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Feb 2007 ~ April 2007
2004 ~ Director: Jimmyo Burril
Shock-O-Rama
Many fear films pay an homage to the horror genre. Some do a more than admirable job such as Wrong Turn while others just piss away good film stock like in the overrated and overhyped Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake. Chainsaw Sally is next to see what it has in store; so let's discuss it. Shall we?
Sally Diamon (April Monique Burril) is a mousy librarian in a small town called Porterville. Fifteen years ago, her and her brother Ruby (Alec Joseph) fell victim to a violent break in that killed their father (real Leatherface and honorary GASPer Gunnar Hansen). Apparently, this murder (plus a love for watching horror films) seemed to have a rather damaging affect on older Sally as she is a mild mannered librarian by day and becomes Chainsaw Sally by night! Killing those who don't return their books on time and for other unwholesome deeds complete with chainsaw in hand! Her overall look changes as well. Coupled with her now cross dressing effeminate brother who takes care of the run down shack they reside in. But someone has come to their little town to purchase the house their father was ruthlessly murdered. And they don't take to kindly to that!
Chainsaw Sally, directed by Burril's husband Jimmy O, is an obvious take on classic films of the 70's-80's. The homage's are all over the place. From A Nightmare on Elm St. to The Hills Have Eyes to Suspiria to the obvious original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, CS is literally strewn with veneration to these films! Is it tiresome? Hell no! They get it right....if not a bit overdone. April Monique Burril's timid, then thunderous, portrayal of Chainsaw Sally is fun to watch. But the show stealer definitely Alec Joseph. His over the top character of Ruby should create an instant fanbase. The FX are decent, but nothing outstanding. But for a low budget film, worse has definitely been seen. One scene inparticular is the Ice Cream Girl scene as the standout gore scene in the film. The sound can get a bit irritating as you could hear the camera running at times as well as the wind blowing during outdoor scenes. The score is a rousing Rockabilly style and certainly fits the ambience of the film.
The DVD is accompanied by a commentary, making of, interview with Gunnar Hansen and H.G. Lewis (he is in the film!), a gallery, music video and trailers. The picture is widescreen 1.78:1 and the transfer is very good with minimal pixilation.
But is Chainsaw Sally worth a look? Sure. The film itself is really no different than the other slasher films, but you'll have fun searching out all the horror references. I know I did.
B- -Rich Caron
2006 ~ Director: Jason Stephenson
Not For the Squeamish Productions
DOOMED TO CONSUME, is yes, another independent zombie film. While as a rule, I’m getting kind of sick of the recent glut of zombie movies this one is actually worthwhile. Why? Well, DOOMED TO CONSUME takes a different turn than the overwhelming zombie horde films that place no interest in characters. Now don’t get me wrong… DTC is no gabfest devoid of gore. On the contrary it contains a few spectacularly memorable moments of grue, especially the best zombie baby sequence I’ve yet to see. But back to what makes this standout. DTC has placed a greater interest in it’s characters trying to escape their doom, than what caused the zombie outbreak. Specifically the greatest focus is the character of Tracy Loomis (Nicole Blessing) who has several demons to face in her personal past in addition to the ghouls she has to face outside the door.
The dialogue is occasional a bit stilted, but that is in part to the fact this isn’t an award winning cast, but in the micro-cinema realm, it’s definitely competent. Stephenson wins points for choosing to shoot the film in a rural realm rather than in big metro areas which would’ve been beyond the budget and likely ability to round up zombie extras for a production of this budget level. DOOMED TO CONSUME doesn’t reinvent the wheel (for more original fare from Stephenson check out his short THE LOCKSMITH) but it is an impressively professional micro-budget zombie film that generates a good amount of suspense, gore, and even a few laughs (courtesy of H.T. Altman and Don Prentiss as the Stokes brothers).
The DVD presents the film, two trailers for this title, and trailers for other NFTS films.
B -Brant Johnson
2006 ~ Writer: Adam Rockoff
Velocity/THINKFilm
Friday the 13th, Halloween, and My Bloody Birthday. A Nightmare on Elm St., New Year's Evil, and Maniac. April Fools Day, Black Christmas, and The Prowler. These are just a scant few of the slasher films that terrorized the youth of America during the 70's-80's. And thanks to the dawning of a new medium called home video, I enjoyed staying home on a Saturday Night with 4-5 VHS tapes and a 2 liter bottle of Coke with about 3 Slim Jim's and a bag of potato chips with cheese dip. Made me the guy I am right now. And thanks to field director Jeff McQueen and ThinkFilm Entertainment, Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film takes a look at the golden age of slasher cinema from its original book form.
