Rondo Award Winners Announced... And I'm in the Top 10 Again!

The winners of the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards were announced late Wednesday night. I was a Top 10 runner-up once again in the category of Reviewer of the Year! Thanks to everyone who voted for me this year. One of these days I'm going to get one of those statues! Congratulations to all the winners!

Rondo Award Winners Announced... And I'm in the Top 10 Again!

The winners of the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards were announced late Wednesday night. I was a Top 10 runner-up once again in the category of Reviewer of the Year! Thanks to everyone who voted for me this year. One of these days I'm going to get one of those statues! Congratulations to all the winners!

Get Ready to "Escape from New York" with Scream Factory

Scream Factory continues bringing John Carpenter’s iconic films to high definition with their 2K restoration of “Escape from New York.” Instead of their usual one-disc Collector’s Editions we’ve come to expect, they give us a two-disc set packed with all sorts of great extra features. It’s a must-have for all fans of the movie and necessary viewing for those who haven’t seen it yet.

In “Escape from New York,” it's 1997 and a major war between the United States and the Soviet Union is concluding. The entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a giant maximum security prison. When Air Force One is hijacked and crashes into the island, the president (Donald Pleasence) is taken hostage by a group of inmates. Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell), a former Special Forces soldier turned criminal, is recruited to retrieve the president in exchange for his own freedom.

The thing that impressed me upon re-watching "Escape from New York" on Blu-ray was the practical effects, models, and background paintings utilized. In the age of CGI, they still look realistic and make you feel like you're watching something that's actually happening in front of you. You feel as if you've been dropped with Snake into the middle of the Rotten Apple.

Scream Factory went all out for the “Escape from New York” Collector’s Edition. Disc One contains a new 2K scan of the movie from the original negative. There are three sets of audio commentary included for the film. New commentary is provided by Actress Adrienne Barbeau and Director of Photography Dean Cundey. Another commentary track contains Director John Carpenter and Actor Kurt Russell. Producer Debra Hill and Production Designer Joe Alves share their insight on the film for a third commentary track.

Disc Two of the “Escape from New York” Collector’s Edition gives fans even more bonus material to get excited about. Dennis Skotak, Robert Skotak, and others take a new look at the Special Visual Effects. There’s a new interview with Still Photographer Kim Gottlieb Winter. We also get a featurette entitled “Return to ‘Escape from New York.’” A deleted scene of the original opening bank robbery scene is found. It also contains theatrical trailers, photo galleries, and more.

“Escape from New York” is rated R for violence and gore, profanity, smoking, nudity, and frightening and intense sequences. A girl is seen topless in a rather darkly lit sequence that lasts barely five seconds. The rest of the “offending” content is rather tame by today’s standards.

I’m sure there are not many out there who haven’t seen “Escape from New York” in one form or another over the past 35 years. Besides the fact that it’s set in the future 18 years ago, the movie still holds up because it’s actually more realistic and grounded than most dystopic sci-fi films. Instead of the flying cars and advanced technology viewed in movies like “Blade Runner,” we see believable and relevant settings that could transpire in the next decade or so.

"Escape from New York" Collector's Edition is available now on Blu-ray.

Get Ready to "Escape from New York" with Scream Factory

Scream Factory continues bringing John Carpenter’s iconic films to high definition with their 2K restoration of “Escape from New York.” Instead of their usual one-disc Collector’s Editions we’ve come to expect, they give us a two-disc set packed with all sorts of great extra features. It’s a must-have for all fans of the movie and necessary viewing for those who haven’t seen it yet.

Check In Your Toilets! "Ghoulies" Infesting Your Home!

Scream Factory continues its relationship with Producer / Director Charles Band by releasing their Double Feature Blu-ray edition of “Ghoulies” and “Ghoulies II.” Spawned out of the same “Gremlins” craze “Munchies” and “Critters” were birthed from, these two horror / comedy hybrids are B-movie budgetville gold. The two films differ in tone, but both accomplish what they set out to.

The original "Ghoulies" centers on Jonathan (Peter Liapis), who was almost killed by his father Malcolm (Michael Des Barres) as a child during a satanic ritual. After being saved and raised by Wolfgang (Jack Nance), who has kept him unaware of his background, Jonathan inherits Malcolm's house and moves in with girlfriend Rebecca (Lisa Pelikan). During a party, he jokingly performs a ceremony described in one of his father's books on black magic, not realizing he has unleashed small, demonic creatures known as "Ghoulies."

In "Ghoulies II," the pint-sized monsters hop aboard a traveling carnival, where their violent behavior and grotesque looks are most likely to go unnoticed. There, the creatures find a new home in a haunted house attraction. As they earn their keep by scaring visitors, the carnival finds itself running in the black for the first time in years. But things quickly turn sour when, to the shock of carny Uncle Ned (Royal Dano), the Ghoulies start taking bites out of the customers.

“Ghoulies” is more serious in tone and plays straight much of the time. However, a group of idiotic partying young adults pave the way for sporadic moments of bad decisions and juvenile hijinks. “Ghoulies II” takes itself less serious and really finds its stride in its last act. As soon as the little creatures take over the carnival and its rides, deadly mischief and mayhem unfold and hilarity ensues. I found the sequel more entertaining and lighthearted because it seemed like it wasn’t taking itself as serious as the original did.

Both “Ghoulies” and “Ghoulies II” are rated PG-13 for violence and gore, profanity, alcohol, drugs, smoking, frightening and intense sequences, and adult situations. Apparently there’s an R-rated version of “Ghoulies II” floating around. According to content notes on IMDb, there’s not much difference between the PG-13 and R versions.

Many religious folks will be offended by the amount of satanic chanting and magical incantations are found in the first “Ghoulies.” I’m not really a fan of it myself and usually just turn down the sound. The sequel is tamer in that aspect and fully embraces its cheesy and schlocky aspects without as much of the seriousness found in the first film. I do have a problem with the fact that they defeat the little monsters by using dark magic to summon a bigger demon to take them out. I never have gotten the whole concept of fighting evil with more evil.

Scream Factory gives fans a healthy dose of bonus material for the “Ghoulies / Ghoulies II” Double Feature Blu-ray. Special features for “Ghoulies” include audio commentary with Director / Co-Writer Luca Bercovici. New interviews with Executive Producer Charles Band, Composer Richard Band, Actor Michael Des Barres, and Special Effects Makeup Artist John Vulich are found in a 30-minute featurette. It also contains a theatrical trailer for the movie.

Special features for “Ghoulies II” include new interviews with Executive Producer Charles Band, Actress Kerry Remsen, and Special Effects Artist Gino Crognale. There are also deleted scenes and a theatrical trailer found.

