Genre Watch: Issue #1 (November 2008)
Greetings fellow b-movie fanatics! Here (as promised eons ago in an ancient prophecy) is the very first issue of The B-Movie Film Vault’s (soon to be world famous) Genre Watch! This (hopefully) ongoing series of articles is divided up by week and features a fairly complete listing of all the theatrical, DVD, and Blu-ray releases that all of you b-movie fans crave! Keep in mind however that this is not a 100% complete list (some of the more obscure titles were excised due to laziness) and, as always, release dates are subject to change by the companies putting these films out! So, without further ado, here is the November issue of The BMFV Genre Watch!
WEEK #1 | WEEK #2 | WEEK #3 | WEEK #4
THIS WEEK’S NEW AND NOTABLE DVD & BLU-RAY RELEASES
The Final Countdown [Blu-Ray] – What if a modern-day United States aircraft carrier was sucked into a time tunnel and popped out in the Pacific Ocean mere days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor? This is the conundrum the main characters face in this classic sci-fi film. While not as action-packed as one could hope (if I recall correctly, there is ONE dogfight in the entire film, between two unlucky Japanese Zeros and a modern jet-fighter plane), it is an interesting tale that may one day see a remake. (Which admittedly, I wouldn’t really mind.) Released by William Lustig’s “Blue Underground” DVD label, this is without a doubt the best way to view this oft-forgotten science fiction yarn.
Planet of the Apes: 40th Anniversary Collection [Blu-Ray] – The five original “Planet of the Apes” films in high-def transfers! Apparently this set doesn’t bring much new to the table in regards to the extras on each disc, plus it is lacking the [lousy] 2001 remake, live-action TV series, and animated series, but that’s a small trifle considering that the films are all now in glorious high-definition. If you’re not keen on the idea of buying this pricy boxed set, then you can find comfort in knowing that each film is available for individual purchase on Blu-Ray as well.
Star Wars: Prequel Trilogy and Original Trilogy [DVD] – “New” on DVD are these two boxed sets that feature all six films from the beloved “Star Wars” saga. These are just the previous releases shoved into pretty boxes but hey, this is kind of a slow week for big releases. All I want to know is when the hell are these going to come out on Blu-ray?
Universal Soldier [Blu-Ray] – This action “classic” stars Jean-Claude Van Damme (back when he was popular and made watchable movies) and Dolph Lundgren (ditto) as two Vietnam casualties who are made into nearly unstoppable cyborg soldiers. This disc boasts an audio commentary, a pop-up trivia option, a making of featurette, and an alternate ending.
THIS WEEK’S NEW THEATRICAL RELEASES
Repo! The Genetic Opera – In the future, failing organs are the norm and the only way to get fresh ones is to lease them from a genetics company. However, if you miss a payment, you and your new liver must answer to the repo man! This is an intriguing idea for a film (originality? In this day and age?!) and I’d love to give it a look-see..
House – Thankfully, this is not a remake of the classic 1982 film starring William Katt. Instead, it is a “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” type tale, about two couples fleeing for their lives from a serial killer known only as “The Tin Man” (Michael Madsen!). This doesn’t seem like something I’d spend eight bucks to see in a theater, but I’m definitely going to give this a rental when it hits DVD (and Blu-Ray) next year.
