- Published on
(NOTE: The following review will contain minor spoilers necessary solely for the discussion of plot and/or characters. If you’re the type of reader who prefers a review entirely spoiler-free, then I’d encourage you to skip down to the last few paragraphs for the final assessment. If, however, you’re accepting of a few modest hints at ‘things to come,’ then read on …)
From the film’s IMDB.com page citation:
“In a zombie-ravaged world, a resourceful teen and her protector fight for survival, facing relentless dangers and testing the limits of hope and loyalty.”
Think what you may, at this point in our cultural evolution it’s grown exceedingly difficult – if not damn near impossible – to bring anything fresh, new, and/or invigorating to the zombie action scene. Audiences have been thrilled by both to stumbling and bumbling walking dead and the frenetic, rage-fueled alternative probably to the point of general fatigue. Watchers have seen interpretations of the fresh, ‘just happened’ societal collapse as well as the whole ‘well, it’s been ten years now’ approach; and – rest assured – neither aspect has emerged with great prospects for survivors. Thankfully, TV’s entertainment juggernaut exploring the whole zombie infestation – AMC’s The Walking Dead and its increasing handful of spinoffs – eventually incorporated the idea that the walkers would and could evolve even if only in small ways; and it’s this same framework upon which 2025’s Silent Zone tries to eek out a living, albeit grim indeed.
Directed by Peter Deak (whose extensive background largely stretches across a variety of short films), Silent Zone was written Viktor Csák and Krisztián Illés. Its cast includes such talent as Matt Devere (2019’s The Witcher, 2021’s SAS: Rise Of The Black Swan, 2022’s Halo); relative newcomer Luca Papp (2024’s Dune: Prophecy); Nikolett Barabas (2015’s The Martian, 2023’s Jack Ryan, 2024’s Slingshot); Declan Hannigan (2019’s The Witcher, 2022’s Moon Knight); and Alexis Latham (2019’s Radioactive, 2021’s The Billion Dollar Code) in the flick’s biggest roles. Sadly, none of the principles does anything all that interesting; and most of that is owed to the general predictability of most everything in here. Silent Zone is, yet, one more tale of attempted survival after the fall of man; while the script does plug in something a bit different in the last third – namely, a villainous mastermind has figured out how to control the zombies with sound waves – it’s still a premise utterly wasted in contrivance, never justifying its existence other than to be a dastardly weapon in one egomaniac’s curious arsenal.
From the film’s IMDB.com page citation:
“In a zombie-ravaged world, a resourceful teen and her protector fight for survival, facing relentless dangers and testing the limits of hope and loyalty.”
Think what you may, at this point in our cultural evolution it’s grown exceedingly difficult – if not damn near impossible – to bring anything fresh, new, and/or invigorating to the zombie action scene. Audiences have been thrilled by both to stumbling and bumbling walking dead and the frenetic, rage-fueled alternative probably to the point of general fatigue. Watchers have seen interpretations of the fresh, ‘just happened’ societal collapse as well as the whole ‘well, it’s been ten years now’ approach; and – rest assured – neither aspect has emerged with great prospects for survivors. Thankfully, TV’s entertainment juggernaut exploring the whole zombie infestation – AMC’s The Walking Dead and its increasing handful of spinoffs – eventually incorporated the idea that the walkers would and could evolve even if only in small ways; and it’s this same framework upon which 2025’s Silent Zone tries to eek out a living, albeit grim indeed.
Directed by Peter Deak (whose extensive background largely stretches across a variety of short films), Silent Zone was written Viktor Csák and Krisztián Illés. Its cast includes such talent as Matt Devere (2019’s The Witcher, 2021’s SAS: Rise Of The Black Swan, 2022’s Halo); relative newcomer Luca Papp (2024’s Dune: Prophecy); Nikolett Barabas (2015’s The Martian, 2023’s Jack Ryan, 2024’s Slingshot); Declan Hannigan (2019’s The Witcher, 2022’s Moon Knight); and Alexis Latham (2019’s Radioactive, 2021’s The Billion Dollar Code) in the flick’s biggest roles. Sadly, none of the principles does anything all that interesting; and most of that is owed to the general predictability of most everything in here. Silent Zone is, yet, one more tale of attempted survival after the fall of man; while the script does plug in something a bit different in the last third – namely, a villainous mastermind has figured out how to control the zombies with sound waves – it’s still a premise utterly wasted in contrivance, never justifying its existence other than to be a dastardly weapon in one egomaniac’s curious arsenal.
As a young’un, li’l Abigail watched in horror as an infected feral made a quick snack out of her mother and brother as the family tried to flee in the earliest moments of the Zombie Apocalypse. Nestled under the household automobile, the little girl suddenly sees a pair of military-style boots walking around the car, putting a handy bullet or two into what remained of her next-of-kins. Lo and behold, Cassius (played by Devere) rescues the little lady from a life of isolation; and – seemingly – the two make for a dynamic duo as the movie leaps forward ten years in time. Now, they’re rough-and-ready survivalists who continue to make their way across what’s left of a fallen country in hopes of finding some sanctuary where they don’t have to fight for every scrap of food. As a teen, Abigail (now played by Papp) follows in her surrogate father’s footsteps, becoming that ‘chip of the old block’ cold-blooded killer who’ll stop at nothing to outlast the day.
