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HORROR ON DVD NEWS:

HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray: Who's Winning?

August 30, 2007 -- I picked up the "Dawn of the Dead" remake HD-DVD this week and it's amazing. Seeing a horror film on HD is like seeing it for the first time again. Needless to say, as a horror fan, you realize that HD will take over. I have "The Fog" as an HD import as well and, again, it's fantastic. "DOTD 2004" won't be hitting Blu-Ray because there's a format war going on. DOTD 2004 is a Universal film, and Universal supports HD-DVD, not Blu-Ray. Now, DOTD 2004 is not the greatest horror film of all time, so seeing it again for the first time isn't mind boggling. But the picture is amazing. What bites for us non-Blu Ray owners is that some of the holy grails of horror -- the original "Dawn of the Dead", "Halloween", "Evil Dead 2" and now the "Masters of Horror" series -- are heading to Blu-Ray but not HD-DVD. We HD-DVD get "Dawn of the Dead" the 2004 version, but not the 1978 version. Which would you rather have? A no brainer. Given that "28 Weeks Later" is heading the same direction -- Blu-Ray but not HD-DVD -- it does look like HD-DVD is catching up very well for horror fans. When these Anchor Bay titles strike on Oct. 2, it's going to be difficult to say "no" to Blu-Ray. I'd really like to see how Blue Underground comes down. If they support HD-DVD, then horror fans will have a real choice. "Suspiria" on HD. Will it be HD-DVD or Blu-Ray? It all depends how Blue Underground founder William Lustig feels. If he comes down in support of Blu-Ray, well the battle will be over for horror fans and I'll have to buy a Blu-Ray player.

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HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray

August 21, 2007 -- Today, Tuesday August 21, is a pretty mild one for horror on DVD, what with Rob Zombie's double pack of "House of 10000 Corpses" and "Devil's Rejects" the only major title of the week. (Paul Naschy's "Exorcism" is also coming out today, along with Spanish horror film "Night of the Sorcerers".) But the big news on the DVD front is that Paramount, makers of the original "Friday the 13th" franchise, have come out totally in favor of HD-DVD -- so don't expect to see Jason in Blu-Ray anytime soon. Meanwhile, 20th Century Fox is unleashing "28 Days Later," the 1980s "The Fly" and 1979's "Amitvyille Horror" to Blu-Ray on Oct. 9. So Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD. Decisions, decisions.

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Clips for 'Vacancy'

August 13, 2007 -- This fairly well received mainstream horror film hits DVD on Tuesday. Here are some clips we were provided with.

I'll Give You The Honeymoon Suite
I'll Check It Out For You
Looking For Mistakes
Banging Doors
Checking In On The Cast & Crew of Vacancy: Mason
Mason's Video Picks

Luke Wilson and Kate Beckinsale play a married couple on the brink of divorce is forced to stay at a roadside motel when their car breaks down. Inside their room, the couple finds a stack of snuff films which were filmed in the very room in which they’re sitting. They quickly discover that their room is rigged with cameras, and if they don’t escape, they’ll end up the next victims on tape. DVD special features include deleted scenes and extended "snuff" films.

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'Planet Terror' Art and Special Features

August 8, 2007 -- Striking DVD October 16 is the first half of "Grindhouse", "Planet Terror" will be uncut -- apparently including the missing sex scene reel. Other features include:

Just when you thought it was safe to rent movies about Rome again, Bob Guccione's ultra-disgusting "Caligula" is heading to DVD, this time with commentary and participation from star Malcolm McDowell. Supplements of the October 2 Image Entertainment release include:

 * Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Robert Rodriguez
* International trailer
* Deleted Scenes
* Cooking School
* 10-Minute Film School
* The Stunts
* The Make-up and Effects
* The Badass Babes
* The Renegade Guys
* The Costumes
* The Production Design

Great cover art too.

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Box Set Captures Entire 'Twin Peaks' Series

August 8, 2007 -- While it's not exactly a horror show, David Lynch's series "Twin Peaks" does appeal to horror fan. The first season DVD set is out of print and fetching hundreds on eBay while the pilot episode has never been released in the USA.

