Still Alive…But a Little Warm

Incredible-Melting-Man1I know it’s been a little while since our last update but we are trying to recover from the last few days at the Flashback Weekend convention. What’s making it harder is the fact that our A/C is on the fritz (thanks Four Seasons!). This is just sucking any motivation I have right out of me. We plan on getting a whole new system, but are trying to wait it out until next year. But then if I have to go through any more 90 degree days, not sure I’ll make it. So whatever deity I need to pray to or make a sacrifice to, to get the temps down to the ’60s any sooner, just let me know!

But Flashback was a blast as always. Kudos to Mike, Mia, and the rest of the Flashback gang as usual, for putting on a great show. There were tons of people wandering the dealer room all three days, which is always a good sign. When you see a pretty decent size line waiting to get in on a Sunday, that really says a lot about the show. We didn’t get to take as many photos as we’d hoped, missing out on the Jason panel, which was the one I wanted to see the most. I really hope during the Q&A, someone asked them about their stunt work instead of just the same old questions of wearing the famous hockey mask. Nothing against those movies, but these guys have decades and decades in the stunt business and probably have stories that would make your bones ache! If you see one of these guys, or any number of these stunt men that have made a name playing a character like Jason, ask them out their stunt career and some of their work. I bet you’ll hear some real good stories.

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Flashback Weekend Just Days Away!

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Being that my “real” job has been more than a bit stressful these last few weeks, I’m even more thrilled to have this year’s Flashback Weekend coming up in just a few days. Nothing more enjoyable than escaping from the real world and getting to hang out with a bunch of like-minded horror fans. And Flashback Weekend is just the place to do it!

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Convention Memories: The Bill Rebane Film Festival 2005

Rebane fest posterBack on our old site, there is probably close to a hundred different convention reports, or film fests, and whatnot. I used to post on those religiously, but after doing so many, it started to become tiresome because a lot of them started to sound the same. As well as some of the shows becoming more and more overpriced autograph shows, it was getting even hard to not be negative all the time. There are a ton of photos posted of many different celebrities that we’ve seen over the years. I thought about bringing them over to the new site, but haven’t completely decided on that just yet. But there are a few that I will be bringing over, such as this one, mainly because this is quite different than most of the conventions and film fests that I’ve been do over the last 20 years. Hope you enjoy!

I don’t remember the exact date, but it was early in 2005, but I remember calling my good friend Eric Ott with some exciting news. I had known Eric for maybe 10 years, and had never known anybody that was a bigger fan of the work on Wisconsin filmmaker Bill Rebane than him. Most notably for making The Giant Spider Invasion (1975), but Rebane had directed about 10 films throughout his career. Eric was always on the lookout for VHS tapes of his movies, as well as posters, and any other material from his work, even scoring some 16mm prints over the years. So when I read online that in Madison, Wisconsin, there was going to be an actual Bill Rebane Film Festival, and that Mr. Rebane himself was going to be there, I quickly called Eric to tell him that no matter what he had planned on May 7th, he was going to have to cancel it. Because we were going to make a road trip up to Madison for this.

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Another Glorious Monster Bash!

Last weekend we spent in Mars, PA, for the Monster Bash Conference. This was our fourth year there and it is becoming one of our favorite shows to do. So much fun, each and every time. Ron Adams puts on one hell of a show, with plenty of stuff to keep any monster fan busy from the early morning to the wee hours of the next morning!

It’s not often that I get excited about a guest these days, but I was able to add one more Hammer alumni to my Hammer Films: An Exhaustive Filmography book at the show. That was Janina Faye, who played the young Tania in Horror of Dracula (1958). She is now the fifteenth person to add her signature from people that wrote, directed, or appeared in a Hammer film. Sadly, seven of the names in there have already left us. And since the original studio’s last movie came out almost forty years ago, well… none of us are getting any younger.

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Monster Bash This Weekend!!!

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In just a few days, we’ll be heading off to Mars! No, we’re not a member of the new Space Patrol, but instead are going to Mars, PA for the Monster Bash Conference this weekend! This has become one of our favorite shows and have been looking forward to this for quite some time. Can’t wait to browse the amazing dealer room since I’m always finding some cool stuff to add to the collection. Plus, get to see some old friends, make new ones, and chat with some of our favorite guests and authors. Not to mention hopefully catching a few movies that are screening throughout the whole weekend!

If you’re coming out to the Bash, make sure you stop by our table and check out our goodies. We’ve got a lot of new inventory of great horror reference books just in so there’s going to be a lot to choose from, most only in single copies so don’t wait too long to come and check to see. Plus don’t forget that Troy Howarth will be at our table on Saturday with copies of his new book, Human Beasts: The Films of Paul Naschy, that he will be selling and signing.

