If you’re a frequent listener of “Zombie Cast,” the zombie-themed podcast, then you’ll probably be delighted to learn that the king of the living dead himself, George A. Romero, will be appearing on the show on Monday, May 9th! Find full details below…

From the Press Release:
George Romero is coming to Zombie Cast, the official podcast of the Zombie Research Society (ZRS)! Listen to Zombie Cast live on Monday, May 9, 2016, for an exclusive interview with the godfather of the undead, starting at 8pm ET/5pm PT on allgames.com.

The interview was recorded by ZRS and promises a fresh perspective on Romero, his work, and his opinions on some of today’s zombie blockbusters (spoiler: he is not a fan of WWZ).

“Without Romero, this podcast wouldn’t exist, so it’s an absolute honor to feature the man himself on our show,” says Shawn Freeman, Zombie Cast founder and co-host alongside Ted Bracewell, Norma Late, and Matt Bradford.

The interview follows Zombie Cast’s 200th episode celebration. Previous guests have included Ed Sanchez (director, The Blair Witch Project), Craig Engler (creator, “Z Nation”), Lew Temple (actor, The Devil’s Rejects/”The Walking Dead”), Russell Hodgkinson (actor,” Z-Nation”), Alex Essoe (actress, Starry Eyes), zombies from “The Walking Dead,” video game developers, UFC fighters, survival experts, and many more.

Romero’s episode streams live at 8pm ET/5pm PT on May 9th at allgames.com and will be available for download on all major podcast apps/services.

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Fallout 4 is so friggin’ huge that it will take years for even the most dedicated gamers to discover everything that it has to offer. As if that weren’t enough, Bethesda continues to spoil us by releasing more and more DLC, the latest of which is called Far Harbor, which is also the name of the mysterious island on which it takes place, which you travel to in search of a missing young woman.

It will be the largest area that Bethesda has ever created for a DLC add-on. Be prepared to uncover the wonders and horrors (or probably just horrors) of Far Harbor when it hits PS4, Xbox One, and PC on May 19th.

From the Press Release:
Preview your journey to Far Harbor, the next game-on for Fallout 4. Far Harbor docks on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC on Thursday, May 19th.

In Far Harbor, a new case from Valentine’s Detective Agency leads you on a search for a young woman and a secret colony of synths. Travel off the coast of Maine to the mysterious island of Far Harbor, where higher levels of radiation have created a more feral world. Navigate through the growing conflict between the synths, the Children of Atom, and the local townspeople. Will you work towards bringing peace to Far Harbor, and at what cost?

Far Harbor features the largest landmass for an add-on that Bethesda Game Studios has ever created, filled with new faction quests, settlements, lethal creatures, and dungeons. Become more powerful with new, higher-level armor and weapons. The choices are all yours.

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A trailer’s just been released for a Japanese film adaptation of the manga series Shimauma by Fumio Obata, but before you watch, be warned that it’s most definitely NOT SAFE FOR WORK as it contains some of the most hardcore violence that you’ll probably see in any trailer ever.

The original manga followed a team of con artists who find themselves being hunted by a maniac who enjoys torturing people using the most horrific methods imaginable after they cross the wrong guy.

Hajime Hashimoto directs, and it will be painting Japanese screens red on May 21st.

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Developed by IO Interactive

Published by Square Enix

Available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One

Rated M for Mature

I might have been a bit too harsh on the first episode of Hitman.  I ended up giving it a favorable review, but I was quick to conclude that it was “not a game I am compelled to master.” The dozen or so hours I spent playing after my review provides pretty damning evidence that I was wrong. The game still has plenty of bugs and some design flaws, but there’s a carnival’s worth of random fun shit to do. It doesn’t raise the score a whole lot higher, but it’s important to know my mindset going into “Sapienza.”

We won’t know how the package shapes up until all seven episodes are out, but this is the first hint what to expect from the individually purchasable episodes. If you’re unfamiliar with the release structure for Hitman, it’s a standard $60 title also being sold as episodic chunks. You can purchase the whole game for $60, which comes with all seven episodes plus the training missions. I use the word episode deliberately, since calling it a “level” would be missing a lot. Though each episode is only a single map, each map can be played in a variety of ways with different loadouts, starting locations, and even target objectives. It’s more accurate to say that each episode is its own sandbox, full of a

Certainly didn’t think I’d by starting my day with a dose of “death by explosive golf ball.”

near limitless amount of variations.

Just because something is limitless doesn’t mean it’s all interesting. There are a near infinite number of combinations of M&Ms in a bag, but I’m not going to go about counting them. Hitman’s introductory episode certainly wasn’t as boring as bean counting, but it also wasn’t as compelling as it could be. The world of impromptu assassination should offer new continent levels of explorative value. There was a lot to explore, but it always boiled down to the same basic formula of distract, kill, drag, hide. Nevertheless, there was an emergent element to it, where random events far beyond your control would lead to heated chases, fevered costume changes, desperate escapes, and ridiculous solutions.

All of this is a large and cumbersome way of phrasing the question, “is Sapienza worth $10?” Technically, it’s $25 with purchase of the prerequisite “Intro Pack,” but the episode itself is only $10. If you couldn’t tell by how much of the review I cleverly filled with build up, it’s not a straight answer. On the one hand, there’s basically an equal amount of content here for just 2/3 the asking price. On the other hand, it’s kind of the same thing.

Following around a marked target until he’s isolated enough to strangle… yup, this is Hitman.

Fans will know that the Hitman series has always been built on increasingly difficult and intricate assassinations. You start off with some basic garrotes and poisonings, and evolve to car bombings, dual headshots, propane tank tampering, and creative environmental strangulations. So while the first episode had you killing two people in a large map, this one has you killing two people AND destroying a virus. Woah, 33% percent more value for 66% of the price! My mind can’t even math that hard.

And thus marks the first time in the Hitman franchise that rat poison was actually used to poison rats.

It is far too early to be jumping the gun on a sweeping judgement, but it’s disappointingly samey. There are some differences from the “Paris” mission. “Paris” was largely one area, self-contained and separate from the rest of the world. “Sapienza” feels like a living world rather than a constructed event for you to explore. About a third of the map is outside of the main compound, allowing you to explore shops, buildings, and alleyways for ways to get into the main area. There’s a plethora of conversations to overhear, items to find, and paths to unlock, making the preparation feel like its own adventure.

Oh I am going to murder the FUCK out of someone wearing that.

Once inside the compound, it follows a very similar formula to the first episode: isolate your target, apply murder, hide body, make escape. What’s most interesting about this episode is that not every opportunity is foolproof. With “Paris,” as long as you followed the prompts, you could basically get away with it flawlessly. I was surprised to follow one of “Sapienza’s” opportunity chains to find the target still surrounded by guards. It proved to be the most simple, but also the least elegant assassination. It’s bold that they have essentially made their own hint system flawed, making the optimal course of action much less obvious.

Unfortunately, none of this alters the fundamental formula: distract, kill, drag, hide. Throw a coin, distract a guard, knock him out, drag his body, hide the body, repeat until target adjacent. It’s not a bad formula. Just a familiar one, and in need of variation. It’s a problem endemic to the Hitman formula, that every game in its own way has worked to overcome. Absolution had straight action sequences, which while pissing off some fans did the job of breaking up the pacing. Older titles would change up the setting and mission layouts, diversify the targets, and present increasingly complicated and rewarding kill options.

Please, let me lead you away from my guards to a secluded area to have a conversation with you. Please ignore the conveniently human-sized dumpster to my right.

