Armchair Commentary

"Frozen": Writer/Director Adam Green

Adam Green exploded onto the horror genre scene with his debut feature film Hatchet in 2006. He followed that up with the equally disturbing and horrifying films Spiral and Grace. This year, Green’s survival-on-the-mountain thriller Frozen premiered at the perfect setting - a snow covered Sundance Film Festival. It surprised festival-goers and movie critics alike.  Rex Reed “nearly chewed a pencil in half” he was so scared, while NBC’s Gene Shalit, The Chicago Sun Times’ Richard Roeper, and The New York Times all hailed Frozen as one of the best of it’s kind and drew comparison’s between Green and both Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg.

Read Adam's blog below about the filming of Frozen (yes, the actors really were suspended on a freezing mountain) and pre-order your copy of Frozen on DVD and Blu-ray. Warning - you may never want to go on that last run of the night again! -- Lisanne

In making Frozen I was faced with the difficult decision between shooting the film entirely practically or shooting it while incorporating such luxuries as a sound stage or green screen for certain scenes.  Given the fact that most of the story takes place fifty feet in the air and in treacherous weather conditions, the pressure was on me to try and pull off the shoot in as safely and as financially secure a way as possible.  However, I truly feel that modern audiences are way too smart and savvy to believe a survival film shot in the safety of a sound stage and that if I gave the actors physical relief that it would not be serving the story or their performances justice. 

So there we were, on the side of a mountain, at 10,000 feet, overnight, in the dead of winter, shooting through blizzards of up to 36 inches of snow a night, hanging from a chair lift cable fifty feet in the air, and literally risking our lives at times.  Throughout our shoot, my crew even received calls from other film productions around the country asking if it was true what we were attempting to do and claiming that we must be crazy.  People all over the world were talking about us and taking bets on whether or not we would indeed finish.  I was even called “Ahab” during pre-production because of my unbending will to do everything in Frozen as practically as possible no matter how hard it would be.  I was going to conquer that mountain and you were either with me or against me.

We not only finished on-time and on-budget, but the Frozen experience is as undeniably “real” as it gets in every way.  Watching the film slay audiences at its Sundance world premiere and in its theatrical run was a dream come true.  Skeptic audience members would come in with their arms crossed and their own pompous solutions to the character’s plight only to wind up dropping, fainting, crying, or throwing up and leaving the theater winded after the last reel.  Seeing mainstream critics like Rex Reed, Richard Roeper, Gene Shalit, and the NY Times rave about an independent film that came out of nowhere was one of the most satisfying feelings in the world.  In the end, that crucial decision to shoot the film practically, however unpopular, literally made all of the difference and while I still don’t know where or how I found the courage to attempt doing it, I would insist on doing it the same exact way if I had to do it again.  With Frozen, it’s just not the film itself that audiences are watching, it’s the courage and determination of an absolutely unbeatable crew that will have viewers forever saying “wait… how did they do that?”  - Adam Green Writer/Director

Sofia Coppola & Stephen Dorff - Magic?

I recently came across the first trailer released for Sofia Coppola's new film Somewhere which she produced, wrote and directed. I am intrigued as it's been a while since her best-known film 2003's Lost in Translation came out (hard to believe it has been that long). From the trailer it appears that Sofia's new film definitely looks to have that Sofia-Lost-In-Translation-vibe and requisite cool soundtrack as well. Considering the last film she released was 2006's Marie Antoinette, I think movie-goers are long overdue for some Sofia magic, and this could just be it.

And the other reason it caught my attention was because the lead character is played by Stephen Dorff. Yes, that's right. I can't remember the last time he had such a visible role. (Britney Spears's 2004 Everytime video comes to mind for me). Clearly this could be a comeback role for him. In Somewhere, Stephen plays a bad-boy-partying Hollywood actor who re-examines his life after his 11-year-old daughter surprises him with a visit. The daughter is played by Elle Fanning (Yes, Dakota's little sister).

