Author: Tom Stockman

MANIAC Available in 3 Disc Limited Edition with New 4K Restoration December 11th

      
Frank Zito (a career performance by writer/executive producer Joe Spinell of ROCKY and THE GODFATHER fame) is a deeply disturbed man, haunted by the traumas of unspeakable childhood abuse. And when these horrific memories begin to scream inside his mind, Frank prowls the seedy streets of N ew York City to stalk and slaughter innocent young women. Now Frank has begun a relationship with a beautiful photographer (Caroline Munro of THE SPY WHO LOVED ME), yet his vile compulsions remain. These are the atrocities of a human monster. This is the story of a MANIAC.
Directed by William Lustig (MANIAC COP 2, VIGILANTE) and featuring landmark gore effects by Tom Savini (DAWN OF THE DEAD, FRIDAY THE 13th), this relentlessly shocking and disturbing film was originally banned or censored all over the world due to its graphic violence. Now Blue Underground is thrilled to present MANIAC in a brand-new 4K Restoration from its recently discovered 16mm original camera negative, overflowing with hours of new and archival extras! A complete list is below…
Disc 1 (Blu-ray) Feature Film + Extras:
  • Audio Commentary #1 with Producer/Director William Lustig and Producer Andrew W. Garroni
  • Audio Commentary #2 with Producer/Director William Lustig, Special Make-Up Effects Artist Tom Savini, Editor Lorenzo Marinelli, and Joe Spinell’s Assistant Luke Walter
  • Theatrical Trailers
  • TV Spots
  • Radio Spots

Disc 2 (Blu-ray) Extras:
  • NEW! MANIAC Outtakes
  • NEW! Returning to the Scene of the Crime with William Lustig
  • Anna and the Killer – Interview with Star Caroline Munro
  • The Death Dealer – Interview with Special Make-Up Effects Artist Tom Savini
  • Dark Notes – Interview with Composer Jay Chattaway
  • Maniac Men – Interview with Songwriters Michael Sembello and Dennis Matkosky
  • The Joe Spinell Story
  • Mr. Robbie: Maniac 2 Promo Reel
  • MANIAC Publicity
  • MANIAC Controversy

BONUS! MANIAC Original Motion Picture Soundtrack CD by Jay Chattaway
 
BONUS! Collectable Booklet with new essay by Michael Gingold
 
MANIAC (30th Anniversary Edition) Blu-ray Reviews:
  • “The new transfer is visually striking, especially on Blu-ray, consistently enhancing the film’s grain and grime. Fans with a casual interest, hardcore devotees and collectors alike would all do dreadfully well to pick up the new edition of MANIAC!” Four Skulls (out of 4) – Fangoria
  • “Blue Underground has done a tremendous job with their double-disc Blu-ray edition of MANIAC. The gorgeous 2K high-def transfer looks fabulously detailed at every turn; this is how every catalog film should look in high-def!” – Film Score Monthly
  • “Blue Underground has once again delivered a high quality Blu-ray release… the lossless soundtrack is fantastic and two discs worth of wonderful extras make this a package that’s easily recommended!” – Blu-ray.com
  • “Extras are as stacked as I think I’ve ever seen. One can’t help but applaud the work of Blue Underground – these guys are coming across as top producers of the Blu-ray format – along with Criterion!” – DVD Beaver
  • “Blue Underground certainly knows how to put a special edition Blu-ray together. Not only is this a great movie that looks killer in high-def, but there are tons of special features on the release. If you haven’t seen MANIAC before I can’t recommend the movie enough!” – Gutmunchers
  • “MANIAC’s morose desperation and Spinell’s full-tilt sicko-performance mark the movie as an all-time exploitation classic, and one that should be on every collector’s shelf. You blood-spatter fanciers out there can consider this one Highly Recommended!” – DVD Talk
  • “Blue Underground’s MANIAC is a model for how to handle a catalog Blu-ray release!” – Twitch Film
  • “Blue Underground continue to outdo themselves with their Blu-ray releases. MANIAC is easily the most comprehensive and thoroughly entertaining set the company has produced. I’m absolutely floored by the enormous attention to detail that went into putting this 30th Anniversary edition of MANIAC together. Needless to say, this one gets my absolute highest possible recommendation!” Five Skulls (out of 5) – Horrorview