This documentary takes a look at every aspect of the slasher film. From Psycho to Hostel and all those wondrous films in between, actors, directors, and FX artists recall and give their opinions on the slasher genre. People like Wes Craven, Felissa Rose, John Carpenter, Betsy Palmer and Tom Savini speak their minds on their experiences on the making of and the reaction from most of the slashers (saying all would make this DVD a 10 disc set!) after their release. Hell, even Lilyan Chauvin (Mother Superior from Silent Night, Deadly Night) makes and appearance!
But how are the interviews? While extremely informative, it seems that something is left out. Almost though as if they didn't have enough time to fit it all in. But that's understandable. The slasher film spawned so many titles that speaking about all of them or speaking in explicit detail of even 3 of them would be impossible on one DVD. MPAA, merchandising, FX, making of, and backlash are some of the topics that are tackled and looked upon with a positive, and at times negative, light. Behind the scenes photos (most intriguing are the Savini photos in Vietnam when he was a photographer during the war) are strewn throughout as well as old adverts for films like Happy Birthday to Me and Don't Answer the Phone.
The DVD is in 16:9 anamorphic full frame with Dolby Digital sound. Extras include a commentary, intro by author Adam Rockoff, bonus interviews, trivia, and trailers.
But is it worth watching? Oh hell yeah! Seeing these titles brings back my youth (and some even just a few days ago!). Informative for the time allotted and just fun to watch. Though I can't help but think that people who grew up on these films back in the 80's would appreciate it a whole lot more.
A- -Rich Caron
2006 ~ Director: Mike Mendez
Lions Gate
The Gravedancers tells the story of Harris McKay (Dominic Purcell), Kira Hastings (Josie Maran), and Sid Vance (Marcus Thomas), who after they attend the burial of a close friend, decide to go back to his grave to celebrate his life in the way they know how. Buy telling stories about him whilst getting plastered on booze. During the festivities, they all decide to dance away the night to some music all over the cemetery. Turns out it was a bad idea as the souls from the graves they were dancing on was on the 'bad' section of the cemeteries as each one is terrorized by a rapist, an ax murderer, and a child pyromaniac. And only with the help of a medium and his colleague, can Harris, Kira, and Sid live a peaceful life once again.
This is one of the 8 stories in the After Dark Horrorfest by Lions Gate Films. Directed by Mike Mendez, you can't help but sense some of the limitations that it possesses. The acting is decent at best but the characterization is a bit telegraphed as you can tell what will come of them next. And that's surprisingly sad for a ghost feature. The second rate CGI FX aren't to great either. But we do need to remember this is a DTV film, so given what we have is going to have to do. The story is an okay one, but more could've been done. Also forseeable is the predictable love triangle.
The presentation is in 1.78:1 widescreen with 5.1 Dolby Digital. The slew of bonus features include commentary, 2 featurettes, deleted scenes and trailer with commentary, and galleries.
The Gravedancers isn't the perfect horror film to spend the night. But you could do alot worse.....and you can do alot better.
C+ -Rich Caron
2007 ~ Director: Mario Bava
Anchor Bay
This is going to go done as probably the best horror DVD release this year. You have five films by the man who many would claim as horror’s greatest director. I’m not going to give in depth reviews of each films, because if you’re reading this site and haven’t become familiar with fair such as BLACK SUNDAY or KILL, BABY… KILL!, something is truly amiss.
Each film has been provided in beautiful picture quality by Anchor Bay. BLACK SUNDAY, BLACK SABBATH, and THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH come with audio commentaries by Bava buff Tim Lucas, which are highly informative, if a bit overly academic. THE GIRL WHO KNEW TOO MUCH also provides an intriguing interview with the ever engaging John Saxon. Otherwise all DVD’s have several trailers to sweeten the deal. I do wish a commentary had been recorded for KILL, BABY… KILL! This film in my opinion is Bava’s greatest all around success, especially in the atmosphere carried throughout the film, so Lucas’ thoughts would have been welcome here too. Anchor Bay also made a wise choice by including KNIVES OF THE AVENGER with the package. This is one of Bava’s Viking sword and sandal epics, and provides an interesting compare and contrast to how he handled horror and giallo films differently.