On their trip to locate the rumored safe space, Cassius and Abigail stumble across a small caravan of scavengers who, too, are headed in the direction of safety. Before they can all join forces, a horde of Undead charges in from the wilderness. Many whom they met fall in the carnage, but a fateful two – the much-pregnant Megan (Barabas) and her husband/lover David (Hannigan) – wind up in their company during the rescue. Against Cassius’ insistence, young Abby – still somewhat impressionable despite the collapse of civilization itself – argues that they are all better off together, supplies and ammunition proving otherwise. With no other choice but to allow his heart to melt over his adopted daughter’s naivete, the rugged warrior begrudgingly agrees, paving the way for the foursome to set out in search of some ‘promised land.’
From here, Silent Zone really only doubles down on the predictability. In formulaic fashion, it becomes clear to Cassius that David has been bitten, thus requiring that all-too-pervasive lingering prospect that his transformation will have to be dealt with. Megan – after all – is about ready to pop, and that little dumpling can’t have the responsibilities of Daddy Dearest resting on the shoulders of a hangry carnivore. Circumstances continue to revolve around pitting Cassius and Abigail against one another – what teenager has refused the impulse to rebel against her father? – and about the time that plot contrivance exhausts its usefulness, there’s a new wrinkle in the plot introduce: whacky recluse and brilliant scientist Norton (Latham) befriends our traveling band, setting up the late-breaking introduction of the diabolical madman hellbent on remaking what’s left of mankind even if there’s nothing of mankind left.
If some creative type truly wants to reshape the classic zombie picture for the next generation of viewers, I’m not sure that Silent Zone was an even honest attempt. Relying heavily on macho stereotypes might carry any effort far enough to give the flick a modest measure of street credibility, but Zone feels like half-baked retreads of ideas many moviemakers have already used up and discarded. Generally speaking, Devere is perfectly capable of hitting his marks – and a few well-placed zombies – but Papp could’ve used a bit more hutzpah as his rebellious counterpart. Clearly, the screenwriters dropped enough clues in here that their central duo were undergoing some emotional turbulence; and perhaps a few more arguments between the two might’ve defused the feeling that this was little more than the worst ‘bring your daughter to work day’ of cinematic record.
On their trip to locate the rumored safe space, Cassius and Abigail stumble across a small caravan of scavengers who, too, are headed in the direction of safety. Before they can all join forces, a horde of Undead charges in from the wilderness. Many whom they met fall in the carnage, but a fateful two – the much-pregnant Megan (Barabas) and her husband/lover David (Hannigan) – wind up in their company during the rescue. Against Cassius’ insistence, young Abby – still somewhat impressionable despite the collapse of civilization itself – argues that they are all better off together, supplies and ammunition proving otherwise. With no other choice but to allow his heart to melt over his adopted daughter’s naivete, the rugged warrior begrudgingly agrees, paving the way for the foursome to set out in search of some ‘promised land.’
From here, Silent Zone really only doubles down on the predictability. In formulaic fashion, it becomes clear to Cassius that David has been bitten, thus requiring that all-too-pervasive lingering prospect that his transformation will have to be dealt with. Megan – after all – is about ready to pop, and that little dumpling can’t have the responsibilities of Daddy Dearest resting on the shoulders of a hangry carnivore. Circumstances continue to revolve around pitting Cassius and Abigail against one another – what teenager has refused the impulse to rebel against her father? – and about the time that plot contrivance exhausts its usefulness, there’s a new wrinkle in the plot introduce: whacky recluse and brilliant scientist Norton (Latham) befriends our traveling band, setting up the late-breaking introduction of the diabolical madman hellbent on remaking what’s left of mankind even if there’s nothing of mankind left.
If some creative type truly wants to reshape the classic zombie picture for the next generation of viewers, I’m not sure that Silent Zone was an even honest attempt. Relying heavily on macho stereotypes might carry any effort far enough to give the flick a modest measure of street credibility, but Zone feels like half-baked retreads of ideas many moviemakers have already used up and discarded. Generally speaking, Devere is perfectly capable of hitting his marks – and a few well-placed zombies – but Papp could’ve used a bit more hutzpah as his rebellious counterpart. Clearly, the screenwriters dropped enough clues in here that their central duo were undergoing some emotional turbulence; and perhaps a few more arguments between the two might’ve defused the feeling that this was little more than the worst ‘bring your daughter to work day’ of cinematic record.
Performances aside, Silent Zone could also have benefited from a bit more attention applied to production details. As an example, we’re given the distinct impression that life’s staples – food, water, clothing, ammo, etc. – are in increasingly short supply (via a somewhat comic bit between Devere and Papp as she’s been tasked with maintaining a written inventory): however, why are their clothes and backpacks and attachments all in pristine condition? If they’d been toting these things miles and miles and miles since they took off in search of happiness, then wouldn’t it stand to reason that some of this would have been reduced to tatters by now? While producers took great pains to physically stage some of their set pieces in obviously condemned and/or dilapidated buildings, someone behind the camera clearly showed up thinking that travel girl nearly fresh off-the-rack was good enough to give this Apocalypse its – ahem – authenticity.
