Even in this age of instant YouTube gratification, movie trailers are a big deal. They get us hyped for an upcoming project by making promises that the eventual film will (hopefully) pay off. The best sizzle reels are even able to do this by giving a taste of things to come without ruining any surprises or plot twists. Think about the teaser for Alien with its cracking egg and unnerving siren sound, or the deft use of a choral version of Radiohead’s “Creep” in the classic promo for The Social Network. Both of those examples speak to the haunting nature of their movies while allowing space for the film to stand on its own down the road.
But some trailers do their job too well. Some trailers outdo the movies they advertise, sometimes because the film has a concept too shallow to sustain more than three minutes, and sometimes...
But some trailers do their job too well. Some trailers outdo the movies they advertise, sometimes because the film has a concept too shallow to sustain more than three minutes, and sometimes...
- 4/27/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Drew Barrymore starred in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" when she was only six years old. Nearly 40 years later, her director, Steven Spielberg, appeared on "The Drew Barrymore Show" for a birthday celebration and they reminisced about filming the seminal alien classic. Spielberg recalled that Barrymore "came up with a lot of lines in the movie" as a little girl, including the memorable scene when Gertie first sees the titular E.T. In the movie, she takes one quizzical look at the alien and says, "I don't like his feet."
"She said that during rehearsal, and I said, 'Drew, can you remember to say that when the cameras are rolling?'" he remembered.
The feet observation was Barrymore's genuine response to the E.T. animatronic designed by the renowned special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi. It's not hard to see why she reacted this way. E.T. is the definition of ugly cute with his wrinkled,...
"She said that during rehearsal, and I said, 'Drew, can you remember to say that when the cameras are rolling?'" he remembered.
The feet observation was Barrymore's genuine response to the E.T. animatronic designed by the renowned special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi. It's not hard to see why she reacted this way. E.T. is the definition of ugly cute with his wrinkled,...
- 9/10/2023
- by Caroline Madden
- Slash Film
With TV and films stalled due to the ongoing writers and actors strike, director Judd Apatow and filmmaker J.J. Abrams sat down for a virtual conversation with Ed Solomon on Tuesday evening to talk in-depth about their writing process and working alongside filmmaker Matt Reeves as teenagers. During the 11th episode of The Black List’s Word by Word, the trio steered clear of conversations about the double strike.
At the start of the conversation, Solomon shared that Abrams and Apatow were eager to jump on the episode when learning...
At the start of the conversation, Solomon shared that Abrams and Apatow were eager to jump on the episode when learning...
- 9/6/2023
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
Prior to becoming an actor, Giancarlo Giannini, who on March 6 will be getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, studied electronic engineering, a skill he’s been known to put to good use even on movie sets.
“I was meant to start working on the first artificial satellites, or on the first computers at Ibm,” the Italian film and theater thesp recalls. But then Giannini enrolled in acting school and soon was given major roles, first by Franco Zeffirelli and then by Lina Wertmüller, with whom he went on to make nine movies that brought them both international fame.
“I owe it to Lina that I will be getting the star. The only other Italian actor who has one is Rudolph Valentino,” he notes.
Before traveling to Los Angeles, Giannini spoke to Variety about his career journey and what he learned from Anna Magnani, Marlon Brando and Marcello Mastroianni.
“I was meant to start working on the first artificial satellites, or on the first computers at Ibm,” the Italian film and theater thesp recalls. But then Giannini enrolled in acting school and soon was given major roles, first by Franco Zeffirelli and then by Lina Wertmüller, with whom he went on to make nine movies that brought them both international fame.
“I owe it to Lina that I will be getting the star. The only other Italian actor who has one is Rudolph Valentino,” he notes.
Before traveling to Los Angeles, Giannini spoke to Variety about his career journey and what he learned from Anna Magnani, Marlon Brando and Marcello Mastroianni.
- 3/2/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Vinegar Syndrome has announced and unleashed their March 2023 lineup today, with several new releases up for pre-order now including Freeway II and Primal Rage on 4K Uhd!
The company previews, “This month we’re proud to offer two (!) world Uhd debuts, kicking off with Matthew Bright’s somehow even wilder and sleazier in-name-only sequel, Freeway II: Confessions Of A Trickbaby (1999), which upgrades this deliriously perverse take on Hansel & Gretel to 4K, and comes loaded with hours of new and archival extras.
“Also fresh to Uhd, and restored for the very first time on video (in any format) from its 35mm original camera negative, Vittorio Rambaldi’s interspecies viral sci-fi/horror oddity, Primal Rage (1988). Enjoy Oscar winning effects maestro Carlo Rambaldi’s splashy death set pieces in clarity never before imagined, along with a whole slate of exciting new extras.
‘Primal Rage’
“And finally from Vs, a collection of three...
The company previews, “This month we’re proud to offer two (!) world Uhd debuts, kicking off with Matthew Bright’s somehow even wilder and sleazier in-name-only sequel, Freeway II: Confessions Of A Trickbaby (1999), which upgrades this deliriously perverse take on Hansel & Gretel to 4K, and comes loaded with hours of new and archival extras.
“Also fresh to Uhd, and restored for the very first time on video (in any format) from its 35mm original camera negative, Vittorio Rambaldi’s interspecies viral sci-fi/horror oddity, Primal Rage (1988). Enjoy Oscar winning effects maestro Carlo Rambaldi’s splashy death set pieces in clarity never before imagined, along with a whole slate of exciting new extras.
‘Primal Rage’
“And finally from Vs, a collection of three...
- 3/1/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Get ready to howl at the moon, werewolf fans.
Where Wolf, the graphic novel from creative team Rob Saucedo, Debora Lancianese, and Jack Morelli, is celebrating its upcoming physical release with a Werewolves Across America tour that’ll screen a selection of werewolf films to coincide with book signings.
That includes a brand-new Dcp for Silver Bullet that Paramount created for the tour!
Encylopocalypse Publication will release the graphic novel on July 7, 2023, in paperback and hardcover formats with three variant covers for readers to choose.
Leading up to the wide release of the graphic novel, writer Rob Saucedo will tour movie theaters across the country, screening werewolf films and providing an opportunity to purchase the graphic novel early at concurrent signing events starting March 31, 2023.
The selection includes Silver Bullet, An American Werewolf in London in 4K, The Howling in 4K, WolfCop and more. Additional locations will be added through the...
Where Wolf, the graphic novel from creative team Rob Saucedo, Debora Lancianese, and Jack Morelli, is celebrating its upcoming physical release with a Werewolves Across America tour that’ll screen a selection of werewolf films to coincide with book signings.
That includes a brand-new Dcp for Silver Bullet that Paramount created for the tour!
Encylopocalypse Publication will release the graphic novel on July 7, 2023, in paperback and hardcover formats with three variant covers for readers to choose.
Leading up to the wide release of the graphic novel, writer Rob Saucedo will tour movie theaters across the country, screening werewolf films and providing an opportunity to purchase the graphic novel early at concurrent signing events starting March 31, 2023.
The selection includes Silver Bullet, An American Werewolf in London in 4K, The Howling in 4K, WolfCop and more. Additional locations will be added through the...
- 2/22/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Plot: The marriage of Mark and Anna crumbles, leading to a series of intense arguments, gross-out body horror, brutal murders, and possibly an apocalyptic scenario.
Review: Director Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 horror film Possession was never a movie that was destined to be embraced by mainstream audiences, but there has always been an audience out there for the film – it has just had difficulty reaching the viewers that would get the most out of watching it. In the United Kingdom, the film was banned as a video nasty. For the U.S. release, forty minutes were whittled out of its 124 minute running time. Home video releases have come along and then gone out of print, and the DVDs and Blu-rays are going for prices some collectors probably aren’t willing to pay for something they’re not familiar with. But now Possession is streaming on the Shudder service, which may be...