Quite simply, you need to own this package. I will note the films come without insert booklets, but with all the extras there is no need, and the slim cases are a bonus, saving space on your shelf. Five great films, from a great director in one place cannot be beat. Oh, and I do have to note one very enticing item, it is labeled as “Volume 1”, meaning we can hope for another Bava collection in the future. Also keep an eye out for Anchor Bay’s release of Bava’s KIDNAPPED (AKA RABID DOGS)
A+ -Brant Johnson
1985 ~ Director: Stuart Gordon
Anchor Bay
Re-Animator. The name alone stands out in a horror fiend's mind as a gore soaked extravaganza fueled by jet black humor. And now, Anchor Bay has recently released this fine piece of celluloid in a 2 disc package with a little something extra...the Re-Animator syringe pen! But first, for the uninitiated (and shame on you whoever you are!!!), lets talk about the Stuart Gordon seminal classic Re-Animator.
At the Miskatonic University, Dan Cain (Bruce Abbott) is a promising young man on the verge of obtaining his doctrine, meanwhile dating Dean Halsey's (Robert Sampson) daughter Meg (Barbara Crampton); somewhat unbeknownst to Dean Halsey. Enter Herbert West (Jeffery Combs). Another young promising doctor who has created the elixir that can bring the dead back to life. But the potion isn't without its drawbacks. Seems that the green, glowy stuff triggers an unstoppably violent temper immediately when reanimated. Dr. Carl Hill (David Gale), who finds that West is much more trouble than he is worth as a student, demands Herbert's reagent or face dire consequences. I don't want to ruin the rest for ya, but trust me. If you haven't seen Re-Animator, then you haven't seen some of the most original gore scenes ever for a horror film!
Stuart Gordon's adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's short story "Herbert West: Re-Animator" is nothing less than phenomenal. The FX work is top-notch outstanding and the blood flies everywhere. The acting is very well handled as it seems that Combs was practically born to play the manic, yet well meaning, Herbert West. Noone else can do what he does with the character. Abbott plays the straight man in a very gory and mind-blowingly hectic world extremely well as Cain; as you really do sympathize with him.
Now let's get to the goodies. A few years ago, Elite released a two disc "Millennium Edition" with an updated transfer and a few more fun things to look at. Good, but nothing spectacular. AB has released Re-Animator with all the stuff from the previous DVD set, but.........along with it comes a brand new 70 minute featurette "Re-Animator Resurrectus". New interviews with cast and crew (sadly with no David Gale as he died shortly after filming Bride of Re-Animator in 1991) with a grand amount of behind the scenes photos. But that doesn't even hit the tip of the iceberg. That place goes to the Re-Animator syringe green highlighter pen! Oh, is this thing sweet! A must have, even if you already own the DVD from before.
Simply put, Re-Animator is an absolute must have if you don't have a copy (shame on you!) and if you've never seen it, then you cannot be considered a horror fan. SEE THIS NOW!
A+ -Rich Caron
1987 ~ Director: Chester Novell Turner
Truegore
TALES FROM THE QUADEAD ZONE may be one of the strangest motion pictures I have yet seen… And that’s saying something! This is one of the better oddities from the dawning age of the shot-on-video horror picture. The picture is directed by Chester Novell Turner, the same lunatic who brought us the bizarre SOV blaxploitation killer doll epic, BLACK DEVIL DOLL FROM HELL, so from the beginning I was aware I was in for something strange. QUADEAD is an anthology film told presented by Shirley L. Jones telling stories to her the ghost of her son. The first tale, “Food For?” focuses on a poor family, without enough food for each of the members. Well, one of the family members gets fed up and of course, heads roll… After this sadly warped trailer trash tale we have “The Brothers” in which a poor brother takes out his rich brother, and of course supernatural revenge occurs.
The third story focuses on Shirley and her husband who takes not so kindly to her insistence on reading to their dead son. The stories by themselves simply would come off as depressing and occasionally uninteresting if not for the weird atmosphere this movie presents. The cheesy soundtrack, the terrible acting, and a bizarre amateurish shooting style from Turner make for something thoroughly fun. QUADEAD with its weird humor and monumental cheapness actually make watching it feel almost immoral. If the likes of VIDEO VIOLENCE or THE RIPPER are to your liking, this is easily worth your time. Just scoot on over to truegore.com.
The DVD is presented as film only, but hey, with a title this esoteric, be happy for even that.
B -Brant Johnson
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