I’m still waiting for Hitman to deliver on establishing its own identity. As of now, it feels like a large, open, well polished, yet incredibly standard title. There are plenty of ways to complete your assassination objectives, but none of it has yet really impressed me. As a functional sandbox, it stands out as above the bar. If this were the first title in the franchise, it would be genre defining. But it isn’t. The franchise has been around for a while, and with the older games having aged just fine, Hitman needs to do something to stand out. The pieces are all here, with the trademark black humor definitely kicking the whole package up a notch. The next few levels just have to deliver that spark that makes it all unforgettable.

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2013’s Outer space zombie shooter Dead Effect was an instant classic, being released to great reviews and selling over three million copies worldwide. The long awaited sequel’s just made its way onto Steam, and be sure to buy it by May 13th to get a 33% discount.

Like its predecessor, Dead Effect 2 takes place on a spaceship that has become infested with the living dead, so you know what to do. Gear up and load your weapons; it’s time to kick space zombie butt! And don’t forget to customize your character so that you become the ultimate zombie killing machine.

In addition to the campaign, there are also several multiplayer modes that should give you hours of extra fun.

About the Game:
Dead Effect 2 is the newest addition to the acclaimed Dead Effect franchise. This action sci-fi shooter is looking to push the boundaries of first-person shooters to new levels with slick graphics, rich narrative, and RPG elements.

Play the single-player missions at your own pace or engage your friends in the cooperative or PvP multiplayer mode. Train; develop your character; collect and upgrade countless weapons, gear, and body implants; and take control of the monster-infested ship.

Develop Your Character
Your hero adapts, grows, and gets better as you play. Help them along the way by choosing the best gear!
-get 100+ upgradable weapons of all kinds – pistols, shotguns, plasma guns, bows, swords… you name it
-collect 300+ gear items and implants
-collect dozens of gear sets, from Regular to Mythical
-put together a complete gear set to gain special abilities
-equip your hero with a selection of 30+ special abilities, from bullet time to force field
-try high-tech body implants to increase your character’s performance

Explore The Vast Spaceship
A colonist ship is full of diverse environments, from maintenance rooms to oxygen gardens. And full of dark corners, too!
-enjoy the stunning environments with moody graphics
-explore the whole ship during the main story campaign
-return to complete various basic tasks in generic missions
-stand up to the challenge in special missions – Biohazard, Survive, Lone Wolf, Infestation modes

Face Different Kinds of Enemies
You know you are not alone on this ship. There are friends, and there are foes. Sadly, the friends are outnumbered.
-test your strength against zombies, soldiers, cyborgs, mutant, cannibals, mechanical dogs, drones…
-get engaged in several unique boss fights
-complete special missions with various enemy types to gain experience

Challenge Your Friends
You can face the enemy alone, but you won’t last long. Call your friends to action and together take up arms against the enemy!
-play together in the cooperative multiplayer mode – you can play the story campaign and all special missions
– challenge your friends to a life-and-death battle in the player vs. player multiplayer mode
-conquer the elaborate system of achievements – collect all 170 of them!
-get social – share your results and leaderboard position on social media channels

Get Extras
By purchasing Dead Effect 2, you directly support the developers and get more than just a game!
-20+ hours of gameplay
-all future updates for free
-downloadable game soundtrack
-exclusive art book with a comprehensive overview of the Dead Effect universe
-become a member of a lively community and participate in the development

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Murder, kidnappings, and more… streaming service DramaFever is bringing fans their top Asian horror films of the season. Viewers can tune in for Death Bell, Apartment, and Muoi: The Legend of a Portrait next weekend starting Friday, May 13th.

Each film will be available exclusively on DramaFever Premium. See below for their descriptions – just click each title for more info and to start watching.

Death Bell
Stars Nam Gyu Ri and Kim Bum – This fascinating tale follows a group of high school students that are being haunted by a ghost from their past. As the students begin to take final exams, a few of their peers are mysteriously abducted and tortured on live TV.

Apartment
Stars Ko So Young and Park Ha Sun – This South Korean horror film follows Se-jin Oh, a lonely department store clerk who witnesses a suicide on her subway ride home. Now, every night at exactly 9:56 pm, Se-jin Oh and her neighbors are tormented by a mysterious spirit who is seeking revenge for being raped and physical abused as a child.

Muoi: The Legend of a Portrait
Stars Jo An and Cha Ye Ryun – This riveting tale follows a washed up novelist who ventures to Vietnam to write a new book about the legendary tale of Muoi, a beautiful woman whose face was burned by her fiancé after she is caught with another lover. Every 15th day of the lunar month, the spirit of Muoi returns to Vietnam to seek revenge for her wrongful death.

About DramaFever:
DramaFever was launched in 2009 by co-founders Seung Bak and Suk Park and, in just a few short years, has grown to become the leading online destination for the best TV shows and movies from around the world.  DramaFever offers hundreds of series, variety shows, movies, and even kids programming in multiple languages. 

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The merry month of May is now in full swing, which means it’s time to pre-order a whole new batch of toys and collectibles from Diamond Select. Orders are now open on a wide variety of items, including action figures, Minimates, statues, and kitchenware from the worlds of the Universal Monsters, Aliens, Predator 2, Ghostbusters (the original), and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Take a peek  at what’s coming this fall below. We also included a few more sci-fi oriented items from the likes of “Lost in Space” and Star Trek because… lights… sounds… and KHAN!!!!

Universal Monsters Frankenstein and Creature Kitchenware
Throw a party that’s frightfully good with these two gelatin molds and one silicone tray in the shape of the classic Universal Monsters. Liven up your next Halloween party or any celebration where classic horror fans can be found. Each comes packaged in a full-color window box.

• Frankenstein Gelatin Mold (Item #MAY162382, SRP: $14.99)
  One 10” plastic gelatin mold allows you to cast up the head of Frankenstein’s Monster in delicious gelatin.
• Creature Gelatin Mold (Item #MAY162383, SRP: $14.99)
  A second mold captures the scaly features of the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
• Creature Silicone Tray (Item #MAY162384, SRP: $14.99)
  A 7” by 5” silicone tray lets you fill up eight separate compartments with ice, chocolate, or gelatin; and what comes out is in the shape of the always-popular Creature.

Aliens Deluxe Minimates APC Mini-Vehicle (Item #MAY162381, SRP: $29.99)
Get your Colonial Marines ready to roll out with this all-new Minimates-scale mini-vehicle of the Armored Personnel Carrier from Aliens. Based on the classic 1986 movie, this approximately 7” APC vehicle seats five Marines and includes an exclusive Minimates mini-figure of Lt. Gorman with an alternate bandaged head. The APC has a roof that opens up so you can control the bug hunt from the command center, plus a real sliding door, rolling wheels, moving cannon, and a rack of assault rifles in the back for missions. Packaged on a full-color blister card.

Predator 2 Glaive Weapon Metal Bottle Opener (Item #MAY162394, SRP: $18.00)
First seen in the sequel film Predator 2, the glaive weapon has become an iconic part of the Predator’s arsenal. Molded to a Predator’s grip and able to be thrown great distances, the glaive can cut through almost anything – and now it can open your bottles for you! This approximately 3-inch diameter bottle opener is modeled after the glaive as it appeared on screen, made of solid metal, and has magnets on the back so it can stick to your refrigerator or trophy case until you need it. Packaged in a collector case with a full-color sleeve.

