The Complete METROPOLIS

I had no idea that this was on the horizon until a friend linked the trailer on his site. It seems Kino has outdone themselves once more with yet another, but ultimately quite impressive, restoration of Fritz Lang's masterpiece, METROPOLIS.

A few years ago, Kino delivered an astounding restoration of the film on DVD. Preserving the correct film speed would have been miraculous enough, but the frame-by-frame clean-up is superb, making that version the definitive one... until now.

Somehow, Kino has managed to track down over twenty minutes of lost footage, presumably from two recently discovered prints. And, the good news is, we'll be able to indulge in it's wonder quite soon.

I was hoping to showcase the trailer here, but embedding has since been disabled, so please check it out HERE.


Excitement: 10/10

Deep Blu

I'm in deep. Deep into Blu-ray, that is.

I've been resisting the format for quite some time, but finally caved upon viewing the cover for the Blu-ray edition of Peter Yates' THE DEEP.

THE DEEP is a favorite of mine, since I'm already obsessed with JAWS and this was the second Peter Benchley novel to be adapted to film. Oh, and that Jacqueline Bisset scene... you know the one.

Anyhow, I've owned it on VHS and DVD, but was shocked to see that the Blu-ray contained two sought out special features (the DVD and earlier Laserdisc had absolutely nothing): The CBS network special, THE MAKING OF THE DEEP (hosted by Robert Shaw) and select scenes from the 3-Hour television version. WHAT?! I must see these extras! So, the next step was purchasing a player and I went on the cheap with the $78 Magnavox bare-bones player at Wal-Mart. BD players don't get any cheaper and, for what it's worth, this is an exceptional player. The downfall is that it isn't BD Live enabled, but at this point, I don't care about that.

Happy to say that the extras on THE DEEP were well worth it, for me anyway. Although, there still is no theatrical trailer available and it would be nice to have the option to incorporate the televised scenes into the theatrical cut. These scenes are great, especially the prologue (featuring Cameron Mitchell!) and they add to the story.

So, now I was truly curious as to what other obscure films were floating around on BD with such rare features. As of yet, I haven't discovered a film to rival THE DEEP in this arena. Most films contain the same extras as their DVD counterparts. But, I've since discovered that there are quite a few exceptions to this rule. If BD is the superior format, why don't most companies do a better job in rivaling the extras of the earlier DVD? Makes no sense that films like THE AMITYVILLE HORROR, CARRIE, COMMANDO, THE GRADUATE, TOTAL RECALL and countless others don't live up to this. ROBOCOP has been issued twice on BD, but both versions are the 'R' rated release. Why would I want that? Oh, and thanks to Fox for retaining all the special features for PREDATOR 2, but none of which, aside from the trailer, for the original PREDATOR. That makes a lot of sense. People do care more about the sequel. (Insert fart sound here.)

I agree that BD is amazing, but studios need to live up to the format's potential. For the most part, I'm only purchasing titles that have the same extras, if not more, and still holding on to my DVDs. For the undemanding, in terms of extra content, BD might be the right choice, but I want those special features that I'm used to. Why downgrade, when we should be upgrading?

I like the idea of former 2-disc DVD releases fitting onto a single Blu-ray disc. (A great example is the release for DONNIE DARKO, which incorporates both prior DVD releases onto one disc, and retains the supplemental content of both.)

As much as I am impressed, I know that the completist in me will always have DVD.

The Texas Frightmare Massacre

As you may or may not know, I have frequented ye olde Texas Frightmare Weekend every year since it's 2006 inception. Year after year, I've seen this operation grow to greater and greater proportion, but I wasn't the only fan who recognized it's growing potential. Last year, a group of local filmmakers, led by writer/director Joe Francis, turned this annual event into an opportunistic film venture aptly titled...
THE TEXAS FRIGHTMARE MASSACRE!

The filmmakers made it known that portions of the film would be shot on location during the 2009 event (and some fans were given the chance to participate in one form or another), so it was no surprise to see the finished film premiering at this year's convention. I was interested to see what Francis and Co. had come up with and especially interested to see how they incorporated the event into their storyline (and also, how they would be able to feature some of the main guests, if at all).

The film is cleverly divided into subsequent storylines that eventually intersect with the event. The first storyline involves Lyle (Joe Francis) and Eugene (Chad Pallett), a pair of slacker buds who, inspired by a rather enticing commercial, decide to enlist as security officers for a major hotel (in this case, the Sherat... er, uh... Adamston Grand). How does one prepare for such a job? By growing impressive mustaches, of course!

Right off the bat, the film establishes itself as not only an appreciation of horror films and the conventions that celebrate them, but also as a satiric nod, ripe with sly and subversive humor. Enter "The Boss," played by Hunter Barnett, an R. Lee Ermey type who slings hilarious insults at Lyle and Eugene during their training. Whether scripted or impromptu, the comedic chemistry between Francis, Barnett and Pallett is a wonder to watch. Perhaps, the most entertaining interaction is when complications ensue after "The Boss" demands to be called "sir," to which Lyle and Eugene mistake as "sire".

