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Thread: Home Video Exclusives
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Past Tense - Heads Will Roll Part I
A brand new entry!
So there you are - looking at your street, covered in a dense mist from your window. It's 6:50am and you need to get ready to leave for work. Take a last sip of your coffee and think on the 2008 movie, "The Mist'. How would you handle that crisis? Just as you are about to walk away, put the cup in the sink. You see movement, shapes really. Not cars on the street and not big dogs milling about. What is that? That's when you hear the death shriek of your neighbor who had gotten out to pick up the newspaper. No, you're not asleep - this is happening. The darken shapes descend on top of him, doing - something you would rather never wish to see. Poof, the power ceases. A short silence then you reach for your cell to call the police. But that's when you near sounds, crawling noises coming from your roof. This morning you're gonna get your answer.
Welcome the Fifth Annual "Limited Edition Horror" 2019! Four weeks of horror theme, multi-part Past Tense entries, one each week of October... and perhaps a bonus entry, if you're a good ghoul.
We kick off '19 with something not suppose to be; folks without heads do not ride horses, nor carry axes. But they DO if you live in "Sleepy Hollow"...
"Sleepy Hollow: The Complete First Season" was released on home video on September 16th, 2014.
It streeted against Peter Sellers' "The Party", "Arrow: The Complete Second Season", "Godzilla" (2014 reboot) and "The Fault In Our Stars".
There was no slipcover issued nor was there any kind of foil wraparound. It did come with two small inserts. 1) Ad for season two of the series; the opposite side, an ad for "Gracepoint" limited-run Fox series. 2) Single sided ad for two "Sleepy Hollow" books; "The Secret Journal Of Ichabod Crane" and "Children Of The Revolution".
The back/inside of the transparent case lists the episodes on each disc, but no air dates or synopses given. Season one was twelve episodes long.
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There were two store exclusives, but set apart by three years.
On street, Target sold season one in an exclusive hardback booklet, digipak type packaging - "History, Mystery & Mythology: The Art Inspired By Sleepy Hollow". It is twenty-eight pages of character profiles, the good and bad guys. The exclusive was in store only, not sold online. The booklet is part of the packaging.
Also included a $5.00 credit towards "Target Ticket" (must have an internet account); expired on November 15th, 2014. I never used mine. As you can see from the weekly ad, the price for the DVD was $24.99. But this was in fact also available for Blu-Ray too, unlisted.
This comes packed within two sealed cellophane wrappers. Why? Don't know. My internet mojo is good tonight; the BD version with exclusive sold for $27.99.
Before you ask, no. I'm not gonna scan sample pages.
The booklet only opens so far, if I did that - it would destroy the exclusive. The discs are held inside a tiny depression caused by thick card stock and a small flap keeping it from falling out. There is no disc nub.
Man, I had trouble getting my copy - it was frustrating.
On street at my local store, I got there about 10:35 AM, gone; DVD and BD copies. I asked if there were more - nope. Yes, I'm that anal to have kept notes. Phoned and learned the store a town away got seven copies.
So I go there and find...
This is important.
Both exclusive packaging for DVD and BD versions look the same. You have to check the spine to see what format it is. This store had them all together. The spot for DVDs was empty. At first, I thought this was all Blu-Rays, no. This store got seven copies, two of them are DVDs. Then one since I bought my copy.
One of my discs has scratches, tiny ones. I was lucky.
The glue used to hold the cardboard backing (details) is that gummy stuff. Damn near impossible to entirely remove. You're gonna have a mess taking it off. I'm glad I used my bottle of "Un-Du", adhesive remover to take off the messy glue. It leaves no stains on paper and evaporates quickly.
The second exclusive happened on June 20th, 2017 from Wal-Mart. The regular release now came with a slipcover, not embossed or foiled. The re-release sold for $9.96 part of their "Criminally Good TV" sale, various existing television titles now with a slip such as "Return Of The Man From U.N.C.L.E." (1983, CBS). No new content. The store has a long history of doing that.
I bought this for both the slip and to have the season as a regular title. No trouble taking the discs and playing. Sway.
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Rant.
I want to begin by saying this is damn odd.
This entry.
Vital image work was completed on March 25th, 2015. Intended for the L.E. Horror '15, but didn't occur. I think what happened is I worked on this entry ahead of that Halloween and put it away to be completed (two more images added plus the write up). But in that folder, it got pushed down with newer items. So much so, it got pushed two windows down - forgotten. While working on exclusives for 2020, I came across this incomplete entry.
Like I said, so damn odd; really dropped the ball. I finished it up and removed an entry which I had planned, there you go.
Yeah, seasons one and two were fried gold, excellent popcorn entertainment. Excellent casting and chemistry. The same kind of flavor as the 1999 remake of "The Mummy". It's fun.
Excellent cast of Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane, Esq. The actor is kinda gawky, but in those clothes and hair, it totally works.
*sigh* Man, there was a huge dip in quality in season three. It's so-so. So bad, co-star Nicole Beharie (above) wanted out. So they killed off her character, Abbie Mills in the finale. I think show runners thought was the end. Then it squeaked by with their ratings, got a renewal.
The main foe, Pandora (Shannyn Sossamon) - yes, that Pandora (season three), didn't feel like a serious threat. And her henchman, the Hidden One (Peter Mensah) had no real - oomph.
It was flat. Like the characters (baddies) were all operating by the numbers, not having serious depths. Cut and paste foes. There were some good episodes with them, but they should've been a real danger.
And the biggest fault they made was with their Big Bad, The Headless Horseman. He was suppose to be this 18th century Terminator; no mercy, no emotions, tenacious and utterly cold blooded. Made worse yet, as he's adapting to the 21st century weaponry. Then what happened?
They made him a victim, a curse he accepted out of misplaced love. NO. You do not make this force of Evil into a sympathetic character. He's Death, you run from him. Flee as far as you can, as fast as you can. 'The Horseman is coming for you.' That's all you need to know, this... entity will not stop. Man, that was a bad story line that got played out.
Show runners effectually neutered their main antagonist. It's called "Sleepy Hollow" for crying out loud, you expect a bada$$ Horseman. Not a whiny, wannabe looking for revenge.
Yes they gave him a head and voice.
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Best Buy - October 8th, 2019
Toy Story 4
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD combo $34.99
Toy Story 3 (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $29.99
Toy Story 2 (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $29.99
Toy Story (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $29.99
The Exorcist (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DC combo $12.99
Friday The 13th (2009) (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DC combo $12.99
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Past Tense - Cracked, Musky, Disheveled And So Famished Part II
Something I noticed, Lynda Mason Green plays Robyn. I remember Green as Dr. Suzanne McCullough from the syndicated TV series, "War Of The Wars" (1988). Season one was good, season two became an "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" wanna-be (both seasons on DVD as well as complete series). In an odd bit of coincidence, Lynda Mason Green back in the day, looked similar to current, Ashley Greene.
Their names are spelled differently, not related. At least I don't think so - kin.
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Here's the thing - this CAN make a cool movie, remade proper. I would keep the creature design, but make it more of a threat. And far better characters and rationales. Plus a greater ponder on where it came from, the past world when it was alive - only briefly touched on.
The feature ends with them winning and abandoning the rig, a corporate loss. The final moment is seeing a couple bubbles come from the drill's shaker. More embryos surfacing, a non-issue since they need a host to grow.
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More toothsome Halloween costumes!
The first one ranks up there with 2017's sexy Charlie Brown (daddy likes), here - it's sexy Cat In A Hat! Yeah, that really exist. A tulle lace dress with long sleeve. Not sure if the hat is included, it should. White stockings/leggings not included. If you ask her nicely, she might let you pet her. *meow*
I think this is the first time I've run into sexy Olive Oyl. If you've seen the original "Popeye" cartoons, you know that Ms. Olive is the opposite of sensuality, a good distance away - like a few towns over. Yeah. Re-imagined for your delight. The body suit (polyester and spandex) comes with her iconic bun hair in wig form. She's probably gonna get more than candy if she wants. But should do her arm wiggle when doin' the deed. You know for continuity.
Can't honestly see what Popeye or Bluto saw in her; maybe Olive was a three input kind of gal - and back in the day that would've been rare as thunder snow. Thunder Snow!
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Footnotes.
"Monster House" ranked number eight in Whatculture!'s "8 Surprisingly Scary Animated Films That Scarred The Kids" in 2012.
The DVD was re-released with a new cover on October 18th, 2016 (widescreen) for $14.99. Same disc, same extras.
I'd like to pick up; transfer both into a transparent DVD case. The pervious cover seen on the inside, the newer, outside. With the slipcover on top.
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Recommendations.
You know the drill, five more titles. Find where you can and watch with friends or... alone in the dark.
"The Birds" (1963)
Bodega Bay - off the coast of San Francisco becomes ground zero for an unprecedented attack; birds of all species working together murdering humans. Lawyer Mitch Brenner, his mother Lydia and little sister Kathy along with house guest Melanie Daniels get caught in a town size siege with a growing body count. Nobody is spared not even children. A slow burn to avian chaos; buildings on fire, dead and mutilated corpses. The film does lack a strong ending or justification for their behavior (latter isn't important). The movie ran out of money and time to film a finale. Do not seek out the made for cable sequel, "The Birds II: Land's End" (1994), a poor attempt at a cash grab. This is on DVD and BD several times over. Seek out the 2012 remastered release, though the original 2000 DVD has a lengthy documentary.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment - 2012 - PG-13 (revised rating)
"Fantastic Voyage" (1966)
America and the Soviet Union have both independently created miniaturization technology; the ability to shrink objects and people in size - even to the microscopic. Both face one major hurtle, time. The process is temporary, one hour then restoration. That is until a Soviet scientist, Dr. Jan Benes solved duration, indefinitely. While defecting to the West, Benes was targeted by an assassin, nearly killing him - leaving the doctor with a blood clot in his brain, comatose. He's going to die, the clot's location is beyond surgery that he could survive. The plan, use the CMDF (Combined Miniature Deterrent Forces) facility, send in a medical team in a prototype Naval submersible inside Benes. One hour to reach his brain, burn out the clot with lasers and exit before the sub and themselves restores. One hour to win the miniaturization Cold War. The team is assembled and injected, but one among them is a saboteur. Ground breaking when it originally came out; still packs suspense and horror. On DVD and BD as special editions. It spawned one Saturday morning cartoon of the same name in 1968 on DVD, England only.