’80s Slasher Classic BLOODY BIRTHDAY Available on Blu-ray December 18th From Arrow Video

The 1981 Slasher Classic BLOODY BIRTHDAY will be available on Blu-ray December 18th From Arrow Video

The Bad Seed meets Halloween in this deliciously twisted early 80s slasher offering directed by Ed Hunt (The Brain) and starring the always loveable Lori Lethin (Return to Horror High, The Prey).


Debbie, Curtis and Steven may seem cute as buttons. But their angelic facade conceals the wicked, murderous streak given to them having all been born under the same solar eclipse. With the grown-ups around them blissfully unaware of their little darlings homicidal tendencies, the evil brats begin to bump off the adults one-by-one. By gun. By arrow. By cake. Bye-bye!


Mixing the killer-kid subgenre with elements of the then-booming slice-and-dice movie, 1981 s Bloody Birthday shocks and appalls with its scenes of young children shooting, strangling and bludgeoning their way through the local population. They sure don t (and can t!) make em like this anymore.


SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS

  • Brand new 2K restoration from original film elements
  • High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
  • Original Uncompressed mono audio
  • Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • Brand new audio commentary with director Ed Hunt
  • Brand new audio commentary with The Hysteria Continues
  • Brand new interview with actress Lori Lethin
  • Bad Seeds and Body Counts a brand new video appreciation of Bloody Birthday and the killer kid sub-genre by film journalist Chris Alexander
  • Archival interview with producer Max Rosenberg
  • Original Theatrical Trailer
  • Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork by Timothy Pittides
  • FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Collector s booklet featuring new writing by Lee Gambin

Folsom Prison Experience on Sale Now! Johnny Cash Tribute Event Takes Place January 12th & 13th at Liuna Event Center in St. Louis

Back by popular demand, Bill Forness and One More Round bring the ultimate Johnny Cash Folsom Prison Experience to the Liuna Event Center for two shows on January 12 and 13. Tickets for Saturday, January 12 include dinner and are $49.50 per person (doors open at 6 p.m.).  Tickets for Sunday, January 13 are $24.95 (show only) with doors opening at 1 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 314-226-1010 or order online at www.liunaeventcenter.com.  This event is a fundraiser for the St. Louis County Police Welfare Association.

Bill Forness and One More Round present a theatrical tribute to the legendary Johnny Cash complete with a genuine look, feel and sound of a real Johnny Cash show.  Take a step back in time as Bill Forness and One More Round perform the complete Folsom Prison album, featuring Craig Straubinger as the legendary Carl Perkins and Sharon Newell as June Carter. Each ticket buyer will be given an identity of an actual Folsom inmate, and guests will also have the opportunity to “imprison” their fellow patrons in the on-stage cell to raise money for the organization.

The St. Louis County Police Welfare Association is a non-profit organization which acts as a support alliance for members and their families in times of need. All employees are members of the Welfare Association, by virtue of their employment with the Department. To learn more, log onto St. Louis County Welfare Association.  For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.jcashtribute.com or www.liunaeventcenter.com. Follow One More Round on Social Media.

Moviegoers Will Have a WHITE CHRISTMAS in Theaters December 9th and 12th


Watching the festive, heartwarming classic White Christmas, starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, is a holiday-season tradition for many families. This year, moviegoers of all ages can experience the fun and joy of White Christmason the big screen when it plays nationwide for two days only on Sunday, December 9, and Wednesday, December 12, featuring brand-new commentary before and after the film by TCM Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz.


White Christmas is the final film in the 2018 TCM Big Screen Classics series from Fathom Events and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). The 2019 lineup for the popular series will be unveiled soon.