Ghostbusters Movie Select 7” Action Figures Series 3 Asst. (Item #MAY162380, SRP: $24.99/ea)
The hugely popular Ghostbusters Select action figure series continues with three new figures and three more pieces of the colossal rooftop diorama! Slimer, Janine, and Quittin’ Time Ray make up Series 3, and each comes with bonus accessories in addition to their diorama piece: Janine includes a phone, alarm button, and take-out containers; Slimer comes with two alternate faces and a support stand that can plug into the rooftop; and Quittin’ Time Ray includes a variety of interchangeable gloved and ungloved hands as well as all-new sculpting and paint details to reflect his appearance at the end of a long shift. Each 7-inch scale action figure features up to 16 points of articulation and comes packaged in display-ready Select figure packaging. Collecting all 15 figures in the series allows you to build the full rooftop temple scene from Ghostbusters. Series 1 and 2 available now. Sculpted by Gentle Giant.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Santa Jack & Santa Sally Coffin Dolls Set (Item #MAY162395, SRP: $99.99)
The stars of the stop-motion animation holiday classic Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas are back, and Christmas will never be the same! Re-creating the classic collectable figures of yesteryear, these poseable figures of Jack Skellingon (16”) and his true love Sally (14”) in their Santa Claus outfits feature real cloth costumes over articulated bodies and come packaged in a double-wide coffin-shaped window box. Limited to only 1,993 pieces!

Lost in Space Anti-Matter B9 Robot with Lights & Sounds (Item #MAY162392, SRP: $49.99)
Warning, warning! Diamond Select Toys has taken its 10-inch rendition of B9, the friendly helper robot from “Lost in Space,” and transported it to another dimension! This Anti-Matter version features an all-new paint scheme, as seen in the episode “The Anti-Matter Man,” and features lights and sounds taken straight from the classic sci-fi TV show. Lights on his head and chest blink constantly while B9 is on, and additional lights and all-new “anti-matter” dialogue are triggered with the push of a button, including “This is the opposite world,” “So you’re the goody-goody one,” and “I don’t need help from you, punk – get lost!” You can also manually raise and lower his head, open and close his claws, extend his arms, and turn his torso to the left and right. He even has wheels so you can roll him around! Comes packaged in full-color window box with try-me feature.

Star Trek Select Movie Khan 7” Action Figure (Item #MAY162393, SRP: $24.99)
They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but revenge has never been this cool! Measuring approximately 7 inches tall, this action figure of Khan Noonien Singh, as he appeared in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, comes with the command chair of the U.S.S. Reliant, as well as numerous interchangeable parts. With alternate legs, arms, hands, and a head, you can have him seated or standing, shaking his fist or crossing his arms, shouting, or savoring his victory. Just in time for the film’s 35th anniversary, this figure comes packaged in display-ready Select packaging, with spine artwork for easy shelf reference. Sculpted by Patrick Piggott!

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The horror genre is no stranger to stories involving the possession of family members: from My Mom’s a Werewolf to Rabid Grannies, this sub-genre has been done and re-done over and over again. From my vantage point, these films typically lean heavily on tongue-in-cheek humor – a kind of dark comedy that seems to relieve the filmmakers from having to really commit to either the horror or comedy genre. As a result I tend to find films of this ilk rather boring (either because the humor falls far from the mark or because there aren’t enough scares to offset the comedic moments). These films more often than not end up feeling like caricatures of themselves.

In the case of a film like Rabid Grannies – the near-legendary film from Troma’s catalog – the barometer is accelerated in the other direction (away from slapstick humor toward gore-fest) so much so that I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the creators of Dead Alive were heavily influenced by it. In the end, films like Rabid Grannies and Dead Alive keep me entertained for only a very short time and I find my patience dwindling for the over-the-top gore and slapstick gags. My indifference begins to morph into daydreaming about other (though admittedly no less-strange) things.

And then there’s Mom – a little horror film that seemingly came and went without causing much of a stir (good or bad) back in the early 1990s.  I fondly remember seeing the strange though humorous VHS cover art in my local Pawtucket video store as a kid (Video Hut – the place I first discovered such gems as Troll 2 and Albert Pyun’s garbage take on the Captain America story). In fact, now that I’m thinking about Video Hut, I also used to rent many Nintendo and Super Nintendo games from there as well. Odds are I helped pay that place’s rent many months over simply from my countless rentals of the NES version of Paperboy…

…And I digress. What the hell was I talking about? Oh, right. Mom. Okay, so:

Synopsis from the VHS: “Most moms are wonderful cooks, this one…likes it raw. Something’s been eating Clay Dwyer – his mom. Once a sweet, lovable old lady she has been bitten by and transformed into a flesh eater, turning her into a hungry creature with a knack for good ol’ homestyle cooking. Due to Mom’s insatiable appetite, Clay is reluctant to introduce her to his pregnant girlfriend. But family friction is far from Clay’s major concern. Mom is on the loose, terrorizing the town and sinking her teeth in groceries not found at the corner market. What is Clay to do? To everyone else she’s a monster that must be destroyed. But to him…she’s still MOM.”

While it doesn’t possess awe-inspiring cast performances or air tight writing, Mom DOES pack some eery visuals, “WTF did they just say?” dialogue, and a trove of enjoyably wacky moments from then-veteran actress, Jeanne Bates. Mom juggles the oddball humor and effective – albeit brief – gore in a harmlessly fun way. One moment Bates’ character is baking cookies, while a moment later is stalking homeless people for dinner. It’s truly a casserole of insanity from start to finish – and I love it.

After a recent viewing of Mom I felt as though it was from a different era, though not one I could place whatsoever. In its occasional fantastical atmosphere, it’s almost as if Mom was set inside the twisted dreamlike state of a young child. And even though I enjoyed most of the script (which awkwardly balances the humor with the horror), it was really the performance from Bates that brings it all home for me. Bates’ career began in the 1940s, and up to her death in 2007 she really did it all. Radio, television, film, you name it.

And while her role as a bloodthirsty flesh hound may have sounded unusual to Bates at the time, one must remember that she had already starred in David Lynch’s Eraserhead, playing the part of Mrs. X., so surely she was up for anything – as you’ll read below during my interview with Mom director Pat Rand.

Jeanne Bates on the set of David Lynch’s Eraserhead

John Campopiano: What sorts of films did you admire growing up? Are they the same kinds of films you’ve been making during your career thus far?

Pat Rand: Growing up I wasn’t really that interested in films. However, the first film that really compelled me was 2001: A Space Odyssey – and I became obsessed with The Poseidon Adventure. There was something about the familiar becoming foreign and frightening… I also loved old monster movies that showed on Saturday TV, especially “The Twilight Zone” and “The Outer Limits.” In college, film editing completely grabbed me and never let go. I knew it’s what I had to do, and so I headed to California after graduation. I had no real plan, no particular goal except to edit. I ended up at Roger Corman’s studio where, at that time, he was making low budget horror films, so that’s what I worked on – both before and after Mom.

JC: Where did the idea for Mom originally come from? Would you say that your initial vision for the film is what ended up getting made?

PR: The idea came up just sitting around with friends, throwing out ideas, and the idea of a sweet little blue-haired lady becoming a flesh-eating ghoul struck us all as fun and funny. After working in the low-budget world for a while, I felt I could write a script that was at least as good as what I saw being produced in that world. I had made enough contacts that I thought it could get funding. Kevin Watson and I fleshed out the story (he had a wicked sense of humor), and I wrote the script fairly quickly. The man who found the funding, Cassian Elwes, pushed to make the script more graphic. I didn’t know until after the fact that that he was going to release this as a sequel to a film called Monster Dog that he had produced.