Silent Zone (2025) was produced by FilmFinity and Sysplex Media. DVD distribution (for this particular release) has been coordinated by the fine folks at Well Go USA Entertainment. As for the technical specifications? While I’m no trained video expert, I still found a great deal of the provided sights and sounds to be quite good: Zone looks good – even a bit vast in a few spots – in spite of its bare bones storytelling. Lastly, if you’re looking for special features? Alas … this is the end of the world as we know it, you know, and there’s nothing here deserving of such extravagance.
Mildly Recommended.
Apocalypses being what they are, Silent Zone is yet another one. Men have turned into zombies, and the story is rather derivative of anything that’s been tried and done elsewhere to probably greater effect than ever gets achieved here. If nothing else, Zone proves that even the least original road movie with the walking dead might minimally be watchable for 90 minutes or so, but this one really wears out its welcome by stretching to its just-under two hour running time. I did laugh once the high schoolers broke out dancing near the finale: check your brain at the door, and you might, too.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Allied Vaughn (via Warner Archive) provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray of Silent Zone (2025) by request for the expressed purpose of completing this review. Their contribution to me in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion of it.
-- EZ
Silent Zone (2025) was produced by FilmFinity and Sysplex Media. DVD distribution (for this particular release) has been coordinated by the fine folks at Well Go USA Entertainment. As for the technical specifications? While I’m no trained video expert, I still found a great deal of the provided sights and sounds to be quite good: Zone looks good – even a bit vast in a few spots – in spite of its bare bones storytelling. Lastly, if you’re looking for special features? Alas … this is the end of the world as we know it, you know, and there’s nothing here deserving of such extravagance.
Mildly Recommended.
Apocalypses being what they are, Silent Zone is yet another one. Men have turned into zombies, and the story is rather derivative of anything that’s been tried and done elsewhere to probably greater effect than ever gets achieved here. If nothing else, Zone proves that even the least original road movie with the walking dead might minimally be watchable for 90 minutes or so, but this one really wears out its welcome by stretching to its just-under two hour running time. I did laugh once the high schoolers broke out dancing near the finale: check your brain at the door, and you might, too.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the fine folks at Allied Vaughn (via Warner Archive) provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray of Silent Zone (2025) by request for the expressed purpose of completing this review. Their contribution to me in no way, shape, or form influenced my opinion of it.
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
If our collective fear regarding clowns had to begin somewhere, then doesn't it stand to reason that this little film knew it first? On this day in 1988 (in Canada and the U.S.), Killer Klowns From Outer Space delivered a fright worth laughing at ... and more! Written (in part) and directed by Stephen Chiodo, the film starred Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Allen Nelson, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aliens who look like clowns come from outer space and terrorize a small town."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, Killer Klowns received nominations in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Music.'
-- EZ
If our collective fear regarding clowns had to begin somewhere, then doesn't it stand to reason that this little film knew it first? On this day in 1988 (in Canada and the U.S.), Killer Klowns From Outer Space delivered a fright worth laughing at ... and more! Written (in part) and directed by Stephen Chiodo, the film starred Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, John Allen Nelson, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Aliens who look like clowns come from outer space and terrorize a small town."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, Killer Klowns received nominations in the categories of 'Best Costumes' and 'Best Music.'
-- EZ
- Published on
Folks, one of the reasons that I still scour the internet for titles -- especially those relating to New Releases Tuesdays -- is that I almost always uncover some tiny little flick that I've heard nothing about.
I know, I know, I know: you thought I knew all! As I often share with those of you who reach out to me privately or via Twitter, the opposite is more often true. I consider myself one of the entertainment industry's biggest fans, but I've missed a great many of these pictures and series because life calls. You have to do what you have to do to make ends meet, so I'm always on the lookout for something that may've slipped through the cracks of a certain time and a certain place. New release lists held to keep me up-to-date, especially when it comes to adding new content to SciFiHistory.Net.
Today's exhibit: I've heard next-to-nothing about 2004's Bone Sickness. Written and directed by Brian Paulin, the feature looks to be the kind of thing fans of independent Horror flock to when given the chance, so I think it's damn thrilling that it's getting an all-new release for interested parties. It's showing available for purchase at that internet juggernaut Amazon.com, so I'm including the plot summary and the proper link below. If it tickles your fancy, then check it out!
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Kristen is caring for her Terminally ill husband who is suffering from a degenerative bone disease. With no cure available she turns to a friend to help find an alternative form of medicine that has unimaginable side effects."
-- EZ
I know, I know, I know: you thought I knew all! As I often share with those of you who reach out to me privately or via Twitter, the opposite is more often true. I consider myself one of the entertainment industry's biggest fans, but I've missed a great many of these pictures and series because life calls. You have to do what you have to do to make ends meet, so I'm always on the lookout for something that may've slipped through the cracks of a certain time and a certain place. New release lists held to keep me up-to-date, especially when it comes to adding new content to SciFiHistory.Net.