Review: Director Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 horror film Possession was never a movie that was destined to be embraced by mainstream audiences, but there has always been an audience out there for the film – it has just had difficulty reaching the viewers that would get the most out of watching it. In the United Kingdom, the film was banned as a video nasty. For the U.S. release, forty minutes were whittled out of its 124 minute running time. Home video releases have come along and then gone out of print, and the DVDs and Blu-rays are going for prices some collectors probably aren’t willing to pay for something they’re not familiar with. But now Possession is streaming on the Shudder service, which may be...
- 1/10/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
When Steven Spielberg's film, "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" first hit theaters in the summer of 1982, everyone's hearts were warmed by the charming friendship between a young boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas) and an alien looking for a way home. The heart of the audience's love for the film was E.T. himself. He appeared on screen as a gangly-yet-endearing otherworldly creature, who was down to play dress up and talk phone plans. His persona was the complete opposite of another alien making the theater rounds that same summer, the monster in John Carpenter's "The Thing." Unlike those shape-shifting aliens, E.T. came in peace, but he did have one thing in common with some of the special effects from Carpenter's film: E.T. was also an elaborate, real-life puppet.
There are few things in Hollywood as iconic as the E.T. character, and fans of the film recently had...
There are few things in Hollywood as iconic as the E.T. character, and fans of the film recently had...
- 12/19/2022
- by Miyako Pleines
- Slash Film
John Guillermin’s Academy Award Winning remake of iconic Hollywood classic, King Kong (1976), starring Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange and produced by Hollywood legend Dino de Laurentiis, this retelling of the classic monster adventure film went on to jointly win the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects, as well as receiving Academy Award nominations for Best Cinematography (Richard H. Kline) and Best Sound. Jessica Lange was also honoured as Best new Actress for her role at the Golden Globes that same year.
Fred Wilson (Charles Grodin), an employee of a large American oil company, has been charged with a mission to find new oil wells. With a chartered boat, he sets off on a journey to an uninhabited island in the South Pacific. On board is also a stowaway: the palaeontologist Jack Prescott (Jeff Bridges) has smuggled himself onto the ship, as he hopes to examine a rare species of monkey on this island.
Fred Wilson (Charles Grodin), an employee of a large American oil company, has been charged with a mission to find new oil wells. With a chartered boat, he sets off on a journey to an uninhabited island in the South Pacific. On board is also a stowaway: the palaeontologist Jack Prescott (Jeff Bridges) has smuggled himself onto the ship, as he hopes to examine a rare species of monkey on this island.
- 12/14/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
When the classic monster movie King Kong was released in the US in 1933, it had the biggest opening ever recorded, and little wonder – who could resist the fantastic story of a giant lovesick ape on the rampage in New York city!
Since then Kong has returned to the screen numerous times, not least in the 1976 version King Kong, starring Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange, with Kong himself brought to life by special effects legends Carlo Rambaldi (Et) and Rick Baker (American Werewolf in London). Directed by John Guillermin (The Towering Inferno) and produced by the legendary Dino De Laurentis (Flash Gordon) this blockbuster features a stirring John Barry score, action set pieces, stunning scenery, groundbreaking effects – it’s arguably one of the greatest King Kongs ever. To celebrate the towering release of the film in a stunning 4K restoration, here’s a look at Kongs onscreen from the 1931 original all...
Since then Kong has returned to the screen numerous times, not least in the 1976 version King Kong, starring Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange, with Kong himself brought to life by special effects legends Carlo Rambaldi (Et) and Rick Baker (American Werewolf in London). Directed by John Guillermin (The Towering Inferno) and produced by the legendary Dino De Laurentis (Flash Gordon) this blockbuster features a stirring John Barry score, action set pieces, stunning scenery, groundbreaking effects – it’s arguably one of the greatest King Kongs ever. To celebrate the towering release of the film in a stunning 4K restoration, here’s a look at Kongs onscreen from the 1931 original all...
- 12/7/2022
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Italy’s National Film Museum has revealed ambitious restyling and renovation plans set to change the future of the museum. The revamp will focus on two main areas: the renewal of the facilities and a partial reshaping of the visitors’ experience. The plan’s estimated costs are in the region of €30 million-€35 million (31 million-36 million).
The plans include, among other things, the creation of new exhibition spaces (most of the underground areas currently hosting storage spaces will be made accessible to visitors); the extensive presence of new VR, Ar and Metaverse content, some of which will be managed through dedicated control rooms; the reshaping of exhibition spaces on floor 15, 18 and 25; the reopening of the Mole’s nearby garden, set to host a cafeteria and a new ticket office; along with several adjustments to make the historical Mole more energy-efficient and to regulate temperature.
“We aim to showcase the latest 20 years...
The plans include, among other things, the creation of new exhibition spaces (most of the underground areas currently hosting storage spaces will be made accessible to visitors); the extensive presence of new VR, Ar and Metaverse content, some of which will be managed through dedicated control rooms; the reshaping of exhibition spaces on floor 15, 18 and 25; the reopening of the Mole’s nearby garden, set to host a cafeteria and a new ticket office; along with several adjustments to make the historical Mole more energy-efficient and to regulate temperature.
“We aim to showcase the latest 20 years...
- 12/4/2022
- by Davide Abbatescianni
- Variety Film + TV
Someone is going to have one seriously out-of-this-universe Christmas this year. Turner Classic Movies and Julien's Auctions are auctioning off the original mechatronic model created to play E.T. in "E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial." The mechanized puppet that served as the E.T. Hero "No .1" model will be sold to the highest bidder during an event called "Icons & Idols: Hollywood" in Beverly Hills and online at JuliensLive.com, so in theory, you could bring E.T. home to your home ... you'll just need a couple of million dollars first.
The Hollywood Reporter shared all of the fun details of the upcoming auction, just in case someone wins the lottery between now and then and feels like buying a piece of cinema history. And if extraterrestrials aren't your cup of tea, there are plenty of other fantastic bits of Hollywood history on the auction block, including three dresses worn by...
The Hollywood Reporter shared all of the fun details of the upcoming auction, just in case someone wins the lottery between now and then and feels like buying a piece of cinema history. And if extraterrestrials aren't your cup of tea, there are plenty of other fantastic bits of Hollywood history on the auction block, including three dresses worn by...
- 11/1/2022
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
E.T. – the Extra-Terrestrial became a generation-defining film for famed director Steven Spielberg and when the movie came out, merchandise was everywhere and a little E.T. doll became a hot item for kids. This December, for those that have wanted the actual Extra-Terrestrial himself will have the chance to purchase him. If you are in the Beverly Hills area, you can attend in-person, but everyone else will also be able to make a bid online.
The Hollywood Reporter has the news on the auction block for the mechatronic model used on-set to perform for the camera in the 80s blockbuster. An event called Icons & Idols: Hollywood from Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies will be auctioning off the model as well as other film items. The featured E.T. item is labeled the “No. 1” model for the mechatronic puppet used to bring the alien being to life as...
The Hollywood Reporter has the news on the auction block for the mechatronic model used on-set to perform for the camera in the 80s blockbuster. An event called Icons & Idols: Hollywood from Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies will be auctioning off the model as well as other film items. The featured E.T. item is labeled the “No. 1” model for the mechatronic puppet used to bring the alien being to life as...
- 11/1/2022
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Calling all Marilyn enthusiasts: Take home a part of Marilyn Monroe’s history this December.
