Dark Stories

Starring:Robert Pollock, Stephen Ure, Bruce Hopkins, Robert Horwood (II), Ray Storey, Patrick Wilson (VIII), Ed Newborn, David Grieson, Ben Drellet, John Pakoti
Director: Stephen Batt
Studio: Mti Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

Tour-de-force for Karen Black.
Trilogy of Terror is classic stuff
Fun
Trilogy of Terror
Great TV movie from the 70s

Trilogy of Terror
Starring: Karen Black , Robert Burton (III) , John Karlen , George Gaynes , and Jim Storm
Director: Dan Curtis
Manufacturer: Dark Sky Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Let's Scare Jessica to Death
Magic
The Other
Burnt Offerings
Hollywood's Legends of Horror Collection (Doctor X / The Return of Doctor X / Mad Love / The Devil Doll / Mark of the Vampire / The Mask of Fu Manchu)

ASIN: B000FFJZO2
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Amazon.com

Dan Curtis, the creator and producer of such out-of-the-ordinary TV classics as the willfully offbeat gothic soap opera Dark Shadows and the proto-X-Files series The Night Stalker, remains best known for the Zuni fetish doll that terrorizes Karen Black in Trilogy of Terror. The wild-eyed doll, with its snapping jaws and screeching yells, borders on camp, yet its relentless attacks and single-minded, homicidal drive make it an absolutely terrifying figure in the climactic chapter of this trilogy of short films based on stories by Richard Matheson. In the first story, "Julie," Karen Black plays a mousy college professor blackmailed by an obsessed student, and in "Millicent and Therese" she plays sisters consumed with an intense hatred of one another that comes to a head when their father dies. Both of these films conclude with Twilight Zone-ish twists and are more clever than gripping, kept alive mostly by Black's gleefully theatrical performances. With "Amelia," however, Black delivers an almost solo show, playing against the famous Zuni fetish doll, a wooden statue that comes to life when the a protective chain slips off the figure and releases the evil spirit. Curtis turns her apartment into a claustrophobic cage trapping the increasingly hysterical woman as the unstoppable figure hacks at her legs with a kitchen knife and chomps down on her arms and neck with the relentless intensity of a bulldog. It's still a classic of small-screen horror. --Sean Axmaker

Description

Legendary producer / director Dan Curtis (DARK SHADOWS, THE NIGHT STALKER) teams up with writers Richard Matheson (I AM LEGEND, THE TWILIGHT ZONE) and William F. Nolan (LOGAN'S RUN, BURNT OFFERINGS) to present three tales of horrific suspense in this made-for-television anthology that also showcases the tremendous acting talent of Karen Black (FIVE EASY PIECES, THE DAY OF THE LOCUST), who plays no less than four distinct roles. In "Julie," an aggressive college student seduces and ultimately blackmails his seemingly shy English professor. In "Millicent and Therese," two polar-opposite sisters become increasingly hell-bent on the undoing of one another. And in "Amelia," a woman falls prey to a murderous Zuni fetish doll.

Customer Reviews:

Tour-de-force for Karen Black........2007-06-23

A fondly remembered cult classic televison movie produced in 1975. A must have for fans of good story telling and of course admirers of the excellent Karen Black. The audio commentary is both informative and entertaining and the featurettes with Karen and Richard Matheson are top-knotch. Fantastic print.

Trilogy of Terror is classic stuff.......2007-06-01

I watched this growing up as a kid.Channel 9 and 11 played this late at night.That Fetish doll was a hoot!All three storie were good but the last one was the best.If you want to see more of the dolls check out Attack of the Beast Creatures.This one,there's an entire island full of them.

Fun.......2007-06-01

I remembered this movie from when I was a kid and got such a kick out of watching it again. Didn't scare me the way I remembered, but fun!

Trilogy of Terror.......2007-05-13

I had been waiting for this one to become available on DVD for quite some time. It was well worth the wait! My grown daughter remembers seeing this movie when she was a child, and is delighted to finally own it. Some of my friends had never seen or heard of this movie; but when I shared it with them, they loved it! The kids particularly loved the segment with the doll. Ms. Black delivered 3 excellent performances! The Karen Black commentary and featurette are nice bonuses.

Great TV movie from the 70s.......2007-02-22

The African zulu doll segment is worth buying this DVD for. I remember seeing this TV movie as a kid back in the 70s. There are others TV movies I am looking for: 79 Park Avenue (miniseries), Sweet Hostage with Linda Blair, Wonder Woman with Cathy Lee Crosby.

Wicked Little Things - After Dark Horror Fest

Average customer rating:

Better than most Horrorfests I've viewed as of late . . .
GOOD MOVIE!!!!!
Save Your Time and Money
Not a bad little wicked movie
horrorfest 2006

Wicked Little Things - After Dark Horror Fest
Starring: Lori Heuring , Scout Taylor-Compton , Chloe Moretz , Geoffrey Lewis , and Julie Rogers (IV)
Director: J.S. Cardone
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( W ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Penny Dreadful - After Dark Horror Fest
Unrest - After Dark Horror Fest
Dark Ride - After Dark Horror Fest
The Gravedancers - After Dark Horrorfest
The Hamiltons - After Dark Horror Fest

ASIN: B000MEYKDC
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Description

Recently widowed Karen Tunny and her two daughters, Sarah and Emma, move to a remote mountain home which Karen has inherited from the family of her late husband. However, she is unaware that the home is situated near an old mine, the site of an early 20th century tragedy in which many children where buried alive..

Customer Reviews:

Better than most Horrorfests I've viewed as of late . . ........2007-06-22

I've been very disappointed in these "Horrorfest" films, but this is one is probably one of the best. I'll give it "3" stars if only for the fact that I didn't feel cheated when the film was over. It looks and feels more like a horror film and relies less on bombastic CGI effects.

GOOD MOVIE!!!!!.......2007-05-29

I must admit I only watched this because Scout Taylor-Compton who stars in the new Halloween. But then I watched it and I really liked it. The children scared the heck out of me. Dont believe all these bad reviews. check it out for yourslef.

Save Your Time and Money .......2007-05-24

Wicked Little Things held promise, simply because it was selected for the After Dark filmfest. Other movies in the series are good, if not great, like Dark Ride and Gravedancers. I expected similar quality from Wicked Little Things. I was vastly disappointed.

The basic plot without giving away many spoilers is that children worked the mines years ago, and due to shotty and corrupt practices by the owner, the kids were killed. Now they roam the mountains by their mine looking for revenge and blood. Into this comes a recently widowed mother and her two daughters. They inherited a house just by the mine and are determined to make a new life for themselves, but they cross paths with the zombie miner children.

Now I like a good, cheap horror movies. This movie isn't good, just cheap. The little zombie minors are just kids with black contacts and dirty faces. That might have been scary in maybe 1960, but now it looks pretty lame. The kids sometimes eat bits of people. Most of us have seen that done to death if we've watched 28 Days Later, or Night of the Living Dead. This movie offers nothing new, just bad directing, bad acting, a weak script, and a feeble ending.