Today's exhibit: I've heard next-to-nothing about 2004's Bone Sickness. Written and directed by Brian Paulin, the feature looks to be the kind of thing fans of independent Horror flock to when given the chance, so I think it's damn thrilling that it's getting an all-new release for interested parties. It's showing available for purchase at that internet juggernaut Amazon.com, so I'm including the plot summary and the proper link below. If it tickles your fancy, then check it out!
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Kristen is caring for her Terminally ill husband who is suffering from a degenerative bone disease. With no cure available she turns to a friend to help find an alternative form of medicine that has unimaginable side effects."
-- EZ
- Published on
As I often point out, I don't always agree with the general consensus.
Today's example: while a great many folks in fandom just went gaga over 2004's Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow, I thought it was lukewarm, at best, with a great deal of unrealized potential weighing down the prospects of what Tomorrow's world truly could've been. It had so much going for it -- a great concept, a stellar cast, some interesting visuals, etc. -- and yet the ingredients never quite came together in the manner that could've elevated this one to storytelling heights, instead mostly sputtering at the box office with a mostly lackluster reception and performance. Sigh. What could've been the start of something special pretty much derailed any prospects for a follow-up, so I guess it wasn't meant to be.
Still, kudos to fans for fanning the flames in the secondary market, am I right? Home video releases being what they are, the folks at Shout Factory have answered the call, giving Sky Captain another look with this 4K Ultra HD release. I'll be copying the company's press materials from their website and posting the link for those who might be interested in making a purchase. I'd love to review on their behalf, but all of my outreaches to the company remain unanswered to this date, so the best I can do for them is to point folks in their general direction.
-- EZ
Today's example: while a great many folks in fandom just went gaga over 2004's Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow, I thought it was lukewarm, at best, with a great deal of unrealized potential weighing down the prospects of what Tomorrow's world truly could've been. It had so much going for it -- a great concept, a stellar cast, some interesting visuals, etc. -- and yet the ingredients never quite came together in the manner that could've elevated this one to storytelling heights, instead mostly sputtering at the box office with a mostly lackluster reception and performance. Sigh. What could've been the start of something special pretty much derailed any prospects for a follow-up, so I guess it wasn't meant to be.
Still, kudos to fans for fanning the flames in the secondary market, am I right? Home video releases being what they are, the folks at Shout Factory have answered the call, giving Sky Captain another look with this 4K Ultra HD release. I'll be copying the company's press materials from their website and posting the link for those who might be interested in making a purchase. I'd love to review on their behalf, but all of my outreaches to the company remain unanswered to this date, so the best I can do for them is to point folks in their general direction.
-- EZ
When giant robots attack New York City, intrepid reporter Polly Perkins (Academy Award® winner* Gwyneth Paltrow) enlists the aid of ace aviator and old flame Joseph 'Sky Captain' Sullivan (two-time Academy Award® nominee** Jude Law) to stop a plot to destroy the world before it's too late. Co-starring Academy Award® winner† Angelina Jolie, Sky Captain And The World of Tomorrow will thrill and amaze you right through to the action-packed finale.
*1998: Best Actress in a Leading Role, Shakespeare In Love
**1999: Best Actor in a Supporting Role, The Talented Mr. Ripley; 2003: Best Actor in a Leading Role, Cold Mountain
†1999: Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Girl, Interrupted; 2014: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
Bonus Features for UHD/Blu-rayDISC ONE (4K UHD):
- NEW 4K Transfer From The 35mm Digital Negative
- NEW Presented In Dolby Vision (HDR-10 Compatible)
- Audio Commentary With Director Kerry Conran, Production Designer Kevin Conran, Animation Director Steve Yamamoto, And Visual Effects Supervisor Darin Hollings
- Audio Commentary With Producer Jon Avnet
DISC TWO (BLU-RAY):
- NEW 4K Transfer From The 35mm Digital Negative
- Audio Commentary With Director Kerry Conran, Production Designer Kevin Conran, Animation Director Steve Yamamoto, And Visual Effects Supervisor Darin Hollings
- Audio Commentary With Producer Jon Avnet
- “Brave New World” – A Two-Part Look At The Making Of Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow
- “The Art Of World Of Tomorrow” Featurette
- “Anatomy Of A Virtual Scene”
- The Original Six-Minute Short
- Deleted Scenes
- Gag Reel
- Theatrical Trailers
- Published on
press release
High Tension:
Four Films by Lamberto Bava
[4-Disc Blu-ray + CD Box Set]
“THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER, LAMBERTO BAVA
HAS LEFT A UNIQUE MARK WITH HIS ABILITY
TO CREATE TERRIFYINGLY HAUNTING ATMOSPHERES.
HE HAS INFLUENCED GENERATIONS OF GENRE FILMMAKERS.”