The ultimate holiday present for cinephiles kicks off December 17 with the Turner Classic Movies partnership with Los Angeles auction house Julien’s Auctions to host the “Icons & Idols: Hollywood” sale.
A black Marilyn Monroe wool cocktail dress will be part of the auction, with an estimated price tag of 40,000 to 60,000, as well as the white sleeveless sundress worn by Monroe in the series of photographs alongside husband Arthur Miller in 1956. The photoshoot was replicated in “Blonde,” Andrew Dominik’s recent reimagining of Monroe’s life for Netflix with Ana de Armas as Monroe and Adrien Brody playing playwright Miller. The dress is similarly ranged between 40,000 and 60,000, with a pearl gray silk halter dress owned by Monroe listed with a 60,000 to 80,000 auction estimate.
The “Julien’s Auctions and TCM Present: Icons & Idols: Hollywood” takes place in...
The ultimate holiday present for cinephiles kicks off December 17 with the Turner Classic Movies partnership with Los Angeles auction house Julien’s Auctions to host the “Icons & Idols: Hollywood” sale.
A black Marilyn Monroe wool cocktail dress will be part of the auction, with an estimated price tag of 40,000 to 60,000, as well as the white sleeveless sundress worn by Monroe in the series of photographs alongside husband Arthur Miller in 1956. The photoshoot was replicated in “Blonde,” Andrew Dominik’s recent reimagining of Monroe’s life for Netflix with Ana de Armas as Monroe and Adrien Brody playing playwright Miller. The dress is similarly ranged between 40,000 and 60,000, with a pearl gray silk halter dress owned by Monroe listed with a 60,000 to 80,000 auction estimate.
The “Julien’s Auctions and TCM Present: Icons & Idols: Hollywood” takes place in...
- 11/1/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Turner Classic Movies and Julien’s Auctions are giving you the chance to own an eponymous mechatronic model employed for Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. All you need is an estimated 2 million to 3 million to make it happen.
E.T and other movie items will go on the auction block when an event billed as “Icons & Idols: Hollywood” takes place live Dec. 17-18 in Beverly Hills and online at JuliensLive.com.
The headliner is the E.T. Hero “No. 1” model that Spielberg brought to life in his 1982 classic. Predating modern CGI technology and effects, the cinematographic marvel, built in 1981, featured 85 points of movement and is regarded as an engineering masterpiece.
“We could not be more honored than to work with the family of Carlo Rambaldi, caretakers of one of the most incredible pop culture figures in the history of Hollywood — E.
Turner Classic Movies and Julien’s Auctions are giving you the chance to own an eponymous mechatronic model employed for Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. All you need is an estimated 2 million to 3 million to make it happen.
E.T and other movie items will go on the auction block when an event billed as “Icons & Idols: Hollywood” takes place live Dec. 17-18 in Beverly Hills and online at JuliensLive.com.
The headliner is the E.T. Hero “No. 1” model that Spielberg brought to life in his 1982 classic. Predating modern CGI technology and effects, the cinematographic marvel, built in 1981, featured 85 points of movement and is regarded as an engineering masterpiece.
“We could not be more honored than to work with the family of Carlo Rambaldi, caretakers of one of the most incredible pop culture figures in the history of Hollywood — E.
- 11/1/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the Steven Spielberg classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (watch it Here), and earlier this year Universal celebrated the anniversary by giving the film a re-release on IMAX screens. Next up, they’re going to be giving E.T. a 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Digital release on October 18th (pre-order Here). In anticipation of that release, we’ve gotten our hands on an Exclusive clip that gives a glimpse behind-the-scenes of E.T. and shows Spielberg working with E.T. himself while Chris Columbus discusses the film’s practical special effects. Check it out in the embed above!
Scripted by Melissa Mathison, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has the following synopsis:
After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed,...
Scripted by Melissa Mathison, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial has the following synopsis:
After a gentle alien becomes stranded on Earth, the being is discovered and befriended by a young boy named Elliott. Bringing the extraterrestrial into his suburban California house, Elliott introduces E.T., as the alien is dubbed,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The scene is familiar to every child of the ‘80s. Little 10-year-old Elliott and his older brother Michae —still learning how to drive a car—have stolen a van in order to help their newfound alien friend E.T. After rescuing him from the clutches of a team of government agents intent on studying the creature, they rendezvous with Michael’s buddies at a local park. Elliott explains to them that E.T. is a man from outer space and that they’re taking him, via their bicycles, to his spaceship.
“Well, can’t he just…beam up?” asks one of the boys. “This is Reality, Greg,” Elliott responds.
The line always gets a laugh from audiences. But it’s an apt one. For “reality” is exactly what distinguishes Steven Spielberg’s 1982 masterpiece E.T. the Extra Terrestrial from most every other science-fiction blockbuster, particularly those marketed toward kids. At its...
“Well, can’t he just…beam up?” asks one of the boys. “This is Reality, Greg,” Elliott responds.
The line always gets a laugh from audiences. But it’s an apt one. For “reality” is exactly what distinguishes Steven Spielberg’s 1982 masterpiece E.T. the Extra Terrestrial from most every other science-fiction blockbuster, particularly those marketed toward kids. At its...
- 6/10/2022
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Isidoro Raponi, a mechanical effects artist who worked on blockbuster films such as “Alien” and “E.T.,” died May 27, a representative confirmed to Variety. He died of congestive heart failure at a rehab facility in Los Angeles. He was 76.
Born in Frosinone, Italy in 1945, Raponi got his start working as apprentice for effects creator Carlo Rambaldi, who owned a workshop directly across the street from Raponi’s family bookstore. Raponi worked on numerous Italian films with Rambaldi before relocating to Los Angeles in 1975 to work with his mentor on the “King Kong” remake. He would continue to work closely with Rambaldi on numerous films throughout the ’70s and ’80s, including “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Alien.” Raponi was one of the main designers and operators, alongside Rabaldi, of the alien animatronic in 1982’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”
In the late ’70s, Raponi began working as mechanical effects artist on Disney films,...
Born in Frosinone, Italy in 1945, Raponi got his start working as apprentice for effects creator Carlo Rambaldi, who owned a workshop directly across the street from Raponi’s family bookstore. Raponi worked on numerous Italian films with Rambaldi before relocating to Los Angeles in 1975 to work with his mentor on the “King Kong” remake. He would continue to work closely with Rambaldi on numerous films throughout the ’70s and ’80s, including “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Alien.” Raponi was one of the main designers and operators, alongside Rabaldi, of the alien animatronic in 1982’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”
In the late ’70s, Raponi began working as mechanical effects artist on Disney films,...
- 6/2/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
Hey everyone! We have one last batch of horror and sci-fi home media releases headed our way before the end of the month, and this week’s offerings are massive, with well over 20 titles coming out on 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD this Tuesday alone.
One of my favorite creature features ever is getting some love in HD finally, with Scream Factory’s 4K release of Lewis Teague’s Alligator (and its sequel is headed to Blu-ray this week as well), and the horror comedy Dead Heat is also getting a 4K upgrade. For all you giallo fans out there, Forgotten Gialli: Volume 3 is being released tomorrow and features three more Italian classics genre fans are going to want to own, and Severin Films is keeping busy with a ton of titles this week too: Bloody Pit of Horror, Black Candles, Night of the Demon, and The Halfway House.
Other titles...
One of my favorite creature features ever is getting some love in HD finally, with Scream Factory’s 4K release of Lewis Teague’s Alligator (and its sequel is headed to Blu-ray this week as well), and the horror comedy Dead Heat is also getting a 4K upgrade. For all you giallo fans out there, Forgotten Gialli: Volume 3 is being released tomorrow and features three more Italian classics genre fans are going to want to own, and Severin Films is keeping busy with a ton of titles this week too: Bloody Pit of Horror, Black Candles, Night of the Demon, and The Halfway House.