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment - 2007 - PG
"Hollow Man" (2000)
A government funded project to create biological invisibly goes... wrong. Dr. Sebastian Caine and his crew create a serum making apes invisible, an amazing feat, along with bringing them back unconcealed. The next level is a human subject; egomaniac, Caine volunteers. It works. But the reverse fails. After awhile his fellow scientists fear his presence; the experience is driving him insane. Soon Sebastian becomes homicidal as he can indulge in forbidden urges - after awhile it becomes a game of cat and mouse inside the underground research facility. This is a violent film - a Paul Verhoeven flick after all. It can be found on DVD (as well as Superbit DVD) and BD. And has one direct to home video sequel, "Hollow Man 2" (2006).
Columbia TriStar Home Video - 2000 - PG-13
"Night Life" (1989)
Teen Archie Melville has a hard life, working part-time at his uncle's mortuary, a man who feels Archie owes him - to which is treated poorly. Plus tormented by bullies at school and off campus. His only friend is the town's tomboy, Charly Dorn. A car accident kills all of Archie's high school distress. But that salvation is short lived. The bodies are moved to the mortuary and a freak storm mixed with poor funeral home conditions bring the dead back to life. It begins anew without consequences - the dead don't care about getting arrested. Fast moving zombies with memories intact. Things escalate ever larger as the ghouls want Melville snuffed. This was a made for home video release; VHS only - hard to find. It can be found on YouTube. Starring Scott Grimes from "Critters" (1986) and now "The Orville" (2017) fame.
RCA Columbia Pictures Home Video - 1989 - NR
"Sleepy Hollow" (1999)
Tim Burton's take on the Washington Irving's iconic novella, "The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow" (1820). New York constable, Ichabod Crane is mocked for attempts at solving crimes using scientific methods. A judge orders him to an upstate Dutch hamlet, Sleepy Hollow to resolve the homicides of several residents... all of whom are missing their heads. 1) To prove that his methods can solve crimes. 2) Just to get rid of him for awhile. The meek cop meets up with town folks who claim the deaths were done by a Headless Horseman armed with a searing axe on a black steed. Crane suspects the crimes is far from otherworldly, but as more fatalities occur, he conceded that something supernatural happening. Science vs. magik; aided by Katrina Van Tassel, the daughter of a council member and Masbath, a now orphan boy (parents killed by the dark rider) - Ichabod set off to solve the occult case with twists and complications. In my opinion, Burton's last good movie.
Paramount Home Video - 2000 - R
After looking about, I found an alternate image of the Beast from "The Intruder Within". You wouldn't want to see that coming after you, angry. Great design, too bad it was so poorly utilized. *shakes head* By the way, the oil company who owned the rig had the most generic name, Zortron, like third rate wanna-be "Transformers" cartoon character rip-off. Zortron would be like a helicopter or an ice cream truck robot. And yes, one of the bad guys.
Shivering? Don't worry, there is more mischief-maker awaiting to make your acquaintance. See you here next Thursday. It really want to get close and personal with you. And has infectious enthusiasm.
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Past Tense - Cracked, Musky, Disheveled And So Famished Part I
[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on October 25th, 2012 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]
The dance was short lived. That old childhood baseball ball did a world of hurt on those... devil dogs - might as well call them that, Hell Hounds. Terrible, hairless, foul smelled and utterly wretched. In a different land, these might be called chupacabras. They had tired to enter the house from the roof through your tiny attic. Mr. Wood kept them from getting beyond that point. But it was a genuine scare. What gave you time to seal up those entry points with various heavy crap had up there was another person, an unlucky soul who had gone outside to see what all that ruckus was about. They had pounced on him, leaving your home. Pull and drag, repeated with haste; your huge grandfather clock to shore up that attic door - not from here, keeping that door sealed. This is the time you are so damn glad you gave into that sales man and installed security bars on each of the windows, even the living room. Since you now hear shattered glass coming from down stairs. Which room? Mr. Wood is gonna get a second helping of nightmares.
Welcome to week two of "Limited Edition Horror" 2019. This outing we encounter a particular ill mannered domicile in "Monster House"...
The CGI motion picture opened on July 21st, 2006. It was made with a budget of $75,000,000 (estimated) and grossed over 73 million during its U.S. theatrical run. It made its money back with profits when including foreign receipts, over 140 million total. The film opened number two at the box office, the following week it dropped to number four.
The feature opened against "Cars", "Superman Returns", Clerks II" and "Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest".
This DVD came with a very unique cardboard slipcover (thick), an interactive one - not a lenticular; a "Stop-Frame Animation Wheel" (official name written in the trade ads). It's the only time I can recall such a thing happening. It's rather sway. It mostly mirrored the case's wraparound.
Four images (above) that show our heroes and the possessed house. The slipcover opens up, on the other side is a different set of stills on the wheel. Not gonna scan that, doing it would damage the cover - the flap only opens so far. It shows the house in various states of anger.
It came with two inserts. The first was a double sided ad for "Collect These Other Great DVDs"; showcasing eight titles. Next was a coupon/voucher for $3.00 off your next Sony Pictures Home Entertainment DVD. You had forty titles to pick from. It expired on March 31st, 2007. As you can tell, I never used it.
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It streeted on home video, October 24th, 2006, there a couple of exclusives and two freebies. Bought the DVD once, and later *cough* acquired the slipcover (bought a few months after the fact and returned it - without the cover). Lets address this alphabetically...
Best Buy offered an exclusive Trick Or Treat bag. This was available for the full and widescreen editions for $16.99. The bags were not attached, but on a nearby display shelf. The bag came inside a DVD case size cardboard envelope. I have two copies, both of them unopened. I'm a collector.
Didn't buy this set - I ask for two, later another with the purchase of a different DVD, paid a penny for each.
The former retail giant, Circuit City sold the movie with a free bag of Pop-Secret popcorn for $16.99. As you would expect - I don't have a picture of this. Why would I? The popcorn was available for either editions.
This isn't listed in most collector threads, but Target had their own; a free, generic Trick Or Treat bag attached to the case. This set sold for $16.99 as well. I passed on it, nothing special. Sorry, have no picture, it was quite generic.
Last exclusive came from Wal-Mart, a 3D child's book "Attack Of The Monster House" (with glasses) and a folded 3D movie poster (inside the book). I bought this. This came inside a cardboard long box, which I still have as you can see from the above scan. The thing (twenty-four pages) felt like one of those Scholastic books I used to buy when I was in grade school (but this was published by Simon & Schuster). By the way, those 3D glasses needed to be assembled. Anyhow, pure fluff (the thin book retold the story - in 3D!), but was nicely done. This exclusive came for both the widescreen or full screen editions.
Note, this exclusive did NOT come with the slipcover and sold for $19.96. Which is why I had to get creative.
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Rant.
Researching for this entry I found out that there are people who hate this movie, not because of their likes, but because they feel it's too scary/inappropriate for kids. Holy frak! This is why society is going into the dumpster. These folks would have fits seeing how kids in the '70s and '80s were raised (myself included). Not some precious snowflakes, we had fun and really played.
*sigh*
There is even talk about how the film portrays the obese in a negative light. For crying out loud! Nebbercracker (Steve Buscemi - voice) loved his wife. It didn't matter that she was fat, he took care of her in life and in death. The gal was hungry all the time, that plot point is main story - she became the house and it needed to be feed. That's the story, not some kind of slap-in-the-face insult. If anything the message here is acceptance and love. And it has a happy ending. Why does this need to be a drama?
There is more, but I'm not going to go further. This movie wasn't for you, move on. The end. *forced smile*
And yeah, DJ (voiced by Mitchel Musso) does look like a toon version of tween Will Wheaton.
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Tangent.
Something Halloween related I wanted to address - the Korean film, "Sector 7" (2011); it's on DVD from Shout! Factory. While many have called this a decent horror film. It's more of a remake or re-imagining than an original.
Or perhaps an unintentional remake at best.
On February 20th, 1981; ABC aired a made for TV movie - "The Intruder Within". It starred Chad Everett, Joseph Bottoms and Jennifer Warren among others. Same concept; an oil rig near Antarctica find something other than oil - their drilling (19,792 feet) brings to the surface an ancient life form; now loose on the rig.
The beast is very Giger-esc, definitely inspired by "Alien" (1979).
This is available on YouTube. Is it good? It's okay, not much else. I saw this when it was first broadcast, a wee boy. Not very scary, but there is once scene that stood out in my young mind - the loss of self. One of characters give birth to this monster. It uses the living body to gestate, then when its ready; burst the body open like a shell. That person is gone. The effect is a bit surreal since they couldn't show that kind of graphic moment on television.
And yeah, there's a quasi-mad scientist in this one too.
Man, that thing was slow as hell - the creature. While it does have a very tough exoskeleton (and roided out), you could very easily outrun it; hell, power-walk away.
Man, its growl was embarrassing. Zero range. Like they ran out of money for access to sound libraries for a decent mix. They had the same snarl, playing over and over - to the point of being comical, not joking. Their sound guy should've been bitch slapped for that.
The famous King Kong roar from 1933 was done by mixing the growls of tigers and lions from the local zoo; together and slowed down, backwards - created by sound man, Murray Spivack. None of that passion was present here.
The TV movie did get a release on home video on VHS (above) and Beta in 1984 from Trans World Entertainment U.S.A., I was one of the folks who rented it back in the day.Last edited by JohnIan101; 10-17-2019 at 05:17 AM.
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Target - October 13th, 2019
Stranger Things: Season 1 (available now)
Exclusive VHS packaging with photo set; BD/DVD combo $5.00
Stranger Things: Season 2 (available now)
Exclusive VHS packaging with photo set; BD/DVD combo $5.00
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Best Buy - October 15th, 2019
Hellboy (original)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD/DC combo $24.99
Toy Story 4 (now available)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD combo $34.99
The Exorcist (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DC combo $12.99
The Goonies (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DC combo $12.99
Stephen King's It (1990) (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DC combo $12.99
Friday The 13th (1980) (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; BD/DC combo $12.99
Us (available now)
Exclusive steelbook; 4k BD/BD combo $17.99
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Past Tense - Practical Shoes, Putrid Folks And Cream Filling Part II
Pilot should be a bonus feature when the sequel comes to home video; DVD and BD editions. Same as was the unsold pilot for "Blazing Saddles", "Black Bart" (1975). It's on the DVD. That pilot was so terrible - if being unfunny and cringe was their goal, you won!
Times changed, now were get the proper sequel. "Zombieland: Double Tap" comes out... tomorrow - October 18th, 2019. Sway.
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Tangent.
Years ago, had one of those discussions with a long time friend. Topic was Twinkie The Kid. I was thinking out loud (my usual). How could a species like The Kid ever survive? What kind of environment would they thrive in? My friend's answer was sealed behind plastic wrapping was its environment. I don't think so. But this begs the larger question.
Had The Kid sold out his compatriots?
Yes - he had. Lets not mince over this, he works for Hostess selling his own to be eaten by folks the world over. I wonder if they ever got a hold of Kid if they would pack him to be someone's snack or just bludgeon him until all of his filling is on the floor.
