The Guide to Modern Horror Movies http://www.esplatter.com 2007 ESplatter.com Amazon is following Netflix's lead by potentially producing their own TV series: this one based on the horror-comedy "Zombieland". The pilot for "Zombieland: The Series" will debut tomorrow. You will be able to watch it here. In March 2013, it was announced that Amazon had ordered a pilot episode. Original writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are joined by Eli Craig, who will direct the pilot. Tyler Ross plays Columbus, Kirk Ward will play Tallahassee, Maiara Walsh will play Wichita and Izabela Vidovic will play Little Rock.. http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1703 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1703 It's been more than three decades since Stanley Kubrick's take on "The Shining" hit theaters. Warner Bros. is following 20th Century Fox's example with their prequel to "Alien" ("Prometheus") with a prequel to their big horror film of 1980. Deadline reports: "Glen Mazzara, who ran AMC's smash hit series The Walking Dead for the past several seasons, will now focus on ghosts. He’s in talks to write The Overlook Hotel, a prequel to the Stanley Kubrick-directed The Shining, based on the Stephen King novel.". . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1702 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1702 The 1977 minor horror hit will finally see a Blu-Ray release in the summer of 2013. Scream Factory has announced to retailers that they will release 'The Incredible Melting Man' on Blu-ray this summer. Here’s the official synopsis: Shortly after returning to Earth from a dangerously botched space mission, an astronaut discovers he's contracted an illness that causes his flesh to melt. As he slowly transforms into a mass of walking muck, he turns resentful towards humans and sets out on a ruthless killing spree, while government scientists race to stop him. This is a pretty good R-rated B-horror sci-fi romp which gained some fame in the 1990s when it was spoofed on Mystery Science Theater. Maybe their version will be a supplement. Watch for it July 30.. . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1699 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1699 Who the hell is John 'Bud' Cardos? He's the director of the William Shatner campfest "Kingdom of the Spiders" and popular VHS horror film "The Dark." On Tuesday, April 9th, the New Beverly will be paying tribute to special guest John 'Bud' Cardos at the New Beverly Cinema by screening 35mm prints of his films KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS and THE DARK, with a Q&A between the films with Cardos and KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS star Tiffany Bolling and producer Igo Kantor. Click here for more.. . . . . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1700 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1700 It's his best movie ever -- and here's a rare chance to see it on the big screen. The Castro Theatre is presenting "Deep Red" in a double feature with another David Hemmings classic: "Blow Up"! The screening takes place April 17! Click here for more. In Dario Argento's 1975 shocker, David Hemmings plays a jazz pianist living in Rome who witnesses a murder and is quickly drawn into the savage crime. With the help of tenacious female reporter Daria Nicolodi, the pair track a twisted trail of deranged clues and relentless rampage to the rocking sounds of Goblin. . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1701 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1701 The "Lord of Tears" is a new British horror film that stars one of the players of "Gladiator" and features a sinister villain known as the "Owlman." Director Lawrie Brewster is working on a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for an exhibition tour. The focus of the film is explained by the director: Lord of Tears is a feature-length supernatural chiller set in the remote highlands of Scotland. The idea for this film came about from my deep interest in the dark mythologies of ancient civilisations, old gods and legendary monsters - not to mention my obsession with terrifying ghost stories. As a director, I'm passionate about telling uncanny tales that bring new nightmares to audiences. I want to create alternate realities filled with mystery, terror and suspense - fusing the ancient and modern, preying on our most instinctual fears with threats and twists we cannot foresee. When researching the Pagan folklore of the Highlands I discovered accounts of a terrifying stalker never before seen on film. It reminded me of the chilling Slenderman and the old ones oft referred to in the short stories of H.P. Lovecraft. During my research I visited the alleged haunt of this legendary creature, an isolated mansion in a frigid landscape of bleak hills and ancient woods. http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1697 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1697 One of the last essential slasher films from the 1980s not available on Blu-Ray, “The Burning" is hitting the high definition format uncut on May 21. It previously screened in HD on Monsters HD before that network went belly up. Shout! Factory will be following it up with a release of “Lifeforce" on June 16 (delayed from an April release date). With “From Beyond" and “Vampire Lovers" also due for releases from this company, they look like the label to beat when it comes to horror titles in 2013.. . . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1698 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1698 Taking its name at least from Roger Waters' "The Wall", a new BBC series about zombies has called itself "In the Flesh" and just unleashed a new teaser trailer for worldwide fans to feast on. "In the Flesh" is due to premiere in March. It was created by a fellow named Dominic Mitchell. Here is the basic concept: Set after a zombie outbreak in the fictional village of Roarton, teenager Kieren Walker is re-animated along with thousands of other dead people. After months of re-habilitation and medication, the zombies are judged ready to be returned to their homes and families. . . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1695 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1695 If you live in Chicago or are going to be in the area March 8-9, you owe it to yourself to see a triple feature screening of 'Basket Case' 1, 2 and 3, hosted by the director Frank Henenlotter himself. The triple feature screening on March 8 will precede a 24-hour marathon of horror/sci-fi films including 1978's "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and the best Henenlotter movie of all time, "Brain Damage", that begins at noon March 9. As put by the event’s Facebook page: "We're so excited to bring FRANK HENENLOTTER (Brain Damage, Frankenhooker, Basket Case) to the SCI-FI SPECTACULAR with BRAIN DAMAGE (March 9-Portage Theater) and the BASKET CASE TRIPLE FEATURE (March 8-Portage Theater)! Free autographs & picture taking!" Here is the complete lineup for the March 9 event: Doors Open at 11am - Noon 'til Noon Special Guests: FRANK HENENLOTTER (dir. of Basket Case, Brain Damage, Frankenhooker)! JAY BONANSINGA (co-author of THE WALKING DEAD: RISE OF THE GOVERNOR & WALKING DEAD: ROAD TO WOODBURY))! Film Line-Up: NOON - ATTACK OF THE GIANT LEECHES (Roger Corman!) 1:15pm - MATINEE (Joe Dante!) 3pm - THE HEART OF THE WORLD (Guy Maddin Short) 3:05pm - THE DARK CRYSTAL (80's Awesomeness!) 5pm - SOYLENT GREEN (Heston Hysteria!) 6:45pm - ROGER CORMAN 50's Trailer Competition! 7:15pm - DEAD-ISH (Short film) 7:30pm - BRAIN DAMAGE (with FRANK HENENLOTTER in Person!) 9:45pm - CAMERA (Rare Cronenberg Short!) 10pm - INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS ('78 Remake!) Midnight - IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS (Carpenter Craziness!) 1:45am - DARK CITY (Forbidden Futures!) Daylight Savings Time 4:50 am - SHOCK WAVES (Nazi Zombies!) 6:30am - THE LAST MAN ON EARTH (Vincent Price Classic!) 8:15am - SILENT RUNNING (70's Sci-Fi Stunner!) 10am - IT'S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL DAY (Don Hertzfeldt Animation!) 11am - BATTLE ROYALE (Teenage Terrors!) Short films include: REJECTED by Don Hertzfeldt Tickets are $20 pre-sale - $25 at the door, day of show of show. Children under 12 and Seniors pay $10. Pay once, Come and go as you like! Pre-sale tickets on-line: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/302719 Tix in person at these stores: PC HERE (4055 N. http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1696 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1696 Two R-rated vampire films from the '70s and '80s, Hammer's "The Vampire Lovers" and Tobe Hooper's "Lifeforce," are getting the high-def treatment on April 30. Previously available as a non-anamorphic DVD, "Lifeforce" will arrive as a DVD-Blu Ray combo pack that boasts the rare original theatrical version of the film plus its longer international cut. Both films will feature plenty of bonus features. Most important, they will be in high-def for the first time, courtesy of Scream Factory.. . . . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1694 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1694 Hammer Films' 1958 classic "Horror of Dracula" (or just "Dracula" in the UK) is getting the high-definition restoration treatment in March of 2013 -- and presumably a Blu-Ray. Hammer's Facebook page just announced: We're happy to announce 18th March 2013 as the UK release date for Dracula (1958) aka Horror Of Dracula (the BFI's 2007 restoration plus censored footage restored) from Icon and Lionsgate. Who knows? Maybe there will be a theatrical release too. "Horror of Dracula" is probably the best vampire film ever made and certainly one of the best horror films of all time.. . . . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1693 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1693 Not a horror film, but the true story of the making of the most important horror film ever, "Hitchcock" stars Anthony Hopkins in the title role and Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh, with Helen Mirren as Hitchcock's wife. It's directed by Sacha Gervasi and based on Stephen Rebello's non-fiction book "Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho." The film is scheduled to be released on November 23. "Hitchcock" centers on the relationship between director Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma Reville during the making of "Psycho," spanning from Wisconsin murderer Ed Gein, the real-life inspiration for the character of Norman Bates, to the release of the groundbreaking film in 1960. . . . . . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1692 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1692 Holding what may be the best vintage horror fest in the country, the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles has just announced the lineup of its 5th Annual All-Night Horror Show! This year's lineup includes the rare horror titles "Strange Behavior", "Night Monster" with Bela Lugosi, out-of-print Canadian slasher "Curtains", "Neon Maniacs", "Frankenhooker" and a sixth surprise feature. That's on October 13. Then, on October 27 as part of a Debra Hill Film Festival, the New Bev will screen John Carpenter's "Halloween", followed by "Halloween II" at midnight. John Carpenter will appear in person for the screening of his 1978 classic. On Oct. 30 and 31, the New Bev will screen 1963's "Black Sabbath" directed by Mario Bava, and 1987's "From a Whisper to a Scream" (aka, "The Offspring"). Click here for the full October calendar.. . . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1691 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1691 The sixth installment of the frightening Child’s Play thriller franchise, Curse of Chucky, begins principal photography in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on September 5, 2012. The franchise comes full circle as Toyland’s most gruesome serial killer returns in a horrifying all-new movie from Universal 1440 Entertainment, a production entity of Universal Studios HomeEntertainment. . “Since his introduction to audiences in Child’s Play almost a quarter-century ago, Chucky has haunted the nightmares of a generation of moviegoers,” said Glenn Ross, General Manager and Executive Vice President, Universal 1440 Entertainment. “Returning to his roots in one of the most provocative horror franchises, this new sequel will shock longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike.” Curse of Chucky stars Fiona Dourif (The Master, “True Blood,” “Deadwood”), A Martinez (“Longmire,” “General Hospital”), Danielle Bisutti (Get Smart, “CSI: Miami”) and Brennan Elliott (Flight 93, Double Jeopardy). Brad Dourif (The Lord of the Rings, Dune) once again returns to provide the voice of Chucky, the pint-sized doll possessed by the spirit of notorious serial killer Charles Lee Ray, who returns to settle some unfinished business. The film is directed by Don Mancini, the Child’s Play franchise creator who has written or co-written each of the previous movies and was the director of Seed of Chucky. Also an integral part of the Child’s Play franchise from inception, David Kirschner (An American Tail, Hocus Pocus, Bride of Chucky) produces from a screenplay by Mancini. http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1690 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1690 One of the most important horror films from the 1980s hits Blu-Ray in two weeks. 1985's "Re-Animator" from Stuart Gordon will finally be seen in 1080p on September 4, courtesy of Image Entertainment. More essential horror titles are being released the same month. Mario Bava's "Lisa and the Devil" hits Blu-Ray September 18, in a double feature with the recut version of the same film, "House of Exorcism." The same day, Bava's "Black Sunday" and "Hatchet for a Honeymoon" get the Blu-Ray treatment, courtsey of Kino. Bava's "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" is also getting a Blu-Ray release. RaroVideo in Italy will be releasing the rare "Night of the Devils" from 1972 on Blu-Ray September 25. In this rare Euro-trash horror film, Gianni Garko plays an insane man admitted to a psychiatric institution that no one can identify. http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1689 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1689 Arguably the greatest horror film ever made, "Rosemary's Baby" hasn't appeared anywhere in high definition yet. That will change on October 30, when Criterion releases Roman Polanski's masterpiece to Blu Ray! Here are the specs: -New high-definition digital restoration, approved by director Roman Polanski, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition -New interviews with Polanski, actor Mia Farrow, and producer Robert Evans - Komeda, Komeda, a feature-length documentary on the life and work of jazz musician and composer Krzysztof Komeda, who wrote the score for Rosemary’s Baby -1997 radio interview with author Ira Levin from Leonard Lopate’s WNYC program New York and Company on the 1967 novel, the sequel, and the film -A booklet featuring an essay by critic Ed Park and Levin’s afterword for the 2003 New American Library edition of his novel, in which he discusses its and the film’s origins. . . . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1687 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1687 Further underscoring its position as a leading curator and home entertainment provider of many memorable cult movie classics, Shout! Factory is proud to announce the launch of Scream Factory, a new home entertainment series created to celebrate some of the most enthralling horror and sci-fi films with massive cult followings in cinematic history. Debuting this September, Scream Factory boasts a scary slate of fan-favorite thrillers from the 1980s, many of which have never been available on Blu-ray™ before. Titles include Halloween II and TERROR TRAIN, (both starring “Scream Queen” Jamie Lee Curtis); the 30th Anniversary release of Halloween III: Season of the Witch; They Live from director John Carpenter (The Thing); Peter Benchley’s THE ISLAND starring Michael Caine, The Funhouse from director Tobe Hooper (Poltergeist); the nightmarish Phantasm II; and the much-anticipated DVD debuts of DEADLY BLESSING, directed by Wes Craven (Scream) and featuring Sharon Stone in an early role, and DEATH VALLEY starring Peter Billingsley (A Christmas Story). Each title will be presented in anamorphic widescreen, and most will be released in a “Collector’s Edition” packed with new bonus content, archival materials, a collectible cover featuring newly rendered retro-style artwork, a reversible wrap with original theatrical key art and more! On September 18, 2012, fans will rejoice as Shout! Factory unleashes Halloween II Collector’s Edition and Halloween III: Season of the Witch 30th Anniversary Special Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray and DVD. These two formidable titles inaugurate the Scream Factory home entertainment series and are now available to preorder at ShoutFactory.com and Amazon.com. . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1688 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1688 Some Illinois residents are going to be lucky enough to catch George Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" on the big screen this weekend -- and at midnight on Friday the 13th! The midnight screening is happening at Meadowview Theatre. Here's the press release: The Meadowview Theatre is celebrating its 45th anniversary on July 14th and, as part of the festivities, is featuring a special midnight movie from each decade during its new film series, “Midnight at the Meadowview.” In light of Friday the 13th (July 13th), the midnight movie series will kick off with the classic horror film from the 1960s “Night of the Living Dead” (rated-R). Fans will be thrilled to see this classic movie as they have never seen it before – presented on Meadowview’s new “state of the art” digital sound and projection system. Admission is $5.50. Released in 1968, “Night of the Living Dead” follows Ben Huss (Duane Jones), Barbra (Judith O'Dea), and five others trapped in a rural farmhouse in Pennsylvania while the house is attacked by undead corpses known as 'ghouls'. “Night of the Living Dead” is the origin of five other Living Dead films directed by George A. http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1685 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1685 Each generation creates tales of horror… stories that seep through the very heart of our collective fears. Hammer did that in theaters worldwide in the 1950s and '60s -- and on television in the early '80s. The series that did that, the Hammer House of Horror, has had limited releases to VHS and DVD over the years. Now, Synapse Films is presenting this essential collection of all 13 tales of terror from the legendary British film studio into THE COMPLETE HAMMER HOUSE OF HORROR collector's set! It's hitting DVD shelves Sept. 11. In 1980 Hammer took over the old Hampden Manor House in the heartland of England and produced a series of thirteen horror stories to air on British television. With a host of Hammer regulars, including Peter Cushing (Twins of Evil, Star Wars) and Denholm Elliott (Raiders of the Lost Ark), classic thespians including Brian Cox (The Ring), Patricia Quinn (The Rocky Horror Picture Show), Georgina Hale (The Devils), Diana Dors (Theatre of Blood) and Dark Shadows stalwart Kathryn Leigh Scott, along with early appearances by actors like Pierce Brosnan (GoldenEye), each episode provides a completely new and individual tale of terror and suspense. Synapse Films is proud to present the complete series of HAMMER HOUSE OF HORROR in its original airdate order, with all-new introductions and supplemental features. http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1686 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1686 Shout! Factory is digging up the eighties slasher films in a big way, releasing the John Carpenter-produces sequel "Halloween III: Season of the Witch," along with "Terror Train," "The Funhouse", Peter Benchley's "The Island", Wes Craven's "Deadly Blessing" and moldy oldie "Death Valley" to Blu-Ray, beginning in September. On September 18, the releases will start with both "Halloween III" and a new edition of "Halloween II" making their way to the high definition format. The other releases will presumably make their way to the Blu-ray in 2013. . . . . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1684 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1684 Taking place Sept. 7 and 8, the ultimate drive-in horror film festival, Drive-in Super Monster Rama has been taking place annually at the Riverside Drive-In in Vandergrift, PA. It's every vintage horror fans' ultimate dream film fest -- and this year is no exception. On Sept. 7, 35mm prints of "Theatre of Blood", Horror House, "Equinox" and "Son of Blob" will screen on the big drive-in screen. The next day, fans will get the chance to see "Twins of Evil", "Countess Dracula", "Raw Meat", and "Psychomania" as they were meant to be seen -- in a drive-in theater! Again, these are all 35mm prints. So if you live anywhere near Vandergrift, PA, cancel all your plans on Sept. http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1683 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1683 Redemption Films, the company largely responsible for bringing Jean Rollin's films to America back in the era of DVD, is now proving itself to be one of the best purveyors of classic horror on Blu-Ray. Redemption will be bringing Jean Rollin's classic 1973 film "Requiem for a Vampire" and 1969 classic "Rape of the Vampire" to the format on May 29. Past Rollins releases from Redemption include "The Iron Rose", "Fascination", "Shiver of the Vampires" and "Lips of Blood." On August 28, Redemption will be releasing "Two Orphan Vampires" and "The Living Dead Girl." Redemption is shaping up as one of the very best labels for vintage horror. Previous releases on Blu-Ray from Redemption include the 1973 British horror film "The Asphyx". And Redemption's Facebook page reports they will be releasing the following non-Rollin titles to Blu-Ray soon: Lisa and the Devil / House of Exorcism, Hatchet for the Honeymoon, Black Magic Rites, Au Pair Girls, Zeta One, Female Vampire, Exorcism, A Virgin Among the Living Dead, House of Whipcord, The Comeback, Die Screaming Marianne, Burke and Hare and The Blood Beast Terror.. . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1682 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1682 It's been quite some time since we dove into the situation with classic horror Blu Rays. It seems like the economic downturn -- combined with the meteoric rise of piracy -- prevented a number of the best, unreleased, classic horror titles from getting releases. Well, it feels like some of them are starting to show up again. Just not always in the USA. The big news for U.S. residents is that "Twins of Evil" is finally, really getting a release this July -- to be followed by "Countess Dracula" -- courtesy of Synapse. While "Countess" has been released on DVD in the past decade, "Twins" never saw a DVD release anywhere but Europe. Meanwhile, overseas, the 1966 classic "Dracula Prince of Darkness", "Plague of the Zombies" and "The Reptile" are getting the Blu Ray / DVD combo pack. http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1680 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1680 Remember "The Boogens"? Talk about a moldy oldie. This horror film from the 1980s had some pretty scary TV spots, but it didn't garner much of a reputation from its theatrical run or release on VHS. Well, you'll now get the chance to see "The Boogens" in high-defintion when Olive Films releases it to Blu-Ray August 8! Directed by James L. Conway, "The Boogens" starred Rebecca Balding, Fred McCarren, Anne-Marie Martin, and Jeff Harlan. In the film, a small construction team of four men work to reopen an abandoned silver mine 100 years after a mysterious massacre forced the Army to shut it down. What they don't know is that their excavating has inadvertently freed some amphibious reptilian creatures lurking deep within the mine shafts. While, "The Boogens" is no classic, the 1950s masterpiece "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" certainly is. http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1681 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1681 Rob Zombie's 'Lords of Salem' Trailer Revealed Friday RobZombie.com says the trailer to the director's much-anticipated, non-horror remake film will play Friday May 11 at the Rob Zombie/Megadeth show at the PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey. Presumably we'll get a version online shortly after that. Turns out the cursed record has the power to unleash a coven of 300-year old witches who were secretly imprisoned and tortured during the Salem Witch Trials. Zombie's first non-"Halloween" film in nearly a decade is about a radio DJ (Sheri Moon) who receives a mysterious vinyl record -- and all hell breaks loose from there. No release date is set.. . http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1678 http://www.esplatter.com/news.php?id=1678