THE GHOST GALLEON (1974) is coming to Blu-Ray!

Vinegar Syndrome has announced the Blu-Ray release of the third of Amando De Ossorio's Blind Dead films and I am thrilled!

Pre-Order here.

 

New Release - EXORCISMO: DEFYING A DICTATOR & RAISING HELL IN POST-FRANCO SPAIN

We are very happy to have been a small part of the generous extras on this amazing set! Robert Monell and I collaborated on a track for the brilliant A BELL FROM HELL and Troy Guinn and I Naschycast-ed our way through THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THE DARK. But there are so many great films in this set it is mind-bending, including several that have only been viewable in horribly degraded copies for decades. Cinema fans are living in wonderful times!

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EXORCISMO: DEFYING A DICTATOR & RAISING HELL IN POST-FRANCO SPAIN

Order Link: https://severinfilms.com/.../exorcismo-defying-a-dictator...

SEVERIN FILMS ILLUMINATES FRANCO-ERA/POST-FRANCO SPANISH GENRE CINEMA WITH EXORCISMO COLLECTION

This Release Showcases 19 Feature Films Including Award-Winning Documentary, Plus New 168-Page Book & 21+ Combined Hours of Bonus Features

Having endured decades of strict censorship laws under General Franco’s authoritarian rule, Spain’s entertainment industry fought to liberate cinematic expression before and after the dictator's death in 1975. Faced with an opportunity to subvert the regime’s values and protest the Catholic Church’s rigid restrictions, Spanish filmmakers began to defiantly explore banned themes such as sex, violence and horror. With the post-Franco Clasificada “S” rating, which restricted these films to audiences over 18, this active rebellion marked a shift in the nation and audiences considered this period of cinema to be a cultural ‘exorcismo.’ Honoring the art of resistance-by-cinema, EXORCISMO: DEFYING A DICTATOR & RAISING HELL IN POST-FRANCO SPAIN spotlights 18 films that launched a celluloid revolution, including infamous features directed by Eloy de la Iglesia, León Klimovsky, Javier Aguirre and Eugenio Martín. 

Also included is writer/producer/director Alberto Sedano’s acclaimed 2024 documentary EXORCISMO: THE TRANSGRESSIVE LEGACY OF CLASIFICADA “S”, which explores the history behind the notorious rating that rocked Spanish culture, changed the face of genre films and left its mark on global cinema forever. The 168-page EXORCI“S”MO! features new essays by Alberto Sedano, Alejandro Melero, Álex Mendíbil, Shelagh Rowan-Legg and Daniel Kowalski, plus poster/stills galleries and more. The majority of the titles in this unprecedented collection are Worldwide Blu-ray Premieres scanned in 4K from original camera negatives, with over 21 combined hours of new and archival Special Features.

 

Disc 1: Exorcismo: The Transgressive Legacy of Clasificada "S" / Far from the Trees (Lejos de los árboles)

Exorcismo: The Transgressive Legacy of Clasificada "S" Special Feature:

● Trailer 

Exorcismo: The Transgressive Legacy of Clasificada "S" Disc Specs:

Runtime: 123 mins

Audio: Spanish / English 5.1, Spanish / English Stereo

Subtitles: English For Spanish Audio, English For All Audio

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1

Far from the Trees Disc Specs:

Runtime: 103 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

Disc 2: The Bell from Hell (La campana del infierno) / Creation of the Damned (El refugio del miedo)

The Bell from Hell Special Features:

● Audio Commentary With Kat Ellinger, Author Of Daughters Of Darkness

● Audio Commentary With Rod Barnett, Film Historian And Co-Host Of NaschyCast, And Robert Monell, Writer And Editor Of I'm In A Jess Franco State Of Mind

● Censorship And Curses – Film Scholar Dr. Álex Mendíbil On THE BELL FROM HELL

● Trailer

● LUCIANO (1965) – Short Film Co-Written/Directed By Claudio Guerín, Director Of THE BELL FROM HELL 

The Bell from Hell Disc Specs:

Runtime: 97 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono, English Mono

Subtitles: English, English SDH

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Creation of the Damned Special Features:

● Audio Commentary With Antonio Lázaro-Reboll, Author Of Spanish Horror Film

● I'm Proud Of My Films – Interview With Director José Ulloa

● Being There – Interview With Camera Assistant Paco Marín

● Trailer

● Still Gallery 

Creation of the Damned Disc Specs:

Runtime: 96 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono, English Mono

Subtitles: English, English SDH

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Disc 3: The Devil's Exorcist (El juego del diablo) / After... Part One: Can't You Be Left Alone? (Después de... Primera parte: No se os puede dejar solos?)