Other titles...
- 2/22/2022
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Did these filmmakers have any idea how twisted a picture they were making? It doesn’t matter because this Italo torture orgy has has remained a freakout favorite ever since. Mickey Hargitay likely asked, ‘do you really want me to act this nuts?’ and then fully complied with Massimo Pupillo’s request to burn, stab, choke and roast his mostly female victims in orgasmic glee. It’s all still more than a little disturbing — or screamingly funny depending on one’s orientation. Severin’s Blu-ray sources original printing elements, lending incredible video and audio quality to this artless yet stunning exercise in sex & death insanity. We also recall an interpretation given this gem by Brit film critics. Co-starring Walter Brandi & Luisa Barrato, plus eight willing special guest torture victims.
Bloody Pit of Horror
Blu-ray
Severin Films
1965 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 87 min. / Street Date November 26, 2021 / Il boia scarlatto, The Crimson Executioner / Available...
Bloody Pit of Horror
Blu-ray
Severin Films
1965 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 87 min. / Street Date November 26, 2021 / Il boia scarlatto, The Crimson Executioner / Available...
- 11/25/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Polish director Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 “Possession” remains one of the most demented movies of all time, constantly careening from mad creature-feature horror to Bergmanesque marital breakdown and back again. (All is amply aided by special effects from “Alien” master Carlo Rambaldi.) This arthouse horror shocker has captured a cult following in recent years, and looks to engage new audiences with an upcoming 4K restoration courtesy of Metrograph Pictures. Exclusive to IndieWire, watch the brand new trailer for the burnished 4K print below.
The new print will first bow at the upcoming Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, before moving on to open exclusively at the Metrograph in New York and on the theater’s digital platform October 1. A nationwide expansion will follow on October 15.
While the film won Isabelle Adjani the Best Actress prize at Cannes for her ferociously engulfing performance as a woman coming down with a hallucinatory rage, “Possession...
The new print will first bow at the upcoming Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, before moving on to open exclusively at the Metrograph in New York and on the theater’s digital platform October 1. A nationwide expansion will follow on October 15.
While the film won Isabelle Adjani the Best Actress prize at Cannes for her ferociously engulfing performance as a woman coming down with a hallucinatory rage, “Possession...
- 9/16/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Ignored, maligned and hammered out into an ‘Alan Smithee’ extended cut for TV, David Lynch’s outstanding Sci-fi epic arrives on 4K Ultra HD, finally achieving the visual opulence on home video that it had in 70mm prints at the end of 1984. The fractured, de-Lynched storyline can be argued over, but the amazing design and arresting characterizations never fail to impress — Lynch attracted a world-class cast of movie stars and used them well. Even if it’s described as a hundred fragmented scenes from a larger narrative, they’re superlative fragments. Lynch should have been authorized to make an alternate cut, his own completely personal ‘impressionist’ version of the Frank Herbert story.
Dune
4K Ultra HD
Arrow Video
1984 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 137 min. / Street Date August 31, 2021 / 59.95
Starring (alphabetically): Francesca Annis, Leonardo Cimino, Brad Dourif, José Ferrer, Linda Hunt, Freddie Jones, Richard Jordan, Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Silvana Mangano, Everett McGill,...
Dune
4K Ultra HD
Arrow Video
1984 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 137 min. / Street Date August 31, 2021 / 59.95
Starring (alphabetically): Francesca Annis, Leonardo Cimino, Brad Dourif, José Ferrer, Linda Hunt, Freddie Jones, Richard Jordan, Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, Silvana Mangano, Everett McGill,...
- 8/31/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Polish director Andrzej Żuławski’s 1981 “Possession” remains one of the most demented movies of all time, constantly careening from mad creature-feature horror movie to Bergman-esque marital breakdown and back again. (All amply aided by special effects from “Alien” master Carlo Rambaldi.) And while the film won Isabelle Adjani the Best Actress prize at Cannes for her ferociously engulfing performance as a woman coming down with a hallucinatory rage, “Possession” didn’t make much impact at the time of its release. When it finally did come to the United States, “Possession” arrived as a mangled studio recut that mostly omitted the divorce happening between Adjani and Sam Neill’s characters, which is the dark heart of the film.
This arthouse horror shocker has gone on to amass a cult following in recent years, and it looks to engage new audiences thanks to an upcoming 4K restoration from Metrograph Pictures. The new...
This arthouse horror shocker has gone on to amass a cult following in recent years, and it looks to engage new audiences thanks to an upcoming 4K restoration from Metrograph Pictures. The new...
- 8/7/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Although it may be the dead of winter, Scream Factory is looking to warm our horror-loving hearts with four new Blu-ray announcements for May: King Kong (1976), He Knows You're Alone, Eyes of a Stranger, and The Hand:
King Kong (1976) Collector's Edition Blu-ray: "Finally!! 1976’s big budget remake of King Kong stomps its way onto Blu-ray in North America for the first time! Here are the early details we have at current time to share:
• National street date for North America (Region A) is May 11th.
• This will be presented as a 2-Disc Collector’s Edition and will come guaranteed with a slipcover in its first three months of release.
• The newly commissioned artwork pictured comes to us from artist Hugh Fleming. This art will be front-facing, and the reverse side of the wrap will feature the original theatrical artwork. \
• Extras will be announced on a later date. However, we...
King Kong (1976) Collector's Edition Blu-ray: "Finally!! 1976’s big budget remake of King Kong stomps its way onto Blu-ray in North America for the first time! Here are the early details we have at current time to share:
• National street date for North America (Region A) is May 11th.
• This will be presented as a 2-Disc Collector’s Edition and will come guaranteed with a slipcover in its first three months of release.
• The newly commissioned artwork pictured comes to us from artist Hugh Fleming. This art will be front-facing, and the reverse side of the wrap will feature the original theatrical artwork. \
• Extras will be announced on a later date. However, we...
- 2/8/2021
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Eureka Entertainment to release a 1970s Killer creature double feature of Nightwing and Shadow of the Hawk on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK, presented as part of the Eureka Classics range, on 15th March 2021. The first print run of 2000 copies will feature a Limited-Edition Collector’s Booklet.
Are a wave of mysterious deaths on a Native American reservation being caused by killer vampire bats, or a curse from beyond the grave? Featuring special effects work by Carlo Rambaldi, Nightwing was one of many creature features produced to cash in on the success of Jaws, but director Arthur Hiller (Love Story) also imbues the film with a humanitarian edge. Described in recent years as an “eco-gothic Western”, and “a great exploration of social change and race relations”, Nightwing comes to Blu-ray for the first time ever in the UK.
An ageing medicine man (Academy Award nominee Chief Dan...
Are a wave of mysterious deaths on a Native American reservation being caused by killer vampire bats, or a curse from beyond the grave? Featuring special effects work by Carlo Rambaldi, Nightwing was one of many creature features produced to cash in on the success of Jaws, but director Arthur Hiller (Love Story) also imbues the film with a humanitarian edge. Described in recent years as an “eco-gothic Western”, and “a great exploration of social change and race relations”, Nightwing comes to Blu-ray for the first time ever in the UK.
An ageing medicine man (Academy Award nominee Chief Dan...
- 12/24/2020
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Dino De Laurentiis took a lot of flack for his underwhelming remake of the incomparable 1933 horror classic, which he promoted into a monster-sized hit. Nothing could eclipse the original but the good casting still appeals. An honest ad campaign would have leaned on two points: See Jeff Bridges and Charles Grodin carry an insultingly ugly production like real stars! See ‘newcomer’ Jessica Lange play a sexualized ditz so well that she retains her dignity! …and most importantly, See the biggest special effects fraud ever perpetrated on movie screens! Umbrella Entertainment from Australia puts this one back in print, on Blu-ray.
