"LAST RITES OF THE DEAD" Is Now Available On Blu-ray And DVD

SGL Entertainment is pleased to announce that LAST RITES OF THE DEAD is now available on Blu-ray and DVD. Horror fans may remember this cult classic horror comedy film under the name ZA or Zombies Anonymous. This version is a brand new Directors Cut, and has a ton of cool footage that was cut out from the original DVD release. And, the Blu-ray and DVD is loaded with extras.

Written and Directed by Marc Fratto, Produced by Frank Garfi and Marc Fratto, Starring Gina Ramsden, Joshua Nelson, Christa McNamee, Kevin T. Collins, Gaetano Iacono, Constantine Josiah Taylor, Mary Jo Verruto, J. Scott Green, Kelly Ray, Amy Margaret, James E. Smith, Shannon Moore, Jocasta Bryan with special guests Suzi Lorraine and Sally Pressman.

Angela has been shot point blank by her boyfriend and lives in a world where the living and dead co-exist. Zombie Anonymous meetings, look alive face creams and all-meat diners help them cope in this bizarre society. Last Rites of the Dead takes you on a weird ride where life meets death, or does it?

LAST RITES OF THE DEAD is now available in the USA and Canada on Blu-ray, DVD and Amazon Prime Movies.

"Perception" Is Set To Release On VOD This August

Ilana Rein's "Perception" is set to be released on VOD August 6th. The film will be available on the following digital platform: iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, VUDU, Google Play, YouTube, Microsoft Store, FandangoNow, Redbox on Demand, Vimeo, Comcast, Spectrum, Cox, Dish Network, Verizon Fios, Frontier, Suddenlink, Mediacom, Armstrong, WOW!, and Shaw. "Perception" stars Wes Ramsey (General Hospital, Charmed), Meera Rohit Kumbhani (This Is Us, Dave Made a Maze), Caitlin Mehner (Best of Enemies, Ocean’s 8), and Max Jenkins (High Maintenance, Dead to Me).

When Daniel, a successful real estate developer, must evict Nina, a mysterious small-time psychic struggling to provide for her young son, the last thing he expects in return is a free reading. But when Nina senses the spirit of Daniel’s dead wife, a once-promising artist, his desire to reconnect with her quickly becomes an obsession. Haunted by memories, Daniel is determined to reunite with his wife—who may have designs of her own. Soon, Daniel and Nina must each decide how far they’ll go to get what they want in this supernatural, psychological thriller.

The Texas Premiere Of "DRIVEN" Set For San Antonio Film Festival

TEXAS PREMIERE OF DRIVEN HILARIOUS, DARK THRILLER WITH RIDE SHARES AND DEMONS AT 2019 SAN ANTONIO FILM FESTIVAL

WHO: Director Glenn Payne (EARTHRISE; Stagrassle Paranormal), Writer/Actor Casey Dillard (Genrevolt; AS I LAY DYING) and Actor Richard Speight, Jr. (Supernatural; Band of Brothers).

WHAT: The Texas premiere of DRIVEN at San Antonio Film Festival. A hysterical thriller, DRIVEN pokes fun at jobs we hate, coming of age identity crises and mankind’s long struggle with demonic entities. Emerson (Casey Dillard) is a ride share driver with aspirations of doing standup comedy and a major fear of failure. Her nights are full of annoyances, inconveniences and unwelcome reminiscing about her ex-girlfriend until she picks up Roger (Richard Speight, Jr.), a mysterious out of towner on a mission to break a multi-generational curse. Together, they have to overcome their clashing personalities to fight their internal demons and the literal demons invading the world. With no shortage of fun or heart, DRIVEN pushes the boundaries of what can be done in genre film to become the best ride possible.

WHEN: Friday, August 2nd at 9:00am

WHERE: Feik Family Rotunda, Tobin Center: 100 Auditorium Cir, San Antonio, TX 78205

MORE: Ticket Link: https://www.tobincenter.org/box-office/2019-07/2019-san-antonio-film-festival

Amazon Releases Poster For New Season Of 'The Expanse'

Amazon Prime Video has released the official poster for upcoming fourth season of sci-fi series 'The Expanse'. Amazon picked up the show after Syfy cancelled when season three finished. No word on the actual premiere date but there will be a panel at Comic-Con July 20th.