The Devil’s Exorcist Special Features:

● Play Film With Alternate Opening

● Audio Commentary With Shelagh Rowan-Legg, Author Of The Spanish Fantastic, And Film Critic/Educator Simon Laperrière

● A Daring Film – Interview With Actor Jack Taylor

● Horror Comes From The Church – Interview With Cinematographer José Luis Alcaine

● Sound Experiments – Interview With Composer José Nieto

● Trailer 

The Devil’s Exorcist Disc Specs:

Runtime: 84 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono, English Mono

Subtitles: English, English SDH

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

After... Part One: Can't You Be Left Alone? Disc Specs:

Runtime: 94 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

Disc 4: The People Who Own the Dark (Último deseo)

The People Who Own the Dark Special Features:

● Audio Commentary With Rod Barnett And Troy Guinn, Film Historians/Co-Hosts Of NaschyCast (Spanish Cut Only)

● Joking On Set – Interview With Actor Antonio Mayans

● A Unique Iconography In Spanish Terror – Ángel Sala, Head Of Programming At The Sitges Film Festival, On THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THE DARK

● Trailer

 

The People Who Own the Dark Disc Specs:

Runtime: 100 mins (Spanish Cut) / 83 mins (U.S. Cut)

Audio: Spanish Mono (Spanish Cut Only) / English Mono (U.S. Cut Only)

Subtitles: English (Spanish Cut Only) / English SDH (U.S. Cut Only)

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 (Spanish Cut Only) / 1.85:1 (U.S. Cut Only)

Disc 5: Battered Flesh (Carne apaleada) / The Priest (El sacerdote)

Battered Flesh Special Features:

● Audio Commentary With Shelagh Rowan-Legg, Author Of The Spanish Fantastic, And Spanish Cinema Professor/Scholar Alejandro Melero

● A Spain To Break – Interview With Actress Sandra Alberti 

Battered Flesh Disc Specs:

Runtime: 99 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

The Priest Special Features:

● The Socialist Priest – Interview With Actor Emilio Gutiérrez Caba

● A Provocative Filmmaker – Interview With Actor Martín Garrido Ramis

● EL OTRO LUIS (1975) – Short Film By Eloy De La Iglesia’s Friend And Collaborator Alejo Loren

 

The Priest Disc Specs:

Runtime: 100 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Disc 6: Sins of a Nympho (Bacanal en directo) / Dimorfo

Sins of a Nympho Special Features:

● I Regret Nothing – Interview With Assistant Director Alejo Loren

● Trailer 

Sins of a Nympho Disc Specs:

Runtime: 85 mins

Audio: Spanish Stereo

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Dimorfo Special Features:

● The Haunted Cartoonist – Spanish Film Scholar Dr. Álex Mendíbil On The Films Of Rodjara

● Alternate Credit Sequences

 

Dimorfo Disc Specs:

Runtime: 95 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1

Disc 7: Bloody Sex (Sexo sangriento) / Morbus

Bloody Sex Special Features:

● Audio Commentary With David Flint, Author Of Babylon Blue: An Illustrated History Of Adult Cinema

● A Bohemian Life – Interview With Producer Gloria Sancho

● Lobby Card Gallery 

Bloody Sex Disc Specs:

Runtime: 82 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Morbus Special Features:

● Sex And Horror – Interview With Director Ignasi P. Ferré

● A Well-Deserved Recognition – Interview With Actress Carmen Serret

● THE EVIL FACES OF VĺCTOR ISRAEL (2010) – Archival Documentary 

Morbus Disc Specs:

Runtime: 87 mins

Audio: Catalan Mono

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

Disc 8: Faces (Rostros) / Triangle of Lust (Desnuda ante el espejo)

Faces Special Features:

● An Unclassifiable Movie – Ángel Sala, Head Of Programming At The Sitges Film Festival, On FACES

● Trailer 

Faces Disc Specs:

Runtime: 93 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

Triangle of Lust Special Features:

● Audio Commentary With David Flint, Author Of Babylon Blue: An Illustrated History Of Adult Cinema

● Extended/Alternate Scenes 

Triangle of Lust Disc Specs:

Runtime: 91 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono, English Mono

Subtitles: English, English SDH

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

Disc 9: That House in the Outskirts (Aquella casa en las afueras) / Supernatural (Sobrenatural)

That House in the Outskirts Special Features:

● A Very Strong Character – Interview With Actress Silvia Aguilar

● Trailer 

That House in the Outskirts Disc Specs:

Runtime: 101 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

Supernatural Special Features:

● Audio Commentary With David Flint, Editor Of Desperate Living

● Supernatural Effects – Interview With Actor Máximo Valverde

● English Title Sequence

● Trailer

● TV Spot

 

Supernatural Disc Specs:

Runtime: 90 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono, English Mono

Subtitles: English, English SDH

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

Disc 10: Poppers / After... Part Two: Tied Up and Tied Up Well (Después de... Segunda parte: Atado y bien atado)

Poppers Special Features:

● A Bold And Delirious Movie – Interview With Art Director Javier Fernández

● A Film Like No Other – Interview With Assistant Director Eduardo Campoy

● Trailer

 

Poppers Disc Specs:

Runtime: 83 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

After... Part Two: Tied Up and Tied Up Well Disc Specs:

Runtime: 103 mins

Audio: Spanish Mono

Subtitles: English

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

 

Lamberto Bava's BODY PUZZLE (1992) Comes to Blu-Ray!

This 90's giallo comes to Blu-Ray from Raro sporting a commentary track from Adrian Smith and Rod Barnett! Wait. I'm one of those people! 

Yes, we discuss this film and its crafters while pointing out what makes it work and ask the difficult questions. Questions such as, are all police detectives in thrillers overly horny incompetents?

LINK

 

Leon Klimovsky's I HATE MY BODY (1974) Comes to Blu-Ray!