Scream Factory’s “Ghoulies / Ghoulies II” Double Feature Blu-ray is a great reminder of what movie magic was like before CGI took over. Just like the “Gremlins” films that launched these creature features, we get entertaining puppeteering that makes the movie even funnier when humans are attacked and sent screaming in bloody terror. Stop-motion photography is utilized to perfection as well. If you like your Gremlins a little nastier than what Joe Dante and Steven Spielberg served up, you’ll love Charles Band’s Ghoulies.

Scream Factory's "Ghoulies / Ghoulies II" Double Feature is available now on Blu-ray.

Check In Your Toilets! "Ghoulies" Infesting Your Home!

Scream Factory continues its relationship with Producer / Director Charles Band by releasing their Double Feature Blu-ray edition of “Ghoulies” and “Ghoulies II.” Spawned out of the same “Gremlins” craze “Munchies” and “Critters” were birthed from, these two horror / comedy hybrids are B-movie budgetville gold. The two films differ in tone, but both accomplish what they set out to.

Are You Brave Enough to Enter Texas Frightmare Weekend 2015?

The beginning of May every year means one thing to me and thousands of other horror fanatics around the world. For the past ten years, it’s meant we’ve arrived at another annual Texas Frightmare Weekend. It’s the only event in the Lone Star State that brings together genre actors and artists that we not only grew up watching but are still enjoying on the silver screen and television. 2015’s convention lineup is no different as we welcome actors from “Scream,” “The Craft,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2,” and “Phantasm” to name a few. The terrifying fun kicks off this coming Friday, May 1st at the Hyatt Regency located on the grounds of the DFW Airport.

I’ve attended Texas Frightmare Weekend for the past few years and only regrettably missed it once. It’s one of the best conventions in the South. All the celebrity guests are very approachable and many of them mingle with attendees at several different events like parties and other special meet and greets. This year’s big get-together is the “Phantasm” Ball with a musical performance by actors Reggie Bannister and Bill Thornbury.

There’s plenty to do at Texas Frightmare Weekend if you love discovering underground gems which haven’t even come out in theaters or on Blu-ray and DVD yet. Screenings this year include independent films like “Clinger,” “Bind,” “Doll Factory,” “Dreadtime Stories,” “Sacrament,” and many more. Many times the filmmakers and casts of the movies host question and answer panels during these special showings.

Celebrity guests for this year’s Texas Frightmare Weekend include over fifty actors and filmmakers we all know and love. Guests of Honor for the event are made up of legendary talent like Neve Campbell (“Scream,” “The Craft”), Skeet Ulrich (“Scream,” “The Craft”), Malcolm McDowell (“A Clockwork Orange,” “Rob Zombie’s Halloween”), Brad Dourif (“Child’s Play” movies, “The Exorcist III”), Angus Scrimm (“Phantasm” movies), Elvira, Kim Coates (“Sons of Anarchy,” “The Amityville Curse”), and Alexandra Breckenridge (“American Horror Story,” “The Walking Dead”).

Texas Frightmare Weekend also welcomes even more talent for fans to lose their heads over. Tara Reid from the “Sharknado” movies will be in attendance. Several actors from both “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge” and “Phantasm” will be brought together for rare cast and filmmaker reunions. “The Shining” Twins Lisa and Louise Burns will be haunting the halls and ready to play with you. Director / Writer / Producer Charles Band will be there to talk about all his famous creations from “Puppet Master” to “Demonic Toys” and “Ghoulies.”

If you’re a horror or slasher film enthusiast, you do not want to miss Texas Frightmare Weekend. The event starts Friday, May 1st and continues through Sunday, May 3rd. It takes place at the Hyatt Regency DFW. For more information on tickets, guests, and schedules you can go to the official website at www.texasfrightmareweekend.com.

Are You Brave Enough to Enter Texas Frightmare Weekend 2015?

The beginning of May every year means one thing to me and thousands of other horror fanatics around the world. For the past ten years, it’s meant we’ve arrived at another annual Texas Frightmare Weekend. It’s the only event in the Lone Star State that brings together genre actors and artists that we not only grew up watching but are still enjoying on the silver screen and television. 2015’s convention lineup is no different as we welcome actors from “Scream,” “The Craft,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2,” and “Phantasm” to name a few. The terrifying fun kicks off this coming Friday, May 1st at the Hyatt Regency located on the grounds of the DFW Airport.

Swamp Thing Gets Caught Up in DC's Convergence

DC Comics really goes the distance with issue #1 of Convergence: Swamp Thing. They did everything right from the vintage-looking title design and coloring to the interior pages of the first chapter of a two-part limited series. The publisher recruited character co-creator Len Wein and partnered him with penciller Kelley Jones, who brought his own vision of the creature to life in the 1990s. The only way this debut could have been any more legitimate is if they got the other half of the creative team (Bernie Wrightson) to draw the book. Maybe I’m asking too much now.

In Convergence: Swamp Thing #1, the dome has cut off all the heroes from their powers. What happens when the Swamp Thing from "Crisis on Infinite Earths" is trapped in Gotham City and cut off from his life source in The Green?

Issue #1 of Convergence: Swamp Thing does a good job of bringing Len Wein’s original gothic sensibilities for the character into the dark modern world of Gotham City and what will quickly become a showdown for the survival of the universe. It tells the origin tale of Alec Holland and his alter ego and then moves into the Alan Moore era and elements smoothly all in the span of 32 pages. That’s a feat only the legendary Len Wein could accomplish with the help of a veteran illustrator like Kelley Jones.

The book is rated T+ for Teen Plus, which I consider to be a step above PG-13 but not quite R-rated territory. Convergence: Swamp Thing #1contains disturbing images and violence. I didn’t really feel there was anything too graphic that would push this into an “over-17” zone.

Convergence: Swamp Thing #1 is a wonderful homage to the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s character and art styles. Much of this has to do with the fact that the man who co-created the creature is penning the new tale. I can’t think of anyone better to take Swamp Thing back to his roots (Yes, I did that on purpose) and beyond. The combination of Wein’s storytelling and Kelley Jones’ artwork marries together elements of three decades of tales spun around the mossy monster. It truly is a convergence of all the eras of the Swamp Thing.

Convergence: Swamp Thing #1 is available now in print and Kindle editions.

Swamp Thing Gets Caught Up in DC's Convergence

DC Comics really goes the distance with issue #1 of Convergence: Swamp Thing. They did everything right from the vintage-looking title design and coloring to the interior pages of the first chapter of a two-part limited series. The publisher recruited character co-creator Len Wein and partnered him with penciller Kelley Jones, who brought his own vision of the creature to life in the 1990s. The only way this debut could have been any more legitimate is if they got the other half of the creative team (Bernie Wrightson) to draw the book. Maybe I’m asking too much now.

