Favorite Catalog Releases From 2021

This has been an unbelievable year for catalog releases and this list could very easily go into the dozens so here's a list of a just few of my favorites.

I remember paying $20.00 for multi-gen bootleg VHS with burned in Greek subs or such for some of this back in the dark ages of cult film collecting. 

 SATAN'S BLOOD 1978 Vinegar Syndrome Blu

Director & writer Carlos Puerto's sex & gore-filled Satanic romp has had a couple of DVD releases in the past but with a new 4K scan of the 35mm negative Vinegar Syndrome's Blu-ray brings all the skin & Satanic goings-on out in gorgeous clarity. One of the first post-Franco regime Spanish horror films that took advantage of the relaxing censorship standards, there's also was some help here production-wise from Juan Piquer Simón (PIECES) and Vinegar adds a great bunch of extras including a 45-minute Spanish documentary on the film, still gallery and best of all a commentary track by Samm Deighan and Kat Ellinger.

Along with the exploitive elements on full display, it's also a beautiful looking film filled with a moody gothic atmosphere some very creepy set design (including an unsettlingly macabre doll), and a climax that'll stick in your brain for quite a while afterward. 

AN ANGEL FOR SATAN 1966 Severin Films Blu

One of last of Barbara's B&W Italian Gothics to receive a quality release, Severin's Blu-ray of this perverse (and sometimes still shocking) gem will have you thankfully tossing all those ropey bootlegs and quasi-legit DVDs in the waste bin.  

Directed by Camillo Mastrocinque this one hits all the marks - beautiful B&W cinematography by Giuseppe Aquaris, a haunting soundtrack by Francesco De Masi and the breathtaking presence of Barbara Steele. Although there is the expected witches curse, this is not exactly a horror film as its more of an unsettlingly Gothic melodrama with some obvious underpinnings of S&M and sexual perversion. 

Severin's release contains a very nice commentary from Barbara and David Del Valle in which she touches on her entire career in Italy and in addition there is a second more scholarly one from Kat Ellinger. A nice extra is the 1967 short BARBARA AND HER FURS (which is a must-see experience) 

THE HUNTER WILL GET YOU (L'ALPAGUEUR) 1976 Kino Lorber Blu

Although he started out his career as one of the faces of French New Wave cinema Jean-Paul Belmondo in the 70's and 80's was the star of a great string of police/thriller action films among them this 1976 release directed by Philippe Labro.

A twisting turning tale has Belmondo playing a mercenary hiring out as a type of rogue policeman who works for various agencies as he has carte blanche to do what he needs to do to get his man. After busting a drug smuggling ring, he goes after “L’Épervier” (“The Hawk" played by Bruno Cremer from SORCERER), a ruthless thief who employs petty criminals to help him rob banks and then murders them.

 Featuring of course the usual jaw dropping stunts (performed by Belmondo himself) this is one of a group of great Belmondo action films that Kino has brought out. Now please can we get PEUR SUR LA VILLE (THE NIGHT CALLER) with Belmondo chasing a serial killer in Paris. 

Kino's Blu features an audio Commentary by Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell and Nathaniel Thompson and an interview with director/writer Philippe Labro.

DOCTOR X 1932 Warner Archive Blu 

Featuring a stunning restoration from a recent 4K scan of the last surviving Technicolor nitrate print this Michael Curtiz directed & wonderfully lurid pre-code shocker joins last year's release of its companion film MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM.

Fast-talking newspaperman (Lee Tracy - who specialized in playing fast-talking guys) is on the trail of "The Moon Killer" which leads him to the clinic run by Dr. Xavier (Lionel Atwill) along with Atwill's daughter (Fay Wray) and a whole host of potential red herrings with the clinic's staff of doctors (all of whom have some unique habit or psychoses).

A great pre-code horror with thinly veiled allusions to prostitution, double entendre wisecracks, along open talk of cannibalism. The "synthetic flesh" sequence still packs a jolt, and nobody can chew up scenery like Atwill.  

Warner Archive has included a nice batch of extras including two commentaries, a documentary on Curtiz and the alternate B&W version of the film. 

THE DESIGNATED VICTIM 1971 Mondo Macabro Blu

Mondo Macabro continues to surprise us with great underseen gems including this Italian riff on Patricia Highsmith's STRANGERS ON A TRAIN. Directed by Maurizio Lucidi and a script co-written by Aldo Lado (WHO SAW HER DIE?) it features the wonderful Tomas Milian along with Pierre Clémenti, Katia Christine, and Marisa Bartoli. Clementi and Milian are wonderful playing off each other and there's some great use of Venice locations (which I'm always a sucker for).

Plus, Mondo Macabro brought out a much-needed beautiful upgrade release of Piero Schivazappa's FEMINA RIDENS (THE LAUGHING WOMAN) on Blu along with a passel of other great releases including ITS NOTHING MAMA, JUST A GAME, and the very bizarre & interesting HUMAN ANIMALS.

BURY ME AN ANGEL 1972 Shout Factory Blu 

Blessed with one of the greatest taglines in the history of film "A howling hellcat humping a hot steel hog on a roaring rampage of revenge" this has been long missing on home video and is now out as part of the Shout Select line. Originally announced by Shout as part of The Angel Collection DVD set that was to also include ANGELS HARD AS THEY COME (which was also released by Shout on Blu in 2021) and ANGELS DIE HARD this package along with a Nurses/Students and a Filipino action set fell off the radar as Shout began winding down their New World releases about a decade ago. 

Directed by Barbara Peeters (SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHERS & most of HUMUNOIDS FROM THE DEEP) it's the rare biker film that is told from a female point of view - both as far as the film's director and its lead character.

The film mixes a road movie with the biker genre as 6 Ft. Dixie Peabody (playing "Dag") sets out on a journey to avenge her brother's death. Like a lot of biker films, it consists of long takes of bikes cruising along desert highways with the appropriate fuzz guitar soundtrack and along the way there's some bloody violence, a bit of nudity and a jarring twist in the ending. Dan Haggerty (GRIZZLY ADAMS) who pops up in a few biker films shows up here as a hippie artist.    

Nothing earth-shattering plot-wise but it's always great to get another classic biker film in HD and its companion release ANGELS HARD AS THEY COME (written by Jonathan Demme) is an interesting biker version of RASHOMON. 