The Sitges International Film Festival
THE WORLDWIDE BLU-RAY PREMIERE
OF THE INFAMOUS ANTHOLOGY SERIES
DIRECTED BY LAMBERTO BAVA
In the late ‘80s, Lamberto Bava agreed to direct a four-part anthology series for Italian TV under the title High Tension. But when executives saw the completed features’ extreme themes and graphic violence, their broadcast was blocked for nearly a decade and they have only existed as grey market bootlegs since. Severin Films now presents their Official Worldwide Blu-ray Premiere: Tomas Arana stars as a horror director stalked by evil forces in THE PRINCE OF TERROR, written by Dardano Sacchetti and featuring grisly FX by Sergio Stivaletti. In THE MAN WHO WOULDN’T DIE, adapted
from a short story by poliziotteschi novelist Giorgio Scerbanenco, the survivor of a home invasion seeks vengeance. Daria Nicolodi stars in SCHOOL OF FEAR about a student academy with a dark secret. And in the giallo shocker EYE WITNESS, Barbara Cupisti stars as a blind woman who sees a murder. All four films are scanned in 2K from the original camera negatives with Italian and first-time ever English tracks, plus over 5 hours of Special Features and a Soundtrack CD curated by Simon Boswell featuring music from High Tension, THE MASK OF SATAN, DEMONS 2, DELIRIUM and more.
from a short story by poliziotteschi novelist Giorgio Scerbanenco, the survivor of a home invasion seeks vengeance. Daria Nicolodi stars in SCHOOL OF FEAR about a student academy with a dark secret. And in the giallo shocker EYE WITNESS, Barbara Cupisti stars as a blind woman who sees a murder. All four films are scanned in 2K from the original camera negatives with Italian and first-time ever English tracks, plus over 5 hours of Special Features and a Soundtrack CD curated by Simon Boswell featuring music from High Tension, THE MASK OF SATAN, DEMONS 2, DELIRIUM and more.
4 FILMS RESTORED UNCUT
5+ HOURS OF ALL-NEW SPECIAL FEATURES
PLUS BONUS BOSWELL/BAVA SOUNDTRACK CD
Disc 1: THE PRINCE OF TERROR
For the first film in the series, director Lamberto Bava and screenwriter Dardano Sacchetti (THE BEYOND, DEMONS) delivered “a wild ride” (Euro Fever) that’s part home-invasion thriller, part supernatural shocker and one totally over-the-top gorehound blast: ‘Prince of Terror’ Vincent Omen (Tomas Arana of THE CHURCH and THE SECT) is cinema’s top horror director. But when a disgruntled screenwriter – a no-holds-barred performance by David Brandon of STAGEFRIGHT – attacks Omen and his family in their secluded villa, it will unleash a grisly maelstrom of graphic brutality courtesy of special effects maestro Sergio Stivaletti (THE MASK OF SATAN, CEMETERY MAN). Carole André (YOR: THE HUNTER FROM THE FUTURE) co-stars in “one of the rarest of Bava’s ‘80s horrors” (The Bloody Pit of Horror), now scanned in 2K from the original camera negative with a first time-ever English language track.
Disc Specs:
Runtime: 92 mins
English Mono, Italian Mono / Closed Captions, English Subtitles
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Special Features:
For the first film in the series, director Lamberto Bava and screenwriter Dardano Sacchetti (THE BEYOND, DEMONS) delivered “a wild ride” (Euro Fever) that’s part home-invasion thriller, part supernatural shocker and one totally over-the-top gorehound blast: ‘Prince of Terror’ Vincent Omen (Tomas Arana of THE CHURCH and THE SECT) is cinema’s top horror director. But when a disgruntled screenwriter – a no-holds-barred performance by David Brandon of STAGEFRIGHT – attacks Omen and his family in their secluded villa, it will unleash a grisly maelstrom of graphic brutality courtesy of special effects maestro Sergio Stivaletti (THE MASK OF SATAN, CEMETERY MAN). Carole André (YOR: THE HUNTER FROM THE FUTURE) co-stars in “one of the rarest of Bava’s ‘80s horrors” (The Bloody Pit of Horror), now scanned in 2K from the original camera negative with a first time-ever English language track.
Disc Specs:
Runtime: 92 mins
English Mono, Italian Mono / Closed Captions, English Subtitles
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary With Mondo Digital's Nathaniel Thompson And Troy Howarth, Author Of So Deadly, So Perverse: 50 Years Of Italian Giallo Films
- The Adventure Of Anfri – Interview With Director Lamberto Bava On High Tension
- We Call Him Maestro – Lamberto Bava On THE PRINCE OF TERROR
Disc 2: THE MAN WHO WOULDN’T DIE
In the early ‘70s, the legendary Mario Bava began adapting a savage short story by poliziotteschi novelist Giorgio Scerbanenco (CALIBER 9) for a film project. When Lamberto Bava eventually directed it in 1989 – from a screenplay by Gianfranco Clerici (HOUSE ON THE EDGE OF THE PARK, THE NEW YORK RIPPER) – Italian TV refused to broadcast the violent thriller for nearly 20 years: After an art heist in a luxury villa goes horrifically wrong, a gang member (Gino Concari of Andrea Bianchi’s MASSACRE) left for dead will hunt down his accomplices in a mission of brutal revenge. Keith Van Hoven (Fulci’s THE HOUSE OF CLOCKS), Lino Salemme (DEMONS) and Martine Brochard (THE VIOLENT PROFESSIONALS) co-star in “the rarest film in the High Tension series” (FilmTV), now scanned in 2K from the original camera negative with a first time-ever English language track.