So, where does the massacre stuff come into play? It begins with the interwoven story of boyfriend/girlfriend Todd (David Ayers) and Mary (Melanie Smith), who are already set on attending the Texas Frightmare Weekend at the Adamston, when they receive news that they must bring along Mary's stepbrother, Max (Allen Reed), whom they both despise. Max is your typical giddy fanboy who often can't control himself and in turn irritates Mary and especially Todd. The irritation hits it's peak when they first arrive at their destination, resulting in a "parting of ways" for the trio.

Left on his own, Max basks in the glory of the convention, while attracting the suspecting eye of "The Boss". Undettered, Max is set on meeting his idol, Parrish Randall, independent horror extraordinaire. A staple of Texas Frightmare Weekend, Randall's appearance here garners some appreciative laughs, especially considering his negative portrayal which is definitely all in good fun. Needless to say, Max's chance meeting with his idol doesn't live up to his expectations, resulting in Randall and friends laughing at Max's clumsiness.

Rejected and humiliated, Max makes his way to his hotel room, a room he shares with, but is not welcomed by, Todd and Mary. Intruding, in a round-a-bout way, on one of the couples sex acts, Max is punished once again by Todd's raging bullish tactics... to the point where Max eventually retaliates. Unbeknownst to Mary, Max feverishly murders Todd in the bathroom and dons Todd's signature mask, a horse head. What happens next is an homage to John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN, where Max, now under the guise of Todd, begins to charm Mary who is waiting anxiously on the bed. Choosing to bound and gag her, rather than kill her, Max has officially spun off the deep end and so begins his Travis Bickle-like murdering spree.

Spurred by their boss' suspicion, newly appointed security officers (armed with broom, plunger and walkie talkies), Lyle and Eugene attempt to solve the deaths in bumbling Clouseau-like fashion.  But, that's where I'm going to stop.  Sorry, no further plot details.  No way will I divulge as to whether or not there is more bloodshed, or more horse head mask wearing, or whether there may be a gratuitous, sudsy shower scene.  Nope.  You shant get such juice from me.  You'll just have to see the movie for yourself.

In closing, blending horror with humor is not often easy, but Francis does quite well here by essentially constructing a comedy which cleverly allows the horror to seep in at a welcome pace. It might help to be a horror convention fanatic like me, but regardless, there is plenty to enjoy here. If you want blood, you've got it. If you want laughs, you've got 'em. And, if you want tits, you'll definitely get 'em!

Favorite quote:
"You have holsters to use instead of your armpits. The video should have covered that."

For more information, visit the film's official site and become a fan on Facebook.

Elvira's Movie Macbare: Count Dracula's Great Love

Today feels like a rained in Naschy movie day.

Movie Tie-In Project, Part V.5

Expect the expected.

Movie Tie-In Project, Part V: A New Beginning

Yes, folks! Here it is!
The tie-in movie for the movie tie-in phenom!
Expect a sequel.

(Please rate... er, uh... "like" the video, favorite it, get to know it well, send it to your friends and family, take out an ad in your local trade paper, discuss it in high class &/or high dollar meetings, create a drinking game, drop a tantalizing mention during your next social gathering, create a drinking game for those who don't drink using sand or something, flaunt it while you got it, et cetera!)

Movie Tie-In Project, Part IV: Found Treasures

ALIEN - Alan Dean Foster [Warner, 1979]
BATTLE FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES
- David Gerrold [Award, 1973]
BLACK SUNDAY - Thomas Harris [Bantam, 1977]
CHILD'S PLAY 2 - Matthew J. Costello [Jove, 1990]
DOG DAY AFTERNOON - Patrick Mann [Dell, 1975]
THE EXORCIST III: LEGION - William Peter Blatty [Pocket, 1990]
FLASH GORDON - Arthur Byron Cover [Jove, 1980]
FLETCH - Gregory McDonald [Avon, 1985]
THE PEOPLE THAT TIME FORGOT - Edgar Rice Burroughs [Ace, 1977]
THE SWARM - Arthur Herzog [Signet, 1978]



STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE
- Gene Roddenberry [Pocket, 1979]
STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE
- Gene Roddenberry (Re-issue w/Alternate cover) [Pocket, 1987]
STAR TREK (II): THE WRATH OF KHAN
- Vonda N. McIntyre [Pocket, 1982]
STAR TREK (II): THE WRATH OF KHAN
- Vonda N. McIntyre (Alternate cover) [Pocket, 1982]
STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK
- Vonda N. McIntyre [Pocket, 1984]
STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME
- Vonda N. McIntyre [Pocket, 1986]
STAR TREK V: THE FINAL FRONTIER
- J.M. Dillard [Pocket, 1989]
STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY
- J.M. Dillard [Pocket, 1992]

And, some titles that've been seen here before, but now tied with their paperback brethren.



