Showing posts with label Blue Underground. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blue Underground. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Blue Underground Invites You to go "Down" on DVD and Blu-Ray



Blue Underground recently send us over information for their upcoming release of "Down". The film is the English remake of Dick Mass' "The Lift". Mass also directs the film starring James Marshall (Twin Peaks), Naomi Watts (Mulholland Dr, Twin Peaks) Eric Thal (The Puppet Masters), Michael Ironside (SCANNERS), Edward Herrmann (THE LOST BOYS), Dan Hedaya (COMMANDO), and Ron Perlman (HELLBOY).

Special features on the DVD and Blu-Ray includes Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Dick Maas and Stunt Coordinator Willem de Beukelaer, The Making Of DOWN, Behind-the-Scenes Footage [Blu-ray Exclusive], Theatrical Trailer, Teaser Trailers, Poster & Still Gallery and BONUS Collectable Booklet with new essay by author Michael Gingold.

"Down" hits retail on October 10th.

Press Release:

You May Want to Take the Stairs

When the express elevators in New York City's 102-story Millennium Building start to malfunction, elevator mechanics Mark (James Marshall of TWIN PEAKS) and Jeff (Eric Thal of THE PUPPET MASTERS) are sent to find the cause. After a series of gruesome and deadly accidents occur, Mark joins forces with spunky reporter Jennifer (Naomi Watts of THE RING), who's on the hunt for a juicy story. As the death toll rises and the building is sealed off amid claims of terrorism, Mark and Jennifer attempt to unravel the horrifying secret behind the mysterious behavior of the bloodthirsty lift before it takes them - and the entire city - DOWN!

Michael Ironside (SCANNERS), Edward Herrmann (THE LOST BOYS), Dan Hedaya (COMMANDO), and Ron Perlman (HELLBOY) co-star in this big-budget remake of THE LIFT helmed by original Writer/Director Dick Maas(AMSTERDAMNED). Previously released on home video in a cropped full-frame transfer as THE SHAFT, Blue Underground is now proud to present DOWN in a brand-new widescreen 2K restoration from the original negative, approved by Dick Maas!

Sunday, August 6, 2017

"The Stendhal Syndrome" Review by Anthony T



Dario Argento has always been one of my favorite director. When I heard that “The Stendhal Syndrome” was coming in a big 3 disc set, I figured maybe it would a good time to check out this film out since I’m big fan of this work.

The film focuses on a police detective (Asia Argento) who’s trying to stop a series of murders caused by an attractive man. During the case, she starts to develop a mental illness where she starts seeing any works of art that causes her to lose her mind. As she further descends into madness, the bodies start piling up as she struggles to keep her sanity and find out who is behind these killings. The film also stars Thomas Kretschmann (Avengers: Age of Ultron, King Kong) and Marco Leonardi (Cinema Paradiso).

Going into this film, I’ve loved Argento’s previous works like “Suspira”, “Inferno” and “Tenebre” as I consider them his best works. “The Stendhal Sysdrome” is one that I wouldn’t put up there with those films even though this is a very good film. The film falls between “Opera” and “Dracula” which I liked a lot for its gothic tone and take heat for liking it. Thankfully, it wasn’t like the god awful “Giallo” which is his worst by far. Yes, it’s really a bad film and one of the worst I’ve seen.

Dario Argento does a very good job with the way that he directs this film. Whether it was the way that he directs the action to how he makes everything in the film feel very dark and dreary, it’s done to give an uneasy feel to what you are watching. I was feeling creeped out by some of the scenes, as it felt graphic and uneasy to watch. It also helps that he has a great score from composer Ennio Morricone. The other thing he does very well is to get the performances that makes this good. I liked he’s able to make sure the performances have a dark tone to it. Argento takes his time as he makes sure that his cast’s performances fit the film’s dark and surreal tone. It added to the creepiness that this film has going for it.

Speaking of acting, I thought Asia Argento’s (who’s also Dario’s daughter) performance was great here. She does a great job making sure that her character has this very dark and troubled look. It made her character very interesting to watch as she struggles to keep her sanity and how she begins to crumble. It made her character very interesting as she does a great job with her performance as the film’s very troubled main character.

The screenplay written by Dario Argento and Franco Ferrini was good. The screenplay does a great job focusing on the main character and her state of mind. They made sure that it was one of the focal points as they spend a lot developing the trauma and the effects the main character is going through because of it. It’s makes the character an interesting one kept going throughout. The other thing that they do very well is to make everything dark from start to finish. Whether it was the surreal images that we see to the film’s uneasy action, its done in a way to project a horrific tone that stays with this after seeing it. It’s what makes all the horror aspects work in this film.