For all the information about the show, just click HERE.

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And to make this weekend even better, after the show we’re heading to Baltimore for a few days. Going to check out some (hopefully) amazing food places, maybe find some good old fashion book stores, see where Mr. Poe eternally rests, and who knows what.

If anybody has any recommendations, for restaurants, old fashion used bookstores, or anything other macabre and monstrous things in the area that we should check out, please let us know.

Monster Bash Approaches

 

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After having another excellent time at the Cinevent Classic Film Convention’s 50th Anniversary show, we are now getting ready for the next stop in the Kryptic Anniversary Tour, which will be the Monster Bash Conference. This show is taking place in Mars, PA, from June 22nd to the 24th and continues to be one of our favorite stops on our annual tours. Now only does it have one of the best dealer rooms around that is tempting every single dollar I make at my own table, but there is so much stuff to do throughout the whole weekend. There’s plenty of panels and Q&A’s with the guests and other scholarly types, such as Victoria Price, Brandy Gorcey, Joyce Meadows, Janina Faye, Sharyn Moffett, Kris Yeaworth, Gregory Mank, Tom Weaver, and many more.

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Cinevent Next Weekend

 

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Next weekend, we’ll be heading to Columbus, Ohio for our next stop in the 2018 Kryptic World Tour. We’ve been going to this show for the last couple of years and have a lot of fun. Granted, this isn’t like your normal movie convention since this one isn’t really about guests or celebrities, but about movie memorabilia. And lots of it. You’ll find tables with stacks and stacks of posters, lobby cards, and stills, just waiting for you to go through each stack, one by one! And when they are usually priced at a buck a piece, it makes you want to sit down and start!

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Celebrate the Slasher this Weekend

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Just as a reminder, tomorrow at the DePaul University Loop Campus, they will be holding their annual Pop Culture Conference, with their Celebration of Slashers. Starting at 9am and going to 6pm, the day will be filled with movie screenings of titles like Sleepaway Camp, Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon, Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare, Candyman, Black Christmas, Halloween, Friday the 13th Part 3 in 3D. There will also be a variety of panels from scholars discussing such topics as Questioning the Slasher, Gods and Monsters: Religion and Politics in the Slasher, Feminism and the Final Girl, Under the Mask: Characters in Slashers, and many more. 

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Wasteland Survivor

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For the last 18 years, we’ve been heading to Strongsville, OH for the Cinema Wasteland convention. And this last weekend was no different. Each and every time we set up there, we have a blast. Picked up more than a few Blu-rays from Diabolik DVD (which I think a lot of people coming through the door were), but came home with some great titles that I can’t wait to pop in and watch! There was a real nice crowd this year, and even though they just weren’t the book-buying crowd, we still had a blast. And that is because of these people below, plus plenty more that I didn’t get photos of.

I’ve mentioned before of our convention family and these people are part of that. They truly are one of the best part of these little gatherings. We get to talk about the recent films we’ve seen, older ones we’ve discovered, and all eager to hear other’s opinions on them. Sure there is always a little ribbing going on, but when done amongst great friends, it’s taken for what it is. And having the difference of opinions makes the conversations even more interesting. I’m sure most of us go away with a few new titles on their Need-to-Watch list each and every time.

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Wasteland Weekend!

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In just a couple of days, we’ll be continuing our 2018 Kryptic World Tour, celebrating 20 years of the Krypt, as we head to Strongsville, Ohio for the Cinema Wasteland show! We’re creeping on 20 years for that show as well, and I’ve never missed one and have always had a great time. And I know this one will be no different. It is always great to see our convention family again, staying up to the wee hours of the morning talking about the movies we love (and sometimes hate!).

We’ve got a few new book titles on the table as well as a couple more pillow and tote bag designs from Horror Slave too! So make sure you stop by our table to say hello! Honestly, that is one of the best parts of this, or any show, is getting to hang out and talk horror movies with like-minded film fans! Granted, I only get about 8 hours of sleep in those 3 days, but it is well worth it!

Love and other stuntsThey’ve got a hell of a lineup at this show too, with names like Dee Wallace, Michael Berryman, P.J. Soles, Gary Kent, and plenty more!

You might not have heard of Gary Kent, but I’m sure you know the movies that he’s worked in as a stuntman, or any of the countless other jobs he’s had in the industry. In fact, they will be screening a new documentary on Kent at the shows on Friday night, with the director Joe O’Connell and Kent there to introduce it. The film is called Love and Other Stunts. Make sure you check it out!

Just head over to the Wasteland website (HERE) to get all the latest details. Hope to see you there!