THIS WEEK’S CULT DVD AND BLU-RAY RELEASES
13 Miedros: Primera Temporada [DVD]
Autopsy: A Love Story [DVD]
Batman: The Complete Animated Series [DVD]
Battle for the Planet of the Apes [Blu-Ray]
Battle Heater [DVD]
Beneath the Planet of the Apes [Blu-Ray]
Bikini Bloodbath Carwash [DVD]
Blonde Tales [DVD]
Camilla: The Lesbian Vampire [DVD]
Chill [DVD]
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes [Blu-Ray]
The Craving (2008) [DVD]
Deadly Memories [DVD]
Death from Beyond [DVD]
El Nominado [DVD]
Escape from the Planet of the Apes [Blu-Ray]
The Final Countdown [Blu-Ray]
Guyver: The Bio-Boosted Armor – Complete Box Set [DVD]
Hospitality [DVD]
The Housesitter [DVD]
Kiss of the Spider Woman [DVD & Blu-Ray]
The Lost World (1925 – Remastered) [DVD]
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit 2-Pack [DVD]
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit – Collector’s Edition [DVD]
Moscow Zero [DVD]
Old Hag [DVD]
Omega Doom / Johnny Mnemonic / Universal Soldier: The Return (Triple Feature) [DVD]
Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure [DVD Re-release]
Planet of the Apes (1968) [Blu-Ray]
Planet of the Apes: 40th Anniversary Collection [Blu-Ray]
Primeval: The Complete Series [DVD]
Return to Sleepaway Camp [DVD]
Severe Injuries [DVD]
Silent Mobius 2 [Single Disc DVD & Limited Edition Steelbook DVD w/soundtrack]
The Star Wars Prequel Trilogy [DVD]
The Star Wars Trilogy [DVD]
Summer Camp Sluts [DVD]
Termination Point [DVD]
Thirteenth Floor / Screamers / Solo {Triple Feature) [DVD]
Universal Soldier [Blu-Ray]
Vexille: Special Edition [DVD]
Waterworld: 2-disc Definitive Edition [DVD]
The Wild Man of Kentucky: The Mystery of Panther Rock [DVD]
THIS WEEK’S NEW AND NOTABLE DVD & BLU-RAY RELEASES
Dragon Ball Z: Season 7 [DVD] – This insanely popular anime series has grown on me over the years, and I now count myself amongst the ranks of DBZ fans. Season seven of the show gives us all fourteen episodes that span the “Great Saiyaman” and “World Tournament” sagas, and as previously boasted in the earlier boxed sets, every episode has been transferred from the original negatives and upgraded to HD quality.
Firefly: The Complete Series [Blu-Ray] – Firefly fans rejoice for this amazingly popular (but shortlived) sci-fi series is now on Blu-Ray. All fourteen episodes look and sound better than ever before, and a few new extras are tossed in for good measure. (Also, as a side note for completionists, don’t forget that “Serenity” is also available on Blu-Ray.) One has to wonder if the execs at Fox are going to bring this show back from the dead or just continue to slap themselves in the forehead for canceling “Firefly” well before its prime.
Hellboy II: The Golden Army [DVD & Blu-Ray] – Hellboy (Ron Pearlman), Liz Sherman (Selma Blair), Abe Sapien (Doug Jones), and newcomer, Johann Krauss (Seth McFarland) team up to stop an Elvish prince from conquering the world with the unstoppable Golden Army. This is a fantastic film full of imagination, amazing effects sequences, plus some romance and laughs for the ladies. This is an excellent follow-up to Guillermo del Toro’s surprisingly popular “Hellboy” and I can’t wait for the third (and final?) entry into this film series. Wether you get the 3-Disc DVD set or the 2-disc Blu-Ray, you can expect a ton of extras, plus a digital copy of the film that you can take with you anywhere! And since Christmas is just around the corner, the Collector’s Set will make a great gift for the Hellboy fan in your household.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars [DVD & Blu-Ray] – CGI-animated tale set in the “Star Wars” universe where Anakin Skywalker and his young padawan, Ahsoka Tano, attempt to rescue Jabba the Hutt’s child during the continued “Clone Wars.” This is for die-hard Star Wars fans and completionists only, though I’ve heard it ranks just above the loathed “Star Wars Holiday Special.” This is supposed to be the big kick-off for George Lucas’ proposed “Star Wars” CGI television series which has thus far only aired one episode. The remaining twenty-two (planned) episodes are planned for some time in 2009. You know what, I don’t even give a damn about this stupid TV series! What I really want to know is this: When will “Howard the Duck” finally be released onto a digital format Mr. Lucas?!
Sukiyaki Western Django [DVD & Blu-Ray] – Director Takashi Miike (“Zebraman,” “Audition,” “Ichi the Killer”) helms this fun-looking throwback to the beloved “spaghetti-western” genre. A mysterious gunslinger rolls into a small town that is ruled by two warring gangs, leading to lots of insane gunplay, excessive amounts of blood, and sword fights! I have yet to see this flick, but the trailer has sold me on this film! It currently ranks high on my Blu-Ray wishlist and I very much look forward to owning and watching it!