It's not going to be released until Dec., but will likely debut at the Venice Film Fest in Sept. So in the meantime, check out the trailer below. Personally, I am liking it. But what do you think? --Lisanne

"Z-Rock" Q&A: Body Slams & Groupies - Season 2 is Here

The boys of Z Rock (Paulie Z, David Z and Joey Cassata, of the real life rock band Z02) are back with the outrageous Z-Rock: Season 2 DVD. The new season of the hit IFC series features wild stories, loud music and some big name guest stars including Daryl Hall, Dave Navarro, John Popper, Bethenny Frankel, Dee Snider, Jim Norton, Chris Jericho and Joan Rivers. Brooklyn band mate Paulie Z took a break from the road to riff on Z Rock, groupies, and why he loves being body slammed.
 
Q: How close is Z-Rock to your real life?
Paulie Z: Very close. Actually, it's based on our real life in the sense that we are really a rock band by night and a kids band by day. Most of the scenarios came from real situations, but were exaggerated for entertainment purposes.
 
Q: You guys are currently out doing live shows, and you’ve done tours with some really big bands, what’s life really like on the road?
Paulie Z: For us the road is great because we love traveling and just love being on stage. It's not an easy task so I can understand why other people get sick of the road, but for us it's all about the concert, traveling, meeting new fans and generally goofing around in between gigs.
 
Q: What’s the weirdest/wildest/funniest experience you’ve had with a groupie or fan?
Paulie Z: These two groupies we had back in the day tried looking me up in the phone book and found my grandmother's name and called her! They asked her for my cell number posing as friends of mine. She was freaked out by the whole situation. Luckily she didn't give out my info - go grandma (laughs)!
 
Q: The show has been compared to This is Spinal Tap, were you guys fans of that movie? What other movies or shows influence can be felt on Z Rock?
Paulie Z: Spinal Tap is one of my all time favorite movies so the answer is yes. Curb Your Enthusiasm was another big influence as well as Entourage.
 
Q: You’ve done songs for the Howard Stern show, is he an influence on your humor?
Paulie Z: Howard Stern is definitely an influence on my humor. He's got a sort of sexy goofiness to him and that's kind of what we go for on the show at times.
 
Q: You had some great guest stars on this second season, any good stories from behind the scenes?
Paulie Z: Yeah, all the guests were amazing. I remember when Chris Jericho was on I was bugging him to body slam me for fun, but he wouldn't do it. I can be very persuasive, OK, annoying, and eventually he just had enough so he lifted me up and slammed into a table - it was awesome!
 
Q: What CDs should every aspiring rock star own?
Paulie Z: The usual suspects...KISS: Alive!, Led Zeppelin: II, Deep Purple: Machine Head, Guns N' Roses: Appetite For Destruction, Rush: Moving Pictures, AC/DC: Back In Black. These are the fundamental tools in any rock star's belt.
 
Q: OK, why should everyone own Z Rock Season 2 on DVD?
Paulie Z: Because it's freakin' funny! Seriously, it’s a great insight into the real life of a rock band trying to make it, but it's not a reality show which makes it unique. Not to mention we have great guest stars, hot girls and rock n roll music - what more do you want?

 Thanks Paulie! Get Ready to Rock - Z Rock: Season 2 is available on DVD June 8th! -- Lisanne

Q&A with Chris Kattan: "Bollywood Hero"

After making audiences laugh for years on SNL, Chris Kattan's latest adventure is attempting to conquer Bollywood. Yes, you read that right. In the new musical comedy miniseries as seen on the IFC, Bollywood Hero, Chris is fed up with Hollywood and accepts an offer for a role in India. Trying to fit in with the culture, fight the bad guys, win the love of beautiful women and master dance sequences (Slumdog Millionaire style) - it's quite the entertaining ride.

Read Chris's hilarious thoughts below about making this miniseries, the guest stars, the dance sequences, why he needs a date, and of course Mr. Peepers.....

Q: You are starring, executive producing and writing for Bollywood Hero. How did the whole project come about and what made you want to be involved with it?

CHRIS: I actually had been in India before.  I was there to buy a bunch of pirated video copies of Chronicles of Narnia.  At the time it had just come out in the theaters and I had to get copy.  Plus I loved that crispy bread they eat.  When the producers heard of this they approached me and the rest is history (laughs).

Q: To a viewer that hasn’t heard of the miniseries, how would you describe it?

