Severin Kills with Promo Items!

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Back in the ’80s, in the midst of the video boom, there would be these awesome promo items the video companies would release. There was the Re-Animator (1985) paperweight, or the pack of matches promoting The Burning (1981), a Vamp (1986) credit card, and even a real box cutter for Blood Cult (1985). These of course, are highly collectible now and are a great reminder that those video companies understood the ballyhoo and doing little things to help promote the films they were releasing.

In today’s world of DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K releases, Severin Films are taking promo items to the next level.

Who could ever imagine that someone would create a plush toy for the notorious Italian gore film’s main character from Anthropophagus while he is eating his own intestines? Severin did. Why? Because they are as big of fans of these films as those who are buying their releases. Severin head guy, David Gregory is one of us. So, he makes these amazing items because he knows how damn cool they are! But they haven’t stopped there.

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Discover the Horror Episode 46 – Horror & Heavy Metal

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Horror movies and heavy metal music have almost gone hand in hand, since the real first heavy metal band, Black Sabbath- which was even named after a horror film! Horror films were a huge influence on the metal genre, from imagery on the album covers, to the lyrics, and even the sound and style of the music itself. And they continue to do so to this day.

To delve a little deeper into the connection between those two, we invited two members of Incantation, one of the oldest death metal bands out there, Kyle Severn and Chuck Sherwood. So, join us as we talk music, metal, and movies!

Films mentioned during this episode:

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Mystery Photo 6-29

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A little last in the day, but it is still Monday. At least, I know it sure still feels like a Monday! Our photo from last week was from a sequel, Night of the Demons 2 (1994), once again showing the evils of having parties while in high school! Kudos to the following for sending in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Dada Debaser, Kevin Hart, Ryan Olson, and William Wilson. Well done, indeed!

Okay, so this one might be pretty easy, or maybe it will be enough to think you know it but can’t seem to pull the title out of your head. Either way, it is fun one to ponder. Take a peek and see what you think! Then send your guess to me in an email, at jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

Monster Bash – Making Me Think!

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Earlier this year, I posted that this was probably going to be my last year selling books. The main reason (other than I’m getting old!) was that they just weren’t selling enough to make it worth it. I know I had a good number of regulars, which really hurt the thought of disappointing them, but at the end of the show, it just wasn’t enough.

Then we did Monster Bash last weekend.

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King on Screen Documentary

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Hitting select theaters on Aug. 11th, and then On Demand and Blu-ray on Sept. 8th, is director Daphné Baiwir’s film King On Screen, which takes a look at the different films and series that have been based on the works of writer Stephen King. More than 50 directors have adapted King’s work, in more than 80 films and series, which makes him the most adapted author alive in the world. While mostly known for his horrific tales, there are some out there that are not in that genre, showing just how talented of a storyteller King is.

This new documentary talks to those that have directed or worked on those adaptations, giving us possible answers to why his work is so important and popular. You’ll hear from such names as Frank Darabont, Mick Garris, Mike Flanagan, Tom Holland, Amy Irving, Vincenzo Natali, Greg Nicotero, Mark L. Lester, André Øvredal, Dee Wallace, Lewis Teague, Tim Curry, James Caan, and many more.

To whet your appetite, here is the trailer.

Shock Waves Soundtrack Expanded!

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Back in 2014, Howlin’ Wolf Records made a dream of mine come true when they released Richard Einhorn’s score for the 1977 film Shock Waves on CD. Since I had seen the film more than a couple of times, I have always loved the weird and strange electronic score that Einhorn came up with, so I was thrilled and quickly ordered a copy of it. But now, even more Nazi horror has recently risen out of watery depths of terror!

Howlin’ Wolf Records have recently announced they will be releasing an expanded score of this release, almost doubling the amount from the original release. The one from 2014 was 31:31 minutes long, but this new release is 61:22 minutes long! It includes newly discovered tracks and bonus features, remastered from the composer’s personal 7.5 IPS master tapes. This release also features a 16-page booklet with new cover art by Austin Hinderliter, liner notes by Benjamin Chee, Ian Zapczynski, and an anecdote from composer Einhorn. Priced at only $17.95.

You can pre-order your copy, due to be released early next month, at Screen Archive Entertainment, by clicking HERE, or directly from Howlin’ Wolf Records, by clicking HERE.

Mystery Photo 6-19

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Since our photo from last week was a little obscure, getting only one correct answer sent in, I hope that everyone seeks this film out because it is more than worth your time! The film is The Nightshifter (2018), a Brazilian film that is pretty original and damn creepy. Kudos to Hoby Abernathy for sending in the correct guess.

Our photo from this week might be a little easier, but we’ll just have to wait and see. Take a peek below and see if you can recognize where this little beastie is from. Just remember to send your guess to me in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein 75th Anniversary Screening

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If you’re in the Chicago area tomorrow evening, June 20th, there will be a screening of one of the last, true great Universal Monster Films from the classic era, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948). Sure, it is a comedy, but it still remains one of the best from that decade and still brings plenty of chills, as well as laughs.

The event starts at 6pm at the Sulzer Regional Library, with an introduction by Aaron Christensen (Horror 101 with Dr. AC) with a Q&A to follow. For all the details of this event, just click HERE.

Monster Bash This Weekend!

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We’ll soon be heading out to PA this weekend for this year’s spring Monster Bash! This has become one of our favorite shows over the years and is always a good time. Join us there for another weekend of movies, incredible deals in the vendor room, and more monsters to shake a stick at! We’ll have our usual array of books, magazines, movies, and soundtracks. Keep in mind folks, since my book selling days are coming to an end, now is the time to pick up some of those titles you’ve been wanting to get but just haven’t picked up yet. Of course, along with me is my partner-in-crime and wife Dawn with her selection of homemade tote bags and pillows.

The guests for this show include: Lynne Lugosi-Sparks, granddaughter of Bela Lugosi, Audrey Dalton from Mr. Sardonicus (1961) and The Monster that Challenged the World (1957), Daniel Roebuck, Beverly Washburn from Spider Baby (1967), Pamula Pierce, actress and daughter of the director of The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972), Tom Savini, as well as writers Tom Weaver, Frank Dello Stritto, Greg Mank, Sam Irvin, Rondo winning artist Mark Maddox, and more!

We’ll be there all 3 days at the show and hanging out afterhours to do some serious discussions on the world of monster movies and horror films! So come join us to escape from the real world (which is scarier than any movie), relax, and have a good time. Hope to see you there!

Discover the Horror Podcast: Episode 45 – Hong Kong Black Magic

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Corpse Mania (1981), Red Spell Spells Red (1983), The Rape After (1984)

Obviously, the title of our show, and its mission statement is about discovering new horror, In the past we’ve always brought films to the table that we already liked and wanted to discuss.  But on this episode, we were given a unique opportunity.  We were given a list of somewhat obscure Hong Kong-created black magic horror films which contained titles that none of us had seen, and it gave us an idea: maybe this time Aaron, Damien and Jon would be the ones who discover the horror! We each picked a film we’d never seen but sounded interesting, and on episode 45, we share our thoughts on these very unique films.

If you’ve not spent time in the utterly unhinged world of Hong Kong black magic horror, and are fond of the surreal, the impossible and the inexplicable, we think this show might just be for you.  Scorpion attacks, maggoty necrophilia, rats leaping from the mouths of dead fathers… this episode has it all. 

To join us, we invited Ryan Smith, who made the list and has gathered probably the largest collection of Hong Kong cinema that we’ve ever heard of.  Be careful- this is one where leaves can rip your face off!

Films mentioned in this episode:

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