The three disc set is pretty loaded. The first two discs include the DVD and Blu-Ray of the film. The discs also boasts news extra. First, the film’s audio commentary track with author Troy Howarth (So Deadly, So Pervesre). This is a great track as Howarth does a very good job going over the history and facts of the production and give good analysis on some of the scenes. Another thing that I liked was that he also goes into the history of the principals involved. It keeps the track moving and you’re given some good information about them that you might have not known.

Next, there are three new interviews on the disc which all total over forty minutes. “Three Shades of Asia – New interview with Asia Argento”. “Prisoner of Art – New interview with Franco Ferrini” and “Sharpe as a Razor – New interview with special effects artist Franco Casagni”. All very good interviews as you get a look at the production of the film and their thoughts about making this. It’s worth checking especially if you’re a fan of the film. After that the first disc wraps up with the film’s theatrical trailer and poster and stills gallery.

The release also includes a bonus disc of more interviews taken from Blue Undergrounds 2007 disc. It features interviews from director Dario Argento, psychological consultant and author of which this film is based on Graziella Magherini, special effects artist Sergio Sticaletti, assistant director Luigi Cozzi and production designer Massimo Antonello Geleng. This was very good as there were a lot of information on the production. Whether it’s about the disorder known as Stendhal Syndrome to stories about the making of the film to the relationships that each of them had with Dario, everything is interesting and worth watching if you’re into the works of Dario Argento.

This 3 disc set might be the most definite edition of “The Stendhal Sysdrome” to come out on blu-ray as Blue Underground does a great job with this release. The film is one of those films that is so disturbing to watch and is Argento’s most disturbing film. With its great extras and very disturbing film that will shock you, this will be please fans of Argento’s earlier work.

Review Rating: Four Stars

Extras: Five Stars

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Blue Underground Announces Limited Edition Blu-Ray of Dario Argento's "The Stendhal Syndrome"


Blue Underground recently send us information for the upcoming blu-ray release of Dario Argento's "The Stendhal Syndrome". The film stars Asia Argento (LAND OF THE DEAD, XXX), Thomas Kretschmann (DRACULA 3D, KING KONG) and Marco Leonardi (FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 3, CINEMA PARADISO).

Special features on the Blu-Ray includes NEW Audio Commentary with Troy Howarth, author of So Deadly, So Perverse, Three Shades Of Asia - NEW Interview with Star Asia Argento, Prisoner Of Art - NEW Interview with Co-Writer Franco Ferrini, Sharp As A Razor - NEW Interview with Special Makeup Artist Franco Casagni, Theatrical Trailer, Poster & Still Gallery, Director: Dario Argento, Inspiration: Psychological Consultant Graziella Magherini, Special Effects: Sergio Stivaletti, Assistant Director: Luigi Cozzi, Production Designer: Massimo Antonello Geleng and BONUS Collectable Booklet with new essay by author Michael Gingold.

"The Stendhal Syndrome" hits retail on July 25th.

Press Release:

DARIO ARGENTO'S Masterpiece Of Terror -
Uncut, Uncensored And Newly Remastered!

When beautiful police detective Anna Manni follows the bloody trail of a sophisticated serial murderer/rapist through the streets of Italy, the young woman falls victim to the bizarre Stendhal Syndrome - a hallucinatory phenomenon which causes her to lose her mind and memory in the presence of powerful works of art. Trapped in this twilight realm, Anna plunges deeper and deeper into sexual psychosis, until she comes to know the killer's madness more intimately than she ever imagined.

Horror maestro Dario Argento (SUSPIRIA, OPERA) reaches new heights of florid fantasy and Grand Guignol with this warped work of art starring Maxim Magazine's Sexiest Woman in the World Asia Argento (LAND OF THE DEAD, XXX), Thomas Kretschmann (DRACULA 3D, KING KONG) and Marco Leonardi (FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 3, CINEMA PARADISO). Previously edited outside of Italy, Blue Underground proudly presents THE STENDHAL SYNDROME in a gorgeous new 2K restoration from the original camera negative and bursting with brand-new Extras exclusive to this release!

Friday, March 17, 2017

Jess Franco / Christopher Lee "Fu Manchu" Double Feature Hits Blu-Ray


Blue Underground recently send us over information for their upcoming blu-ray release of the upcoming Jess Franco/Christopher Lee double feature "The Blood of Fu Manchu / The Castle of Fu Manchu". Both films star Christopher Lee as the villain Fu Manchu.

Extras for "The Blood of Fu Manchu" includes The Rise of Fu Manchu - Interviews with Director Jess Franco, Producer Harry Alan Towers, and Stars Christopher Lee, Tsai Chin, & Shirley Eaton, Theatrical Trailers and Poster & Still Gallery.

