In October, Severin Films will release the British horror classic CRUCIBLE OF TERROR on DVD. His name was Mike Raven, the popular Pirate Radio DJ and known occultist whose spectacularly failed attempt at 1970s horror stardom marked one of the most bizarre careers in British movie history. And in his most infamous role of all, Raven stars as an insane sculptor whose obsession with the perfect female form leads to a nightmare of sex, sorcery and slaughter. Within a year of this film’s release, Raven would mysteriously disappear from the entertainment business forever…to become a sculptor. Melissa Stribling (HORROR OF DRACULA), Ronald Lacey (RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK) and Me Me Lay (THE MAN FROM DEEP RIVER) co-star in this still-sordid cult shocker transferred in startling HD from the only known uncut 35mm print in existence, loaned to Severin by a Bodmin Moor coven!

End Your Summer With THE GIRLS ON THE ROAD!

On 8/31, Scorpion Releasing will release GIRLS ON THE ROAD. Two wild teenage girls, Debbie (Kathleen Cody) and Karen (Dianne Hull, FIFTH FLOOR, ALOHA BOBBY AND ROSE) hit the road for some freedom, boys, and unexpected danger in this 1973 drive-in classic! The girls pick up a handsome Vietnam veteran (Michael Ontkean, TWIN PEAKS, SLAP SHOT, MAID TO ORDER) who is still troubled from his time at war, but is trying his best to fit in. They all end up at a hippie encounter session run by John (Ralph Waite, THE WALTONS, THE BODYGUARD) in a peaceful village by the ocean. It's all fun and games until the girls discover that a serial killer is murdering girls. Special features include a brand new 16x9 master from the original camera negatives, original trailer, alternate title card, and on camera interviews with writer David Kaufman, and acclaimed cinematographer David Walsh. MSRP is 19.95. Check out our review HERE.

Retro Horror Alive and Well at the Drive-In!

For those of you who can’t make it to our annual Drive-In Super Monster-Rama, or if you want an awesome alternative, there are two other great retro horror screenings happening at drive-in theaters during the same weekend! Grindhouse Releasing is presenting the amazing Flashback Weekend 2010 at the Midway Drive-In in Sterling, Illinois on September 10-11. Friday night features are Stuart Gordon’s DOLLS, the Euro chainsaw classic PIECES and the 1960s gore flick THE UNDERTAKER AND HIS PALS. Saturday night will bring actor Bruce Campbell in person for a screening of MY NAME IS BRUCE, EVIL DEAD (restored 35mm print courtesy of Grindhouse Releasing), EVIL DEAD 2 and ARMY OF DARKNESS. For more information, visit www.flashbackweekend.com. Also on September 11, the Twin Hi-Way Drive-In in McKees Rocks, PA will present the annual “Steeltown Shakedown”, an event which will features classic cars and live bands all afternoon long starting at 1:00 pm. until the time of the movie, 1957’s INVASION OF HE SAUCER MEN. Wow! For more information, click HERE. Please continue to support drive-in theaters, especially when they do stuff like this, which is a rarity nowadays!

Monster-Rama Facebook Tribute!

To commemorate this year’s Drive-In Super Monster-Rama (which is quickly coming upon us on Sept. 10 and 11) at the Riverside Drive-In Theatre in Vandergrift, PA, The Nostalgic Drive-In Theater Newspaper Ads Facebook page has just put together a photo album made up of authentic ads from the eight features to be shown at this year's Drive-In Super Monster-Rama, as they originally appeared as part of drive-in theater programs across the country! Check it out HERE, it might entice more of you to travel and attend (although we know most of you reading this are already filling your tank up with gas and pointing your car towards PA)!

Gamera Double Features: Full Details!

On September 21, 2010, Shout! Factory will further unleash four more Gamera movies (the original Japanese version) from the Showa series in two Double-Feature Collector’s Edition DVD sets: GAMERA VS. GYAOS/GAMERA VS. VIRAS and GAMERA VS. GUIRON/GAMERA VS. JIGER. Featuring all-new anamorphic widescreen transfers, each Double-Feature DVD set includes both the original Japanese and infamous English dubbed versions of each film along with publicity galleries. A must-have for film enthusiasts and collectors, aggregate your Gamera movie collection with these two Double-Feature Collector’s Edition DVD sets. Each DVD set is sold separately with $19.93 SRP. (READ MORE)

The Outer Limit of Fear: POINT OF TERROR!

On 8/31, Scorpion will release POINT OF TERROR. Lounge singer Tony Trelos (Peter Carpenter, BLOOD MANIA, VIXEN!) spends his evenings performing at the Lobster House, waiting for his big break to crack the Billboard's Top 10. He has a chance meeting with the beautiful older Andrea (Dyanne Thorne, ILSA SHE WOLF OF THE SS, ILSA HAREM KEEPER OF THE OIL SHIEKS) who happens to be the wife of a powerful record producer. She takes Tony under her wings, offering him opportunities and success in his singing career. However, things take a deadly turn as Tony is soon enveloped in a twisted web of murder and adultery. Special features include a 16x9 widescreen master, "Remembering Peter Carpenter": interview with Peter's co-star/acting teacher Leslie Simms, phone interview with star Dyanne Thorne, original trailer. MSRP is 14.95.

