’70s Argento at the Gene Siskel Film Center

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If you’re a fan of Dario Argento, especially his early work, and live somewhat close to Chicago, you might want to check this out. Starting on Feb. 3rd, they will be screening Argento’s first 6 feature films over the course of 7 days. Below is the list of titles, dates, and times. If you haven’t had the chance to see these on a big screen, then now is your chance to knock out his early titles, which many would argue are his best, including the rare comedy he made, The Five Days, aka Five Days in Milan. For more details, you can go directly to the Gene Siskel site by clicking HERE.

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Book Review: Reign of Chucky

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Reign of Chucky: The True Hollywood Story of a Not So Good Buy
Published by Harker Press, 2022. 470 pages
By Dustin McNeill & Travis Mullins

We have read and reviewed a few other titles from McNeill and Mullins, specifically the Taking Shape volumes that are essential for any serious Halloween fans. The same must be said for their latest volume for those fans of the Child’s Play movies. The real beauty of these books is that no matter what you think of the series, it has been very hard to read through the book and not want to check out the films again. The main reason for that, I feel, is the details the authors give you about the production and behind-the-scenes information on them. You can’t help seeing the final product a little differently.

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Beast Creatures Come to Blu-Ray!

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Decades ago, in the time of video stores, seeing a big clamshell VHS tape was an easy way to get a young film fan’s attention, especially when they were looking for something a little different. It was during one of those trips that I came across Attack of the Beast Creatures on the World Video Pictures label. I rented it but had no idea what I was in for. I had always been a huge fan of Dan Curtis’ Trilogy of Terror, mainly due to the segment with the little Zuni doll running around trying to kill Karen Black. What I didn’t expect with Beast Creatures was that it is basically a whole island full of these types of monsters! While not the “best” made production, it is damn entertaining and just so much fun. A lot of hard work, and heart and soul went into this production, and it shows.

Back in 2018, I added this title to our Turkey Day line up and it was one of the favorites of the day. For those that don’t know what you’re going into, it almost makes it even better.

Now I see that Vinegar Syndrome has announced they are putting this out on Blu-ray! Of course, I immediately ordered it. This new release has been restored from the original theatrical version of the 16mm camera negative, so this is going to be the best it has looked since its initial release. As much fun that VHS copy was, the print is still pretty rough, so I can’t wait to see this upgrade. The release also features a partial commentary with director Mike Stanley, as well as interviews with him and writer Robert Hutton, and some test footage. It also lists a preservation of the VHS version from the 1″ tape master, so not sure if that means the theatrical version is different from the VHS version? We shall soon find out!

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2022 Year End Reviews – Part 3: Never to Forget

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This was a tough year since there were quite a few names on the list below that I had the gracious opportunity to be able to meet them at one of the conventions or movie events over the years. Each one of them contributed in some way to the horror film world that we hold dear. I always say that those that work in this medium will always be alive in our hearts and minds because we’ll always be able to see them or their work onscreen any time we want to, by just putting in a DVD or Blu-ray. We’ll always be able to remember their hard work they did, seeing it come alive each and every time. Whether they were an actor appearing onscreen, or a writer, director, or any of the other essential people that create these magical moments for us fans to enjoy, time and time again, we will always remember you. Thank you for helping to keep that magic alive and well.

Rest in Peace, and know that you will never fade away, but will continue to live on in our little movie theaters.

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Mystery Photo 1-2

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Welcome to the new year and our first Mystery Photo for 2023! Hopefully this is the start of a great year for us all. But let’s get down to business. Our photo from last week was from the 2015 film A Christmas Horror Story, which honestly isn’t really a bad film, especially when you look at the poster art! It is at least a good time. Unfortunately, we didn’t get any correct answers sent in for it, but I’m sure it was because everyone was too busy during the holidays . . .