Disc Specs:
Runtime: 95 mins
English Mono, Italian Mono / Closed Captions, English Subtitles
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Special Features:
In the early ‘70s, the legendary Mario Bava began adapting a savage short story by poliziotteschi novelist Giorgio Scerbanenco (CALIBER 9) for a film project. When Lamberto Bava eventually directed it in 1989 – from a screenplay by Gianfranco Clerici (HOUSE ON THE EDGE OF THE PARK, THE NEW YORK RIPPER) – Italian TV refused to broadcast the violent thriller for nearly 20 years: After an art heist in a luxury villa goes horrifically wrong, a gang member (Gino Concari of Andrea Bianchi’s MASSACRE) left for dead will hunt down his accomplices in a mission of brutal revenge. Keith Van Hoven (Fulci’s THE HOUSE OF CLOCKS), Lino Salemme (DEMONS) and Martine Brochard (THE VIOLENT PROFESSIONALS) co-star in “the rarest film in the High Tension series” (FilmTV), now scanned in 2K from the original camera negative with a first time-ever English language track.
Disc Specs:
Runtime: 95 mins
English Mono, Italian Mono / Closed Captions, English Subtitles
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Special Features:
- The Scerbanenco Touch – Interview With Director Lamberto Bava
- Stephen King Italian Style – Interview With Screenwriter Dardano Sacchetti
Disc 3: SCHOOL OF FEAR
In the most unsettlingly creepy film of the quartet, producer/director Lamberto Bava – along with screenwriters Roberto Gandus (MACABRE, PAPAYA: LOVE GODDESS OF THE CANNIBALS), Dardano Sacchetti (THE PSYCHIC, ZOMBIE), Giorgio Stegani (CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, EYE WITNESS) and composer Simon Boswell (DEMONS 2, SANTA SANGRE) – present a private academy where the curriculum is defined by unadulterated evil: When an idealistic young teacher (Alessandra Acciai of Luigi Cozzi’s THE BLACK CAT) arrives mid-semester at an exclusive school, she’ll anger the stern principal (Italian horror icon Daria Nicolodi), unlock a nightmare of trauma and discover that child’s play can be the deadliest game of all. Stefano De Sando (Bava/Cozzi’s Night Shift) co-stars in this “absolutely wild” (B&S About Movies) shocker, now scanned in 2K from the original camera negative with a first time-ever English language track.
Disc Specs:
Runtime: 100 mins
English Mono, Italian Mono / Closed Captions, English Subtitles
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Special Features:
Disc 4: BOSWELL/BAVA Compilation CD
In the most unsettlingly creepy film of the quartet, producer/director Lamberto Bava – along with screenwriters Roberto Gandus (MACABRE, PAPAYA: LOVE GODDESS OF THE CANNIBALS), Dardano Sacchetti (THE PSYCHIC, ZOMBIE), Giorgio Stegani (CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, EYE WITNESS) and composer Simon Boswell (DEMONS 2, SANTA SANGRE) – present a private academy where the curriculum is defined by unadulterated evil: When an idealistic young teacher (Alessandra Acciai of Luigi Cozzi’s THE BLACK CAT) arrives mid-semester at an exclusive school, she’ll anger the stern principal (Italian horror icon Daria Nicolodi), unlock a nightmare of trauma and discover that child’s play can be the deadliest game of all. Stefano De Sando (Bava/Cozzi’s Night Shift) co-stars in this “absolutely wild” (B&S About Movies) shocker, now scanned in 2K from the original camera negative with a first time-ever English language track.
Disc Specs:
Runtime: 100 mins
English Mono, Italian Mono / Closed Captions, English Subtitles
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Special Features:
- The Tale Of Evil Children – Interview With Director Lamberto Bava
- Play The Game – Interview With Screenwriter Roberto Gandus
- When Bava Met Boswell – Interview With Composer Simon Boswell
Disc 4: BOSWELL/BAVA Compilation CD
Disc 5: EYE WITNESS
For his final film in the High Tension series, director Lamberto Bava crafted a unique twist on the giallo genre with a screenplay by Giorgio Stegani (SCHOOL OF FEAR, CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST) and Massimo De Rita (BLASTFIGHTER, STREET LAW) from a story by Bava, a haunting score by Simon Boswell (PHENOMENA, STAGEFRIGHT) and an outstanding performance by Barbara Cupisti of CEMETERY MAN, THE CHURCH and OPERA fame: When a blind woman (Cupisti) is the only witness to a murder, the cops – and the killer – set their sights on ending her ordeal forever. Mary Sellers (THE MASK OF SATAN), Alessio Orano (LISA AND THE DEVIL) and Antonella Antinori (BURIAL GROUND) co-star in “one of the best Bava films ever” (ItaloCinema), now scanned in 2K from the original camera negative with a first time-ever English language track.
Disc Specs:
Runtime: 100 mins
English Mono, Italian Mono / Closed Captions, English Subtitles
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Special Features:
Artwork designed by Eric Adrian Lee
For his final film in the High Tension series, director Lamberto Bava crafted a unique twist on the giallo genre with a screenplay by Giorgio Stegani (SCHOOL OF FEAR, CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST) and Massimo De Rita (BLASTFIGHTER, STREET LAW) from a story by Bava, a haunting score by Simon Boswell (PHENOMENA, STAGEFRIGHT) and an outstanding performance by Barbara Cupisti of CEMETERY MAN, THE CHURCH and OPERA fame: When a blind woman (Cupisti) is the only witness to a murder, the cops – and the killer – set their sights on ending her ordeal forever. Mary Sellers (THE MASK OF SATAN), Alessio Orano (LISA AND THE DEVIL) and Antonella Antinori (BURIAL GROUND) co-star in “one of the best Bava films ever” (ItaloCinema), now scanned in 2K from the original camera negative with a first time-ever English language track.