Steven Strait, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Frankie Adams star. Season Four introduces new cast members Rosa Gilmore, Keon Alexander, Jess Salgueiro and Burn Gorman. 

Official Trailer Released For "ClownDoll"

The official trailer has been released for upcoming horror "ClownDoll". The film is directed by Scott Jeffrey and stars Peter Cosgrove, Sarah T. Cohen, Jon-Scott Clark, Mark Sears and Kate Milner Evans. ITN Distribution plans a October release for this supernatural thriller. 

After purchasing a doll, Lane’s (Sarah T. Cohen) life takes a turn for the worst when close friends and family begin vanishing…

Full Trailer Released For "IT: Chapter Two", Out September

Warner Bros has released the full trailer for the highly anticipated sequel "IT: Chapter Two". The film hits theatres September 6th. - "Chapter Two" stars James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, Andy Bean, Jaeden Lieberher, Wyatt Oleff, Sophia Lillis, Finn Wolfhard, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Chosen Jacobs, and Jack Dylan Grazer.

Because every 27 years evil revisits the town of Derry, Maine, IT CHAPTER TWO brings the characters—who’ve long since gone their separate ways—back together as adults, nearly three decades after the events of the first film.

Poster Art Released For Rob Zombie's "3 From Hell"

Check out the new poster art released for Rob Zombie's "3 From Hell". The film is due out later this year with a a three night premiere event, September 16th-17th-18th. This limited edition poster is available to the first 50 people in every theater on September 16th.

"3 From Hell" stars Bill Moseley, Sid Haig, Sheri Moon Zombie, Richard Brake, Richard Riehle, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Sean Whalen, Kevin Jackson, Richard Edson, Pancho Moler, Danny Trejo, Dot-Marie Jones, Tom Papa, David Ury, Emilio Rivera, Dan Roebuck, Dee Wallace and Austin Stoker.

If you haven't already, check out the trailer below.

Stills Released Ahead Of "Artik" World Premiere At Popcorn Frights

Award-winning filmmaker, Tom Botchii, is gearing up for the World Premiere of his horror-thriller, ARTIK. With Popcorn Frights just weeks away, we have an exclusive look at stills from the film.

A comic book obsessed serial killer teaches his son how to get away with a series of brutal murders until the boy befriends a mysterious man who threatens to expose everything. 

"It sounds funny but making ARTIK, a film about a murderer, was actually, kind of healing. Truth is, the character himself is loosely based on my dad and the character of Holton was based around an ex-girlfriend," says Botchii. "So from the moment that I started writing, it felt like the story was just pouring out of me and releasing a lot of pent up emotion. And that was the original goal, do something that gets this off my chest, but also works as a small, independent horror production. Then, small began to morph into real which then changed into holy crap - it's happening! And now, it feels like it's truly starting to take on a life of its own."

ARTIK is written & directed by Tom Botchii, starring Chase Williamson (John Dies at the End), Lauren Ashely Carter (Imitation Girl), Matt Mercer (Contracted), Gavin White (14 Cameras), & Jerry G Angelo (7 Faces of Jack the Ripper).

New Poster Released For "Seeds", Coming This September

Star of Emmy-award nominated OZARK in SEEDS, in theaters this September- New Poster & Stills

Dark Star Pictures and Uncork’d Entertainment present SEEDS, in theaters September 13 and on VOD/DVD September 24.

Starring Trevor Long, star of Netflix drama Ozark, which was this week nominated for 9 Emmy Awards, director Owen Long’s SEEDS is a gothic horror about a man haunted by his dark past while pursuing some self-care on the New England coast.

After a night of debauchery spirals out of control, Marcus retreats to his family home along the New England coast. Solitude is disturbed when his brother asks Marcus to look after his estranged nephew and niece. As days pass, solace escapes him; he feels baited by a dark force. Is he losing his mind or has something terrible burrowed deep within him? Incubating. Waiting until the climate is right. Haunted by his deepest fears, Marcus struggles not to succumb as he fights to protect Lily, his beloved niece from a monster that lies in wait.