VCI To Launch DARK STAR Hyperdrive Edition!

On October 26, VCI will release John Carpenter’s DARK STAR as a “Hyperdrive Edition.” DARK STAR was originally intended to be a 68 minute film. Producer Jack Harris convinced the filmmakers to shoot 15 minutes of extra footage and he released the expanded version theatrically in 1975 through Bryanston Pictures. To honor the filmmakers’ wishes, this new DVD will contain both the shorter 1974 “Original” version and the longer 1975 “Theatrical” release version. The 2010 “Hyperdrive Edition” DVD has been sourced from a new 16x9, 35mm transfer, with a further painstaking, frame-by-frame digital restoration of the video master to produce the best picture ever seen. The soundtrack has also been digitally enhanced and restored to Dolby Digital 5.1. (READ MORE)

STARCRASH Crashes Down In September!

One of the most eagerly awaited inter-galactic science-fiction adventures, released by Roger Corman’s New World Pictures, will finally be made available for the first time to the home entertainment shelves as STARCRASH, directed by Luigi Cozzi, will debut September 14, 2010 on 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD from Shout! Factory, in association with New Horizons Picture Corporation. An adventure like no other, the StarCrash 2-Disc Special Edition contains anamorphic widescreen presentation of the movie with DTS HD 5.1 surround sound (Blu-ray), a reversible cover featuring vintage art for original movie posters and a payload of bonus content including all-new interviews and commentaries with cast and crew, rare behind-the-scenes footage and much more! A must-have for loyal fans of Roger Corman and Luigi Cozzi, science fiction enthusiasts and collectors, StarCrash 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD mark the latest installments from the popular ROGER CORMAN’S CULT CLASSICS home entertainment series from Shout! Factory. (READ MORE)

GOSH! Alice Goodbody!

On August 17th, Code Red will be releasing ALICE GOODBODY! This wild 1970s sex comedy follows the exploits of a greasy spoon waitress, Alice Goodbody (Sharon Kelly, star of SUPERVIXENS, ILSA), as she sleeps her way to stardom via encounters with the cast and crew of a rock-musical production of Julius Caesar. It's bad luck for Alice, though, because while she sleeps to get to the top, a series of mishaps on the set keeps getting her injured and delaying production. It's a ribald, sexy comedy romp that Roger Corman called, "Hilarious! The funniest, truest take on Hollywood -- EVER!" Hollywood will never be the same as Alice sleeps her way to the silver screen, if she can make it out alive! Co-starring Vic Caesar (Duke Mitchell's MASSACRE MAFIA STYLE) and George "Buck" Flower (ADVENTURES OF THE WILDERNESS FAMILY)! Special Features include a brand new 16x9 transfer mastered in HiDef from the original CRI negatives, an audio commentary from the director/writer Tom Scheuer and editor Gary Maxwell and Code Red Trailers. The MSRP is $19.98. Check out our sneak peek HERE.

VCI's Halloween DVD Releases!

VCI Entertainment will unleash a batch of Halloween titles on October 19, and even though some of them are just repackaged, we thought it was worth mentioning. The batch will include THE DEMON (presented widescreen for the first time on DVD) starring Cameron Mitchell, a double feature of HORRORS OF THE BLACK MUSEUM and THE HEADLESS GHOST (first time on DVD!), CHILDREN SHOULDN’T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS, a double feature of THE SWAMP OF THE RAVENS and I EAT YOUR SKIN, a double feature of RUBY and KISS OF THE TARANTULA and Mario Bava’s BLOOD AND BLACK LACE. All the discs will retail for $14.99 each, and you can check out the covers HERE.

SKATEBOARD Fever!

On July 27th, Scorpion Releasing will release SKATEBOARD THE MOVIE on DVD! This cult classic 1978 skateboarding film is the story of down-on-his-luck Hollywood agent Manny (Allen Garfield, MOTHER, JUGS & SPEED, THE CONVERSATION) who finds himself in deep trouble with a powerful bookie. Manny has to quickly come up with the large amount of cash he owes the bookie or face certain death! To make a fast buck, Manny creates a team of exceptionally talented, but rag-tag skateboarding kids (including 1970s teen idol Leif Garrett, and original Z-boy and world's first skateboarding champion Tony Alva) in the hopes that it can help pay off his debt. Special features include a brand new 16x9 master from Universal's vault elements, audio commentary with director George Gage and star Tony Alva, on camera interview with Gage and Alva, and the original trailer. MSRP is 19.95.

HORROR HIGH Details Are In!