Extras for "The Castle of Fu Manchu" includes The Fall of Fu Manchu - Interviews with Director Jess Franco, Producer Harry Alan Towers, and Stars Christopher Lee & Tsai Chin, Theatrical Trailer and Poster & Still Gallery

"The Blood of Fu Manchu / The Castle of Fu Manchu" double feature hits retail on May 30th.

Plot Synopsis for The Blood of Fu Manchu":

From his secret lair deep within the South American jungle, international super-villain Fu Manchu (Christopher Lee of COUNT DRACULA) and his sadistic daughter Lin Tang (Tsai Chin of YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE) reveal their latest diabolical plot for world domination: ten beautiful women are infected with an ancient poison so deadly that one kiss from their lips will bring instant death and lead to a global plague. Now the Asian madman's nemesis, Nayland Smith (Richard Greene of TALES FROM THE CRYPT), must desperately hunt an antidote in a savage land where rape and torture reign and the ultimate evil lies in THE BLOOD OF FU MANCHU.

Maria Rohm (VENUS IN FURS) and Shirley Eaton (GOLDFINGER) co-star in this wild Fu Manchu feature written and produced by Harry Alan Towers (EUGENIE) and directed by the one and only Jess Franco (VAMPYROS LESBOS). Also known as KISS AND KILL, AGAINST ALL ODDS, and KISS OF DEATH, Blue Underground presents THE BLOOD OF FU MANCHU in High Definition, complete with additional scenes of nudity and violence!

Plot Synopsis for The Castle of Fu Manchu:

Christopher Lee (THE LORD OF THE RINGS) returns as the diabolical super-villain who, along with his sadistic daughter Lin Tang (Tsai Chin of CASINO ROYALE), creates a fiendish new chemical weapon that will turn the seas into a giant block of ice. But when his archenemy Nayland Smith (Richard Greene of THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD) tracks the madman's trail of kidnapping, murder and massive global destruction, he himself becomes trapped in Fu Manchu's impenetrable lair of cruelty. Can any of the world's top secret agents (including a wild performance by Jess Franco) now stop the cold-blooded terror that lives in THE CASTLE OF FU MANCHU?

Maria Perschy (THE GHOST GALLEON) and Rosalba Neri (99 WOMEN) co-star in this notorious sequel directed by Jess Franco (THE BLOODY JUDGE) that marked Christopher Lee's final performance as the infamous Chinese madman. Now Blue Underground presents THE CASTLE OF FU MANCHU in High Definition, packed with Extras for a disc full of Fu Manchu mayhem!

Saturday, February 11, 2017

"Venom" Slithers onto Blu-Ray


Blue Underground recently send us information for their upcoming single disc release of "Venom" The 1982 film stars Susan George (Straw Dogs), Oliver Reed (The Brood) and Klaus Kinski.

Special features on the Blu-Ray includes Audio Commentary with Director Piers Haggard, Theatrical Trailer, Teaser Trailer, TV Spots and Poster & Still Gallery.

"Venom" hits retail on March 28th.

Press Release:

Behind the drapes... Between the walls... In your bed...
A thriller to make your skin crawl!

It was supposed to be the perfect crime: the sexy maid (Susan George of STRAW DOGS), a psychotic chauffeur (Oliver Reed of THE BROOD) and an international terrorist (the legendary Klaus Kinski) kidnap a wealthy ten-year-old boy from his elegant London townhouse. But they didn't count on a murdered cop, a desperate hostage siege, and one very unexpected houseguest: a furious Black Mamba, the most lethal and aggressive snake known to nature. It can attack from ten feet away. Its bite brings excruciating death. And it is on the loose. Now, terror knows no antidote... and the ultimate in slithering mayhem is VENOM.

Sterling Hayden (THE KILLING), Nicol Williamson (EXCALIBUR) and Sarah Miles (BLOW-UP) co-star in this gripping suspense thriller based on the novel by best-selling author Alan Scholefield and directed by Piers Haggard (THE BLOOD ON SATAN'S CLAW). VENOM has been remastered in 2K High Definition from its negative and features some very real - and extremely deadly - Black Mambas!

Monday, October 3, 2016

Unrated Director's Cut of Jess Franco "99 Women" Makes Blu-Ray Debut


Blue Underground recently send us information about the upcoming Blu-Ray/DVD/CD 3 disc release of Jess Franco's "99 Women". The 1969 film stars  Maria Schell, Herbert Lom, Mercedes McCambridge, Luciana Paluzzi, Maria Rohm, Rosalba Neri, Elisa Montes, Valentina Godoy.

