It’s All About Friends…Flashback Weekend Part 1

flashback2015-2This last weekend, we were at this year’s Flashback Weekend show, the only convention in our home state that we set up at. As usual we had a great time, though it did seem there were more Halloween fans seeking autographs than interested in buying books. But no worries. Maybe someday they will see the value in continuing and expanding their horror education. I can only hope.

None the less, we still had fun there. One of those reasons is because of friends. Sure, as we’ve said before, we always get to see and hang out with our convention family that we see at these events. And sure, we could always just have a get together and hang out without having to go to a con, which we do several times throughout the year. I have to say though, these conventions aren’t just about seeing old friends, but it’s about meeting and making new friends. The funny thing is that most of my convention family are friends BECAUSE I met them at a con. And it seems that at each new show, we meet another person that becomes a new member to our demented and dysfunctional family. I don’t think we’d have it any other way either. (Above Photo Credit: Rachel Thieme)

Continue reading →

That Guy Dick Miller DVD Signing

Dick Miller DVDI’m really hoping that eveyone reading this knows not only who Dick Miller is, but how much this man has contributed to movies over the years. Well thanks to director Elijah Drenner, he has created a documentary about this famous character actor, simply called That Guy Dick Miller.

On Sept. 12th, at the Dark Delicacies in California, they will be hosting a DVD signing with the one and only Dick Miller in person! But not only will he be the guest, but also his wife Laninie Miller, regular director Joe Dante, and the director of the documentary, Elijah Drenner will be there as well.

Even if you can’t make it out to the store, you can order a copy of the DVD online to get it signed for only $20 (while supplies last, and you’ll have to pay shipping). We all know what the going rate for autographs are these days, so for those signatures alone is quite a steal, not to mention that you’ll get this DVD as well.

For more information, just click HERE.

Mystery Photo 8-10

It’s Monday, so it must mean a new Mystery Photo. Our last photo was of course from the 2010 film Monsters. We also got quite a few correct answers sent in once again, so a big kudos goes out to the following: Hoby Abernathy, Cate Cameron, Jerry Downing, David Greenwood, William Harrison, Lee Marohn, Gavin Schmitt, Tom White, Kristin Wicks, and William Wilson.

Now on to today’s photo. Give a peep through the lens and see if you can correctly identify the correct movie. Just send your answers to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good luck!

 mp81015

Mystery Photo 8-3

Our photo from last week seemed to be a very popular one, which I’m guessing why we got so many correct answers sent in. The shot featured the late great Geoffrey Lewis in Tobe Hooper’s Salem’s Lot. The ones that did send in the correct answers were: Derek Botelho, Cate Cameron, Dahlia Daniels, Dave Felter, Troy Howarth, Doug Lamoreux, Erik Martin, Kevin Matthews, Freddy Morris, Ashley Polnow, Mike Tutino, William Wilson, and Greg Wojick. You guys are making me proud!

But before we get this week’s photo, just a reminder…PLEASE do not attempt to post your answer in the reply section. Insteadn send them to me via email at jon@kitleyskrypt.com. That way more people can play. Thanks.

Okay, now that the PCA is out of the way, here’s our latest photo. Think you know it? Are you sure? Then send us an email and let us know. That email again is jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good luck.

mp8315

The Proof is in the Pus

Harbinger Down PosterSometimes it’s funny. Even though being a huge horror nerd, there are a lot of times I don’t really pay attention to the news sites or what is coming out or the dozens of rumors always floating around the net. Too easy to get caught up in all that crap, so I just let it pass over me. So I was really surprised to find out about a new film that comes out next week on VOD and a limited released. The film is called Harbinger Down and stars Lance Henriksen. It was written and directed by Alec Gillis and produced (amongst others) by Tom Woodruff Jr., both of which run Amalgamated Dynamics, and how have worked in the effects industry for years. They both worked for Stan Winston for years and worked on countless classic movies throughout their careers, from most of the Alien films, the Tremors flicks, and tons more.

Amalgamated Dynamics were hired to work on the effects in the 2011 film The Thing, but as we all later found out, most of their practical effects work was replaced with CGI for the final cut of the film. Needless to say, like us, they were not too happy with the end results. So they decided to make their own movie, using a Kickstarter fun, and create Harbinger Down, which according to a statement on its IMDB page, “features entirely practical creature effects created through the use of animatronics, prosthetic makeup, stop motion and miniature effects. There are zero computer animated monsters in this film.”