Look at that box, Twinkie The Kid is a frakin' sell-out, the worse kind. Mock riding a decapitated brethren, life fluids oozing out. Eat my people, NOT me. And he's so damn happy about it; might as well put a Swastika on him.
Species is sponge cake, so they wouldn't live in a tropical locale, too much humidity. Heighten temperatures such as a desert would be equally as harsh to flourish. A place too cold would be just as negative, the internal cream would freeze, killing them. So, that leaves a very controlled environment or some place temperate... or Los Angeles. But I can't see a secret race like the Magui roaming the L.A. streets in the shadows. For one thing the homeless community would consume them up real fast - extinction. The thing I believe is that they were created, man made. I see a huge warehouse where they are allowed to roam free.
Think H.G. Welles' Eloi, a loud siren or horn is blasted and they mindlessly trek to the structure which would look like a huge gapping maw and fall in. As they fall they're shocked and made comatose to be enclosed and packed away, their fate sealed... literally.
As you know for a time, Hostess stop making it since they no longer existed. Another company bought the brand and neo-Hostess was born. Gotta wonder before the buy - what happens to all those warehouses that still have Twinkies in them? Were they set free or maybe to keep their existence a secret - some guy comes in with a weed whacker and kills the evidence. Just imagine them screaming and running from a lightening fast rotating plastic strip, no one will be spared - not even the children.
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More Halloween foxy apparel.
Oh Yeah!
It's sexy Duff Girl costume. The assemble also comes with that polyfoam belt that can hold three soda cans. Though they can be beer too. I like this idea. Glad to know such a thing was made real.
The second, I have no idea who the model is. Just that she's gorgeous. "Greek Olympia Women's Costume" fits her form like a glove. Fuzzy if it comes with the plastic sword. Other than showing off her legs, it pretty much covers her, but is still quite sexy. On the right gal will make hearts skip a beat; men and some women.
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Recommendations.
Five more titles for your brooding holiday viewing.
"Abominable" (2006)
Made for Sci-Fi Channel TV movie (aired April 10th, 2006). Former mountain climber, now paraplegic goes to a cabin in the woods to rehabilitate in private; mix of depression and anger. The cabin next to him, a group of college girls are celebrating one of their own getting married. Soon what remains of those young women and him join forces - taking shelter in wheelchair man's rented room... from a murderous Sasquatch. Rise up, drop self-loathing, be the person he was - survive the night. This has be released twice over. Once by Anchor Bay Entertainment in 2006 and later by MVD Entertainment Group as a DVD/BD combo, remastered set (with enhanced SFX). I'm recommending the latter since it has better picture and bonus features, but you will need both for ALL the extras. This is unrated with gore and nudity.
MVD Entertainment Group - 2018 - NR
"The Guest" (2014)
Death of their eldest son, Caleb has taken a huge blow to the Peterson family; a soldier who died in Afghanistan. David Collins arrives to their home, claiming to have served with Caleb, best friends. He made a promise to help his family. The Petersons welcome the stranger to their home and lives. He's the perfect gentlemen. But bit by bit - things about the man and his story doesn't quite fit. It is their teen daughter, Anna who starts her own quiet investigation. And uncovers a military secret project - one of their test subjects has escaped; gone rouge. This does fit as a Halloween flick? It makes a 180 degree turn 3/4th of the way in - becoming a violent, sci-fi feature. Cut from the same cloth as "Universal Soldier" (1992).
Universal Studios Home Entertainment - 2015 - R
Phoenix Forgotten (2017)
Twenty years earlier in 1997, Josh Bishop disappeared in the Arizona desert looking for something seen in the skies nights earlier - Phoenix Lights. The camcorder hound and high school student, recorded himself along with friends Ashley and Mark seeking answers. The trio vanished. Josh's younger sister Sophie, now an adult has returned home with her boyfriend Dan to film a documentary on the missing kids. Footage was recovered of that day, but it stopped before anything had happened. Her persistence discovers there was a second video camera used by Josh. The recovered cassette inside reveals their final hours before the answer found them. This went in a different direction than most alien found footage movies - a religious slant, Ezekiel's Wheel. No ETs are seen, this is abduction and paranoia.
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment - 2017 - PG-13
"Spectre" (1977).
Made for NBC TV movie (aired May 21st, 1977). Criminologist and occult investigator, William Sebastian calls on an old friend, forensic pathologist Dr. Amos Hamilton to help on a difficult case. Anitra Cyon believes her brother, Sir Geoffrey Cyon - prominent British businessman has been dabbling in the black arts, perhaps something even more sinister. He calls her mentally unfit. A problem, the Anitra who shows up to cancel the investigation isn't the same woman who hired Sebastian. The impostor turns out to be a succubus. Intrigued, the two travel to England and meet the real Anitra. Geoffrey IS being manipulated by a death cult seeking sacrifices for their dark lord, the king of demons. This was an unsold TV pilot from Gene Roddenberry. It tested well enough to have new footage filmed for a limited European theatrical release. Hard to find. It was intended as a supernatural Sherlock Holmes type show. On DVD as a bootleg - Uncut European Theatrical Version. And can be found on YouTube.
NA - 1977 - NR
"WNUF: Halloween Special" (2013)
This is mock television broadcast from October 31st, 1987 (7pm); independent TV station, WNUF (channel 28). Filmmakers had limited resources so they made it retro and cheap - which gave it more authenticity. Newscaster and local personality Frank Stewart is hosting a cheesy investigation of infamous murder house in town. The alleged haunted home of where a serial killer had snuffed out several victims. Stewart is accompanied by a Father Joseph Matheson, Catholic exorcist and paranormal investigators (husband and wife) Louis and Claire Berger. The program is about an hour long with local TV commercials - all of them fake too. It goes from being just silly to dark. Very bad things happen in the live broadcast. Hint... they don't make it out alive. This has been released twice over on DVD; the other was 2017 from Pop Cinema.
Camp Motion Pictures - 2016 - NR
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Just Because.
Is it wrong that the undead dormitory girl, "406" played by Amber Heard (picture with Jesse Eisenberg) is still kinda attractive? Wound not.
No telling what you could catch from her, but... you know - she's still fetching. Don't give me that look, when you saw the movie you thought the very same thing. It's a guy thing. Just so you know, there is a stinger after the end credits. An outtake of Bill Murray and Tallahassee.
There's a new two parter entry for "Night Of The Living Dead DVD Retrospective", it's a book review - check it out.
Come back here next Thursday. We have an old school visitor who may have a bone to pick with you - especially if you screw up his plans. So anally retentive... so vindictive.
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Past Tense - (DO Fear) The Reaper Part I
[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on August 1st, 2013 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]
The stupid choice would be hiding in a death trap; closet, bathroom, pantry or even back in the attic. This is your advantage - your adolescent exposure to a litany of horror flicks (good ones and crappy tales). You fled from the devil dogs, getting a good head start as they pulled away the bars from the living room window. You ran into the den with sliding doors that can be locked. Inside, years ago, back when eBay was relatively new, you had bought a replica of Conan's big a$$ sword. Not aluminum on a wooden stock, this was friggin steel on a well crafted hilt, not a toy, not in any imagination. The prize you wanted, hanging on the wall once you got your first promotion. Which wasn't much of a pay rise, but you took pride in the accomplishment. This has serious weight - by Crom, you have a weapon. This is the moment you will tell your grand kids, the moment when in trembling terror, you still had still hindsight. Before turning the corner, before even dashing out - going this direction into the room; you had an epiphany. Dogs! Devil Dogs. Dogs hunt by scent - give them something to go after while you prepare. You had taken as made your hasty bolt, a jar of peanut butter and a nearly empty paper towel roll. You had stuck the tube in, giving it a hard swirl, tossing the thing into a different room down the hall. The last thing you saw before you had shut that door was seeing the drenched roll sticking on the wall. Let them think someone is trying to hid from them in that room. Sword in hand, you crouch down behind your recliner. They're inside, you can hear their enthusiastic breaths as they creep into the desired direction. Heart beating briskly, but you're controlling your breath, slow and deliberate. Show time is coming.
Bruised, dirty with some streaks of blood, but sill hanging on - week four of "Limited Edition Horror" 2019. So much here, this is a three parter! Man, they had it wrong, so very wrong, ''; this outing we get caught on Death's cross hairs in "The Final Destination [4]"...
The motion picture opened on August 28th, 2009. It was made with a budget of $43,000,000 (estimated) and grossed over 66 million during its U.S. theatrical run. The film opened number one at the box office, the following week it held its position.
The feature opened against "Halloween II", "District 9", "Inglourious Basterds" and "G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra".
This release originally came with a lenticular cardboard slipcover, slightly different from the case's wraparound. The slipcover reads "...In 3D - Includes 2-D Version". It came with two inserts; two pairs of red/blue 3D glasses (cardboard; glasses in a wrapper - mine are still sealed) and a sheet, instructions for the digital copy. It expired on June 4th, 2010.
The wraparound gives no indication that the film is presented in two editions; the disc is double sided. There is a reason, the initial pressing is a limited edition as announced on the sticker on the wrapping, "Includes 2 Pairs Of 3-D Glasses! Limited Time Only".
The later more common DVD release is single sided, 2D version.
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Man this movie upset me; every Hell was out of place. Oh boy!
There was a single exclusive from Target, this set streeted on January 5th, 2010 and sold for $16.99. The store offered a mini twenty-eight page comic book. It fits under the slipcover.
"Final Destination: Spring Break Cancun" told the story of a girl named Carly who's goes to Mexico for spring break and to celebrate her birthday with six friends. Her premonition is seeing the hotel's restaurant blow up from a gas leak during her birthday party. History is repeating, Carly blows her candles and lets her wish be known - she wants them to leave the hotel.
They walk across the street, a bit confused and witness the explosion.
The end or rather the end of issue one (with the friends deciding to stay in Mexico for their vacation, Carly is concerned). This was a five part mini-series. I hate when that happens, incomplete. This is not a self-contained story like the comic exclusive Circuit City had for "Final Destination 3" (previous Past Tense entry from Limited Edition Horror 2015, click here.
This wasn't so much an exclusive than it was a freebie, which I didn't know at the time.
That comic was published by Zenescope Entertainment back in 2006, issue one (written by Mike Kalvoda, art by Lan Medina). A graphic novel collecting all the issues was released the following year (cover seen above).
Odder still is that trade paperback included a bonus story, which is the above mentioned exclusive comic for "Final Destination 3".
The comic book mini-series and graphic novel is named "Final Destination: Spring Break". Don't ask to explain, I can't.
