for two things: its unbeatable lineup of filmmakers and its edge-of-your-seat terrifying found-footage stories,” said Craig Engler, GM of Shudder. “With V/H/S/94, the producers have upped their game—bigger, wilder, scarier than ever before. We can’t wait to unleash this new installment on Shudder members.”

Visit... https://www.shudder.com/

 

 

New UK release date for BOYS FROM COUNTY HELL

Vertigo Releasing has announced that BOYS FROM COUNTY HELL, the ultimate Dracula ‘origin story’, will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on 6th August. Vertigo will be partnering with Wildcard for the Irish theatrical release. The film stars Peaky Blinders’ Jack Rowan, and Derry Girls’ Louisa Harland.

Just when you thought the vampire film had been drained dry, along comes an unexpected and original spin on the genre from writer/director Chris Baugh, with the follow-up to his acclaimed crime thriller debut Bad Day For The Cut. 

When a personal tragedy forces Eugene to go and work for his gruff, no-nonsense father he finds himself on the site of a controversial new road development that threatens to destroy the town’s livelihood. But strange events unfold when Eugene and the crew tear down a famous cairn believed to be the final resting place of Abhartach and they soon come under attack from a sinister force that has infected one of their workmates. As the night closes in The Boys must fight for survival while discovering the true horror of a myth that hits much closer to home than any of them realise…

With nods to Ireland’s formidable horror heritage (the local pub is called ‘The Stoker’ after the Dracula author), it follows recent Irish folklore horror hits The Hallow and The Hole in The Ground, whilst also injecting some surprisingly hysterical moments. It echoes Clive Barker’s Irish-set eighties creature feature Rawhead Rex, as well as a delectable sense of the backwoods dread present in 2019’s Scottish rural thriller Calibre.

With a fantastic cast, including Jack Rowan (Peaky Blinders, Noughts + Crosses), Louisa Harland (Derry Girls), Nigel O’Neill (from Baugh’s debut), and John Lynch (The Banishing, Isolation), BOYS FROM COUNTY HELL is rich in celtic atmosphere, drenched in gore, wildly funny and splendidly scary - the very definition of a crowd pleaser.

View the trailer at YouTube.

LUZ: THE FLOWER OF EVIL on Digital and Limited Edition BD

Brace yourself for Juan Diego Escobar Alzate’s harrowing yet beautiful take on the horrors of religious fanaticism in LUZ: THE FLOWER OF EVIL, which is coming to Digital outlets and on Limited Edition Blu-Ray.

Far into the Colombian mountains, a small farming community is rocked by the arrival of a mysterious young boy. 

Their leader, El Señor, claims that the child is the new Messiah, there to save their land, yet his three daughters start to question their father’s beliefs when the community starts to dissolve into madness and violence. 

Is this boy God? The Devil? And, is there a difference?

An official selection at both the Sitges Fantastic Film Festival and Glasgow Film Festival, LUZ: THE FLOWER OF EVIL marks the arrival of a stunning new cinematic voice and is essential viewing for any folk horror, acid western and dark arthouse film aficionados. 

View the trailer on YouTube. 

Pre-order Blu-ray direct from Fractured Visions: https://bit.ly/FracVisLuz

Fractured Visions presents LUZ: THE FLOWER OF EVIL on Digital 26 July and limited edition Blu-Ray 23 August.
 

10 Questions with Alexis Kendra, star, writer & producer of THE CLEANING LADY

Ahead of Horror Channel’s premiere of THE CLEANING LADY on June 26, the film’s star, writer and producer Alexis Kendra talks about playing a ‘Goddess’, coping with lockdown and why she can’t watch horror films on her own

 

Q) THE CLEANING LADY is having its channel premiere on Horror Channel. Excited?

I love you guys. Always have, always will. I’m honoured.

Q) It’s a very disturbing film, dealing with abuse, addiction and hidden rage, yet the characters are sympathetic and have real depth. It’s horror with a twisted heart. As a co-writer, alongside your director Jon Knautz, what were the main challenges in getting the balance right between acting and writing?

I compartmentalize real easy, so if I’m writing, I’m writing. If I’m acting I’m acting. I don’t really mix anything so it’s not that difficult. Keeps me in the present moment a lot. 

Q) The film started life as a short, in which you played Shelly, the disturbed ‘cleaning lady’. Why did you switch roles and play the ‘love-addicted’ Alice in the feature?