Director Pat Rand and Jeanne Bates on the set of Mom

I wouldn’t say that my initial vision for the film ended up on screen, although the humor and poignancy remained intact. The original vision did leave much more to the imagination. Originally, Emily (aka Mom, played by Jeanne Bates) never physically transformed into a monster, she just became a flesh eater. The only transformation was in her eyes.  Also, once we got into production we quickly fell behind schedule and each day started with me having to cut scenes from the script. For the longest time I couldn’t watch the film because it felt like such a compromise from the original vision, but I’ve moved past that. It was all a great learning experience.

Mom was shot on 35mm and went straight to video. It was filmed on the edge of South Central Los Angeles and we had to make a deal with the local gang so we wouldn’t have problems. I only heard about that after the fact. (Lots of things a director finds out about after the fact). Apparently that had been the intention from the beginning, although cast and crew (myself included) were unaware of that.

JC: I’ve always felt that the balance of comedic and horror elements in Mom worked well. Was it your goal from the start to have this film be a mixture of dark humor and horror?

PR: Absolutely. That was the appeal of it for me. I’m glad you appreciate it. We only had one real screening of the film, and to hear the audience respond the way we hoped – very rewarding. Jeanne Bates came out of the screening and admitted that she hadn’t seen the humor in the script. I don’t think she would have played it right if she had.

JC: In the story, were the bestial transformations of Brion James’ and Jeanne Bates’ characters intended to be those of vampires, werewolves, or something else?

PR: The conceit is that there is only one species of creature through all ages and cultures. Each culture and time period created its own myth around the creature, eventually becoming stories of vampires, werewolves, etc.

Brion James as “Nestor Duvalier”

JC: Could you tell us a bit about the special effects makeup used in the film? There were certainly some nice moments – particularly moments involving Jeanne.

PR: Kevin and Sandra McCarthy of Players Special Effects were really the team behind the special effects makeup. We had three stages of monster transformation beyond the yellow contacts. First was just a makeup effect, which is what you see the most in the film. Second was the “transformation” makeup where there were balloons under latex which inflated the cheeks and forehead. This stage was challenging and rarely worked very well. I think you see it best on the rooftop scene, but even then it’s hard to see. Finally was the full-on monster prosthetic head. It was not articulate at all, we just shot it very close up as it “lunged”. That’s what you see in the advertising.

Jeanne was a total trooper. She did tell me that in Eraserhead David Lynch had glued a real pubic hair on her face, so everything we did to her was much easier. The contact lenses were difficult for her to get in and out; yet, for some reason it was easy for me, so more often than not I would put them in for her.

JC: In addition to Mom you’ve got some other horror/thriller and even sci-fi titles to your credit including Twice Dead, The Rain Killer, The Unborn, and Scanner Cop 2. What do you enjoy about working in these genres?

PR: Like I said, I ultimately wanted to work and these were the films that came my way. I was never great at action films. I found myself to be much better at creating tension, suspense, and creating empathy for characters – probably because those things were more interesting to me. I really like less graphic horror films that leave more to the viewer’s imagination (although I rarely had my way with that on these films).

JC: What are some of your most vivid memories from the shoot?

PR: The most vivid memory was shutting down just a few days before we were supposed to start shooting. Everything was in place and then Cassian Elwes called me in to say he hadn’t found funding for the film. I had to go to the set and tell everyone the bad news. We were filming in a trashed house (in the Los Angeles area) that we had cleaned up and painted to make it Emily’s house. That was very hard – telling everyone that had worked so hard to get ready for the production that it wasn’t going to happen. But the core group kept meeting in our production office and sent out packages to every production company in town saying we had this great little film ready to go – we just needed money.

About three weeks later Cassian came back with the funding and we were back on. Crazy! We had lost a couple of crew members but still had our original cast. We were on a very tight budget, and many strange decisions were made to save money. We hired Maray Ayres as Clay’s sister because she promised to train our bulldog who appeared in the movie. However, there was only one time that the dog did what it was told to – and I’m pretty sure it was a coincidence. Her shouting at the dog to come, or to stay, with almost no result was very funny.

Jeanne Bates was a total trooper. She had to stay in that make-up for hours sometimes. Only one time did she even seem cranky about it: We were on the rooftop for the face-off with the cop who tries to shoot her. I asked her what I could do to make things a little easier for her. She responded that she wanted a vanilla milkshake…and she got it!

JC: In an age of reissues, re-releases and restorations, can fans expect to see a DVD or even Blu-ray release of Mom anytime soon?

PR: I really don’t know. You can order a DVD copy from the MGM library and also stream it on Netflix (or at least you could a year ago). It was also released, strangely enough, on laserdisc.

JC: If you could bring the principal characters from Mom back for a sequel to mark this year’s 25th anniversary of the original, what would you call it?

PR: I think it would have to be called Grandma. The premise would go something like this: Emily survives the explosion but goes into hiding. It turns out that even though Emily didn’t kill Alice, maybe she took a bite, and the unborn baby is a creature like Emily. She takes it to protect and feed it. Or something like that. Fun question!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

The post Mom Turns 25 This Mother’s Day; Take a Look Back with Director Pat Rand appeared first on Dread Central.

The upcoming Shadow of the Beast reboot will include the original 1989 Commodore Amiga game as a bonus feature, as stated in a post over on the PlayStation Blog. This is wonderful news not only for diehard retro game fans (as the years go by, all the classics of the past are becoming increasingly hard to find) but also for fans of the series who never had a chance to experience the game that started it all.

Like many retro games, Shadow of the Beast was notoriously difficult, which is why they’ve added a new infinite lives mode in addition to some other features to make it a less punishing experience for players. The original soundtrack by David Whittaker and the beautiful box art by artist Roger Dean (look at it below, and please try not to drool all over your computer) will also be included as digital bonus features in the reboot.

Thank you, Heavy Spectrum, for keeping the past alive. Now we’ll be able to play their reimagining of Shadow of the Beast along with the original when it hits PS4 on 17 May 2016.

The post Shadow of the Beast Reboot Will Include the Original Game as a Bonus Feature appeared first on Dread Central.

Although he’s becoming a more and more prominent director in his own right, it’s great to see Ben Wheatley giving up-and-coming filmmakers the chance to shine by producing their films. Which is exactly what he’s doing with Tank 432, from director Nick Gillespie, who also helmed last year’s horror flick The Shadow Seamstress in addition to working in the camera department on Wheatley’s earlier films.

Tank 432, also known as Belly of the Bulldog, follows a group of mercenaries who discover that the tank they use to combat their enemies may harbor a sinister force of its own.

It hits DVD in the UK on August 22nd.

Synopsis:
From director Nick Gillespie and executive producer Ben Wheatley (director of Kill List and High-Rise) comes this knife-edged thriller about a band of mercenary soldiers battling to escape a mysterious, unseen enemy.

The post Ben Wheatley-Produced Tank 432 Blasts Out a Trailer appeared first on Dread Central.

What did you think of last night’s episode of “Penny Dreadful” on Showtime? Can’t get enough of the series”? Well, in May, ONE active Box of Dread acolyte will receive the “Penny Dreadful” Box of Dread Seventh Box featuring a Wooden Skull Prop that was in the TV show. It even comes with a Certificate of Authenticity!

You have two ways to become a Box of Dread acolyte:

So, hurry and sign up to be a Box of Dread acolyte now so that you can be eligible to be the ONE acolyte to receive this “Penny Dreadful” May 2016 Box of Dread Seventh Box. You have until 11:59pm ET on May 9, 2016, to sign up!

This Wooden Skull Relic is a prop used in the filming of “Penny Dreadful” on Showtime, and it comes with a Certificate of Authentication too. Will you have the space the space in your home to show off this awesome prop?

