We have rounded up some of the latest horror/science fiction genre DVD & Blu-ray releases in the UK for the week beginning 24th October 2022.
VIDEODROME
Combining the bio-horror elements of his earlier films whilst anticipating the technological themes of his later work, Videodrome exemplifies David Cronenberg’s extraordinary talent for making both visceral and cerebral cinema. Max Renn (James Woods) is looking for fresh new content for his TV channel when he happens across some illegal S&M style broadcasts called “Videodrome”. Embroiling his girlfriend Nick (Deborah Harry) in his search for the source, his journey begins to blur the lines between reality and fantasy as he works his way through sadomasochistic games, shady organisations and body transformations stunningly realised by Oscar-winning makeup effects artist Rick Baker. Hailed by his contemporaries John Carpenter (“he’s better than all of us combined!”) and Martin Scorsese (“no one makes films like he does”) as a genius, Videodrome was Cronenberg’s most mature work to date and still stands as one of his greatest.
Out now on UHD [Limited Edition] [Blu-ray] from Arrow Video
TERRIFIER BOXSET (Terrifier & Terrifier 2)
Brutal, unforgiving with a unique flare; there’s no killer that comes close to Art the Clown.
Feared, loved and reviled, Art stalks his prey on All Hallows Eve, a night when all should fear a killer clown with an unforgettable and imaginative way of killing his victims.
In this two film collection witness Art cut his way through the inhabitants of small town America one by one. There’s no stopping him once his sights are set on you.
Out now on Blu-ray from Signature Entertainment
TERRIFIER 2
ART THE CLOWN IS BACK!
After being resurrected by a sinister entity, demented killer Art the Clown returns to the timid town of Miles County.
With an appetite for murder and mayhem Art sets his sights on a bereaved family, in particular teenage Sienna and her younger brother Jonathan.
It’s Halloween and the streets are about to run with blood.
David Howard Thornton (Terrifier) is back as Art the Clown, alongside Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp) and Griffin Santopietro (Cobra Kai). Terrifier 2 is written and directed by Damien Leone (Terrifier).
Out now on Blu-ray and DVD from Signature Entertainment
THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME
Based upon the ever-popular short story by Richard Connell, The Most Dangerous Game remains a hugely influential masterpiece 90 years after its release.
Big game hunter, Bob Rainsford (Joel McCrea), barely survives a shipwreck in shark infested waters and washes ashore on the private island of the sinister Count Zaroff (played with a delightful zeal by Leslie Banks). Zaroff fancies himself an accomplished hunter also ―only his preferred quarry, is man!
Taking full advantage of the lavish jungle sets created for King Kong; The Most Dangerous Game was filmed at night after filming for Kong had concluded for the day, with many cast and crew pulling double duty on both productions. After 90 years, it is still a thrilling piece of filmmaking – filled with stunning production designs, wonderful optical effects, and―of course―thrilling action. The Masters of Cinema Series is proud to present The Most Dangerous Game in its UK debut on Blu-ray, from a 2K restored scan.
Out now on Blu-ray from Eureka Entertainment
GHOST STORIES
FEATURING ALL-STAR CASTS, MARK GATISS PRESENTS FOUR GHOST STORIES FOR CHRISTMAS INSPIRED BY THE SHORT STORIES OF M.R. JAMES.
The Tractate Middoth
In search of a very particular book, John Eldred arrives at a university library. Here, an unassuming student called Garret is about to have his life turned upside down by a family feud and the lost will of the terrifying Dr Rant…
The Dead Room
Veteran presenter Aubrey Judd pines for the good old days of radio horror and especially the ‘rules’ of the genre as set out by the master – M.R. James! But he soon realises that elements of his own past are not as dead and buried as he had hoped…
Martin’s Close
1684. John Martin is on trial for his life. Facing him, the infamous ‘hanging judge’ George Jeffreys. However, this is not a cut-and-dried murder case. For the hapless victim has been seen walking after her death….
The Mezzotint
“For sale: Interesting mezzotint: View of a manor-house, early part of last century.” In the heart of an old English college, Edward Williams receives an engraving of an unknown country house. An imposing facade. A sweeping lawn. And, just perhaps, something else…?
Also includes an 8-page booklet with production notes by writer and director Mark Gatiss
Out now on DVD from BBC
JEEPERS CREEPERS REBORN
Chase and Laine head to the Horror Hound Festival, where Laine begins to experience unexplained premonitions and disturbing visions associated with the town’s past, and in particular, local legend the Creeper. As the festival gets underway and the blood-soaked entertainment builds to a frenzy, Laine believes that something unearthly has been summoned and that for the first time in 23 years, the Creeper is back.