On August 10, Code Red DVD will be releasing a Special Edition of the 1970s drive-in monster classic, HORROR HIGH. A series of grisly murders wreaks havoc at a small Texas high school! A no-nonsense cop is assigned to find out the identity of the mad devious killer who roams the corridors of the high school. A mild mannered student has been drinking a mysterious potion that turns himself into Vernon, a genetic freak. Terrorizing students and teachers alike, Vernon spreads his web of violence and terror to all who have mocked or laughed at him. Vernon also plays a deadly game of cat & mouse with the cop (Austin Stoker, ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13) who is trying to stop him. Can the cop beat the killer at his own game, or will he become the final victim at Horror High? SPECIAL FEATURES: Brand New 16x9 (1.85:1) transfer mastered in HiDef from the original 35mm dupe negatives from Crown International's vault; Uncut for the first time on home video!; on-camera interview with Lead star Austin Stoker; comedy commentary with TV's "Beat the Geeks" J. Keith Van Straaten, Marc Edward Heuck, and Paul Goebel; bonus footage shot for TV on the TWISTED BRAIN release; original theatrical trailer; and Code Red trailers. The MSRP is 24.98.

Severin Films To Give Undead Biker Classic PSYCHOMANIA Special Edition Treatment!

The grooviest zombie biker movie of them all is being exhumed and, after years of shoddy bootlegs and sub-par presentations, is getting the Special Edition treatment from Severin. PSYCHOMANIA stars Beryl Reed (BEAST IN THE CELLAR) and, in his last performance, George Sanders (VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED) who perfects a formula to return from the grave via some sort of satanic toad worship. Said formula is then used by young Tommy and his biker gang, The Living Dead, who after offing themselves in a variety of creative ways, free-wheel back from the dead to wreak havoc on a small English town. This uber-black British horror-comedy (which has one of the greatest and most original soundtracks of its era) was a staple of late night TV for years but has never been seen like this thanks to a stunning new high definition transfer. Recent interviews were shot in London with stars Nicky Henson, Mary Larkin, Denis Gilmore, Roy Holder and Rocky Taylor, while soundtrack composer John Cameron (KES, JACK THE RIPPER) and ‘Riding Free’ crooner Harvey Andrews not only reminisced but treated us to renditions of their otherworldly work on the film. Also on the extras slate is an intro from Fangoria editor in chief Chris Alexander. This will be yet another amazing Severin restoration that any fan of 1970s horror should not be without. Coming soon in October!

Vote For CORRUPTION!

With the great treatment they’ve been giving their cult films as of late, it’s inevitable that Sony will release CORRUPTION on DVD. This 1968 shocker stars genre icon Peter Cushing as a mad plastic surgeon who accidentally disfigures his model girlfriend, becoming obsessed with restoring her face and resorting to murder and such to do so. Sometimes referred to as Cushing’s “sleaziest movie,” CORRUPTION would be great as part of a multi-film DVD set, and its swinging 1960s vibe would also make it perfect for the “Martini Movies” series. Please go to the TCM site HERE to vote for CORRUPTION to be released on DVD. It only takes a minute and you’ll be glad you did it!

Here Come the Cannibals!

Although the powers that be at MGM/Fox are doing their best to keep the rest of the American International Pictures drive-in classics from being released on DVD, at least this year we’ll get this one: CANNIBAL GIRLS! Originally released theatrically by AIP, this Canadian horror film’s rights reverted back to Canada (yeah!), so that means the good folks at Shout! Factory have swooped in to deliver the goods! Known as “The Picture With the WARNING BELL”, CANNIBAL GIRLS was directed by Ivan Reitman (STRIPES) and stars Eugene Levy and Andrea Martin, years before being cast on the cult TV hit SCTV. CANNIBAL GIRLS has a street date of October 26 (just in time for Halloween), and although there is no word on any extras yet (we hope there might be some), the cover should have you’re mouth watering (or else you should question yourself as to why you check out this site every day).

Summer is Coming: FOLLOW ME!

On June 29th, Scorpion Releasing presents the long unseen surfing documentary from 1969, FOLLLOW ME! In the tradition of "Endless Summer", FOLLOW ME is a surfing documentary/travelog that has not been screened in 40 years - until now! Three young people, Claude Codgen, Mary Lou McGinnis, and Bob Purvey, eager for exciting new experiences, band together in what they call the Surf Corps and take off on a round-the world search for adventure. Primary among their luggage are three surf boards, for the three are internationally known surfing competitors! They travel to India, Japan, Hawaii and Portugal as they surf and teach the locales about the fine art of surfing! Killer soundtrack by Dino, Desi & Billy and Stu Phillips, the special features includes a brand new widescreen (1.78:1) master and the original trailer. MSRP is 14.95.

The SCARECROW Get His DARK NIGHT!

VCI is proud to announce a special DVD release of one of "the best made for television horror films ever!" (Donald Guarisco, AMG Review) DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW has achieved a cult status and spawned multiple fansites pushing for the DVD release! When young Marylee Williams (Tonya Crowe) is found viciously mauled, all hell breaks loose in her small rural town. Officious Post Master Otis P. Hazelrigg (Charles Durning) leads a gang of bigots in pursuit of the suspect, her mentally challenged friend Bubba Ritter (Larry Drake). Finding him hiding inside a scarecrow, they exact brutal mob “justice”…only to discover a tragic mistake! Now a strange apparition stalks the land seeking each of them out, and the legend of the Scarecrow begins. DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW has been remastered in high definition from the 35mm negative with a new 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound Mix. Plus the disc will include a never-before-seen deleted scene that was added back in the movie. Special Features include a commentary with director Frank De Felitta and writer J.D. Feigelson, plus the original CBS promo for the movie, as well English and Spanish subtitles. The disc streets on 9/28/10 and will retail for $19.99.