Well all that changes on Oct. 30 , when the series finally strikes DVD in a box set courtesy of Paramount. Special features will include Log Lady Intro For Pilot International Version With Alternate Ending, Log Lady Intros for each episode, A Slice of Lynch featurette, a Northwest Passage: Creating The Pilot featurette, a Freshly Squeezed: Creating Season 1 featurette, a Where We're From: Creating The Music featurette, and an Into The Night: Creating Season 2 featurette. Completing the package will be Saturday Night Live Featuring Kyle MacLachlan (Monologue and Twin Peaks Sketch), a Return To Twin Peaks feature, an Interactive Map, a "Falling" Music Video, Georgia Coffee Commercials (5 Spots), image galleries, and TV spots. The cover art, rumored a while back then denied as inaccurate, has shown up again on DVDActive. It's called the Gold Edition. Weak cover. Great series though and it'll be excellent to have the whole show, pilot included, in a single set.

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Blue Underground: 'Cannibal Man' on Nov. 13

August 7, 2007 -- One of the strangest, best Euro-horror films of the 1970s -- "Cannibal Man" -- is finally getting re-released to disc again courtesy of Blue Underground. The only special feature will be the trailer. Click here for our review of this great movie. On October 30, meanwhile, Blue Underground will re-release the cult classic (and really bad film) "Hell of the Living Dead." Click here for our review of that one.

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'Saw Trilogy' DVD Box Cover Art

August 3, 2007 -- Hitting stores October 23, just in time for the release of "Saw IV," comes the "Saw Trilogy" DVD box set, featuring the 120-minute "Director's Cut" of "Saw III," along with commentary and the usual special features.

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Sick Flick 'Caligula' Strikes DVD in October

July 24, 2007 -- Just when you thought it was safe to rent movies about Rome again, Bob Guccione's ultra-disgusting "Caligula" is heading to DVD, this time with commentary and participation from star Malcolm McDowell. Supplements of the October 2 Image Entertainment release include:

• Audio commentary with on-set writer Ernest Volkman
• Two new full-length audio commentaries with stars Malcolm McDowell and Helen Mirren
• "The Making of Caligula" documentary (two versions)
• New video interviews with director Tinto Brass and actors John Steiner and Lori Wagner
• An alternate pre-release version of the film with never-before-seen footage
• Hundreds of never-before-seen photographs from the set
• Theatrical trailers
• The first-ever CD soundtrack with 40 minutes of film score never before available
• DVD-ROM extras including Gore Vidal's original screenplay, three Penthouse magazine features, an interview with Bob Guccione, press kit notes, cast & crew bios, filmographies and more

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DVD Specs for 'Disturbia'

July 24, 2007 -- "Disturbia" was a PG-13 horror hit, proving that horror and kiddie afternoon movie fare are a match made in heaven. It actually is a decent movie and it's hitting DVD, naturally. Disturbia is hitting DVD August 7. Here's the press release:

The $65+ million box office hit that Maxim called “a scorching nail-biter that will have you jumping out of your seat”, DISTURBIA, moves into the neighborhood on DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD August 7, 2007 from Paramount Home Entertainment. Shia LaBeouf (Transformers) stars as Kale, a troubled teen under house arrest who begins to suspect that one of his neighbors is not what he seems. Joined by friends Ronnie (Aaron Yoo) and Ashley (Sarah Roemer), Kale sets up a high-tech stake out that may very well turn deadly. A “blockbuster of suspense” (Maxim), the film also stars Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix) as Kale’s concerned mom and David Morse (“House”) as the mysterious neighbor who becomes the object of Kale’s obsession. “A cool thriller with big scares” (Richard Roeper, “Ebert & Roeper”), DISTURBIA delivers nail-biting suspense and will leave you wondering just how well you really know your neighbors. The DISTURBIA DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD presentations feature thrilling bonus material including “The Making of DISTURBIA”, deleted scenes, Serial Pursuit Trivia Pop-Up/Quiz, outtakes, “Don’t Make Me Wait” music video, a photo gallery and the theatrical trailer.