If you haven't seen them yet, watch Dark Ride or Gravedancers instead. If you must see a zombie movie try Army of Darkness for comedy, or 28 Days Later for great zombie action. But do yourself a favor. Save your time and money and avoid Wicked Little Things.

Not recommended.

Not a bad little wicked movie.......2007-05-21

This may be one of the better recent horror movies I have seen. There were so many things I liked about it also!
First off... I've read the other reviews and do not agree with some of the comments. I will agree that the plot is a bit cookie cutter... the plot has been reiterated a number of times so I won't go into that.
But... the good things I liked are: The acting is not overdone... it's right on par. The special effects AREN'T the movie.. they enhance the movie. The plot is easy to follow, direct. All the characters fit into the story... no suprise characters. No special camera effects that took away from the movie.
Simply stated... this is a more traditional scare fest. But I happen to like those.

horrorfest 2006.......2007-05-07

haven't even watched the movie yet, i bought it because it was one of the movies in the horrorfest 2006. and i can't wait to watch it! can't wait for horrorfest 2007!

The Gravedancers - After Dark Horrorfest

Average customer rating:

Doesn't totally suck or impress
Too many ridiculous CGI effects
really a fun horror movie!
A truly good scare
okay, so.....?

The Gravedancers - After Dark Horrorfest
Starring: Dominic Purcell , Josie Maran , Clare Kramer , Marcus Thomas , and Tchéky Karyo
Director: Mike Mendez
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Unrest - After Dark Horror Fest
Dark Ride - After Dark Horror Fest
The Hamiltons - After Dark Horror Fest
Wicked Little Things - After Dark Horror Fest
Penny Dreadful - After Dark Horror Fest

ASIN: B000MEYKDW
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Description

A group of friends' lives are invaded by a trio of hostile ghosts after they engage in a drunken bout of gravedancing during a wake for an old chum.

Customer Reviews:

Doesn't totally suck or impress.......2007-06-28

Last November, a hefty marketing campaign was launched at targeting horror film fans. Specifically, the "HORRORFEST 8 FILMS TO DIE FOR" campaign, which purported to distribute horror films whose content was allegedly so extreme, that their releases had been hampered for general audiences. The marketing campaign was creative but not a wholly underivative concept. Back in 1999, the advertising for the quasi-pseudo documentary "The Blair Witch Project" had grabbed national attention and even blurred some people's understanding of whether the subject was fictitious or an overlooked and obscure local incident of supernatural phenomenon. This may have been one of the most brilliant and effective advertising campaigns for a film which was itself remarkably unremarkable. In fact, this "crockumentary" was not a scary film or even a very good one. It made a lot of money and pissed off a large number of people who felt ripped off or mislead. Not surprisingly (though perhaps wisely), the `makers' of "The Blair Witch Project" had pretty much dropped out of sight and mind after their whirlwind of publicity; in effect, they made their money and skedaddled (which was fine with me). Although according to IMDB, they are again directing films after a 6 or 7 year absence.

Now where was I? Oh, yeah... the 8 HORROFEST FILMS TO DIE FOR BLAHBLAHBLAH: an effective series of commercials which used a montage of trailer scenes and haunting noises and eerie narration which was broadcast in fairly heavy rotation. The clips were skillfully put together as to feature abridged footage briefly enough to be intriguing yet remain slightly ambiguous. The foreboding narrative claims seemed believable, and in combination with a pretty decent website and an imaginative touring itinerary where certain films were available in certain cities on certain days, many people no doubt believed they had unfettered access to a collection of cinematic taboo. However, many of us pretty much figured out what was going on and what would be the end product (and reaction).

The truth is that these films were not really any more graphic or violent or scary than the films which were getting distribution through Theater or Straight-to-Rental releases. Granted, these were better-made films than many or most of the marginal work that can be found in the latter S-t-R category, but ironically some lesser films actually have more explicit content as a way of trying to make themselves more marketable and to compensate for their lack of production values. The resulting opinions about the films of this collection, according to the customer reviews and other forms of feedback, have not been overwhelming favorable.

Hard-core horror fans have 2 things (psychology notwithstanding) which makes them a difficult demographic to impress: The first is a fairly high capacity for gore and violent content; the second is an increasing gradient of expectations. These contribute to a rather challenging threshold for terror and fright, which most of the time is not satisfied. Among the featured films of the package, there were stratifications between the stronger films and the less impressive efforts. Where preferences began to form depended as much on the individual audience member's own psyche and the visual effects proficiency, according as the film's budget production values.

Of the films in this highly touted but ambivalently received batch, THE GRAVEDANCERS tends to be regarded as one of the better films (or less vilified films, if you prefer). To its credit, THE GRAVEDANCERS has the strongest (or most recognizable) cast which features Dominic Purcell (BLADE 3: TRINITY, and the TV series PRISON BREAK), Tcheky Karyo (THE PATRIOT, and THE CORE), and the very lovely Josie Maran. Purcell is not an especially strong actor (but the Mrs. really likes him, so it allows me more latitude in my admiration for beautiful actresses, some of whom are occasionally naked, though not really in this film). This movie also has the most intriguing and creative storyline plot of the group, whereby drunken revelry following a friend's funeral leads to dancing on the graves of 3 particularly malevolent spirits, provoking their supernatural ire (see, the Baptists were right all along about drinking and dancing). As a result, the trio of friends are plagued by terrible (and occasionally violent) encounters and visitations from these spirits, which are revealed to be from an underage serial arsonist, a jilted mistress-turned-axe murderer, and a brutal rapist/killer. Eventually, the friends come across an `expert' of sorts (Karyo) who informs them of the nature of their ghostly dilemma.

From there, the protagonists efforts to resolve this supernatural quandary contains one minor twist but is otherwise fairly easy to follow (if not predict). The acting is mediocre overall (poor in some cases), and the special effects were light, although the evil spirits were somewhat spooky and even startling. The film isn't bad, but it is danger of disappointment via the very same marketing strategy (overhype and oversensationalizing) that made it so recognizable more than it likely would have been being released on its own. That's the trade-off Lionsgate was willing to make between increased revenues versus audience satisfaction. I wouldn't expect the next HORRORFEST (if it is to be held) to be as successful.

Too many ridiculous CGI effects.......2007-06-22

This is one of the Horrorfest line's better films, but it's still pretty dumb, for lack of better words. The CGI effects are so over-the-top and just ridiculousely exaggerated that you can't take the film seriously. I really didn't enjoy this film in the end. When will people learn that excessive CGI just ruins movies? Is this what American viewers really want?

really a fun horror movie!.......2007-06-09

Ok, so I am going to ignore the ending, and otherwise it was a great horror movie. I watched it in the middle of the day and it did creep me out. It was subtle and scary. Interesting plot (if a little predictable). So-so acting. Of course, yes, the last 5 minutes was comical and weird and didn't go along with the movie AT ALL. But heck, if you just take it for what it is, a fun horror movie, its great and I would recommend it.