White Christmas features unforgettable music by Irving Berlin, including, of course, the beloved title song, as well as “Sisters,” “Snow” and “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep.” Directed by Michael Curtiz (Casablanca), White Christmas stars Crosby and Kaye as army buddies who set out to save the inn run by their former commanding officer by putting on a musical show.

WHO: Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Paramount Pictures

WHEN:      Sunday, December 9 – 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (local time)

Wednesday, December 12 – 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (local time)

WHERE: Tickets for White Christmas can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 650 select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network (DBN). For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

I STILL SEE YOU Arrives on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital December 11th

Enter an entire world that’s haunted when I Still See You arrives on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital), DVD, and Digital December 11 from Lionsgate. This film is currently available On Demand. Bella Thorne stars in this supernatural thriller from writer Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman, Ice Age: Continental Drift) and director Scott Speer (Step Up Revolution, Midnight Sun). Based on the novel Break My Heart 1,000 Times by Daniel Waters, I Still See You also stars Richard Harmon and Dermot Mulroney. Including an audio commentary with director Scott Speer and actress Bella Thorne, two never-before-seen featurettes, and deleted scenes, the I Still See You Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $21.99 and $19.98, respectively.

Bella Thorne stars in this spellbinding and romantic supernatural thriller. Ten years after an apocalyptic event left the world haunted by ghosts, Roni (Thorne) receives a threatening message from beyond the grave. Joining forces with Kirk, a mysterious classmate, Roni descends into a shadow world that blurs the bounds of the living and the dead — and begins a desperate race against time to stop a cunning killer.

BLU-RAY/DVD/DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES

  • Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary by Director Scott Speer
  • “Remnants: Manifesting I Still See You” Featurette
  • “Break My Heart 1,000 Times: Novel to Screen” Featurette
  • Audio Commentary with Director Scott Speer and Actress Bella Thorne

CAST

Bella Thorne                          The DUFF, The Babysitter, TV’s “Famous in Love”

Richard Harmon                     The Age of Adaline, TV’s “The 100,” TV’s “Continuum”

and Dermot Mulroney             TV’s “Shameless,” My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Wedding Date

Jennifer Garner Has a Death Wish! PEPPERMINT Available on Blu-ray and DVD December 11th


Revenge has no limits for Riley North in the action-packed thriller, Peppermint, arriving on Digital on November 20, 2018 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and On Demand on December 11, 2018 from STXfilms and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. A powerful story about an underdog hero fighting for justice, the high-octane film is directed by Pierre Morel (Taken, The Gunman) and stars a stellar cast including Golden Globe® winner Jennifer Garner (“Alias,” Juno), John Ortiz (Silver Linings Playbook, American Gangster), John Gallagher, Jr. (10 Cloverfield Lane, Hush), Juana Pablo Raba (The 33, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) and Annie Ilonzeh (“Person of Interest,” “Arrow”).


Young mother Riley North (Garner) awakens from a coma after her husband and daughter are killed in a brutal attack on the family. When the system frustratingly shields the murderers from justice, Riley sets out to transform herself from citizen to urban guerilla. Channeling her frustration into personal motivation, she spends years in hiding honing her mind, body and spirit to become an unstoppable force – eluding the underworld, the LAPD and the FBI – as she methodically delivers her personal brand of justice. From the director of Taken, this film is being hailed by critics as “a total adrenaline rush from start to finish!” (Dave Morales, Fox TV Houston).


Charged with non-stop action and kick-ass fight scenes, Peppermint on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital showcases exhilarating bonus content including a special featurette and film commentary with director Pierre Morel.


BONUS FEATURES on BLU-RAY™, DVD AND DIGITAL

  • Justice: A behind-the-scenes featurette with Jennifer Garner & Director Pierre Morel
  • Feature Commentary by director Pierre Morel

Peppermint will be available on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital.