Here's hoping we can get some more New World titles and these Shout Select releases are limited, so once they're gone they're gone. 

WEIRD WISCONSIN: THE BILL REBANE COLLECTION Arrow Blu

Along with last year's William Grefe collection, this is another fascinating journey into the world of low-budget regional filmmaking. Featuring haunted pianos, alien invaders and a talking monster truck among other wonders, Rebane's films while never to be considered great are fascinating pieces of movie history and exude a certain grungy low-budget charm.

Missing from the box is his magnum opus THE GIANT SPIDER INVASION (released on Blu by Code Red), BLOOD HARVEST (available from Vinegar Syndrome), and two of his later efforts THE CAPTURE OF BIGFOOT and RANA: THE LEGEND OF SHADOW LAKE (both held by Troma) but there's still much to love here including my personal favorite THE DEMONS OF LUDLOW and a highly informative documentary on Bill and his career.

ALL THE HAUNTS BE OURS: A COMPENDIUM OF FOLK HORROR Severin Blu

Consisting of 12 Blu-rays, 3 CDs and featuring 20 films along with hours of special features, short subjects, interviews, commentaries etc. this is one of the top releases of the year for me.

Kicking off with Kier-La Janisse's epic 194 min. documentary WOODLANDS DARK AND DAYS BEWITCHED it then takes a world-wide tour of the genre including (with many making their HD debut) EYES OF FIRE (USA 1983), WITCHHAMMER (Czechoslovakia 1970), VIY (Soviet Union 1967), LAKE OF THE DEAD (Norway 1958, ROBIN REDBREAST (UK 1970) and IL DEMONIO (Italy 1963) among others.

There's also a hefty book, a CD soundtrack with music from the documentary and actress Linda Hayden (THE BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW) reading Arthur Machen's The White People. 

All in all, a beautiful (and thankfully compact) package that is perfect for a winter,s night viewing (or listening).

MILL OF THE STONE WOMEN 1960 Arrow Blu

Directed by Giorgio Ferroni and one of the first Euro-horror films to be produced in color this has had several notable home video releases before, however this new release from Arrow is the definitive one by far.

Containing four(!!) unique cuts of the film we also get a packed set of extras including a commentary from Tim Lucas, visual essay by Kat Ellinger, archival interviews, alternate opening credits, poster gallery and more.

One of the most ravishing looking horror films (with all apologies to Mario Bava) from the golden age of Euro Gothic horror this is eye candy of the highest degree and has never looked better. 

BEYOND TERROR 1980 Cauldron Films Blu

 A long-lost Spanish oddity that throws together juvenile delinquency mayhem, gothic horror and some Blind Dead inspired attacks this sleazy and gore/nudity packed shocker one on the more surprising releases of the year (especially considering its long unavailable status on home video). 

Directed by Tomás Aznar, this may initially seem to be a weird viewing experience with seemingly three separate stories grafted together (with the horror element not kicking in until the climax) but there's a  nightmarish flow to the film that draws you in. Probably not the best film for Euro-horror newbies to dip their toe into, it's definitely worth a look for those into the more "out-there" examples of the genre.

Another one of those that I initially owned via a bootleg from a murky European PAL video tape release this has been given a 4K scan from the original negative that brings out the earthy and hazy intended color palette of the film (and now you can actually see what's going on).

Some other favorites from 2021:

Vinegar Syndrome's Camille Keaton in Italy collection

Synapse beautiful work on THE LIVING DEAD AT THE MANCHESTER MORGUE

88 Films EROTIC GHOST STORY

Arrow Films massive Shaw Brothers box

Vinegar Syndrome's rescue of the lost NEW YORK NINJA

Kino Lorber's NIGHT GALLERY Season 1 box

Impluse STAR OF DAVID: BEAUTIFUL GIRL HUNTER

Criterion's Melvin Van Peebles box

Imprint LET'S SCARE JESSICA TO DEATH

and many more....

Things I'm looking forward to in 2022...

AGFA has teased the release of a HUGE Doris Wishman Blu-ray collection (maybe two separate boxes) which will include the recent 4K restorations, which going by the recent sample of films put up on the Criterion Channel, is going to look gorgeous. 

Severin has dropped some hints concerning a Black Emanuelle/Laura Gemser box. Laura in HD! Sign me up!

Synapse films in their usual methodical way (with the results sure to be worth the wait) have been working on a new restoration of TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD which has been shown at some recent festivals. Along with three(!!) different cuts of the film I'm sure Synapse will have a great batch of extras. 

Shout Factory has announced a couple of long-missing video titles from the Group One catalog with ALLIGATOR and THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER.

Vinegar Syndrome is going to release a new 4K(!!) restoration of the Swedish exploitation classic THRILLER (aka THEY CALL HER ONE EYE) starring the great Christina Lindberg along with Forgotten Gialli: Volume Four (containing  Stelvio Massi's ARABELLA BLACK ANGEL)

Cauldron is releasing Lucio Fulci's great poliziotteschi COUNTERBAND with Fabio Testi.

88 Films release of THE BLACK CAT 

Favorite Stuff From 2015

     I've had a lot of fun with this the past several years and although this 2015 list got a lot bigger than intended, I just couldn't stand to edit it down (believe it or not - there's, even more, I thought warranted inclusion). It simply unbelievable the stuff we are lucky enough to have coming out and pretty amazing to think that we live in a world where you can buy DEMONOID MESSENGER OF DEATH and THE BRAIN THAT WOULDN'T DIE on Blu-Ray..... !??!
   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAMMER HORROR COLLECTION  Warner Blu

     Just in time for Halloween Warner cut loose in 2015 with a major portion of their Hammer catalog on blu-ray. Although this release came under some online criticism for not including CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN and HORROR OF DRACULA (Warner said these two titles needed some work), what we have here is an excellent collection that showcases some superb examples of Hammer Gothic at it's finest.

  For starters you have Christopher Lee's finest performance (and a contender for Hammer's best effort) in THE MUMMY, the best Frankenstein sequel with the grim FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED and a couple of first-rate Dracula's with DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE and best of all the masterful TASTE THE BLOOD OF DRACULA (and you get Linda Hayden in HD !).