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Obscure Slasher Sleaze Fest 'The Mutilator' Striking DVD

July 22, 2007 -- Once again, a popular bootleg title on eBay is hitting DVD as an official release. The ultra-nasty "The Mutilator" is striking disc courtesy of Code Red, according to RetroSlashers.net. It's never been available on DVD in the USA -- expect in the form of rips of the laserdisc or possibly as import DVDs. No, it's not a good movie -- but very politically incorrect and something of a must see if you want to experience how gruesome slasher movies were in the 1980s.

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'28 Weeks Later' Cover Art

July 9, 2007 -- The best horror movie of the year strikes DVD October 2:

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Anchor Bay Unleashes 'Unholy' Sept. 4

July 9, 2007 -- Here's the AB press release:

An infernal legacy that spans decades. A deadly conspiracy that stretches across oceans and continents. And now, the battle to release an unimaginable secret reaches out to YOU! On September 4th, Anchor Bay Entertainment presents the DVD premiere of Unholy, a new film documenting a sinister secret…and the government that will stop at nothing to keep it!

Starring legendary horror queen Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog, Swamp Thing, Creepshow), Nicholas Brendon (“Buffy The Vampire Slayer,” Children of the Corn III) and Joseph McKenna (The Long Kiss Goodnight, Twelve Monkeys), Unholy is a story of supernatural controversy and intrigue…and of those willing to learn the horrifying truth! SRP is $26.97 and pre-book is August 2nd.

Following World War II, a classified U.S. military document recounting the results of a Nazi occult experiment was uncovered and smuggled into an underground facility in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Many years later, a mother (Adrienne Barbeau) is confronted with the grisly reality of her daughter’s suicide. Are these events linked? What seems like a random family tragedy leads to a conspiracy of bizarre crimes, occult carnage and a necromancer who may control a new arsenal of demonic warfare including paranormal powers, time travel and satanic rituals. Just how far will our government go to harness a Nazi legacy that will not die? Has the U.S. Military experimented in the occult? For anyone brave enough to seek the answers, prepare for a mind-blowing journey that will take viewers from unthinkable trauma to unspeakable horror – that is the Unholy.

The Unholy DVD not only presents the film they don’t want you to see, but also includes such forbidden bonus features as:

Audio Commentary with Writer/Director/Producer Daryl Goldberg and Writer/Executive Producer Sam Freeman
Trailer
Poster and Still Galleries
.

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Vincent Price Box Set on Sept. 11

July 7, 2007 -- If you don't own the titles already, you may want to check out the Vincent Price Box Set coming from MGM on Sept. 11. MGM owns the best Price titles and a box set of them all is long overdue. It looks like, however, this will be the first of two volumes. The set will include "The Abomininable Dr. Phibes," "Dr. Phibes Rises Again," "Tales of Terror," "Twice Told Tales, "Theater of Blood", "Madhouse" and "Witchfinder General" -- all of which have been available before except "Witchfinder" which hits streets the same day. A bonus disc will be the documentary "Vincent Price: Renaissance Man" and two featurettes.

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Anchor Bay to Re-Release 'Demons'

July 3, 2007 -- Anchor Bay is bringing "Demons" and "Demons 2" (both by Lamberto Bava) back to DVD this September. The first one is one of the best Italian horror films of the 1980s. Click here for our review of "Demons" and here for our review of "Demons 2." Here is the official press release:

On September 25th, Anchor Bay Entertainment will be re-releasing Demons and Demons 2, two Euro-horror classics directed by Lamberto Bava, son of legendary Italian filmmaker Mario Bava (Black Sunday, Black Sabbath) - each with brand-new anamorphic widescreen (1.66:1) transfers, repackaged and set at the devilishly low SRP of $14.98 each. Pre-book date is August 26th.