  • Blu-ray™ unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
  • Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly stream or download.

BOGART AND BACALL: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION Now Available on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive

BOGART AND BACALL: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION (1944,1946,1947,1948) – Is available now!

This sizzling four-film collection celebrates two of Hollywood’s greatest: the on- and off-camera team of tough guy Humphrey Bogart and cool gal Lauren Bacall. Their love of their craft, as well as each other, and the gift of their timeless talent are showcased in this glorious 4-disc set, full of action, laughs, suspense, danger and, above all, a romance that forever sparks a flame in the hearts of all movie fans.

TO HAVE AND HAVE NOT (1944)

During World War II, American expatriate Harry Morgan helps transport a French Resistance leader and his beautiful wife to Martinique while romancing a sensuous lounge singer.

  • BD50
  • NEW 2016 1080p HD MASTER
  • 1.37:1
  • DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 – English Mono; Subtitles: English SDH, Francais & Espanol
  • 100 Min
  • Special Features: Vintage Merrie Melodies Short “Bacall to Arms” (Remastered in HD); “A Love Story: the Story of To Have and Have Not” featurette; Lux Radio Broadcast starring Bogart and Bacall; Theatrical Trailer (HD)

THE BIG SLEEP (1946)

Private detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a rich family. Before the complex case is over, he’s seen murder, blackmail, and what might be love.

  • B&W-114 Min.
  • BD-50
  • DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 – English, DOLBY DIGITAL 2.0 – Spanish, DOLBY DIGITAL 2.0 – French
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SDH
  • Special Features: Theatrical Trailer, Alternate 1945 Pre-release Version with previously unissued INTRODUCTION by UCLA Film Preservation Officer Robert Gitt, THE BIG SLEEP 1945/1946 COMPARISONS – Uncut Robert Gitt “Lecture” Version (30 Minutes). Nearly twice the length of the Comparisons feature as seen on DVD.

DARK PASSAGE (1947)

A man convicted of murdering his wife escapes from prison and works with a woman to try and prove his innocence.

  • BD50
  • NEW 2016 1080p HD REMASTER
  • 1.37:1
  • DTS-HD Master Audio: English 2.0 Mono, Dolby Digital: Français 2.0 Mono & Español 2.0 Mono (Both Castillian & Latin)
  • Subtitles: English SDH, Français & Español
  • Special Features:
  • “Hold Your Breath and Cross Your Fingers: The Story of Dark Passage” Featurette
  • “Slick Hare” Theatrical Animated Short (in HD!)
  • Theatrical Trailer (in HD!)

KEY LARGO (1948)

A man visits his old friend’s hotel and finds a gangster running things. As a hurricane approaches, the two end up confronting each other.

  • B&W-105 Min.
  • BD-50
  • DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 – English, DOLBY DIGITAL 2.0 – Spanish, DOLBY DIGITAL 2.0 – French
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SDH
  • SPECIAL FEATURES: Theatrical Trailer (HD)

Win Tickets to See SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE December 3rd from Fathom Events

Two of the most iconic DC Super Heroes in pop-culture history are coming back to the big screen December 3rd as each celebrates a milestone cinematic anniversary with special presentations by Fathom Events, Warner Bros. and DC.

Richard Donner’s legendary 1978 “Superman” will play December 3rd at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (local time).

Tickets can be purchased online at www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices, but 4 lucky We Are Movie Geeks readers can each win a pair of tickets for the Dec. 3rd screening. Just leave a message in the comments section and tell me which actor is your favorite Superman. It’s so easy. Winners will be chosen at random. Good luck!

Christopher Reeve stars as Superman and Clark Kent, leading an incomparable cast that includes Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, Gene Hackman as villainous Lex Luthor, Marlon Brando and Susannah York as Superman’s parents Jor-El and Lara; Ned Beatty and Valerie Perrine as Luthor’s sidekicks Otis and Miss Tessmacher; Jackie Cooper as Perry White; Glenn Ford and Phyllis Thaxter as George and Martha Kent; and Jeff East as teenaged Clark Kent. “Superman” was written by Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman and Robert Benton from a story by Mario Puzo.