Batman vs. Robin vs. the Court of Owls Epic Showdown

DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation bring fans of the Dark Knight his latest adventure “Batman vs. Robin.” Writer J. M. DeMatteis does an incredible job blending together Grant Morrison’s “Batman & Robin: Batman vs. Robin” and Scott Snyder’s “Batman: The Court of Owls” graphic novels into one action-packed thrill ride through the darkness of Gotham City. It doesn’t hurt that the ever angry and charismatic Damian Wayne and his strained relationship with his father Bruce are parts of the main focus of the story.

In “Batman vs. Robin,” Damian Wayne has a hard time accepting his father's no-killing rule. He soon starts to believe his destiny lies within a secret society. The Son of Batman finds himself the target of a vigilante calling himself Talon. The mysterious man wants Damian to take his place as the lead assassin of the enigmatic Court of Owls.

I loved the way filmmakers incorporated parts of “Damian: Son of Batman” into “Batman vs. Robin.” There’s a small “dream” (or “nightmare?”) sequence where Batman finds himself face to face with a grown-up Damian who dresses in a new version of the cape and cowl. A touching showdown between the two ensues which addresses the Dark Knight’s insecurities about the way he’s raising his offspring.

“Batman vs. Robin” is rated PG-13 for intense action and violence, suggestive images and thematic elements. There are some instances where dark silhouettes cover up nude bodies in the context of insinuated adult situations. For all intents and purposes, think of “Batman vs. Robin” as having the same content as “The Dark Knight Rises,” but as a cartoon.

There are a few special features exclusive to the Blu-ray edition of “Batman vs. Robin.” They include two featurettes entitled “Gotham City’s Secret: The Mythic Court of Owls” and “The Talons of the Owls.” Audio commentary for the movie is found as well. We get four bonus cartoons from the DC Comics Vault from “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Young Justice,” and others. It also contains a sneak peek at the DC Universe’s next animated feature “Justice League: Gods and Monsters.”

“Batman vs. Robin” is a worthy follow-up to “Son of Batman.” I love the character of Damian Wayne and feel there’s a lot more they could do with the character in further animated features. Might I suggest an animated adaptation of the “Damian: Son of Batman” graphic novel? The explosive relationship between Bruce and Damian is something that will not only find teens being able to associate with it, but fathers who struggle with their rebellious and independent-minded sons as well.

“Batman vs. Robin” is available now on Blu-ray, DVD, and as a Digital Download.

Batman vs. Robin vs. the Court of Owls Epic Showdown

DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation bring fans of the Dark Knight his latest adventure “Batman vs. Robin.” Writer J. M. DeMatteis does an incredible job blending together Grant Morrison’s “Batman & Robin: Batman vs. Robin” and Scott Snyder’s “Batman: The Court of Owls” graphic novels into one action-packed thrill ride through the darkness of Gotham City. It doesn’t hurt that the ever angry and charismatic Damian Wayne and his strained relationship with his father Bruce are parts of the main focus of the story.

"Invaders from Mars" Are Coming to Get You!

Scream Factory brings “Invaders from Mars” into your home for the first time on Blu-ray. Director Tobe Hooper’s remake of the 1953 classic takes the always successful Amblin Entertainment formula made famous through films like “E.T.: The Extra-terrestrial,” “Space Camp,” and “Explorers” and adds his own flair. He takes those familiar ingredients and combines them with frightening aliens intent on taking over the world one small town at a time.

In "Invaders from Mars," a boy (Hunter Carson) begins seeing his parents and neighbors act like zombies. Is it a coincidence the weirdness all started after a flying saucer landed in his back yard?

The big genre star in “Invaders from Mars” is veteran genre actor Karen Black. She’s perfectly cast in the role of the panicked and constantly tormented school nurse who believes our young lead character is telling the truth. Is she a little overdramatic and campy at times? Of course she is… she’s Karen Black in a horror movie!

“Invaders from Mars” is rated PG in that wonderful way many 1970s and 1980s movies were. It contains a lot of content that would’ve merited it at least PG-13 today. The movie includes violence but no real gore. Many sequences will frighten younger viewers because of how the aliens appear and the intensity they’ll feel as the lead characters are chased down. The young boy in the film has quite a filthy mouth, much like his counterparts in several other movies featuring children experiencing fantastic adventures in the 1980s.

Scream Factory filled the Blu-ray edition of “Invaders from Mars” with all sorts of bonus material. Audio commentary is provided by Director Tobe Hooper. Hooper, Actor Hunter Carson, Special Creature Effects Artists Alec Gillis and Gino Crognale, and Composer Christopher Young all participate in the all-new “The Martians Are Coming! – The Making of ‘Invaders from Mars’” documentary. It also features a theatrical trailer, TV spot, original storyboards, and an original production illustration gallery from Artist William Stout.

“Invaders from Mars” will fit nicely in your Blu-ray collection between “The Goonies” and “The Monster Squad.” It has all the elements of the coming-of age films of the 1980s directed and produced by Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis, and others. The only difference is it delves a bit deeper into the horror and sci-fi realms. It’s exactly the sort of genre movie you would expect “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and “Poltergeist” Director Tobe Hooper would want to watch as an alienated (pun intended) boy.

“Invaders from Mars” is available now on Blu-ray.

"Invaders from Mars" Are Coming to Get You!

Scream Factory brings “Invaders from Mars” into your home for the first time on Blu-ray. Director Tobe Hooper’s remake of the 1953 classic takes the always successful Amblin Entertainment formula made famous through films like “E.T.: The Extra-terrestrial,” “Space Camp,” and “Explorers” and adds his own flair. He takes those familiar ingredients and combines them with frightening aliens intent on taking over the world one small town at a time.

Convergence Begins for the DC Universe

Week One of Convergence is underway! We get a glimpse into some of our favorite multiverses in several notable titles! I took some time to dive into the pages of Convergence: Justice League #1, Convergence: Titans #1, Convergence: Speed Force #1, and Convergence: The Atom #1.

Pre-Flashpoint Supergirl, Zatanna, Vixen and Jade attend Jesse Quick’s baby shower in Convergence: Justice League #1. The event quickly turns into a life-and-death struggle with Flashpoint Aquaman!

Convergence: Justice League #1 gives us a peek at an all-female team from an alternate universe. It provides readers with enough of a story to get to know the characters and their problems. The comic leaves us with an Aquaman-ruled universe. It definitely had me intrigued and I cannot wait for what DC has in store for the future. Frank Tieri’s story is well written, but the art by Vicente Cifuentes is sketchy.

In Convergence: Titans #1, Pre-Flashpoint Starfire and Donna Troy track down Arsenal. He has retreated after the loss of his arm and the death of his daughter. What they find is more terrifying than they ever could have expected!

Convergence: Titans #1 is a pity story trying to make us care for a Red Arrow led Justice League. I just wanted to skip it. It makes the reader feel annoyed having to hear his unfortunate story again and again. Fabian Nicieza’s narrative is mediocre and José Marzán, Jr. while Ron Wagner's art is average.