I HATE MY BODY (1974)

Director Leon Klimovsky; Spain/Switzerland, 1974

100 minutes; 1.85:1, color

English/Spanish audio choice/optional English subtitles

Starring: Alexandra Bastedo, Narciso Ibáñez Menta, Gemma Cuervo, Manuel Zarzo, Eva León, Manuel de Blas, Blanca Estrada, Byron Mabe

Lecherous businessmen Ernest and Peter go out for an evening of fun with two girls from work. There’s a lot of drinking and dancing and more than a little suggestion of frolics to follow, particularly when Ernest has the idea they swap partners. The two men set off in their cars with their respective dates. Ernest, in no fit state to be behind the wheel, roars with laughter as they speed off into the dark night. Momentarily distracted as he glances at his attractive passenger, he loses control of the car. They crash into the side of a bridge and the vehicle bursts into flames.

The bodies are rushed to the nearest hospital where both Ernest and his passenger are certified dead on arrival. However, the hospital’s surgeon, Dr. Adolf Berger - a former medic in a Nazi death camp - discovers that Ernest’s brain is still intact. Encouraged by his female assistant, Lydia, Berger decides to try out his long-cherished experiment- transplanting a brain from one body to another. However, the only body available is that of a young woman, Leda Schmidt, also technically dead in the hospital morgue. Casting aside all scruples, Berger begins the operation...

This outrageous film, which now has much contemporary relevance, was directed by horror specialist Leon Klimovsky the man behind Paul Naschy’s Werewolf and the Vampire Woman and numerous other Spanish “fantaterror” classics. The disc includes many exclusive extras and the feature has been fully restored.

DISC FEATURES

Region Free

Brand new 4K restoration from the original negative

Interview with actor Manuel de Blas

Interview with Spanish film expert Ángel Sala about the film

Victor Matellano on actor Narciso Ibanez Menta

Audio commentary by Rod Barnett and Troy Guinn of the Naschycast

Trailer

LIMITED EDITION FEATURES

Reversible sleeve with original ad art on both sides; 24 page booklet by Spanish genre film expert Ismael Fernandez; 1000 numbered copies in the usual red case.

Link to Mondo Macabro's order page
 

New Commentary Tracks on the Way!

I have been very busy the past two months working two jobs and also fitting in helping to create brand new Blu-Ray commentary tracks for some obscure genre films. Luckily a couple of them have been announced this week and I can talk about them.

 

First up, from Vinegar Syndrome, Adrian Smith and I collaborated on a track for CURSE OF THE VOODOO (1965). This is producer Richard Gordon's follow up to the better known DEVIL DOLL (1964) and this release features both movies with new commentaries for both and a few other nice extras. We couldn't more pleased to be part of this!

Of course, the bigger surprise is the legendary (for various reasons) Italian monster/gore epic ALIEN TERROR (1980) is coming out on a new Blu-Ray that will have a commentary track by Adrian and I as well! Yes, this is the film also known as ALIEN 2: ON EARTH but it might not be as bad as you remember it. Really! Plus Adrian was able to talk to a couple of the actors that made the film 45 years ago (!) and they gave us some fun details about the production. I'm very pleased with how this track came out and I can't wait for others to hear it!

There will be more announcements in the next month or so! Stay tuned. 

 

Cauldron's Lamberto Bava 'Brivido Giallo box set'

Cauldron Films is thrilled to release all 4 films from the Brivido Giallo collection  (Until Death, Graveyard Disturbance, Dinner with a Vampire, and The Ogre), collected on Blu-ray for the first time in a limited edition 5 disc set (4 Blu-rays / 1 CD soundtrack) fully uncut and restored from 4K scans of the 35mm film negatives, loaded with brand new cast and crew featurettes by Eugenio Ercolani, an exclusive new interview with composer Simon Boswell, all housed in a rigid outer box with 4 folded posters featuring new artwork by Eric Adrian Lee!

The set is still available for pre-order at a reduced price through 1/17/25. Go check out the details HERE.

 

DANZA MACABRA VOL. THREE: THE SPANISH GOTHIC COLLECTION

I'm very excited about this set! And not just because I'm on it. CROSS OF THE DEVIL is an amazing film and I've wanted to be able to introduce people to it for years. 

4 RESTORED CLASSICS.

8+ HOURS OF SPECIAL FEATURES.

LO MEJOR DEL HORROR GÓTICO ESPAÑOL.

 

Spain’s tradition of Gothic Horror – particularly during the Franco dictatorship – was characterized by daring concepts, lush visuals, extreme sexuality and a startling aesthetic all its own. These four classic shockers from the 1970s represent the genre at its most audacious: In NECROPHAGOUS, the debut feature by writer/director Miguel Madrid, a fractured family in a crumbling castle conceals a grisly graveyard secret. The anthology film CAKE OF BLOOD – never previously available outside of Spain – presents a quartet of supernatural tales by four young filmmakers. Hammer Films director John Gilling brings his inimitable style to the occult thriller in CROSS OF THE DEVIL. And a terminally ill woman is enticed by eternal life in León Klimovsky’s vampire masterwork, THE NIGHT OF THE WALKING DEAD. Each film in this collection has been scanned from its original negative – with over 8 hours of Special Features – for the first time ever in America.