King Kong (1976)
Region B Blu-ray
Umbrella Entertainment
1976 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 134 min. / Street Date November 4, 2020 / Available at Umbrella Enertainment 19.95 (au)
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, Jessica Lange, Rick Baker, Rene Auberjonois, Julius Harris, Jack O’Halloran, Ed Lauter, John Agar.
Cinematography: Richard Kline
Film Editor: Ralph E. Winters
Production design: Mario Chiari,...
King Kong (1976)
Region B Blu-ray
Umbrella Entertainment
1976 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 134 min. / Street Date November 4, 2020 / Available at Umbrella Enertainment 19.95 (au)
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, Jessica Lange, Rick Baker, Rene Auberjonois, Julius Harris, Jack O’Halloran, Ed Lauter, John Agar.
Cinematography: Richard Kline
Film Editor: Ralph E. Winters
Production design: Mario Chiari,...
- 11/28/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Pulling off the spectacle of “Dune” requires a director to faithfully and immaculately adapt many elements of novelist Frank Herbert’s beloved book series, including bringing his giant sandworm creatures to the big screen. Director Denis Villeneuve tells Empire magazine (via /Film) that such a task was so important and so detailed for his upcoming “Dune” adaptation that he spent a full year designing and perfecting the look of the sandworms.
The creatures are of paramount importance to the success of “Dune” as they roam the desert wastelands of the planet Arrakis, a setting that becomes owned by the Atreides family. Arrakis is home to the world’s most valuable resource, a human-enhancement drug known as “the spice,” but harvesting it means risking your life against the sandworms.
“We talked about every little detail that would make such a beast possible, from the texture of the skin, to the way the mouth opens,...
The creatures are of paramount importance to the success of “Dune” as they roam the desert wastelands of the planet Arrakis, a setting that becomes owned by the Atreides family. Arrakis is home to the world’s most valuable resource, a human-enhancement drug known as “the spice,” but harvesting it means risking your life against the sandworms.
“We talked about every little detail that would make such a beast possible, from the texture of the skin, to the way the mouth opens,...
- 5/21/2020
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Spring has (mostly) sprung; the birds chirp and the salt coats the cars, so I thought we would look at a film that is light, frothy, and fills the lungs with the smell of blood-splattered pine cones and fresh water memories. I’m speaking of course about Twitch of the Death Nerve (1971), Mario Bava’s notorious ‘body count’ film that was ground zero for our beloved ‘80s slashers.
Why was it notorious? Well, this was not the elegant gothic tinged giallo audiences were expecting from the master of such; in fact the gritty and unpleasant shocker threw a lot of critics for a loop when it splashed across the screen first as Bay of Blood in Italy. Stateside it was picked up by Hallmark Releasing Corporation and renamed Carnage; when that didn’t play, they called it Twitch, which is the default moniker it goes by. Unless you have A Bay of Blood release.
Why was it notorious? Well, this was not the elegant gothic tinged giallo audiences were expecting from the master of such; in fact the gritty and unpleasant shocker threw a lot of critics for a loop when it splashed across the screen first as Bay of Blood in Italy. Stateside it was picked up by Hallmark Releasing Corporation and renamed Carnage; when that didn’t play, they called it Twitch, which is the default moniker it goes by. Unless you have A Bay of Blood release.
- 5/11/2019
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
Ryan Lambie Dec 7, 2017
He headed up the groundbreaking VFX on James Cameron’s T2: Judgment Day. We talk to Ilm effects legend, Dennis Muren...
At Industrial Light & Magic, Dennis Muren has worked on some of the most eye-popping movies of the past 40 years. Beginning with Star Wars in 1977, Muren has gone on to win a stunning nine Oscars for his visual effects work - often shared with such industry colleagues as Richard Edlund, Carlo Rambaldi and Phil Tippett.
See related Jessica Jones’ Kilgrave: Marvel’s creepiest villain yet Iron Fist season 2: Alice Eve joins the cast Luke Cage season 2 wraps Jessica Jones is the most popular Marvel show on Netflix
For the purpose of this interview, though, we’re focusing on a landmark in CGI: 1991's Terminator 2: Judgment Day. As we already saw in our main feature this week, James Cameron’s sci-fi action sequel took all...
He headed up the groundbreaking VFX on James Cameron’s T2: Judgment Day. We talk to Ilm effects legend, Dennis Muren...
At Industrial Light & Magic, Dennis Muren has worked on some of the most eye-popping movies of the past 40 years. Beginning with Star Wars in 1977, Muren has gone on to win a stunning nine Oscars for his visual effects work - often shared with such industry colleagues as Richard Edlund, Carlo Rambaldi and Phil Tippett.
See related Jessica Jones’ Kilgrave: Marvel’s creepiest villain yet Iron Fist season 2: Alice Eve joins the cast Luke Cage season 2 wraps Jessica Jones is the most popular Marvel show on Netflix
For the purpose of this interview, though, we’re focusing on a landmark in CGI: 1991's Terminator 2: Judgment Day. As we already saw in our main feature this week, James Cameron’s sci-fi action sequel took all...
- 12/6/2017
- Den of Geek
It's been 35 years since E.T. first phoned home in Steven Spielberg's E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, and you can celebrate the film's anniversary with a new limited edition 4K Ultra HD / Blu-ray set from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (just make sure you're stocked up on Reese's Pieces).
Press Release: Universal City, Calif., July 13, 2017 -- In 1982, acclaimed director Steven Spielberg created iconic movie magic with his classic film, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, the unforgettable and emotional adventure of an adorable alien lost on Earth and the lonely boy who befriends him. Winner of four Academy Awards®, including Best Music, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial has become a cinematic touchstone for generations of moviegoers and one of the most beloved films of all time. Now, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates the film's original theatrical release with a special gift set, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 35th Anniversary Limited Edition on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray™ + Digital available...
Press Release: Universal City, Calif., July 13, 2017 -- In 1982, acclaimed director Steven Spielberg created iconic movie magic with his classic film, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, the unforgettable and emotional adventure of an adorable alien lost on Earth and the lonely boy who befriends him. Winner of four Academy Awards®, including Best Music, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial has become a cinematic touchstone for generations of moviegoers and one of the most beloved films of all time. Now, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates the film's original theatrical release with a special gift set, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 35th Anniversary Limited Edition on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray™ + Digital available...
- 7/17/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
This French disc release of the Jacques Tourneur classic gets everything right — including both versions in picture perfect transfers. Devil debunker Dana Andrews locks horns with Niall MacGinnis, a necromancer “who has decoded the Old Book” and can summon a fire & brimstone monster from Hell, no election fraud necessary. Even fans that hate ghost stories love this one — it’s a truly creepy, intelligent highlight of the horror genre.
Night of the Demon
Region A + B Blu-ray + Pal DVD
Wild Side (Fr)
1957 / B&W / 1:66 widescreen / 95 & 82 min. / Street Date November 27, 2013 / Curse of the Demon, Rendez-vous avec la peur / Available from Amazon UK or Foreign Exchange Blu-ray
Starring: Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins, Niall MacGinnis, Maurice Denham,
Athene Seyler
Cinematography: Ted Scaife
Production Designer: Ken Adam
Special Effects: George Blackwell, S.D. Onions, Wally Veevers
Film Editor Michael Gordon
Original Music: Clifton Parker
Written by Charles Bennett and Hal E. Chester
from the...