LIVE LIKE A COP, DIE LIKE A MAN 1976 88 Films Region 2 Blu

    The 1970's Italian crime genre (or poliziottesco) had been a bit under-represented on a digital medium, but with the past release of Raro's two Fernando Di Leo box sets, Arrow's superb stand-alone release this year of MILANO CALIBRO 9 along with this entry which was directed by Ruggero Deodato (CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST) things are looking up.
   One of the best entries of the genre, LIVE LIKE A COP opens with a jaw-droppingly insane motorcycle chase through rush hour Rome and never lets up for the next 100 minutes. Starring Euro stalwarts Marc Porel and Ray Lovelock along with Adolfo Celi and the gorgeous Silvia Dionisio, it plays out like a combination of DIRTY HARRY amped up to about 11 along with some STARSKY AND HUTCH buddy cop humor mixed in. Now we need Grindhouse Releasing's long hinted at the release of Umberto Lenzi's ROME ARMED TO THE TEETH.

THE OBLONG BOX 1969 Kino Blu

    Director Gordon Hessler's group of late the 60s/early 70's horror films for AIP have often been given the short shift by fans & critics coming as they did after Roger Corman's magnificent run of "Poe" films. Part of the problem was that all four of Hessler's films were tampered with in various ways in regard to content, music, and editing. Back in the days of their Midnight Movie line MGM did restorations on all of them and now with the ongoing releases of the AIP catalog on blu Kino has brought the first (and the best in IMO) of his films in HD.
    Dealing with family curses and the sins of British colonialism coming home to roost, Hessler came to THE OBLONG BOX after the tragic death of original director Michael Reeves. Featuring a superb leading performance by Vincent Price, nice supporting roles by Christopher Lee (who sadly only shares one short scene with Price) and Hilary Dwyer, along with some beautiful cinematography by John Coquillon (who went on to shoot many of Sam Peckinpah's later films).
   To complete the release of Hessler's A.I.P. catalog, Twilight Time has released the bizarre SCREAM AND SCREAM AGAIN and Scream has announced releases of CRY OF THE BANSHEE and MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE for 2016.

NASHVILLE GIRL 1976 Scorpion Blu DVD

     Directed by Gus Trikonis (MOONSHINE COUNTY EXPRESS and THE SWINGING BARMAIDS) this exploitation take on COAL MINER'S DAUGHTER is a cautionary tale concerning the pitfalls of country music stardom. Anchored by an earnest & heartfelt performance by Monica Gayle (SWITCHBLADE SISTERS) this A.I.P. release contains some excellent original country music on the soundtrack, a wonderful cast (including Leo Gordon, Jesse White, and a scene-stealing Marcie Barkin) along with an engaging storyline balanced out with just the right amount of drive-in elements. One of my top favorites from 2015.

THE DEVIL'S WEDDING NIGHT  1973 Code Red Blu

    Regular readers of this blog know of my fascination for all things Rosalba Neri (in particular this film), so this release was very exciting news around here. One of the last "Gothics" from the golden age of Italian horror (and along with LADY FRANKENSTEIN one of Rosalba's only true horror roles) it features an insanely entertaining hodgepodge of non-sensical myths, vampire lore, and historical personages all mixed into a delirious plot with much blood and bare female skin splashed about.
    Directed by Lugi Batzella (NUDE FOR SATAN) and photographed by Joe (EMMANUELLE) D'Amato Code Red's blu-ray features a nice transfer from a 35mm CRI (which is a revelation compared to those shoddy PD DVD's) - and Rosalba's blood-soaked resurrection sequence (now in all it's HD splendor) is still one of the true highlights of 70's Euro-horror.

LOST SOUL: THE DOOMED JOURNEY OF RICHARD STANLEY'S ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU 2014 Serverin Blu

     Director David Gregory's alternately heartbreakingly sad and darkly amusing documentary concerns director Richard Stanley's (HARDWARE and DUST DEVIL) failed attempt to bring his dream project of H.G. Wells ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU to fruition on film in 1996. Along with another recent film in JODOROWSKY'S DUNE from 2014, it's a fascinating example of the "lost film" documentary genre (although I guess technically MOREAU really isn't "lost"). Starting out as a modestly budgeted film, the inclusion of Marlon Brando and Val Kilmer into the cast along with a remote location, a hurricane, and various other factions all worked to doom Stanley's project.
    Although obviously lacking the participation of the leading principles in the form of Brando and replacement director John Frankenheimer with Kilmer a no-show, the narrative is left to Stanley along with a host of New Line executives, crew and supporting actors who all tell a fascinating story of actor egos run amok and crushed dreams.

THE SENTINEL 1977 Scream Factory Blu

     Over the years I've owned this movie in various incarnation through a theatrical showing (on a double feature with AUDREY ROSE), Beta, VHS, Japanese laserdisc, DVD, German blu-ray with finally this newly released Scream Factory blu-ray and with each new viewing my fondness for this sometimes maligned film has grown. Although admittedly not a great film it does have an alternately bizarre and creepily uncomfortable atmosphere running through it along with a cast of up and comers including Jeff Goldblum, Tom Berenger and a quick view of a young Richard Dreyfuss along with a gaggle of older Hollywood faces including Arthur Kennedy, Mel Ferrer, Ava Gardner and to just to cement its horror cred - an appearance by John Carradine (in one of ten roles for him in 1977!)
      A young model played by Cristina Raines (whose performance has also grown on me over the years) moves into a Brooklyn brownstone that houses something evil lurking about and whose tenants include Burgess Meredith channeling Ruth Gordon from ROSEMARY'S BABY, along with Sylvia Miles and Beverly D'Angelo as cannibalistic lesbians. Scream Factory's blu includes a spanking new transfer and some new extras - including a fascinating commentary with Raines where she addresses her issues with the film (and director Micheal Winner).