A truly good scare.......2007-06-06

This movie really should get 3 1/2 stars to be honest. However, with only decent somewhat acting and a good story line with little bits and parts of sometimes being funny at times..the "jump out of your seat action" does the trick for me and not since "Dead Birds" has a movie did that since, with little gore and no sex and all focus on a story with that "jump" action we all love in horror (true horror anyways), makes this film a true gem for me..highly recommended!!

okay, so.....?.......2007-06-04

This movie is definitely intended for teens, I believe. It's more into the gratuitous shock and scare than to carry a good sound plot.
The idea is a good one, not over done by movies. But how it's carried out is not well. This could very well be a B- movie for all intent and purposes.
Of the movies I have seen from this group, I believe Penny Dreadful to excel and be of semi-classic standard. It was truly original and had wonderful acting and sets and music.
The rest were lukewarm and intended for younger viewers. I'd wait til this one was available for free on cable before watching it.

Average customer rating:

I'm waiting.....
Cheap "gross-out" effects
A movie that leaves you interested..but you'll feel empty in the end
a creepy little film
Not a bad little chiller

Unrest - After Dark Horror Fest
Starring: Corri English , Scot Davis , Joshua Alba , Jay Jablonski , and Derrick O'Connor
Director: Jason Todd Ipson
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( U ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Gravedancers - After Dark Horrorfest
Wicked Little Things - After Dark Horror Fest
Dark Ride - After Dark Horror Fest
The Hamiltons - After Dark Horror Fest
Penny Dreadful - After Dark Horror Fest

ASIN: B000MEYKDM
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Description

Alison Blanchard begins her journey to become a physician in her Gross Anatomy class, where she must confront rows of cadavers and her own fear of mortality. When the sheets are drawn back revealing her cadaver, Alison senses a presence in the lab. Her jaded professor chalks it up to first year "jitters" but her worries increase when a friend is found dead in the basement. Alison must find out the truth behind her cadaver before its angered spirit can wreak further vengeance on those who dared to disturb the body.

Customer Reviews:

I'm waiting............2007-07-03

Ok, so I was really stoked when the movie boasted the use of real dead bodies (ROCK!) but as I watched and waited patiently for something to happen.....uh the credits started to roll. I was hoping for some kind of nasty corpse to rise up and start killing fools left and right...instead fools were being killed left and right by...well don't wanna spoil, but you never really "see" any killing or people being attacked. Boring. Definitely my least favorite of the After Dark set. And the main character blond bimbo med student? Annoying as @#&% through the whole movie. It sucks!!!!!

Cheap "gross-out" effects.......2007-06-22

The acting is good, the music atmospheric, the storyline interesting; however, I did not like how the film constantly relied on the "gross-out" factors of the cadavers and so forth. It wasn't necessarily disgusting, I mean, it all looks too fake to be convincing, but it's JUST NOT NECESSARY. I think directors and producers need to realise that not everybody out there renting or buying these films are stupid people who just want to be "grossed-out." For this reason, the film gets 2 stars from me.

A movie that leaves you interested..but you'll feel empty in the end.......2007-06-07

Thats how i felt when i watch this movie. It seemed that the movie really tried and it does have its moments, but, with too much talk and not enough action, makes it seem empty and without interest through out the film. To be honest, it seemed that it would have been a great story, but, without hardly any good effects to go along with it..it drops the ball in the end. This movie is a rental at best.

a creepy little film.......2007-05-28

I really enjoyed this film. I am honestly sick of all the gore and guts films that are out these days. I don't find excessive guts, gore, and torture scary just stupid and gross. The scariest horror movies I have ever seen (Halloween and Black Christmas-the original)had very little gore in them and NO guts or torture. Unrest was psychological horror. It was not the best horror movie I have ever seen BUT it far surpasses most of the big budget horror movies that came out in the last few years in both originality and creepiness factor.

Not a bad little chiller.......2007-05-22

This is the third of these movies that I've seen and I have to say I'm impressed. Not so impressed that I believe they deserve awards, but impressed that subtle chilling movies were put out in a time of over done special effects with little substance.
The plot has been gone over so I won't do that. I will say, though, that the plot was a good, original one. Like 'Penny Dreadful', it leaves things open for a possible follow-up.
The acting is done well... not overdone. The filming itself is very well done with effective use of dark and light. No fancy camera tricks, no over the top special effects. The movie actually relies on the story to pull everything through! Novel idea that seems to have been discarded of late with all the meager offerings (even with remakes).
So what makes these films so special? Well, to me at least, they are as I noted above. They rely on the plot and acting and subtle special effects to pull them through. So far I have seen 'Penny Dreadful', 'Wicked Little Things' and this one. I think 'Penny Dreadful' has been the best so far, but the others are good also.
If you like scary movies that have some substance to them I recommend you take a gander at what these films have to offer.

Average customer rating:

There's a light, over at the Franken... er Femm ... place
The Old Dark House
It really was a dark and stormy night...
Great Classic
Confusion is Creepy

The Old Dark House
Starring: Boris Karloff , Melvyn Douglas , Charles Laughton , Lilian Bond , and Ernest Thesiger
Director: James Whale
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

Suspense | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

Mystery | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( O ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Ghoul
Hollywood's Legends of Horror Collection (Doctor X / The Return of Doctor X / Mad Love / The Devil Doll / Mark of the Vampire / The Mask of Fu Manchu)
The Bela Lugosi Collection (Murders in the Rue Morgue / The Black Cat / The Raven / The Invisible Ray / Black Friday)
Icons of Horror - Boris Karloff (The Boogie Man Will Get You/The Black Room/The Man They Could Not Hang/Before I Hang)
The Boris Karloff Collection (Tower of London / The Black Castle / The Climax / The Strange Door / Night Key)

ASIN: B00000ILEU
Release Date: 2003-09-02

Description

A dark, gothic, one-of-a-kind macabre comedy. Directed by James Whale, subject of the acclaimed "Gods and Monsters," "The Old Dark House" tells the story of three weary travelers who find shelter in a mysterious Welsh manor, soon find themselves in the unwelcoming company of the psychotic Femm family--and never will they be the same!

Customer Reviews:

There's a light, over at the Franken... er Femm ... place.......2007-06-23

I only noticed it mentioned by one of the earlier reviews but it immediately struck me that this must have had a strong influence on Rocky Horror Picture Show. Even some of the dialog had me finishing it in my head with the Rocky Horror version. ("There's a light ...", "Madness ... takes its toll"). You can almost hear the RHPS music (over the storm). It even has a little bit of "gender bending" -- not to be confused with homosexuality as one reviewer does. But the film soon casts its own spell and you're hooked on its terms. Have a potato! And some gin! Enjoy the ride.

In any case -- this is a minor masterpiece with some great performances. The Femm family are especially good and Charles Laughton is notable for what I think is his first Hollywood role.