Disc Specs:
Runtime: 100 mins
English Mono, Italian Mono / Closed Captions, English Subtitles
Region Free
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
Special Features:
- Audio Commentary With Mondo Digital's Nathaniel Thompson And Troy Howarth, Author Of So Deadly, So Perverse: 50 Years Of Italian Giallo Films
- The Last Giallo – Interview With Director Lamberto Bava
- Love Is Blind – Interview With Actress Barbara Cupisti
Artwork designed by Eric Adrian Lee
- Published on
Now, in fairness, I love the work of John Carpenter just as much as the next fanboy or fangirl, but -- alas -- I didn't embrace 1984's Starman as much as the next did.
This isn't any sleight against Carpenter because, frankly, I think he did a masterful job -- for the most part -- in crafting the script from Bruce A. Evans and Raynold Gideon for the screen. While their ideas were interesting and the cast -- including Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen -- were top notch, the whole affair felt a bit muddled in spots. Some of the visuals were a bit predictable; and given what Carpenter had achieved in genre else -- with efforts like Halloween (1978), Escape From New York (1981), and The Thing (1982) -- I think I came in with expectations greater than could be delivered with what little there was. I didn't hate the film; it just kinda/sorta fizzled wherein I thought it was going to be a bit more epic in scope. To each his own, as they say ...
But because I'm a firm supporter of All Things Genre in this space, I always do try to sing praises as often as I can ...
This is why I wanted to point the readers to an all-new home video Steelbook release that's 'streeting' today compliments of the good people at SONY. I'm doing the copy-and-paste from the company's press release below (as it was previously published on Blu-ray.com), and I'm putting the link for those who wish to score a purchase via Amazon.com below that.
Happy hunting!
-- EZ
This isn't any sleight against Carpenter because, frankly, I think he did a masterful job -- for the most part -- in crafting the script from Bruce A. Evans and Raynold Gideon for the screen. While their ideas were interesting and the cast -- including Jeff Bridges and Karen Allen -- were top notch, the whole affair felt a bit muddled in spots. Some of the visuals were a bit predictable; and given what Carpenter had achieved in genre else -- with efforts like Halloween (1978), Escape From New York (1981), and The Thing (1982) -- I think I came in with expectations greater than could be delivered with what little there was. I didn't hate the film; it just kinda/sorta fizzled wherein I thought it was going to be a bit more epic in scope. To each his own, as they say ...
But because I'm a firm supporter of All Things Genre in this space, I always do try to sing praises as often as I can ...
This is why I wanted to point the readers to an all-new home video Steelbook release that's 'streeting' today compliments of the good people at SONY. I'm doing the copy-and-paste from the company's press release below (as it was previously published on Blu-ray.com), and I'm putting the link for those who wish to score a purchase via Amazon.com below that.
Happy hunting!
-- EZ
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is preparing a 4K Blu-ray SteelBook Edition of John Carpenter's Starman (1984), starring Jeff Bridges, Karen Allen, Charles Martin Smith, Richard Jaeckel, and Robert Phalen. The release is scheduled to arrive on the market on May 27.
Director John Carpenter presents a romantic science fiction odyssey starring Jeff Bridges in his 1984 Oscar®-nominated role as an innocent alien from a distant planet who learns what it means to be a man in love. When his spacecraft is shot down over Wisconsin, Starman (Bridges) arrives at the remote cabin of a distraught young widow, Jenny Hayden (Karen Allen), and clones the form of her dead husband. The alien convinces Jenny to drive him to Arizona, explaining that if he isn't picked up by his mothership in three days, he'll die. Hot on their trail are government agents, intent on capturing the alien, dead or alive. En route, Starman demonstrates the power of universal love, while Jenny rediscovers her human feelings for passion. Written by Bruce A. Evans & Raynold Gideon.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
DISC ONE - 4K BLU-RAY
- 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
- DOLBY VISION/HDR PRESENTATION OF THE FILM
- DOLBY ATMOS TRACK + 5.1 + 2-Channel Surround
- Optional English subtitles for the main feature
- 4K RESTORATION FROM THE ORIGINAL CAMERA NEGATIVE
- English 5.1 + 2-Channel Surround
- Audio Commentary with Director John Carpenter and Actor Jeff Bridges
- Deleted Scenes
- Behind-the-Scenes Time Lapses
- They Came from Hollywood: Revisiting Starman Featurette
- Making-Of Featurette
- Music Video
- Still Gallery
- Theatrical Trailer
- Optional English subtitles for the main feature
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1988 (in the West Germany), Ghost Town delivered some spectral frights to viewers with its original home video release. Directed by Richard McCarthy from a story by Duke Sandefur and David Schmoeller, the film starred Catherine Hickland, Franc Luz, Penelope Windust, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A modern-day deputy tracks an abducted girl to a ghost town, and the spirits of the past who took her."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Ghost Town earned a wee bit of extra attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
-- EZ
On this day in 1988 (in the West Germany), Ghost Town delivered some spectral frights to viewers with its original home video release. Directed by Richard McCarthy from a story by Duke Sandefur and David Schmoeller, the film starred Catherine Hickland, Franc Luz, Penelope Windust, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A modern-day deputy tracks an abducted girl to a ghost town, and the spirits of the past who took her."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Ghost Town earned a wee bit of extra attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Curse Of The Puppet Master delivered a measure of puppety madness to audiences with its home video release. Directed by David DeCoteau from a story by Neal Marshall Stevens, the film starred George Peck, Emily Harrison, Josh Green, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist attempts to master the art of transferring people's souls into puppets."