Yeah, I wrote the role of Shelly for me to play, but we couldn’t find an Alice. Period. So I had to play her and I’m happy because Rachel was so great as Shelly and I enjoyed playing a role so different than in my last film Goddess of Love.

Q) Audiences in the UK also know you from GODDESS OF LOVE, which was dubbed ‘Fatal Attraction for horror fans’. You play Venus, whom we watch violently descend into madness. How tough was it to play?

I loved everything about playing Venus. She was a pleasure. It wasn’t hard in any way. I wrote that role for myself to just have an actor’s absolute playground, knowing I would never have been cast as that role in anyone else’s film.  Any actors reading this, become writers/producers.  Write yourself a dream role then play it.  Venus was a ball.

Q) Again, you teamed up with Knutz as co-writer, producer and lead actress. What is it that makes you both a winning combination?

I respect him as a director and he respects me as a producer/actress/ production designer. It’s all about respect and trust, and as work partners – we nail it. Without respect we wouldn’t have made it this far.

Q) Both films have premiered at FrightFest to great acclaim. As an American, how does the reception compare to back home?

Since all our world premiere’s we’re with FrightFest, all the red carpet fun stuff and fans, I’ve had an amazing time in London. Back in LA its back to work, back to getting the next project made. Since my films can be bought anywhere it’s just nice to see them being bought!

Q) What attracts you most about the horror genre?

The element of fantasy. I think horror films are the ultimate escape from reality because as we’re watching one we know there’s no ghosts in real life, yet, a scary ghost film is thrilling because it seems so real. It’s like we know we’re safe in our house watching something so haunting.  I can’t watch horror films alone.

Q) Seen any good horror movies this year?

I’ve been spending most of my time writing during this crazy Covid time, and less watching. I’m sure that’ll change soon as I would love to see A Quiet Place Part 11.

Q) How have you been coping with lockdown?

I’m more of a homebody than anything, so for me it hasn’t been that different.  I’m always home writing, so nothing has really changed for me there.  I do see how its effecting my friends and family, mainly the ones who are used to being out a lot more and it’s been super tough. I think this lockdown has forced us to really look within and take a moment to re-evaluate our lives.  I’ve seen a lot of growth.

Q) Finally, what’s next?

I’ll probably direct something. That’s always been on my list, and I think I’m ready.

THE CLEANING LADY airs on Horror Channel Saturday 26 June, 10.50pm.

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THE UNHOLY - Available on Digital and Disc, August

Thrilling and unsettling, horror movie THE UNHOLY is available to Download & Keep, Rent on Digital, on BD and DVD on August 2 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. 

THE UNHOLY, based on James Herbert’s best-selling book Shrine, follows a young hearing-impaired girl who is visited by the Virgin Mary and can suddenly hear, speak and heal the sick. As people from near and far flock to witness her miracles, a disgraced journalist (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) hoping to revive his career visits a small New England town to investigate. 

 

As terrifying events begin to happen all around him, he starts questioning if these miracles are the works of the Virgin Mary or something much more sinister

Written  and directed by Evan Spiliotopoulos, from the producer of Evil Dead and Don’t Breathe, Sam Raimi,  THE UNHOLY stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan (“The Walking Dead”) , Katie Aselton (The Gift), William Sadler (Bill & Ted Face the Music) and newcomer Cricket Brown,  with Diogo Morgado (Son of God) and Cary Elwes (Saw) and is based on the book Shrine by James Herbert.  

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

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

 

 

WELLINGTON PARANORMAL - Coming to Disc & Digital

Dazzler Media proudly presents smash hit comedy series Wellington Paranormal, from Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, with all seasons coming to Blu-ray, DVD & Download-to-Own, and the first series arriving 5th July. The fourth series has recently been filming and will also be available to own

Wellington Paranormal follows hilariously hapless officers Mark Minogue and Karen O’Leary as they are assigned to the new Paranormal Unit of Wellington’s police force, tasked with tackling the increasing number of local crimes and misdemeanours of a supernatural nature.

From Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, the visionary creators behind "What We Do In The Shadows", comes the smash hit New Zealand comedy series which has taken the UK by storm.

Dazzler Media presents Wellington Paranormal: Series One on Blu-ray, DVD & Download-to-Own from 5th July

View the trailer on YouTube.

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

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

Series Two available 6th September
Series Three available 11th October
Series Four coming soon!