Continue reading →

Those Who Inspire Us….

AC&meOn this date ten years ago, I was set up at the Flashback Weekend show, selling my usually wares of horror reference books. Some things just don’t change, you know? Well, on this fateful day, a guy stopped by the table and was looking through the books I had on display. I noticed this bad-ass Godzilla shirt that he was wearing that I knew my son would get a kick out of, since he was really getting into the Kai-ju films around then. So I mentioned this to him and asked him where he got the shirt. That led us to talking about Godzilla films and eventually horror reference books. It seems that this gentleman was in the beginning process of starting to write his own film guide book. Of course, I offered my services to him, that I might be able to help him out finding some titles that he hadn’t been able to find. We had a nice conversation, exchanged info, and he walked away. Little did I realize how much this man was going to change my life. In the ten years since that fateful weekend, he has not only become my editor, my soundboard, my Turkey Day co-pilot, a life coach, but also has taught me in more ways in not only appreciating the horror genre, but other fans as well. He has also become one of my best friends. This guy’s name is Aaron Christensen.

Continue reading →

Alex Rocco – Rest in Peace

alexrocco-ripI had planned on mentioning this when I first heard but missed out. But wanted to make sure I got it up here at some point. Ten days ago, on July 18th, we lost a great character actor with the passing of Alex Rocco. The man played in a million things, in both movies and television, and was always a treat to see. In the horror genre, you could spot him in films like Blood Mania (1970), Stanley (1972), The Entity (1982), or even Return to Horror High (1987).

Sure, most people know him from the role of Moe Green in The Godfather, taking one in the eye, but I have to say one of my favorites of his roles was that of a the caring and devoted father in The Lady in White (1988). This is one of my favorite ghost story flicks and is pretty much a perfect film and Rocco is great here, as is everyone else. So I know that for me, he will be remembered with each viewing of this film.

Our thoughts go out to his friends and family.

Mystery Photo 7-28

I realize that I’m a day late on posting this, but better late than never, right? Anyway, the shot is from the film What Lies Beneath, which I have to say isn’t a terrible movie, a pretty decent ghost story, especially coming from Hollywood. I had avoided it for years because of that. But worth seeing. Kudos to the following for sending in the correct answer: Derek Botelho, Cate Cameron, Dave Felter, and Ashley Polnow.

This week’s photo might look a bit familar, but then the more you think about it, it really could be from a few different films. Or could it? So let’s here your guesses! Just send them to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good luck!

 mp72715

Mystery Photo 7-20-15

Our eye-popping photo from last week was from the great Mexican classic, Night of the Bloody Apes. I can almost hear the trailer playing in my head when I see that title. So much fun. Anyway, only got a couple of emails with the correct answers, and they would be Hoby Abernathy and Alan Tromp. Well done, guys!

Now onto this week’s little photo. It seems I’ve unintentionally gone with another eye theme here. Wonder what is going through my head? Anyway, take a peek…and see what you can come up with. Send us your guess to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck.

mp72015

The Vatican Tapes Soundtrack Review

vaticantapescdThe Vatican Tapes
Released by Lakeshore Records, 2015
19 Tracks, with a total running time of 43 min.
Music Joseph Bishara

If there is one thing that composer Bishara does well, it is building atmosphere out of sounds. Not necessarily music, but sounds. And his score for The Vatican Tapes is a perfect example of this. Right from the start, we get a mixture of the lower keys of the piano but then mixed with a variety of sounds, some of which sounds like some demented chimes banging away. This mixed in with wailing strings, a thumping that almost sounds like a fast-paced beating heart, and you have just the first track.

The rest of the score plays out in a very similar format. There are no melodies or themes, but a continuing stream of sounds, some recognizable, while others seem familiar but you just can’t place. This isn’t one of those creepy ambience pieces, but more industrial without the loud mix of electronic noise, except more with like things found in your garage. And that’s a compliment. This is a very different than what I’m normally drawn to, but I rather quite enjoyed having this on in the background.