Andrea Chen, Garr Long, and Kevin Breznahan star opposite Trevor Long in an Owen Long film Seeds, written by Steven Weisman, out this September from Dark Star Pictures and Uncork'd Entertainment.

My Review Of "Dolls" 2019

"Dolls" 2019 is directed by Cuyle Carvin in his feature directorial debut. The film stars Dee Wallace, Tom Downey, Trinity Simpson, Bret Green and Elise Muller. "Dolls" is a slow-burn horror thriller with a sinister ending. 

The story concerns a struggling children's book author and his rebellious teenage daughter who move into a house they've inherited and find mysterious dolls in the attic.  They soon learn that the dolls have a sinister -- and deadly -- past.

"Dolls" is reminiscent of 80's prop horror films like "Puppet Master" and 1987's "Dolls", keeping with a slow paced scary story format. In this film, the story does move a bit too slow in the beginning. Too much time is spent teasing the horror to come, and clumsily creating character development. It gets a little tedious but Thomas Downey's portrayal of Robert does help break up the monotony with comic relief , and a general relatability- complete with "Dad jokes". 

The acting is decent, at times there is clear indication that the script never quite matured. Still, the cast did an excellent job bringing these characters to life. I do feel a need to complain there wasn't enough Dee Wallace. With a stronger script maybe it wouldn't have been so noticable, but given the over-exaggerated drama that eats up the first hour, and weak jump scares, I found myself wishing Wallace's onscreen presence was stronger.

The horror elements are not as strong as I was hoping for going into "Dolls". Expected jump scares are weak, mostly just soneone being creeped out by a doll. A couple of the kill sequences fall a bit short, but were still a welcomed sight. Carvin is clever in his choices as far as how to shoot the horror elements, very much the way Full Moon shoots their stuff these days. 

The last act is the real ticket. The sinister, and tragic way the story ends, and those last few deaths are what I was hoping for the first two acts. Overall "Dolls" will disappoint as much as it will entertain. This isn't a high intensity thriller, and there are holes in the story. Still it is worth checking out at least once, just don't expect to be scared. (2.5/5)

"The Black String" Set To Be Released This September

Frankie Muniz stars in "The Black String", set to be released this September. The film is directed by Brian Hanson and costars Bret Green and Chelsea Edmondson. ”The Black String" arrives on DVD, Digital, and On Demand September 24th from Lionsgate.

After Jonathan (Frankie Muniz, Agent Cody Banks) hooks up with sexy Dena through a swinger’s hotline, he becomes incredibly ill. Suffering from blackouts and hallucinations, Jonathan’s life begins to fall apart. He becomes convinced that he’s the helpless victim of an evil cult that’s cursed him with deadly mystical forces beyond his control. But is this supernatural threat real or all in Jonathan’s troubled mind? This riveting horror-thriller will leave you shaken long after it’s all done.

"VELOCIPASTOR" JURASSIC PRIEST EMERGES IN FIRST TRAILER!

The VelociPastor stomps into San Diego Comic-Con! JURASSIC PRIEST EMERGES IN FIRST TRAILER!

A man of the cloth turns Jurassic in Wild Eye Releasing’s THE VELOCIPASTOR – screening this Saturday at San Diego Comic-Con!

Screening Details:
SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON
Saturday July 20, 2019 10:30pm – 11:45pm
Marriott Grand Ballroom 5

The Brendan Steere directed classic-in-the-making will premiere on DVD and Digital August 13 on such platforms as iTunes, Comcast, Spectrum, Dish, Vudu, Amazon, Fandango and Sling. A Blu-ray release will follow September 17.

After a devastating family tragedy, a priest travels to China to find deeper spirituality, but instead is endowed with an ancient ability that allows him to turn into a dinosaur. At first, he is horrified by his newfound superpower, but a local prostitute convinces him to use his newfound gift to fight evil – and ninjas.

