On April 29, Code Red DVD will release the critically trashed 1981 film BOARDINGHOUSE. The first shot-on-video horror film, which gained notoriety when prints where made of this and actually projected onto the big screen, it makes its DVD debut with a full frame transfer. Special features will include an audio commentary with director/star John Wintergate and star Kalassu, moderated by Jeff McKay and cult film historian Lee Christian, as well as an on camera interview with Wintergate and Kalassu and the original theatrical trailer. The retail price is $19.98.

"Icons of Adventure" Hammer DVD Set!

As we told you earlier, Sony will be releasing a set of adventure epics from Hammer Films, but here are some more details, as well as the final cover art (above). On June 10, Sony will release a 2-DVD set called “Icons of Adventure: The Hammer Films Collection Vol. 1”. The set will include THE STRANGLERS OF BOMBAY, THE TERROR OF THE TONGS, PIRATES OF BLOOD RIVER and DEVIL SHIP PIRATES. According to Sony’s publicity site, all four titles will be presented in their original aspect ratios with anamorphic enhancement. All four titles will have audio commentaries (some of them with legendary Hammer screenwriter Jimmy Sangster), and other extras will include original theatrical trailers, the cartoon: “The Merry Mutineers” (1936), Chapter One of the Serial: “The Great Adventures of Captain Kidd” (1951) and the short subject: “Hot Paprika” (1935) starring Andy Clyde. The SRP is $24.96. Note that this is “Vol. 1” of a “Hammer Films Collection.”

Upcoming Naschy DVDs!

Fangoria has posted the above cover art and this exciting blurb about BCI/Deimos' next "Spanish Horror Collection" releases starring Paul Naschy: "The next two Paul Naschy vehicles howling on the Deimos label, CURSE OF THE DEVIL and WEREWOLF SHADOW, will be out June 10, both uncut in anamorphic 1.85:1 widescreen with theatrical trailers, still galleries and liner notes. SHADOW will also be accompanied by the U.S. version titled THE WEREWOLF VS. THE VAMPIRE WOMAN; each disc retails for $14.98."

"Fox Classics" Gets Cultish!

Fox Home Video’s "Fox Classics" line will unleash some interesting horror and mystery titles this year including CHANDU THE MAGICIAN starring Bela Lugosi, DR. RENAULT'S SECRET starring J. Carrol Naish and George Zucco, DRAGONWYCK starring Vincent Price and MANHUNT, directed by Fritz Lang. No date has been set yet, but expect them all to appear in ’08!

Update: Legend Films Releases Paramount Cult Titles!

Legend Films has licensed a number of library titles from Paramount for DVD release. Of interest to DVD Drive-In readers include THE SKULL, ZPG, THE POSSESSION OF JOEL DELANEY, THE STUDENT BODIES, JEKYLL AND HYDE TOGETHER AGAIN, THE BUSY BODY, THE MAN WHO COULD CHEAT DEATH, PHASE IV, THE DEADLY BEES,THE SENDER and THE PIED PIPER (just added). Some of these titles will be available for sale at the Legend Films website as of April 1st, and they will be available for retail everywhere else in June and July in separate batches. Click HERE to see the cover art for these titles!!

Hammer's THE NANNY Arriving in April!

On April 8, Fox will release Hammer Films’ 1965 psychological thriller, THE NANNY on DVD. The film stars Bette Davis in one of her best later-day roles, and also features an excellent cast including Wendy Craig, Jill Bennett and James Villiers. The film was directed by Seth Holt with a screenplay by Hammer vet Jimmy Sangster. The DVD will be anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) and include extras. THE NANNY will retail for $19.98 individually but will also be available as part of Fox’s “Bette Davis: Centenary Celebration Collection”, also including VIRGIN QUEEN, PHONE CALL FROM A STRANGER, HUSH...HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE and ALL ABOUT EVE and will retail for $49.98.

THE DRACULA SAGA in March!

BCI has confirmed to DVD Drive-In that March 25 is the street date for their release of Leon Klimovsky’s THE DRACULA SAGA (LA SAGA DE LOS DRÁCULA) (1972). Count Dracula's pregnant granddaughter arrives at his castle, along with her husband. While she prepares to give birth to a new member of the Dracula family, her husband secretly begins a series of affairs with the Count's brides. The film stars Tina Sáinz, Tony Isbert, María Kosti and Helga Liné. It will be remastered in High Definition from the original negative and retail for $19.98. More details to follow.