DARK STAR - Alan Dean Foster [Ballantine, 1975]
DARK STAR - Alan Dean Foster
(Re-issue w/Alternate artwork) [Del Rey, 1978]
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK - Mike McQuay [Bantam, 1981]
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK - Mike McQuay
(Re-issue w/Alternate artwork) [Bantam Spectra, 1985]
HALLOWEEN - Curtis Richards [Bantam, 1979]
HALLOWEEN - Curtis Richards
(Alternate cover w/Poster artwork) [Bantam, 1979]
HALLOWEEN II - Jack Martin (Dennis Etchison) [Zebra, 1981]
HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH
- Jack Martin (Dennis Etchison) [Jove, 1982]
THE FOG - Dennis Etchison [Bantam, 1980]
THE THING - Alan Dean Foster [Bantam, 1982]



THE TERMINATOR
- Randall Frakes & Bill Wisher [Bantam Spectra, 1991]
TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY
- Randall Frakes [Bantam Spectra, 1991]
TERMINATOR 3: RISE OF THE MACHINES
- David Hagberg [Tor, 2003]



Note: Title description contains the actual publishing date of the exact printing in my collection and doesn't necessarily reflect the initial date of either the novel or film.

Movie Memories: One year ago today...

...I first saw SUNSHINE CLEANING.



Starring: Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin, Jason Spevack,
Steve Zahn, Mary Lynn Rajskub and Clifton Collins, Jr.



Directed by Christine Jeffs
2008, Overture Films



Great little film.



Happy Birthday April ;)

doubleplusgood

Perhaps the greatest filmed adaptation of George Orwell's novel. Every once in a while, I find myself drawn to this beautiful montage by YouTube user ZioZambe, composed of scenes from Michael Radford's film set to "Who Put The Weight Of The World On My Shoulders?" by Oasis.



Perfect.
Favor it, won't you?

Movie Tie-In Project, Part III

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - Gaston Leroux [Warner, 1986] *
PLATOON LEADER - James R. McDonough [Bantam, 1988]
POLTERGEIST II: THE OTHER SIDE
- James Kahn [Ballantine, 1986]
PRETTY IN PINK - H.B. Gilmour [Bantam, 1986] **
PROPHECY - David Seltzer [Ballantine, 1979]
THE RAVEN - Eunice Sudak [Lancer, 1963]
THE REINCARNATION OF PETER PROUD
- Max Ehrlich [Bantam, 1975]
ROLLERBALL - William Harrison [Warner, 1975]
ROMANCING THE STONE
- Joan Wilder (Catherine Lanigan) [Avon, 1984]
RUMBLE FISH - S.E. Hinton [Dell, 1983]



'SALEM'S LOT - Stephen King [Signet, 1979]
SCANNERS - Leon Whiteson [Tower, 1981]
THE SEARCHERS - Alan Le May [Popular Library, 1962]
SERPICO - Peter Maas [Bantam, 1976]
SGT. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND
- Henry Edwards [Pocket, 1978]
THE SHINING - Stephen King [Signet, 1980]
SWAMP THING - David Houston & Len Wein [Tor, 1982]
TAXI DRIVER - Richard Elman [Bantam, 1976] ***
THE TERMINATOR
- Randall Frakes & Bill Wisher [Bantam Spectra, 1991]
THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT - Joe Millard [Award, 1974]



THE TOWER - Richard Martin Stern [Warner, 1974] ****
TRON - Brian Daley [Del Rey, 1982]
2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY - Arthur C. Clarke [Signet, 1982]
VIDEODROME - Jack Martin (Dennis Ethison) [Zebra, 1983]
VISITING HOURS - Kent Rembo [Pinnacle, 1982]
THE WARRIORS - Sol Yorick [Dell, 1979]
THE WEREWOLF VS. (THE) VAMPIRE WOMAN
- Arthur N. Scarm [Guild-Hartford, 1972]
THE WICKER MAN
- Robin Hardy & Anthony Shaffer [Pocket, 1979]
WOLFEN - Whitley Strieber [Bantam, 1981]
ZARDOZ - John Boorman with Bill Stair [Signet, 1974]



THE OMEN - David Seltzer [Signet, 1976]
DAMIEN: OMEN II - Joseph Howard [Signet, 1978]
THE FINAL CONFLICT - Gordon McGill [Signet, 1981]
And, the written sequels which were never filmed
(but, should have been)...
OMEN IV: ARMAGEDDON 2000 - Gordon McGill [Signet, 1982]
OMEN V: THE ABOMINATION - Gordon McGill [Signet, 1985]

And, yet, there's more on the way...