CHRIS:I would describe it by saying it’s an epic comedy mini series in 3 parts that’s shot entirely in India and is truly funny with some amazingly well shot scenes with 5 huge incredible dance sequences.  Originally I would have said it’s a rock em’ sock em’ down right dirty celebration of humanity, desire and sex? Wait…let me check my files…. Yes, sex.

And even though that comment may be a genius thing to say, it might also sound offensive.  So I will rephrase it by saying, its is a highly entertaining incredibly well made 3 part mini-series. Where I play, a normal and down to earth, but still funny version of myself along with talented guests, such as Maya Rudolph, Jennifer Coolidge, Andy Samberg and Keanu Reeves.  It’s funny; it’s beautiful to watch, and very entertaining.  Great to rent.  Over and over! And there’s tons of sex.  Damn!  I said it again.

Q: You are playing yourself in the movie. What is that like? Is it a reality show or scripted?

CHRIS: To play myself in the movie is very difficult because I have to wear a lot of wigs.  Actually it’s best described by saying it’s like my Curb Your Enthusiasm, but I’m in India.  And it is scripted.  And like David plays a negative version of himself, I play a very heroic and leading man version of myself that just doesn’t quite work in the sexy dancing epic world of intense film making in Indian Cinema.  That’s the third time I said “sex.” Something is wrong with me. I need a date.

Q: This is a mini-series, but any chance it will be developed into a regular show?

CHRIS: It took 10 weeks to shoot the entire mini-series in Mumbai, India.  With one week in LA, which is where Keanu Reeves and Samberg and David Alan Grier did their stuff, which appears in the first episode.   A series would mean I would probably need to live there for a while and if I did, I would really miss my Entertainment Tonight and Sponge Bob’s. And Kraft Singles of course.  I would miss those horribly.  So if we did do another season, it would probably be another mini series.  There are too many factors to film around, a monsoon for example.  Not the easiest natural possible disaster to work in.

Q: What was it like shooting in India? Any favorite memories?

CHRIS: It was a life changing experience to film there.  Think Slumdog Millionaire but funny. Sort of.  Beautiful, struggling, hard work, but man did it come out good. Beautiful locations all over India, Big beautiful Bollywood stars.  Super hot, didn’t get one kiss, but super hot. Not even a peck on this kiss.  10 weeks, nada.  Whatever!

Q: You have several key crew members from Slumdog Millionaire working on your show, including Longinus Fernandes who choreographed the ending dance sequence in Slumdog. Does that mean there will be plenty of Chris Kattan dance sequences?

CHRIS: We were blessed to work with Longinus Fernandes who received an Oscar for his work in Slumdog Millionaire.  He was brilliant, and crazy. It was an honor and I can only describe how awesome the dances are in Bollywood Hero.  Crazy good.  And the music they chose is so damn good.  It’s just so fun to watch and it truly makes you feel good. A rare thing to feel when watching anything.  Except occasional porn.

Q: Of course we have to ask about SNL - Do you stay in touch with your SNL castmates? Any plans for return guest appearances anytime soon?

CHRIS: I do stay in touch with SNL cast members; we all do bbq’s at each other’s houses on the weekends in our old SNL character outfits. I dress as Mango, Will as a Cheerleader, Molly as Mary Katharine. It’s very sad actually.  But the owner of the event, who’s actually my dad, pays us about 12 bucks an hour so it adds up pretty good. 

Q: Speaking of SNL, how do you think Mr. Peepers would fair in India?

CHRIS: Mr. Peepers would do pretty well in India until he was captured by the local Slumdog and forced to prostitute for apples.

Q: Are there any TV shows you are obsessed with lately? Favorite DVDs you have seen recently?

I love Mad Men. 60 Minutes. And the Olympics.  I hate to say, but when they fall during figure skating, it’s hilarious. Old fashioned falling down humor.  Get’s me every time.

Once you have stopped laughing from this, experience the charm of Bollywood Hero yourself -  it's now available on DVD. Enjoy! --Lisanne

Sundance 2010 Wrap Up

Okay, so I know the big news of the week is of course the Oscar nominations, but some of the industry may still be recovering from the 26th Sundance Film Festival, which concluded this past weekend. It was my first Sundance experience and I think can best be summed up simply by saying it's exhilarating, exhausting...and involves a lot of snow! And of course, I am now addicted.