Out now on Blu-ray and DVD from 101 Films
PENNYWISE: THE STORY OF IT
Exploring the 1990 mini-series, based on Stephen King’s iconic novel IT, this fan-funded documentary aims to tell a story heard by few and showcase a wealth of behind-the-scenes footage and photos seen by even fewer. From investigating the historical and cultural phenomenon of coulrophobia (the fear of clowns) to Tim Curry’s magical portrayal of the notorious clown monster, this story promises to dig deeper into the Pennywise phenomenon than ever before.
Featuring interviews with many of the cult classic’s key players, including director Tommy Lee Wallace and cast members Tim Curry, Seth Green, and Richard Thomas, plus over fifty further cast and crew interviews and 700+ never-seen-before production photos.
Out now on Blu-ray and DVD from Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment
MANIAC
Following the disturbing story of blue-collar serial killer Frank (Joe Spinell), William Lustig’s violent slasher movie has become a cult classic in the ranks of the horror film fandom. In a plot which weaves in elements of Peeping Tom and Taxi Driver this early 80s horror fully delivers both a chilling character study and a gory exploitation piece.
Dark, grimy and oppressively claustrophobic Maniac remains a firm favourite and an unmissable shocker. Presented here fully uncut for the first time ever from a stunning new 4K Restoration.
Out now on Blu-ray from 88 Films
THE COUNT YORGA COLLECTION
RESTORED! REJUVENATED! REBORN! By the end of the 1960s the boom in Old World gothic horror had begun to wane in the face of present day terrors like the Vietnam war. In response, American filmmakers brought horror out of the past and into the present, and the classic movie monsters packed their bags and headed for the New World. Count Yorga, Vampire was among the first to successfully transpose the classic vampire, cloak and all, to a modern day setting as the Count – played unforgettably by Robert Quarry – arrives in the United States and settles in a Southern California mansion with his mysterious “brides”. A drive-in favourite from the moment it was released, a sequel soon followed. The Return of Count Yorga ups the ante and sees the sardonic Count on the streets of San Francisco, his sights set on an orphanage as a potential source of sustenance. Director Bob Kelljan (Scream Blacula Scream) delivers a one-two punch of classic cult cinema mixing chills, thrills, style, and suspense with a knowing wit that revels in the genre trappings. Presented in all new restorations by Arrow Films from new scans of the original camera negative, The Count Yorga Collection is a full blooded feast to die for!
Out now on Limited Edition Blu-ray from Arrow Video
DON’T LOOK NOW
The first ever 4K restoration of DON’T LOOK NOW which was Nicolas Roeg’s finest film and, arguably, one of the best British films ever made. Starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie, this is a brilliant adaptation of a Daphne Du Maurier short story. On a cold, bright autumn day in Suffolk, England, a little girl in a red mackintosh drowns in a pond – the daughter of John and Laura Baxter . Trying to recover from the tragedy, the couple arrive in Venice, Italy, where John has been commissioned to restore a church. In the eerie atmosphere of the lagoon city in winter, they encounter two strange sisters. Laura is suddenly released from her grief when one of them, a blind psychic, tells her that she is in contact with her dead daughter. Angered and skeptical, John carries on with his work, but witnesses an unsettling vision of his own: a little girl in a red mackintosh disappearing into the Venetian alleys.
As Venice and his fate closes in on John, illusion, reality and sudden terror spiral the story to its grotesque climax, as the design in director Nicolas Roeg’s mosaic becomes unforgettably clear.
Available as part of a 4 disc Collector’s Edition, with brand new artwork by Jeremy Enecio, inlcuding UHD, Blu-ray Feature, Blu-ray bonus disc with brand new extras and the original haunting Pino Donnagio CD soundtrack. Also contains 5 artcards, new theatrical poster and booklet with essays and original articles.
For the 2019 restoration of DON’T LOOK NOW, STUDIOCANAL went back to the original camera negative which was scanned at 4K resolution in 16bit and created the following: 4K DCP, UHD version and a new HD version which were produced with the same high technological standards as today’s biggest international film releases. The restoration and new UHD version was colour graded and approved in London by the BAFTA Award-winning cinematographer, Anthony B Richmond.
Out now on Collector’s Edition Blu-ray from Studiocanal
THIS IS GWAR
Filmmaker Scott Barber follows the heavy metal band GWAR, through its early days coming up through the late ’80s to near-commercial success, including dark times and triumph over adversity.
Out now on Blu-ray and DVD from Acorn
THE WITCH
New England, 1630. Upon threat of banishment by the church, an English farmer leaves his colonial plantation and relocates his family to a remote plot of land on the edge of an ominous forest—within which lurks an unknown evil. Strange and unsettling things begin to happen —animals turn malevolent, crops fail, one child disappears and another seems to become possessed by an evil spirit. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, daughter Thomasin is accused of witchcraft.
Out now on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray from Second Sight
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