 

Disc 1: NECROPHAGOUS (1971)

 

The most misunderstood Spanish gothic shocker of the early ‘70s can now be reassessed like never before: A young nobleman (Bill Curran) returns to his crumbling family castle, only to learn that his wife has died giving birth to their stillborn child. But why is her coffin empty? What follows is a uniquely told shocker of grief, lust, dark secrets and the hungers of the grave. Frank Braña (PIECES), Victor Israel (THE HOUSE THAT SCREAMED) and Beatriz Elorrieta (BLOOD HUNT) co-star in this debut feature by writer/director Miguel Madrid (THE KILLER OF DOLLS) – also known as THE BUTCHER OF BINBROOK and released in America by Independent-International as GRAVEYARD OF HORROR – now scanned in 4K from the recently discovered negative for the first time ever.

 

Disc Specs:

 

Runtime: 87 mins

English Mono, Spanish Mono / Closed Captions

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

 

Special Features:

 

Audio Commentary With Andy Marshall-Roberts, Host Of The Nasty Pasty Podcast

Something You've Never Seen – Appreciation By Ángel Sala, Head Of Programming At The Sitges Film Festival

The First Horror Film Festival In The World – Remembrance By Maria Pilar Rafáles, Daughter Of Sitges Film Festival Founder Antonio Rafáles

Trailers

Disc 2: CAKE OF BLOOD (1971)

 

With Spanish cinema still under the oppressive Franco regime, four filmmakers banded together to create a horror anthology that examined classic themes through transgressive perceptions: Directed by José María Vallés, TAROT stars Julián Ugarte (ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK) in a grim tale of fanaticism set in the Middle Ages. Eusebio Poncela (THE CANNIBAL MAN) and Marisa Paredes (ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER) star in VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN, a unique take on Mary Shelley’s classic directed by Emilio Martínez-Lázaro (THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BED). TERROR AMONG CHRISTIANS, directed by Francesc Bellmunt, is a jolting vampire allegory set during Roman times. Jaime Chávarri – co-writer of VAMPYROS LESBOS and future icon of New Spanish Cinema – directs the twisted ghost story THE DANCE OR EMOTIONAL SURVIVALS starring Luis Ciges (THE CREATURE). Never available outside of Spain, CAKE OF BLOOD is now scanned in 4K from the original negative for the first time ever.

 

Disc Specs:

 

Runtime: 90 mins

Spanish Mono / English Subtitles

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

 

Special Features:

 

Audio Commentary With Rod Barnett Of NaschyCast And The Bloody Pit, And Dr. Adrian Smith, Co-Author Of Norman J. Warren: Gentleman of Terror

My Generation – Interview With Actress Marisa Paredes

I Just Wanted To Have Fun – Interview With Co-Director Jaime Chávarri

To Whoever Wants To Watch – Interview With Actor José Lifante

An Arthouse UFO – Appreciation By Ángel Sala, Head Of Programming At The Sitges Film Festival

Disc 3: CROSS OF THE DEVIL (1974)

 

In the early ‘70s, Spanish horror icon Jacinto Molina (aka Paul Naschy) wrote a screenplay for a Knights Templar film to compete with the popular BLIND DEAD series. Meanwhile, Hammer Films director John Gilling – whose hits for the UK studio included THE PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES and THE REPTILE – had retired to Spain. Molina shared his script with Gilling, who took over the project without Molina. The rarely seen result is a sumptuous tale of supernatural horror in which a writer (Ramiro Oliveros of THE PYJAMA GIRL CASE) plagued by violent nightmares investigates the murder of his sister by an ancient occult order. Carmen Sevilla (NO ONE HEARD THE SCREAM), Emma Cohen (THE CANNIBAL MAN) and Eduardo Fajardo (THE KILLER MUST KILL AGAIN) co-star in Gilling’s final film as director, now scanned in 4K from the negative with English subtitles for the first time ever.

 

Disc Specs:

 

Runtime: 97 mins

Spanish Mono / English Subtitles

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

 

Special Features:

 

Audio Commentary With Kim Newman, Author Of Anno Dracula, And Barry Forshaw, Author Of Brit Noir

Fascinated By Bécquer – Interview With Screenwriter Juan José Porto

The Real Templar Knights Movie – Appreciation By Ángel Sala, Head Of Programming At The Sitges Film Festival

Fantasy And Imagination: The Legacy Of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer – Video Essay By Xavier Aldana Reyes, Author Of Spanish Gothic: National Identity, Collaboration And Cultural Adaptation

Disc 4: THE NIGHT OF THE WALKING DEAD (1975)

 

Though best known for his collaborations with Spanish horror star Jacinto Molina/Paul Naschy, Argentinian director León Klimovsky also crafted several of Spain’s finest vampire films of the ‘70s, especially this “magnificent” (Taliesin Meets The Vampires) 1975 gothic classic: In a 19th century village ruled by superstition, a vulnerable young woman (Emma Cohen of HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB) is seduced into an aristocratic family of the sensuous undead. Carlos Ballesteros (José Ramón Larraz’ THE VOYEUR) and Barta Barri (THE PEOPLE WHO OWN THE DARK) co-star in this sexy/stylish/violent shocker – also known as STRANGE LOVE OF THE VAMPIRES and ripe for rediscovery after decades of edited prints and bad transfers – now scanned in 2K from the negative for the first time ever.