Note: Title description contains the actual publishing date of the exact printing in my collection and doesn't necessarily reflect the initial date of either the novel or film.

* So, this book came out 61 years after the Lon Chaney film, but it's got him on the cover, so I'm counting it!

** Based on the initial screenplay and includes the original and most appropriate ending where Duckie gets the girl. Due to the complaints of test audiences, the ending was re-shot so that the rich guy would get the girl. That B.S. occurs enough in real life, why do we need it on the silver screen, too?!

*** Apparently, John Hinckley, Jr. had a copy of this paperback in his jail cell, during the time he wrote "fan" letters to Jodie Foster.

**** Irwin Allen's production of THE TOWERING INFERNO was based on two novels, the second of which is THE GLASS INFERNO
by Thomas N. Scortia & Frank M. Robinson.

Movie Tie-In Project, Part II

ALFIE - Bill Naughton [Ballantine, 1966]
AMERICAN GRAFFITI
- George Lucas, Gloria Katz & Willard Huyck [Ballantine, 1974]
THE AMITYVILLE HORROR - Jay Anson [Bantam, 1978] *
BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES
- Michael Avallone [Bantam, 1974]
THE BLACK HOLE - Alan Dean Foster [Del Rey, 1979]
BLADE RUNNER - Philip K. Dick [Del Rey, 1982]
BLOW OUT - Neal Williams [Bantam, 1981]
THE BLUES BROTHERS - "Miami Mitch" Glazer [Jove, 1980]
THE BOOGENS
- Charles E. Sellier, Jr. & Robert Weverka [Bantam, 1981]
BUCKAROO BANZAI - Earl Mac Rauch [Pocket, 1984]



THE CANNONBALL RUN - Michael Avallone [Leisure, 1981]
CARRIE - Stephen King [Signet, 1976]
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND
- Steven Spielberg [Dell, 1978]
CONAN THE BARBARIAN
- L. Sprague De Camp & Lin Carter [Bantam, 1982]
CORVETTE SUMMER - Wayland Drew [Signet, 1978]
DAMNATION ALLEY - Roger Zelazny [Berkley Medallion, 1977]
DEAD & BURIED - Chelsea Quinn Yarbro [Warner, 1980]
DELIVERANCE - James Dickey [Dell, 1973]
DIRTY MARY, CRAZY LARRY - Richard Unekis [Manor, 1974]
DRACULA - Bram Stoker
(Abridged w/Lugosi artwork) [Scholastic, 1971] **



DRACULA - Bram Stoker [Jove, 1979]
EMMANUELLE II: THE JOYS OF A WOMAN
- Emmanuelle Arsan [Ballantine, 1976]
ENTER THE DRAGON - Mike Roote [Award, 1973]
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK - Mike McQuay
(Re-issue w/Alternate artwork) [Bantam Spectra, 1985]
THE EXORCIST - William Peter Blatty [Bantam, 1974]
FADE TO BLACK - Ron Renauld [Pinnacle, 1980]
FINAL EXAM - Geoffrey Meyer [Pinnacle, 1981]
FRIDAY THE 13TH, PART 3 - Simon Hawke
(Re-issue w/poster artwork) [Signet, 1988]
GOIN' COCONUTS - Vic Crume [Dell, 1979]
THE GRADUATE - Charles Webb [Signet, 1967]



HOUNDS OF DRACULA - Ken Johnson [Signet, 1977]
HOW TO MURDER YOUR WIFE - Henry Williams [Dell, 1965]
IN SEARCH OF DRACULA
- Raymond T. McNally & Radu Florescu [Warner, 1973] ***
INCUBUS - Ray Russell [Dell, 1981]
INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS - Jack Finney [Dell, 1979]
IT'S ALIVE! - Richard Woodley [Ballantine, 1977]
LAST TANGO IN PARIS - Robert Alley [Dell, 1973]
THE LEGACY - John Coyne [Berkley, 1979]
LIFEFORCE - Colin Wilson [Warner, 1985]
LOGAN'S RUN
- William F. Nolan & George Clayton Johnson [Bantam, 1976]



MAD MAX BEYOND THUNDERDOME - Joan D. Vinge [Warner, 1985]
THE MEN'S CLUB - Leonard Michaels [Avon, 1986]
MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN - Graham Chapman, John Cleese,
Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones & Michael Palin [Ace, 1979]
NIGHTWING - Martin Cruz Smith [Jove, 1979]
ODE TO BILLY JOE - Herman Raucher [Dell, 1976]
THE OMEGA MAN (I AM LEGEND)
- Richard Matheson [Berkley Medallion, 1971]
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST - Ken Kesey [Signet, 1975]
ORCA - Arthur Herzog [Pocket, 1977]
OUTLAND - Alan Dean Foster [Warner, 1981]
THE OUTSIDERS - S.E. Hinton [Dell, 1983]

You best believe there's more on the way!