Pre-Flashpoint's fastest family alive loses its powers in In Convergence: Speed Force #1. Wally West and his kids face an uncertain future while trapped away from home. Will they be able to outrun the chaos that follows the arrival of Flashpoint Wonder Woman?

Convergence: Speed Force #1 gives us a glimpse at Wally West and his family after being under the dome set in place by Telos. All meta humans have been stripped of their powers. The domes are taken down and suddenly everyone has regained them. Wally gathers his children, Jai, and Iris to journey to the other domes. Sean Parsons and Tom Grummett’s art and Tony Bedard’s writing are phenomenal.

In Convergence: The Atom #1, there’s a mysterious voice in Pre-Flashpoint Ray Palmer’s head! Does that mean The Atom is going mad? To find out what’s really going on, he’ll have to go down a road that will pit him against the ever deadly Deathstroke!

Convergence: The Atom #1 gives a glimpse into a dreary future for the hero. Not only has he apparently gone mentally insane, he’s lost his shrinking ability and now has the powers of Plastic Man. Palmer can grow and shrink his hands. First-rate illustrations are provided by Andy Owens and Steve Yeowell. Writer Tom Peyer’ tale is intriguing as well.

Week One of Convergence is sometimes great. It is also underwhelming for some of the issues. Hopefully, the impressive ones will continue the forward momentum and the disappointing titles can improve in the future. (Review written by Everett Shirey)

Convergence: Justice League #1 is available now in print and Kindle editions.

Convergence: Titans #1 is available now in print and Kindle editions.

Convergence: Speed Force #1 is available now in print and Kindle editions.

Convergence: The Atom #1 is available now in print and Kindle editions.

Convergence Begins for the DC Universe

Week One of Convergence is underway! We get a glimpse into some of our favorite multiverses in several notable titles! I took some time to dive into the pages of Convergence: Justice League #1, Convergence: Titans #1, Convergence: Speed Force #1, and Convergence: The Atom #1.

The End is Now for the DC Heroes of Two Worlds

The End is here! DC Comics gave readers the conclusions to the weekly series of Earth 2: World’s End and The New 52: Future’s End. The wrap-ups saw a very grim week in the realms of our heroes.

DC gave us a hint at what was to come with their descriptions of each issue. The New 52: Future’s End #48 had the tag line “EYE AM YOUR FUTURE!” Earth 2: World’s End #26 let us in on the secret by stating “Darkseid wins. All hail Darkseid!”

The New 52: Future’s End finished with issue #48 and can only be described as forbidding. All hope has been lost in the final page of this epic conclusion. Patrick Zircher’s art for the book was amazing and the powerhouse writing team of Keith Giffen, Dan Jurgens, Jeff Lemire, and Brian Azzarello was awesome. It was an amazing final issue to one of the best weekly series of late.

Earth 2: World’s End came to a close with issue #26 and showed us a glimpse of our heroes’ futures. Darkseid has gathered his army and is causing our world to die. We get a cliffhanger as a finish that ushers us into Convergence to find out what has happened to all the super powers. The art provided by Paulo Siqueira, Robson Rocha, RB Silva, Jorge Jimenez, Tyler Kirkham, and Eddy Barrows accompanied by the writing talent of Mike Johnson, Marguerite Bennett, and Daniel H. Wilson was remarkable. The book brought the series to a worthy finale. It was definitely one of the best issues of Earth 2: World’s End.

The conclusions to both Earth 2: World’s End and The New 52: Future’s End lead up to the first issue of Convergence. Any fan of these comics should definitely look into Convergence. Although many will look at it as just another attempt at a Universe-wide event, it’s actually quite an ingenious way to throw all the existing DC creations together into a complex battle royale. (Review written by Everett Shirey)

Earth 2: World’s End #26 is available now in print and Kindle editions.

The New 52: Future’s End #48 is available now in print and Kindle editions.

The End is Now for the DC Heroes of Two Worlds

The End is here! DC Comics gave readers the conclusions to the weekly series of Earth 2: World’s End and The New 52: Future’s End. The wrap-ups saw a very grim week in the realms of our heroes.

Could Lucasfilm and Blumhouse Bring Us "Death Troopers?"

The stand-alone films in the “Star Wars” Universe will be framed by the title “Star Wars Anthology.” The first of the movies to be announced and receive a teaser trailer and showcase concept art is Gareth Edwards’ “Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One,” which centers on a rogue band of resistance fighters who unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans and bring new hope to the galaxy. Now is the perfect time for someone high up in the ranks of Lucasfilm to pitch the idea of a “Death Troopers” film to the powers-that-be.

For those unfamiliar with “Death Troopers,” it is a horror / science fiction book written by Joe Schreiber and published by Del Rey in 2009. The tale begins when the Imperial prison barge Purge—temporary home to five hundred of the galaxy’s most ruthless killers, rebels, scoundrels, and thieves—breaks down in a distant part of space. Its only hope appears to lie with a Star Destroyer found drifting and seemingly abandoned. But when a boarding party from the Purge is sent to scavenge for parts, only half of them come back—bringing with them a horrific disease so lethal that within hours nearly all aboard the Purge die in ways too hideous to imagine.

And death is only the beginning. The Purge’s half-dozen survivors will do whatever it takes to stay alive. But nothing can prepare them for what lies waiting aboard the Star Destroyer. For the dead are rising: soulless, unstoppable, and unspeakably hungry.

“Death Troopers” would be the perfect opportunity for the “Star Wars” franchise to venture into the horror genre and quite possibly win over more fans who tend to enjoy their entertainment with more chills and thrills than already offered by the past trilogy films. Zombies are a hot commodity these days and are proven to be a big seller for fright fanatics. Combining two of the most popular creations together in one movie is guaranteed to work on an epic scale. It’s also a concept that could be shot under a modest budget if put into the hands of the right producers and filmmakers.

I could see a powerhouse production company like Blumhouse Productions teaming up with Lucasfilm and Disney to bring “Death Troopers” to life. Jason Blum is known as a master at making horror and supernatural thrillers on a miniscule budget that look incredible. It wouldn’t be hard to get any independent genre director to sign on for a modest fee to helm such a project. I’d be willing to bet there’d be a few directors out there that might even wave their paychecks to be involved in something so groundbreaking and interesting.

Most of “Death Troopers” takes place in the darkened corridors of a Star Destroyer and a prison transport ship. All the interior shots on the vessels could be shot on existing sets used for the new trilogy films. They’d just need to be redressed to make them look more menacing and shadowy. All the limited exterior space sequences and footage of ships would be done in house by ILM.