Like many of the "strangers stranded in a spooky house" movies (of which this must have been one of the first) it is filmed almost as if it were a stage play, giving it much of its considerable charm. The cinematography and lighting are pure "Universal Horror". This film was a trend-setter. Anything it didn't actually originate it certainly made its own.

And the title of the film is perfect!

P.S. Why not five stars? Need to leave a little room for Bride of Frankenstein!

The Old Dark House.......2007-06-21

One of Whale's most indispensable horror films, "House" marries dark wit with bizarre, wonderfully eerie scenarios involving the three Femm children: addled atheist Horace Femm (Ernest Thesiger), his fanatically Christian sister Rebecca (Eva Moore), and older brother Saul (Brember Wills), a pyromaniac kept under lock and key--usually. Karloff, in his first big role, is memorably ghoulish as a gin-swilling servant, but Thesiger and Moore play the demented siblings to sinister effect. Inspired camerawork, spooky lighting, and brilliant ensemble acting from the whole cast put a sardonic twist on this sublime tale of gothic lunacy.

It really was a dark and stormy night..........2007-02-05

Any film that starts with the visual version of "It was a dark and stormy night" might otherwise be regarded with suspicion but not in the hands of director James Whale. Is it worth checking out? Absolutely as this is one of Whale's masterpieces using humor, some creepy imagery and a great cast (Boris Karloff, Melvyn Douglas, Raymond Massey, Gloria Stuart, Charles Laughton, Ernest Thesinger and other notable stage vets) to create a moody chiller with humor.

The extras include a thoughtful trivia filled commentary Gloria Stuart and a second commentary by Whale bigorapher and film historian James Curtis. Curtis Harrington provides a detailed introduction of how he became involved in saving the film, meeting Whale, etc. The video quality of this portion is so-so. The transfer of the film looks solid although it could use more digital cleaning up (like the recently reissued editions of "Frankenstein" and "Dracula"). Although the film appears a bit unsteady in the beginning, it improves. I personally thought the contrast could have been improved a bit as well. Audio sounds good but the volume is a bit low and probably could stand a bit cleaning up to get rid of some hiss and popping.

The follow up to Whale and his star Boris Karloff's "Frankenstein", this witty, cynical horror film is well adapted by writer Ben Levy. Thought lost for years (the original film has been out of circulation for at least 44 years when William Castle made his weak remake), director Curtis Harrington found a copy of the film from which this version is drawn.
The film was almost lost when Universal sold the rights to Columbia in 1963. Luckily director Curtis Harrington (who befriended director Whale late in life)while working at Universal asked to have the negative pulled and duplicated. Otherwise the film would be lost as the firs reel of this classic was in pretty bad shape.

Overall this is a pretty good reissue of a classic Whale film that has been out of circulation for too long. It's a classic right up there with Whale's "Waterloo Bridge", "The Bride of Frankenstein", The Invisible Man" and "Frankenstein" although closer in tone to "Bride" and "Invisible" than his straight horror films.

Great Classic.......2006-11-10

A great classic worth every penny. A bit dated but that makes it even better. From the director who brought you such classics as Frankenstein with Karloff and The Invisible Man with Claude Rains. They just don't make movies like this anymore. Highly recommended.

Confusion is Creepy.......2006-07-16

Old Dark House is an early thriller which draws audiences probably because of Boris Karloff's name but which has a great cast. The story goes that several people (including Melvyn Douglas, Gloria Stuart, and Charles Laughton) are driving around in the rain getting more and more lost as time goes by and risking more and more danger as they drive on the muddy ground. They stumble upon an old house with lights in the windows and venture in only to find a very strange family inside. There is a creepy butler (Karloff) who cannot speak except to mutter gibberish, a fanatically religious old woman, and a timid older man. The visitors begin to notice strange things in the house and become more and more frightened when they learn that the circumstances of the night are making the muddy muck outside a bit safer than staying cooped up inside.

The quality of the print I saw was less than great, but it was a cheap bootleg. I would assume that Kino's release has a much better print.

The film is greatly suspenseful because of how confusing it is. We never know, nor do the guests of the house, who is crazy and evil and who is good, so one is constantly on edge.

The cast is very good. Stuart is absolutely gorgeous in her slinky evening gown. Laughton is decent, though he does not have enough screen time to really shine like he normally does. It is Douglas who gets the greatest recognition, aside from the creepy Karloff. Douglas is heroic and lovable, a role normally designated to a co-star in his films. He takes on the leading man position very well.

Average customer rating:

STRANGE YET HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL
A creepy and tragic story
Hideo Nakata is amazing!!!
Curse of the Backpack
Dark Water (Japanese Version)

Dark Water
Starring: Hitomi Kuroki , Rio Kanno , Mirei Oguchi , Asami Mizukawa , and Fumiyo Kohinata
Director: Hideo Nakata
Manufacturer: Adv Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

J-Horror | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Foreign & International | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Ju-on (The Grudge)
A Tale of Two Sisters (Deluxe Edition)
Audition (Uncut Special Edition)
Premonition
Ringu Anthology of Terror (Rasen/Ringu/Ringu 2/Ringu 0)

ASIN: B0009KA2UO
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Amazon.com

Dark Water is Japanese horror auteur Hideo Nakata's return to the genre after his Ring cycle made you too scared to watch television ever again. Where Ringu dealt with a supernatural force wreaking revenge via technology, this film is a much more traditional ghost story. After winning a custody battle for her daughter, single mother Yoshimi moves into what she thinks is the perfect apartment with her daughter Hitomi. No sooner have they unpacked than strange things begin to disturb their new life. A water leak from the supposedly abandoned apartment above gets bigger and bigger, a child's satchel reappears even though Yoshimi throws it away several times, and she is haunted by the image of a child wearing a yellow mackintosh who bears a striking resemblance to a young girl who disappeared several years before. The conventional narrative follows Yoshimi's increasingly desperate attempts to discover who or what force is haunting her daughter, but the story's execution is far from predictable. Nakata is the master of understated suspense: there's always a feeling of motiveless malignancy that runs like an undercurrent through his films--far more frightening than out and out shocks--and here he also practically drowns his audience in water imagery. The film is saturated; the relentless dripping in the apartment, the constant rain outside and the deliberately washed-out photography make any color, such as the yellow coat, seem incongruous and unsettling. Nakata also clears the film of unnecessary characters--this is an almost deserted Tokyo--preferring to concentrate the action on Yoshimi's rising hysteria as she struggles to understand what is happening and how to save her daughter. Granted, the special effects are somewhat unconvincing and the ending confused, but even so the result is a stylish and disquieting chiller that will do for bathtubs what his Ring films did for video recorders. --Kristen Bowditch

Description

No one loses their mind instantly - Sanity seeps away one drop at a time. Yoshimi simply wanted a better life - for both herself and her daughter Ikuko. Unfortunately, such wishes may sometimes be hard to come by. The custody battle has grown embittered and hurtful, her new job is less than desirable, and Ikuko's schoolwork has taken a turn for the worse. But, Yoshimi has something bigger to worry about. Something upstairs. Something cold and dank. Something that should have never been.