Note: Title description contains the actual publishing date of the exact printing in my collection and doesn't necessarily reflect the initial date of either the novel or film.

* Technically, this is a pre-movie tie-in with "Coming as an American International Picture" printed on the back cover. The film released the following year.

** So, this book came out 40 years after the Lugosi film, but it's got him on the cover, so I'm counting it!

*** Hey, how'd that get in there?! Okay, another slip. The book was published in '73, but the film wasn't made until '75. So, it doesn't count.


+ UPDATE: April 8, 2010 +

THE SPACE VAMPIRES - Colin Wilson [Pocket, 1976]
Since I already posted the movie tie-in version (LIFEFORCE), I thought it would be fun to include the original novel, as well.

Movie Tie-In Project, Part I

ROCKY - Julia Sorel [Ballantine, 1977]
THE LORDS OF FLATBUSH - Leonore Fleischer [Scholastic, 1977]
PARADISE ALLEY - Sylvester Stallone [Berkley, 1978]
F.I.S.T. - Joe Eszterhas [Dell, 1978]
SYLVESTER STALLONE'S OFFICIAL ROCKY SCRAPBOOK
- Sylvester Stallone [Tempo Star, 1977]
FIRST BLOOD - David Morrell [Fawcett Crest, 1985]
ROCKY IV - Sylvester Stallone [Ballantine, 1985]
OVER THE TOP - Joel Don Humphreys [St. Martin's Press, 1987]



THE MECHANIC - John Lewis Carlino [Signet, 1972]
THE STONE KILLER - John Gardner [Award, 1973]
DEATH WISH - Brian Garfield [Fawcett Crest, 1974]
NEVADA PASS - Alistair MacLean (German Language) [Heyne, 1985]



JAWS - Peter Benchley [Bantam, 1975]
THE DEEP - Peter Benchley [Bantam, 1977]
THE ISLAND - Peter Benchley [Bantam, 1980]
JAWS 2 - Hank Searls [Bantam, 1978]
JAWS 2 - Hank Searls (Alternate Cover) [Bantam, 1978]
JAWS THE REVENGE - Hank Searls [Berkley, 1987]



STAR WARS - George Lucas [Del Rey, 1977]
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK - Donald F. Glut [Del Rey, 1980]
RETURN OF THE JEDI - James Kahn [Del Rey, 1983]
RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK - Campbell Black [Ballantine, 1981]
INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM
- James Kahn [Ballantine, 1984]
INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
- Rob MacGregor [Ballantine, 1989]
SUPERMAN: LAST SON OF KRYPTON - Elliot S. Maggin [Warner, 1978]
SUPERMAN: MIRACLE MONDAY - Elliot S. Maggin [Warner, 1980]
SUPERMAN III - William Kotzwinkle [Warner, 1983]
SUPERGIRL - Norma Fox Mazer [Warner, 1984]



BEYOND AND BACK - Ralph Wilkerson [Bantam, 1978]
BEYOND DEATH'S DOOR - Maurice Rawlings [Bantam, 1979]
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER - H.B. Gilmour [Bantam, 1977]
STAYING ALIVE - Leonore Fleisher [Pocket, 1983]
WILLARD - Stephen Gilbert [Lancer, 1971]
BEN - Gilbert A. Ralston [Bantam, 1972]
THE NIGHTMARES ON ELM STREET 1, 2 & 3: THE CONTINUING STORY
- Jeffrey Cooper [St. Martin's Press, 1987]
THE NIGHTMARES ON ELM STREET 4 & 5
- Joseph Locke [St. Martin's Press, 1989]
ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE - Ian Fleming [Signet, 1969]
LICENCE TO KILL - John Gardner [Charter, 1989]

More to come!

Note: Title description contains the actual publishing date of the exact printing in my collection and doesn't necessarily reflect the initial date of either the novel or film.

Cinephemera, Where Art Thou?

I miss the days of movie tie-in memorabilia, not that it doesn't exist today, but it's just not the same. Nowadays, it's all about bangin' you over the head with an abundance of crap. (i.e. anything from the TWILIGHT series, HARRY POTTER or the emo-fueled resurgence of THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.)

Theatrical promo items have been lacking for years. Gone are the days of the 40x60 heavy card stock posters, insert posters, half sheets and lobby cards. Gone also is the movie program. Some theaters offered these to patrons depending on the marketing of the film. Basically, you could buy your bucket o' caffeine, bucket o' eventual kernel slivers that embed themselves neatly between your teeth and gums (Sorry, not a popcorn fan, unless we're talking about the Jill Schoelen kind) and a program. Patterned after the Playbill, it served as a nice memento for when movie-going used to be an experience.