Considering this year’s Sundance stars may just be next year’s Oscar babies (case in point:Oscar-nominated Precious,  The Messenger and An Education were Sundance ’09 winners), I thought I would share my thoughts on the fest films that caught my attention:

1. Blue Valentine – A drama with star power that actually proved worthy of it’s praise. Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling  play a married couple who’s complex relationship story is told. It’s shot beautifully and both actors turn in raw and real performances worth watching for that alone. Yes, it's a bit of a downer, but it was my favorite performances and film at the festival. And Harvey thought so too – The Weinstein Company purchased it.

2. Restrepo - a timely documentary that chronicles the deployment of a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. Filmmakers Sebastian Junger and Tim Hetherington's spent a year living with the unit – it's as real as it gets. Their hard work paid off, as the film went on to on the world cinema documentary grand jury prize, and although I didn’t get to see it, it came up in many conversations and made the top films of the fest lists of critics and film-goers alike.

3. Buried - Sole actor Ryan Reynolds trapped in a coffin with only a lighter and a cell phone. My first thought when I read this in the film guide prior to the festival was “Wait, an entire movie with just Ryan Reynolds?” And quickly my 2nd thought turned to “Wait, an ENTIRE movie with JUST Ryan Reynolds!” Frankly I would pay $10 to see Ryan Reynolds staring at the wall for all I care, but maybe that's just me.  Turns out I am not the only one - the film was quite the talk opening weekend (and not by just crazy women like me – apparently it was quite innovative and, well, good). The bidding war started quickly after its premiere and it was the first Sundance 2010 film purchased (by Lionsgate).

4. Winter’s Bone – A young girl from the Ozarks hunts down her father while trying to keep her family together. I also wasn't able to see this, but after it’s premiere on Sat. of opening weekend, I heard nothing but good things from those that saw this drama/thriller/mystery. And it won the big one – the Grand Jury Dramatic Prize as well as the Waldo Salt screenwriting award. It was purchased as well, and be on the look-out for a rumored summer release.

5.  Happythankyoumoreplease proved a winner for writer/director/actor Josh Radnor ( of How I Met Your Mother fame), and not just because in my opinion it has the best name of the festival. The dramedy took home the dramatic audience award. In Josh’s words “The movie's about relationships, people in New York trying to be a little happier and a little less cynical.” Sometimes you just can't take another downer film, so a charming and fun film like this seemed a welcome one. Fingers crossed this one gets purchased and gets some marketing power behind it, as I am thinking it could be a perfect little uplifting summer indie.

6. I also enjoyed Hesher – Spencer Susser’s black Comedy starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Natalie Portman (who served double-duty as producer as well). It seemed to receive mixed reactions from audiences, but it was another lucky one that found a home - snapped up Newmarket Films. Joseph plays a crude rebel with ease, and teen Devin Brouchu is impressive in a challenging role. (One of the many great kid/teen performances seen at Sundance this year.) It’s dark and humorous (and R rated to say the least) - and I think it will find it’s fans. As it should, cause man poor Devin just gets the crap beat out of him in that movie and he deserves something just for that!

7. Adrian Grenier’s Teenage Paparazzo is also one I have to add to my list (and no, not just because I heart Vincent Chase).  Adrian explores the subject of our celebrity obsession through the eyes of a teen paparrazo. Seriously – the kid is like 13 and on his scooter in L.A. at 3AM taking pap shots. It’s entertaining, fascinating, and an interesting take on our media culture. You know, I think Adrian has a back-up job with this director thing in case that whole Entourage thing doesn’t pan out.

So there's my list - acknowledging that there were many incredible films that I may be leaving out - so hope you can go explore them for yourself! And although this blog is getting far to long, I can't resist but to leave you with my top 4 random festival thoughts as I close the book on Sundance 2010:

1. Even at a festival filled with industry professionals and filmmakers from all over the world, the after-movie Q&A with the cast will still involve stupid questions from the audience that will cause you to cringe. Case in point, with Ryan Gosling and Oscar-nominated Michelle Williams fielding post screening of Blue Valentine Q&A, an audience member chose to ask about the hairstyle of the little girl in the film. Yes, after waving your hand wildly with all that talent in the room, why the child actor has a “sophisticated haircut” is exactly what I would want to know. And that preceded a question about if Ryan would take off his shirt, following a question about The Notebook. Really Sundance crowd? I expected more for you! I mean not that I wouldn’t mind seeing Ryan without his shirt on, but that is not the point.