I do not own the rest of the comic series. But I will say that the cover for issue four is quite nice. That would make a great poster for the inevitable FD6, I welcome it. I really enjoyed part five. Part six hasn't been green lit, but you know it will. As for four... oh man.
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Rant.
*long deep sigh*
Part four feels like the filmmakers had a general idea of what the franchise is and slapped together a script accordingly - disregarding the rules and fans.
See that pix? That's how I felt watching it. My heart sank. What happened? I'm not just talking about being screwed out of extras which went to Blu-Ray (I'll get into that in a few).
The catastrophe this time around is a car race. A screwdriver gets thrown in the raceway causing a massive accident. That's okay, echoes of the second film, the pileup. Lots of people get killed. College student Nick O'Bannon (Bobby Campo) has the premonition which saves his friends and the people around them. Death circles back, offing the survivors.
The MAJOR problem is the way the deaths occur. The whole idea is the domino effect. One little thing leads to another one which leads to a bigger event. Better known as a Rube Goldberg. This cause and effect is in very short supply. It's like Death said, 'frack it' and directly causes the big event. That's lazy story telling.
My other point of contention is collateral damage, lots of it! The Reaper is trying to kill these survivors - just them, not others who's time isn't up. This simple fact is missing here, crapping on franchise canon.
It's suppose to be surgical precision. The death of those targeted characters here take a **** load of unmarked souls.
There's a scene were Janet (Haley Webb) and her friend Lori (Shantel VanSanten) are watching a movie at their local mall's theater. Death plots to kill them by causing gigantic explosion in the adjacent room. And does (before Nick gets a second vision).
That's not how it works.
The Reaper killed everybody in the audience just to get Janet and Lori. What the hell!!! By the way, Webb (brunette, above) looks a lot like actress Rachel Bilson. *nods* Could be sisters.
Anyhow, Lori escapes and the scene on the damaged escalator happens.
She falls to her doom to the exposed machine gears below. She the last person; everybody on the escalator dies! Either crushed into the machinery for fall aside as people rush away from the theater explosion. I couldn't believe it, the unrelated fatalities is massive. You guys broke the rule!
It goes it goes further in the alternate ending. Still at the mall, after the explosion; Nick has an epiphany, off himself - break the chain. So the guy jump out a widow, killing himself. A little while later Lori and Janet embrace, believing Nick save them. Nope. A car hits a nearby crane which was hoisting up a large A/C unit for the shopping center. The air condition falls, crushing the final Speedway survivors.
This breaks canon too. You can not succeed in your suicidal attempt unless you're the next to die (in particular order). Nick's time was literally not up yet. Furthermore, those not next to die have effectively - limited immortality. They can't die (no matter what they do or others do to them), until their number comes up in the chain. That's the rule establish in the three previous movies and reinstated in part five (which I'm glad).
Sure, you can argue that the alternate ending it wasn't in the movie, don't worry about it. The fact is - they filmed it, that ending without concern for the rule, that's important.
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Past Tense - (DO Fear) The Reaper Part II
They did add a new rule which is what was done in part five, which was rather clever and huge in its understated implications...
Anyone on the Reaper's list who escaped their destined death can take the life of another, not on the list. That person can murder a civilian (as it were) and take their years - add to their own. Death can't come for them until those years are up. Murder a random person on the street in their 30s, take their remaining life which could be some fifty years. Fifty more years for you. Or be brutal and become an infant serial killer (only healthy tots). Roughly eighty years per baby; off five, you can live to be four hundred. At the century three mark, murder some more infants... continued immortality.
*raise eyebrow*
That was a damn cool, new rule for the survivors.
They guy who discovered it thought he was safe, but found out moment before his death (great twist ending by the way - no, not this rule) that the life he took was pointless, that unlucky fellow was going to die in a couple of days from an unknown existing medical condition.
What would you do to escape Death's grasps?
My other issue beyond the crappy dialog (as if a juvenile wrote the script, which it wasn't - it was written by Eric Bress who co-wrote FD2, that was an excellent story; don't know what happened here); the character of George Lanter (Mykelti Williamson), the Speedway security guard. He goes along with the story that Nick tells, Death is coming for them. No amount of disbelief.
There's that great scene with the second installment where Eugene Dix (Terrence Carson) decides his own fate and grabs Officer Burke's gun and attempts to shoot himself - all the bullets duds. He doesn't want to believe - it's a powerful moment.
George just goes along with the story, not really thinking how ridicules it sounds. I'm reminded of Roger Ebert's comments on stupid movies. How all the characters must be idiots for the story to work, "The Final Destination" is an example of that. This is the bastard film in the franchise. Shame on the filmmakers. David R. Ellis directed this and was the director for part two, my favorite in the series.
How did this not get filtered out? And by the way, George's death was a cop out, a redo from the first film. Hint... bus. So I guess it's no surprise this installment is the shortest entry at eighty-two minutes. They didn't have enough of a story for even ninety. And a good chunk of that eighty-two minutes is for end credits. *shakes head*
I remember when I first learned that Tony Todd wasn't going to reprise his role as William Bludworth here (scheduling conflicts), I was bummed. Now I'm glad he isn't associated with this steaming pile. You have to believe me, I was mad watching this movie. The same way I'm upset with the motion picture, "World War Z" which has NOTHING to do with the novel it's based on. It's an incredible zombie book, a real and total slap in the face to the fans. I lay my blame on Brad Pitt who demanded to be made the central character and for wanting to make a zombie movie to show his kids, a bloodless zombie feature. *shakes head*
The last punch in the head was to DVD owners. The lack of extras. The DVD only has additional scenes, not the alternate endings (both sucked). The remaining extras were exclusive to Blu-Ray, but as you read above, it's a short movie - all of them could've fit on the disc.
Missing is the featurette, "Body Count: The Deaths Of The Final Destination". This wasn't Blu native, nope, a twenty-two minute program. The above mention, alternate endings. And an eleven minute montage of animatics, storyboards and various stages of effects work. All of this could have fit on the DVD, all of them! There's no reason for their absence. Their inclusion could've made it more tolerable. I love seeing how effects are done.
Or even have it on a two disc set with the extras on the second DVD. I hate this studio trend of punishing DVD users with missing bonus features. I'm not impressed with Blu-Ray, just not.
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Tangent.
Back in 2006 a fellow with the moniker BiohazardAmigaVirus posted this in a different message board (misspellings untouched)...
That post got me thinking, another loophole. So I expanded on his idea, all of which is me mentally jerking-off. Don't worry, you won't have to swallow (hot girls only).When i think about movie ideas, i make it a point to say it so heres an idea. Instead of the usual sequel material of unrelated characters escaping death and making references to past movies, they should make a prequel in which teenage Bludworth is the main character and they could explain how he knows so much about death and if he did have a premonition and cheat death, how he managed to escape and do what countless teens over the course of 3 movies have failed to accomplish.
This is really dependent on you having seen "Final Destination 2" (2003), I'm guessing you have. If not, you really should, a solid horror flick.
This would explain how he knew about the cheating Death situation and why he only gives clues as to what to do - never a direct answer. Bludworth broke free from the impossible, he doesn't want to be on Death's cross hairs once more.
Clear Rivers (Ali Larter, far right) took Kimberly Corman (A.J. Cook) and Officer Thomas Burke (Michael Landes) to the funeral house to see Bludworth, she as well as the late Alex Browning were under the impression that he knew more than he was saying. I believe this is genuine. He knows.
Kimberly begged for his help, Bludworth (Tony Todd) gave in... a little. Saying, stressing that only new life can break the chain. A life that was never suppose to be. Here's the problem. They followed his advice and still everybody died (Kimberly and Burke are pushing up daisies too, FD3 [2006]). There has to be an explanation.
We know that Kimberly clutched on the notion that the pregnant woman was the key. Saving her and her unborn child was the way to save themselves. It didn't work. Reading the hospital's bulletin board later made her revise her idea. Kill herself, get revived: a new life. It still didn't work. Why not? Because Bludworth left something crucial out. One bit of info that save him from the Reaper.
Get a tissue, here we go...
Set in the early 1970s when William Bludworth was a teen, he and his friends escape a major disaster. The premonition from... someone in the group, perhaps his girlfriend. Things follow their usual course, bodies drop. But Bludworth and his girlfriend survive, the last standing.
The missing bit? The lag time between Death's reappearance to finish off the remaining survivors is a few months (giving time for the victims to be off their guard, false security). It's not say, nine months later...
Bludworth told Kimberly the truth: only new life can break the chain. A new life, that was never meant to exist. A new life, CREATED by two people who should already be dead.
This new life is not on Death's list, an anomaly. The solution; reboot the program to accommodate the new entry - chain broken. Fate becomes unknown to the survivors once again, their lives returned.
What's left is Clear, her situation; after Alex's death (hit on the head by a falling brick) she became obsessed with surviving. She checked herself into the asylum. Death couldn't get to her. She was hyper-sensitive. Looking for ordered chaos everywhere, patterns in cracks and such. Why was she spared?
Clear wasn't interacting with people, hardly. She locked herself in a padded cell. In the bigger picture; Death's Design wasn't really being screwed with. Clear's existence was nullified - until she left. Had she stayed there, she would still be living, but not much alive.
A step back. Joy. Some were weird out by the idea that Kim and Thomas as a couple, the age difference. She's roughly nineteen and he's in this thirties. Never saw that as an issue, considering all the crap that happened. This spells a serious bond between the two - Kim killed herself to save him. The scene where he realizes what's she's trying to do was intense. 'Not like this.'
It's not a big deal as long as both are legal, it's fine. Lighten up, folks. My parents had a big age difference; they were married until my dad passed away.
The 1970s disaster? I would like to say an avalanche at a winter resort. The idea of blood on white snow is vivid as bodies pile up. Perhaps all of them trapped in the now isolated community - help is coming, but not fast enough for them. As if it would make a difference, they're all marked and cut off.
Sure, how did Burke and Kim die? Both were killed by a malfunctioning industrial wood chipper; the two separated after the death of the kid (Noel Fisher) from the BBQ at the end of the second feature. She was at a hardware store (Lakeview, NJ) buying a fire extinguisher and ran into Thomas. There was a break failure on a parked Camaro on top of the hill, overlooking the store. It crashed into the front of the business. They ran out the back door, escaping where the woodchipper is located.
Kim's coat became caught in the machine (which was being serviced), she got pulled in. Burke tired to save her and was pulled in too. The Camaro was previously owned by Even Lewis (David Paetkau), one of the former survivors of the Route 180 pileup - killed outside his apartment by a pull ladder.
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Past Tense - (DO Fear) The Reaper Part III
Car's current owner is Roger Gibson (Alf Humphreys); father of the son who was killed during that barbecue, propane explosion. *wink* This is part of the "Final Destination 3" DVD bonus features.