THIS WEEK’S NEW THEATRICAL RELEASES
Quantum of Solace – The new Bond flick sports one of the weirdest film titles in the series and it has a strange plot to boot. Apparently Bond butts heads with a crazed environmentalist who is trying to take control of a country’s water supply. Had said bad guy been played by Steven Seagal, then I would’ve gone out of my way to see this movie. As it stands though, I’m still not a big James Bond fan, and probably won’t even give this a rental when it hits DVD and Blu-Ray.
THIS WEEK’S CULT DVD AND BLU-RAY RELEASES
Blood Wars [DVD]
Dragon Ball Z: Return of Cooler / Cooler’s Revenge (Double Feature) [DVD]
Dragon Ball Z: Season 7 [DVD]
Dr. Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh [DVD]
Esmeraldero [DVD]
Firefly: The Complete Series [Blu-Ray]
Gurren Lagann Part 1 [DVD & Limited Edition DVD with art box]
Harry Potter: Years 1 – 5 [DVD & Blu-Ray]
Hasta El Viento Tiene Miedo (The Wind of Fear) [DVD]
Hellboy II: The Golden Army [Single disc DVD, 3-disc DVD special edition, 3-disc DVD Collector's Set, 2-disc Blu-Ray, and 2-disc Blu-Ray Collector's Set]
Mysterious Island (TV series) [DVD]
Point of Contact [DVD]
Raw Feed Horror Collection [DVD]
Shogun Assassin: 5-Film Collection [DVD]
Star Wars: The Clone Wars [Single disc DVD, 2-disc Special Edition DVD, and Blu-Ray]
Stormhawks: Showdown in the Skies [DVD]
Sukiyaki Western Django [Steelbook DVD & Blu-Ray]
Superhero Blu-Ray Collection (Spider-Man Trilogy, Ghost Rider, Hellboy: Director’s Cut, Underworld, and Underworld: Evolution) [Blu-Ray]
Supernatural: Season 3 [DVD & Blu-Ray]
Thunderbolt Fist [DVD]
Twin Blades of the Ninja [DVD]
Zombies on Broadway / White Zombie (Double Feature) [DVD]
THIS WEEK’S NEW AND NOTABLE DVD & BLU-RAY RELEASES
Cannibal! The Musical (13th Anniversary Edition) [DVD] – Back when Trey Parker and Matt Stone were still in college and before they hit it big with “South Park,” these two comedic geniuses came up with a musical docudrama about Alferd Packer, the only man in the United States that was ever convicted of cannibalism. “Cannibal! The Musical” is, quite simply, funny as hell and even more so with the “drunken commentary” which thankfully is included in this new 2-disc special edition of the beloved film. New additions to this DVD release include a second (non-inebriated) commentary, never before seen deleted scenes, production stills, and new interviews with various cast members. I am definitely picking this up to replace my old single-disc “Cannibal!” DVD.
Monty Python: The Holy Trinity [DVD] – This six-disc set includes “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” “Monty Python’s Life of Brian,” and “Monty Python’s Meaning of Life.” This is just the previous two-disc releases of these classic films slapped into a box that is emblazoned with new artwork. Do not bother picking this up if you already own these films. However, if you do not own these three classic comedies (shame on you!) then you best pick this boxed set up asap!
Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition [DVD] – This is the re-release of the recent Shout Factory! boxed set minus the nifty collector’s tin, Crow figurine, and lobby cards. This is a pretty good set nonetheless with three fantastic episodes (i..e “Laserblast,” “Werewolf,” and “Future War”) and one rather lame one (namely “First Spaceship on Venus” which admittedly does have a few good moments). If you missed out on the gorgeous limited edition tin, you’ll just have to get by with this release.
WALL-E [DVD & Blu-Ray] – A lonely robot whose main mission is to clean up the polluted surface of Earth, meets, and falls in love with another robot (that strangely resembles an I-pod). When the love of his mechanical life leaves Earth, Wall-E follows “her” and goes on all sort of cute little adventures. This is yet another family-oriented hit from those highly intelligent ape-men at Pixar studios and I look forward to watching it, as I missed this film’s theatrical run. You can get this future animated classic on single or triple-disc DVD, or get the two (or three) disc Blu-Ray release.