New Midnite Movies Website!

Fox and MGM have developed a new website devoted to our favorite DVD line, the Midnite Movies series. Nothing is mentioned yet about future releases, but the good news is that many of the out-of-print Midnite Movies double features are available again, and the site has links to where you can purchase them at the online Fox store for $11.98 a piece. Check out www.midnitemoviesdvd.com.

Code Red Signs with BCI/Navarre!

“BCI/Navarre is pleased to add Code Red to its line-up of exclusively distributed DVD labels. They have created some of the best cult titles over the last year; all of these will be re-released, along with over 20 new titles coming in the next year.” - Cliff MacMillan, Director of Acquisitions, BCI. The first of these will be SOLE SURVIVOR in April, followed by BOARDINGHOUSE, then THE DEAD PIT in May, as well as a re-issue of DOOM ASYLUM, DEVIL TIMES FIVE,THE FOREST, and DON'T GO IN THE WOODS, followed by other titles such as THE UNSEEN, CAN I DO IT TILL I NEED GLASSES, BEYOND THE DOOR, BUTCHER BAKER NIGHTMARE MAKER, THE VISITOR, THE MUTILATOR, THE NESTING, NIGHTMARE, SPASMS, TERROR CIRCUS, VELVET TRAP, RUNNING HOT, CAGED MEN, and many others to follow, including some drive-in 'double features' of all new products.

Dark Sky Films' Motherload for 2008!

In addition to their long-awaited releases of RICCO THE MEAN MACHINE and TRAGIC CEREMONY, Dark Sky Films has a number of drive-in and exploitation goodies set for DVD release in 2008. Some of the titles are: THE CENTERFOLD GIRLS, BONNIE'S KIDS, A WOMAN FOR ALL MEN, THE ROOMMATES (1973), LINDA LOVELACE FOR PRESIDENT, GAMES GIRLS PLAY (aka SEX PLAY, THE BUNNY CAPER), THE PSYCHIC KILLER, SIMON - KING OF THE WITCHES, THE ONE-ARMED EXECUTIONER, THEY CALL HER CLEOPATRA WONG, Michael Reeves’ THE SHE BEAST (aka REVENGE OF THE BLOOD BEAST) and a deluxe edition of DEADBEAT AT DAWN. More details to follow as they come in!

"Blood Island" Soundtrack!

We just got an awesome new must-have CD we had to tell you about. Tim Ferrante’s newly-formed Elysee Productions is pleased to present its first original soundtrack release. Now available for the first time in any form is Tito Arevalo's amazing score for the cult drive-in horror fave, MAD DOCTOR OF BLOOD ISLAND. Mastered from the original session tapes (recorded in full track mono at 15-ips), CD includes an eight-page full color booklet with liner notes and composer bio by Ferrante. This release is limited to 1,000 pressings. There are 34 tracks running a total of 50 mins. 41 secs. Price: $19.99. The company is planning on releasing similar soundtrack CDs if this one does well, so please give them your support. Check out the Elysee Productions website HERE for more information.

The Godzilla Collection!

On November 20, Classic Media will unleash THE GODZILLA COLLECTION, a deluxe DVD box set with eight classic Godzilla movies and more. Titles in the set are GOJIRA/GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS, GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN, MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA, GHIDRAH THE THREE-HEADED MONSTER, INVASION OF ASTRO-MONSTER and these two exclusives to the set: ALL MONSTERS ATTACK (aka GODZILLA’S REVENGE and TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA. Click HERE for more information on THE GODZILLA COLLECTION.

Coming Soon from Retromedia!

Retromedia has sent us some info and cover art on some of the upcoming title they’re working on. Coming soon are THE STEEVE REEVES COLLECTION (GIANT OF MARATHON/WAR OF THE TROJANS, both 2.35:1 scope transfers from film, enhanced for 16x9), SCARED TO DEATH (1981) (1.85:1 enhanced for 16x9 from original film with lots of bonus features), THE EDGAR WALLACE COLLECTION (THE MAD EXECUTIONERS - 2.35:1 scope from film, enhanced for 16x9, and FELLOWSHIP OF THE FROG - full frame, transferred from film), THE ROBERT QUARRY COLLECTION (double feature of THE DEATHMASTER 1.85:1 enhanced 16 x 9 along with TEEN EXORCIST) and HOLLYWOOD CHAINSAW HOOKERS 20th Anniversary Widescreen Edition (1.85:1, 16x9 from the original negative). Click HERE to view the cover art on these.