2. The Commish rocks! (Okay some of you may know him better from The Shield, but he will always be the Commish to me.) Michael Chiklis and his band can rock a crowd and cause celebs to even whip out their cameras. At the HIGH School premiere party he got the cast on stage and even made Collin Hanks look (slightly) less awkward and rock out.

3) Paris Hilton’s hair is so blonde it can be seen even in a dark theater kinda like a glow stick. No joke.

4) Watching the world premiere of a film with what seemed like the entire cast/crew sitting in front of me, cheering wildly throughout the beginning credits, hugging each other and giving high-fives was the most incredible reminder of just what a big deal it is to actually get a film on to the screen, and to the people involved with it. To the cast/crew of Skateland (a coming-of-age dramedy that pays homage to the 80’s John Hughes films, with great 80’s clothes and soundtrack to boot), thanks for inspiring me to remember what makes the film community and festival amazing. Amidst the Sundance deals, the parties and star power, at the end of the day there truly is a celebration of film still going on.

So thanks Bob (that’s Robert Redford to the rest of you) – and best of luck to all the lucky Sundance kids!  I’m already counting down to Sundance 2011! -- Lisanne

"Paper Heart": Charlyne Yi vs. Paul Rust Interview

Described as a movie that combines elements of documentary,  traditional storytelling, reality and fantasy - Paper Heart is original, refreshing and just flat-out enjoyable.

Comedian/actress/writer Charlyne Yi (Knocked Up, Semi Pro) sets out across the country with a camera crew in tow to find out about the meaning of love. Along the way, Michael Cera (Arrested Devlopment, Juno) becomes the object of her affection and Charlyne gets an unexpected lesson in L-O-V-E. It's awkward, funny, charming  -  and, um,  it even involves cardboard puppetry. Yes, I will say it - I HEART Paper Heart!

Charlyne has written a blog for Amazon talking about the making of Paper Heart. Read below and also check out the video clip of Charlyne attempting to interview actor Paul Rust. 

And with the holidays coming up, if you find yourself with an opportunity to take out that special someone - take some advice from one of the wise children in Paper Heart. When asked what a perfect date is, she replies "Take Someone to Applebee's and give them hot wings".

Pre-order your copy of Paper Heart on DVD or Blu-ray - perfect for a stocking stuffer if you ask me. -- Lisanne

IMPROV...

We had roughly 5 pages of an outline, and other paper work with ideas of scenes. Which meant we had to improvise A LOT. The reason we did it this way is because I never learned how to read. I got kicked out school in 3rd grade. Seriously. As you read this right now, I am not even the one who is typing this. Someone is transcribing what I am saying. It’s funny that I wouldn’t even be able to read this to verify what they’re writing is correct. They might write that I am a total twit. Or that I like to eat…. I don’t know, something gross. Like.. um…….. food. Bad food. Yeahhhh…. Food that’s gone bad and expired! The rotten kind!

No. I am kidding. I do know how to read and there is no transcriber. I am the one typing these words. Though it’d make a better story if I couldn’t read or write, huh?

My apologies for tricking all of you. Ha, you should’ve seen your faces. SO FUNNY. Anyways, what is some secret tales about the making of Paper Heart that I can share? I’ll break it into chunks for you.

JOKE GONE WRONG...

The first things we shot were without Michael. So we already made friends with the crew and we would always joke-scare the crew, telling them how Michael Cera is a diva who always had to have his raisins before every take or he’ll throw a temper tantrum. None of the crew was dumb enough to believe this. But it was something we talked about that made us laugh. And one day we thought it’d be funny if crew gave raisins would just hand Michael raisins without any explanation throughout the entire shoot.

So we handed raisins to our camera assistant, Clint, a very sweet well-mannered, keeps to his self type of guy. He was so nervous as he approached Michael with a little box of raisins. He handed it to Michael. Michael stopped Clint and said, “Wait, what is this for?” Clint terrified answered with, “It’s sundried.” I was far and behind Michael waving to Clint to walk away. He did…. But Michael stopped him and questioned Clint some more especially since Clint’s answer didn’t really answer Michael’s question. Clint just sort of froze in fear and things got really uncomfortable. Eventually Jake stepped in, and Clint made his exit. Jake explained the entire thing to confused Michael. Michael laughed and said, he wanted to freak Clint out by telling him, “Hey man, thanks so much for the raisins, that was so thoughtful of you. Here, I got you something too.” And Michael would hand Clint and brand new suit. For no reason. But the suit thing didn’t happen. The joke just sort of died after that.