Written by Bava and Master of Horror Dario Argento (“Jenifer,” “Pelts,” Suspiria), 1985’s Demons set a new standard for inventive special makeup effects and atmospheric horror cinema. Several people are invited to the grand opening of a new movie theatre, unspooling a particularly grisly horror film. As the events on-screen become more and more violent, the unsuspecting movie goers start to transform into bloodthirsty demons – killing and possessing those they attack, thus multiplying their numbers. Now surrounded with seemingly every escape blocked, the remaining guests begin a desperate battle for their lives.

Bava and Argento reunited to continue the horrific story with 1986’s Demons 2. In a seemingly harmless apartment complex, tenants watch a TV documentary about a group of teens who set out to investigate the legendary forbidden zone where a demon infestation once took place. A strange turn of events facilitates a demon resurrection and spells disaster for all occupants in the building – now plunged into darkness from a blackout and a haven for the demons to replenish their numbers…

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What's Left for DVD?

June 26, 2007 -- With DVD set to be replaced either by HD DVD or Blu-Ray in the coming years (or maybe both), some essential catalog titles never released to disc are finally hitting shelves this fall. Mostly, we're talking about Sept. 11, 2007, when a ton of great titles hit shelves.

"From Beyond," "The Burning," "Witchfinder General," "Scarecrows", "Mephisto Waltz" and 1972's "Tales From the Crypt" will at last be available. It will be a huge, huge day for horror on DVD. Many essential titles that needed to see a release date have made it to disc over the years, including "Island of the Damned" and "Night of the Comet" this year. But what's left? A hell of a lot. Here's a rundown of some essential '70s and '80s titles that deserve release dates, but none are in site:

"Blood on Satan's Claw": A classic of 1970s, Hammer-style horror. MGM has the rights to this, apparently, but no word of a release.

"Vampire Circus": One of the best of the Hammer films in the 1970s, this title has hit stores in Europe but not in the U.S.

"Blood and Lace": An eerie, unbelievably nihilistic slasher from 1972 starring Melody Patterson, not to be confused with "Blood and Black Lace." MGM again. No sign of a release.

"The Gorgon": Pretty much all the essential Peter Cushing/Christopher Lee Hammer horror films are on DVD in the U.S. except this one. This was directed by the best Hammer helmer of them all, Terence Fisher.

"Hands of the Ripper": Another minor classic Hammer film. It's out in Europe, but not over here.

"Incredible Melting Man": A camp classic that garnered a lot of attention when it screened on Mystery Science Theater, it's a pretty gory affair. Never released to DVD. MGM has the rights.

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On DVD Today: 'Island of the Damned'

June 26, 2007 -- There's at least one essential title hitting stores today: "Island of the Damned" or as it's known on DVD "Who Can Kill a Child."

"Island of the Damned" is one of the best horror films of the 1970s and served as the basis for "Children of the Corn." Meanwhile, the less-than-spectacular "Dead Silence" is also hitting stores. Also out today, the 1970s Joan Crawford cheesefest "Trog"!

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Out Today on DVD

June 19, 2007 -- An interesting day for DVD releases, highlighted mostly by the sublime "The Abandoned," one of the best horror films of the year to be exact. An absolute must grab.

Also hitting stores today is the 1970s shocker "The Nightcomers," starring Marlon Brando and Stephanie Becham. It was kind of a prequel to "The Innocents" and was directed by "Sentinel" helmer Michael Winner. Clearly the film shares some similarities with "Last Tango in Paris," released around the same year (1972).

 

Released last week, and well worth the purchase, is the latest edition in the Masters of Horror series, this one helmed by Joe Dante of "Howling" fame, who also directed the excellent "Homecoming" episode of MOH. Elliott Gould investigates the apparently organized mass murder of women by men. A great episode.

 

 

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'Tales From the Crypt' on Sept. 11

June 17, 2007 -- Now, "Tales From the Crypt" from 1972 and its Amicus anthology sequel "Vault of Horror" are hitting DVD on Sept. 11 as well as the great titles hitting stores from MGM that day. "Tales" and "Vault" will be sold as a double feature. So says DVDDrive-in. The titles are being released by 20th Century Fox. Also hitting stores that day from Fox is "The Fly" collection, featuring the original classic with Vincent Price, its sequel "Return of the Fly" and the never-before-available "Curse of the Fly."