The World Sinks Except Japan (Special Edition) [DVD] – This remake/spoof of the 1973 disaster film “Nippon chinbotsu” reverses things a bit. When a cataclysmic event floods the Earth, refugees seek succor from Japan, which is (amazingly) the last bit of dry land on the planet. As the refugees attempt to blend in with the rest of Japanese society, a new threat arises that could quite possibly wipe the last bit of land off the map forever! I’ve heard quite a bit about this film and am quite glad that it is finally seeing a Region 1 DVD release.
THIS WEEK’S NEW THEATRICAL RELEASES
Bolt – New CGI-animated film from Disney in which a young dog that plays a superhero on a TV show, becomes lost in New York City. He sets off on an adventure to get back home to Hollywood, California, with the help of a mangy abandoned housecat and a tubby hamster in a ball. Bolt makes his way West and discovers that A) he doesn’t really have superpowers and B) you don’t need superpowers to be a hero. (Though I will admit that they do help… a lot.) This seems like a typical family flick with a ridiculously predictable ending, but dang it, those animated animals are cute and this is probably going to rake in a ton of dough. If you have children, go see it, otherwise, stay home this weekend and work on some home improvements.
Special [Limited Release] – A meter maid named Les takes part in an experimental drug test which results in an unexpected side-effect: Les begins to think he has gained special powers and decides to become a superhero. This looks like it could be a really great film, but sadly it is only seeing a limited release in a handful of major cities. Hopefully this one comes to DVD in the very near future; it surely looks like a winner.
Twilight – UGH! This movie is the currently the bane of my existence. I have denounced the books, heckled the trailer, and have committed slander and libel against any and all “Twilight” fans. And, naturally, this is the main film my significant other wants to see! ARGH! “Twilight” is a goofy romance between a bloodsucker and a human girl, and is strictly for “tweens” (though it appears that the books have spread like a virus and have infected people in older age brackets as well). The trailer alone makes me not want to see this, but alas, I have to take one for the team. Although I have to sit and suffer through it, please, my fellow Americans….. nay, my fellow citizens of Earth, just say NO to “Twilight!”
THIS WEEK’S CULT DVD AND BLU-RAY RELEASES
300 (Limited Collector’s Edition) [DVD]
Cannibal! The Musical (2-disc 13th Anniversary Special Edition) [DVD]
Charmed: The Complete Series [DVD]
Coyote Ragtime Show: Complete Box Set [DVD]
The Devil’s Curse [DVD]
Doctor Who: The Complete 4th Series [DVD]
Doctor Who: The Infinite Quest [DVD]
Exploitation Cinema Double Feature: Chinese Hercules & Black Dragon [DVD]
Expose [DVD]
The Gay Bed and Breakfast Terror [DVD]
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time [Single-disc and Limited Edition DVD]
The Happiness of Katakuris [DVD]
Indie Sinema (7-Pack) [DVD]
The Island [Blu-Ray]
Kitaro [Blu-Ray]
Km 31 [DVD]
Kreating Karloff [DVD]
Lucky Number Slevin [Blu-Ray]
Marvel Blu-Ray 3-Pack (Fantastic Four, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, & Daredevil) [Blu-Ray]
Monty Python’s Holy Trinity [DVD]
Mystery Science Theater 3000: 20th Anniversary Edition [DVD]
The Naked Sword [DVD]
Provocation (1995) [DVD]
Ramen Fighter Miki: The Complete Collection [DVD]
The Rug Cop (Special Edition) [DVD]
Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs [DVD]
Splatter Disco [DVD]
Stanley (Special Edition) [DVD]
The Stendhal Syndrome [Blu-Ray]
Star Trek: Seasons 1-3 Remastered [DVD]
Star Trek: Season 3 Remastered [DVD]
Tomie Beginning & Tomie Revenge [Double Feature DVD]
Ultimate Death Trance (Deluxe Edition) [DVD]
WALL-E [Single-disc DVD, three-disc DVD, two-disc Blu-Ray, & three-disc Blu-Ray]
The World Sinks Except Japan (Special Edition) [DVD]
The Zombie Diaries [DVD]
THIS WEEK’S NEW AND NOTABLE DVD & BLU-RAY RELEASES
Hancock (Unrated) [DVD & Blu-Ray] – Will Smith stars as a super-powered homeless guy that nobody likes, until Jason Bateman cleans him up and forces him to turn over a new leaf. As the new and improved “Hancock” takes to the skies, he suddenly begins to remember his hazy past and soon crosses swords with another superhuman. Towards the end, things get a bit convoluted, and the movie ends up not being as good as it could have been. (It fell way below my expectations.) Hopefully the unrated cut will fix things; I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
Psychic Killer (1975) [DVD] – Dark Sky Films adds this obscure (but much sought-after) title to their impressive catalogue. Meet Arnold. He’s gentle, reclusive, and rather unlucky. After being incarcerated for a murder he did not commit, he begins to learn the art of “astral projection.” Using this special ability, Arnold seeks vengeance and sends a lot of people to rather messy ends. The DVD of “Psychic Killer” features an all new digital transfer taken from vault materials and is probably the best this forgotten horror flick has ever looked. I can’t wait to get my paws on this disc!