"Drive-In Movie" Article!

During the 1980s, one of the most exciting and influential movie experiences to ever hit Saturday afternoon television was Drive-In Movie on WNEW channel 5 in New York. The programming was unbeatable: motorcycle movies, teen sex comedies, Japanese giant monster epics, Hammer horror films, AIP classics and, most importantly, kung fu movies. Lots and lots of kung fu movies. Chris Poggiali gives us the full story -- as well as complete listings -- of one of the first programs to drag Chinese kung fu flicks out of the grindhouses and into the living rooms of mainstream America! Click HERE to read more.

"Children" DVD Recall!

VCI Entertainment President Robert A. Blair has announced an immediate recall on the 35th Anniversary Edition of CHILDREN SHOULDN’T PLAY WITH DEAD THINGS – EXHUMED EDITION. (Item # 8509). VCI has just discovered a huge error was made in the new special edition DVD of this cult classic, which had just begun hitting the street. Apparently a last second internal miscommunication sent the wrong DVD master to the replicator. The master that made it thru was unfortunately cut by several minutes and had unfinished video corrections. Thankfully VCI’s loyal customers, and fans of the film were kind enough to notify us of this mishap and Blair decided on an immediate recall to fix the matter. Mr. Blair made the following statement: “We pride ourselves in our DVD productions and this is embarrassing! When a mistake like this happens we fix it immediately. For over 30 years VCI has stood by our mission statement to bring our consumers the best in quality from our line of classic and cult films.” VCI will begin an immediate recall of the problem DVD’s and will replace them as soon as the corrected DVD master can be replicated. All direct wholesale and retail customers should contact a VCI Customer Service Rep by calling 800-331-4077, emailing to vci@vcient.com, or faxing to 918-254-6117 to make arrangements. VCI will be posting instructions on their website within a few days which will instruct consumers how to get a free replacement disc.

Yongary: DVD From the Deep!

Check out SciFi Japan for an excellent article on MGM’s Midnite Movies DVD release of YONGARY: MONSTER FROM THE DEEP, including a lot of interesting background on the Korean monster classic. The article also contains an interview with former MGM Director of Technical Services, James Owsley, who is responsible for the stunning YONGARY transfer, as well as restorations of a number of Midnite Movies (including WITCHFINDER GENERAL, VAMPIRE LOVERS, CRY OF THE BANSHEE, MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE and others). Essential reading for Midnite Movies fans and collectors!

BCI's October Spanish Horror Collection Titles!

Here are the full details on the October 23 releases of HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB and THE LORELEY'S GRASP from BCI/Deimos Entertainment. In 15th century France, the warlock Alaric de Marnac is beheaded for crimes against humanity and his equally vile mistress viciously killed, but not before the pair put a curse upon the decedents of their executioners. So starts HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB, one of Paul Naschy's most gruesome and sensational films. With its midnight séances, the undead rising from marshes, generous doses of nudity, blood-drenching heart-ripping and eerie atmosphere, HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB rightfully deserves its place as a hallmark of euro-horror. (READ MORE)

Icons of Horror Collection: Sam Katzman: Cover Art and Full Details!

Sam Katzman, the amazingly prolific and successful, if sometimes derided, producer who churned out over 200 B-movies and serials over a four-decade-plus career, finally gets a little respect via The Sam Katzman Collection, the latest entry in Sony Pictures Home Entertainment’s “Icons of Horror” DVD series. The two-disc set will be released Oct. 16th at SRP $24.95. The four features in the set are all making their DVD debut, and two have never been released in any video format. (READ MORE)

MGM Midnite Movies Double Features Artwork!

MGM's batch of new Midnite Movies double features have now been confirmed for a September 11 street date, making this one of the biggest Septembers for classic horror/sci-fi DVD releases ever! The following four double features have been confirmed: RETURN OF DRACULA/THE VAMPIRE (John Beal) (new hi-def transfers), PHANTOM FROM 10,000 LEAGUES/THE BEAST WITH A MILLION EYES (new hi-def transfer for PHANTOM), THE BEAST WITHIN/THE BAT PEOPLE and KONGA/YONGARY, MONSTER FROM THE DEEP. We have added the covers for these to the MGM/Fox Halloween page, so you can check them out by clicking HERE. You'll also find some additional art there for MGM's upcoming Vincent Price and Roger Corman box sets!

