Anyone who's still stumping for New Nightmare on the basis of its clever conceit should force themselves to sit through the thing again, because it's not so hot.
this is incredibly wrong though
― flamenco drop (BradNelson), Friday, 20 April 2018 13:44 (six years ago) link
new nightmare and jason goes to hell feel intimately related to me prob bc of that early/mid '90s new line feel. they're also both slight reinventions of their franchises, where one is really effective and creepy and the other is one bad idea after another in a dizzying (and, imo, charming) progression
― flamenco drop (BradNelson), Friday, 20 April 2018 13:47 (six years ago) link
New Nightmare was so bad, iirc. The third and fourth ones both offer innovations without blowing out the basic concept.
― Uppercase (Eric H.), Friday, 20 April 2018 13:55 (six years ago) link
nightmare 4 is genuinely underrated
― flamenco drop (BradNelson), Friday, 20 April 2018 14:14 (six years ago) link
It's my favorite in the series aside from 2, for gay reasons.
― Uppercase (Eric H.), Friday, 20 April 2018 14:17 (six years ago) link
Yes, 2 and 4 are the best. We have found a point of accord.
― Across the You Never Her (Old Lunch), Friday, 20 April 2018 14:36 (six years ago) link
The room-cleaning scene from 2 might be in my all-time top 10 non-horror scenes from horror movies (see also: non-sequitur karate attack in Pieces, others I will need to think long and hard about).
― Across the You Never Her (Old Lunch), Friday, 20 April 2018 14:40 (six years ago) link
New nightmare is as bad as all the other Wes Craven films I've seen
― The Rachel Supremacy (wins), Friday, 20 April 2018 14:44 (six years ago) link
Except I saw the original nightmare for the first time two nights ago (having seen a bunch of the sequels on tv) and liked it. The audience were laughing throughout
― The Rachel Supremacy (wins), Friday, 20 April 2018 14:47 (six years ago) link
idk i find nightmare 2 kinda whatever (besides the homoeroticism ofc, which accounts for too little of the movie imo)
― flamenco drop (BradNelson), Friday, 20 April 2018 14:52 (six years ago) link
I chose Part 2 for last Friday, as well. It's got two of the hottest guys in the entire franchise.
― Uppercase (Eric H.), Friday, April 20, 2018 2:36 AM (thirteen hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
omg yes!
― surm, Friday, 20 April 2018 15:09 (six years ago) link
nightmare 2 has my favorite horror film score of the entire decade
― when worlds collide I'll see you again (Jon not Jon), Friday, 20 April 2018 15:09 (six years ago) link
It's kinda shocking when the series hits its height with 4 and then drops off a cliff with the next installment, especially since 5 is the only Elm Street sequel that didn't really mess with the formula of the previous film.
― Across the You Never Her (Old Lunch), Friday, 20 April 2018 15:11 (six years ago) link
also i really don't find the first 2 13s dull! i love how rhythmic the pacing is, almost like the water; the still cinematography, the lens. love love love.
roger that RE: hellraiser. the weekend is my oyster!
― surm, Friday, 20 April 2018 15:11 (six years ago) link
If the Friday the 13th movies floored you, you might want to already be lying down for Hellraiser. The last time I saw it, I felt duty-bound to travel back in time and chastise my parents for letting me watch it countless times as a youth.
― Across the You Never Her (Old Lunch), Friday, 20 April 2018 15:20 (six years ago) link
omg i'm totally pumped y'all.
― surm, Friday, 20 April 2018 15:22 (six years ago) link
agreed! friday 1 is so eerie, the scenes of uninterrupted darkness are so long
― flamenco drop (BradNelson), Friday, 20 April 2018 15:23 (six years ago) link
i feel like i've participated in a conversation exactly like this at least five times before on this board and i'm just saying the same things over and over again
― flamenco drop (BradNelson), Friday, 20 April 2018 15:24 (six years ago) link
haha that's life buddyglad you see the film the same way! so beautifully shot
― surm, Friday, 20 April 2018 15:25 (six years ago) link
I'm glad y'all enjoy it. Keep in mind that I'm that one dude who thinks Halloween is super overrated, so who even knows what my opinion is worth.
― Across the You Never Her (Old Lunch), Friday, 20 April 2018 15:33 (six years ago) link
First two have a real shot on film for theatres look, misty and atmospheric. Third and beyond look mostly like shit, brightly lit, like a sitcom, ready for cable and VHS.
― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 20 April 2018 15:36 (six years ago) link
So...Suspiria.