About “Penny Dreadful” Season 3:
This season on “PENNY DREADFUL,” Tony Award-winning star Patti LuPone (“American Horror Story”), who guest starred last season as the Cut-Wife, returns as a series regular in the new role of Dr. Seward, an American therapist who treats Vanessa (Eva Green) with an unconventional new approach. Wes Studi (“Hell on Wheels”) joins as a series regular as Kaetenay, an intense, enigmatic Native American with a deep connection to Ethan (Josh Hartnett) who becomes an ally to Sir Malcolm (Timothy Dalton). The third season also adds Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Henry Jekyll (Shazad Latif).

Related Story: “Penny Dreadful” news and updates

Remember, only ONE Box of Dread acolyte who is current on his/her subscription will receive this authentic “Penny Dreadful” Wooden Skull Relic prop in the May 2016 Box of Dread Seventh Box. So hurry and sign up before the May 9th 11:59pm ET deadline and make sure that your credit card information is up-to-date. We will be choosing the Seventh Box winner right when the May 2016 Box of Dread signup period ends on May 9, 2016 11:59pm ET!

You have two ways to subscribe to Box of Dread:

Don’t miss out. The deadline to sign up for the May 2016 Box of Dread is 11:59pm ET on May 9, 2016.

If you missed out on our previous Box of Dread months, we have a few leftover boxes left for purchase at our Box of Dread Store, while stock lasts. Some international shipping is available for these older boxes.

For even more pictures and videos, check out Box of Dread on Social Media!

The post Last Day to Qualify for Penny Dreadful Box of Dread Seventh Box appeared first on Dread Central.

Originally released on Google Play, the zombie game Corridor Z has now made its way onto the PS4 and Vita (yes, there really are still games being released for the Vita) for $7.99. It sure can be hard for a zombie game to stand out these days, especially one that’s an original IP, what with the market being absolutely flooded with the damn things, so we’re glad to give it some much needed coverage.

Set in a school that has become infested with the living dead, Corridor Z ditches the traditional zombie action combat mechanics in favor of a run and gun style of gameplay where your main objective is to put as much distance as possible between yourself and the ravenous dead. Which shouldn’t be too hard, what with zombies being notorious for how slowly they move and everything, but what they lack in speed they make up for in quantity, so don’t let your guard down!

Synopsis:
This time you don’t ‘face’ the obstacles, but the actual pursuit. Don’t let the zombies catch you up; throw them the obstacles, and aim for the head before they take the first bite. In the meantime find the lost recordings of the audio log and reveal where the infection came from in your small town.

FEATURES:
Experience the most genre refreshing runner in years
Get thrilled with the unique and intense gameplay
Help the pom-pom girl, the jock, and the jarhead to survive
Discover the infection’s mystery with voice-overed story
Enjoy the cutting-edge detailed graphics
Stock the awesome upgradeable arsenal: pistols, SMGs, shotguns, and more
Immerse yourself in multiple objectives designed for each of the characters
…and shoot down tons of running horror!

The post Zombie Game Corridor Z Infests PS4 and Vita appeared first on Dread Central.

Forget Christmas; our favorite time of year is Halloween! And while the night of All Hallows’ Eve is quite a few months away, the awesome Halloween-themed web series “The Witching Season” is now on YouTube so we can celebrate it all year round.

“The Witching Season” is a Halloween horror anthology series composed of short horror films that are presented as a free web series. Inspired by classic anthology shows such as “Tales from the Crypt,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “Are You Afraid of the Dark?,” “The Witching Season” delivers originally produced tales of terror, all set during the Halloween season.

Fueled by nostalgia, the series pays special attention to the spirit of Halloween and reminds us of the magic that exists during that special time of year. The latest installment, “Not Alone,” can be found below.  For more, visit “The Witching Season’s” YouTube Channel.

The post Experience Halloween All Year Round with Web Series The Witching Season appeared first on Dread Central.

It’s hard to believe that “Preacher” debuts in less than two weeks now, and to get you even more excited for it (if that’s possible), AMC has released another new promo. This one’s titled “Under Control,” and it warns that the beginning is nigh – are you ready?

“Preacher” premieres on Sunday, May 22nd, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. It is a supernatural, twisted, and darkly comedic drama that follows a West Texas preacher named Jesse Custer, who is inhabited by a mysterious entity that causes him to develop a highly unusual power. Jesse, his badass ex-girlfriend Tulip, and an Irish vagabond named Cassidy come together; and when they do, they are thrust into a crazy world populated by a cast of characters from Heaven, Hell, and everywhere in between.

The series stars Dominic Cooper as Jesse Custer, Joseph Gilgun as Cassidy, Ruth Negga as Tulip, Lucy Griffiths as Emily, W. Earl Brown as Sheriff Root, Anatol Yusef as DeBlanc, Tom Brooke as Fiore, Derek Wilson as Donnie Schenck, and Ian Colletti as Eugene/Arseface.

The post New Preacher Promo Keeps Things Under Control appeared first on Dread Central.

When it comes to delivering you the goods on a daily basis, we strive to stay both fresh and as far removed from what people refer to as “normal sensibilities” as possible. That’s why were always looking for fun ways to celebrate the genre! Enter the recurring feature Mister J’s Sense of Dread.

Each week Mister J will dive deep into his psyche to provide you with a new comic of the dreadful variety. From the horror genre to real-life events that tie into it, our new contributor will bring his insane brand of artistry to you, dear reader, with enough reckless abandon and obscurities to make the legendary Charles Addams proud!

Mister J has been drawing cartoons and watching terrible movies for as long as anyone can remember. His work appears in a variety of places but can be seen online daily at mrjcomics.com. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @misterjcomics.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the chuckles. Look for more soon!

The post Mister J’s Sense of Dread 5/9/16 appeared first on Dread Central.

Welcome back, everybody. According to my records, my first weekly release list for Dread Central came out on May 12, 2015. That makes this essentially my one-year anniversary contributing to the site. It has been a pleasure for me so hopefully you have found it somewhat enjoyable as well. Here’s to many more years to come.

This week brings us 26 releases. There were 28, but Specters and The Devil’s Woods got bumped back to May 24^th. Sorry – you have to tough it out two more weeks for those titles. Nonetheless, this week has some pretty good contenders.

Fans of the recent trend of serialization of movies may appreciate the “Scream” Season 1 release coming out this week. I admit I watched a lot of MTV when I was in high school, but that was the mid 1990s. Nowadays I try to limit myself a bit but definitely made time to check out “Scream,” and I thought it was all right. Aside from that, I’ll just be over here watching “American Pickers,” pretending that I know what it’s like to be rustic.

There’s also a small handful of classic releases this week. From 1972’s You’ll Like My Mother to 1988’s Vampires, my fellow graying (or fully grayed) friends are covered.

Thanks again for reading each week, friends. As always, pleasant viewing.

MOVIES

Arachnicide (2016)

Starring:

Gabriel Cash, Crisula Stafida, Riccardo Longhi

Synopsis:

After years of experimenting, a researcher succeeds in creating an incubator that accelerates plant and animal growth. This technology is controlled by a powerful criminal organization and is being used to accelerate the growth of plants needed for the manufacture of narcotics and illegal drugs. To counter this criminal organization and destroy the laboratories they operate, the United Nations put together an elite team of operatives. The L9 Commando is a task force composed of 6 of the best soldiers from different Special Forces Units. After successfully taking down the drug operation. The L9 Commandos are called on for an important mission that brings them to Albania where they discover a sinister plan that could destroy everything. Arachnicide or die!