For our first photo of the new year, I decided to go a little deep and obscure. This is going to be a tough one, so be prepared. But take a look below and see if you can recognize where this shot is from. Just remember to send your guess to us at jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

2022 Year End Reviews – Part 2: Best Viewings

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As always, my Best Of list isn’t just of films that came out this last year, but ones that were first time viewings for me, because when it comes down to it, whether it came out in 2022 or 1952, if it is the first time I’m watching it, then it is a new movie. So, my Best Of lists usually tend to have more older titles than newer ones, which might have something to do with the lack of originality in modern day productions. That being said, I was amazed to see how many newer titles ended up on my list this year, with 7 out of the 10 coming out within the last three years. That was a very nice surprise and gives me hope for the future of the horror genre. Now let’s get to this year’s Best Viewings list.

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2022 Year End Review – Part 1: The Highlights

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Another year in the books, as they say. Was it a good year? Well, I’m still around and you’re reading this so that means you are too, which shows that is definitely a positive thing, right? I think we got a little closer to normality in 2022, but I think there is still a little more to go. Always room to improve, right? And while we’re not going into 2024 just yet, the above banner would pretty much sum up my thoughts on the world right now. But we still have a little time, and I would like to think and hope that we could make the positive change we need. It really comes down to just by doing something as simple as being kind to each other, and passing it along as if it was Covid, and hope that it is just as contagious.

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New Book on London After Midnight

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One of the most sought after lost films, especially for horror fans, is the 1927 film London After Midnight, starring Lon Chaney as the strange and sharp-toothed vampire. Every few years, there are reports that it has been found, but nothing ever comes of it. While we still wait in hopes that one day, a complete print will be discovered.

Until then, we now have a new book by author and film historian Daniel Titley that delves into the film history, from the production, distribution, original critical reviews, which will include “a wide gallery of never-before-seen materials from stills, to rare lost newly-translated texts, to the early production documents, posters, and press-books.”

This 452-page hardcover book, priced at $46, just came out at the end of this year, but I know we’ll be adding it to our library. And at some point, we’ll be posting a review about it here. Not sure if that will happen before the film is eventually found, but we’ll see. In the meantime, if you’re a fan of Lon Chaney and this film, you may want to check this one out.

Ruggero Deodato – Rest in Peace

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The man that showed us the power of cinema, Ruggero Deodato, passed away yesterday at the age of 83. While he had directed 36 films, he worked in just about every genre out there. But it was his 1980 film Cannibal Holocaust that brought him international fame. While I am not a fan of it personally, no one could argue how powerful of a film it is. He would go on to direct other horror films such as Cut and Run (1984), Body Count (1986), and Phantom of Death (1987). In the last couple of decades, he was no stranger to the convention circuit, even here in the US, and always seemed to just love the attention. While his English wasn’t that great, he was extremely friendly and loved to meet his fans. You can tell that by the number of photos with fans that were posted on social media over the last few hours, with everybody saddened by the news.

But his fame and notoriety will continue to live on as long as people still talk Cannibal Holocaust, which they will for decades to come. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace.

Discover the Horror Podcast: Episode 33 – 2022 Wrap-Up

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Last year, in Episode 7, we went over our favorite films that we watched for the first time in 2021. Now remember that we consider it a new movie if you’re watching for the first time, whether it came out this year, or 50 years ago. To you, it is still a new movie. In this episode, we take a look at our top 3 pics of our Best Viewed films that we watched in 2022. Plus, we also go through some of the films that actually did come out in 2022.

We also want to say thanks to everyone that continues to support Discover the Horror, listening to each show, and any and all feedback that we get. Please keep it coming, whether it’s on social media, comments here on the site, we want to hear what you think. It means the world to us knowing that we’re helping fans, both old and new, from the novice to the more weathered viewer, learn and seek out some titles to watch, or maybe even think about ones that you do know a little differently. That has always been our goal, and so far, we think it’s working.

Before you hit play, make sure you get a pen and notebook, because I think you’re going to want to write down some of these titles mentioned here to seek out for yourself. Ready? See you on the other side!

Movies mentioned in this episode:

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