Night of the Demon
Region A + B Blu-ray + Pal DVD
Wild Side (Fr)
1957 / B&W / 1:66 widescreen / 95 & 82 min. / Street Date November 27, 2013 / Curse of the Demon, Rendez-vous avec la peur / Available from Amazon UK or Foreign Exchange Blu-ray
Starring: Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins, Niall MacGinnis, Maurice Denham,
Athene Seyler
Cinematography: Ted Scaife
Production Designer: Ken Adam
Special Effects: George Blackwell, S.D. Onions, Wally Veevers
Film Editor Michael Gordon
Original Music: Clifton Parker
Written by Charles Bennett and Hal E. Chester
from the...
- 5/20/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The phrase Xenomorph, which has been adopted by fans as the official name for the titular hostile aliens, was never mentioned in the original “Alien.” Oscar-winning VFX artists H.R. Giger and Carlo Rambaldi designed the Xenomorph in the original film using 900 parts. To add to their biomechanical appearance, the teeth on both its outer and inner jaws were made from polished steel. The jaw tendons, however, were made from something far less fearsome: shredded condoms. While filming “Alien,” Ridley Scott and his crew got some famous neighbors in the soundstage next door: The Who. The British rock band was testing.
- 5/19/2017
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Ryan Lambie May 17, 2017
Swiss artist Hr Giger sadly died in 2014, but his legacy lives on in Alien Covenant, as Ryan explains...
Nb: The following contains major spoilers for Alien: Covenant.
See related Star Trek: Discovery - trailer, poster, image & synopsis Star Trek: what do we want from the new TV series?
If Prometheus strongly hinted at the fact, Alien: Covenant pretty much confirms it - Ridley Scott's Alien prequels are primarily about David, the android played by Michael Fassbender. Introduced as the unblinking space butler to billionaire industrialist Peter Weyland, David proves to be Prometheus' mischievous catalyst and most charismatic character: obsessed with Lawrence Of Arabia, quietly resentful of the human crew, and wont to experiment on them using the black space goo (or pathogen) he finds on Lv-223.
Alien: Covenant deepens David's backstory a bit further, reintroducing the synthetic as an embittered genius with daddy issues and a god complex.
Swiss artist Hr Giger sadly died in 2014, but his legacy lives on in Alien Covenant, as Ryan explains...
Nb: The following contains major spoilers for Alien: Covenant.
See related Star Trek: Discovery - trailer, poster, image & synopsis Star Trek: what do we want from the new TV series?
If Prometheus strongly hinted at the fact, Alien: Covenant pretty much confirms it - Ridley Scott's Alien prequels are primarily about David, the android played by Michael Fassbender. Introduced as the unblinking space butler to billionaire industrialist Peter Weyland, David proves to be Prometheus' mischievous catalyst and most charismatic character: obsessed with Lawrence Of Arabia, quietly resentful of the human crew, and wont to experiment on them using the black space goo (or pathogen) he finds on Lv-223.
Alien: Covenant deepens David's backstory a bit further, reintroducing the synthetic as an embittered genius with daddy issues and a god complex.
- 5/12/2017
- Den of Geek
Ryan Lambie May 23, 2017
Steven Spielberg's E.T. was a massive hit in 1982, but not all countries found it suitable for the very young...
When E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial emerged in 1982, its childlike alien melted hearts everywhere. At the Cannes Film Festival, where Steven Spielberg's film was screened out of competition, E.T. got a standing ovation, its audience clapping for a full 15 minutes as the final credits rolled. At a royal gala screening, Princess Diana reportedly cried so much that she had to be whisked away to have her makeup fixed by her aides.
See related The Handmaid's Tale episodes 1-3 spoiler-free review The Handmaid's Tale: watch the first full-length trailer
As E.T. smashed attendance records, eventually topping Star Wars as the highest-grossing film up to that point, the sci-fi drama's classic status seemed assured. The performances from the child cast, including Henry Thomas as the lead, Elliott,...
Steven Spielberg's E.T. was a massive hit in 1982, but not all countries found it suitable for the very young...
When E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial emerged in 1982, its childlike alien melted hearts everywhere. At the Cannes Film Festival, where Steven Spielberg's film was screened out of competition, E.T. got a standing ovation, its audience clapping for a full 15 minutes as the final credits rolled. At a royal gala screening, Princess Diana reportedly cried so much that she had to be whisked away to have her makeup fixed by her aides.
See related The Handmaid's Tale episodes 1-3 spoiler-free review The Handmaid's Tale: watch the first full-length trailer
As E.T. smashed attendance records, eventually topping Star Wars as the highest-grossing film up to that point, the sci-fi drama's classic status seemed assured. The performances from the child cast, including Henry Thomas as the lead, Elliott,...
- 5/9/2017
- Den of Geek
Ryan Lambie Mar 14, 2017
Steven Spielberg's follow-up to Jaws was shrouded in mystery. Ryan looks back at Close Encounters' hush-hush production...
Shortly after the release of X-Men spin-off Logan in March, director James Mangold took to Twitter to vent is frustration about the clamour of interest surrounding his new movie - specifically, whether or not it had a post-credits scene.
See related Lee Unkrich interview: Pixar, Toy Story 3, sequels and scary characters
"People wonder why I care," a clearly agitated Mangold wrote. "I care 'cause filmmakers now make films under crippling security because of parasitic gossip. Makes movies worse."
While it's certainly true that the internet allows rumours and leaks to swirl around the planet with unprecedented speed, filmmakers' desire for secrecy is far from new. The more directors and studios try to keep their upcoming projects away from the public gaze, the more intent the film press...
Steven Spielberg's follow-up to Jaws was shrouded in mystery. Ryan looks back at Close Encounters' hush-hush production...
Shortly after the release of X-Men spin-off Logan in March, director James Mangold took to Twitter to vent is frustration about the clamour of interest surrounding his new movie - specifically, whether or not it had a post-credits scene.
See related Lee Unkrich interview: Pixar, Toy Story 3, sequels and scary characters
"People wonder why I care," a clearly agitated Mangold wrote. "I care 'cause filmmakers now make films under crippling security because of parasitic gossip. Makes movies worse."
While it's certainly true that the internet allows rumours and leaks to swirl around the planet with unprecedented speed, filmmakers' desire for secrecy is far from new. The more directors and studios try to keep their upcoming projects away from the public gaze, the more intent the film press...
- 3/13/2017
- Den of Geek
Ray Morton wrote the two-part article about the making of the 1976 version of "King Kong" that appeared in Cinema Retro issues #'s 32 and 33. Here is his report on a recent screening of the film in Santa Monica.
By Ray Morton
On Saturday, December 10, 2016 the American Cinematheque presented a special fortieth anniversary screening of the 1976 version of King Kong at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, California.
King Kong was produced by Dino De Laurentiis, written by Lorenzo Semple, Jr., and directed by John Guillermin. It stars Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, and (in her screen debut) Jessica Lange. The film features Oscar-nominated cinematography by Richard H. Kline and a marvelous score by John Barry. King Kong’s innovative creature effects were created by Carlo Rambaldi and seven-time Academy Award-winning make-up artist and creature creator Rick Baker, who also played the title role (alongside a full-sized mechanical Kong created by Rambaldi and...
By Ray Morton
On Saturday, December 10, 2016 the American Cinematheque presented a special fortieth anniversary screening of the 1976 version of King Kong at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, California.
King Kong was produced by Dino De Laurentiis, written by Lorenzo Semple, Jr., and directed by John Guillermin. It stars Jeff Bridges, Charles Grodin, and (in her screen debut) Jessica Lange. The film features Oscar-nominated cinematography by Richard H. Kline and a marvelous score by John Barry. King Kong’s innovative creature effects were created by Carlo Rambaldi and seven-time Academy Award-winning make-up artist and creature creator Rick Baker, who also played the title role (alongside a full-sized mechanical Kong created by Rambaldi and...