GAMERA VS. BARUGON Official Press Release!

Returned from his exile into space, Gamera is the last survivor of a species of colossal chelonians, rumored to have originated 8,000 years ago from the lost continent of Atlantis. This titanic terrapin is feared by adults and loved by children.Hot off the heel from the excitement of fan favorite Gamera, The Giant Monster – Special Edition DVD, Shout! Factory will unleash the second film in the original series, GAMERA VS. BARUGON – Special Edition on July 6 (READ MORE)

The SLITHIS Cometh!

On 6/1, Code Red DVD will unleash SLITHIS (aka SPAWN OF THE SLITHIS) on DVD! A nuclear leak creates a mutant sea monster, Slithis, as it wrecks havoc in Venice, California! First time ever on DVD anywhere in the world, Code Red presents this title in 16x9 widescreen, from the long thought to be lost, original elements! MSRP is 24.98. See our review HERE.

The Curse that Begins with a Kiss... STIGMA!

On June 8th, Code Red will release the late David Durston's STIGMA. Star of MIAMI VICE, Philip Michael Thomas, is a young doctor who arrives at a secluded island community and discovers that there's a deadly germ affecting the town's young promiscuous residents. When trying to help contain the spread of the contagious disease, the doctor realizes there's a lot more to the epidemic than meets the eye - including a major cover-up by the community sheriff. Special features includes a new HD master from the original InterNegative, audio commentary with David Durston moderated by Jeff McKay, on camera interview with Durston, and the theatrical trailer and TV spot. MSRP is 19.98.

TCM Greatest Classic Films: Hammer Horror!

On September 7, Warner Home Video will be releasing a two-disc DVD set entitled TCM Greatest Classic Films: Hammer Horror. It will feature reissues of HORROR OF DRACULA (1958), THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1957), DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE (1968) and FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED (1970). There is no word yet on whether or not the transfers presented in this collection will differ from those previously released, but we thought you Hammerphiles out there would like to get a glimpse of the cover (above). The set will retail for $27.92.

Code Red Unveils THE STATUE!

On May 18th, Code Red DVD will release THE STATUE! Alex Bolt (David Niven, THE PINK PANTHER) has just been awarded the Nobel Prize for creating a new international language, "Unispeak". In London, Alex's wife Rhonda (Virna Lisi, ASSAULT ON A QUEEN) is sculpting a huge statue of Alex which has been commissioned by the government. Rhonda will not allow anyone to see her statue until the official unveiling... not even the U.S. Ambassador (Robert Vaughn, TV's "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.")! When Alex views the 18-foot nude statue of himself, he is shocked to discover that, while the face is his, there are certainly more PERSONAL parts of him that are not! Endowment is definitely quite bigger in the eye of this beholder, and Alex questions who his wife modeled that part of her statue after. Alex is determined to find out who his wife used as the model for her statue, so he teams up with a friend (John Cleese, TV's “Monty Python's Flying Circus”, “Fawlty Towers”) to help him find the unexposed truth. It's a wild 70's comedy romp that's bigger than most! MSRP is 19.98.

The News of the Century!

Fangoria just broke this long-awaited scoop: "Fans of Hammer Films’ 1970s outings will rejoice that DVD outfit Synapse Films has acquired the rights to four titles from the library of the classic British horror studio. Among them are three features that have never previously been available on optical disc in the U.S. Synapse’s Don May Jr. gave us the scoop that they’ve picked up Robert Young’s VAMPIRE CIRCUS, John Hough’s TWINS OF EVIL and Peter Sasdy’s HANDS OF THE RIPPER, along with the classic 13-episode TV series HAMMER HOUSE OF HORROR. 'We have new high-definition transfers of all three features,' May tells Fango. 'Supplement producer Daniel Griffith is working with us on extras, including—so far—interviews with filmmaker and Hammer fan Joe Dante and FLESH AND BLOOD: THE HAMMER HERITAGE OF HORROR writer/director Ted Newsom. Other possible interviews and extras are in the works, including theatrical trailers and TV spots. It’s very possible we will be putting out the three features on Blu-ray as well. If we do, we’ll announce both the DVD and Blu-ray releases at the same time. All 13 episodes of HAMMER HOUSE OF HORROR will be released in a DVD boxed set. The plan is to have these available in third quarter 2010.' Keep your eyes here for details as they become available."

Two Favorites Coming From Dark Sky Films!