FINAL SCORE 1988 OMG Entertainment DVD

    If there's one name that will cause hardcore fans of 1980's action world cinema to become misty-eyed its Indonesian director Arizal. His movies, which also included THE STABILIZER and AMERICAN HUNTER, sometimes showed up on late-night cable or grey market video releases that populated the shelves of mom and pop video stores under various titles and gaudy boxes. Damnably hard to find expect for murky VHS derived bootlegs his catalog received a boost among collectors thanks to this kick-starter funded release from OMG Entertainment.
    In a basic and oft-repeated plot stoic Christopher Mitchum stars as a decorated Vietnam veteran living a peaceful life in Indonesia, whose wife and son are brutally murdered by members of a crime cartel led by fellow American Mike Abbott. This naturally sets Mitchum off on a bloody vendetta as he works his way up the corporate ladder (checking names off a handy list) and leaving a vast trail of bodies behind him. Filled with some of the most insane stunts ever filmed (the climactic motorcycle/helicopter thing has to be seen to be believed) and a plot that bounces from one madly goofy action sequence to another this is a truly mind-bending viewing experience.
    OMG's release although taken from a full-frame analog video master (god knows where the original film elements are) is still very colorful with a nice image.

NIGHTMARE CASTLE 1965 Severin Blu

     More Barbara Steele Italian Gothic horror is always welcome and this release from Severin provides a nifty triple feature as it not only gives us Barbara in all her B&W HD eternal beauty for the main feature but as a bonus we get U.S. theatrical versions of CASTLE OF BLOOD (1964) and TERROR CREATURES FROM THE GRAVE (1965).
    Mario Caiano's NIGHTMARE CASTLE has all the hallmarks in the form of creaky doors, candelabras, shadowy hallways along with revenge from the grave and (most importantly) the presence of the goddess of Italian horror (here in a dual role). You also get an early appearance of Spanish horror beauty Helga Liné, a co-starring Paul Muller (LADY FRANKENSTEIN) and a score by Ennio Morricone.
    Severin presents the longer 105 min. cut under the title THE NIGHT OF THE DOOMED (which plays much better than the shorter U.S. print) with the torture chambers, acid disfigurements and Gothic trappings all looking beautiful. The disc also contains a commentary by Barbara and David Del Valle on the main feature and along with the two bonus films (both taken from 35mm) all of which make for a great triple feature. Hopefully someday soon we'll get Barbara and director Riccardo Freda's creepy ode to necrophilia THE HORRIBLE DR. HICHCOCK and it's followup THE GHOST.

A CANDLE FOR THE DEVIL 1973 Scorpion Blu DVD

     A wonderful example from the golden age of Spanish horror (although to be honest this is more of a thriller) this unsettling little gem has long been a staple of those bargain multi-pack DVD horror collections and luckily now has been given a beautiful upgrade from Scorpion. Directed by Eugenio Martin (HORROR EXPRESS) it features excellent work by its two leads in Aurora Bautista and Esperanza Roy. Playing a pair of sisters who run a boarding house in a small village, with one sister having a rather bent view of religion as she begins disposing of female guests who she feels are morally corrupt. Featuring a stifling atmosphere of sexual repression and religious hypocrisy it also has an appearance by the always welcome Judy Geeson along with Blind Dead alumnus Lone Fleming.

MUSCLE BEACH PARTY 1964 BEACH BLANKET BINGO 1965 Olive Blu

     Make fun of me if you want, but I love these movies. Once every year during the winter I watch the entire run of the A.I.P "beach movies" over the course of a weekend and now thanks to Olive, I can watch two of them (with the rest hopefully to follow) in all their bikini-wearing HD eye-popping color glory. Representing #'s 2 & 3 in the series (and can also be looked at as a Don Rickles double feature - which is always a good thing) MUSCLE BEACH PARTY and BEACH BLANKET BINGO are both full of the things that make this series enjoyable with goofy humor, "G" rated emphasis on sex with close-ups of gyrating bikini-clad beach party-goers and great musical guests including Stevie Wonder, the god-like Dick Dale and The Hondells (and of course Frankie and Annette).
      MUSCLE sadly loses the great Harvey Lembeck's Eric Von Zipper but gains Bond girl extraordinaire Luciana Paluzzi while BINGO (my favorite) has the unbelievable Bobbi Shaw, the unhinged Timothy Carey as South Dakota Slim ("I've got lots of ideas..., all on them vile, booby..") plus Playboy Playmates Donna Michelle and Patti Chandler.

1990: THE BRONX WARRIORS 1982 ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX 1983 THE NEW BARBARIANS 1983 Blue Underground Blu DVD

    This trio of Enzo G. Castellari urban decay/post-apocalyptic action features were a few of the onslaught of films that were produced in the wake of ROAD WARRIOR, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK and THE WARRIORS box office returns. 1990: THE BRONX WARRIORS and its quasi-sequel ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX feature a dystopian view of a then future NYC with THE NEW BARBARIANS channeling some ROAD WARRIOR action combined with a spaghetti western. All three are immense fun containing such elements as Fred Williamson in full bad-ass mode, a pissed off Vic Morrow, an evil Henry Silva, outlandish costuming, body counts that must number well into the hundreds and crazy-ass stunt work. For even more fun (and the makings of a truly monumental movie marathon night) Code Red brought out a trio of 80's apocalypse fun via the Philippines with Cirio H. Santiago's WHEELS OF FIRE, THE SISTERHOOD and EQUALIZER 2000.

THEM! 1954 Warner Blu

    One of the first (and THE best) of the 1950's "big bug" movie craze THEM! benefits from director Gordon Douglas's no-nonsense documentary-style shooting, the presence of James Arness and James Whitmore in roles of co-heroes and a police procedural beginning that leaves the identity of the "monsters" until a good bit of suspense has built up.
    From the opening sequence of a small girl found wandering in the desert (later only able to scream "Them ! Them !") to the finale in the Los Angeles sewer system this a wonderful example of 1950's sci-fi firing on all cylinders and is filled with scenes and quotes (who as a child will ever forgot the ship sequence) that were forever ingrained in little monster kids brains.
    Warner also released SON OF KONG, MIGHTY JOE YOUNG and Ray Harryhausen's THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS on blu and from their Archives division we got Willis O'Brien's THE BLACK SCORPION with Richard Denning and Mara Corday.

