Author Archives: Jon Kitley

Sideshow Hammer Figures

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I have quite a few famous horror figures in my collection that I’ve picked up over the years. Some are model kits, many of which I actually painted myself. Others are statues I’ve purchased that came painted already. Granted some of these were a bit pricy, but never more than a 2-3 hundred at the most. Granted, the full size bust of the poster zombie from Zombie or Dr. Hill’s decapitated head in a pan were a bit higher than that, but for a figure, I try to shy away from the real expensive stuff, mainly because I personally just can’t invest that much money into something like that.

But now Sideshow Toys has announced a couple figures that are $530 EACH and I’m trying to convince my brain that I DO need to invest in these!

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Need More Books?

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Of course you do! And these are ones to definitely add to your library.

The first one is from our good friend Troy Howarth, published by BearManor Media, this time covering a movie that not only is one that doesn’t get much attention, it is one well worth your attention. The film is Alfred Sole’s 1976 film Alice, Sweet Alice, and the book is entitled Unholy Communion: Alice, Sweet Alice from Script to Screen.

Within the 300+ pages, Howarth goes through the history of this little film that was made outside of the Hollywood system, as well as background information on Sole. It “explores the genesis, production, and reception of one of the key horror films of the 1970s.” We get a brand new in-depth interview with Sole, going through his entire career, as well as reproducing the original shooting script, and plenty of analysis of not only the film, but the genre at the time as well.

Howarth has written several books, such as a 3-book series on giallo films, as well as one on Dario Argento, John Carpenter, Mario Bava, Paul Naschy, and more. Like all of his titles, I can only assume it will be a must read. You can order this directly from BearManor Media or through Amazon. It is available in both hardcover ($39.95) and softcover ($29.95).

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It’s Not Easy Being Green

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I should have posted this after the first comment, but I figured it was just that person. And then someone else mentioned it to me, and then another one over this last weekend, so I figured I’d throw out a little explanation to make sure everyone understands.

It’s about the green font color that I use for my site here. I didn’t realize at first but when it goes out to the ones that have signed up for updates, the background isn’t black, like on the site, but the font color is still green, making it a little difficult to read. Still trying to figure out how I can changed that up a bit, but haven’t gotten there just yet.

So if you do get the update, say on your phone and you have trouble reading it, all I can say is that I apologize, but you’ll have to go to the site, where the black background will make it much easier to read. Or at least until I figure out a better way.

Flashback Weekend A Howling Success!

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I just wanted to give a little bit of a shout out to Mike and Mia Kerz, and the whole Flashback Family, for giving us fans an incredible weekend. That was our first show in close to 2 years, which was just killing us not to be around our convention family and friends. But it did happen this last weekend, at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hotel, and we had a blast.

I didn’t get a chance to take too many photos over the 3-day event mainly because we were so busy at our table! Never a bad thing. But we got to chat with plenty of fellow fans, sold a bunch of horror reference books, and got to hang out until the wee hours in the morning talking about the genre we love!

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Mystery Photo 8-2

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Welcome to August! Sorry for the late posting today, but we were at Flashback Weekend over the weekend and had one hell of a time, so I’m still pretty beat after that. Going to be a few days before I fully recover! So let me get this done before I pass out! Our photo from last week was from Lucio Fulci’s The Black Cat (1981), with one of our favorite actors, Patrick Magee. Congrats to the following for sending in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Peggie Christie, Kevin Hart, Troy Howarth, Gary Laughner, Erik Martin, Gary McGuire, Tim Palace, Vincent Simonelli, Todd Warren, and Greg Wojick. You all are scholars in my eyes!

This week’s photo might be a little tougher. Granted, I usually say that, don’t I? Well, we’ll have to see how many send in the correct answer this time to see if I’m right. Take a peak, and if you know it, send your answer to us in an email to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck.

Kryptic Army Mission: Aug. 2021 – Is It Terror? Or Is It Horror!

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Being fans of the horror genre, we always know the stigma it receives from most, mainly because it is always akin to titles like Friday the 13th and their ilk. But even decades before Jason ever picked up a machete, the horror genre was still the red-headed step child. Even some of our horror heroes didn’t particular care for the word “horror”, often times preferring the word “terror” to be used, since it was meant to scare you, not horrify you. But what is the difference?

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Sleepy Hollow Soundtrack 4-Disc Release!

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Back in 1999, the score for Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow, by the one and only Danny Elfman, was released by Hollywood Records. It features a 65-minute score that featured MOST of what was in the film. But now, thanks to Intrada, they are releasing a 4-disc set of this soundtrack! That’s right … 4 discs!

The first disc is the original release from Hollywood Records, with the 65-minute score. Discs 2 & 3 will have the complete 95-minute score, featuring every single note in the film! Then the 4th disc will have over an hour of original and alternate cues, tracks, and versions that were not used in the final score. Some pieces are quite different than what was eventually used.

If you’re a fan of this score, the movie, Danny Elfman, or Tim Burton, then this really is a must buy. Priced at $39.99, it will start shipping at the end of this month. For more information, just click HERE.

Robot Monster in 3-D!!!

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A Kickstarter page was created on July 25th, in hopes to get enough money to release a 3-D version of one of the ultimate in Turkey movies, Phil Tucker’s 1953 epic, Robot Monster. Yes, it was originally shot and briefly released in 3-D, but hopes of ever finding and cleaning up a decent release of this never thought possible. Robot Monster is the story of an invasion by a alien in a monkey suit with a space helmet on, with a bubble machine as well. If you’ve not had the pleasure of seeing any version of this picture, you need to change it. It is so much fun.

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Mystery Photo 7-26

by in Mystery Photo

Sorry for the lack of updates lately, but it has been a very busy these last couple of weeks. And it doesn’t look like this week is going to be much better. With our first show in almost 2 years this weekend, Flashback Weekend in Rosemont, IL, we still have a lot to do to get ready. So let’s not waste time, right?

Last week’s photo was from the 1995 film The Prophecy, though when I first saw it, it was under the title God’s Army. Really enjoyed that one but unfortunately the following sequels sort of went downhill, if you ask me. But kudos to the following for sending in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Aaron AuBuchon, Peggy Christie, Kevin Hart, Erik Martin, and Gary McGuire. Well done!

This week’s photo is a nice and eerie shot, with fog and spooky looking trees. And … what’s in that bag??? If you know it, send your answer to us in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

Music Box of Horrors Returns

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Chicago’s Music Box Theatre has announced the date for their 24-hour marathon that makes it’s return from the grave! It will be taking place from noon on Saturday, Oct. 23rd to noon on Sunday, the 24th. So far they have announced 4 features:

Strait-Jacket (1964)
Tenebre (1982)
Arachnophobia (1990)
The Faculty (1998)

Tickets are on sale now, at $30 until the day of the event, then it will be $35. But before you buy your tickets, please read the below notice from the Music Box about the event:

“All 2021 Music Box of Horrors attendees entering the Music Box Theatre will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or have proof of a negative PCR test within the past 72 hours. Proof will need to be shown at the door before entering. The COVID situation is ever-evolving and the above is our current plan to ensure the wellness of all who attend the Music Box of Horrors marathon. If any of this changes, we will alert all ticket buyers and update this webpage accordingly.”