Gregory James Cohan, Alyssa Kempinski, Daniel Steere, Yang Jiechang, Jesse Turits, Fernando Pacheco de Castro star with Aurelio Voltaire in the Wild Eye Releasing title.

FROM THE CREATOR OF FINAL DESTINATION COMES "THE NIGHT SITTER"- OUT THIS AUGUST!

John Rocco and Abiel Bruhn’s highly-anticipated horror feature The Night Sitter is set to spook summer, with a digital and DVD bow set for August via Uncork’d Entertainment.

Starring The Walking Dead’s Elyse DuFour, The Night Sitter fixes on a scheming con artist that poses as innocent babysitter to steal from a wealthy occult enthusiast. Just as the thief arrives to clean out the house, the home owner’s reclusive son stumbles upon one of his father’s artifacts and unwittingly summons a trio of witches known as The Three Mothers. As the playful, sadistic witches start picking people off, the humans form an unlikely bond and try to survive the night together.



The Night Sitter will be available August 6 on DVD and VOD from Uncork’d Entertainment.

Official Trailer Released For "Don't Let Go"

The official trailer has been released for "Don't Let Go". The Blumhouse horror hits theatres August. The film is directed by Jacob Aaron Estes and stars Storm Reid, Mykelti Williamson, David Oyelowo, Byron Mann and Shinelle Azoroh.

In DON’T LET GO, detective Jack Radcliff (David Oyelowo) gets a shocking phone call from his recently murdered niece Ashley (Storm Reid). Working together across time, they race to solve her murder before it can happen. A classic thriller with a supernatural twist,

Horror Anthology "Deathcember" Acquired By Epic Pictures

"Deathcember", a holiday-themed anthology, has been acquired by Epic Pictures. In honor of the Advent Calendar the film will feature 24 short films, one for each day leading to Christmas. Among the directors showcased are Lucky McKee (May), Ruggero Deodato (Cannibal Holocaust, Phantom of Death), Sam Wineman, and Walking Dead actress Pollyanna McIntosh. 

"Deathcember"  stars Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, From Beyond, You’re Next, Beyond the Gates) Brianna Barnes (The Day), Sean Bridgers (Deadwood, Sweet Home Alabama), Johnny Vivash (Book of Monsters), Barbara Magnolfi (Suspira), and AJ Bowen (A Horrible Way to Die, The Signal, You’re Next) in the cast.

The anthology film is composed of 24 shorts + 3 bonus segments, each inspired by a unique take on holiday terror, with concepts ranging from giallo-inspired to stop-motion to Japanese ghost tales, and beyond every corner of the horror genre.

First Trailer Released For Thriller Horror "The Hunt"

The first trailer has been released for upcoming thriller horror "The Hunt". The film is directed by Craig Zobel and stars Betty Gilpin, Hilary Swank, Emma Roberts, Justin Hartley, Ike Barinholtz, Glenn Howerton, Amy Madigan, Reed Birney, and Macon Blair. 

Twelve strangers wake up in a clearing. They don’t know where they are, or how they got there. In the shadow of a dark internet conspiracy theory, a group of globalist elites gathers for the very first time at a remote Manor House to hunt humans for sport. But the elites’ master plan is about to be derailed because one of the hunted, Crystal (Betty Gilpin), knows The Hunters’ game better than they do. She turns the tables on the killers, picking them off, one by one, as she makes her way toward the mysterious woman (Hilary Swank) at the center of it all.

Hex Studios Unleashes A Legion of Demons In 'For We Are Many'

The latest offering from the Scottish studio is a demon-themed anthology featuring 13 shorts produced especially for the project by up-and-coming directors from around the world. For We Are Many is the first of several anthology features in the works at Hex, and seeks to showcase the best of new and emerging talent in the genre.

The film stars a host of horror icons including Eileen Dietz (The Exorcist), Nicholas Vince (Hellraiser), and Laurence R. Harvey (The Human Centipede II). Each segment tells the terrifying story of a particular demonic entity, from a devastatingly sensual succubus, to a Native-American demon that drives its victims to cannibalism, and many more, ranging from the biblical to the Lovecraftian.