Casting directors for “Death Troopers” could do the same thing George Lucas and J.J. Abrams have done for the trilogy movies. They could hire up and coming actors who they can afford to take a chance with. Of course, Han and Chewbacca would need to be cut out of the movies for obvious financial and aging reasons. You could also just have Chewbacca in the movie without his partner-in-crime to add a little flair to the cast of characters. The 501st would probably be more than happy to come in and act as Stormtrooper and Zombie extras.

Of course there are those folks out there who would be concerned about a “Star Wars” horror movie being too graphic. Other genre fans would be concerned about the movie being rated PG-13or tame and diluted. “World War Z” has proven that there is a happy medium that can be attained when it comes to zombie films and gory content outside of an R rating.

Now is the time to act on an ingenious and genre-spanning idea like a “Star Wars Anthology: Death Troopers” movie. With one new stand-alone film being planned every other year, there’s plenty of room to expand the “Star Wars” Universe into the world of horror. Although it is technically a part of the Expanded (or Legends) Universe, “Death Troopers” could be re-tooled to fit into the new canon. It quite possibly could set the stage for an entire series of genre films based on other “Star Wars” books like “Red Harvest” and the “Goosebumps” – influenced “Galaxy of Fear” novels.

"Star Wars: Death Troopers" is available now in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle editions.

Could Lucasfilm and Blumhouse Bring Us "Death Troopers?"

The stand-alone films in the “Star Wars” Universe will be framed by the title “Star Wars Anthology.” The first of the movies to be announced and receive a teaser trailer and showcase concept art is Gareth Edwards’ “Star Wars Anthology: Rogue One,” which centers on a rogue band of resistance fighters who unite for a daring mission to steal the Death Star plans and bring new hope to the galaxy. Now is the perfect time for someone high up in the ranks of Lucasfilm to pitch the idea of a “Death Troopers” film to the powers-that-be.

Vincent Price Takes Us "From a Whisper to a Scream"

Scream Factory brings the forgotten anthology collection “From a Whisper to a Scream” to Blu-ray for the first time ever. Some horror fanatics might know the film by its other title, “The Offspring.” Director Jeff Burr and the screenwriters take the portmanteau formula and inject their own brand of bloodletting and revolting deeds of dementia into it. Their approach takes the art form to a whole other level of graphicness and disgust that couldn’t be explored in previous decades.

Beneath the small-town exterior of Oldfield, Tennessee lies a history of shocking violence and terrifying phenomena, as recounted by local historian Julian White (Vincent Price). In the '80s, an office worker (Clu Gulager) nurses a deadly crush. In the '50s, a witch doctor (Harry Caesar) holds the secret to unending life. In the '30s, fighting breaks out in a traveling carnival over forbidden love. Finally, in the 1860s, Union soldiers discover a group of orphaned children with a deadly agenda.

When you see Vincent Price’s name attached to “From a Whisper to a Scream,” your mind will drift to the classic films he made in the 1960s and 1970s, which were tame by today’s horror standards. I assure you that’s not the case here. The four tales presented come stuffed full of the gore and gruesomeness we all expect from 1980s genre movies.

“From a Whisper to a Scream” is rated R for violence and gore, adult situations, nudity, profanity, alcohol, drugs, smoking, and frightening and intense sequences. Necrophilia is insinuated which spawns a deformed monster baby in one of the most disturbing segments of the film. No nudity is shown in relation to sex. It was still unnecessary and added nothing to the story or plot.

Scream Factory packs the Blu-ray edition of “From a Whisper to a Scream” full of bonus material that will thrill collectors of the macabre. New audio commentaries are provided by Director Jeff Burr, Producer Darin Scott, and Co-Screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner. A feature length documentary about teenagers making “Super 8” movies in 1970’s Georgia is included. Director Jeff Burr, Producer Darin Scott, Co-Screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner, Actor Clu Gulager, and others star in a feature documentary about the making of “From a Whisper to a Scream.” It also contains a still gallery, foreign theatrical trailer, and TV spots.

“From a Whisper to a Scream” fits perfectly somewhere between other portmanteau films made in the 1980s like “Tales from the Darkside” and “Creepshow” and 1960s classics such as “Tales from the Crypt” and “The Vault of Horror.” Vincent Price serving as the teller of the sordid stories lends an air of nostalgia which leads the viewer to expect a bit more quality to what might be mistakenly thought of as just another attempt at an anthology collection. However, you’ll find yourself glad you made the trip to Oldfield as the ending credits roll.

“From a Whisper to a Scream” is available now on Blu-ray.

Vincent Price Takes Us "From a Whisper to a Scream"

Scream Factory brings the forgotten anthology collection “From a Whisper to a Scream” to Blu-ray for the first time ever. Some horror fanatics might know the film by its other title, “The Offspring.” Director Jeff Burr and the screenwriters take the portmanteau formula and inject their own brand of bloodletting and revolting deeds of dementia into it. Their approach takes the art form to a whole other level of graphicness and disgust that couldn’t be explored in previous decades.

"Kirk's Boldest Missions" Highlights Where We've Gone Before

William Shatner’s most iconic role as the Commander of the Starship Enterprise needs no introduction to anyone who has embraced the wide worlds of science fiction cinema, television, and literature. In case you somehow jumped on the bandwagon blindly with the release of the 2009 reboot starring Chris Pine as our skipper to new galaxies, CBS Studios wants to rectify that situation. “Star Trek: The Original Series – Captain Kirk’s Boldest Missions” looks to educate new viewers and recap old ones through highlights of the Federation’s most celebrated Starfleet officer.

“Star Trek: The Original Series – Captain Kirk’s Boldest Missions” is a collection of eight episodes celebrating the character William Shatner made a household name of when the television show premiered in 1966. They include important adventures like “The Carbomite Maneuver,” "The Conscience of the King," "Balance of Terror," "Space Seed," "The City on the Edge of Forever," "Mirror, Mirror," "The Doomsday Machine," and "Return to Tomorrow." We get to experience Kirk becoming a Romulan, meeting Khan for the first time, wooing Joan Collins, and turning evil all captured on the same DVD.

I can personally guarantee top-notch entertainment as I’m sure all the Kirk clichés you can think of will be touched upon. His shirt will be torn somehow, revealing his chest or abdomen. Several “Kirk Rolls” will be witnessed. So many personal expressions of pain, agony, sorrow, happiness, and anger will be reflected on the face of the extremely emotive William Shatner as he goes through just another ordinary day of intergalactic exploration.

A bonus that comes with “Star Trek: The Original Series – Captain Kirk’s Boldest Missions” is the appearance of the late Leonard Nimoy in every one of the episodes. He serves his Commander with all the loyalty the pointy-eared Science Officer can logically muster. With his recent death still fresh on every fan’s mind, you can never get too much Mr. Spock.