Purchase:

Blood Lust (2016)

Starring:

Thomas Howell, Matt Silver, Eloise Oliver, Helen Rule, Laura Edghill

Synopsis:

When Daniel is lured to an isolated island guesthouse by his new on-line girlfriend Kelly, his hopes for a romantic weekend get-away are quickly shattered. As other guests around the estate begin to disappear, he suspects that she or her monstrous sisters may have a gruesome menu planned for their dinner. Now he and a friend race to escape this wicked trap hoping to survive beyond the dawn.

Purchase:

The Boy (2016)

Starring:

William Brent Bell, Lauren Cohan

Synopsis:

The Boy is a frightening thrill ride directed by William Brent Bell (The Devil Inside) starring Lauren Cohan (“The Walking Dead”). Greta (Cohan) is a young American woman who takes a job as a nanny in a remote English village, only to discover that the family’s 8-year-old is a life-sized doll that the parents care for just like a real boy, as a way to cope with the death of their actual son 20 years prior. After violating a list of strict rules, a series of disturbing and inexplicable events bring Greta’s worst nightmare to life, leading her to believe that the doll is actually alive.

Purchase:

Creepers (2016)

Starring:

Catherine Ashton, Christian Walker, Susan Adrienne, Bob Socci

Synopsis:

One dark and stormy night the tax man pays a visit to an eccentric horror fan who keeps the unwelcome guest distracted by telling him 4 tales of terror from the stories of Joe R. Lansdale, Edgar Allan Poe, Lafcadio Hearn and Jeff Strand.

Purchase:

Doomsday (2016)

Starring:

Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, Adrian Lester, Alexander Siddig, David O’Hara

Synopsis:

From the director of The Descent comes an action-packed thrill-ride through the beating heart of hell! To save humanity from an epidemic, an elite fighting unit must battle to find a cure in a post-apocalyptic zone controlled by a society of murderous renegades. Loaded with ferocious fights and high-octane chases, Doomsday grabs you right from the start, and doesn’t let go till its explosive end!

Purchase:

Evil Souls (2015)

Starring:

Peter Cosgrove, Lisa Marrs, Emanuele Ignomirelli, Julian Boote, Holli Dillon

Synopsis:

Two childhood friends, Jess and Susan, awaken to find themselves chained in a cell after their sons have been kidnapped. They soon learn that the man who abducted them, Valentine, has terrifying intentions and a sadistic ritual to complete. Meanwhile, Father Albert finds clues to the plans for this diabolical ritual, decades in the making. As Valentine takes his two captives on a journey into pain, hatred, and violence, Father Albert begins his mission to rescue the women and children, before it is too late.

Purchase:

Existenz (1999)

Starring:

Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jude Law, Ian Holm, Don McKellar, Callum Keith Rennie

Synopsis:

While testing her new virtual reality game, eXistenZ, Allegra Geller, the world’s leading game designer, is attacked by a crazed assassin and is forced to go on the run. During her hideout, she enlists the help of a young marketing executive and convinces him to join her in the game. The action begins as the reality of their world merges with that of the game.

Purchase:

Gingerdead Man 3: Saturday Night Cleaver (2016)

Starring:

Jackie Beat, Paris Wagner, Steven-Michael Mclure, Kimberly Pfeffer, Justin Schwan

Synopsis:

The cookie mini-murderer, The Gingerdead Man, is back again–and this time he’s leaving it all out on the dance floor… he is the ultimate roller Boogieman! After escaping from jail, The Gingerdead Man finds himself in a time machine headed for 1976. He arrives in the middle of a roller-boogie contest…but the party is just getting started for the infamous cookie killer. After taking in the sights of the beautiful roller girls, Gingerdead gets back to his old murderous ways, causing more bloody mayhem than ever before, but this time, on the dance floor! Its Saturday Night Cleaver time…so you better Keep Staying Alive!

Purchase:

It Came from Outer Space (1953)

Starring:

Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, Charles Drake, Joe Sawyer, Russell Johnson

Synopsis:

Amateur astronomer John Putnam (Richard Carlson) and his fiancee Ellen Fields (Barbara Rush) are stargazing in the desert when a spaceship bursts from the sky and crashes to the ground. Just before a landslide buries the ship, a mysterious creature emerges and disappears into the darkness. Of course, when he tells his story to the sheriff (Charles Drake), John is branded a crackpot; but before long, strange things begin to happen, and the tide of disbelief turns… Based on a story by acclaimed writer Ray Bradbury, It Came From Outer Space is a science fiction classic that is as thought-provoking and tantalizing today as it was when it first “landed” on the sliver screen.

Purchase:

Jezebeth 2: Hour of the Gun (2015)

Starring:

Ana Santos, Jennifer Bartolini, Gracie Serrano, Reyna Rios, Ruby Gonzalez

Synopsis:

It’s the year 1881 and the outlaw vampires Jezebeth Wyck and Billie Gunn, are now bitter enemies and have parted ways after a human child is gunned down in cold blood. Now after 130 years that same child is a vampire who slowly begins to show signs of being telekinetic. The child creature (Abigail) is used by the outlaw Billie Gunn as bait to lure Jezebeth back to the land where it all began for a bloody final showdown.

Purchase:

The Perfume of the Lady in Black (1974)

Starring:

Mimsy Farmer, Jho Jhenkins, Luigi Antonio Guerra

Synopsis:

Director Francesco Barilli’s hallucinatory giallo horror-thriller stars Mimsy Farmer who portrays Sylvia, a chemist who begins to suffer from strange visions; a mysterious woman in black applying perfume in a mirror appears to her and strangers follow her everywhere she goes. Barilli’s psychological investigation into the workings of the mind becomes apparent when it is revealed that as a child, Sylvia committed a horrible crime. The slow progression from successful scientist to a woman on the verge of insanity shows an in-depth look at the intricacies of the haunted mind. This is a remarkable film, weaving reality, fantasy and memory into an almost seamless fabric.

Purchase:

Puppet Master: The Legacy (2004)

Starring:

Greg Sestero, Brigitta Dau, Jack Donner, Stephan Blackehart, Guy Rolfe

Synopsis:

Now the legacy can be told… The history of horror began when Andre Toulon, a benign toymaker, became the master of a group of killer puppets. It’s a tale of sorcery, death, resurrection and deadly revenge as told by Eric Weiss, a young boy who was once protected from Hitler’s SS by Toulon. Weiss, now a grown man, has spent his life trying to perfect Toulon’s secret of giving life to the inanimate. In comes Maclain, a rogue agent who wants to peddle the secret on the open market. Maclain breaks into Weiss’ lab, shoots and tortures him, but Weiss will not give up the secret. The tale unfolds, weaving new footage with flashbacks from previous Puppet master films as it becomes a battle of wills between Weiss and Maclain. The new puppet master remains defiant as the assassin moves in for the kill, unaware that Weiss has found the secret and Toulon’s puppets are ready to shed blood for their master again… Time itself seems to stand still as the present meets the past, and the bloody legacy of the murderous puppets is revealed in an act so shocking that it may destroy the very souls of all involved! The popular and exciting Legacy of the Puppet Master continues.

Purchase:

Regression (2016)

Starring:

Ethan Hawke, Emma Watson, David Dencik, David Thewlis, Dale Dickey

Synopsis:

Minnesota, 1990. Detective Bruce Kenner (Ethan Hawke) investigates the case of young Angela (Emma Watson), who accuses her father, John Gray (David Dencik), of an unspeakable crime. When John unexpectedly and without recollection admits guilt, renowned psychologist Dr. Raines (David Thewlis) is brought in to help him relive his memories and what they discover unmasks a horrifying nationwide mystery.