Is it just the production design and the music that people respond to? I watched the recent upgrade last night and I'll give major props on those elements, and while it's certainly been elevated in my esteem from the muddy VHS copy I watched twenty years ago, that and Jessica Harper are pretty much all the movie has going for it. There are long stretches which, if Goblin weren't going ham on the soundtrack, wouldn't be out of place in some '80s direct-to-video schlockfest.
I dunno, it was gorgeous and mildly unnerving but mostly just fine. I think it might just suffer from overhype as one of the greatest horror films ever when I can't even say for sure that it cracks my top five for 1977.
― Across the You Never Her (Old Lunch), Sunday, 22 April 2018 13:14 (six years ago) link
Is it just the production design and the music that people respond to?
Ha, like that's not enough in this case! In fact, that's really all there is. I don't remember much about the plot or acting or anything. It's just an almost oppressively lurid mood piece.
― Josh in Chicago, Sunday, 22 April 2018 13:48 (six years ago) link
yeah for me suspiria (and most giallo, i guess) primarily succeeds re: the balance of overwrought set design and dreaminess with overt shlockiness and incompetence
― flamenco drop (BradNelson), Sunday, 22 April 2018 13:50 (six years ago) link
FTR, I have a very high tolerance for schlock and incompetence. On a similar front, I was primed for this somewhat by watching Cozzi's Starcrash last weekend, which is basically a Star Wars porn film with all of the porn cut out but which has similarly gorgeous production design and lighting, and Suspiria def delivered on that front. I'm very keen on seeing anything with a similar visual style right now (also watched Flash Gordon recently for I guess the first time ever, surprisingly, and it's so dumb but I'm just in love with all the color).
― Across the You Never Her (Old Lunch), Sunday, 22 April 2018 14:00 (six years ago) link
I think Suspriria has quite a lot of good scenes and the pin eyed girl and the invisible witch used to really scare me. Maybe it was just too much hype for you, but I really do think it's one of the best.
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Sunday, 22 April 2018 17:17 (six years ago) link
Cozzi did the special effects for Phenomena so that might have to be my next Argento. I know they worked together in other capacities but a visual collaboration between the two seems like it could really be something.
― Across the You Never Her (Old Lunch), Sunday, 22 April 2018 17:49 (six years ago) link
I don't recall that one being visually that impressive. That's Jennifer Connelly controlling bugs with her brain right?
― Josh in Chicago, Sunday, 22 April 2018 18:20 (six years ago) link
Phenomena is amazing!! I just saw it (see above) and LOVED the insects, the monkey, JC, everythingshe is a modern girl who can communicate with insects, sign me up pleasewish i had seen it when i was a kid
― weird woman in a bar (La Lechera), Sunday, 22 April 2018 18:50 (six years ago) link
Donald Pleasance said the script was so daft he had to go for the role.
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Sunday, 22 April 2018 20:26 (six years ago) link
y'all there's a post-2006 thread isn't there? i really need to like say something about a recent movie
― surm, Tuesday, 1 May 2018 20:27 (six years ago) link
Post-2005. Scroll down a little in SNA. It's been updated today.
― Love Theme From Oh God! You Devil (Old Lunch), Tuesday, 1 May 2018 21:48 (six years ago) link
RIGHT thank you :)
― surm, Tuesday, 1 May 2018 22:04 (six years ago) link
Anyone seen De dødes tjern/Lake Of The Dead (1958)? Once voted the 4th best Norwegian film. Used to be a subtitled dvd but it's hard to find now.
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Sunday, 27 May 2018 14:14 (six years ago) link
Yes! It's quite good (although revealed to be more psychological thriller than the supernatural horror it appeared to be). I discovered this and a pair of 1952 Finnish horror films (The White Reindeer and The Witch/Noita palaa elämään) around the same time. Dunno why '50s Nordic horror is so sparse but it turned out some good stuff. Arrow should put out a box of these three.
― I really like the acting, dialogue and especially the scenes (Old Lunch), Sunday, 27 May 2018 15:46 (six years ago) link
Lake of the Dead is on YouTube, btw.
― I really like the acting, dialogue and especially the scenes (Old Lunch), Sunday, 27 May 2018 15:47 (six years ago) link
I think it's only Spanish subtitles and a fraud version. I found Witch though.
Luckily White Reindeer has good disc options. There's a restored bluray.
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Sunday, 27 May 2018 18:37 (six years ago) link
One of Abel Ferrara's best movies, The Addiction, is coming to Blu-Ray via Arrow Video on 6/26.