 

Disc Specs:

 

Runtime: 88 mins

English Stereo, Spanish Stereo / Closed Captions, English Subtitles

Region Free

Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1

 

Special Features:

 

Audio Commentary With Kat Ellinger, Author Of Daughters Of Darkness

A Deadly Invitation To Another Dimension – Appreciation By Ángel Sala, Head Of Programming At The Sitges Film Festival

Leo's Signature – Interview With Writer Juan José Porto

Dead Man Walking – Interview With Actor José Lifante

Spain's Cinematic Vampires – Video Essay By Xavier Aldana Reyes, Author Of Spanish Gothic: National Identity, Collaboration And Cultural Adaptation

Alternate Spanish Credit Sequence

 

NaschyCast #73 - Blu-Ray Round Up!

The Naschycast returns for a brief overview of the Paul Naschy Blu-Rays that are currently available in Region A. Troy and I decided to record this show to give our North American listeners an indication of the wealth of high-definition offerings still on retail shelves – as long as you search the right retailers! Consider this also a warning that these wonderful discs don’t stay available forever and, in many cases, when they’re gone they are gone for good.

We tried and failed to do a chronological rundown of the Blu-Rays that have come out over the last eight years or so with nods toward some blank spots in Naschy’s career we’d like to see filled with HD glory. The individual companies that have been releasing these Spanish horror classics have been doing us all a good service and let’s hope the releases continue past next year’s long awaited DR. JEKYLL AND THE WOLF MAN!

If you have any comments naschycast@gmail.com is the place to send them. We hope that you have had a good 2023 and that 2024 will be even better! Thank you for listening.

Wild, Wild Podcast Bonus Episode - The Last Hunter & Treasured Films

It's time for another special bonus episode, and this time Adrian chats with Graeme Lloyd and Tom Lee Rutter at Treasured Films, the new UK Blu-ray label responsible for releasing a fantastic uncut and restored edition of the spaghetti combat classic THE LAST HUNTER (1980, Antonio Margheriti). We also cover their distribution site Film Treasures, some upcoming releases, the trials of establishing a new label in a crowded field, and why the BBFC seem to be going out of their way to make life difficult.

You can order this superb release direct from TreasuredFilms, and if you do they will send you a double-sided poster! You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter. Their sister company Film Treasures is the go to place for importing international releases, which you can find HERE.

Mondo Macabro Announces Naschy's NIGHT OF THE EXECUTIONER (1992)

Paul Naschy is back! And this time he’s out for vengeance! Making its worldwide disc debut, it’s …

NIGHT OF THE EXECUTIONER (1992)

Dr. Hugo Arranz (Paul Naschy) is commemorating his 50th birthday with his wife and daughter. As the celebrations reach their height, the family are terrorized by a gang of violent street thugs who have broken into their home. Initially the gang are after jewels and cash. But once they have their helpless victims tied up and defenseless, their thoughts turn to violence. They rape Arranz’s wife and daughter and then, annoyed by the doctor’s protests, they cut out his tongue and leave him for dead.

Arranz survives the attack and recovers after a stay in hospital. Abandoning his medical practice, he seeks vengeance on the men and women who destroyed his life. He embarks on a strenuous course of physical training, involving knives, guns and punishing bouts of weight lifting. Finally, he is ready to go in pursuit of his prey. But to track them down, he must enter the sleazy underworld which his potential victims inhabit. In the process, Dr. Arranz begins to learn much, not only about his targets but also about himself.

NIGHT OF THE EXECUTIONER was Paul Naschy’s last complete film as writer/director/ actor. It’s a shocking and thrilling ride into the dark underbelly of the city and a true tribute to its star’s ability to craft exciting and thought provoking entertainment.

DISC FEATURES

Region Free

Brand new 4K restoration from the original negative

Spanish language track with optional English subtitles

Audio commentary by Rod Barnett and Troy Guinn of the Naschycast

Interview with Sergio Molina

Interview with actor Pepe Ruiz

Interview with actor Manuel Zarzo

LIMITED EDITION FEATURES

Full color booklet with a brand new essay on the film by Troy Howarth; 1500 numbered copies in the usual red case

This release will go on sale Thursday, May 4th at 9 AM Pacific/12 noon Eastern ONLY at mondomacabro.bigcartel.com! We tentatively expect to be able to begin shipping sometime in May.

 

CONQUEST OF SPACE/ I MARRIED A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE Double Feature From Shout Factory!

I've been keeping my mouth shut about this release until the official announcement of extras, but - I contributed to the commentary track for I Married a Monster From Outer Space (1957) and I'm thrilled about it! I've loved the film for years and have written about it here a few times so I was very happy to join Troy Howarth to talk about this excellent example of smart science fiction cinema. Of course, the co-feature is a great movie too and the extras for it look fantastic. I can hardly wait to see both films in HD and I hope this disc introduces these classics to a new audience. Good times! I think it comes out in May.