“Star Trek: The Original Series – Captain Kirk’s Boldest Missions” reminds all of us what sort of take-charge man our leader can be. He’s as vulnerable as the next guy, but overcomes it with a healthy dose of passionate brashness and bravery we’ve all come to know and love. If you have all three seasons of the classic sci-fi show, you’ll probably question why you would want to buy a DVD full of miscellaneous episodes you already own. It’s quite simple. You might find yourself in need of a quick Shatner fix and a collection of his finest moments all in one place will definitely come in handy at that time.

“Star Trek: The Original Series – Captain Kirk’s Boldest Missions” is available now on DVD.

"Kirk's Boldest Missions" Highlights Where We've Gone Before

William Shatner’s most iconic role as the Commander of the Starship Enterprise needs no introduction to anyone who has embraced the wide worlds of science fiction cinema, television, and literature. In case you somehow jumped on the bandwagon blindly with the release of the 2009 reboot starring Chris Pine as our skipper to new galaxies, CBS Studios wants to rectify that situation. “Star Trek: The Original Series – Captain Kirk’s Boldest Missions” looks to educate new viewers and recap old ones through highlights of the Federation’s most celebrated Starfleet officer.

Worlds Collide for DC's Newest Convergence Event

Convergence is officially underway in the Universe of DC Comics as issue 1 hits newsstands. We’ve heard it before and I’m sure we’ll all hear it again. The ever so familiar catch phrase, “Everything we know is about to change,” is delivered once again. Can we truly expect something that will alter everything we know and keep it that way forever? Probably not, but the whole temporarily earth-shattering event can be a lot of fun to take in as it unfolds before us in the meantime.

The entire DC Universe, from the dawn of time to the present, must fight to survive against a threat that bends the Multiverse to its will. Our super heroes from every era and every alternate world are all brought together for Convergence! The stakes have never been higher or more deadly!

Writers Jeff King and Scott Lobdell partner up with artist Carlo Pagulayan to give readers a comic book that will make them want to come back for more and mentally (and financially) invest in the massive undertaking it will involve to digest and collect every piece of the puzzle known as Convergence. The melding of the different Multiverses and their characters is pure genius and a perfect way to lure older readers to revisit and possibly stick around and get involved in comics again. If they don’t, it won’t be the fault of either the writers or illustrators of this first issue.

The rating for Convergence #1 is rated “T” for Teen. There’s violence, intense and scary sequences, profanity, and mild adult situations involved. We really don’t get anything too over the top that anyone would be offended by. The only “adult situation” happens when the Red Avatar of Earth is REALLY happy to see Dick Grayson after being trapped underground for a long time.

Convergence #1 is as good as it can be for a premiere issue carrying the heavy responsibility of laying the groundwork for a major DC Universe event. We get as much action as possible in a 40-page comic that also has to kickstart a multifaceted storyline. I’m sure we’ll get much more action in future entries in the saga. Although I think the general concept for Convergence is interesting enough, sometimes I wish we could just get separate storylines for our favorite characters and titles.

Convergence #1 is available now in print and Kindle editions.

Worlds Collide for DC's Newest Convergence Event

Convergence is officially underway in the Universe of DC Comics as issue 1 hits newsstands. We’ve heard it before and I’m sure we’ll all hear it again. The ever so familiar catch phrase, “Everything we know is about to change,” is delivered once again. Can we truly expect something that will alter everything we know and keep it that way forever? Probably not, but the whole temporarily earth-shattering event can be a lot of fun to take in as it unfolds before us in the meantime.

Can Batman Beyond Save The World From the Justice Lords?

DC Comics proves once again that if you can’t continue producing a television series, the next best thing to do is keep it alive via the printed (or digital) page. “Batman Beyond 2.0 Volume Two: Justice Lords Beyond” brings together issues 9 through 12 of the popular 1990's series. The graphic novel collection gives the world of Terry McGinnis an even more epic feeling than ever before through merging alternate timelines together to cataclysmic results.

In “Batman Beyond 2.0 Volume Two: Justice Lords Beyond,” Wonder Woman is back. What secret is she hiding? Meanwhile, Batman’s journey through the dystopian world of the Justice Lords takes a deadly turn. The Dark Knight of the future finds himself facing Lord Superman!

Kyle Higgins and Christos Gage do an incredible job of intermingling the Justice League of the future with the Justice Lords of a different and bleaker timeline. Thony Silas, Dexter Soy, and Mateo Guerrero admirably lend their drawing talents to bring the story to vivid and grim realization. It’s a volatile mixture which will capture the imagination of DC fans that grew up watching the “Batman Beyond” show either the first time around or in repeats.

The rating for “Batman Beyond 2.0 Volume Two: Justice Lords Beyond” is “T” for Teens. It’s the equivalent of PG-13 for movies. It contains violence and gore, profanity, frightening and intense scenes, and adult situations. There’s quite a bit of destruction and mayhem that might be a bit much for younger readers. Wonder Woman and Lord Superman definitely delve into some rather mature discussions which might not need to be read by pre-teen eyes.

“Batman Beyond 2.0 Volume Two: Justice Lords Beyond” features an engaging tale of two worlds crisscrossed and ultimately at odds with each other. Visually things get a bit confusing as the reader must carefully follow which character is from which timeline as they do battle with their doppelganger. Yes, each of their costumes are slightly altered. They’re still similar, though, at first glance. Fans of the Batman and Justice League Beyond Universe will definitely appreciate what’s offered within the pages of this book.

“Batman Beyond 2.0 Volume Two: Justice Lords Beyond” is available now in print and Kindle editions.

Can Batman Beyond Save The World From the Justice Lords?

DC Comics proves once again that if you can’t continue producing a television series, the next best thing to do is keep it alive via the printed (or digital) page. “Batman Beyond 2.0 Volume Two: Justice Lords Beyond” brings together issues 9 through 12 of the popular 1990's series. The graphic novel collection gives the world of Terry McGinnis an even more epic feeling than ever before through merging alternate timelines together to cataclysmic results.

Saddle Up for the Twisted Western Tale "Red on Yella, Kill a Fella"

From the sick and twisted minds of two of the nicest and most down-to-Earth guys I’ve met in the film industry comes something bold and distinctive for the 21st century. “Red on Yella, Kill a Fella” is what can only be referred to as a horror western. Equal parts 1980s slasher film and classic spaghetti western, you’d think the combination would be disastrous. I wholeheartedly assure you that it isn’t. Instead, it makes for an inimitable viewing experience that leaves you wanting to revisit the movie and make sure you caught everything the first time around.

It’s the autumn of 1900 in “Red on Yella, Kill a Fella.” Outlaw Claude Barbee puts his "retirement plan" in action, attempting to lead his train-robbing gang across Texas to recover a cash stash hidden after a botched railroad heist. They soon discover they're being hunted by more than just the law - but rather a merciless, unexpected evil quite possibly greater than themselves.