New restoration from a 4K scan of the original camera negative by Arrow Films, approved by director Abel Ferrara and director of photography Ken KelschHigh Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentationRestored 5.1 audioOptional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearingAudio commentary by Abel Ferrara, moderated by critic and biographer Brad StevensTalking with the Vampires (2018) A new documentary about the film made by Ferrara especially for this release, featuring actors Christopher Walken and Lili Taylor, composer Joe Delia, Ken Kelsch, and Ferrara himselfNew interview with Abel FerraraNew interview with Brad StevensAbel Ferrara Edits The Addiction, an archival piece from the time of productionOriginal trailerReversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Peter StrainFIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet containing new writing on the film by critic Michael Ewins
― grawlix (unperson), Tuesday, 29 May 2018 16:24 (six years ago) link
Six Japanese films.
Ghost Of Oiwa (1961) - It doesn't really stand out among the Oiwa & Lemon/Yotsuya films, apart from Oiwa's sister playing a bigger part and even taking up a sword. I had heard this is a bad version but it isn't, it just doesn't have enough to stand out.
Peony Lantern/The Bride Of Hades (1968) - This actually might be based on the same story as Hong Kong's The Ghost Lovers (if I remember correctly, a lot of these films blur together in my head). It certainly has a lot of the same elements. It's not bad, the sentimentality gets a little annoying but I liked Ko Nishimura in it. Kurosawa regular Takashi Shimura is in it too.
Cruel Ghost Legend (1968) - Like a lot of the other samurai ghost films but cruder, more sex and violence, everyone is horrible. So it stands out in the genre and it's a bit more fun. Two of the women look like bbw models.
Village Of Eight Gravestones (1977) - A quiet mountain village murder mystery. Beautiful landscape shots. Samurai warriors from centuries ago cast a curse on a large family, there's a spooky demon woman and a memorable chase scene in the caves under the mountains.This was a huge hit when it came out and I'm surprised it isn't better known because I think it could have a much larger following. Based on a popular novel and remade in the 90s.
I watched parts of the 1981 and 2003 versions of Makai Tensho (there are many more). Supposed to be a historical epic with resurrections and demonically powered Christians (later anti-Christians?) but neither looked like they had a big enough budget and I just couldn't be bothered. The earlier version is a bit more noteworthy for the set design, Sonny Chiba, the Lone Wolf & Cub guy and the fight in the burning building looks pretty dangerous to film.
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Saturday, 16 June 2018 15:23 (five years ago) link
Village Of Eight Gravestones has cool posters too.https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0204745/?ref_=nv_sr_1
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Saturday, 16 June 2018 15:32 (five years ago) link
As I probably wont find Shinoda's Demon Pond, Kumashiro's Jigoku and Living Skeleton any time soon, I think I'm pretty much done for now with 50s-80s Japanese horror films until more emerge. Snake Woman's Curse is supposed to be a bit weak so I think I'm okay with avoiding it. Goke and Matango are supposed to be good but I was never interested enough (even with the latter being a William Hope Hodgson adaptation).
Here's my top 15 from 50s-80s from best to least best (I love Tetsuo but I'm going to avoid it here)
Haunted Castle/Secret Chronicles Of The Ghost CatCurse Of The Snow WitchUnder The Blossoming Cherry TreesHouseGhost Of Yotsuya (Nakagawa)KwaidanKuronekoOnibabaGhost Cat Of Otama PondPortrait Of HellLake Of DraculaVillage Of Eight GravestonesSnake Girl & The Silver Haired WitchMansion Of The Ghost Cat/Black Cat MansionThe Woman Vampire
The sixties version of Jigoku has some cool scenes but I'm reluctant to include it.
Hard to find decent trailers of many of these sadly. I hope Arrow listens to my pleas to release some of these because the upper ones deserve to be standard viewing.
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Sunday, 17 June 2018 00:34 (five years ago) link
Haunted Palace - Just watched features and the commentary, I didn't expect David Del Valle to be as knowledgeable about horror books as he was (although I'm sure he mixes up Saki and Sarban at one point) and he talks about meeting August Derleth.
Vampyros Lesbos and She Killed in Ecstasy - I wasn't previously aware of Soledad Miranda but I'm glad I know her now, have to say I enjoyed the documentary about her (really just an interview with her biographer with lots of glorious clips and photos) more than these two films.Vampyros Lesbos has a good soundtrack, some of the more surreal parts are good and She Killed In Ecstasy has some scenes of Soledad killing men that look quite cathartic for her and it's a more expressive performance than in Lesbos. But without her I wouldn't have got much out of either film. Enjoyed the interviews with Franco in which he talks about not being that excited by awards and acclaim, he doesn't think highly of his own films and he says Yoda's face was based on his because he knew the Stuart Freeborn (based on some quick searching he's also claimed Borgnine, Einstein and himself for inspiration).