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Bonus Features for Blu-ray

CONQUEST OF SPACE (1955) 

Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono 2.0

NEW Audio Commentary By Podcasters Emily Higgins And Billy Dunham

Audio Commentary With Film Historians Barry Forshaw And Kim Newman

A Fellow Journeyman: Byron Haskin At Paramount

The Conquest Of Space: From Book To The Screen

Trailers From Hell – Joe Dante On Conquest Of Space

Still Gallery

Theatrical Trailer

I MARRIED A MONSTER FROM OUTER SPACE (1958)

Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono 2.0

NEW Audio Commentary By Film Historian/Author Troy Howarth And Podcaster Rodney Barnett (NaschyCast)

Still Gallery

Theatrical Trailer

 

Severin Announces DANZA MACABRA VOL. ONE: THE ITALIAN GOTHIC COLLECTION - BLU-RAY BOX SET

Severin has announced this amazing four film set and I'm proud to have been a small part of the extras! Robert Monell and I have contributed a commentary track for the excellent SCREAM OF THE DEMON LOVER (1970) but that is only one of the many extras included on this amazing set. And any box set with a restored and complete version of LADY FRANKENSTEIN (1971) is well worth paying attention to just for that film alone. Click over using this LINK and pre-order you copy today! Here are the details - 

DISC 1: THE MONSTER OF THE OPERA (1964)

Conceived as a sequel to their landmark THE VAMPIRE AND THE BALLERINA, director Renato Polselli (THE REINCARNATION OF ISABEL, DELIRIUM) and screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi (ALL THE COLORS OF THE DARK, LIBIDO) resurrected their gothic-fiend-stalks-a-theatrical-troupe framework for an over-the-top aria of reincarnated lovers, sheer nightgowns, sapphic hunger, interdimensional damnation and frenzied ‘opera’ that “looks like the fever dream of an oversexed choreographer” (Fantastic Movie Musings). Marco Mariani (TOMB OF TORTURE), Giuseppe Addobbati (NIGHTMARE CASTLE) and Milena Vukotic (BLOOD FOR DRACULA) star in this surreal and still potently erotic shocker now scanned in 2K from the original negative, featuring an all-new interview with Gastaldi and more. 

Special Features:

*Audio Commentary With Kat Ellinger, Author of Daughters Of Darkness

*Terror At The Opera – Interview With Screenwriter Ernesto Gastaldi

*Capodimonte Gothic – Interview With Italian Film Devotee Mark Thompson-Ashworth 

*Radio Polselli – Archival Audio Interview With Director Renato Polselli 

*French Trailer

Disc Specs:

Aspect ratio: 1.66:1

Audio: Italian Mono

English Subtitles

Region A

Run time: 84 mins

DISC 2: THE SEVENTH GRAVE (1965)

For more than 50 years, it has existed only via rumor, reputation and barely watchable bootlegs. It remains perhaps the strangest Italian Gothic ever made: The sole feature by enigmatic director Garibaldi Serra Caracciolo – here using the anglicized pseudonym ‘Finney Cliff’ – combines familiar murder mystery elements of THE CAT AND THE CANARY with odd dollops of mad doctors, escaped lepers, giallo-style killings and one of the most strikingly original séance sequences in the entire genre. Antonio Casale (‘Bill Carson’ in THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY), Ferruccio Viotti (SEX OF THE WITCH) and Gianni Dei (PATRICK STILL LIVES) star in this fascinating rarity now scanned in 2K from the recently discovered negative, with all-new Special Features that explore the bizarre circumstances behind the film’s production, release and half-century disappearance. 

Special Features:

*Audio Commentary With Rachael Nisbet, Film Critic And Co-Host Of Fragments Of Fear

*Seven Graves And A Mystery – Interview With Film Historian Fabio Melelli

*English Aesthetic With Giallo Blood – Video Essay By Gothic Scholar And Author Rachel Knightley

Disc Specs:

Aspect ratio: 1.66:1

Audio: Italian Mono

English Subtitles

Region Free

Run time: 77 mins

DISC 3: SCREAM OF THE DEMON LOVER (1970)

Though he made only two horror films, veteran writer/director José Luis Merino (THE HANGING WOMAN) here embraces the genre’s classic elements and ravishes them to vivid extremes: When a beautiful biochemist (Erna Schurer of STRIP NUDE FOR YOUR KILLER) arrives at a foreboding castle to work for a sinister baron, she’ll unlock a nightmare of dark romance, sexual violence, grisly family secrets and some of the most perverse moments in ‘70s Gothic. Carlos Quiney (ZORRO THE INVINCIBLE), Agostina Belli (BLUEBEARD) and Enzo Fisichella (MALABIMBA) co-star in this Italian/Spanish co-production – also known as KILLERS OF THE CASTLE OF BLOOD and released in the U.S. by New World Pictures cut by nearly 20 minutes – now scanned in 4K from the negative for the first time ever. 

Special Features:

*Audio Commentary With Rod Barnett, Film Historian And Co-Host Of NaschyCast, And Robert Monell, Writer And Editor Of I'm In A Jess Franco State Of Mind

*Scream Erna Scream! – Interview With Actress Erna Schurer

*In The Castle Of Blood – Video Essay By Stephen Thrower, Author Of Books On Jess Franco And Lucio Fulci

*Trailer

Disc Specs:

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Audio: English Mono / Italian Mono

English Subtitles

Region A

Run time: 98 mins

DISC 4: LADY FRANKENSTEIN (1971)

Co-produced by Roger Corman, “one of the most underrated horror movies of all time” (Classic Horror) features ultra-lurid direction by American-International star Mel Welles (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS) from a story by by Dick Randall (PIECES), distinctive cinematography by Riccardo Pallottini (CASTLE OF BLOOD) and score by Alessando Alessandroni (THE DEVIL’S NIGHTMARE), a cast that includes Hollywood legend Joseph Cotten (CITIZEN KANE) alongside EuroCult icons Paul Müller (NIGHTMARE CASTLE), Herbert Fux (MARK OF THE DEVIL), Marino Masé (TENEBRAE) and Mickey Hargitay (BLOODY PIT OF HORROR), and a titular performance by the remarkable Rosalba Neri (THE DEVIL’S LOVER) for whom “only the monster she made could satisfy her strange desires!” LADY FRANKENSTEIN is now scanned in 2K from the original negative, with alternate scenes, all-new Special Features and much more. 