MASSACRE MAFIA STYLE 1974 GONE WITH THE POPE 1976/2010 Grindhouse Releasing Blu DVD

     Two of my favorite releases from this past year where this pair of GODFATHER/MEAN STREETS homages that were directed, produced and written by nightclub crooner Duke Mitchell (who by the way also starred in both). A self-taught filmmaker Mitchell used the money he made singing in nightclubs to fund these dream projects. In MASSACRE MAFIA STYLE he sought to right the self-perceived wrongs he saw in THE GODFATHER and it's portrayal of Italian families and honor. Mitchell attempted to show the Italian American Mafioso and family experience filtered through his own family stories and experiences working the supper club circuit.
    Awash in bloody violence (the opening sequence where Duke and a buddy kill the entire staff of an office building while one of his songs plays on the soundtrack is worth the price of admission alone), 70's fashions/decor run amok and some of the most entertaining stream of conscious dialogue ever committed to celluloid its a fascinating example of self-taught film making.
   Filmed in 1976 and unfinished at the time of his death in 1981, GONE WITH THE POPE has Duke and a couple of cohorts concocting a scheme to kidnap the Pope and demand one dollar from every catholic in the world in exchange for his release. Even more bizarrely entertaining than its predecessor, it was lovingly assembled by editor Bob Murawski from film elements kept by Mitchell's family (and remember - "You're in, or your in the way !!").

DEMONOID MESSENGER OF DEATH 1981 Vinegar Syndrome Blu/DVD

    Straddling the two decades that were the golden periods of low budget schlocky horror, DEMONOID while never going to be considered a great movie is a GREAT low budget schlocky horror film that pretty much hits all the marks - Hollywood ex- A-lister slumming for a paycheck (Stuart Whitman) and younger up and comer (Samantha Eggar) for a couple of names for the marquee, bat-shit crazy plot that defies logic, some familiar faces populating the background (among them a quick cameo by busty Russ Mejer starlet Haji). and endearingly cheesy special effects.
    A U.S./Mexican co-production directed by Alfredo Zacarías (who's equally insane THE BEES  is coming this year from Vinegar), it mixes a bit of 70's cinema fascination with all things satanic along with a disembodied hand. DEMONOID was released in two versions with the U.S. version spiced up with some pre-credit topless sacrifice footage. Vinegar's release contains both cuts of the film, an interview with Zacarias and trailers and artwork.

BLOOD AND BACK LACE 1964 Arrow Blu DVD

     Mario Bava's classic blueprint for the next couple of decades upcoming Giallo genre has been through numerous video incarnations over the years but has never looked better than on this release. Awash in his trademark pulsating colors and prowling camerawork,  a murderer stalks through a fashion house with all of Bava's trademarks pushed to almost a fever dream level with the bloody & violent murders still packing a jolt. Without getting into the 1.67 framing controversy, this has been a release I've been waiting a long time for and I was infinitely pleased with it.
    Containing a wealth of extras, it was unfortunately held up for U.S. release for rights issues, but Arrow's UK version is region free. One of the true cornerstones of Italian cinema (and horror/thriller cinema in general) this a perfect example of why Bava's influence continues to felt to this day. Now somebody please bring on KILL BABY KILL.

THE BRAIN THAT WOULDN'T DIE 1962 Scream Factory Blu

    This lurid & unintentionally hilarious little B&W shocker is one of the true classics in the realm of "so bad their great" horror films. Combining the favorite "living disembodied head in a tray" motif along with strippers, a mutant monster in a closet and some early gore effects it never fails to entertain. Scream Factory's gorgeous transfer brings all of its low budget glory out in startling clarity (there are quite a few major studio releases from this same time frame that should look this nice) and to top it off there's even a bit of topless footage included as an extra that was filmed for the international markets.

AXE 1974 Severin Blu

     Filmed in North Carolina and originally titled LISA, LISA (distributor Harry Novak changed the title to the more publicity friendly AXE), this perversely weird little mixture of an art-house film and Southern Gothic horror is a fascinating example of low budget 1970's regional horror. Featuring a hauntingly unforgettable performance by one and done actress Leslie Lee as a strange young woman who along with her invalid grandfather finds their rural house invaded by a trio of on the run hitmen.
     Like many independent horror films of the 70's there's a sad back story to this as director Frederick R. Fiedel watched this film (along with his other production KIDNAPPED COED) disappear into the murky mazes of low budget distribution and shady dealings.
    Originally released by Something Weird on DVD, both AXE and KIDNAPPED COED has been given a new lease on life courtesy of Severin with the full participation of director and writer Fiedel. Severin's package includes both features along with the hybrid BLOODY BROTHERS that Fiedel assembled from the two features along with a boatload of extras.

   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few things I'm looking forward to in 2016...

    Russ Meyer's Hollywood excess morality fable and rock musical BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS has been scheduled for release early this year from Arrow on Blu-ray (Region B only). A bit later is BLACK MAMA WHITE MAMA (Margaret Markov and Pam Grier in HD !!) and John Milius's violent DILLINGER starring the incomparable Warren Oates.
   Also from Arrow is their American Horror Project Vol. 1. Arrow's (hopefully) ongoing series of low budget horror films that snaked through way through the '70s and '80s on drive-in & grindhouse circuits on Dbl. and triple features. It will kick off with this pretty amazing collection that contains THE WITCH WHO CAME FROM THE SEA, MALATESTA'S CARNIVAL OF BLOOD and THE PREMONITION.

    Don May Jr. over at Synapse has been painstakingly working (and well worth the wait I'm sure) on his trio of Argento blu-ray titles and hopefully we'll see TENEBRAE, PHENOMENA and (best of all) SUSPIRIA at some point this year - and hopefully CREATURE FROM BLACK LAKE at some point.

   Kino/Scorpion's TRUCK STOP WOMEN (Claudia Jennings in HD !) and the classic HOLLYWOOD BLVD. (Candice Rialson in HD !)

  Treasures from the A.I.P. catalog will continue with among others Scream Factory releasing THE DUNWICH HORROR (paired on a Dbl. feature disc with MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE) and Olive on tap with THE TRIP and Kino will bring us PANIC IN YEAR ZERO.

   Grindhouse Releasing with the blu-ray of  S.F. Brownrigg's SCUM OF THE EARTH (aka POOR WHITE TRASH II).

   Vinegar Syndrome always has few surprises up their sleeve and along the above mentioned THE BEES they had a nice surprise recently as their release of  CORRUPTION had a hidden easter egg containing a print of Roger Watkins's nihilistic grindhouse classic THE LAST HOUSE ON A DEAD END STREET. Vinegar is currently on the hunt for better materials for a full-blown stand alone release.