Customer Reviews:

STRANGE YET HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL.......2007-06-26

I loved this movie. The mother's devotion toward her child was so strong and intense that I found myself crying at the end. The plot is really simple. Ghost wants Yoshimi (mother) to be her mother and is jealous of Ikuko (the daughter). Yoshimi is paranoid about what ghost is going to do to Ikuko.

Yoshimi is over-stressed. She is recently divorced, going through an ugly custody battle, she has to find a job and a new place to live. And then there's the ghost to deal with.

The ghost to me was more of a sad little creature than a menacing threat. But Yoshimi does not see things that way and ultimately sacrifices herself to save her daughter.

I owned this DVD long before the American version came out and I am happy that was the case. As usual, American film-makers bastardize incredible Asian movies, simplifying them to the point they are not even interesting. Such is the case with America's Dark Water.

If you want to truly enjoy this movie, buy the Asian version and watch it in the original language with English subtitles.

A creepy and tragic story.......2007-06-04

Having watched both the Japanese and Hollywood remake of Dark Water, I prefer the Japanese version [though the remake is watchable]. The Japanese version just seemed more creepy, and the acting was a whole lot better. The story centers around Yoshimi [Hitomo Kuroki], who is in the midst of an acrimonious divorce and heated custody battle with her soon-to-be ex-husband over their 5 yr old daughter, Ikuko [Rio Kanno]. Having no stable income of her own, Yoshimi is forced to lease an apartment in a run-down apartment complex. Almost immediately, they experience strange things like a dark, wet stain on the bedroom's ceiling that never seems to dry up. Complaints to the management elicits no follow-up action and so Yoshimi tries to solve the mystery on her own. By this time, she has also found a job in a publishing firm and is trying to get her life on track, but the sinister goings-on at her apartment cause Yoshimi to question her sanity. Her daughter Ikuko keeps finding a red backpack that Yoshimi comes to fear for she instinctively realises its menace. At heart, this is not so much just a horror story but that of a mother-child relationship, played out both in the real world inhabited by Yoshimi and Ikuko, and also the world of the ghostly entity that has focussed its attention on Yoshimi. The struggles of a single parent are very well-explored here, and both the actresses who portray Yoshimi and Ikuko do a great job of portraying the mother-daughter dynamics. Yoshimi feels she is not a good mom for not being able to better provide for her daughter and another instance when she is late picking her daughter up from school. This is resolved in an ironic manner at the end...how far would a mother go to show her love for her child and protect her? A beautifully made movie, with an element of horror that not so much as startles you, but slowly and insidiously creeps up on you. A great addition to the J-horror genre.

Hideo Nakata is amazing!!!.......2007-05-17

He did it again! Hideo Nakata makes some of the best movies. No other director can set the mood like he can. He makes you feel so cut off from the rest of the world and that loneliness mkaes the movie that much more intense. The story is about a single mother going through an ugly divorce. To keep her daughter she must get a job and find a place to live. She settles for a somewhat run down apartment and from their strange things start to happen to the point where she questions her own sanity.

Great movie, great ending, just great you will not be let down

Curse of the Backpack.......2007-05-16

If Japan has their own version of Lifetime: Television for Women, this movie would run on there. The story was so dragged out, predictable and tired. I knew she fell into the water tank. I just knew it. Not scary. Red backpacks with bunnies are not frightening.

There is nothing unnerving about a puddle unless you have a sick dog in the house. Ok, you are a single mom who loves your kid so much you'll do anything for her-- including taking the place of a drowned girl's mother and care for her ghost forever to spare your child! Bravo! Mom of the year. I am not that in tune with Japanese ghost lore but I imagine little drowned girls with stringy hair play a big part of it because so many movies center around that theme.

I don't believe all horror needs gore to be scary, mind you but it would have helped this turkey fly. I really appreciate a good ghost story like the original version of The Haunting but haven't seen a Japanese film of that ilk to compare it to. If you want to see a cool Japanese horror movie try Ichi the Killer or Infection. Ichi for the gore if you like that sort of thing and Infection for a truly spooky mindbending experience.

I gave it two stars for being Asian horror because lord only knows how terrible the American version could possibly be. (I shudder to think)

Dark Water (Japanese Version).......2007-04-12

I had seen the film a couple of times before but never got the chance to see it beginning to end. I did very much enjoy this version. It tends to have a more dark and gloomy feeling to it. You're able to watch the movie in Japanese language with english subtitles, or if you prefer you may select to watch it in english dubbed. Either way, you'll enjoy the flick. I recommend this if you're into any of the Japanese horror, suspense, and mystery films.Ringu Anthology of Terror (Rasen/Ringu/Ringu 2/Ringu 0)

The Amicus Collection: And Now the Screaming Starts!

Average customer rating:

The Eyeless Phantom at the Window
Not one of the best, but I'd still recommend it . . .
"The evil you did this day will be avenged."
"AND NOW THE SCREAMING STARTS!" AND THE FUN!
Classic Amicus gem being re-released in July 2006!

The Amicus Collection: And Now the Screaming Starts!
Starring: Peter Cushing , Herbert Lom , Patrick Magee , Stephanie Beacham , and Ian Ogilvy
Director: Roy Ward Baker
Manufacturer: Dark Sky Films
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Asylum
The Beast Must Die
Hollywood's Legends of Horror Collection (Doctor X / The Return of Doctor X / Mad Love / The Devil Doll / Mark of the Vampire / The Mask of Fu Manchu)
Blood of the Vampire/The Hellfire Club
The House That Dripped Blood

ASIN: B000FC2GEQ
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Description

Set in 1795 England, And Now the Screaming Starts! tells the tale of blissful newlyweds Catherine (Stephanie Beacham) and Charles Fengriffen (Ian Ogilvy) who move into his ancestral family mansion. On their wedding night, Catherine is raped by a malevolent spirit. She is further plagued by a series of haunting visions involving an eyeless woodsman and a murderous disembodied hand. Can a savage act of depravity and violence committed by one of Charles' ancestors be to blame? Charles fears that his bride is going insane and calls for Doctor Whittle (Patrick Magee). Unable to help Catherine overcome her visions, Dr. Whittle calls for assistance from a fellow practitioner, Dr. Pope (Peter Cushing), who uses reason and logic to combat what he assumes is a mental disorder. In time, Dr. Pope finds himself fighting a losing battle against the forces of the supernatural carrying out a bloody family curse. Directed by Roy Ward Baker (Asylum, The Vault of Horror, The Monster Club) and produced by Amicus stalwarts Max J. Rosenberg and Milton Subotsky, And Now the Screaming Starts! has been mastered in High Definition from 35mm vault materials.