Editor's Note:
Technically, this may not have been Curse Of The Puppet Master's first release. IMDB.com indicates that the film did enjoy another home video release in Spain some time during 1998, but lacking further specificity I am choosing to honor the May 26th citation as the original unveiling. Should I locate additional information in the future, I'll correct the post.
-- EZ
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Curse Of The Puppet Master delivered a measure of puppety madness to audiences with its home video release. Directed by David DeCoteau from a story by Neal Marshall Stevens, the film starred George Peck, Emily Harrison, Josh Green, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist attempts to master the art of transferring people's souls into puppets."
Editor's Note:
Technically, this may not have been Curse Of The Puppet Master's first release. IMDB.com indicates that the film did enjoy another home video release in Spain some time during 1998, but lacking further specificity I am choosing to honor the May 26th citation as the original unveiling. Should I locate additional information in the future, I'll correct the post.
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1967 (in West Germany), the madness of one man grew more elaborate than ever before with the theatrical release of The Vengeance Of Fu Manchu. Based on the novel creation of Sax Rohmer, the Horror was scripted by Harry Alan Towers and directed by Jeremy Summers. The film starred Christopher Lee, Tony Ferrer, Tsai Chin, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Fu Manchu replaces his arch-nemesis Nayland Smith with a hypnotized, murderous doppelgänger as part of a plan to become leader of the world's criminals."
On this day in 1967 (in West Germany), the madness of one man grew more elaborate than ever before with the theatrical release of The Vengeance Of Fu Manchu. Based on the novel creation of Sax Rohmer, the Horror was scripted by Harry Alan Towers and directed by Jeremy Summers. The film starred Christopher Lee, Tony Ferrer, Tsai Chin, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Fu Manchu replaces his arch-nemesis Nayland Smith with a hypnotized, murderous doppelgänger as part of a plan to become leader of the world's criminals."
- Published on
in memoriam
You'll all have to trust me when I say that a great deal many other folks know far more about the work of Peter David than I do.
Chiefly, I came to know him many moons ago as one of the author who dabbled in some truly memorable Star Trek novels. I've said many times -- in this space, in fact -- that his "Imzadi" is -- hands down -- one of the very best Trek books, so good that it most definitely could've served as the fabric for a big budget motion picture or even a limited series (now that Trek seems to have gone the way of the pay-wall streaming outlet that is Paramount+). Granted, it may not exactly have had the central star-power focus of honing in on Captain Jean-Luc Picard or Commander Data, but it arguably gave Will Riker and Deanna Troi a love story that transcended universes. If you haven't read it, then I encourage all Trekkies, Trekkers, and general Trek enthusiasts to do so ... at once ... and I don't think any of you will be disappointed.
Still, the truth is that David was far more well known outside of Trek, I suspect, that he was within. As an author and comic books scribe, he built a faithful following across several big titles, including a rather epic run -- from what I've been told -- on Marvel's The Incredible Hulk.
In any event, I'll never be able to do his career justice, and that's why I'm encouraging everyone to head on over to his Wikipedia.org page -- right here -- to see just how impactful and expansive he truly was. Prepare to be amazed.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Peter David.
May he rest in peace.
-- EZ
Chiefly, I came to know him many moons ago as one of the author who dabbled in some truly memorable Star Trek novels. I've said many times -- in this space, in fact -- that his "Imzadi" is -- hands down -- one of the very best Trek books, so good that it most definitely could've served as the fabric for a big budget motion picture or even a limited series (now that Trek seems to have gone the way of the pay-wall streaming outlet that is Paramount+). Granted, it may not exactly have had the central star-power focus of honing in on Captain Jean-Luc Picard or Commander Data, but it arguably gave Will Riker and Deanna Troi a love story that transcended universes. If you haven't read it, then I encourage all Trekkies, Trekkers, and general Trek enthusiasts to do so ... at once ... and I don't think any of you will be disappointed.
Still, the truth is that David was far more well known outside of Trek, I suspect, that he was within. As an author and comic books scribe, he built a faithful following across several big titles, including a rather epic run -- from what I've been told -- on Marvel's The Incredible Hulk.
In any event, I'll never be able to do his career justice, and that's why I'm encouraging everyone to head on over to his Wikipedia.org page -- right here -- to see just how impactful and expansive he truly was. Prepare to be amazed.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Peter David.
May he rest in peace.
-- EZ