 Special Features:

*Audio Commentary With Kat Ellinger, Author of Daughters Of Darkness, And Annie Rose Malamet, Film Scholar And Host Of Girls, Guts, Giallo

*Audio Commentary With Alan Jones, Author Of Dario Argento: The Man, The Myths & The Magic, And Kim Newman, Author Of Nightmare Movies

*Meet The Baroness – Featurette With Actress Rosalba Neri And Film Historian Fabio Melelli

*Piecing Together LADY FRANKENSTEIN

*The Lady And The Orgy – Documentary Short On Director Mel Welles

*The Truth About LADY FRANKENSTEIN (2007) – German TV Documentary

*Clothed Insert Shots

*Video Short Illustrating BBFC Censorship Cuts

*Italian Opening Credits

*Bigfilm Magazine (1971) – Italian LADY FRANKENSTEIN Photo Novel

*Extensive Image Gallery

*Home Video Gallery

*Radio Spots

*TV Spot

*Trailers

Disc Specs:

Aspect ratio: 1.78:1

Audio: English Stereo / Italian Stereo

Closed Captions / English Subtitles

Region Free

Run time: 98 mins

The Bloody Pit #154 - Mail Bag and Announcements

Other projects have thrown off my podcasting schedule so I present this short episode as a bridge to our next full show.

Troy joins me to respond to a couple of emails addressing some questions about THE MECHANIC. This includes some fascinating insight into director Michael Winner’s reputation from someone who has interviewed him! Exciting. We hint around about some of the projects that have been occupying our time recently without giving away any information we shouldn’t. I think. And we go into detail about the amazing box set GOTHIC FANTASTICO: FOUR ITALIAN TALES OF TERROR as well. 

 

I also make public my plea for a certain genre of adventure films to get more love and attention from Blu-Ray companies. We dart off in odd directions a few times with Ken Russell movies and lesser known Michael Caine films getting some discussion.

 

If you want to be a part of future mailbag segments thebloodypit@gmail.com is the address. Let us know what you think and we’ll be back soon. 

A Request for 'Knights & Knaves' Blu-Rays

I've been very happy over the past few years to see that several of the boutique Blu-Ray companies are starting to move further afield in their desire to license obscure movies. I’m not sure that we need the fifth or sixth release of every Fulci horror film (now in 4K!!) before we get a decent release of literally hundreds of worthy pieces of cinema history. 

Later this year several companies are putting out a number of fascinating movies that have never been given the care and attention they deserve and I’m thrilled. But there are a couple of genres that still seem to be ignored and I’d like to make a short plea for one of the most obscure.

I’m a big fan of swashbucklers from any decade. This can be traced back to youthful television viewings of a couple of classic Errol Flynn movies – THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1938) and CAPTAIN BLOOD (1935) - that dovetailed perfectly with my early reading of adventure stories of all types. And while I could make a loud argument that both Robin Hood and pirate movies are underrepresented in the current Blu-Ray market there is another genre with even fewer examples on retailer’s e-shelves. I refer to what I call the Knights & Knaves classification of adventure tales in the vein of IVANHOE (1952), KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE (1952), THE WAR LORD (1965) or PRINCE VALIANT (1954). And, of course, what I am most interested in seeing receive the Blu-Ray ‘special edition’ treatment are the films made in Europe during the period from the late 1950’s to the 1970’s. 

The Hollywood made films of this type are well represented these days but the lower budgeted follow-on productions are nearly invisible. There are a number of fascinating movies made in various countries that are worth considering. These were once staples of cheap television film packages sold to stations looking to fill up weekend afternoon slots but in the last few decades they have fallen into such obscurity that often the only option to see them is a poor copy posted on YouTube. This is a crime against film!

If I could have my way, I would ask that this fertile field of Sword & Armor cinema be explored by enterprising Blu-Ray companies. There are dozens of fascinating movies worthy of rediscovery. I know that they wouldn’t sell as many copies as a horror film from the 80’s or a giallo from the 70’s but there is a market out there. Well, unless I am the only lunatic calling for this, which might be possible. After all, these movies are considered rather juvenile entertainments with limited modern day appeal but the same could be said of peplum adventures made in the same years and they are finally getting some attention.