WAR ON THE ROAD...

Before we went on the road to film the documentary portion, Nick, Jake, & I made a pact as friends that the road wouldn’t destroy our friendship because we had heard the great tales how the road would change us and we would lose our minds and eventually want to kill each other…

The night before we went on the road we were sitting in Nick’s living room and Jake quickly leaned his bottom against my leg released the devil onto me. I had never had been farted on – or felt the long vibration of one. I couldn’t believe it. Jake had declared war…

From then on Jake and I would fart on each other in the van, restaurants, interviews – any time – any where. And some how our DP, Jay Hunter, tried to end the war because it was not only hurting us, but everyone else in the van. He gave a huge lengthy speech, explaining how immature we were… at one point Jake and I looked at each and smiled… Now, we didn’t say anything but we understood and were thinking the same exact thing at that moment. As soon as the Van stopped and Jay had stopped talking, we both farted on Jay. The war was no longer between Jake and I… but against a common enemy.

I remember one time Jay was chatting up some ladies at a bar, and I did a drive by and farted right in the middle of them. Some might say that I am disgusting or immature. Well, those people might be right. But Jake & I were soldiers in combat, and we were going win this war. And guess what? We did….

ASIDE FROM ALL THE JOKEY OR GROSS FART STORIES...

It’s crazy. Making this movie wasn’t like any other movie. We were actually out there on the road… on a true adventure. Driving from town to down, meeting strangers, going into biker bars, sleeping scary motels with blood stains. Roughing it up. And I will never forget the adventures we took on to get this film made. We may have not had a lot of money, but everybody who worked on this project had a lot of heart. And without that, we wouldn’t have lasted. I’m really grateful for everybody who believed in our project and was part of it. Cast, crew, strangers who let us into their lives and interview them. Because without them, we wouldn’t have this movie. It really was an incredible experience. And we are lucky. I don’t think many people get to do live through what we did. -- Charlyne

"Re-Animator": November Spotlight DVD

November's Horror Spotlight DVD is the 80's cult classic Re-Animator. Read below for Ryan from Bloody-Disgusting.com's review of the DVD, and buy a copy of the DVD for your own viewing pleasure at 48% off all this month. Enjoy! -- Lisanne

It’s been 15 years since I last watched Re-Animator.   Viewing the Anchor Bay DVD this week, I felt like I was hanging out with some old friends from summer camp that I hadn’t seen in years.  Where has the time gone?   Justifiably groomed for cult classic status since its 1985 release, the H.P. Lovecraft-inspired, Stuart Gordon-directed horror-comedy still delivers the goods.

Daniel Cain is a bright young med student on the fast track to the top. Although his obsessive techniques with critical patients occasionally get him into trouble, Cain is accomplished enough—both academically and socially—to be admired by his professors, and he even gets away with dating the dean’s hot daughter (Gordon staple Barbara Crampton).   Herbert West, an eccentric new transfer student with some decidedly unethical methods, shows up on the scene, immediately throwing  Cain’s naive worldview out of whack.   In the role that made him famous, Jeffrey Combs plays Herbert West as a dour-faced cross between a science super-nerd and Norman Bates.    West ‘s ideas regarding the animation of dead tissue are controversial , and although Cain is understandably disturbed when Herbert kills and reanimates his house cat (twice), he is also intrigued.  West may be just as unstable as his life-giving “re-agent” formula, but there’s no doubt he can re-animate the dead.  But can he control them?   It turns out the re-animated dead are plagued with the need to commit atrocious acts of violence.  As his experiments spin further and further out of control, West must go to even greater extremes to reign in his self-made monsters.