Purchase:

Scars (2014)

Starring:

Danielle Cole, Neale Kimmel, Matt Wells, Eric Regimbald

Synopsis:

Two death-obsessed women embark on a violent and ruthless killing spree, fueled by a mutual hatred against all men, all the while pursued by a mysterious detective, who may or may not be on their side. A Nihilistic, misanthropic character study of modern morality and sheer slasher terror.

Purchase:

Sheep Skin (2013)

Starring:

Jamie Lynn Bagley, Mark Resnik, Michael Schantz, Zack Gillette

Synopsis:

Sheep Skin is a gritty and realistic take on the werewolf sub-genre. The film centers around a group of friends in a punk rock band, who kidnap a business man because they believe he is actually a werewolf hiding in plain sight. The group takes the man to a nearby warehouse, where they have one night to prove that their suspicions are true. As the night goes on, tensions mount and the group begins to question their own motives. Are they right about the man’s true identity, or have they made a terrible and deadly mistake?

Purchase:

Suicide Party: Save Dave (2015)

Starring:

Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, Charles Drake, Joe Sawyer, Russell Johnson

Synopsis:

Dave has lost his job, his girl friend and soon will lose his house. Ready to end it all, his friends decide to hold a Suicide Party to Save Dave. They create a media frenzy when they decide to use Social Media to raise $100,000. If they fail Dave will end his life.

Purchase:

Symptoms (1974)

Starring:

Angela Pleasence, Lorna Heilbron, Peter Vaughan

Synopsis:

A masculine woman invites another woman up to her house in the country and stabs her.

Purchase:

The Thing (1982) (Collector’s Edition)

Starring:

Kurt Russell, Wilford Brimley, T.K. Carter, David Clennon, Keith David

Synopsis:

Horror-meister John Carpenter (Halloween, Escape from New York) teams Kurt Russell’s outstanding performance with incredible visuals to build this chilling version of the classic The Thing. In the winter of 1982, a twelve-man research team at a remote Antarctic research station discovers an alien buried in the snow for over 100,000 years. Soon unfrozen, the form-changing alien wreaks havoc, creates terror and becomes one of them.

Purchase:

Tremors (1990) (Collector’s Edition)

Starring:

Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire

Synopsis:

Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward star as two country handymen who lead a cast of zany characters to safety in this exciting sci-fi creature comedy. Just as Val McKee (Bacon) and Earl Basset (Ward) decide to leave Perfection, Nevada, strange rumblings prevent their departure. With the help of a shapely seismology student (Finn Carter), they discover their desolate town is infested with gigantic man-eating creatures that live below the ground.The race is on to overcome these slimy subterraneans and find a way to higher ground, in this enjoyable thriller co-starring Michael Gross and Reba McEntire.

Purchase:

Vampires (1988)

Starring:

Duane Jones, Orly Benyar, John Bly, Jackie James

Synopsis:

At a prestigious New England prep school, things are going terribly wrong…

With a unique spin on the vampire genre, full of camp, heavy synth music and thought-provoking horror, Vampires is the perfect timestamp of 80’s schlock cinema. The film takes us to a stately private school where something is amiss with the student body. Ione (Orly Benyar) is excited to begin the next chapter of her life when she is awarded a scholarship to attend a prestigious art school at the Abadon estate… which also happens to have a distant history of working with the criminally insane. Soon after arriving at the school, she realizes that there are some missing students that no one can seem to account for. While searching for answers, Ione encounters Dr. Charles Harmon (Duane Jones, the doomed hero from horror classic Night of the Living Dead), who begins to tell her about Madeline Abadon (Jackie James) and her quest to suck the youth from the student body in order to gain immortality. Charles is then encumbered with the harrowing task of disarming Madeline and her “mad scientist”machine, but will he be able to end the demonic evil on campus before it’s too late? Originally filmed as the second part of the 1989 cult anthology classic, Fright House, this would be Len Anthony’s last film. Principal cinematographer Ernest Dickerson went on to shoot Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing and direct several episodes of the classic horror TV series, “The Walking Dead.”

Purchase:

WNUF Halloween Special (2013)

Starring:

Paul Fahrenkopf, Aaron Henkin

Synopsis:

Local television personality Frank Stewart leads a group of paranormal investigators including a Catholic exorcist, Father Joseph Matheson, and the prolific husband-and-wife team Louis and Claire Berger. Together, the experts explore the darkest corners of the supposedly haunted Webber House, trying to prove the existence of the demonic entities within.

Did they find the horrific truth or simply put superstitious rumors to rest?

Purchase:

You’ll Like My Mother (1972)

Starring:

Patty Duke, Richard Thomas

Synopsis:

A pregnant war widow gets an eye-opener at her husband’s Minnesota family mansion.

Purchase:

Zombie Decadence (2016)

Starring:

Circus Szalewski, Eve Mauro, Victoria Levine, Adriana Sephora, J. Scott

Synopsis:

The Tough Titty is a strip club that’s seen better days. But tonight it’s gonna see a whole lot worse. Spider has been losing money on his business for years. Now it’s finally getting the traffic he’s always wanted… unfortunately, most of his patrons are undead. With a sudden outbreak of the zombie virus, Vanilla, Bambi, and Sugar Hills deal with the disaster the way only a stripper can. Blood and braziers go flying, in this exciting horror-comedy.

Purchase:

TELEVISION

“Scream: The TV Series” Season 1

Starring:

Bella Thorne, Willa Fitzgerald, Bex Taylor-Klaus, Carlson Young, Jason Wiles

Synopsis:

What starts as a YouTube video going viral, soon leads to problems for the teenagers of Lakewood and serves as the catalyst for a murder that opens up a window to the town’s troubled past.

Purchase:

COLLECTIONS

Grindhouse Zombies

Starring:

Various

Movies:

Zombie Field Trip

A typical college field trip for a group of Botany students turns into the field trip from Hell when they discover they are not only stranded, but are in the midst of a host of dead walkers reanimated by an evil scientist hell-bent on turning the world into a Zombie Armageddon. The grisly nightmare of carnage and horrifying abominations abound until every last student is consumed!

Zombie Slaughterfest

When the Earth is blasted with radiation from solar flares, a strange virus emerges effecting 99% of the world’s population, turning them into flesh eating cannibals. A group of shell shocked survivors try to survive by banding together but grow weary as the rotting undead multiply and grow more ravenous each day with an unquenchable need to consume the living!

Purchase:

MOVIE CASH

Van Helsing (2004)

Starring:

Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale, Richard Roxburgh, David Wenham, Shuler Hensley

Synopsis:

Van Helsing, a legendary monster hunter, is summoned to a mysterious land in Europe. He teams with Anna, the beautiful descendent of a family committed to battling Count Dracula.

Once in Transylvania, Van Helsing and Anna must combat some of the most notorious monsters from history including the Wolf Man and Frankenstein’s Monster.

Purchase:

The post DVD and Blu-ray Releases: May 10, 2016 appeared first on Dread Central.

A zombie apocalypse movie set in a police station? No, I’m not talking about a film adaptation of Resident Evil 2, awesome as that would be. I’m actually talking about the new and equally awesome sounding film Daylight’s End, which debuted to great reviews at the Dallas International Film Festival. Check out the trailer below.

From the Press Release:
Following its premiere at the Dallas International Film Festival, zombie apocalypse film Daylight’s End is already being praised by film critics. Hakeem Kae-Kazim (“Black Sails”) stars as Chris Whitlock, a Dallas police officer who is trapped with other survivors in the precinct building.

Daylight’s End, a post-apocalyptic zombie thriller, is set years after a mysterious plague has devastated the planet and turned most of humanity into blood-hungry creatures that roam by night. A rogue drifter on a vengeful hunt stumbles across a band of survivors in an abandoned police station and reluctantly agrees to try to help them defend themselves and escape to the sanctuary they so desperately need.