Customer Reviews:

The Eyeless Phantom at the Window.......2007-06-29

This is one of a few horror films that features a severed hand crawling around on its own (including Dr. Terror's House of Horrors, among others). You may recognize most of the actors here besides the angular and always distinguished Peter Cushing and the buxom Stephanie Beacham; we also have the housekeeper from 1963's wonderful "The Haunting" (remember creepy Mrs. Dudley, who doesn't come around "in the night...in the dark.."), Guy Rolfe who was "Mr. Sardonicus", and we have the doctor from "Dementia 13" (Patrick Magee plays doctors very often).
Cushing gets top billing and unfortunately makes his entrance halfway through the film. I'd have preferred more of him. He is always a pleasure in these movies. He was particularly enjoyable and very sympathetic in one of the anthology movies (probably Tales from the Crypt) as the sweet, poor man whose evil neighbor is bent on ruining him.

A rather amusing anecdote is that this film was referred to as "The Bride of Fengriffen" until filming wrapped, and then some genius changed it to "And Now The Screaming Starts". The latter makes it sound more like a sensational William Castle piece.

If you enjoy the Amicus productions like Asylum, Tales From the Crypt, and Torture Garden, give this a whirl...it is not an anthology of horror tales; it's more like a Hammer picture as it takes place in 1795. I only give it three stars because for me it just lacks a certain spark that I'm used to in the Amicus/Hammer/Corman flicks. It's just not quite as fun as I had hoped.
DVD image and sound is good and clear. Special features include trailer, commentaries, photo gallery.

Not one of the best, but I'd still recommend it . . ........2007-06-06

This film has a brutal rape scene, as well as bloody violence, that I don't quite remember watching as a child. Aside from that, this is quite a good movie, and serves as both mystery and horror film. It isn't once of the best early horror films, but I'd still highly recommend it.

"The evil you did this day will be avenged.".......2006-08-04

While every family may have `skeletons in the closet', for most it's only a metaphor, alluding to some dark secret meant to be kept hidden from the general public, but that's not necessarily the case with the House of Fengriffen, as illustrated in the Amicus feature And Now the Screaming Starts (1973). Directed by Roy Ward Baker (Quatermass and the Pit, The Vampire Lovers), the film stars Stephanie Beacham (House of Mortal Sin, Inseminoid), Ian Ogilvy (From Beyond the Grave, Death Becomes Her), and Peter Cushing (At the Earth's Core, Star Wars). Also appearing is Geoffrey Whitehead (Kidnapped), Guy Rolfe (Ivanhoe, Mr. Sardonicus), Herbert Lom (Asylum, The Return of the Pink Panther), and Patrick Magee (A Clockwork Orange, Demons of the Mind).

The story, set in England in the year 1795, begins with the arrival of Catherine (Beecham), strained bodice and all, to the House of Fengriffen, a large and expansive estate in the countryside. Seems Catherine is set to marry Charles Fengriffen (Ogilvy), the last of his line, which she does, despite some peculiarities of the ethereal kind inherent within the house (i.e. a severed hand roaming the halls, windows that open on their own, etc.), all of which only Catherine can see (for now). On the couple's wedding night, while Catherine's preparing for the consummation the nuptials, she's attacked by a mysterious figure sans a hand (I think I saw it slinking about in the hallway), one who vanishes once Charles manages to break through the locked door. Well, turns out the House of Fengriffen has a terrible secret in its past, one involving Charles' grandfather Henry Fengriffen (Lom) and Silas (Whitehead), the creepy woodsman who lives on the estate, one that Charles, along with everyone else `in the know', are reluctant to share with Catherine, despite her repeated inquires (those who do seem interested in helping Catherine find themselves in a world of supernatural hurt as Stumpy the Ghost and his detached flipper run interference). As the local doctor, played by Magee, is unable to help Catherine with her `problem', a specialist is called in, one Dr. Pope (Cushing), a practitioner of a new science involving the mind (the thought being Catherine might be going mental, which she is, but only because of bizarre happenings in and about the house). Pope, being an intelligent and practical man, quickly realizes Catherine's condition is somehow related to past events and soon pressures Charles to spill the beans, which he does in a lengthy flashback (the events Charles relates occurred prior to his birth, so he believes it all more or less a legend). After the revelation things really get interesting as events come to a head as a prophecy made long ago comes to fruition...

While I enjoyed this film a lot, I did have a few issues, the main one being I thought Peter Cushing, sporting quite the interesting coif, should have had a bigger role in the story (few at the time seemed as much at home in these period features as Cushing, except for Christopher Lee and Vincent Price, in my humble opinion). His character doesn't make the scene until about forty-five minutes in, and even then he's more or less just a catalyst to draw out the Fengriffen's dirty laundry (it's positively filthy). His character's overall involvement is relatively minimal, as he can do nothing but witness the events that unfold after his arrival. Also, both Lom and Magee have relatively minor parts, the main bulk of the production on Ms. Beecham's lovely shoulders, who did very well, but could have used a bit more help. As far as Charles, played by Ian Ogilvy, I thought he was a curiously detached character, not overly concerned that his wife's worsening condition might be tied to the family secret he was so reluctant to let her in on, at least initially. Perhaps he was so eager to believe it was all so much superstitious nonsense that neglected to see the forest for the trees, but I'd think once the various deaths started to occur, he might have acted sooner than he did...not that he could have done anything to prevent the ultimate outcome, but still...the story isn't laid out for those who like things to be presented in order, but more like someone putting together a puzzle, working from their way in from the border. As a result, the first three quarters of the film may frustrate some less patient viewers as not only is there a good deal of confusion (at least until Charles comes clean), but also the going is somewhat slow. As for myself, I kind of liked being left in the dark, trying to discern the gist of things from what little was offered, up until the revelation. Once the secret is revealed, things quickly become apparent, especially in terms of where the story is going (I guessed most of the twist ending well before it occurred). There were a couple of specific aspects I found downright annoying, the first being a dog howling sound effect would be played about every fifteen minutes like clockwork. Maybe the intent was to re-enforce the gothic nature of the story, but it was unnecessary. The second aspect involved the windows in the Fengriffen estate...these damn things would open constantly, apparently due to supernatural elements gaining entry into the home, but then, if it was a ghost (it was), why the hell would it need to open a window to get inside? The only real reason for this was to let the audience in on the fact something spooky was about to happen, and not because it was actually necessary for the story. I thought the script was written well, and the production values very strong...the period pieces and costumes worked wonderfully in creating a sense of the time the story was meant to take place. As far as the violence and blood, there's not really a lot of either, except for within the flashback sequence (someone's grubby mitt gets lopped off). Overall the film isn't particularly scary, but it kept me engaged and entertained throughout.

This DVD release from Dark Sky Films includes an exceptionally sharp and good-looking anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) print, along with a strong and clean audio track presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 mono. Extras include two audio commentary tracks, one with director Roy Ward Baker and actress Stephanie Beacham, and a second with actor Ian Ogilvy. Also included are liner notes by Christopher Gullo, biographies, a still gallery, English subtitles, and a theatrical trailer for this film along with one for The Beast Must Die (1974) and Asylum (1972), all three originally released by Amicus Productions and all three recently re-released onto DVD by Dark Sky Films (they were originally released onto DVD by Image Entertainment).