When viewing “Red on Yella, Kill a Fella,” it’ll be hard to fathom the dedication and work it must’ve taken to shoot such a project in this day and age on the micro-budget of an independent film. The sprawling barren landscapes will leave you wondering where such areas still exist in the U.S. The realistic “Old West” settings make you ponder how they were built and put together to look so authentic.

Another amazing thing about “Red on Yella, Kill a Fella” is how genuinely filthy and grimy everyone looks in the film. You really do believe you’re looking at outlaws living in the west who haven’t taken a shower in a week or so. The authenticity in the overall look of the movie is quite impressive.

The journey the outlaws embark on in “Red on Yella, Kill a Fella” take them in the direction of many different misadventures. It puts them on a path in which they meet several very interesting characters played by familiar genre icons. Bill “Leatherface 2” Johnson from “Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” appears in a small and gory role. Edwin Neal, who played the Hitchhiker in the original “Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” makes the most of his bloody brief appearance. Michael Berryman climbs out of the hills that have eyes to administer some painfully graphic medical help as a town doctor.

The script by Justin Meeks and Duane Graves unfolds slowly and methodically for “Red on Yella, Kill a Fella.” If you’re expecting the quick cuts, edits, and jumps of modern filmmaking, you’ll not find that here. The sort of pacing you get with this is reminiscent of the slow-boiling complex tales put on celluloid in the 1970s.

Let’s talk about the musical score for “Red on Yella, Kill a Fella” for a moment. Yes, you did read that correctly. There is an actual score for a low-budget independent film that sounds like a million dollars (or more). Composer John Constant gives you exactly what you would expect in a spaghetti western… and I mean that as a compliment. There are also contemporary country twangs that reminded me of the “Young Guns” movies.

The movie just got picked up for distribution by Image Entertainment and hasn’t been rated. I would give “Red on Yella, Kill a Fella” an R if it were put in my hands to do so. The movie contains nudity, sexuality, profanity, violence, gore, alcohol, smoking, and frightening and intense sequences. I’m not big on sexuality and nudity in films and it really doesn’t need to be in here. The two sequences I can think of right offhand easily could be taken out, opening it up to a broader audience who might not watch films which include those types of scenes. Editing them out of the film won’t cause people NOT to see the movie, but it might cause others TO watch it.

“Red on Yella, Kill a Fella” is an entirely new and unique hybrid in the world of cinema. Although movies like Wesley Snipes’ “Gallowwalkers” and DC Comics’ “Jonah Hex” have attempted to dabble in mixing horror and supernatural elements in to their western settings, Writer / Director Team Justin Meeks and Duane Graves make the blending feel natural. I didn’t even realize I was watching a slasher movie until about three quarters of the way through it. Just imagine a sprawling western epic in the grand tradition of John Ford and Sergio Leone if an enigmatic and sinister stalker were following the anti-heroes on their excursion. You get an idea of what to expect when climbing into the saddle for this thrill ride.

Saddle Up for the Twisted Western Tale "Red on Yella, Kill a Fella"

From the sick and twisted minds of two of the nicest and most down-to-Earth guys I’ve met in the film industry comes something bold and distinctive for the 21st century. “Red on Yella, Kill a Fella” is what can only be referred to as a horror western. Equal parts 1980s slasher film and classic spaghetti western, you’d think the combination would be disastrous. I wholeheartedly assure you that it isn’t. Instead, it makes for an inimitable viewing experience that leaves you wanting to revisit the movie and make sure you caught everything the first time around.

Vote ERSInk.com as Reviewer of the Year for the Rondo Awards!

I wanted to let everyone know that this year's voting (for work in 2014), ends in just 7 days for the THIRTEENTH ANNUAL RONDO HATTON CLASSIC HORROR AWARDS.

I was nominated for the fifth year in a row for the category of "Reviewer of the Year." I would appreciate it greatly if you could put a vote in for me (if you see fit) and help me climb up the ranks. Last year, I was in the top 10 and would love to get higher up this year!

TO VOTE: Simply send an e-mail with the subject line "THIRTEENTH ANNUAL RONDO HATTON CLASSIC HORROR AWARDS Ballot" to taraco@aol.com. In the body, type "#29 - Reviewer of the Year - Eric Shirey for ERSInk.com."

Send the e-mail vote to taraco@aol.com by Sunday night at midnight, April 19, 2015.

Every email must include your name to be counted. All votes are kept strictly confidential. No e-mail addresses or personal information will ever be shared with anyone.

Vote ERSInk.com as Reviewer of the Year for the Rondo Awards!

I wanted to let everyone know that this year's voting (for work in 2014), ends in just 7 days for the THIRTEENTH ANNUAL RONDO HATTON CLASSIC HORROR AWARDS.

I was nominated for the fifth year in a row for the category of "Reviewer of the Year." I would appreciate it greatly if you could put a vote in for me (if you see fit) and help me climb up the ranks. Last year, I was in the top 10 and would love to get higher up this year!

TO VOTE: Simply send an e-mail with the subject line "THIRTEENTH ANNUAL RONDO HATTON CLASSIC HORROR AWARDS Ballot" to taraco@aol.com. In the body, type "#29 - Reviewer of the Year - Eric Shirey for ERSInk.com."

Send the e-mail vote to taraco@aol.com by Sunday night at midnight, April 19, 2015.

Every email must include your name to be counted. All votes are kept strictly confidential. No e-mail addresses or personal information will ever be shared with anyone.

Aliens, Sea Monsters, Slashers Summoned from Horror Collection

Mill Creek Entertainment continues doing what they do best with their Blu-ray “Horror 4-in-1 Collection.” The company takes movies and television shows which have a “specialized” or limited fan base and make them readily available. We get a wonderful mix of suspense, action, and sci-fi with this latest offering which includes “Deep Rising,” “The Puppet Masters,” “When a Stranger Calls,” and “Happy Birthday to Me.”

In "Deep Rising," a newly unveiled ocean liner called the Argonautica sets out on its first cruise only to encounter dangers both on board and in the ocean depths. While the beautiful thief Trillian (Famke Janssen) attempts to steal riches from the boat's wealthy passengers, the ship encounters major problems, most notably a giant murderous sea creature with tentacles. Eventually, a boat captained by John Finnegan (Treat Williams) comes across the Argonautica, and everyone struggles to survive the monster.

"The Puppet Masters" tells the story of an alien spacecraft that sets down in rural Iowa. Top-secret government agents Andrew Nivens (Donald Sutherland) and his son, Sam (Eric Thal), are sent to investigate. Coming along is NASA biologist Mary Sefton (Julie Warner), and together they make a startling discovery: alien parasites capable of taking over the minds of human beings. And the creatures are multiplying. The race is on for the team to stop the invaders before they turn all of humanity into zombie slaves.

A retired police detective (Charles Durning) hunts a deranged British seaman (Tony Beckley) out to re-create a baby sitter's (Carol Kane) horror in "When a Stranger Calls."