Here’s a list of a few examples that could be explored –

THE REVENGE OF IVANHOE (1965)

CHARGE OF THE BLACK LANCERS (1962)

THE BACK ARCHER (1959)

REVOLT OF THE MERCENARIES (1961)  

THE SEVENTH SWORD (Le sette spade del vendicatore) (1962)

L'AVVENTURIERO DELLA TORTUGA (1965)

ATTACK OF THE MOORS (1959)

CAVALIER IN DEVIL’S CASTLE (1959)

REVENGE OF BLACK EAGLE (1951)

THE NIGHTS OF LUCRETIA BORGIA (1959)

THE MYSTERIOUS SWORDSMAN (Lo spadaccino misterioso) (1956)

THE LION OF ST. MARK (1963)

KNIGHT OF 100 FACES (Il cavaliere dai cento volti) (1960)

IVANHOE, THE NORMAN SWORDSMAN (1971)

THE CASTILIAN (1963)

THE BLACK DUKE (1963)

THE AVENGER OF VENICE (1964)

THE INVINCIBLE MASKED RIDER (1963)

 

In this partial list there is some crossover with other swashbuckler kinds of tales but the flavor is the same. This type of adventure cinema deserves more than to be relegated to the rescued 16mm prints that pop up online or on cheap streaming services. These are interesting, entertaining movies that could find a receptive audience if given the right push. I hold out hope that some home video producer out there will see the wisdom of exploring these this mostly unexamined genre.

GOTHIC FANTASTICO: FOUR ITALIAN TALES OF TERROR

I'm proud to share the announcement of this amazing set of Italian Gothic films from the 1960's. I contributed in a small way to this release by writing an essay on one of the included movies but even if I had not I would still be very excited about this. Check out the details below and the links to where it can be pre-ordered ahead of the October release date.

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While groundbreaking director Mario Bava (Black Sunday, Black Sabbath) remains the most well-known purveyor of Italian Gothic horror, many other filmmakers tried their hand at the form throughout the 1960s as part of a hugely prolific and popular cycle. Gothic Fantastico presents four off-the-beaten path titles from this classic period, all of which demonstrate Italy’s ability to expand genre beyond the classic literary monsters that dominated elsewhere.

Gaslighting abounds in Massimo Pupillo’s Lady Morgan’s Vengeance – a delicate tale of romance and mystery, with a sprinkling of sadism and the supernatural – as newlywed Sir Harold Morgan (Paul Muller, Nightmare Castle) attempts to destroy his new bride (Barbara Nelli, Double Face) with help from his sinister maid (Erika Blanc, Kill, Baby… Kill!). Meanwhile, the perverse influence of Poe is used to great effect in Alberto De Martino’s The Blancheville Monster – a tale of family curses and madmen in the attic, as Emilie de Blancheville (Ombretta Colli, Gladiator of Rome) returns home to her brother Roderic (Gérard Tichy, Hatchet for the Honeymoon) and discovers her own family may be out for her blood. Mino Guerinni’s The Third Eye features not only a very early role for Italian cult film icon Franco Nero, but a plot that borrows several elements from Hitchcock, layered with a whiff of necrophilia. Finally, Damiano Damiani’s The Witch takes a more avant-garde approach, when a young historian (Richard Johnson, Zombie Flesh Eaters) is lured to work for an ageing woman, only to be held captive when he becomes obsessed with her beautiful daughter (Rosanna Schiaffino, The Killer Reserved Nine Seats).

Madness, obsession and messed up families are the order of the day in these four lesser-known monochrome gems from Italy’s peak Gothic period, now fully restored in 2K from their original camera negatives for the first time and presented alongside an array of in-depth extras.

Product Features

• Brand new 2K restorations from the original camera negatives of all four films
• High Definition Blu-ray™ (1080p) presentations of each film
• Original Italian and English front and end titles on The Blancheville Monster, The Third Eye and The Witch
• Original lossless mono Italian soundtracks on all four films
• Original lossless mono English soundtracks on The Blancheville Monster, The Third Eye and The Witch
• Optional English subtitles for the Italian soundtracks
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtracks
• Brand new video introductions to each film by Italian film devotee Mark Thompson Ashworth
• Image galleries
• Limited edition 80-page book featuring new writing on the films by Roberto Curti, Rob Talbot, Jerome Reuter, Rod Barnett and Kimberly Lindbergs
• Fold-out double-sided poster
• Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeves featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Colin Murdoch

DISC ONE: LADY MORGAN’S VENGEANCE

• Brand new audio commentary by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
• Brand new video essay on the film by author and producer Kat Ellinger
• Brand new video interview with actress Erika Blanc
• Newly edited video interview with actor Paul Muller
• Newly edited audio interview with director Massimo Pupillo
• The complete original cineromanzo, published in Suspense in April 1971
• Trailer

DISC TWO: THE BLANCHEVILLE MONSTER

• Brand new audio commentary by filmmaker and film historian Paul Anthony Nelson
• Brand new video essay on the film by writer and pop culture historian Keith Allison
• Brand new video interview with author and filmmaker Antonio Tentori
• Opening credits for the US release of the film
• Trailer

DISC THREE: THE THIRD EYE

• Brand new audio commentary by author and critic Rachael Nisbet
• Brand new video essay on the film by author and filmmaker Lindsay Hallam
• Newly edited video interview with actress Erika Blanc

DISC FOUR: THE WITCH

• Brand new audio commentary by author and producer Kat Ellinger
• Brand new video essay on the film by author and academic Miranda Corcoran
• Brand new video interview with author and filmmaker Antonio Tentori

Pre-Order LINK - Arrow Site

Pre-Order LINK - Zavvi Site