- 12/23/2016
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Cinema Retro has received the following press announcement:
Here's The The Big One!
On Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 7.30 pm, the American Cinematheque will present a special 40th anniversary screening of the 1976 version of King Kong at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica.
King Kong was produced by Dino De Laurentiis, written by Lorenzo Semple, Jr., and directed by John Guillermin. It starred Jeff Bridges and Charles Grodin and introduced Jessica Lange to the big screen. Richard H. Kline provided the movie's Oscar-nominated cinematography and John Barry composed and conducted its classic score.
King Kong's innovative creature effects were created by Carlo Rambaldi and the Academy Award-winning make-up artist and creature creator Rick Baker (who also starred as Kong).
The screening will feature a new HD print of the movie (courtesy of Paramount Pictures) and will be followed by a panel discussion about the making of the film. The panel will...
Here's The The Big One!
On Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 7.30 pm, the American Cinematheque will present a special 40th anniversary screening of the 1976 version of King Kong at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica.
King Kong was produced by Dino De Laurentiis, written by Lorenzo Semple, Jr., and directed by John Guillermin. It starred Jeff Bridges and Charles Grodin and introduced Jessica Lange to the big screen. Richard H. Kline provided the movie's Oscar-nominated cinematography and John Barry composed and conducted its classic score.
King Kong's innovative creature effects were created by Carlo Rambaldi and the Academy Award-winning make-up artist and creature creator Rick Baker (who also starred as Kong).
The screening will feature a new HD print of the movie (courtesy of Paramount Pictures) and will be followed by a panel discussion about the making of the film. The panel will...
- 11/29/2016
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Rebecca Lea Nov 7, 2016
Our lookbacks at the film adaptations of Stephen King arrive at Silver Bullet, starring Gary Busey...
The film: Horrific murders start taking place with mutilated bodies found across the small community of Tarker’s Mills, causing widespread panic. Sheriff Joe Haller (Terry O’Quinn) is out of his depth and, with Reverend Lester Lowe (Everett McGill), trying to stop the townsfolk forming a militia to go after whoever is doing the killings. In the middle of it all is wheelchair-bound Marty (Corey Haim) who starts to suspect there might be a real monster, perhaps a werewolf, who is committing the killings. Together with his Uncle Red (Gary Busey, in typical form), and his begrudging older sister, Jane (Megan Follows), they form a plan to try and stop the wolf.
See related The shows & films that made Britain fall in love with anime Kill La Kill: 2014's hidden anime gem?...
Our lookbacks at the film adaptations of Stephen King arrive at Silver Bullet, starring Gary Busey...
The film: Horrific murders start taking place with mutilated bodies found across the small community of Tarker’s Mills, causing widespread panic. Sheriff Joe Haller (Terry O’Quinn) is out of his depth and, with Reverend Lester Lowe (Everett McGill), trying to stop the townsfolk forming a militia to go after whoever is doing the killings. In the middle of it all is wheelchair-bound Marty (Corey Haim) who starts to suspect there might be a real monster, perhaps a werewolf, who is committing the killings. Together with his Uncle Red (Gary Busey, in typical form), and his begrudging older sister, Jane (Megan Follows), they form a plan to try and stop the wolf.
See related The shows & films that made Britain fall in love with anime Kill La Kill: 2014's hidden anime gem?...
- 11/6/2016
- Den of Geek
A Tribute to King Kong takes place as part of the The St. Louis International Film Festival Sunday, Nov. 6 beginning at 6:00pm at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium. The first film screened will be the new documentary Long Live The King, which explores the enduring fascination with one of the biggest stars — both literally and figuratively — in Hollywood history: the mighty King Kong. Produced and directed by Frank Dietz and Trish Geiger, the creative team behind the award-winning “Beast Wishes,” the documentary devotes primary attention to the 1933 classic, celebrating the contributions of filmmakers Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, stars Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot, writer Edgar Wallace, and especially stop-motion innovator Willis O’Brien. But Kong’s legacy is also fully detailed: the sequel “Son of Kong,” the cinematic kin “Mighty Joe Young,” the Dino DeLaurentis and Peter Jackson remakes, even the Japanese versions by Toho Studios.
- 11/2/2016
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
A Tribute to King Kong takes place as part of the The St. Louis International Film Festival Sunday, Nov. 6 beginning at 6:00pm at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium. The first film screened will be the new documentary Long Live The King, which explores the enduring fascination with one of the biggest stars — both literally and figuratively — in Hollywood history: the mighty King Kong. Produced and directed by Frank Dietz and Trish Geiger, the creative team behind the award-winning “Beast Wishes,” the documentary devotes primary attention to the 1933 classic, celebrating the contributions of filmmakers Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack, stars Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot, writer Edgar Wallace, and especially stop-motion innovator Willis O’Brien. But Kong’s legacy is also fully detailed: the sequel “Son of Kong,” the cinematic kin “Mighty Joe Young,” the Dino DeLaurentis and Peter Jackson remakes, even the Japanese versions by Toho Studios.
- 10/21/2016
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Polish director Andrzej ?u?awski -- who died today in Warsaw at the age of 75 -- directed a total of 13 feature films over his lifetime, winning acclaim and some popular success in his native Europe but never really penetrating the American consciousness. And yet among art house audiences and many critics Zulawski was an important filmmaker, helming such bizarre, controversial films as 1972's The Devil (1972) -- which was banned by Communist authorities in his native country and didn't see release there until 1988 -- and The Public Woman, which nabbed him a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 1985 César Awards (a.k.a. the French Oscars). Despite Zulawski's many accomplishments, his best-known film by far is the surreal 1981 cult horror film Possession, which features as its centerpiece a legendary subway meltdown by Isabelle Adjani that has since gone down as one of the most primal, wrenching moments of performance insanity...
- 2/18/2016
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
If you have been living and routinely interacting with other human beings over the last month, you’ve probably heard one or two words involving this year’s Academy Awards and the heated controversy over the startling lack of both films and people of color among the nominees. Personally, I think that the real focus of concern ought to be less on the back end-- awards handed out for films which were financed and/or studio-approved, scheduled for production and filmed perhaps as much as two or three years ago-- and more on addressing the lack of cultural and intellectual and experiential diversity among those who have the power to make the decisions as to what films get made in the first place. This is no sure-fire way to ensure that there will be a richer and more consistent representation of diverse creative voices when it comes time for Hollywood...
- 2/6/2016
- by Dennis Cozzalio
- Trailers from Hell
Special Mention: Dead Ringers
Directed by David Cronenberg
Written by David Cronenberg and Norman Snider
Canada, 1988
Genre: Thriller / Drama
Dead Ringers is one of David Cronenberg’s masterpieces, and Jeremy Irons gives the most highly accomplished performance of his entire career – times two. This is the story of Beverly and Elliot Mantle (both played by Irons), identical twins who, since birth, have been inseparable. Together, they work as gynecologists in their own clinic, and literally share everything between them, including the women they work and sleep with. Jealousy comes between the two when Beverly falls in love with a new patient and decides he no longer wants to share his lady friend with Elliot. The twins, who have always existed together as one, have trouble adapting and soon turn against one another. Unlike the director’s previous films, the biological horror in Dead Ringers is entirely conveyed through the psychological...