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Sunday, 1 July 2018 10:05 (five years ago) link
Got a Blu-Ray of Witchfinder General in the mail the other day.
― grawlix (unperson), Sunday, 1 July 2018 16:07 (five years ago) link
oh i watched vampyros lesbos yesterday! i looooooooooved it. hypnotic, amateurish, beautiful shot composition, unbelievable soundtrack
― flamenco blorf (BradNelson), Sunday, 1 July 2018 16:12 (five years ago) link
i really love that one too. i gotta see Ecstasy
― Nhex, Sunday, 1 July 2018 17:38 (five years ago) link
Seen 4 Francos recently (Virgin Among Living Dead, Erotic Rites Of Frankenstein, Vampyros Lesbos and She Kills In Ecstasy), only ones I still particularly want to see is Succubus (which strangely hasn't had a fancy new edition) and Female Vampire (which I think I may have found in Fopp if the current Screenbound version wasn't called Bare Breasted Countess, of all the daft names).
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Sunday, 1 July 2018 19:15 (five years ago) link
The Navigator: A Medieval Odyssey - This is sometimes called Vincent Ward's best film but it's really miles beneath his amazing earlier film The Vigil (which looks wonderful in the recent bluray release). I generally don't mind inaccurate accents too much, but here they're a constant problem. There is a few striking images (especially the distanced view of the travelers tunneling early on) but I think this just isn't that great a film overall.
Spider (Vasili Mass, 1991, Latvia) - Evil painter repeatedly sexually assaults his new model, sometimes in the form of a giant spider. Looks quite lush at times but other times like a glum television soap. Uneven special effects but the giant spider looks pretty great for a relatively low budget film.
It gets disappointingly conventional towards the end but this is well worth seeing for the stronger images and the quite unique feeling of the film. Awesome large painting of hell featured, I wish I could find the name of the painter.
This is an all region Mondo Macabro bluray (great cover art too). Director says in featured interview that Spider was a straight faced parody of American horror films but he didn't seem to mind whether audiences taken it as a parody or as a straight horror film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2GsYGuyyLU
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Friday, 17 August 2018 20:56 (five years ago) link
Oh Italy, you so crazy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Casa_(film_series)
Films in the series1.La Casa (a.k.a. The Evil Dead)2.La Casa 2 (a.k.a. Evil Dead II)3.La Casa 3 (a.k.a. Ghosthouse)4.La Casa 4 (a.k.a. Witchery)5.La Casa 5 (a.k.a. Beyond Darkness)6.La Casa 6 (a.k.a. House II: The Second Story)7.La Casa 7 (a.k.a. The Horror Show, a.k.a. House III)
...but no Army of Darkness or House 1 or 4.
― These Sticks Were Made For Dipping (Old Lunch), Friday, 24 August 2018 13:09 (five years ago) link
Although I prefer Haunted Castle/Secret Chronicles Of The Ghost Cat and Curse Of The Snow Witch to Under The Blossoming Cherry Trees, I think the latter is probably the best film of them all. It works on more levels and while it isn't as supernaturally focused as the others, the spooky bits are quite memorable.
The lightning scene in Haunted Castle reminded me a little bit of the lightning moment in Emperor's "I Am The Black Wizards". I'm wanting to rewatch it to see if it was really that impressive.
Rewatched Black Sabbath and I think it's probably Bava's best by quite some distance. Maybe the best film of its kind (depends how specific we're being).
Now I think Shock might be in his top 5, despite not looking as lovely and the soundtrack by Libra doing a lot of the work. I often think of the strange slow motion closeup of Daria Nicolodi, maybe one of my favorite horror scenes ever.
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Sunday, 2 September 2018 10:59 (five years ago) link
Spookies - Wanted to see this because I knew there was a lot of monsters in it. Wondered why it wasn't on bluray and after seeing it I can see why even the lower quality labels wouldn't want to put it out. I seldom complain about acting but there's a few actors who are terrible here, like the man pretending to be an old german and the incredibly unfunny comedic character. But all the comedy is unfunny here.I wouldn't recommend this but whoever was doing the creature effects was pretty good and with a bigger budget they might have been able to have done great things.I actually quite liked the idea of this creepy old guy preserving his unwilling wife by having his small monster army (including two of his children) kill people, but the delivery is mostly dud.
Ammoru - Been meaning to see this after some Adam Groves recommendations and now it's easy to see on youtube. But after seeing half of it I couldn't finish it, I just watched highlight clips. There's a scene near the start I quite liked with the goddess breathing heavily and fire blowing behind her but the end fight is the best part (that I've seen), take a look...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9lD6kfX01k
― Robert Adam Gilmour, Monday, 24 September 2018 17:23 (five years ago) link