Following an open pitching process, the producers at Hex worked closely with the filmmakers to ensure that each short would feature unique and iconic creatures, bold, original stories and (literally) eye-popping practical effects. 

According to producer Lawrie Brewster of Hex, “A big part of our mission at Hex Studios has always been to provide a platform for, and shine a light on emerging talent. Working with so many supremely talented filmmakers to produce For We Are Many has been a fantastic experience, and we're all so proud of the film we've created together. We're already planning two further anthologies for next year which we'll be announcing soon, and which will, again, be open to all to submit pitches.”

After two years of production, For We Are Many is now almost complete, and set to première at London's legendary FrightFest. To support the release of the film, the producers have launched a Kickstarter campaign, where backers can pre-order copies of the film as well as Hex Studios' previous titles, books, T-shirts and exclusive plush toys of their infamous villain the Owlman.



Head over to their Kickstarter page to watch the trailer, check out the rewards on offer and support independent horror!

My Review Of "The Dark Within"

"The Dark Within" is a psychological shock horror from Director David Ryan Keith. Paul Flannery (Ghosts of Darkness), Kendra Carelli (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, “Maid to Order”), and Stephanie Lynn Styles (Check Point) star. The film blends classic metaphysics and psuedo-science with shock horror. 

The film concerns a disturbed man with unknown psychic abilities who tries to unravel the mystery of his parent's disappearance while battling his own demons.

The story mixes mysticism and science together for a supernatural horror show. There is a more than subtle nod to 80's cult horror, most notably 'Evil Dead'. Keith does offer a bit more creativity and originality in his approach. "The Dark Within", compared to other more recent retro horror homages, is slightly more experimental. Blending both the psuedo science of psychic ability manipulation and the more sinister exploration of the demonic essence, the film does establish a clear, interesting storyline.

All that being said, "The Dark Within" does have some flaws. For one thing the platform of experimenting with psychic abilities isn't developed strong enough to sell the plot point, and the whole struggle to reconcile ones past while battling internal demons drags out a little too long. In the film's defense despite the sluggish start, "The Dark Within" does finally get there about 45 minutes into it.

The horror elements are straight up, cool atmospheric tricks. The shock moments work, the CGI elements are quality displays that sell the whole demonic haunting aspects, and the creature design is awesome and creepy. The cinematography talents and shadowing really frame "The Dark Within" in a traditional 80's VHS horror style. And it all really kicks in around that 45 minute mark. I did find the choices for ending the film a bit cheap, but it creates an easy way of questioning the truth of the events we just saw. (3/5)

MIDNIGHT RELEASING ANNOUNCES "WICKED WITCHES" THEATRICAL

On August 9, Midnight Releasing sets free Wicked Witches, the creepy, witchy new horror jaunt from The Pickering Brothers.

After being thrown out of his home by his wife for being promiscuous, Mark finds himself back at Dumpling Farm, a place of youthful memories and parties, but things aren't quite right. His old buddy Ian, who has never left the place, is possessed by a group demonic, flesh eating Witches. Using Ian and his farm, these beautiful Witches honey trap Mark and his friends to consume their souls.

Duncan Casey, Justin Marosa and Samantha Schnitzler star in an “extremely entertaining and pretty damn evil”* film, in theaters and available on digital and DVD August 9.
 


The 10-city theatrical (cities to be announced), DVD and Digital release begins August 9.

My Review Of "Crown And Anchor"

"Crown And Anchor" follows James Downey (Michael Rowe), who is living a disciplined and straight edge lifestyle as a result of growing up with an abusive alcoholic father. His estranged cousin Danny (Matt Wells) is drowning his own trauma with drugs and booze. When their lives are forced to intersect once more, they each begin to unravel as the past returns with violent and tragic consequences.

"Crown And Anchor" is the directorial debut of writer/director Andrew Rowe. It stars Michael Rowe (‘Deadshot’ on TV’s Arrow), Matt Wells (“Designated Survivor”), Natalie Brown (“Saw V”), Robert Joy (“CSI : NY”), Stephen McHattie (“Orphan Black”) and Ben Cotton (“The X-Files”).