See that? That's how you do it with nods and excellent continuity. Sway.
A fire extinguisher? Makes you wonder how many times Death came for Kimberly and Thomas and failed. Officer Burke was reduced to a desk job, probably since nobody wanted to be his partner. Would you?
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Another thought popped in my noggin'. Not this - but a prequel to "Return Of The Living Dead" (1985).
The film establishes the source - Frank (James Karen) says to Freddy (Thom Mathews)...
And.Back in 1969 in Pittsburgh, at the V.A. hospital - there was a chemical spill and all that stuff kinda of leaked down into the morgue. And it made all the dead bodies kind of jump around as though it was alive.
Later we see Col. Horace Glover (Jonathan Terry) and his wife Ethel (Cathleen Cordell) in San Diego. The colonel trying after all these years to find those missing canisters, 'Easter Eggs'.They closed it all down, see? And the Army shipped all that contaminated dirt and all those dead bodies out. And they kept it a secret.
What grabs my attention is the look of horror in Ethel's face as Horace is talking to Burt Wilson (Clu Gulager) on the phone. I get the impression she knows - as in personal experience.
What if Horace and Ethel met in THAT V.A. hospital - the first outbreak? Survived, stopped it from spreading and later got married.
Prequel is their story; how the health center became over run by the dead in '69. How the two made it out and why he was given that position.
Would make an excellent prequel under the right hands; the same vibe as the '85 feature, a horror/comedy.
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Getting closer still to Halloween, a couple more titillating costumes.
What could that be? "Sexy Movie Clown Character Costume", man that's a toughie. Can't put my finger on it. Drawing a blank... Penny for your thoughts?
The other is new to me. I like the concept, "Sexy Zombie Hunter" unsure if it comes with decapitated zed head or prop ax. I would like to think so. In a way it reminds me of a Girl Scouts uniform which is probably what they were going for.
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Recommendations.
We are now one week away, one week. You should really know what you're gonna watch. Here are five final options.
"Crawlspace" (2012)
Australian desert; a joint American/Australian top secret military base, "Pine Gap". Special Forces are sent in after a distress signal is received. The commandos find a woman, Eve who is has amnesia, one of the bases' prisoners. Things get complicated the deeper they go. From a mutant gorilla to inhuman experiments and other survivors who claim the young woman is the real danger. But want her protected, not killed. The reason why is twisted as is the ending. At times, like a live action "Akira" (1988).
MPI Media Group - 2013 - NR
Dead Ant (2017)
"Sonic Grave" was a 1980s one-hit wonder, glam-metal band - still trying to recapture their past glory. The band is on their way to a Coachella substitute music festival, Nochella. Along they way, want some 'inspiration' and buy some peyote at a pit stop in Joshua Tree, California. They are sold a curse hallucinogenic - cursed if they harm any life, even bugs while trippin'; safe if they obey the rule. One of them hurts an ant. The next day the band is terrorized by car sized ants. Still trying to reach the festival - they bring the swam. It is only the power of Rock that saves the day. This movie stand shoulders with "Eurotrip" (2004) having best comedy song ("Scotty Doesn't Know"), here - "Side Boob". The CGI effects are serviceable and the humor works, a horror comedy.
Cinedigm Entertainment Corp. - 2019 - R
"Incident At Loch Ness" (2004)
A mockumentary about finding Nessie. Documentary film maker John Bailey is trying to get feature director Werner Herzog to sign on his vanity project "Enigma Of Loch Ness". Herzog gets sucked in with false pretenses. Bailey's newbie producer, Zak Penn wants to turn the production into a blockbuster... by creating drama. This is mostly a comedy - so much mismanagement that end disastrously when they encounter the creature. Penn hires a Playboy model as their sonar operator for sex appeal and a deluded cryptozoologist as comic relief. The film ends with a major question... was any of it real? Did Penn duped them all? The DVD's extras present the documentary as authentic - participants in character. There is a hidden menu with a ton of covert content on the making and commentaries by the creators and cast. Big concept DVD. Yes, you do get to see the life size creature prop (just the head).
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment - 2005 - PG-13
"John Carpenter's The Fog" (1980)
Antonio Bay, California is about to celebrate their coastal town centennial birthday. What is suppose to be a time of fireworks, revelry and food... turns into a spectral nightmare. The town is engulfed with a dense supernatural mist; murder for those who get in their way. Death to the descendants of the town founders. Men who in 1880 plundered gold and sunk a clipper ship, the Elizabeth Dane. They (leapers) had bought acres in town away from everyone, a sanctuary for themselves. They have returned to the land of the living to enact their revenge. This is more of a visual film than story which is rather thin. The 2005 remake is far worse, stay with the original.
Shout! Factory - 2013 - R
"Saturn 3" (1980)
Distant future - overcrowding, Earth relies on research conducted in remote stations across the solar system. One such remote facility is on the moon Titan around Saturn. The installation is working on hydroponics for sustenance. It is manned Dr. Alex and Major Adam who pushed for the post since the two are secret lovers. Perfect spot to be left alone since research would take years. Better yet, nobody wants the post - they're not disturbed. Things become dangerous when technocrat, Captain Benson arrives with a parcel. He informs them that Adam is being replaced with a machine, large multi-tasking robot, Hector; first of the Demigod series. Benson is busy programming the droid. Bit by bit things are off about Benson. His machine is programmed from his brain - including homicidal urges and desires. Benson isn't the real person, Captain James was murdered. Benson took over his seat. Robot becomes a mirror of the impostor, both human and malevolent automaton are obsessed with Alex - the only woman for billions of miles. Angry his attention are not reciprocated and exposed; Benson and Hector engage in a cat in mouse game for Adam and Alex throughout the base. No cry for help - in shadow lock, under Saturn eclipse; no communication for twenty-two days. A sci-fi vehicle for Farrah Fawcett. Available as special edition DVD/BD combo.
Shout! Factory LLC - 2013 - R
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Just Because.
Shantel VanSanten is attractive, great legs. Thought I 'd should share, if you didn't know already. But she couldn't save this motion picture - plot does matter. VanSanten would look great in that Greek Olympia outfit from last Thursday.
By the way...
A fellow named MarteLanniStarkgaryen (different message board, 2013) came up with an equally excellent idea for another installment...
Holy crap! That's awesome.I thought about other deaths in the FD series and thought what if the cast of FD 6 was made up of people who inadvertently caused the deaths of people throughout the series. The Bus Driver that accidently ran over chick in FD1, or the Ambulance Driver from FD4, a Bridge Worker or the Sail Boat Captain from FD5 or the Gymnist who stepped on the screw. What if you put all of those people in one place and they avoid Death. And death comes for them. I'd have to watch each and every FD Movie again to compile a list, but when u think about it they were all working for Death. I think it would be a cool twist.
On an added note: You could even mix up the death sequences and kill them off in the order in which they killed someone else as opposed to the order in which they died in the "Premonition Disaster" such as the gymnist dying first since FD 5 was a prequel even though maybe she died third on the train, plane, or automobile. It could keep the audience guessing as to WTF was going on for a change.
Still not over, no - one more wickedness is yet to come next Thursday. Word of advice, you should add garlic to your diet, no reason. See you then.
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Past Tense - Dark Pools Of Ancestral Dread Part I (too Lovecraftian?)
An additional, brand new L.E. Horror bonus offering! The classic black and white terror which gave an earlier reason to be afraid of the water - "Creature From The Black Lagoon"...
A frackin' three part entry!!!
The motion picture opened on February 12th, 1954. No idea on its budget, can't find info. It did gross over $1.3 million during its initial U.S. theatrical run. My data is limited. Don't know what box office ranking it had when it premiered. Say 'thank you', this took hard research and frackin' patience - HOURS.
The feature opened against "Hell And High Water", "Beachhead", "Phantom Stallion", "Dragon's Gold", "Killers From Space", "The Black Glove", "Highway Dragnet" and "The Great Diamond Robbery".
This has several DVD iterations and later BD, but we're mostly occupying the DVD side.
Before I get into this. I want to say this wasn't my first choice. I was going to do the bonus entry on the Midnite Movies Double Feature - "Invasion Of The Star Creatures"/"Invasion Of The Bee Girls" release (2004); Best Buy short run exclusive. Did some image work, covering the bases; which required restoration. Did not feel like having to watch. I'm somewhat confident I will enjoy "The Bee Girls" - full film presentation, not the censored cut ('70s T&A sci-fi flick). But... "Star Creatures" is pretty much garbage. Ultra low budget, craptacular mess. There's nothing worse, movie-wise than a film that tries to be funny, but - just isn't. You're wasting everybody's time, even the people who made it. I may do that write up next year, maybe.
Okay onto the topic.
Wait - why does Julie Adams' face on that poster look so terrible? She's the hottie in the flick. Yet her poorly drawn head appears to be tacked on the body. Even the strap of her swimsuit appear to merge with her face, like a tendon.
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There were several exclusives... but were separated by years. *nods* Lets do this chronologically.
Setting the stage.
The initial was attached to the first re-release from September 15th, 2014 ($14.98); the stand alone movie which was a repackaging of the original August 29th, 2000 DVD release - "Classic Monster Collection" ($24.98; shown above right).
The same disc inside, new - old stock; not new printed art on the same DVD.
Nope.
The 2014 title was given an exclusive by Wal-Mart, part of their "Limited Edition: Glow In The Dark Art" 2016 Halloween offerings.
"Creature" was given a green, glow-in-the-dark slipcover. The DVD sold for $7.96 and was also available on BD for $9.96 with Digital Copy. Both streeted on September 13th, 2016.
Movie rack photo from a fellow enthusiast, Brad. *nods*
The reason why you see two Draculas with different covers in that rack; one is the original 1931 film, the other is the 1979 motion picture.
This Halloween rack was popular and got a second helping for the store's 2017 offering.
New titles with slips and a few older ones too. The main difference is they have different prices, not uniformed tags. Once again "Creature" sold for $7.96, same slipcover - this would change. Rack photo by myself.
I've said many times over, Wal-Mart has a long history of adding slipcovers over old stock, pretending to be 'new'. A game they keep playing. Now this can be a great thing for collectors like myself. Just to have for the slip to make our title more complete.
Not wanting to be left out Best Buy jumped into the lagoon with of their their own that year.
They released an exclusive Blu-Ray steelbook.
This streeted on September 12th, 2017. This was one of seven steelbooks with new covers drawn by renowned comic book artist Alex Ross. These included "Creature, "Dracula" ('31), "Frankenstein" (1931), "The Bride Of Frankenstein" (1935), "The Invisible Man" (1933), "The Mummy" (1932) and "The Wolf Man" (1941). All were BD only and sold for $14.99 each.