"Happy Birthday to Me" revolves around preppie Virginia (Melissa Sue Anderson). Could she be the one skewering classmates who skipped her birthday party years before?

Each of the movies in the “Horror 4-in-1 Collection” merits their own cult status for one reason or another. The grossly underrated “Deep Rising” is one of Writer / Director Stephen Sommers’ (“The Mummy,” “Van Helsing”) first films. “The Puppet Masters” is a rather faithful adaptation of Robert A. Heinlein’s (“Starship Troopers”) novel.

“When a Stranger Calls” is a minimalistic suspense thriller starring a young Carol Kane and already well-known supporting actor Charles Durning which spawned a sequel and remake. “Happy Birthday to Me” made audiences wonder if little Melissa Sue Anderson from “Little House on the Prairie” really could be the one behind so many brutal killings in the 1980 slasher classic.

All of the movies are barebones releases except for “Deep Rising.” It comes with a theatrical trailer included. Rarely do Mill Creek Entertainment’s Blu-rays or DVDs come with extra features, which is why they’re always affordable.

Every movie in the “Horror 4-in-1 Collection” is rated R for different reasons. None of the films contain any nudity. Most of them feature violence, gore, profanity, alcohol, drugs, smoking, and frightening and intense sequences.

The “Horror 4-in-1 Collection” is perfect for a long night of thrills and action entertainment. There’s something for everyone whether they like creature features, aliens, stalkers, or slashing killers. The 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s are all well exhibited in these genre touchstones.

The “Horror 4-in-1 Collection” is available now on Blu-ray.

Aliens, Sea Monsters, Slashers Summoned from Horror Collection

Mill Creek Entertainment continues doing what they do best with their Blu-ray “Horror 4-in-1 Collection.” The company takes movies and television shows which have a “specialized” or limited fan base and make them readily available. We get a wonderful mix of suspense, action, and sci-fi with this latest offering which includes “Deep Rising,” “The Puppet Masters,” “When a Stranger Calls,” and “Happy Birthday to Me.”

Things Aren't Right in "Our Mother's House"

Warner Archive brings another forgotten piece of film history back from their dark vaults with “Our Mother’s House.” So many great movies get lost in the shuffle of time and an always crowded box office. They never get the attention they deserve. Some just don’t get the proper media coverage or struggle to find the right audience, which I believe was the case when this was originally released in 1967.

In “Our Mother’s House,” Mrs. Hook (Annette Carell) dies after refusing to take medicine owing to her fundamentalist beliefs. She leaves her seven orphaned children to fend for themselves. Not wanting to be put in foster homes, the siblings bury their mother in the garden and successfully keep her death a secret. When their long-lost father (Dirk Bogarde) returns, it's initially a happy reunion, as he helps perpetuate the fraud. But soon he shows his true colors -- drinking, carousing and scheming to sell the house.

What a touching and disturbing film “Our Mother’s House” is. Every single actor onscreen is completely invested in their role. Dirk Bogarde makes you hate the scheming loser he portrays as he lies and mistreats the children. The child actors are incredibly talented and all establish their own individual characters so that the viewer truly empathizes with them.

I would consider “Our Mother’s House” to be a drama with sprinkles of thrills and chills here and there. The scenes of the oldest daughter (Pamela Franklin) trying to contact their dead mother via a sort of séance add a little supernatural flavor to the movie as well. They never really tell you whether she’s actually talking to the deceased or faking it to make the children listen to her. Franklin was perfect for the role and continued to freak people out as a clairvoyant in “The Legend of Hell House” a few years later.

“Our Mother’s House” is manufactured on demand and is only available on DVD. It contains a trailer for the film that runs a little over two and a half minutes long.

Although it’s unrated, “Our Mother’s House” would garner a PG at the least by today standards. It’s a pretty intense film that deals with death and the effects it has on children. The movie contains light profanity, brief adult situations, alcohol and smoking, and some frightening and intense sequences. The part where the mother is lying lifeless in bed with the children surrounding her is one of the most shocking and realistic depictions of death I’ve ever seen onscreen.

“Our Mother’s House” is another fine example of a classic film somehow being overlooked by cinema enthusiasts. It’s a brilliant family drama blended with just the right amount of effective creepiness to keep you in suspense. The child actors never failed to impress me as they moved from emotion to emotion. Here’s hoping that Warner Archive’s resurrection of the movie garners it some overdue attention.

“Our Mother’s House” is available now on DVD.

Things Aren't Right in "Our Mother's House"

Warner Archive brings another forgotten piece of film history back from their dark vaults with “Our Mother’s House.” So many great movies get lost in the shuffle of time and an always crowded box office. They never get the attention they deserve. Some just don’t get the proper media coverage or struggle to find the right audience, which I believe was the case when this was originally released in 1967.

"The Babadook" Creeps Into Your Home

IFC Midnight unleashes the critically acclaimed Australian psychological horror film “The Babadook” into your home. Here is an effective thriller which climbs inside your head and drags all your worst fears and insecurities to the surface. It will haunt not only your nightmares as some of the disturbing events take place in the “safety” of the day.

In “The Babadook,” a troubled widow (Essie Davis) discovers that her son (Noah Wiseman) is telling the truth. He is seeing a monster that entered their home through the pages of a children's book. Together, they must fight to remove the sinister creature from their lives while they spiral more and more into insanity.

Although I’ve heard complaints from some that they never really show the monster, I find that to be a part of the mystery surrounding “The Babadook.” You only get fleeting glimpses of what the creature truly is. I see it as a combination of Dr. Caligari and a Spanish horror icon known as Coffin Joe. That’s all I’ll give away about its appearance.

“The Babadook” is unrated but could hold an R. A sexually explicit scene with no nudity is found. It also includes violence involving a child. Many times the child is dishing out the violence. Frightening and intense sequences of the monster are guaranteed to frighten viewers. There’s also profanity and the child is given a sedative to help him sleep.

The Blu-ray edition of “The Babadook” boasts some insightful bonus material. We get over an hour of interviews with the cast and crew. There’s also behind-the-scenes footage and a theatrical trailer included.

“The Babadook” truly is an exercise in psychological horror that must be seen. It takes your worst fears and darkest thoughts and parades them onscreen in front of you to deal with and work out. You could even call it a sort of extreme grief and parental therapy if you truly dig into the meanings behind the movie.

"The Babadook" is available now on Deluxe Packaging Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, and as a Digital Download.

"The Babadook" Creeps Into Your Home

IFC Midnight unleashes the critically acclaimed Australian psychological horror film “The Babadook” into your home. Here is an effective thriller which climbs inside your head and drags all your worst fears and insecurities to the surface. It will haunt not only your nightmares as some of the disturbing events take place in the “safety” of the day.