Author Archives: Jon Kitley

Come Discover the Horror

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During the last week of this month, Dr. Ac (aka Aaron Christensen) and myself, will be hosting a couple of events of horror lectures/discussions, and if you’re in the Chicagoland area, we’d love to have you come out for it.

The first one is on Monday, October 26th, at the new Santori Branch of the Aurora Public Library (101 S. River St.), starting at 6:30pm and goes to 8pm, or until they kick us out! You can get more information by clicking HERE.

Then the following Wednesday, the 28th, we’ll be heading into Chicago to the Sulzer Regional branch of the Chicago Public Library, located at 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue. For more information about this event, just click HERE.

At each event, we’ll give a little historical trip through the years, talking about what each of the decades offered up to horror fans, really showing the scope and size of the genre.

So if you are a fan (which you most likely are if you’re reading this) and are in the area on those nights, stop by and join in on the fun!

Fantastic Films of the Decades – Volume 2: The 1930s

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Fantastic Films of the Decades vol 2Just in case you’re waiting, volume 2 of this incredible series is at the printers. I made sure I a copy of the first volume (which is still available, so order now!) and was blown away by the quality. Then again, I have always been really impressed with the work that Peveril Publishing has put out.

Volumen 2 will cover the 1930s, with all the wonderful Universal monsters that made their mark all those years ago, along with other cinematic terrors from other studios. This volume has 256 pages, with tons of color images throughout it.

If you haven’t picked up the first volume yet, now is your chance to get both at the same time. Like the first one, this one is only going to be released in a 500 limited edition set. Once they are gone, they are gone for good. Or you’ll have to pay an arm and a leg on the secondary market. So why wait…order NOW!

For all the info, head over to Peveril Publishing HERE.

Making a Horror Fan Proud

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NotLD signAs a life-long horror fan, we all know that Halloween is one of the few times when we seem like normal people. Or maybe it is because the ‘normal’ society is celebrating something that we do every day. But when I heard about this recent event that happened in a small town in Pennsylvania, it brought a smile to my face and a little tear to my eye. Evans City, Pennsylvania is the little place where the movie Night of the Living Dead was filmed, almost 50 years ago. Many horror fans have made the trip out to their, especially the cemetery where the famous opening sequence was filmed, myself included.

Now, most of society, at least in my experience, would want to shy away from the exposure their town might have because of some horror movie that was made there. God forbid that it would draw those crazy fans that would loiter around, and destroy and vandalize the area. But it seems that not only does Evans City not have that attitude, they actually embrace the fact their little town is known for this historical film.

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Mystery Photo 10-12

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I have to say that I was pretty impressed with the amount of correct answers this time. And here I picked a little film that came out that didn’t seem to make that big of a splash, though I remember enjoying it quite a bit. But apparently I wasn’t the only one since quite a few of you out there recognized the last shot. It was of course from the 2008 film Splinter. Hard to explain it if you haven’t seen it, but I think it is well worth your time. I’m pretty sure it will at least make your fingers hurt. Congrats to the following for sending in the correct answer: Todd Barwick, Jason Buchanan, Ashley Crisman, Jerry Downing, Jordan Eucker, Albert Gerber, Brett Harrison, Kevin Matthews, Dustin Moravick, Luke Ostrowski, Wayne Teeter, Matt Wedge, and Kristin Wicks. Well done!

Now, let’s get to this week’s photo. Might be a bit harder, and definitely a bit more cheesier, but still fun none the less. See if you can’t tell what film this creature stars in. Just send us your answer to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. And as always…Good Luck!

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Monster Squad Soundtrack

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monstersquadcdThe fine folks over at La-La Land Records, who have putting out some amazing soundtracks for over 10 years, now have another title that really has ‘nards! That’s right, they have released the score to Fred Dekker’s Monster Squad on CD. This release not only has been remastered from a recently discovered 1/4″ master tape, which not only has the film version of the score, but a ton of extras. Such as additional tracks, alternate cues, source music, as well as the two songs from the film, “Rock Until You Drop” and “Monster Squad Rap”, being released on this edition for the first time.

This also comes with liner notes written by Daniel Schweiger and art designed by Dan Goldwasswer. There is only 3000 units of this release that has a total running time of 78 minutes, for only $19.98.

Head on over to La-La Land Records by clicking HERE to order your copy now.

Monster Bash Conference Next Weekend!

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Next weekend, I will be making the trip to Mars…Mars, Pennsylvania, that is, for the October Monster Bash Conference! Last June, we did our first Bash and had such a great time that I knew I wanted to come back for more. Of course, this is going to be an interesting trip since I will be making it on my own. The rest of the Kitley crew can’t make it for a variety of reasons, so that means it is just going to be me. Hopefully I’ll survive the 7 hour/500 mile drive each way! Unless I can con some poor SOB to make the trip with me!