Along with programs, you'd be hard pressed to find those official movie magazines or poster books. I don't follow comic books, so I'm not sure if comic book adaptations still make the rounds or not, but they were quite the big thing, courtesy of Marvel and DC, in the '70s and '80s.

Production diaries were a big thing in paperback, back then...


Then you had those awesome Fotonovels...


Fotonovels made a slight return in 1999, with titles like THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT and CHARLIE'S ANGELS, but soon vanished once again. I say they should be brought back, but not for current fare... let's go back and adapt classic films. A Fotonovel for CHINATOWN, anyone?

As for movie tie-in paperbacks, don't get me started.
Too late! I already started. Here's a taste...



HALLOWEEN - Curtis Richards [Bantam, 1979]
HALLOWEEN - Curtis Richards
(Alternate cover w/Poster artwork) [Bantam, 1979]
HALLOWEEN II - Jack Martin (Dennis Etchison) [Zebra, 1981]
HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH
- Jack Martin (Dennis Etchison) [Jove, 1982]
ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK - Mike McQuay [Bantam, 1981]
DARK STAR - Alan Dean Foster [Ballentine, 1975]
THE FOG - Dennis Etchison [Bantam, 1980]
THE THING - Alan Dean Foster [Bantam, 1982]

(To Be Continued...)

Sorta feels like '86

So, I just saw HOT TUB TIME MACHINE, which I thought would be fun and it is. But... while they're spot on in some respects, there are far too many inaccuracies here for a time-traveling comedy. I know, I should let this stuff slide a bit and if I pick and prod too much, I might not enjoy it.

But, it's a bit distracting when there's a poster for RAMBO III on the wall in '86, or characters from that era referencing 21 JUMP STREET. Especially annoying when you consider that, in some instances, royalty fees could have been avoided had the filmmakers done their research. (i.e. Paying for the inclusion of "I Just Died In Your Arms" by The Cutting Crew, a 1987 song that is heard playing on an '86-era radio.)



There's more mistakes, but I can't remember or perhaps didn't notice them. Not a huge deal, but it's a bit lazy and it seems to be a constant issue with period films. (AMERICAN GRAFFITI had a couple post 1962 songs on it's soundtrack.) The worst or, I should say, best example of this is AUSTIN POWERS: GOLDMEMBER. A film which bases itself in 1975 shouldn't include a Viagra joke from anyone who isn't privy to the future. Wait, the inconsistent honor really should go to BEOWULF with Christopher Lambert. Sure, it's a fantasy film, but it amazes me how many times I've had to point out to viewers that PA systems and jacket zippers were actually quite uncommon in the middle ages. Oy.

I don't get it. With HOT TUB TIME MACHINE, if it's not inaccuracy, it's missed opportunity. How can you pay homage to one John Cusack film, SIXTEEN CANDLES, and completely miss the boat on a nod to ...BETTER OFF DEAD? After all, this is a ski resort. I guess they didn't get the K-12 memo? Or, since this is an MGM/UA film, why not reference the most obvious '80s sex-on-the-slopes comedy, HOT DOG... THE MOVIE, which MGM/UA already owns? Double oy.



Aside from all that, while it may not be epic or ground-breaking, HOT TUB TIME MACHINE is a fun concept which makes for a fun ride. Besides, any film starring both Chevy Chase and Crispin Glover can't be all bad!


"Hello, 1988? We were wondering if you had any posters to help dress our 1986 set with..."


For added fun, check out these online games based on the film:
WHACK-A-DOUCHE
NICK'S STRIP QUIZ
SOUND BOARD
(Adult content. Age verification required.)

Another late night at Club Elysium

I love PIRANHA, PART TWO: THE SPAWNING.
There. I said it. And, I don't care what people think.

I had the DVD rotating in the disc changer and awakened to it at around 2am last night. I should have been gathering winks for my next day at work, but I found myself watching the entire film for the umpteenth time.

This is, of course, James Cameron's first film as director, and certainly the most lambasted. So many stories as to why. The production, alone, is the stuff of legend, so I won't get into any of that here.

For years, horror nuts like me only had the truncated U.S. version to watch on home video, via Embassy Home Entertainment, which was fine, until I saw the film on television with additional scenes and others in the correct order. A revelation for sure and it made for a stronger storyline, making sense where it didn't completely make sense before. Perhaps the truncated version is the one everyone has seen and hates. I dunno. But, even in that crude 84 minute version, I still love it. Not nearly as much as Joe Dante's original, which I spent many summer days and nights watching.

Fast forward to 2002, when Columbia TriStar decided to release it to DVD... I was stoked! Of course, I despised the horrible DVD cover art, but nonetheless, I had to have it. To my surprise, Columbia TriStar managed to unearth the complete, unedited international version with all those missing scenes (and the nude diver sequence presented as a prologue to the main credits). Goodbye 84 minutes and hello 93!