Sept. 11 Gets Better

June 7, 2007 -- More MGM titles have been announced for DVD in the USA for Sept. 11. MGM is resurrecting its Midnite Movie series to give us, uncut and anamorphic for the first time in the USA, the legendary Vincent Price-starring and Michael Reeves helmed "Witchfinder General" (aka, "The Conqueror Worm"). Also up the same day from the same series is "Food of the Gods," that long sought-after giant-rats schlock film from the 1970s. As previously reported here, MGM is also releasing "Scarecrows" the same day, along with the uncut never-before-seen version of "From Beyond."


Sept. 11 Sees 'The Burning,' 'From Beyond' and 'ROTLD' Special Edition

May 29, 2007 -- Plus, on Sept. 25, Warner Bros. is releasing the acclaimed 1977 BBC miniseries "Dracula." But the big news of the day was from MGM, which announced via Fango today that "The Burning," "From Beyond" and a special edition of "Return of the Living Dead" will hit DVD shelves Sept. 11. "From Beyond" has never been available on DVD before anywhere -- and neither has "The Burning," although the latter did turn up in Europe in a full-frame edition. "Beyond" will feature scenes cut from the first release and it's a masterpiece of a movie, to put it mildly.

Rumour has it that "Scarecrows" might be heading to stores from MGM at that time too. But it will be a bare-bones release. Still given just how hard-to-find this title has been for nearly 20 years, it's well worth a purchase.

Meanwhile, not long after, on Sept. 25, Warner Bros. will release the acclaimed BBC miniseries of "Dracula" starring Louis Jourdan to DVD for the very first time in the USA. This 1977 version of the story sticks very close to the original novel and is considered one of the best productions of the story ever filmed.

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Out Today on DVD

May 15, 2007 -- The big title of the week is clearly Guillermo del Toro's "Pan's Labyrinth." But also hitting stores this Tuesday is "Thirst" -- promised as a cross between "Requiem for a Dream" and "Near Dark" -- and "Creepshow 3." "Right to Die" is one of the best editions of last season's "Masters of Horror" series, directed by Rob Scmidt who helmed "Wrong Turn." Here's the story: Her flesh has been charred and her body remains comatose, but from a strict medical perspective, Abby is still alive. Beset by guilt, her conflicted husband Cliff (MARTIN DONOVAN) is determined to get a court order to cease her pain. Her condition worsening, she repeatedly flat-lines and is revived. But each time Abby’s body dies, her apparition grows stronger, violently attacking those that have taken advantage of her plight. If Cliff pulls the plug, he’s next on the list. This topical horror story takes a supernatural stand on the right-to-life debate. CORBIN BERNSEN also stars.

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Confirmation that 'Burning' Is Heading to DVD in the USA

May 14, 2007 -- At last: Confirmation for the upcoming DVD release of "The Burning." It's happening. This is real. One of the most hotly anticipated, totally unavailable slasher classics from the 1980s is arriving on DVD. This now-classic "Friday the 13th" clone, with special effects by Tom Savini, was the first film ever produced by Miramax. Now on UK journalist Alan Jones' official blog, we have confirmation that commentary for the film has been recorded for a U.S. release on disc. The film has been out-of-print on video here for more than 20 years, although an uncut, widescreen version of the filmd did run on Monster HD:

Speaking of Harvey and Bob Weinstein, I moderated the US DVD commentary of The Burning with director Tony Maylam the other day as mentioned last time. It was the first ever Miramax production, the one that set the brothers on their rise to Hollywood royalty after being successful rock concert promoters. Maylam was a prickly character it must be said but he did reveal all about how he got the Weinstein’s into the film industry with this Friday the 13th clone that became a Video Nasty because of it’s finger-severing raft massacre. Maylam would only talk about this one film. He did not want any other career facts spoken about. His prerogative of course, but I did try and convince him people would be interested in what he’d been up to for the last 25 years. Why did he only make this one, very successful horror film for example? My argument cut no ice though, so admittedly highly interesting facts about the making of The Burning was the sum total.