Sorry, do not have their weekly ad. And not into Blu-Rays, so naturally I do not own this.
You might recall, Ross had an earlier Best Buy exclusive with "Flash Gordon" DVD - click here to read, a previous Past Tense.
Anyhow, the BD presented "Creature" in its original 3D along with the 2D version and came with a Digital Copy; don't ask - don't know when it expired.
For 2018 Wal-Mart did it again... now as a variant.
The glow-in-the-dark slip is now orange. With the addition of five dollar Vudu credit, Wal-Mart's streaming service. This streeted on August 8th, 2018 for $9.96. Credits expired on December 31st, '18.
Now you would think this where it ends. No.
The store had yet another exclusive; a different slipcover and different glow-in-the-dark particulars. Let me say I do not have the full data. I can only give the price and the month, I apologize. It was beyond my internet mojo. In fact the store's website doesn't not list it.
This is in-store ONLY.
Call Britney Spears in mid-September 2019 Wal-Mart did it again. Now with a slipcover which mirrored the original '54 poster. It also came with a Digital Copy which no longer is gained from an insert inside the case. The Vudu code is printed on the sales receipt. Does not say when it expires.
- receiptSave your receipt. Cannot be replaced.
Why yes, I save the receipt for this write-up. This slip is on top of that 2014 re-release DVD. *shakes head*
The exclusive sold for $8.96. Glowing premium is three decals (inside the case in a small bag). These drawings include: Bride Of Frankenstein, Gill-Man and the Wolf Man. Can't tell if these are stickers. Not gonna play to find it. Once scanned, put back in.
Can't say why, but those decals are super grainy - almost like sandpaper (image side).
The rear of the bag reads, "Universal Classic Monsters" and "Made in Wenzhou, China". As well as "Production Date: 6/19". The bag is re-sealable, just gotta be gentle.
There were several titles which offered the same exclusives - "The Wolf Man", "Frankenstein" and "Dracula" off the top of my head. These are the original Universal Monster movies.
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Footnotes.
Some bits then big fish.
The iconic design was created by Milicent Patrick, not Bud Westmore (head of Universal's makeup department). It was a different time and she didn't get the credit she deserved, until now. She based the Creature on two, seventeenth-century woodcuts; the "Sea Monk" and the "Sea Bishop". The very first attempt was modeled after Oscar, the Academy Awards statuette. It was disliked and jettison.
There was no single composer; various score parts were created by Herman Stein (main title music), Hans J. Salter and Henry Mancini with additional music from Universal's stock music library.Last edited by JohnIan101; 11-07-2019 at 05:17 AM.
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Past Tense - Dark Pools Of Ancestral Dread Part II
Stuntmen Ben Chapman and Ricou Browning both played the Gill-Man. Browning for H2O shots, second unit photography. Chapman out of water footage. Chapman in suit (above) with co-star, Julie Adams.
Oddly nether men meet during the shoot; filmed in different locations. Browning's shots was done in Florida (Wakulla Springs). Chapman's scenes were done in California; the same made-made lagoon where TV's "Gilligan's Island" (1964) was later shot.
Only in 1974 during movie fan convention in Florida did they finally meet.
Man, so much money was spent on trying to get a remake off the ground, but has been stuck in development hell... frack me, approaching the fifty year mark. YES, half a century of failed attempts.
Big names has been attached to various ventures; John Landis, Ivan Reitman, Guillermo del Toro, John Carpenter and Gary Ross. Even having at one point Rick Baker (physical effects legend) do a redesign of the Gill-Man. As I understand, above is a sketch from the Carpenter version. This is abbreviated history, there were other attempts in the '80s.
Landis commissioned Nigel Kneale to write the screenplay in 1982 set in the present. This had two Gill-Men; one good the other destructive. Both beast were being pursued by the U.S. Navy. Was going to be shoot in 3D, but Universal didn't want any competition with what they believed was going to be their mega summer hit, "Jaws 3D" (1983). Not joking. Though the official talk was on budgetary issues.
Carpenter in 1992 commissioned Bill Phillips to write his script. Rick Baker was brought in for effects. This for various reasons, got its plug pulled too. One of the reasons - was "Memoirs Of An Invisible Man" ('92), it bombed. It's a solid flick, I enjoyed it. Anyhow, Lagoon was Carpenter's pet project for many years before dropping it.
In 1995 the project was dusted off with Reitman set to direct his vision. It also failed. That same year Universal wanted Peter Jackson to make it - based on a screenplay by Timothy Harris and Herschel Weingrod. He said no, wanted to focus his efforts on his pet project, "King Kong" - a movie that wouldn't get done until 2005. His original version, written by himself and Fran Walsh (script completed in '96) was very different from what was filmed - in some ways, better. You can read about it; a 2015 Limited Edition Horror entry.
Ross' ride on the failure carousal happened in late 2001 with him going to produce his interpretation; he and Arthur A. Ross wrote the script. His take was having the Creature not prehistoric, but rather man-made; a pharmaceutical company polluting in the Amazon. It's a mutant, set in the present. No go too.
In late 2002 del Toro was given the reins for his remake. He wanted to make it, a fan. Though his idea was a personal story told from the Gill-Man's point of view and included a successful romantic liaison. Bestiality? Universal shot him down. The project scraped once more. Del Toro used ideas from the aborted reboot as the basis of "The Shape Of Water" (2017). A film that was nominated and won various Academy Awards in 2018. There was an attempt to salvage the movie; the studio hired Tedi Sarafian to write a new screenplay in 2003, but nothing else came from it.
2005... Breck Eisner was hired as the new director and writer, a fan too. He began work on his remake. This is where things get very fuzzy. He had spent a lot of money on pre-production, A LOT. Eisner had commissioned Mark McCreery to create a new Gill-Man. McCreery known for physical effects such as the dinos from "Jurassic Park" (1993). The plan was to be faithful to the original. Six months was reported on the redesign. But all of it came crashing down... the infamous 2007 - 2008 Writers Guild Of America strike; so many movies and TV shows went bust because of it. So much trouble - Eisner went on to direct another pet project, the remake of George A. Romero's pre-"28 Days Later" (2002) horror flick, "The Crazies" (2010). The plan was to make this - then return back to "Creature". Hoping to shoot in Manaus, Brazil and on the Amazon River in Peru. It was reported that the boat set, "Rita" was built. After the strike, he continued to work/'tweak' his script. Nope. Dead project. Cursed at this point.
2009 - Marc Abraham long with Eric Newman AND Gary Ross (again) were set to produce another try. This had a 2010 release date. Rumored that Carl Erik Rinsch was set to direct. Nope once more; project axed in 2011. Abraham produced such films as "The Thing" (2011), "Dawn Of The Dead" remake (2004), "Slither" (2006) and "Children Of Men" (2006) to name a few - a genre producer.
2012 - Universal hired Dave Kajganich to direct. This was to be called "The Black Lagoon" (original '54 title). It was to have a May 2014 release. Not much else is known other than... it failed too.
When Universal was pursuing their expanded universe franchise, "Dark Universe" in 2017 - which by the way died when their reboot of "The Mummy" (2017), it flopped. "Bride Of Frankenstein" was going to be their second installment - axed. Commissioned was Will Beall to pen the screenplay based on a story by Jeff Pinkner for "Creature". Produced by Alex Kurtzman and Chris Morgan. This would once again be set in the Amazon, unknown if it was a period feature. They wanted Scarlett Johansson in the Kay role. Also failed too. This is where it ends... for now.
All the failed attempts is ripe for a "Creature" documentary on the subject. Would love to see that; video footage, production artwork, built sets and monster suits. And of course story outlines. Man, almost like that pix is mocking them, 'still the BEST!' Cha-cha-cha-chaaaa.
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This is something you may want to know - and even a warning.
Above is the DVD from Nastalgia Family Video; streeted on January 10th, 2017 for $8.99 - "Bud Abbott And Lou Costello Meet The Creature From the Black Lagoon".
Yeah. Yeah. Okay.
This is NOT a movie, but rather an episode of NBC's "Colgate Palmolive Hour" (black and white, live TV, variety show) which aired February 21st, 1954. As in a skit (less than ten minutes) towards the end of the program with Abbott and Costello meeting the Gill-Man (Chapman in suit) and the Frankenstein Monster (Glenn Strange in costume; Strange had already played the Frankenstein Monster in three of the franchise sequels). Ahhhhh, hijinks ensues. It was done to promote the film.
Lets say, much of the humor - overall program is hit and miss (putting it kindly). With the included commercials more interesting than the show.
The picture quality is watchable, not remastered.
This really should've been included a bonus in the Legacy Collection release. It's tiny.
You can buy the DVD on eBay and Amazon if you care.
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Should be called to attention.
There were three films in this franchise; "Creature From The Black Lagoon" (1954), "Revenge Of The Creature" (1955) and "The Creature Walks Among Us" (1956).
All three with bonus materials can be found in the Complete Legacy Collection DVD set (also on BD) from 2014, came with a slipcover and were remastered.
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Tangent.
An additional sexy Halloween costume.
Man, I feel old; Gen-Xer. This is now considered a costume; 1980s Aerobics Outfit. Not a joke - this is an actual Halloween costume.
She's missing leggings that match her skin tone. Plus a sweat band and arm bands too. No high heels, just sneakers. I do wonder what kind purse goes with that outfit, probably a small one... that resembles a tote bag! Now I have Ron Harris style synthwave in my noggin'. To be clear it was synthwave and jazz.
Man, that's something that should absolutely have a DVD release; the complete series - "The 20 Minute Workout". If you lived in the 80s you know what I'm talking about. For those who didn't...
It aired real early on Sundays mornings - might as well be soft core porn. Gorgeous women in tight/revealing aerobics outfits doing a workout together (in a white void), married with electronic beating music. It was... hypnotic.
When I say "white void" I mean that. Everything was white in the background, even the floor. Like they had stepped into the Matrix. Plus the women did their routine on a rotating white disc with a disembodied voice commanding them (Jami Allen). Just go with it. The show ran for two seasons in syndication; half hour, weekly show.
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Past Tense - Dark Pools Of Ancestral Dread Part III
Music for season one was created by Shiva. Season two was a collaborate effort, Jermy, King and Ouillet. This was more than likely how I was exposed to synthwave. Unless I'm mistaken, Shiva is Andy Muson. There is no CD soundtrack, that's a shame.
Here it aired on Channel 5 (KTLA), hell yes, I remember. *wink* A step back. Yes, we're going here.
Started in 1981 with Harris putting out "Aerobicise: The Beautiful Workout" (96 minutes) on VHS, Beta and laser disc (LD above sold for $29.95).