It puzzles me why people hate the film as much as they do. Perhaps, it's simply the comparison of these humble beginnings to what Cameron would later do in his career. This film delivers the goods and has "exploitation good time" written all over it. Flying piranha, folks! How could you hate any film with flying piranha?! Some say the concept is absurd, I say it's genius. And, why not? The first PIRANHA already introduced the idea of scientifically-engineered fresh water beasties.

The performances aren't too shabby, either. You've got the always awesome Lance Henriksen as chief of police. Nearly all his scenes are hilarious whenever he patronizes someone, particularly the captain who simply won't turn on his damned radio. "Turn on your radio, you jackass!" Priceless.

Tricia O'Neil is the true lead here and I always hoped she would do more, of course, PIRANHA II doesn't exactly scream street cred. She reminds me of a cross between Kay Lenz and Adrienne Barbeau. Can't go wrong there! (Note: Cameron later gave her a small role in TITANIC.)

And, the score by "Steve Powder" ...er, uh... Stelvio Cipriani is superb. An original score that doesn't borrow from Pino Donaggio's PIRANHA score, yet exists on it's own, beautifully. A nice companion piece to his earlier score for TENTACLES, by the way.

Henriksen will be attending this year's Texas Frightmare Weekend, and I'll be bringing my soundtrack album along for him to sign.
I hope he appreciates my geekdom!


(The sinister sounding German trailer)

Supernature Shouldabeen

The other day, a friend and I were discussing '70s disco act Cerrone. He told me how he had been catching up on some of Cerrone's current work and how the artist had been chooglin' along ever since his career-defining single, "Supernature" from his third album, hit huge back in 1978.

Well, I had no idea. None at all. In fact, all this time, having not researched Cerrone, I thought he was another one hit wonder.

I first discovered "Supernature" on one of those bargain bin disco compilation cassettes (you know, the $3.99 specials) in the late '80s. I instantly dug the track for it's Goblin-esque driving synth sound and, more importantly, it's macabre storyline: mutated creatures (the supernature crowd), evolving throughout time and eventually rising from the contaminated muck to exact revenge on the cause, mankind. Now, why this wasn't tied to a film, is beyond me. Very Dr. Moreau-ish. Reminds me of THE TWILIGHT PEOPLE and especially the army test site sequence from Joe Dante's PIRANHA.

Anyhow, I finally got around to looking up the original promotional video on YouTube and here it is:



Total cheese and ultimately a disappointment compared to one's imaginative visions inspired by the lyrics. Seems to be a frequent problem with videos, although nowadays, they're all too literal and not in a good way.

Of course, I wouldn't want to see "Supernature" adapted to film today. The concept would have worked well in it's time, but a current attempt, I think, would fall flat. It certainly wouldn't feature practical creature effects. Also, it would probably be too preachy, hence dispensing of any exploitable aspects.

But, since this is all "what if?" fodder, I thought I'd throw together a little mock movie poster of my own for the movie that should have been. (You like?)

Jaeckel Jaw'd Grefénatics Ahoy!

If you've read this blog before, you know that I'm an avid JAWS fan. And, I also love the films influenced by it's success. One of the earliest and most interesting efforts in that sub-genre is William Grefé's THE JAWS OF DEATH (a.k.a. MAKO: THE JAWS OF DEATH). I love this film. Maybe it's because I'm a fan of William Grefé and his other classics (DEATH CURSE OF TARTU, STANLEY and IMPULSE, to name a few). Maybe it's because Richard Jaeckel is consistently great in every film he made (maybe also, because my uncle got to hang out with him on the set of SOMETIMES A GREAT NOTION) or, maybe, just maybe, I'm just a sucker for this type of entertainment. Answer: All of the above.

Having just watched THE JAWS OF DEATH for the umpteenth time, I decided to search YouTube for anything related ...and, I done found me some treasure!

First, a review from "adorKable" YT user PiperDork, who not only loves the film, but was lucky enough to discuss it's production with producer/director Grefé himself!



Next up, is a promo from the film's showcase on The CBS Late Movie. (I truly miss those late nite treats!)



And, finally, the Super 8 version, which I've always wanted to see. It may not be top notch quality, but it is super rare (and, it includes some alternate footage and music). Enjoy!

Part One
(Note: Quite annoying, the video cuts out at the 4:15 mark and restarts, not resumes, at the 4:45 mark, so my advice is to pause the video initially allowing it to fully load, then forward to 4:45.)


Part Two

Mod Frank

So, I recently befriended... er, uh... beFacebooked comedian Frank Conniff (TV's Frank of MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000, CARTOON DUMP and CINEMATIC TITANIC fame) and over the past couple of weeks, I've been constantly amused by Frank's daily statuses. And, today's is particularly great.