Special features includes Jess' Women - Interview with Director Jess Franco, Jess, Harry & 99 WOMEN - Interview with Stephen Thrower, author of Murderous Passions: The Delirious, Cinema of Jesus Franco, Deleted & Alternate Scenes, Theatrical Trailer, Poster & Still Gallery, BONUS Collectable Booklet includes writing by author Stephen Thrower and BONUS CD - 99 WOMEN Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Bruno Nicolai.

"99 Women" hits retail on December 13th.

Plot Synopsis:

For his epic shocker of caged women gone wild, legendary director Jess Franco (MARQUIS DE SADE'S JUSTINE) brought together a once-in-a-lifetime cast of International beauties including Maria Schell (THE ODESSA FILE), Luciana Paluzzi (THUNDERBALL), Rosalba Neri (LADY FRANKENSTEIN) and Maria Rohm (VENUS IN FURS). Oscar(r) winner Mercedes McCambridge (JOHNNY GUITAR) and Herbert Lom (THE DEAD ZONE) co-star as the sadistic wardens of an island prison where abused yet luscious young lovelies surrender to their own depraved desires. Behind bars... without men... experience the unchained passion of 99 WOMEN!

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Full Moon Features Announces 50 Blue Underground Titles to Stream on Full Moon Streaming


Full Moon Features is proud to announce their most exciting acquisition yet - fifty of cinema's most obscure and beloved classics from the Blue Underground label will debut on their new subscription-based video streaming service, FULL MOON STREAMING (www.fullmoonstreaming.com), home to the entire Full Moon Features library. The Blue Underground titles will be released once per week beginning in March, and titles will include VENOM (a beloved thriller about a killer snake starring Klaus Kinski, Susan George, and Oliver Reed), MONDO CANE (the Award-Winning documentary that launched the whole "mondo" craze of the sixties), CONTAMINATION (a gory Italian homage to ALIEN), VIOLENT CITY (the Charles Bronson action classic), DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING (horror/thriller from Italian godfather of gore, Lucio Fulci), THE CHURCH (a haunted church tale from Italian masters of terror, Dario Argento and Michele Soavi) and TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD (the first in the series of popular Spanish 'BLIND DEAD' films) amongst many others.

"Full Moon Streaming's fanbase is growing rapidly and fans have come to expect the most amazing content imaginable," explained Full Moon's Charles Band. "I knew these Blue Underground titles would perfectly satiate that need, as we are the only subscriber-based streaming service to curate the world's best, kookiest, and most hard-to-find cinema treasures."

"As the mainstream VOD sites like Netflix, Hulu and iTunes have turned their backs on classic genre films in favor of TV shows and new theatrical releases, I'm excited my pal Charlie Band has launched Full Moon Streaming to fill that void," said William Lustig, acclaimed filmmaker and President, Blue Underground. "Now, fans have a streaming site of their own dedicated to Grindhouse/Drive-in classics presented in uncompromising quality."

Complete list of Blue Underground titles to be available on Full Moon Streaming:

AFRICA BLOOD & GUTS
AMAZON JAIL
ANGUISH
THE BIG RACKET
THE BLACK BELLY OF THE TARANTULA
A BLADE IN THE DARK
THE BLOOD SPATTERED BRIDE
THE BLOODSTAINED SHADOW
THE BLOODY JUDGE
CANNIBAL MAN
CANNIBALS
THE CASE OF THE BLOODY IRIS
CONQUEST
CONTAMINATION
DON'T TORTURE A DUCKLING
THE FIFTH CORD
FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE
THE FORBIDDEN PHOTOS OF A LADY UNDER SUSPICION
FOUR OF THE APOCALYPSE
THE GHOST GALLEON
THE GIRL FROM RIO
GOODBYE UNCLE TOM
GRAND SLAM
THE HEROIN BUSTERS
HOW TO KILL A JUDGE
THE KILLING HOUR
KISS ME, MONSTER
MACABRE
MAD DOG KILLER
MANNAJA: A MAN CALLED BLADE
MONDO CANE
MONDO CANE 2
NIGHT OF THE SEAGULLS
THE PYJAMA GIRL CASE
RETURN OF THE EVIL DEAD
REVOLVER
RUN MAN RUN
SEVEN DEATHS IN THE CAT'S EYE T
HE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME
SHORT NIGHT OF GLASS DOLLS
STREET LAW
SUCCUBUS
THE CHURCH
TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD
TWO UNDERCOVER ANGELS
VENOM
VENUS IN FURS
VIOLENT CITY
WHO SAW HER DIE?
WOMEN OF THE WORLD