Universal Horror and Sci-Fi Sets Covers!

Here are the covers to Universal's upcoming Horror and Sci-Fi box sets (with special thanks to Jim Clatterbaugh for passing them along to us). The “Universal Horror: Classic Movie Archive” set will include MAN-MADE MONSTER, HORROR ISLAND, CAPTIVE WILD WOMAN, NIGHT MONSTER and THE BLACK CAT (1941) and be released on October 2. "The Classic Sci-Fi Ultimate Collection Volume 2” set will include DR. CYCLOPS, THE DEADLY MANTIS, THE LAND UNKNOWN, THE LEECH WOMAN and CULT OF THE COBRA and see a September 11 release date. Both sets will be exclusive to Best Buy stores and the Best Buy website, and they will retail for around $20 a piece.

Warner's "Twisted Terror" Collection!

Warner Home Video has announced a new series of more modern horror films on DVD with its “Twisted Terror Collection.” Seeing release on September 25 is the Amicus horror anthology FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE with Peter Cushing, Oliver Stone’s THE HAND starring Michael Caine, John Carpenter’s SOMEONE’S WATCHING ME! starring Lauren Hutton, Wes Craven’s DEADLY FRIEND starring Kristy Swanson, the cult fave DR. GIGGLES and EYES OF A STANGER starring Jennifer Jason Leigh and featuring effects by Tom Savini. These titles will be available together in a box set ($49.92 SRP) or separately for $14.97 SRP a pop. All titles will be presented anamorphic widescreen.

MGM and Fox Halloween DVD Covers!

We have just updated the MGM/Fox Halloween DVD cover art page with the terrific covers for WITCHFINDER GENERAL, FOOD OF THE GODS and all the Fox double features coming out on September 11. You'll notice that Fox is branding there own double features as "Midnite Movies." Click HERE to check them out.

12 Hands, 12 Feet, 24 Reasons to Die! Code Red Employs THE KILL SQUAD!

Code Red will be bringing in the Martial Arts classic that has gained a huge cult following since it was first released in 1982. It's time to welcome KILL SQUAD on DVD! The transfer will be will be taken from the original camera negatives, so you can now throw away those ugly bootlegs!! Expect a commentary and/or interview with the film's legendary writer-producer-director Patrick Donahue, who hopefully can explain the many questions KILL SQUAD fans have been begging to ask for years! Stay tuned for more updates!

"Fright Night" Update!

Our "NY TV Monster Movie Memories" articles continue to grow! This time, Jim Arena has updated his "Fright Night" (WOR-TV Channel 9) feature to include a complete filmography of every title which played on the program during its longtime run (1973-1987). To check out the updated "Fright Night" article, click HERE.

BEYOND THE DOOR on DVD in 2007!

Code Red DVD has signed with Ovidio G. Assonitis (aka Oliver Hellman) to finally put the 1974 box-office hit BEYOND THE DOOR (aka CHI SEI?) out on DVD in 2007. Assonitis directed this under the name Oliver Hellman and the film was co-directed by Robert Barrett (aka Roberto D'Ettorre Piazzoli). Assonitis is excited that his film will finally be available un-cut in America, and hopefully he will be 100% involved with the DVD when scheduling permits. The DVD will include the famous flute scene that is missing in the U.S. version! More news to come in the future, as we are told this is Part 1 of the Ovidio Assonitis collection.

"CBS Friday Night Late Movie" plus "Chiller" Update!

Our "NY TV Monster Movie Memories" articles continues with a new addition on the fondly remembered "CBS Friday Night Late Movie" by Greg Stevens. Also, by popular demand, Joe Cascio has updated his epic "Chiller Theatre" article to include the years 1971 and 1972. Look for newly-added vintage TV Guide ads there as well!

New "Creature Features" Article!

Those of you who went ape over our previous "NY TV Monster Movie Memories" articles will be happy that we have finally added one for WNEW Channel 5's "Creatures Features" program, hosted by The Creep (aka Lou Steele). Read Greg Stevens' awesome "Creature Features" tribute HERE.

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