In some more fabulous news, Dark Sky Films is planning on returning to releasing catalog titles on DVD this year, and have already announced a June 29 release for HORROR HOSPITAL (1973) and a June 15 release for BONNIE’S KIDS (1973). HORROR HOSPITAL stars horror legend Michael Gough and Robin Askwith and will feature a new HD transfer from the original 35mm camera negative in a widescreen presentation enhanced for 16x9 TVs, a new feature-length commentary with producer Richard Gordon, moderated by Tom Weaver (created exclusively for this release) and an extensive still gallery. BONNIE’S KIDS stars Tiffany Bolling and Robin Mattson and will feature a HD transfer from the original 35mm camera negative in a widescreen presentation enhanced for 16x9 TVs, a new featurette with writer-director Arthur Marks (created exclusively for this release) trailers, TV spots, and select music cues.

New Batch of MGM MOD Discs to Include HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS and "Johny Socko and His Flying Robot"!

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced that it will be offering 27 additional MGM titles, including never-before-released award-winning classic films, made-for-TV movies and television shows via CreateSpace’s DVD on Demand service. Beginning March 22, fans can pre-order their favorite classic films in this exciting second wave of titles followed by the television series from the new collection, which will be available soon. Titles in this batch include Pete Walker's HOUSE OF THE LONG SHADOWS starring Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing and John Carradine, as well as the complete “Johnny Sokko and His Flying Robot” TV series. (READ MORE)

Naughty Nurses & Tawdry Teachers: More Corman!

Join producer/director and 2009 Honorary Academy Award®-winner Roger Corman for more sultriness and sin in Presenting Roger Corman’s … Best of the B*s, Collection 2: Naughty Nurses & Tawdry Teachers, available on DVD May 4 from Infinity Entertainment Group. Guaranteed to raise your temperature, Naughty Nurses & Tawdry Teachers is an audacious celebration of every sinful schoolboy’s fantasy and testosterone-ridden guy’s daydream. (READ MORE)

Scorpion To Release Freddie Francis' GIRLY!

On 3/30, Scorpion Releasing will release the once thought to be lost Freddie Francis film GIRLY! In a large mansion outside of London, an eccentric family live an imaginative life: Girly, a flirtatious schoolgirl with eyes of fire; Sonny, her mischievous brother whose favorite toy is an 8mm camera; Nanny, the house's caretaker with an unusual fixation on the children; and Mumsy, the family matriarch whose relationship with Nanny is rife with sexual tension. This family is far more dangerous than you can imagine! Any man who enters the house never comes out, as they are sucked into a blood-curdling game with Girly and Sonny as assassins! Mastered in HD in 16x9 widescreen (1:78) from the original IP, special features include an on camera interview with writer Brian Comport, archival audio interview with Freddie Francis, alternate title card, original trailer, Spanish language trailer, and a TV spot. MSRP is 24.95.

GAMERA Roars Onto DVD From The Shout! Factory!

From Japan – the country that brought us such mythical movie monsters as Godzilla, Rodan, Mothra and King Ghidorah – storms Gamera, the titanic terrapin feared by adults and loved by children. On May 18, 2010, Shout! Factory will unleash GAMERA, THE GIANT MONSTER – Special Edition on DVD for the first time in its unedited original version, with English subtitles — in anamorphic widescreen from an all-new HD master. The DVD includes a 12-page booklet with an essay by director Noriaki Yuasa, a photo gallery, trailers and more. The collectible GAMERA, THE GIANT MONSTER Special Edition DVD is priced to own at $19.93. (READ MORE)

"Greydon Clark Drive-In Double Feature" From VCI!

On April 27, VCI will release a “Greydon Clark Drive-In Double Feature” of HI-RIDERS (1978) and THE BAD BUNCH (1976). Starring Mel Ferrer, Stephen McNally, Darby Hinton, Neville Brand, Ralph Meeker, HI-RIDERS concerns a gang of jean-jacketed drag racers. They live hard and die hard – screaming demons headed for hell on chopped-down hogs. Whipped into a blazing frenzy of violence the HI-RIDERS are humping hot steel hogs on a raging rampage through the town. Starring director Greydon Clark, Ton Johnigarn, Jacqulin Cole and the legendary Aldo Ray, THE BAD BUNCH features violence and racial tension in a fast-moving tale of prejudice and discrimination. This film, set in the mid 1970s, does much to show how society has progressed, but to some it may seem that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” Each film will be remastered with anamorphic transfers, and bonus features include a Q&A with Darby Hinton and Diane Peterson about the making of HI-RIDERS and a Q&A with director Greydon Clark. The SRP is $14.99. On the same date, VCI will be releasing a “Euro-Fantastico” double feature of THE BLACK COBRA (starring Klaus Kinski and Adrian Hoven) and NO SURVIVORS PLEASE, as well as Rory Calhoun in THUNDER IN CAROLINA and the cult film LEGEND OF THE WITCHES.

The Fred Williamson Signature Collection!