I have to admit, for a directorial debut Andrew Rowe sure meets his calling heading. "Crown And Anchor" rests somewhere between "Training Day" and "In Bruges". The attitude and pace of the film is more classic British thriller, but the incorporating of a dark and dingy cop in crisis hits more to the film styles this side of the pond. Appreciate considering the film is based from the point-of-view of a New Foundland native. 

The story stays really traditional with familiar tropes, recognizable characters and mixed with steeley, tense angst. Even though the originality suffers a bit, the characters and situational drama is captivating and at times rife with dark humor. The acting is stellar and the build to a moment when these two tragic characters clash is compelling. 

The suspense and intensity starts almost immediately in "Crown And Anchor". It gets stated in the beginning that some things have happened, we enter in the midst of the worsening chaos and things are only gonna get worse. Moments of botched criminal activity, interactions with unsavory characters, and a bit of blood and bandages bring in the thriller elements. The film could have easily been edited down about 20 minutes and still killed it, but overall "Crown And Anchor" is worth the watch. (3.5/5)

My Review Of "The Bastard Fig Tree"

"The Bastard Fig Tree" is a dark drama set during the time of the Spanish Civil War. The film is directed by Ana Murugarren and stars Karra Elejalde, Carlos Areces, Pepa Aniorte, and Jordi Sanchez. Playing against elements of political driven atrocities and redemption, "The Bastard Fig Tree" is part modern Fable and part period drama. 

During the Spanish Civil War, a fascist soldier becomes a hermit who is obsessed with a fig tree after looking into the eyes of a boy whose father and brother he killed.

Technically "The Bastard Fig Tree" isn't horror, though there is some horrific actions taken on behalf of horrific ideology. Still thanks to some gothically framed characters, haunting and fantasy-like cinematography there is an air of dark fairytale inspiration enveloping the story. Despite the more dark dramatic style of story telling "The Bastard Fig Tree" is a beautifully tragic, and captivating film.

The acting is superb. The characters are layered and familiar. And the story, even as it is set in a historical point, is very relevant to now. Ana Murugarren is very direct in telling the story as a classic morality tale. The use on the antagonist as transformative, becoming the protagonist and caretaker of the story's heart is brilliant.

The horror elements happen within very dramatic, chilling scenes where sheer cruelty and calculative action of man's own ideology. Violence and social cleansing of people who's views differ with such finality is horrifying. Fascists, Nazis, Death Squads, White Supremacy, all terrifying and disturbing similar. This makes "The Bastard Fig Tree" recognizable and relevant today as it is to history. The film is subtitled, but it is definitely worth watching. (4/5)

My Review Of "Crisis Hotline"

Written and directed by Mark Schwab, "Crisis Hotline" stars Corey Jackson, Christian Gabriel and Pano Tsaklas. This LGBTQ thriller exploits the darker aspects of gay culture, with relationship conflicts seething with cruel intentions, and the tragic repercussions. 

A cynical counselor at a crisis hotline finds himself in a life or death situation when a young man calls and threatens to kill three people and then himself. 

I love seeing gay representation in horror and sci-fi. Being gay myself I often wondered when a positive show of LGBTQ diversity was going to finally take hold in the only genres I like. We have made strides, and there is plenty of representation behind the camera and with onscreen talent. There's still work to be done when it comes to strong characters and storylines. 

Now, that being said, I was slightly disappointed with "Crisis Hotline". Meant to bring some gay flavor to the thriller genre, similar to "The Call", Mark Shwab's film is greater in concept than it is in execution. I liked what he has done here as a psychological drama, but as a horror thriller - no. 

The story creates a a situation which starts out building suspense, however that suspense never reaches a peak, it doesn't crash down into a thrill ride, all the supposed horror happens off screen, and what we are left with is a Logo channel version of a Lifetime movie. Which is cool if you're into that but I need actual horror in my horror movie. (2/5)