Cookieman108

"AND NOW THE SCREAMING STARTS!" AND THE FUN!.......2006-07-27

"And Now The Screaming Starts!" has the feel of a Hammer Studios horror picture, however, was made by it's rival studio Amicus. The English castle, the haunting story of the ill-fated couple who were so dreadfully wronged by an English nobleman, whose family now carries their curse, and the great atmosphere of the creepy house and it's weird goings-on, make this a fun ride for British horror fans. I video taped this movie from one of cable TVs movie channels, and immediately it became one of my favorites of the genre.

The time is 1795, in England, a young woman Catherine (Stephanie Beacham) moves to the house of her fiancé Charles Fengriffen (Ian Ogilvy) in the country to get married to him. When she arrives, she feels interest in the portraits of the Fengriffen family, particularly in the one of Charle's grandfather Henry Fengriffen (Herbert Lom), which seems to have a sort of evil entity possessing it. While admiring Henry's face, a severed hand attacks Catherine through the picture on the wall. Later, she gets married to Charles, beginning her journey of mystery, eerie apparitions, secrets and deaths. Her days are filled with fear and the nights with horrors in a family that has been cursed.

"And Now The Screaming Starts!" is part of "The Amicus Collection," along with "The Beast Must Die!" (1974) and "Asylum" (1972). I've yet to see the later two titles, but have ordered them from Amazon and should be receiving them shortly. The reviews I've read about them, especially "Asylum," are very good and I can't wait to see them! Here are some other great British horror classics that need to be on dvd, but who knows when that will happen.

The Gorgon (1964)
Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965)
The Skull (1965)
Island of the Burning Doomed (1967)
Tales from the Crypt (1972)
Vault of Horror (1973)
From Beyond the Grave (1973)

So, if you see these titles playing on a cable TV movie channel, do yourself a favor and tape it!

Classic Amicus gem being re-released in July 2006!.......2006-04-21

The 70's were hard for horror fans; the only worthwhile films were produced on low bugets by a trio of studios (AIP, Hammer and Amicus). During much of the 70's Hammer's horror output became very uneven in quality. Amicus rose to the occasion putting out a series of worthwhile horror films that continue to work well because of the strong casting and interesting scripts/direction on the films.

"And Now the Screaming Starts!" has a loaded title which fits the film well. Charles and Catherine Fengriffen (Ian Ogilvy and Stephanie Beacham) have just moved into Charles' ancestral home. On their wedding night Catherine is raped by an an evil ghost or spirit haunting the house. After her attack she has a series of strange visions and dreams that disturb her. Charles fears for her sanity and calls on Dr. Whittle (Patrick Magee a part of the Amicus stable who also appeared in "Asylum" and "A Clockwork Orange") who, in turn, calls in Dr. Pope (Peter Cushing naturally)a doctor who uses science to cure mental disease. Pope believes that Stephanie has become unhinged but ultimately ends up in a supernatrual battle that even he doesn't expect.

This re-release from Dark Sky Films (a division of MPI)hasn't been released yet (it releases at the same time as "Asylum" in July 2006)but will feature a new high definition anamorphic transfer done from the original 35mm negative. Also we'll be getting yummy extras including commentary by director Roy Ward Baker and Stephanie Beacham and a second commentary track by actor Ian Ogilvy. Biographies for all the main cast/production team will be included as well as a still gallery and trailers for other Dark Sky Films releases in the Amicus series. There will also be liner notes.

If you're a Amicus fan you may want to pre-order this classic. Don't pay $50.00 for the earlier edition just be patient and you can start screaming all over again.

Average customer rating:

Lash La Rue Whips Toltec Zombies

The Dark Power
Starring: Lash LaRue , and Anna Lane Tatum
Director: Phil Smoot
Manufacturer: Vci Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Horror | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Alien Outlaw
Law of the Lash
Night of the Comet
Girls From Another World: Rollergator/Things/Toad Warrior/Big Sister 2000
Vicious Vixens

ASIN: B0002ZDWLM
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Description

A group of unsuspecting college coeds move into the house on Totem Hill, a cursed place where four Toltec Sorcerers buried themselves hundreds of years ago - Alive! On the coming of the Evil Days, the ancient demons arise to feed on the living. Now only one old Ranger with a whip -- fashioned out of materials from the four quarters of the world -- stands between the girls and the mystical zombies from the past. In the first of his two films for Writer/Director Phil Smoot, legendary B-Western film star Lash La Rue (The "King of the Bullwhip" and the role model for Indiana Jones) returned to the screen after nearly 30 years to portray the whip wielding Ranger Girard. Perfectly cast for the role, La Rue once again proved that no one could best him with his trademark weapon. Bonus Features: New Widescreen (1.66:1 Anamorphic Enhanced for 16x9) film transfer taken from an interpositive that was made from the original camera negative| Soundtrack mastered from the original three stripe master| Commentary track with Writer/Director (Phil Smoot) and Editor (Sherwood Jones)| Remembering Lash La Rue: A narrated video collection of stills, art and press from the Producer's personal library featuring The Dark Power and Alien Outlaw, both starring "B" Western legend Lash La Rue. Specs: DVD9; Dolby Digital Mono; 81 minutes; Color; 1.66:1 Aspect Ratio; MPAA - NR; Year - 1987; SRP - $5.99.

Customer Reviews:

Lash La Rue Whips Toltec Zombies.......2005-07-14

This is a cool, hilarious and campy movie. Camera angles, and filming techniques are a little off. Lash La Rue "King of the Bullwhip" is about 63 years old and still commands the bullwhip. Some beautiful collegiate women rent a house in southern USA which belonged to an old Indian Shaman who had aquired the land of his people form the government prior to his passing. The land is haunted by spiriits of Toltec warriors who surface to taunt and torture the present occupants of this house. Lash La Rue comes to their rescue in classic Lash fashion. It is filled with unknown actors and relatively poor dialogue, but I enjoyed it and recommend it to any Lash La Rue fans. I plan to view it many more times.

Average customer rating:

entertaining movie about Vlad Tepes
The Voevod returns...
Bravo
Love this MOVIE!!!
The Real Dracula

Dracula - The Dark Prince
Starring: Rudolf Martin , Jane March , Christopher Brand , Peter Weller , and Roger Daltrey
Director: Joe Chappelle
Manufacturer: Live / Artisan
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

All Deals | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Vlad
Dracula II: Ascension
Vlad Dracula: The Dragon Prince
Dracula, Prince of Many Faces: His Life and His Times
Vlad

ASIN: B0000633QU
Release Date: 2002-04-23

Customer Reviews:

entertaining movie about Vlad Tepes.......2007-01-29

While not as "real" as the film would have you believe, "Dark Prince" is an entertaining movie about Vlad the Impaler. While his connection to Stoker's Dracula has been exagerrated over the years, Vlad Tepes is a controversial and fascinating figure, and it is about time somone made a film about him.
Don't expect vampires. The cover art and trailer are very misleading. However, this is still a solid little film. If you like medieval action films, or just want to get a vague idea as to what the historic Vlad was like, this film comes recommended.