Directed by David Cronenberg
Written by David Cronenberg and Norman Snider
Canada, 1988
Genre: Thriller / Drama
Dead Ringers is one of David Cronenberg’s masterpieces, and Jeremy Irons gives the most highly accomplished performance of his entire career – times two. This is the story of Beverly and Elliot Mantle (both played by Irons), identical twins who, since birth, have been inseparable. Together, they work as gynecologists in their own clinic, and literally share everything between them, including the women they work and sleep with. Jealousy comes between the two when Beverly falls in love with a new patient and decides he no longer wants to share his lady friend with Elliot. The twins, who have always existed together as one, have trouble adapting and soon turn against one another. Unlike the director’s previous films, the biological horror in Dead Ringers is entirely conveyed through the psychological...
- 10/29/2015
- by Ricky Fernandes
- SoundOnSight
English language film has long been a place for some of the greatest horror film directors of all time. All the way back to Alfred Hitchcock, we have seen the genre grow and develop sub-genres, thanks to the public’s ongoing thirst for fear and the possibility of danger around every turn. But, for every Saw or Hostel or terrible remake of classic English-language horror films, there are inventive, terrifying films made somewhere else that inspire and even outdo many of our best Western world horror films. This list will count down the fifty definitive horror films with a main language that isn’t English; some may have some English-language parts in them, but they are, for the most part, foreign. Enlighten yourself. Broaden your horizons. People can get murdered and tortured in every language.
50. Kuroneko (1968)
English Title: Black Cat
Directed by: Kaneto Shindo
Japanese for “Black Cat,” Kuroneko is...
50. Kuroneko (1968)
English Title: Black Cat
Directed by: Kaneto Shindo
Japanese for “Black Cat,” Kuroneko is...
- 10/23/2015
- by Joshua Gaul
- SoundOnSight
First the garage, now the whole workshop. Rick Baker, the legendary Hollywood make-up and special effects wizard, has officially announced his retirement. Fresh from a sale of some of his career memorabilia, Baker shared the news with Californian public radio station Kpcc that he was putting away the prosthetics for good."I said the time is right, I am 64 years old, and the business is crazy right now,” he explained. "I like to do things right, and they wanted cheap and fast. That is not what I want to do, so I just decided it is basically time to get out.”Baker, of course, is the make-up artist behind some of the most memorable, marvellous and maquetted cinematic creations of the past four decades. He emerged as the heir apparent to Jack Pierce in the mid-‘70s, collaborating with fellow SFX guru Carlo Rambaldi on King Kong in 1976 and going...
- 5/29/2015
- EmpireOnline
My first foray into Italian horror was Lucio Fulci’s Zombie (1980), seen as a delightfully repulsed 10 year old. However, Dario Argento’s Deep Red (Profondo Rosso if you’re Italian) was the first Italian horror film that actually intrigued me; same age, but very different feelings. The repulsion was there, that base fear, but set within a framework of beautifully rendered images. I didn’t know much about art, but it felt like that’s what I was watching.
Released in March of 1975, Deep Red was the latest thriller from Argento in the giallo style; an Italian term which has generally become known to mean a gruesome, lurid detective story; so called due to the fact that the original Italian pulp novels a lot of these stories pay homage to were written on yellow, or giallo, paper. Argento was already making a name for himself worldwide with previous efforts in...
Released in March of 1975, Deep Red was the latest thriller from Argento in the giallo style; an Italian term which has generally become known to mean a gruesome, lurid detective story; so called due to the fact that the original Italian pulp novels a lot of these stories pay homage to were written on yellow, or giallo, paper. Argento was already making a name for himself worldwide with previous efforts in...
- 5/23/2015
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
“We’ll give him more than chains. He’s always been king of his world, but we’ll teach him fear. We’re millionaires, boys. I’ll share it with all of you. Why, in a few months, it’ll be up in lights on Broadway: Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World!”
King Kong screens at Schlafly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Ave.- at Manchester – Maplewood, Mo 63143) Thursday, May 7th at 7pm. It is a benefit for Helping Kids Together
Doors open at 6:30pm. $6 suggested for the screening. A yummy variety of food from Schlafly’s kitchen is available as are plenty of pints of their famous home-brewed suds. A bartender will be on hand to take care of you. “Culture Shock” is the name of a film series here in St. Louis that is the cornerstone project of a social enterprise that is an ongoing source of support for Helping Kids Together (http://www.
King Kong screens at Schlafly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Ave.- at Manchester – Maplewood, Mo 63143) Thursday, May 7th at 7pm. It is a benefit for Helping Kids Together
Doors open at 6:30pm. $6 suggested for the screening. A yummy variety of food from Schlafly’s kitchen is available as are plenty of pints of their famous home-brewed suds. A bartender will be on hand to take care of you. “Culture Shock” is the name of a film series here in St. Louis that is the cornerstone project of a social enterprise that is an ongoing source of support for Helping Kids Together (http://www.
- 4/24/2015
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
English language film has long been a place for some of the greatest horror film directors of all time. All the way back to Alfred Hitchcock, we have seen the genre grow and develop sub-genres, thanks to the public’s ongoing thirst for fear and the possibility of danger around every turn. But, for every Saw or Hostel or terrible remake of classic English-language horror films, there are inventive, terrifying films made somewhere else that inspire and even outdo many of our best Western world horror films. This list will count down the fifty definitive horror films with a main language that isn’t English; some may have some English-language parts in them, but they are, for the most part, foreign. Enlighten yourself. Broaden your horizons. People can get murdered and tortured in every language.
50. Kuroneko (1968)
English Title: Black Cat
Directed by: Kaneto Shindo
Japanese for “Black Cat,” Kuroneko is...
50. Kuroneko (1968)
English Title: Black Cat
Directed by: Kaneto Shindo
Japanese for “Black Cat,” Kuroneko is...
- 7/7/2014
- by Joshua Gaul
- SoundOnSight
Here's a little known fact for you guys... After the success of Close Encounters of the Third Kind, director Steven Spielberg had something a lot darker in mind for us. Read on for details and a look at what E.T. was originally supposed to be.
Spielberg was fascinated by an event which transpired back in August 21, 1955, which became known as The Kelly, Kentucky Alien Invasion.
On that evening Billy Ray Taylor and his wife were visiting the Sutton farm. Billy exited the house to go fetch water from the Sutton family well and while doing so saw what he described as an "immense, shining object" landing about a quarter of a mile from the house. It wasn't long before he and the Sutton family were besieged by extraterrestrial invaders who were trying to break into the Sutton home. Click the link above for more on that story.
After becoming aware of the Kentucky incident,...
Spielberg was fascinated by an event which transpired back in August 21, 1955, which became known as The Kelly, Kentucky Alien Invasion.
On that evening Billy Ray Taylor and his wife were visiting the Sutton farm. Billy exited the house to go fetch water from the Sutton family well and while doing so saw what he described as an "immense, shining object" landing about a quarter of a mile from the house. It wasn't long before he and the Sutton family were besieged by extraterrestrial invaders who were trying to break into the Sutton home. Click the link above for more on that story.
After becoming aware of the Kentucky incident,...
- 5/27/2014
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
After the success of Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, Steven Spielberg was eager to start work on Night Skies, a sequel to his alien masterpiece that would turn into a horror story of a family terrorized by a group of aliens, in a sort of Straw Dogs meets E.T storyline. If it wasn't for this project failing, E.T. would have never existed. Then again, judging by the newly released photos of his unused concepts for the film, E.T. never would have existed without the concept designs of Academy Award-winning creature designer Rick Baker. Cinematallica scooped the details, as well as some previously unreleased photos that Mr. Baker himself has been sharing through his official Twitter account. The work is the stuff that movie historians have dreamed of seeing, and it's nothing short of amazing. His concepts for the aliens of Night Skies, which predate Carlo Rambaldi's ...
- 5/27/2014
- cinemablend.com
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