The first collaboration between director Gordon and star Combs is a witty, well-paced gore piece. The outrageous make-up effects have added considerably to Re-Animator’s reputation over the years, and understandably so.   Corpses dance, blood bladders explode, body parts fly.  The film culminates in a gut-busting display of mildly-perverted grue .   (Including the notorious “head” scene, which ranks second only to Evil Dead’s “tree” scene when it comes to horror-centric sexual depravity.)   The deadpan comedy isn’t always as funny as intended, but Re-Animator still stands proud as a bona fide horror classic.

Anchor Bay’s 2-disc DVD features the 86-minute unrated version of the film (rather than the 95-minute R-rated version), and it comes loaded with extras, including a surprisingly extensive retrospective, interviews with cast and crew, deleted and extended scenes, and all sorts of other good stuff. - Ryan Daley, Bloody-Disgusting.com

"The Haunted World of El Superbeasto": Rob Zombie Interview

Rob Zombie is a Grammy-nominated American musician, film director, screenwriter and film producer. In 2003 Rob launched his film career with House of 1000 Corpses, followed by The Devil's Rejects, Halloween and H2 with a combined box office of $120 million. This time he's brought his twisted humor to the masses with the outrageous animated comedy The Haunted World of El Superbeasto. Voiced by Tom Papa, Rosario Dawson and Paul Giamatti among others, and complete with superheros, strippers, zombie bikers and zany songs - it's pure entertainment for Zombie and non-Zombie fans alike.

Watch our interview with Rob below to find out the story behind this comic book turned movie, and buy your copy on DVD or  Blu-ray today. -- Lisanne

Halloween Horror Movies

So with Halloween just days away, if you are still searching for that perfect horror movie to watch on Halloween night, look no further. I reached out to our friends at Anchor Bay, the studio that proudly provides horror fanatics with some of the best cult horror films on DVD. They've put together a list of their top cult Horror picks for your Halloween night viewing pleasure - sure to entertain and possibly scare the crap out of you:

• Halloween
• Happy Birthday To Me
• Hatchet
  
• His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th
• Dawn of the Dead
  
• Stan Helsing
  
• Hellraiser and Hellrasier II
• Children of the Corn
  
• Phantasm I-IV
  
• Laid to Rest
• Behind the Mask
  
• Evil Dead I and II

What do you think of the list? What are your Halloween favorites?  

And you still have time to save on great Halloween and Horror DVDs during out huge Halloween Sale and Horror Buy One, Get One Free sale - both continuing through 10/31. So pick out some horror DVDs and grab some candy and enjoy the holiday! -- Lisanne

2009 Reaper Awards

Horror fans unite - It's Grimmy time!

Hollywood celebrated the horror world last week with the first annual Reaper Awards, honoring the best Horror DVDs and Blu-rays released between Sept 08 - Aug 09. Winners were determined by an online vote, and all winners took home a fabulous Grimmy - a hand painted statue of what else - a Grim Reaper. (Check out the picture...pretty sweet office decoration if you ask me.)

The Hellrasier Boxed Set was the big winner - taking the Best in Show and Best Packaging. The complete list of winners is below. What do you think? Are there any that are missing from the list? Or ones that you disagree with?

2009 Reaper Award Winners:

• Best in Show: Hellraiser Box Set, Anchor Bay Entertainment
• Best Theatrical: The Last House on the Left, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
• Best DTV Release: Alien Raiders, Warner Home Video
• Best Re-release: Friday the 13th: Deluxe Editions (Parts 1-6), Paramount Home Entertainment
• Best Boxed Set or TV Series: Dexter: The Complete Third Season, Paramount Home Entertainment/CBS/Showtime
• Best Indie/Foreign: [REC], Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• Best Slasher (tie): Laid to Rest, Anchor Bay Entertainment; The Last House on the Left (1972), 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment/MGM
• Best Vampire/Werewolf: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• Best Zombie: Quarantine, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• Best Ghost Story: The Haunting in Connecticut, Lionsgate
• Best Packaging: Hellraiser Box Set, Anchor Bay Entertainment
• Best Re-mastering: Hellraiser, Anchor Bay Entertainment
• Best Blu-ray Disc: Ghostbusters, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
• Lifetime Achievement: Michael Felsher, Red Shirt Pictures

Looking for more Halloween and Horror thrills? Check our our huge Halloween Sale and Horror Buy One, Get One Free sale - both feature killer deals going on now through the month of October . -- Lisanne