The independent action/sci-fi film was shot in Dallas, directed by William Kaufman, and written by Chad Law. The film also stars Johnny Strong, Chris Kerson, Chelsea Edmundson, Louis Mandylor, Gary Cairns, Mark Hanson, Lance Henriksen, and Heather Kafka.

The post Zombies Attack a Police Station in Daylight’s End appeared first on Dread Central.

Listen up, kids! Whedonopolis 2016 is a Whedonverse convention, designed by fans for fans, with the aim of harnessing the power of fandom to raise money for charities while creating a fun, interactive environment for attendees.

When: May 13-15, 2016

Where: Airtel Plaza Hotel, 7277 Valjean Avenue, Van Nuys, CA

Guests of Honor: Juliet Landau and Marc Zicree

Other Guests include: Miracle Laurie (“Dollhouse”); Todd McIntosh (“BtVS” Makeup Supervisor); “Buffy” players Doug Jones, Camden Toy, Andrew Ferchland, Harry Groener, Rudolph Martin; Keith Szarabajka (Holtz on “Angel”); Sam Anderson (Holland Manners on “Angel”); Julia Lee (Anne Steele on “Buffy” and “Angel”); and more.

Convention programming includes signings, panels, vendors, screenings, a prom dance party at The Bronze, and much more. Even cooler, one of our favorite short films will be playing there on Sunday, May 15, at 2:00pm… Yummy Meat: A Halloween Carol! It’s presented by Juliet Landau with a following Q&A moderated by her with guests Sean Decker (writer and co-producer), Brian Chandler (producer/editor), Jessica Chandler (producer/VFX), and star Miracle Laurie.

“I selected YUMMY MEAT to screen at Whedoncon because I think the fans will love it,” says Landau. “Sean Decker wrote such an amazing, suspenseful, scary film! It is directed and acted beautifully by John Fitzpatrick and Miracle Laurie. I will be moderating a panel at 2:00 pm on Sunday, the 15th, where the short film will screen; and then I will chat with Miracle, Sean, Brian, and Jessica as well as take questions from attendees.”

“Marsia Powers of Whedonopolis/Fandom Charities has created Whedoncon for fans of all things Joss Whedon. The money raised will go to two charities: Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which is a charity I support, and Pop Culture Hero Coalition. Both are anti-bullying organizations. They will also be having a baby item drive for the San Fernando chapter of Newborns in Need.”

Landau continues, “Sophie’s mum, Sylvia Lancaster, is an inspiration. She founded the organization as a legacy to her daughter, with the aim of providing education about prejudice and intolerance by going into schools, youth groups, and prisons. The horror of what happened to Sophie and Rob Maltby cannot be quantified. It seems unfathomable to me that people can be this evil, hateful, ugly, and violent. I’m moved beyond words by Sophie’s spirit and loving nature. People’s creativity and individuality is a thing to celebrate and nurture, not to destroy.”

“As a huge ‘Buffy’ fan, I’m thrilled and honored to have Juliet select our short,” says Decker. “Partly inspired by the ‘BtVS’ Season 2 episode ‘Halloween,’ I’m excited to share Yummy Meat with ‘Buffy’ fans, and I’m also just blown away that Juliet will be hosting the panel. In addition to being a friend and a simply amazing human, she’s like, Dru. Geek overload here.”

The post Juliet Landau to Present Yummy Meat: A Halloween Carol at Whedonopolis 2016 appeared first on Dread Central.

Part witch, part vampire, all horror. Witchula, like Death House, is being referred to as a sort of Expendables of the genre because of its huge cast including Bill Oberst, Jr., and Eileen Dietz. We’ve just received news that the British production company Silent Studios Productions will be assisting with the production of the film.

Directed by Marcus Bradford and Pat Kusnadi, Witchula (Facebook page here) follows a group of college students who travel to a remote island, only to be hunted down by the bound to be iconic titular monster.

From the Press Release:
MAB Studios officially has announced a co-production deal with British indie production company Silent Studios Productions for the film Witchula. Witchula, which producers are calling “The real Expendables of horror,” already boasts a team of producers with vast horror film experience and attached actors that include some of the biggest names in independent horror. According to writer/director/executive producer Marcus Bradford, Silent Studios Productions brings “another set of great eyes and expertise in a highly popular, strong, and historical genre we all love: horror!”

Co-writer/co-director/producer Pat Kusnadi (The Id, Down With David, Good Samaritan) and producers Matt Chassin (Krampus the Christmas Devil, Seeking Valentina, Krampus 2; The Devil Returns) and John Blythe (My Amityville Horror, One Day When the Rains Fell) are attached to the project along with scream king Bill Oberst, Jr. (Take This Lollipop, “Criminal Minds,” Death House) and Eileen Dietz, the iconic demon in the classic film The Exorcist.

Bradford promises the coming months will see the announcements of several more iconic actors in the horror genre. “We are elated with the new partnership we have established with Silent Studios Productions,” said John Blythe, who also heads his own production company, Film Regions International. “Unlike prior films that I have produced, this will be the biggest film in terms of budget and working directly in an international co-producing capacity that I have worked on… the guidelines of the co-production relationship we have with Silent Studios Productions will give us better clout as independent film producers here in the United States.”

Silent Studios Productions is an award-winning production company whose projects include Zombie Playground, Infected, Extinction, and Torture. Director Jason Wright is best known for his UK commercial for Capcom’s Resident Evil 6, also working as creative horror director on promotional work alongside some great companies like Microsoft on Dead Rising 3, Deep Silver on the Dead Island games, and WB Games on Shadow of Mordor.

Wright says he and producer Kirsty Richardson are “looking to bring something special to the table. We were so excited when we read the script that we knew this was something we wanted to help with and that it was for sure a new and original concept, which is something we strive to do with our own work and projects.”

Writer/director/producer Pat Kusnadi says he is looking forward to “new challenges to our production such as locations, permits, and their local cast and crews since the project partially will be shot in United Kingdom.” Kusnadi believes that “collaboration with Silent Studios Productions will help us to provide horror fans with the entertainment they have been clamoring for.”

Bradford’s production team says, “We’re looking forward to working with Silent Studios Productions and to create something spectacular and spooky for all the horror fans out there for a taste of delightful terror!”

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Oh, Canada! The first official trailer for Kevin Smith’s Yoga Hosers has arrived, and we have every strange and delightful second of it for you right here. Read on!

The cast for Yoga Hosers includes Harley Quinn Smith, Lily-Rose Depp, Michael Parks, Justin Long, Genesis Rodriguez, Ralph Garman, Jennifer Schwalbach, Harley Morenstein, Stan Lee, Tony Hale, Natasha Lyonne, Austin Butler, Adam Brody, Tyler Posey, Jason Mewes, and Johnny Depp.

The film is heading out on the road, and tour dates are as follows:

• 6/1 – New Orleans, LA at the Joy Theater
• 6/2 – Ponte Vedra, FL at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
• 6/6 – Houston, TX at The Houston Improv
• 6/12 – Columbus, OH at Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse
• 7/8 – Durham, NC at The Carolina Theatre
• 7/12 – San Jose, CA at The Improv
• 7/17 – San Francisco, CA at Cobbs Comedy Club

Synopsis:
Colleen Collette and Colleen McKenzie are teenage besties from Winnipeg who love yoga and live on their smartphones. But when these sophomores get invited to a senior party by the school hottie, the Colleens accidentally uncover an ancient evil buried beneath their Canadian convenience store. They join forces with legendary man-hunter Guy Lapointe to fight for their lives.

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