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Anchor Bay's New DVD Lineup

May 7, 2007 -- Anchor Bay is now changing its name to Starz Entertainment, but they're still cranking out horror and genre titles on DVD like there's no tomorrow. Here's the latest crop of titles heading to stores.

The Films of Alejandro Jodorowsky Limited edition box set includes the mind-bending cult classics, El Topo, The Holy Mountain and Fando Y Lis, fully restored and remastered on DVD for the first time ever!

Masters of Horror: Right to Die This is one of the best episodes of the last season of the series, and it's well worth catching. Drawing inspiration from the Scott Petersen case, not to mention Terry Schiavo, it delivers a topical "Twilight Zone" on crack mentality from the twisted mind of director Rob Schmidt (Wrong Turn) and an excellent installment from the Emmy®-award winning horror anthology. Starring Martin Donovan and Corbin Bernsen.

The Thirst Matt Keeslar and Clare Kramer star as recovering drug addicts recruited by a clan of vampires. Jeremy Sisto, Adam Baldwin, Erik Palladino, and Ellie Cornell co-star in this shocker from director Jeremy Kasten.

Hellboy: Blood and Iron (Animated) When Hellboy, Liz Sherman and Abe Sapien are assigned to investigate the ghost-infested mansion of a publicity- hound billionaire, they uncover a plot to resurrect a beautiful yet monstrous vampire from Professor Bruttenholm’s past. But before they can stop her bloodbath, Hellboy will have to battle harpies, hellhounds, a giant werewolf and even the ferocious goddess Hecate herself.How much crap does a guy have to take from a Hungarian Blood Countess before he and his surrogate father can avenge the souls of the damned? It’s going to take more than just a horde of very pissed-off demons for our heroes to see the light in this animated adventure from Creative Producers Guillermo Del Toro (writer/director of the HELLBOY movie) and Mike Mignola (creator of HELLBOY comics), now loaded with all-new Bonus Features.s.

In addition, you can catch Anchor Bay at Fangoria Weekend of Horrors, May 18 - May 20

In association with the show's producer Creation Entertainment and Fangoria Magazine, Anchor Bay Entertainment is once again proud to be a sponsor of the Fangoria Weekend of Horrors West Coast convention, this year taking place Friday, May 18 - Sunday, May 20 at the Burbank Marriott Hotel convention center. And once again, Anchor Bay Entertainment is reaching out to the fans with no less than four major discussion panels taking place at the show.

Hatchet - Adam Green will update fans with the latest news on the upcoming September 7 nationwide theatrical release of Hatchet. Joining Adam will be none other than Kane Hodder and veteran makeup/prosthetics genius John Carl Buechler, who designed the special effects makeup for the film!

Phantasm Reunion - Don Coscarelli will be appearing, along with convention favorites Reggie Bannister, Bill Thornbury, Gloria Lynn Henry from Phantasm III and - in a rare convention appearance - the Lady in Lavender herself - Kat Lester!

Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon - This ingenious mock and shockumentary chronicles the training of up and coming psycho killer Leslie Vernon (Nathan Baesal), who allows a documentary crew led by Taylor Gentry (Angela Goethals) to record his every move. The film's director, Scott Glosserman, and the two lead actors, Nathan Baesal and Angela Goethals, will be on hand to provide their own commentary on the film, as well as what fans can expect from the June 26 DVD release.

Masters of Horror Season Two - Series creator / co-Executive Producer Mick Garris will be in attendance, discussing his latest MOH episode "Valerie of the Stairs." Joining Mick are Tom Holland (Child's Play, Fright Night) who directed "We All Scream for Ice Cream;" and Peter Medak (The Changeling, Species II), director of "The Washingtonians." Garris, Holland and Medak will give fans a taste of what to expect when their episodes hit DVD later this year.