I war-of-the-colossal-beastwas bummed to hear that Barbara Steele had to cancel due to illness and wish her a speedy recovery. But the Bash head honcho Ron Adams didn’t waste any time in getting a replacement. In fact, a BIG replacement! Mr. B.I.G. himself, Bert I. Gordon, director of such classics as Food of the Gods, Empire of the Ants, The Amazing Colossal Man, The Cyclops, and many more. He will be joining the rest of the guests, such as Anne Serling (Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling’s daughter), Blue Demon Jr., Jeremy Ambler, Lisa Marie, Felix Silla, and Pat Priest..

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24 Hours of Madness…The Music Box of Horrors!

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Every October, the Music Box Theatre in Chicago unleashes it’s 24-hour horror movie marathon, something they have been doing for over 10 years. And this October 24th, they are getting ready to do it once again. But this time out, I think it might be a little different. This year, they have their new addition of the lounge in the theater, which is going to be perfect for vendors to be set up, so it won’t be as crowded between movies while people are coming and going. Plus, it will give more options for people to sit and relax while not in the theater.

Xtro_posterThey are still announcing the films, but have so far announced the following: Child’s Play 2, Deep Red (the Hatchet Murders cut), Serpent and the Rainbow, the unrated version of Frank Henenlotter’s Frankenhooker, Jack Hill’s Spider Baby, which are all presented in 35mm prints, as well as Lon Chaney’s The Unknown, with a live organ accompaniment. Not only is this one of my favorites of Chaney’s work, but anytime you have the chance to see one of his pictures on the big screen, it really is a must. Seeing his talent on screen is just incredible.

Yes, they did drop Let Sleeping Corpses Lie from the lineup, which I have to say I was very bummed to hear. But they have added another title that is going to be a real treat. In 1982, director Harry Bromley Davenport gave us Xtro, a movie that showed us that all aliens weren’t as friendly as E.T. If you haven’t experienced this strange, gory, and trippy tale of an alien visitor, then you are in for a treat. You will see things in this movie that you probably have never seen before, like a woman giving birth to a full grown man. Let’s just say it gets a bit messy. This is also being presented from the only 35mm print known to exists. So this title alone makes it worth you coming out for this event.

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Tis the Season…

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October is a month long celebration for us devoted fans of the horror genre. From conventions, movie marathons, both at home and in the theater, decorating our homes (those some of us keep them up all year round!), and just celebrating this wonderful time of year. I try to partake in the festivities as much as I can, but this year has been tough. From starting a new job recently, two conventions this month, a 24-hour movie marathon that we’re going to be setting up at, all the while trying to battle some sort of cold/sore throat that seems to be draining my motivation, it has been a struggle for me to really enjoy this month.

LiquidCheese40But if there is one thing that makes me rejoice in this dark path that I have chosen is being part of what I consider my horror family and what they are doing to enjoy this holiday season, though some of it makes me jealous as hell! It gives this grumpy old man a warm and fuzzy feeling, almost making my black heart grow three sizes bigger, knowing you people out there are proudly carrying the torch, and celebrating the horror genre that way we do.

Making me even prouder, are those that take that passion a step further and not only embrace the love of the horror genre, but also strive to inject their infection to other people. Those of you that have Halloween parties, hold your own little movie marathons, the monthly October movie challenge, are not only celebrating the movies that we love, but also sharing your passion with others, which in turn re-enforces the fire within them.

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New Gamera Trailer

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I have to say, even though I always tend to make fun of Gamera because he is just a big freaking turtle, but that doesn’t I don’t enjoy the hell out of his films. And this new trailer…..Damn. Actually gave me goosebumps and made me feel like a kid again. Looking forward to this and the new Godzilla film….the Japanese one, of course.

Mystery Photo 10-5

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Almost didn’t think I was going to get to this tonight, after a long and glorious weekend at Cinema Wasteland. But we knew we had to at least get this update posted before we crash for the night. So let’s get to it. Our photo last week was from the one and only film Astro Zombies, written & directed (and many other job titles as well) by the man himself, Ted V. Mikels. If you haven’t seen this one, then you are definitely missing out on a lot of fun. Congrats to Hoby Abernathy, Doug Lamoreux, and Michael Shields for sending in the correct answer. Well done.

I thought for this week’s photo, I’d give you a little hand. Did I mention that I didn’t get much sleep over the weekend? Anyway….here’s this week’s photo. So take a peek and see if you can figure it out. Remember, just send us an email at jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good luck!

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