Two Front Teeth [DVD] – A tabloid writer named Gabe Snow must fight for his life against a vampiric Santa Claus and zombie elves! This independent horror movie looks totally insane and I simply must add it to my collection of holiday horror flicks!
The Zeiram Duology [DVD] – A cute intergalactic bounty hunter named Iria battles a bad-ass organic bioweapon / alien entity named Zeiram in these two live-action films based on the Iria manga. While the first film has been out on DVD for a while, I do believe that this is the first time “Zeiram 2″ has been available on Region 1 DVD. If you’re a fan of Asian cult cinema (as I am) then this is definitely a must own.
THIS WEEK’S NEW THEATRICAL RELEASES
Transporter 3 – Jason Statham is back and hopefully this sequel gives us more of the same unbelievable and ridiculous stunts that we’ve come to expect from this action-packed series. This time around, Statham must deliver the kidnapped daughter of a Ukranian government official, or die! Yeah, not much plot, but if there’s tons of gunplay, goofy action scenes, and maybe some half-naked chicks, then I’m game to see this one!
THIS WEEK’S CULT DVD AND BLU-RAY RELEASES
Area 88 [DVD]
Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040: Complete Collection [DVD]
Conjurer [DVD]
The Corpse Grinders Collection [DVD]
Crimson Force [DVD]
Dead of Winter [DVD]
The Donor Conspiracy [DVD]
The Drive-In Cheezy Movie Collection (12-disc set) [DVD]
Girls in Chains [DVD]
Gypsy Vampire 3: Freaky Vampire / Transylvania Police: The Monster Squad (Double Feature) [DVD]
Hancock (Unrated) [Single-disc DVD, 2-disc special edition DVD, & Blu-Ray]
Kemper [DVD]
Madhouse (1984) [DVD]
Merlin and the War of the Dragons [DVD]
Phoenix: The Complete Collection [DVD]
Psychic Killer [DVD]
Shadow: Dead Riot (Uncut) [Blu-Ray]
Superman: Doomsday [Blu-Ray]
Tales of Phantasia [DVD]
Two Front Teeth [DVD]
Urban Legends [DVD]
The Zeiram Duology [DVD]
Well that’s all there is for the month of November cult movie fans. There are a few cool flicks to look forward to, but overall, this is a very slow month for genre releases, and I’m afraid that next month is not going to be much better (especially in regards to theatrical releases). Stay tuned for issue #2 of Genre Watch in another few weeks, and prepare to make out your Christmas wishlists. The biggest release of December has to be “The Dark Knight” (which may be getting another theatrical run in January) and in my opinion, the only theatrical film to look forward to is “Punisher: War Zone” which promises to be dark, violent, and gritty. (However, now that I think about it, I would like to check out “The Spirit” as well.) But fear not fellow movie fanatics because 2009 is shaping up to be one hell of a year for movies.
Well, enjoy the rest of your November everybody, and enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner! See you next month! – The Vault Master