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Striking DVD May 22: 'The Breed'

May 4, 2007 -- The latest "Wes Craven" presents movie is entitled "The Breed" and it's about killer dogs! It's hitting DVD shelves on May 22. Here's the official press release:

First Look Home Entertainment, proudly announces the DVD release of the horror thriller THE BREED. THE BREED stars the talented Michelle Rodriguez (Fast and the Furious), Taryn Manning (Hustle and Flow), Hill Harper (In Too Deep, The Visit) and Oliver Hudson (Black Christmas). THE BREED will be available on DVD on May 22, 2007 and will be offered in a limited edition hologram cover. A group of friends (Michelle Rodriguez, Taryn Manning, Hill Harper and Oliver Hudson) fly away to a deserted island for the weekend, an island once controlled by a special canine research unit. They soon realize that this beautiful getaway will become their biggest nightmare. Inspired by the horror classics, Cujo and The Birds. THE BREED takes you into the jaws of a flesh eating pack of wild dogs, genetically engineered to hunt and kill. Outnumbered and trapped the friends must stick together as they struggle to outsmart and outrun this terrifying species.

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Follow-up to 'Daughters of Darkness' Heading to DVD

April 30, 2007 -- "Malpertuis," from the director of the lesbo vampire masterpiece "Daughters of Darkness," is heading to DVD after decades of unavailability. Director Harry Kümel's odd follow up "Daughters of Darkness" also goes by the title "Legend of the Doom House" and included invovlement from Orson Welles!

As a weary sailor named Jan (Matthieu Carrière) sets foot on dry land, he is mysteriously abducted and awakens in the isolated mansion of Malpertuis. There, he is reunited with his sister Nancy (Susan Hampshire) and an eclectic group of distant relatives, each summoned by his dying uncle Quentin Cassavius (Orson Welles). Cassavius wishes to will all of his heirs an equal portion of his fortune. However, in return, each must honor his dying request: They are to remain within Malpertuis for the rest of their lives, the last couple to marry.

Trapped on the grounds of the sprawling mansion, Jan investigates as those who try to flee are dispatched in peculiar ways. Jan slowly spirals into madness as he realizes his uncle’s true intent and the nightmare world of Malpertuis takes hold.

Based on the classic fantasy novel by Belgian author Jean Ray, Malpertuis was director Harry Kümel’s follow up to the acclaimed Daughters of Darkness. Barrel Entertainment is proud to present Kümel’s surrealist masterpiece in two distinct versions: The quickly-assembled English-language edit that premiered at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival, and the newly restored Dutch-language director’s cut — re-edited to 119 minutes as Kümel intended and presented here in a new high definition transfer.

The two-disc set hits stores on June 24.

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On DVD Tuesday: 'Alice Sweet Alice'

April 30, 2007 -- A pretty small number of films are striking DVD this week, but the one title not to pass up is "Alice Sweet Alice."

The movie has been out of print for years with Anchor Bay's release featching big bucks on eBay. Twelve-year-old Alice (Paula Sheppard) is the prime suspect when her younger sister (played by a child Brooke Shields) winds up dead during a Catholic communion.

Wearing a rain coat and mask like the one Alice had been wearing earlier, the killer sure looked like the snot-nosed kid. What follows is an intriguing mystery with heavy Catholic overtones and an emphasis on our subconscious fear of children. Alice is portrayed as a "bad seed" who very well could have killed her sister.

The film was certainly way ahead of its time. Well-made and well-acted, it almost stacks up as a classic, although it plays a little too much like a police drama toward the end of the film. Still, it's a must see. Dante Tomaselli, who is related to the director, became a horror filmmaker in his own right and is at work on a remake of this movie.

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This Tuesday on DVD: 'Let Sleeping Corpses Lie'

April 24, 2007 -- A big week for horror re-releases on DVD, with Blue Underground re-releasing a slew of out-of-print horror titles, including the campy zombie gem "Let Sleeping Corpses Lie," the Lucio Fulci sleazefest "House by the Cemetery" and another sick pick, "Macabre." The pick of the litter has to be "Let Sleeping Corpses Lie", a gory and reasonably suspenseful, if slow-paced, Spanish film. It far surpasses so many other European movies in the cannibal zombie genre that it's amazing this doesn't enjoy a massive cult following of its own. If you're a zombie fan, you simply must see this movie. Released before "Dawn of the Dead" but after "Night of the Living Dead," the film follows the exploits of two rebellious hippie strangers, who are forced to travel with one another after an accident in the British countryside.