Frank Conniff "is sad to report that due to a combination of daylight savings time and last night's airing on cable of the movie version of THE MOD SQUAD, I lost three hours."

See? I told you.

Warner's Bad Math Collection...

...featuring the films of Clint Eastwood!

I'm no mathematics whiz, but this collection boasts 35 films spanning 35 years of Eastwood's career.

Films included in this set:
- WHERE EAGLES DARE (1968)
- KELLY'S HEROES (1970)
- DIRTY HARRY (1971)
- MAGNUM FORCE (1973)
- THE ENFORCER (1976)
- THE OUTLAW JOSEY WALES (1976)
- THE GAUNTLET (1977)
- EVERY WHICH WAY BUT LOOSE (1978)
- BRONCO BILLY (1980)
- ANY WHICH WAY YOU CAN (1980)
- HONKYTONK MAN (1982)
- FIREFOX (1982)
- SUDDEN IMPACT (1983)
- CITY HEAT (1984)
- TIGHTROPE (1984)
- PALE RIDER (1985)
- HEARTBREAK RIDGE (1986)
- BIRD (1988)
- THE DEAD POOL (1988)
- PINK CADILLAC (1989)
- WHITE HUNTER, BLACK HEART (1990)
- THE ROOKIE (1990)
- UNFORGIVEN (1992)
- A PERFECT WORLD (1993)
- THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY (1995)
- ABSOLUTE POWER (1997)
- MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL (1997)
- TRUE CRIME (1999)
- SPACE COWBOYS (2000)
- BLOOD WORK (2002)
- MYSTIC RIVER (2003)
- MILLION DOLLAR BABY (2004)
- LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (2006)
- GRAN TORINO (2008)
Plus, an all-new documentary exclusive to this set:
- THE EASTWOOD FACTOR (2010)

In actuality, there are only 34 films here, with THE EASTWOOD FACTOR being a straight-to-DVD documentary on Eastwood's career, which they seem to consider the 35th film. Sorry, that doesn't count.

And, if you were paying attention, from WHERE EAGLES DARE to GRAN TORINO is a span of 40 years. Even if you consider the documentary, that puts us at 42 years.

I'm demanding a recount here, WB, with an expected re-issue to follow.

Suggested collection titles...
CLINT EASTWOOD: 34 FILMS, 40 YEARS
...or...
CLINT EASTWOOD: 34 FILMS, 1 MORE COBBLED-TOGETHER CAREER RETROSPECTIVE, 42 YEARS
...or...
CLINT EASTWOOD: YET ANOTHER EASTWOOD-RELATED BOX SET FROM WARNER
...or...
CLINT EASTWOOD: THE "PERFECT LAST MINUTE FATHER'S DAY GIFT" COLLECTION
...or...
CLINT EASTWOOD: A SET OF FILMS THAT YOU SHOULD ALREADY OWN INDIVIDUALLY, SINCE YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF SUCH AN EASTWOOD COMPLETIST (BUY IT NOW BEFORE ANYONE FINDS OUT THAT YOU'RE NOTHING MORE THAN AN EASTWOOD POSER!)
...or...
CLINT EASTWOOD: NATHAN'S CHANCE TO AGAIN PURCHASE ALL THE FILMS HE'S ALREADY PURCHASED + A SLEW OF BONUS FEATURES (i.e. EASTWOOD'S LESSER FILMS THAT NATHAN DIDN'T CHOOSE TO PURCHASE INTENTIONALLY THE FIRST TIME... PINK CADILLAC, ANYONE?)

While I'm thinking about it, I'm imagining that if this set was ever presented to a group of people in a "Hey, let's watch an Eastwood flick" scenario, I highly doubt anyone would pipe up with "Dude, put in MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL!"

Sorry, Clint.

More eBay nonsense...

It's one thing when someone doesn't know what they're selling and it's an entirely different set of circumstances when the seller knows damn well that their item is not 100% authentic. Such is the case with eBay seller "glamore451".

This seller has listed a photo reprint of a cast signed laserdisc of JAWS. The following is their brief description:
A FABULOUS REPRINT. GUARANTEED NOT TO BE A FORGERY.

My message to the seller:
"GUARANTEED NOT TO BE A FORGERY." Interesting, considering the photo is of a 1987 pressed laserdisc and Robert Shaw died in 1978. Oh, and Murray Hamilton, he died in 1986.

Such a shame to see this type of thing going on and sadly, I've seen it a lot with JAWS-related memorabilia. I'll never forget the JAWS THE REVENGE poster signed posthumously by Robert Shaw. Which is worse: the fact that he didn't appear in the fourth film in the franchise because his character died in the first film, or... the fact that he wouldn't have appeared in the film anyhow since he passed away nine years before it was made?



Yes, I reported that one.