The Oak Drive-In's Favorite 2014 Catalog Releases

 In no particular order here's some of the catalog releases from the previous year that made me feel all warm & giddy inside. 

---------------------------------------------------------------

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 40th Anniversary 1974 (Dark Sky Blu)  After 40 years of sequels, prequels, re-boots and remakes of varying lesser quality nothing has diminished Tobe Hopper's original claustrophobic & sweat soaked horror classic (along with a surprising undercurrent of dark comedy that becomes more apparent with each viewing). A new transfer from the 16mm negative brings forth the hellish proceedings in startlingly clarity and plus there's some nifty new extras. Made all the more poignant by the passing of star Marilyn Burns earlier in 2014.

MR. MAJESTYK 1974 (Kino Cinema Classics Blu)  Thanks to a licensing deal with MGM Kino has quickly turned into one of the best catalog labels with releases such as this. Beyond DEATH WISH when most people think of in-his-prime Charles Bronson the first one that comes up is the very excellent THE MECHANIC (released this year by Twilight Time), but for me this is the 70's Bronson film. In this masterfully simple screenplay by Elmore Leonard melon farmer Chuck squares off against a mob hit man in the form of ultimate 1970's bad-ass Al Lettieri. Plus along with the wonderfully weaselly Paul Koslo, there's also direction by Richard Fleischer, a great score by Charles Bernstein (see also WHITE LIGHTNING below) and that famous white Ford pick-up.

THE COMPLETE DR. PHIBES 1971/1972 (Arrow Films Region B Blu)  Although these are now both available from Scream Factory on their two excellent Vincent Price collections (and soon to be released separately by Arrow) this beautifully put together limited collectors edition is the way to go for those Phibes fans with region 2 compatibility. After declining to do another "Poe" film for A.I.P (THE MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE), Price instead chose to work with director Robert Fuest on 1971's THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES. With its marvelous cast, psychedelic Art Deco set design and a witty script with just the right touches of both the macabre and black comedy this gave Price's career a huge resurgence. The 1972 follow-up THE RETURN OF DR. PHIBES while still fun, sadly suffers from studio tampering (which is explained in detail in a highly informative commentary by Tim Lucas). Along with THE HOUSE OF WAX, THE FLY and the above mentioned Scream factory sets, this has been a banner past couple of years for Vincent Price on blu-ray.

ACROSS 110TH STREET 1972 (Kino Cinema Classics Blu)  Most often categorized as Blaxploitation  (there's lots of loud suits & big hats hereabouts), this is actually more of a gritty 1970's NYC crime drama/buddy cop film with Anthony Quinn and Yaphett Kotto as a pair of personality clashing police detectives who are assigned to investigate the bloody robbery of a mob bank in Harlem. Featuring a great scenery chewing Tony Franciosa as an ambitious mobster who's also on the trail of the money, some wonderfully grungy 70's New York settings and great turns by Paul Benjamin as one of the heist men and gravely voiced character actor Richard Ward. Plus there's the great score by J.J. Johnson with the classic Bobby Womack title track. Originally released on DVD by MGM as part of their "Soul Cinema" line, its been OOP for awhile so this was a very welcome release by Kino and plus in conjunction with this they also brought out the entertaining COTTON COMES TO HARLEM.

THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLE 1959 (Shock Region B Blu)   The release of Hammer on blu has been a somewhat problematic endeavor with the films scattered amongst different studios and releasing companies that have lead to a mixture of both outstanding and kind of iffy releases. Luckily Shock of Australia hit one out of the park with this release. One of the greatest non-horror releases from Hammer (although this being a Hammer production the horror elements are played up), along with director Terence Fisher at the height of his powers and best of all Peter Cushing in full scene stealing mode as Sherlock Holmes (and has there ever been a better Dr. Watson then André Morell ?). An absolutely beautiful transfer brings out every detail of Jack Asher's cinematography and Bernard Robinson's set design, plus nobody can do stiff and pompous upper class like Christopher Lee. This was also announced as Twilight Time release for 2015.

GRINDHOUSE TRAILER CLASSICS Vol. 4 (Nucleus Region 2 DVD) I love trailer compilations and this ongoing series from Nucleus has consistently been some of the best. Vol. 4 contains some real treasures including a long lost (but soon to be released) piece of Arthur Mark's 1970's output THE ROOMMATES, CRAZY JOE (Peter Boyle as power hungry psycho gangster), the early Charlie Band effort MANSION OF THE DOOMED (Richard Basehart as a mad scientist & a young Lance Henriksen), THE DEVIL'S WEDDING NIGHT (Rosalba Neri !) and the "has to be seen to be believed" LITTLE CIGARS. Vol. 1 in the series has recently gotten a region 1 release so hopefully the rest will follow.

PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES  1965 (Kino Blu)  Taking along his patented Gothic trappings and hallucinatory lighting Mario Bava moved his milieu to outer space. As a recognized influence on Ridley Scott's ALIEN this is one of the greatest examples of style and special effects on a minuscule budget. Filled with unforgettable imagery (the sight of dead crew rising from their graves is not soon forgotten & you gotta love those leather outfits), this release by Kino looks ravishing and contains a nice group of extras including a commentary by Tim Lucas.

THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE 1973 (Scream Factory Blu)  A sure contender as one of the greatest horror movies of the 70's, this along with the recent releases of THE HAUNTING (1963), THE UNINVITED (1944) and 1961's THE INNOCENTS (see below -which along with this makes a nifty dbl. feature) falls into that wonderful category of "turn out the lights and settle in" haunted house movies. Featuring a wonderful performance by Pamela Franklin (again see below's THE INNOCENTS) as a medium who's part of a team of researchers sent in to investigate "the Mount Everest of haunted houses". Also boasting a nail biting claustrophobic script by Richard Matheson (from his well worth reading novel HELL HOUSE) along with some truly unsettling set pieces and sequences (all those unnerving close-ups) and a crackerjack cast including Roddy McDowall, Clive Revill , Gayle Hunnicutt and a rather unique "cameo" by Michael Gough. 

THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT 1974 (Twilight Time Blu)  After the upheavals of the 60's American cinema hit the road in the 70's, while often times such as here traveling through the vast open spaces of the west. Featuring near career best performances by Clint Eastwood and an Oscar nominated Jeff Bridges along with some surprisingly lean and tight direction (helped along by some doubtless backseat directing courtesy of Clint) from a pre- DEER HUNTER & HEAVEN'S GATE Michael Cimino (from his own screenplay). This combination road/heist film is at its core a very moving story of friendship & loneliness and along with it's endlessly debated subtexts there's also some scene stealing work by George Kennedy and Geoffrey Lewis, plus a host of familiar 70's character faces (including several members of the Sam Peckinpah stock company).

THE INNOCENTS 1961 (Criterion Blu)  Most often simply categorized as "a haunted house movie", director Jack Clayton's adaption (from a script by Truman Capote) of Henry James THE TURN OF THE SCREW features a mesmerizing performance by Deborah Kerr as a (perhaps ?) mentally unbalanced governess who comes to care for a brother and sister at an isolated English country estate who may or may not be possessed by something (or somebody...?), while lurking below everything is an atmosphere of innocence corrupted and repressed sexuality. Freddie Francis's mind bogglingly beautiful B&W cinematography is a wonder to behold on the Criterion blu-ray and a young Pamela (LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE) Franklin (along with Martin Stephens from VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED) are unforgettable as the children in question. Definitely needs to be watched with the lights turned out.

DERANGED 1974 (Arrow Blu)  Featuring a stand out performance from quirky character actor Roberts Blossom (in a rare leading role) this is based upon the real life exploits of notorious murderer/grave robber and necrophiliac Ed Gein (whereupon whom PSYCHO and THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE drew their inspiration). Writer/director Alan Ormsby (see also SHOCK WAVES below) creates an almost perfect balance of quesey horror along with a touch of black comedy and its all anchored by Blossom's sensitive and restrained work (for whom you can't help but feel pity for). Released by MGM back in the "Midnight Movie" days it was unfortunately cut by a few seconds (the infamous "brain scooping"), but Arrow brings it out here in all of its glory complete with a slew of extras including contributions from an early credited gore master Tom Savini.

MESSIAH OF EVIL 1973 (Code Red Blu)  Long a staple of shoddy PD releases this was put out on a now OOP DVD several years ago by Code Red and this year they re-visited it on blu-ray. One of the greatest American horror films of the 70's, husband and wife screenwriters Willard Huyck & Gloria Katz (AMERICAN GRAFFITI) co-directed and co-wrote this creepy & unsettling low budget combination of a European art film and 70's drive-in horror (with a touch of H.P. Lovecraft). Marianna Hill travels to a desolate California coastal town to investigate the disappearance of her artist father played by the great Royal Dano (whose unforgettable voice provides the narration). One of the many superb touches in Huyck and Katz's screenplay is the way that they take situations which we all have found creepy (being the only one in a late night grocery store & and the lone patron in a movie theatre) and then slowly elevate them to horror.

ISLAND OF TERROR 1966 (Oden Blu)  On exile from Hammer director Terence Fisher knocked out a couple low budget quickies for the British based Planet Films including the interesting NIGHT OF THE BIG HEAT (also released by Oden on blu this year) and this which features slithering bone sucking creatures loose upon an isolated island. With the always great scene stealing Peter Cushing along with Edward Judd and sex-appeal provided by Carole Gray, plus some creepy low budget atmosphere. Fishers's visions here are sometimes hampered by budget restraints, but the monsters are unforgettable (along with their unnerving sound effects) and anytime you can get Peter Cushing, bone sucking monsters AND Carole Gray you know your in for a good time.

SHOCK WAVES 1977 (Blue Underground Blu)  The Citizen Kane of Nazi zombie movies got a very welcome upgrade this past year courtesy of Blue Underground. Featuring John Carradine and Peter Cushing doing what they do best (crotchety old curmudgeon & obsessed with a touch of madness somewhat evil scientist respectfully), this release with the added detail of blu brings out the humid fetid atmosphere of this Fl. lensed gore-free shocker (shot in 16mm and blown up to 35mm) in amazingly grungy clarity. With its never to be forgotten "underwater nazi zombies" and Brooke Adams in a bikini this release carries over all the extras from the previous DVD release (along with adding a few new ones) including an informative and entertaining commentary by director Ken Wiederhorn, effects artist Alan Ormsby and Fred Olen Ray (who served as still photographer and gopher on the film). Was this was a great year for Cushing on blu-ray or what ??

WHITE LIGHTNING 1973 (Kino Cinema Classics Blu)  One of Burt Reynold's best roles (and a fascinating view of pre-mega star Burt) this surprisingly gritty (and sweaty) southern drive-in classic features a great supporting cast including a wonderfully low keyed evil Ned Beatty and Bo Hopkins, Matt Clark, R.G. Armstrong, Jennifer Billings and Diane Ladd - along with automobile mayhem by stunt coordinator Hal Needham. Finally given the widescreen anamorphic release it deserves, sadly this year also marked the passing of WHITE LIGHTNING's director Joseph Sargent (who also helmed the great THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE).

RAW FORCE 1981 (Vinegar Syndrome Blu)  Vinegar Syndrome has turned into one of the more eclectic labels on the scene with their 4K restorations of 70's adult features along with the oddball horror/exploitation release such as this. This American produced shot in the Philippines kung-fu/zombie/cannibal/WIP mash-up features cheesy special effects, copious amounts of nudity & gore along with Vic Diaz AND Cameron Mitchell (not to mention creepy monks and an Adolf Hitler look-alike chief bad guy !). A wonder of low budget badly acted visionary greatness this was one of my new release highlights for this year (heck, maybe this decade).

SLAUGHTER HOTEL 1971 (Raro Blu)  If you frequented drive-ins and theatres with sticky floors & stale popcorn back in the 70's there's a good chance you caught this weird and nonsensical Italian giallo on a double or triple bill under one of its many re-titlings such as ASYLUM EROTICA. Directed by Italian crime master Fernando Di Leo, this while not being a great example of the giallo genre does feature Klaus Kinski as a creepy doctor in a sanatorium which specializes in young women with sexual problems who are being knocked off by a hooded killer (who uses a variety of medieval weapons that are handily kept in easy access). Along with the blu-ray debut of the gorgeous Rosalba Neri (which in itself would make it worthy of one of this blogs favorites) the movie also features Margaret Lee and enough skin and blood splashed across the screen from its female cast to make it defiantly worth your while.