On 3/16, Fred “The Hammer” Williamson and Code Red DVD present THE FRED WILLIAMSON SIGNATURE COLLECTION. These will be the first in a series of titles that were directed by and star action hero Williamson in his famous roles, all in UNCUT DIRECTOR’S CUT versions! First is MEAN JOHNNY BARROWS (1976)! Ex-Vietnam vet Barrows (Williamson) has come home from a dishonorable discharge and is unable to find work and is living on the streets. A high school classmate (Stuart Whitman) offers him a job to wipe out rival mobsters in this action film filled with the hot Motown sound from Paul Riser. Co-starring Roddy McDowall, Luther Adler, R.G. Armstrong, Mike Henry, Anthony Caruso, Leon Isaac Kennedy, and Elliott Gould. The second release is DEATH JOURNEY! The first of the Jessie Crowder series pits Fred against a mafia who wants a mob accountant dead. Later remade by Hollywood as MIDNIGHT RUN, this action-packed thriller features the hot sensational top 10 hit “Do It Any Way You Want To." Both DVD releases feature 2.35:1 (16x9) new Hi-Def masters from the original camera negatives, a hot two-part interview with the Hammer himself, and scene to scene commentary with Fred! If this does well, more Fred films will follow in the future! MEAN JOHNNY BARROWS - MSRP 19.98, DEATH JOURNEY - MSRP 16.98.

Vote for Your Favorite "Hammer Films" DVD Cover!

The Columbia Classics website is hosting a poll to vote for your cover of choice for their upcoming "Icons of Suspense: Hammer Films" DVD set (due out in April). Click HERE to vote for which cover you like the best: “Knife Art”, “Phone Art” or “Noose Art.” The films in this set include NEVER TAKE CANDY FROM A STRANGER (the UK release title was NEVER TAKE SWEETS FROM A STRANGER), THE SNORKEL, MANIAC, CASH ON DEMAND, STOP ME BEFORE I KILL! (UK title THE FULL TREATMENT) and the long-awaited release of Joseph Losey’s THESE ARE THE DAMNED (UK title: THE DAMNED). Thanks Sony Pictures for keeping classic films alive and appreciating your audience, especially as we still wait patiently for the DVD releases of THE QUATERMASS XPERIMENT, TWINS OF EVIL, HANDS OF THE RIPPER and VAMPIRE CIRCUS from another studio.

SHOUT! FACTORY SECURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT RIGHTS TO EXTENSIVE ROGER CORMAN LIBRARY!

Shout! Factory and New Horizons Pictures are working closely to remaster a number of great Corman titles that have been long out of print, some never-before-available on DVD and Blu-ray™. Moreover, Shout! Factory is currently producing a wide range of bonus content for special editions and double features for the launch of Shout! Factory’s Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment series. (READ MORE)

Scorpion Hurls THE LAST GRENADE Your Way!

On 2/23, Scorpion Releasing will release THE LAST GRENADE! Major Harry Grigsby (Stanley Baker, ZULU, GUNS OF NAVARONE, A LIZARD IN A WOMAN'S SKIN) has a mission...to seek out and destroy his former team member, Kip Thompson (Alex Cord, TV's AIRWOLF). Kip changed sides and wiped out Grigsby's army and even tried to kill him! When the British Government contacts Grigsby to take Kip out, as he is now in Hong Kong causing international border incidents, Grigsby takes the job to get vengeance on his double-crossing friend. Also starring Sir Richard Attenborough (JURASSIC PARK, THE SAND PEBBLES, Academy Award winning director of GANDHI), Honor Blackman (Pussy Galore in GOLDFINGER, TV's “The Avengers”), Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson, "Inspector Morse" star John Thaw, Andrew Kier (DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS, QUATERMASS AND THE PIT) and BOND villain Julian Glover, THE LAST GRENADE delivers explosive action all the way until the very last pull of the pin! Special features: 16x9 (2.35:1) widescreen transfer and the original trailer. The MSRP is $19.95.

Shout! Factory Preps "Roger Corman's Cult Classics"!

In April, Shout! Factory will commence a new series of DVD releases under the banner, “Roger Corman’s Cult Classics”, presenting classic titles from the New World Pictures film library. These releases will include Barbara Peters' HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP (changed to August 3), a two-disc special edition of Joe Dante’s PIRANHA (changed to August 3) and a double feature of UP FROM THE DEPTHS/DEMON OF PARADISE (changed to August 3). All titles will be presented with new anamorphic transfers, and PIRANHA will also be available on Blu-ray disc. We’ll post more details as they come in, but 2010 looks to be a great year for Shout! Factory.

Calling DOCTOR DEATH!

On January 26, meet the charming DOCTOR DEATH: SEEKER OF SOULS from Scorpion Releasing! The flamboyant Dr Death (John Considine), a 1000-year-old man who has mastered the art of "selective reincarnation", promising to keep one's soul alive forever! The catch? He needs a fresh body to host it for you, and finding willing volunteers is an impossibility. When Fred's beloved wife dies, he refuses to believe she is gone forever. Dr. Death's loyal assistant, Tana (Florence Marly), offers a supernatural solution to return his wife to him...only to run into trouble when Dr. Death can't find a suitable body for her to reside in! The bodies pile up and Fred must choose between his lost love and stopping a mad doctor hell-bent on success! Directed with tongue firmly in cheek by Eddie Saeta, with a cameo by Moe Howard, this colorful horror oddity must be seen to be believed! Special features include a brand new 16x9 digital high definition transfer (1.78:1) from the original camera negatives, an on camera interview with star John Considine and Steve Saeta (Eddie's son) and an original TV spot.