It was a hit, added more; "Aerobicise: The Beginners Workout" (113 minutes) and "Aerobicise: The Ultimate Workout" (105 minutes) the following year. Each was successful (released by Paramount Home Video). So much so, Showtime wanted it.
Not as a program - as filler.
The in-betweens of short movies or programs, filler in 1982; one routine, then onto the next feature or such. Not new, but edits from those three direct to video releases.
Harris took it to then next level with the TV series in 1983. The pilot was titled, "Aerobicise" before going with TMW.
You can find some on YouTube. How many episodes? It's rather fuzzy, about fifty-five programs. There have some been some bootlegs of select episodes out there. At one point there was an eBay seller who had a collection on eleven DVD-Rs.
Anyhow, there was a 'best of' series compilation (official) which included a making-of featurette released on LD in 1991. The documentary was 47 minutes long; can be found on YT.
Harris rebooted his concept in '91 - the direct to video title, "New Girls Of Aerobicise" on VHS and LD (sold for $29.95 from Image Entertainment); forty-one minutes. Can only guess, he no longer owned the rights to the name, "The 20 Minute Workout". Back to basics.
Correction!
Further research, there was a soundtrack released - vinyl only, "Aerobicise: The Original Music - As Seen On TV". Single disc was put out by Ronco, Inc. in 1983. Run time of 50:25 minutes.
Now, following thousands of requests, here is an album of the original music as heard in the show. Fourteen different compositions are included - set into three class structures - each progressing in length and tempo. Use the album for working-out, listening or dancing. Its invigorating Warm-Ups through sensual rhythms of the Cool-Downs make it impossible to sit still.- back side of soundtrack; second quote was in fine printWARNING: This album my be used for exercising, which depending upon your physical condition may be hazardous to your health. You are therefore warned not to attempt any exercises without consulting your doctor, even with such approval - each exercise should be done in moderation and should not be performed tired or to the point of fatigue or pain. Do not over exert yourself.
Soundtrack has such track names as "One Hand Clapping", "Go For It", "Sweet N' Nasty", "Hot Sox", Skin" and "Hit It". Yeah, they knew what they were making - soft core porn.
Appears to have been two different covers. The other - same year, reads ":20 Minute Workout", same cover girl and pose. Could be one for Canada and one for America. The series was filmed the Great White North. The back cover has different image stills and an add-on to description...
Well, this Tangent took a life of its own.Whether you're a beginner or in great physical condition, the 20 Minute Workout is for you... enjoy it.
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Gill-Man was the inspiration for another water beast movie; "The Monster Of Piedras Blancas" (black and white; 1959) on home video (remastered) from Olive Films, DVD and BD.
Aquatic fiend is a prehistoric amphibious reptile, Diplovertebron. Sure. But why does this thing have claws for feet? Which are not shown pinching in the movie - more related to crustacean.
The suit was a mash-up to save money. The feet were taken off casts used for Metaluna Mutant beast from "This Island Earth" (1955). And the hands were from... "The Mole People" (1956), moles. Actor Pete Dunn was the bartender in the film and man in suit. The suit was green colored.
Directed by Irvin Berwick and produced by Jack Kevan both were former Universal Studios men. Which is how they had access to casts.
I have the DVD; watched last week, enjoyed it. Campy at times and somewhat gory. There are shots of the beast holding, bloody decapitate heads and one shot of it pulling a head off a victim - just off camera.
Jeanne Carmen as Lucille Sturges is pretty much in the Adams role. No swimsuit scene, just her in lingerie seen from a window. The monster was smitten, that perv.
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Just Because.
The Gill-Man is my favorite of the Universal monsters. Above, behind-the-scene photo from "Creature From The Black Lagoon" (1954). Story?
The suit might as well be blind, the guy inside could not see. Towards the finale; Gill-Man had abducted Kay (Adams), took her back to his underwater grotto. He's walking around a corner holding the actress playing unconscious. As I wrote, couldn't see with zero depth perception. Chapman bashing her head on the fake rocks of the cave wall. Just wacked her. She kicked and screamed.
Above photo taken after the event (pause in shooting), granted presented with some levity. But yeah she got hurt. As I understand from left to right, director Jack Arnold, Ben Chapman in suit, actor Richard Carlson, the studio nurse and co-star Antonio Moreno. With Adams at the center of attention.
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Recommendations.
Have two more!
"Annihilator" (1986)
Made for NBC TV movie (aired April 7th, 1986). Richard Armour was the editor of a mid-range newspaper in Los Angeles, "The L.A. Guardian". His girlfriend wins a contest for a free trip to Hawaii, due to an obligation he is unable to go. Angela takes her best friend Cindy with her. That vacation uproots Armour's entire existence, plunging him into a cosmic conspiracy. The woman who returned isn't his lover, she's an imitation. She tries to kill him for exposing the ruse. He is victorious, but now is charged with her murder - on the run. Seeking answers, he gets the passenger manifest for Flight 508. Each person could be an impersonator or in serious peril. Flight 508 had disappeared off radar screens for over an hour on route back to L.A. then returned as if nothing had happened. Richard Armour is on the trail of machines, extraterrestrial automatons; "Dynamatars" pursuing a silent global invasion. Think alien Terminators which by the way has Earl Boen in a bit role, known for Dr. Peter Silberman from... "The Terminator" (1984). It was suppose to be a backdoor pilot, failed to get sold. So it exist as a stand alone TV movie of the week. Unlike most person on the run films, this highlights the despair, isolation and paranoia of losing it all - even making risky choices out of emotional vulnerability. Excellent music and visuals accentuate the sci-fi feature, presented like a music video. This was released on home video on VHS only - in France and Australia. But can be found on YouTube.
CIS-Taft Video - 1986 - NR
"No Escape" (2015)
Included since so many have come to the same conclusion - an excellent non-zombie, zombie movie. This is what Zack Snyder's "Dawn Of The Dead" (2004) mashed with "28 Days Later" (2002) would look like without anybody undead or infected. Jack Dwyer has moved his entire family to his work in South-East Asia; living in an upscale hotel. He's an engineer, there to help build a hydroelectric dam. But there was a silent coup by rebels who have intense anti-foreigner feelings - they want a bloody purge. Hours earlier the Prime Minister and his whole cabinet were assassinated. It's the morning; new dawn, the Dwyers become rebel targets. Particularly by their ringleader who view the Dwyers as everything wrong with their country. It is utterly relentless, this guy - his gang will not stop until Jack and his family are slaughtered. Americans in a foreign land, can't speak the language with next to no allies. The carnage on screen is massive and quite brutal.
Anchor Bay Entertainment - 2015 - R
A regret, didn't know - until long gone.
There was a live musical based on the movie at Universal Studios Hollywood. It ran from July 1st, 2009 to March 9th, 2010. Adams attended the premiere. There were four songs "Black Lagoon", "Slay Me", "Prime Evil" and "Strange New Hunger". It was cheesy and campy - looked great. The show was included with the price of admission and ran for roughly twenty-five minutes. And the auditorium had 1,700 seats.
Whole thing is on YT, type in "Creature From The Black Lagoon: The Musical At Universal Studios Hollywood" in search. Or if you know how, "ZdLJbFyxwV4". It's still there (as of writing), checked. Should've been included in the Legacy Collection.
Done. But don't think you're safe. Not even close - more shadows stalk you next Thursday.Last edited by JohnIan101; 08-07-2020 at 04:48 AM.
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Past Tense - Curse Me, Curse You Part II
It's something that should captivate you, not something rushed to the finale forsaking all things important. Man, you missed the point, which can be said for so many Hollywood remake. I'm looking at you "RoboCop" (2013). Yes I am.
Am I talking like an old man? No.
Things have importance; the glue that binds us. Race, religion, economic background - we all share these silver screen tales. They're the modern fables, teaching us morality and humanity. And what is now served is the lowest common denominator. Yes, it has always existed, but they were peripheral, throwaway fluff. Now it's center stage.
Look at me doing stupid crap on YouTube and Facebook, don't forget to click 'Like'; hash tag #PleaseNeuterMe.
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Okay on to something more mellower.
Who is hotter Rhona Mitra as Sonja (above left) or Kate Beckinsale as Selene?
I know Mitra was one of the first physical models to play Lara Croft. The distinction of being the first belongs to Nathalie Cook (she played Lady Croft before the game became famous, circa 1996). Of the all the models, I like Karima Adebibe the best. And I'm not a gamer. *nods* I just like pretty girls.
*oink!*
Rhona has a nice body, but her face and hands are quite masculine. While Kate overall looks very feminine, from her tush to her head. In a fight who is more believable? Easy, Mitra, hands down. Who looks better doing it, though improbable - Beckinsale. But we're talking about vampires here, so improbability kinda has to take a back seat - Rosa Parks style. Yes, I went there.
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This was directed by Patrick Tatopoulos who like Tom Savini was a special effects man. Tatopoulos did creature effects for such films like "Pitch Black" (2000), "Dark City" (1998), "Independence Day" (1996), "I, Robot" (2004), "Van Helsing" (2004) and a ton others.
Tatopoulos worked on the two pervious "Underworld" films and created the werewolf design used in the franchise. "Rise Of The Lycans" was his directorial debut. He did a good job here. He knows how to shoot effects.
Enjoyed the movie, a prequel, setting up how this hidden universe came to be. The roots of the war between vampires and werewolves. Especially enjoyed was how much continuity was used. Brought back dead characters and other cast members back for bit part. These things make the film quite gratifying. Love and passion went into this.
Not disappointed.
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Tangent.
Save this for last; final sexy Halloween costumes.
This was something I did a record scratch. WTF? The left is... I quote:
*blinks*Sexy Triage Trixie Nurse Lingerie Costume Set
Sexy triage nurse, that's a thing now. Don't get me wrong. On the right woman, like the above - it is smokin' hot. She's gorgeous. It totally works, sway. But this costume is for nines and tens.
Now, on the right is a costume that's 3D printed. Shown with face paint added (optional). An anatomical, stretch (form fitting) jumpsuit. It like someone thought there's a market for attractive women to showcase their figure, but also be revolting to men at the same time.
Voila!
You get this costume, skin tight and quite unappealing.
Well, this could with some imaginative work be modded into a kick ass, nude undead woman. I'm already thinking of painted props from the 99 Cent Only Store that could be glued or velcroed on. It will take time and patience, plus some loose dollars (on top of the costume price).
Take one of those plastic brains and cutting it in half or just enough to appear like seeping out, the intestines - painted with nail polish, the one that looks wet even though it's dry. Other thoughts too...
Get one of those novelty fake big boob prop, usually sold from Spencers Gifts. Cut into one of the breasts, take a chuck out and make the thing look jagged like someone bit into it, taking flesh out. Make it bloody, get some paper towels and paint them red, let it dry and glue them on the breast around the bite - like some skin are still hanging to it.