The Voevod returns..........2007-01-25

This film attempts to portray Vlad Dracul in a more realistic manner, as far as specific events are concerned, such as:

1. Rounding up traitors with the pretext of a drunken celebration, and then when all are pretty well enebriated, lighting the entire edifice aflame, thus ridding himself of possible antagonists to his reign.

2. Dining at The Field of The Impaled, while dipping his bread in a goblet filled with blood and wine. Enemies turning back to their countries fearing the man who is capable of such a fearsome spectacle.

3. The oft-times neglected fact that he also impaled women and children at times, depending upon their offense, in this case, for being "adulterous". In this sense, he was influenced by Judeo-christian moralism.

4. Another truism related that one could veritable leave gold on the streets, and it would not be stolen, for fear of the punishment. Criminals were often seen impaled and immolated on the streets, which acted as a perfect deterrent. He actually displayed elements of Lex Talionis - as a result, crime was just about nil.

5. Driving spikes into the skulls of Muslims who refused to remove their turbans. They should "keep their traditions in their own country".

As far as the characterization is concerned, the mane-haired Vlad Tepesh {Rudolf Martin} is presented herein in a more or less romantic manner, sans moustache, and often wearing leather. 'Mina' as "Lidia" {Jane March} remains sheltered, and goes insane upon her realization of the actual events occurring in the kingdom, who then begins to superstitiously adorn herself with a rosary and calls Vlad a "monster" {"Voevod"}. Upon her suicide, he has all the mirrors in the castle covered, thus the mythological connection with the vampire "unable" to view his own reflection. She is survived by Vlad Jr., who displays great potential for leadership through his own ruthlessness.

He encounters his traitorous younger brother on the battle field, and graciously spares his life instead of dispatching him, which he should have done, as well as his step-father, both of whom eventually prove to be major obstacles, from framing him, which lands him in prison for awhile, to attempts at assassination. Upon regaining the throne, he strikes a deal with Catholic King Janos {Roger Daltrey}, proclaiming that it does not matter to him under what banner he fights, so long as his rule continues, and thus, his own interests prevail.

He seemingly resurrects on a couple of occasions, which lends to the legend of physical Vampiric immortality, whose "soul" is unable to enter heaven or Hell, and is "condemned" to roam the earth in a state of the 'undead'; to which he remains thankful to the murderous priest, who himself meets his end via a heart attack - veritably scared to death. Quite a pleasing concluding scene, instead of the typical stake in the heart.

Because of his indestructability and military genius, he is accused of being an antichrist by the Orthodox clergy, which seems to amuse him, when all he wanted to accomplish was the glorification of his country and the preservation of his kingdom, both at which he succeeds.

I rather enjoyed this presentaion, where Vlad The Impaler relishes in his role as tyrant to his enemies, and savior to his people, who still hail him as a national hero, and expect his symbolic return in some form.

Overall, Dracula: The Dark Prince is an aesthetically-impressive film, as Dracula / Vampiric presentations tend to be quite elegant from environment to accoutrement to deportment, and is probably the closest adaptation to actual events in the life of this remarkable historical figure, certainly an unforgettably mighty warrior. who remains an inspiration.

Bravo.......2005-11-16

In high school I did a report on the life of Vlad. The documentary book ended up being more of a comparing between Brahm's book and the true man behind the legends. Tidbits barely mentioned in the biographies I've read were openly shown in this movie about a man who lived and died while trapped between his beliefs, the dominate churches, warring lands, his own people and his prenotioned fate. A warrior in every way, it shows Tephesh at his best and his worst. I have rented it five times and intend to sit it in my collection soon beside Interview, To End All Wars and Contantine.
Like historical cinema? Gorge yourself with this time after time after time...

Love this MOVIE!!!.......2005-07-02

I think this is a dair production from a modest budget. Only if this movie was made for theaters, it would have been better. Rudolf Martin played a Vlad Dracula like never before. This movie potraits Vlad not only as a Messiah, but as a man who devotes to his family and country. I love the music from the film. It IS SUCH a DISGRACE there is no information on the soundtracks.

The Real Dracula.......2004-12-31

I want to say that I was born in Transylvania, Romania, and moved to the states when I was 3. I was astonished to find a movie based on the historical figure of Dracula. This movie was great! I know most people think of Dracula as an evil tyrant, but its untrue. He was/is a hero to Romanian people. He did NOT stake innocent people, he punished only those that stole, killed and deserved it. He helped the sick, innocent and poor. He fought for the weak. He was a brilliant general and a loving father. This movie portrays him pretty well, and I'm glad it was shot in Romania, where people can see its a beautiful place. I would definetly recommend this for people interested in facts.

Average customer rating:

Great directing, very good movie, average adaptation. Blu Ray: less than average

Dark Water [Blu-ray]
Starring: Bill Buell , Jennifer Connelly , Shelley Duvall , Elina Löwensohn , and Camryn Manheim
Director: Walter Salles, Jr.
Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Drama | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Horror | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video

Mystery & Suspense | Blu-ray | Formats | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Departed [Blu-ray]
The Prestige
The Brothers Grimm [Blu-ray]
Casino Royale [Blu-ray]
Crank [Blu-ray]

ASIN: B000H7J9R6
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Description

The terror of DARK WATER reaches new heights on Blu-ray disc. Starring acclaimed actress Jennifer Connelly, the film "Rolling Stone" calls "a torrent of suspense" is a visual and auditory wonder in this revolutionary high-definition format. Life becomes a living nightmare for Dahlia Williams and her daughter when their new apartment begins to take on a life of its own. Experience every heart-stopping moment in razor-sharp 1080p, and feel the grip of every blood-curdling scream delivered in 5.1 48 kHz, 16-bit uncompressed audio. See, hear, and feel the excitement with Blu-ray high definition.

Customer Reviews:

Great directing, very good movie, average adaptation. Blu Ray: less than average.......2006-11-25

Mr. Salles show his growth in this movie. He and the brilliant Mrs. Connely lead the movie to a high place. There's grat actors but the movie is in the Connelly's shoulders, and she didn't dissappointed us. Beside her beautiness, she is one of the best actress around.
Blu Ray tech is a promise yet. The image is not better than the DVD through HDMI. If you are a very good DVD player you didn't notice wich tech is better. I watched "The Last Samurai" HD-DVD edition and it seems to be better. Much better. Let's see what happens in the future.

DVD:

DVD

DVD

DVD

The Very Thought of You

Clarence Gatemouth Brown - Live In Concert : DVD

Job (REGION 1) (NTSC)

DVD: Stargate SG-1 Season 1 Boxed Set

Carpenters Karaoke