Lamberto Bava's "Macabre" is another decent fear film, previously available from Anchor Bay (which was run by William Lustig, who now runs Blue Underground). It's back in print with this release. All in all, "Macabre" is a movie strictly for Bava fans and lovers of cheesy early 1980s Italian horror, and doesn't come close the greatness of Bava's "Demons" films or even his slasher film "A Blade in the Dark." General viewers won't find much to cheer here. The film came out on VHS long ago as "Frozen Terror."

While I don't have a review up of Fulci's "House by the Cemetery," it's a very enjoyable sleazefest, well worth catching for fans of this stuff. It's your standard, early 1980s trash slasher film, not a very hard film to come by on DVD (a lot of public domain houses have it), but Blue Underground always does an excellent job with its releases.

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The First Six Minutes of 'Marsh'

April 22, 2007 -- Out now on DVD, "The Marsh" is a Sony horror film that may be worth catching. Sony is so gung-ho about it that they placed the first six minutes of the film online. Click here to check the movie out. Directed by Jordan Baker, "The Marsh" is about Claire Holloway, a young, sophisticated author of a series of successful children’s books. Her personal life, however is far from a storybook tale. Visions of violence and death haunt Claire. She is tortured by a darkness that seems to seep from the corners of her subconscious. In hopes of clearing her mind, Claire takes her doctor’s advice to go on a sabbatical. She decides to stay at the Rose Marsh Farmhouse in the countryside, which looks suspiciously like the house she sees in her nightmares. Almost immediately upon arriving at the farmhouse, Claire is jarred by a series of escalating and unexplained happenings. She has plunged into a frightening world controlled by the ghost a ten year old girl—the very girl that Claire has seen in her dreams many nights before. In her search for clarity, Claire is joined by Noah Pitney (Justin Louis), a charming and handsome publisher of the small town newspaper and by Hunt (Forest Whitaker) a paranormal consultant. Claire and Hunt start to unravel the village’s dark secret.

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On DVD This Tuesday: Christmas Comes Early

April 17, 2007 -- "Black Christmas" leads the crop of new DVD releases hitting stores today. Other interesting titles include "Family," John Landis' awesome entry in the "Masters of Horror" series. A fun-looking water-bound monster movie.

In fact, "Family" is the best horror film that Landis has made since "An American Werewolf in London." Get it! Another interesting title this week is "Kraken: Tentacles of the Deep."

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'Screwfly Solution' Heading to DVD

April 16, 2007 -- The interesting Joe Dante entry in the Masters of Horror series gets a release date. Written by Sam Hamm (of the original 1989 "Batman" fame, who also wrote Dante's exquisite "Homecoming" episode of "Masters of Horror"), the hour-long episode is an unsettling one.

When a virus overcomes the male population of the world and turns them into murderous psychopaths, a mother and daughter escape across a country where their safety is in question. Starring Elliott Gould, the episode hits stores courtesy of Anchor Bay June 12.

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Demons Attack Thora Birch

April 13, 2007 -- Demons invade Thora Birch's "Dark Corners" on DVD May 22. In the traditions of films such as Dead Again and Lost Highway, Dark Corners blurs the line between a troubled young woman’s idyllic suburban conscious world and her horrific and dangerous unconscious one. The truly terrifying demons explored in Dark Corners leave us wondering which world is the real nightmare.

First time writer/director Ray Gower explodes out of the gate with this "wonderfully explosive head trip, and Thora Birch gives the most electrifying performance of her career," according to the press release. Toby Stephens (Die Another Day) and Christien Anholt (The Relic Hunter) also star in the film.

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On Disc Today: 'Phantasm,' 'Phantasm III' and 'Beneath Still Waters'

April 10, 2007 -- New to U.S. shores this week is Brian Yuzna's "Beneath Still Waters." But the big titles are the anamorphic widescreen debut of "Phantasm" and the DVD debut of "Phantasm III."