Dark Sky Films, PLEASE Come Back To Us!

After their fantastic DVD releases of THE SHE-BEAST and CENTERFOLD GIRLS, Dark Sky Films decided to lay low low on releasing classic catalog titles due to the economy. A recent blog on their website reads: "You may be asking, 'But what about all those awesome catalog titles you’re sitting on, Dark Sky? Films like BONNIE’S KIDS, THE ROOMMATES, THE ONE-ARMED EXECUTIONER, THEY CALL HER CLEOPATRA WONG, DEATH SPA, and HORROR HOSPITAL?' Well, all ya gotta do is ask and if there’s enough of you wanting them, so it shall be done. Simple economics, eh? Email us and tell us you want these titles and more." Ok, if you would like the great catalog titles to continue from Dark Sky, I urge everyone who reads this to shoot them an e-mail HERE.

"Twinsanity" from the Director of DRACULA A.D. 1972!

On January 26, Scorpion will release the 1969 British thriller GOODBYE GEMINI! In the age of Aquarius, the Gemini twins share everything: love...men...and murder!! Jacki (TO SIR WITH LOVE's Judy Geeson) and Julian (SATYRICON's Martin Potter) are 20-year-old twins with an unusually close relationship. Their bizarre fantasy world is shattered by the arrival of Clive, a London small-time criminal with a massive gambling debt. As the twins become exposed to the seamy underbelly of the swinging '60s London nightlife, their relationship becomes strained and twisted. When Clive attempts to blackmail Julian, the twins take decisive action in this eerie, unsettling tale where not even the bond between siblings can predict the outcome. Also starring Sir Michael Redgrave and directed by Alan Gibson (DRACULA A.D. 1972), GOODBYE GEMINI is a disturbing look at the relationship between twins...and just how far they will go to protect one another! Special Features include: New 16x9 high definition transfer (1.78:1), from the original camera negatives; Audio commentary with star Judy Geeson and Producer Peter Snell; Original Trailer; and Cinerama Trailers.

VCI Salutes the Drive-In and the Grindhouse!

On January 26, VCI Entertainment will release DRIVE-IN GRINDHOUSE, a 2-DVD set featuring four rare exploitation films from the 1960s and 1970s. The set is being hyped as "Not Just A Collection...But an Experience", and will feature THE FARMER’S OTHER DAUGHTER (1965) directed by John Hayes (GARDEN OF THE DEAD, GRAVE OF THE VAMPIRE), the black & white schlockumentary PSYCHEDELIC FEVER (1968), UP YOURS - A ROCKIN’ COMEDY (1979) directed by Eddie Ryder and John Hayes, and SUMMER SCHOOL (1979) directed by Bethel Buckalew (KISS ME QUICK, A SCREAM IN THE STREETS). All films in the collection will be presented 1.85:1 widescreen and the set will retail for $29.99.

Spend a Weekend with Those Wild Cheerleaders!

Scorpion Releasing will unleash one of the last of the classic "Cheerleader" films not on DVD...until now! On November 24, check out CHEERLEADERS' WILD WEEKEND! Mix a busload of voluptuous teenage cheerleaders with an embittered ex-football star turned kidnapper, add plenty of action and passion, and you get a CHEERLEADERS' WILD WEEKEND! A group of comely curvaceous cheerleaders are kidnapped by a vengeful jock (Jason Williams, FLESH GORDON) and held for ransom in an isolated hideout. Plotting to escape, these shapely vixens, led by the beautiful Debbie (Kristine DeBell, MEATBALLS, THE BIG BRAWL), use their hidden charms to entice their captors. Special features include a 16x9 (1:78) anamorphic transfer; audio commentary with director Jeff Werner, editor Greg McClatchy and star Marilyn Joi; audio commentary with star Kristine DeBell; interview with star Kristine DeBell; interview with co-star Leon Isaac Kennedy; interview with co-star Marilyn Joi; theatrical trailer; alternate title card and; an extensive still gallery (includes stills from the deleted rape scene). All this fun for MSRP $24.95!

Lost 1970s Belgian Vampire Flick Comes to DVD!

Mondo Macabro has announced it’s first release of 2010, a double feature disc of Jean-Louis Van Belle's lost vampire opus THE SADIST WITH RED TEETH (1971) and FORBIDDEN PARIS (1969). Mr. Van Belle is participating with these releases and has recorded an interview for the DVD, in addition to approving the transfer. This release is currently scheduled for February, and Mondo Macabro will have more information ready before year's end. In the meantime, you can read more about this release (and check out some screencaps) right here.

Nature Goes Amuck! KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS SE!