Add one of those bag of plastic bones from 99 Cent and break/cut a piece and glue it onto the leg. Like a bit of bone is sticking out. Then go to Goodwill and buy, cheap and thin pants. Cut them up and paint parts red and add that polish too. Glue or stitch them in - to be seen like regular pants on the costume.
The effect is she's wearing pants with damage, leg bone sticking out, bloody. Topless, skin peeled off and breast bitten into, flesh still draping with her intestines starting to spill out. Believe me, that will stand out in a party. Add some minor face paint to look gray or off-white (dark circles under the eyes). A bit of red on one side of the mouth. The extra mile would be adding creepy contacts, but there are many genuine horror stories of contacts infecting the eyes. Poorly made and do serious, I mean serious damage. I would pass on that.
And light paint on the hands too. Or better yet, get cheap gray gloves and give it some spots and streaks of red.
Well... too late for that now. Today is Halloween. Perhaps next year. Just milling some ideas.
One more - discovered an hour before posting... some folks are printing measles, red marks on their skin as their Halloween costume. WTF? That's messed up.
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October 2019 has been about Vincent Prince. Watched several of his flicks I hadn't seen before. Which is saying a lot since I have a bunch of his DVDs. Saw "The Bat" (1959); "Madhouse" (1974); "House On Haunted Hill" (1959), colorized (decent hues); "Cry Of The Banshee" (1970); "Dragonwyck" (1946), "The Mad Magician" (1954), "Tales Of Terror" (1962)...
And "Vincent Price: The Sinister Image" (1987) - unaired episode of "The Sinister Image" which was a cable access show (in the '80s), interviewed folks who make horror, sci-fi and fantasy feature. It's the extended cut. Price talks about his film and passions (art and cooking). I wish it was longer, fascinating.
Some of those were titles I hoarded just for October, DVDs bought earlier this year - save for the Halloween season. Don't think I can top it, future Octobers. Even picked up, brand new - "Brigham Young" (1940) - Price had a small role; the story of Mormons coming to Salt Lake City. Price played Joseph Smith, Jr.
Plus other Halloween flicks (new to me) like, "Murders In The Rue Morgue" (1971), "The Monster Of Piedras Blancas" (1959), "Submerged" (2016) and "The Flesh And The Fiends" (1960; continental version with nudity).
Okay, things that don't mix well - horror and musicals. You might recall the bonus entry from 2017, "Stage Fright". That was awful; weak plot with weaker still songs. What was the point?
Streeted on home video on October 1st of this year was "Anna And The Apocalypse" (2017). Saw it on Saturday. Yes. This actually works. The world is being torn apart from the living dead; have some songs and dance. Before you ask, no dancing or singing zombies. Not 100% great, but does work. I enjoyed it. Gland it was rated R and came down dark, like one of their songs...
"No Such Thing As A Hollywood Ending". The future is unknown and bleak, but that's okay - you're not alone.
By the way, "Dragonwyck" isn't really horror - more of a gothic drama, cut from the same cloth as "Jane Eyre" (1943) - the Orson Welles version.
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Recommendation.
As I wrote, today is Halloween. Far too late for getting a flick. You either have none or already know what you're doing. I'm gonna be watching "Dawn Of The Dead: Extended Mall Hours" bootleg (mixes all the cuts into one - outstanding), a past LEH recommendation. But I wanted to offer, something obscure, something worth the seek. One last 2019 Halloween title...
"Sole Survivor" (1970)
Made for CBS TV movie (aired January 9th, 1970). It was like an extended classic episode of "The Twilight Zone". The time is World War II, an American plane has made it's bombing run in North Africa, but is shot down on their way to their base. The bomber crash lands in the Libyan desert. The middle of nowhere, three hundred miles from help with a busted radio - can't be repaired. Providence - a rescue team is coming. Only to discover, they can't be seen and not a rescue, but military investigation. Investigating a seventeen year old derelict... the men discover, they're ghosts. Now it become proving they didn't die over the Mediterranean sea, but on the scorching sands. Deaths because their navigator bailed out - and got rescued; one of men present for the investigation. On DVD as an MOD title, sadly.
CBS Home Entertainment - 2019 - NR
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Just Because.
Behind-the-scenes pix of Beckinsale on the set of "Underworld 2", she's adorable. What's that stuff on her shoulder? Shhhhh, we don't talk about that. *wink*
Back into the dark place from where they came from... until next October. When they get their strength once more to terrify all who have the misfortune of being in their way. Come back here on November 14th for comedy show that is as much loved as it is despised.
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Past Tense - Practical Shoes, Putrid Folks And Cream Filling Part I
[An earlier version of this PT was originally posted on October 18th, 2012 on JoBlo's "DVD, Blu-Ray & Home Theater Discussion" forum.]
The bars on the windows are doing their singular task. Such perverse passion - they are gnawing at the steel, trying to bite their way inside; looking at you with frenzied bloodlust as if you're the bacon in a sandwich which HAS to be made in short order. This is the first time since the 'happening' that you can pause to view their grotesque forms in the brightening morning. Is that some kind of bioluminescence in the eyes? You're not imagining it, they're somewhat glowing. That's when you hear the creak, your blood drops to frigid. The monster are learning and working together, six of them - pulling the bars away from the wood. Peeling the metal from frame and wall. I'm sure that sales man didn't put that in his pitch - 'limited warranty in the event of Hell Hounds'. You have, perhaps a good thirty seconds before they get inside. RUN! Hide. Prey.
You made it - this far. Week three of "Limited Edition Horror" 2019. Another two parter as we travel across a post-apocalyptic America looking for a Twinkie in "Zombieland"...
The motion picture opened on October 2nd, 2009. It was made with a budget of $23,600,00 (estimated) and grossed over 75 million during its U.S. theatrical run. The film opened number one at the box office, the following week it dropped to number two.
The feature opened against "Capitalism: A Love Story", "Surrogates", "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs" and "Whip It".
The DVD release did not come with a slipcover, but it came with an insert. Side one; ad for the "Zombieland: The Mobile Game" cell phone game, the other side, ads for various Sony Blu-Rays.
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Best Buy had the only exclusive, a bonus disc. The set streeted on February 2nd, 2010 and sold for $22.99. It was also available on Blu-Ray for $24.99. It came with an exclusive wraparound, the "Nut Up Or Shut Up" edition.
This came in a real two disc case, not one of those crappy eco-friendly cases or a CD envelope. The bonus disc has two featurettes; "Shootin' Zombie With Ruben Fleischer" and "Behind The Scenes With The Cast And Crew Of Zombieland"; a runtime of 27:31 minutes.
There is no menu screen, both featurettes play consecutively.
Wait.
"Superbad Meets Shaun Of The Dead" - reviewer quote on the cover. Not like that that, "Superbad" (2007) had shameless, loud unlikeable characters. That wasn't here. A good thing.
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Rant.
This is one of the few zombie movies that can be said in the same breath as "Shaun Of The Dead" (2004). There are so many low budget flicks trying for that claim - 90%+ fail at that; lame humor with lackluster effects do not make a memorable feature. What does?
I'll name a few, "Fido" (2006), "Dance Of The Dead" (2008), "Doghouse" (2009) and "Slither" (2006).
Not a fan of "Superbad" (2007). Just didn't find it funny. Why am I suppose to care about this loud mouth A-hole? Being a jerk isn't funny.
It was however the first film to introduce me to Emma Stone. Got curious, then I saw her in "Easy A" (2010) and "The Help" (2011). I'm sold. She's cool. Researching this post, learned that Megan Fox turned down the role of Wichita. I'm glad that happened. I can't see her in the part. That's not a dig at Ms. Stone. She's attractive in that 'girl next door' kind of way. The movie is better with her involvement.
As for Fox, you can now call her a MILF. She didn't announce it until nearly three weeks after the fact. See, that's how you do it. She didn't whore herself every step of the way (like Beyonce).
Private moment, not something to be plastered on every tabloid cover. Well done, Miss Fox.
Anyhow, this film reinforces my fear of clowns. I don't care for them.
Screw you, if you're laughin'. They bug me. That painted face zombie (Derek Graf) was nasty (above left). Just as bad as the face eating jester (Kyle Glencross) from "George A. Romero's Diary Of The Dead" (2007). By the way, Michelle Morgan who played Debra Moynihan in "Diary" looks very much like an older Ashley Greene (not an insult, a maturer Greene - before she started looking a bit anorexic), an observation. She's still attractive.
Yeah, Greene gets two mentions. This PT and the last one.
- - - - - - - - - -
Footnotes.
I took a bullet for you.
Oh man, I regret buying this (July 2012). The bright side of this crap cake is that I only paid ten bucks, bought off an Amazon reseller. What is it?
Released from IMDFilms on May 17th, 2011 was the low budget ($500,000) parody of "Zombieland" called "Stripperland", $19.95. Same concept, except, wait for it... switching zombies with strippers - turned into zombies. A global virus turns women into undead strippers who feed on the living or on single dollar bills which ever comes first. Now you might think that was funny.
Sure, on paper decent; executed - pure garbage.
It had characters based on the film. Holy crap, Maren McGuire plays Virginia, the Abigail Breslin role of Little Rock. She is WAY TOO old for that part! They have her in pigtails, dude it does not work. Next they have Ileana Herrin as West, the Emma Stone part of Wichita. You can see for yourself on that DVD cover.
The only good part was Frisco played by Jamison Challeen, the Woody Harrelson's Tallahassee role. He fit the character. I didn't have problem with him. But he doesn't save the motion picture - which I use loosely.
Take my advice, avoid this. Don't make the same mistake. You're better off giving ten dollars to a homeless person. At least they'll do something productive with that money; food, booze or drugs.
- - -
Back in October of 2011 20th Century Fox was developing the movie into a TV series for CBS. A pilot written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick who wrote the screenplay. They said this was going to be the replacement for a sequel, which at the time - just wasn't happening. Their project was planned as a half hour show for the Fall 2012 TV season. Then squat. Nothing.
It was Amazon Studios who picked it up the pilot in 2013; using Reese and Wernick teleplay. The tagline: "A new dead is dawning."
The half hour pilot was directed by Eli Craig. And was released on Amazon's streaming service in April '13.
The following month it was announced the adaptation was axed, series would not be picked up.
*long sigh*
Man, this looked like crap on a cracker. What you're seeing is as if the cast were made using the discount versions of the actors - several tiers down.
Left to right: Izabela Vidovic as Little Rock; Kirk Ward as Tallahassee; Maiara Walsh as Wichita and Tyler Ross as Columbus.
New character was added, Detroit - a voice by Kendra Fountain, an ex-OnStar operator. She's their navigator.
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