THE LONG HAIR OF DEATH 1964 (Raro Blu)  Directed by Antonio Margheriti (here under his usual "Anthony Dawson" pseudonym) this is a prime example of 1960's Italian Gothic horror with all the hallmarks in place - witches burned at the stake invoking curses upon dysfunctional families, shadowy candlelit castles and first and foremost the presence of horror icon Barbara Steele who as here (with all apologies to Mario Bava & BLACK SUNDAY) has never looked more eternally beautiful. Featuring luminous B&W cinematgraphy by Riccardo Pallottini (LADY FRANKENSTEIN & CASTLE OF BLOOD), like most Italian horror its a bit short on plot while being long on atomsphere (but hey, that's we watch these). Now somebody needs to bring out English friendly versions of THE HORRIBLE DR. HICHCOCK, THE GHOST & TERROR CREATURES FROM THE GRAVE.

-------------------------------------------------------

In closing here's a few goodies we're looking forward to in 2015.

THE ROOMMATES -  Starring Pat Woodell and Roberta Collins and originally released in 1973 (and now announced by Gorgon Video paired with A WOMAN FOR ALL MEN) this missing piece in the filmography of Arthur Marks has been a long time coming.

1990 : THE BRONX WARRIORS, ESCAPE FROM THE BRONX and THE NEW BARBARIANS - Blue Underground has announced this really cool set on blu (with a multitude of extras) of Enzo G. Castellari's post apocalyptic 1980's MAD MAX/ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK knock-offs. With the upcoming release of the new Mad Max we can (hopefully) look forward to a plethora of these entertainingly cheesy Italian rip-offs being released.

BLOOD AND BLACK LACE - Plagued in the past by several dodgy DVD releases, Arrow have just announced a brand spankin' new edition of this Bava classic over at their Facebook page. Featuring some of Bava's most deliriously hypnotic camera work and use of color this will feature a slew of new extras and a "New 2K restoration from the original camera negative". Plus, with Arrow's new U.S. distribution arm this will be available stateside in Region A.

A CANDLE FOR THE DEVIL - More Spanish horror on blu-ray is always a good thing and this 1973 shocker has been announced by Scorpion as a direct sale only title (with the DVD available through the usual outlets). Also known as IT HAPPENED AT THE NIGHTMARE INN this intriguing thriller has been lurking around in those those multi-disc PD horror collections over the years in various running times. Concerning a pair of religiously psychotic sisters who operate a boardinghouse and who's tenants periodically disappear, which prompts Judy Geeson to investigate (with her sister being among the missing).

MASSACRE MAFIA STYLE - Grindhouse has really been crankin' them out lately and this long promised slice of low budget pasta has long been promised and now has a solid release date. Dean Martin wanna be crooner Duke Mitchell (who earlier had teamed with Sonny Petrillo for an (in)famous Marin & Lewis rip-off comedy duo) wrote, directed and stars in this homemade MEAN STREETS style homage from 1978. Grindhouse has also promised Mitchell's equally insane GONE WITH THE POPE for later this year.

Happy Birthday Barbara Steele (CASTLE OF BLOOD 1964)

  Happy Birthday to the Queen of Italian Horror &

That Beautiful Face Which Launched a Thousand Nightmares

    The (sometimes reluctant) face of Italian Horror was born on this day in 1937 in Cheshire, England. Starting out as a young (and one of the last) contract players at Rank, at one point she was loaned out to Fox for the Elvis picture FLAMING STAR and after being dropped because of her accent (and given a blond dye job) she fled back to Europe. Her photo was spotted in a magazine by director Mario Bava who cast her in his directorial debut LA MASSHERA DEL DEMONIO (BLACK SUNDAY) in 1960 and history was made.
    In 1961 A.I.P brought her back to America to star in the Roger Corman's THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM alongside Vincent Price, which after the success of BLACK SUNDAY cemented her reputation as a horror star. In 1962 she appeared in a small but memorable role in 8½ (which she always reminded people of ), but it was not released until 1963 by the meticulous Fellini. However, much to her annoyance at the time her horror icon status was cemented after 1963's THE GHOST & THE HORRIBLE. DR. HICHCOCK. She once said in an interview "I never want to climb out of another freakin' coffin again !"
   Because of her expressive eyes along with a beautiful & unique facial structure (wonderfully highlighted by directors such as Bava & Antonio Margheriti) she had the perfect look & presence for Gothic horrors. In  recent years Barbara has seemed to have become a bit more comfortable with her past as she was interviewed on the Arrow release of BLACK SUNDAY and has made sporadic convention appearances.

"The Living And The Dead Change Places In An Orgy Of Terror"

   Directed by Antonio Margheriti (here working under his Anthony Dawson pseudonym) 1964's DANSE MACABRE (CASTLE OF BLOOD) is the ultimate Gothic horror love poem to Barbara Steele. Based on a non-existent Edgar Allan Poe story the plot concerns a journalist Alan Foster (Georges Rivière) who is prodded in to a wager by visiting author Edgar Allan Poe (!?) and his companion Lord Blackwood to spend an evening in Blackwood's supposedly haunted ancestral English castle.

    Upon arrival there he soon discovers Elizabeth Blackwood (Steele) lurking about the allegedly deserted castle along with Julia (the very gorgeous Margrete Robsham). Instantly falling in love with Elizabeth, Alan soon discovers that the women (along with a several other people) are all ghost like vampires who are forced on this particular night to relieve their deaths and search for the blood of a victim so that they may live beyond the singe night.

   Overflowing in B&W Gothic atmosphere with graveyards, crypts, billowing curtains, cobwebs, roving candelabras and the hauntingly beautiful presence of Barbara Steele. Blond Norwegian actress Robsman makes a striking counterpoint to the dark haired Steele and it's a shame she didn't work more after this picture (allegedly she was uncomfortable with her having to kiss Steele).

   Available on DVD from Synapse which adds the topless scene of  Sylvia Sorrente (filmed for the spicier "continental" version), along some of the lesbian kissing of Steele & Robsham, Steele's orgasmic facial expressions during a love scene and a bit of blood, all of which were cut for the American release.
   An excellent example of why we love Italian horror and the perfect way to spend Barbara's birthday tonight (with all apologies to Mario Bava & Black Sunday).