On January 19, 2010, Shout! Factory will unleash the KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS Special Edition on DVD. Featuring all-new anamorphic widescreen transfer of the film, this Special Edition DVD release contains an all-new interview with William Shatner; an in-depth commentary featuring director John Bud Cardos, producer Igor Kantor, spider wrangler Jim Brockett and cinematographer John Morrill, moderated by HOSTEL producer Scott Spiegel and Lee Christian; rare behind-the-scenes footage; “Jim Brockett: Spider Wrangler” featurette; poster gallery and the original theatrical trailer. The collectible Kingdom of the Spiders Special Edition DVD is priced to own at $19.99. (READ MORE)

THE SILENT SCREAM To Be Heard Again!

On November 24, new DVD label Scorpion Releasing will issue Denny Harris' THE SILENT SCREAM (1980) on DVD. It was a No. 1 box office hit in February 1980, grossing over $15 million. Starring horror icon Barbara Steele (BLACK SUNDAY) in an unforgettable role, THE SILENT SCREAM was one of the most successful independent horror films of the slasher era. Scorpion Releasing is proud to present the film on DVD for the first time anywhere in the world, with exclusive bonus features, a new High Definition transfer (from the original Inter-Positive), and a 5.1 surround mix that will chill you to the bone! Extras include: an audio commentary with writer/producers Ken and Jim Wheat and star Rebecca Balding; three all-new featurettes (Scream of Success - 30 Years Later, Silent Scream - The Original Script, The Wheat Bros - a Look Back); director Denny Harris' final audio interview; the original Theatrical Trailer and a TV Spot. The MSRP is $24.98.

Warner Home Video Gets Baaad With URBAN ACTION!

Blaxploitation film fans rejoice! On January 12, Warner Home Video will release a “4 Film Favorites” DVD collection entitled URBAN ACTION. It will include four classic Blaxploitation films from the 1970s, presented here on DVD for the first time on this collection: BLACK BELT JONES (1974, starring Jim Kelly and Gloria Hendry), HOT POTATO (1976, starring Jim Kelly), BLACK SAMSON (1974, starring Rockne Tarkington, William Smith and Connie Strickland) and THREE THE HARD WAY (1974, starring Jim Brown, Fred Williamson and Jim Kelly). All four films will be presented in their original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with ananmorphic enhancement, and the DVD will retail for $9.95.

Code Red Unleashes 1970s Horror Classic!

On 10/27, Code Red DVD will be unleashing MESSIAH OF EVIL: THE SECOND COMING for the first time ever in widescreen! After receiving a series of chilling letters from her reclusive father, Arletty (Mariana Hill, HIGH PLAINS DRIFTER) drives to the remote seaside town of Pointe Dune to discover the reason for her father's developing madness. Upon her arrival, she encounters a mysterious trio of strangers investigating a local legend known as "The Blood Moon"... a curse that has transformed the inhabitants of the town into a terrifying horde of blood-thirsty maniacs! This disc will include: Brand new Hi Definition master in 16x9 (2.35:1) widescreen supervised by Director Willard Huyck and editor Billy Weber; Audio commentary by Huyck and writer Gloria Katz, moderated by Lee Christian; Featurette "Remembering Messiah of Evil" with Huyck, Katz, Weber, Director of Photography Stephen Katz, editor Morgan Fisher, directed by Lee Christian; Audio interview with star Joy Bang; Short films by Huyck and Katz : "The Bride Stripped Bar" and "Down These Mean Streets." The MSRP is 24.98.

Once Again, Help Wake Up the Fox and the Lion!!!

There are reports that Fox/MGM are monitering DVD requests sent to foxDrop@4icc.com, so please EVERYONE reading this send them off an e-mail telling them the Midnite Movies/cult/horror/science fiction titles (see above banner) that you want to see on DVD.

Troma to Release HANGING WOMAN Special Edition!

In September, the renowned ‘Lon Chaney of Spain’ Paul Naschy turns 75, and to commemorate the living legend’s birthday, Troma Team Video is releasing a special restored DVD of Jose Luis Merino’s THE HANGING WOMAN (aka RETURN OF THE ZOMBIES, BEYOND THE LIVING DEAD), featuring uncut violence and nudity deemed too graphic for American audiences. THE HANGING WOMAN was heavily edited upon its initial release but was embraced in butchered cuts. Troma’s new DVD is the most complete version of THE HANGING WOMAN ever released in the US! Naschy stars as a depraved grave robber whose necrophiliac desires make him a suspect of murder. The stunning Dyanik Zurakowska, known for her work with Sergio Corbucci (DJANGO), co-stars in this classic Gothic horror film and the rarely-seen feature SWEET SOUND OF DEATH (1965) also inclusive in this package. (READ MORE)

"Drive-In Movie" Article!

During the 1980s, one of the most exciting and influential movie experiences to ever hit Saturday afternoon television was Drive-In Movie on WNEW channel 5 in New York. The programming was unbeatable: motorcycle movies, teen sex comedies, Japanese giant monster epics, Hammer horror films, AIP classics and, most importantly, kung fu movies. Lots and lots of kung fu movies. Chris Poggiali gives us the full story -- as well as complete listings -- of one of the first programs to drag Chinese kung fu flicks out of the grindhouses and into the living rooms of mainstream America! Click HERE to read more.

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