Accompanying “Superman” will be a cinematic rarity: Max Fleischer’s animated Superman short “Mechanical Monsters,” presented in movie theaters for the first time since its original release in 1941. The 10-minute, Technicolor cartoon is one of 17 animated shorts produced in the 1940s that were based on DC’s legendary hero.

 

It’s People!!! SOYLENT GREEN December 5th at Urban Chestnut


“You know, when I was a kid, food was food. Before our scientific magicians poisoned the water, polluted the soil, decimated plant and animal life.”


Webster University’s Award-Winning Strange Brew Film Series has moved! The new location is Urban Chestnut in the Grove (4465 Manchester Avenue, St. Louis 63110). This month’s film is SOYLENT GREEN. It’s this Wednesday, December 5th. The movie starts at 8pm and admission is $5.


It’s the year 2022 and the world has fallen into chaos. Greenhouse gases have lead to widespread global warming, overpopulation and the fall of living standards. Humanity has to survive with the food they manage scrape together from the oceans and waste heaps. Enter the Soylent Corporation, the foremost provider of foodstuff.

The 1973 classic SOYLENT GREEN follows  corrupt cop Frank Thorn (Charlton Heston), who investigates the death of William R. Simonson (Joseph Cotten), one of the wealthiest men in the nation. In the process we explore the world of Soylent and ponder the mysteries of just how much we’re filling to bend for such basic commodities such as food or shower or soft bed.

One of the people laying the theme thick on you is Thorn’s roommate and investigative partner Sol Roth (Edward G. Robinson), a man old enough to remember the good old days when you could eat red meat, drink beer and not worry about the sun burning the skin right off your bones. Very nice role and the one with the best scenes in the film.


As a whole SOYLENT GREEN is a nostalgic cult classic from the 70s. The themes and problems have certain patina to them, but at the same time they’re closer to us than they’ve ever been. It’s only four years to the events of this film and while we’re not quite there, thankfully, the situation hasn’t exactly improved since the 70s.


SOYLENT GREEN is well worth seeing when it screens at Urban Chestnut December 5th. Good characters, interesting world and that end twist. It’s hard to ask for more.

A Facebook invite for this event can be found HERE

https://www.facebook.com/events/308484046425300/
The movie starts at 8pm and admission is $5. There will be food to order and plenty of pints of Urban Chestnut’s famous home-brewed beer.

WAMG Giveaway – Win RIDE Starring Bella Thorne on DVD


RLJE Films will release the thriller film RIDE on DVD and Blu-ray on December 4, 2018.  RIDE stars Bella Thorne (Midnight Sun, “Famous in Love”), Jessie T. Usher (Shaft, “Survivor’s Remorse”) and Will Brill (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “The OA“). The film marks the feature film debut from writer/director Jeremy Ungar. RLJE Films will release RIDE on DVD for an SRP of $29.96 and Blu-ray for an SRP of $29.97.


Now you can own the RIDE DVD. We Are Movie Geeks has 2 copies to give away. All you have to do is leave a comment answering this question: What is your favorite movie with Bella Thorne in it? (mine is THE DUFF!). It’s so easy!

1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES.  NO P.O. BOXES.  NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.

2. WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES.

In RIDE, a struggling actor by day, James pays his bills by driving people around Los Angeles for a ride sharing service. His night starts out like any other, but he can’t believe his luck when he picks up the beautiful Jessica, and they immediately hit it off. His next fare, the fast-talking Bruno, convinces James to go back and invite her to join them for a wild night out. But things take a shocking turn when Bruno, armed with a gun and a twisted idea of fun, forces them on a terrifying, white-knuckle ride that quickly spirals out of control.


Bonus feature on the RIDE DVD and Blu-ray includes the original RIDE short film.