I found my way into the Halloween universe through an old VHS tape collecting dust on my father’s bookcase. He’d recorded Halloween II when it once played on HBO (back when the now-streaming giant was part of basic cable), and the crackle of static was part of its charm. I couldn’t tell you when I first saw Michael Myers slashing up Haddonfield Memorial Hospital, but I can guarantee where it was. Our living room carpet was a light tan, flecked with bits of beige, and our humongous wooden TV set, which sat squarely in the corner, gave me a front-row seat to so many terrible frights. I imagine myself transfixed to the screen, hypnotized by Dean Cundey’s cinematography and Rick Rosenthal’s expert direction. Michael Myers was and is The Boogeyman – he gave me more nightmares than I can count. But I loved being frightened, and...
- 10/25/2023
- by Bee Delores
- bloody-disgusting.com
In the 2012 making-of documentary "The Nightmare Isn't Over: The Making of Halloween II," producer Irwin Yablans admits it was he who pushed John Carpenter to make "Halloween II." Carpenter, as most horror nuts might be able to tell you, wasn't really interested in making a sequel to "Halloween," feeling that the story had reached an effective conclusion. In Murray Leeder's 2013 "Halloween" entry into the Devil's Advocates essay book series, Carpenter admitted that when he sat down to write "Halloween II," he had nothing but beer and a complete lack of ideas. Carpenter admits that he only decided that Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) should be the sister of the killer, Michael Myers, out of sheer desperation.
But Yablans insisted on a sequel because "Halloween" made so much money. Horror fans may know that "Halloween" was made for a tiny budget of about $300,000, but netted over $70 million at the box office.
But Yablans insisted on a sequel because "Halloween" made so much money. Horror fans may know that "Halloween" was made for a tiny budget of about $300,000, but netted over $70 million at the box office.
- 10/19/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Halloween III: Season of the Witch episode of Wtf Happened to This Horror Movie? was Written by Cody Hamman, Narrated by Adam Walton, Edited by Jaime Vasquez, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
For two films, movie-goers watched the masked slasher Michael Myers stalk Jamie Lee Curtis and murder his way through the small town of Haddonfield on Halloween night. So you can understand that some were shocked when they went to see Halloween III and it wasn’t anything like the previous two films. Instead of more Michael Myers, they got a movie about a warlock who wanted to use the power of Stonehenge to kill millions of children. With masks that would melt their heads down into puddles of snakes and bugs. This change in direction did not go over well. For decades, Halloween III: Season of the Witch (watch it Here) was largely disregarded.
For two films, movie-goers watched the masked slasher Michael Myers stalk Jamie Lee Curtis and murder his way through the small town of Haddonfield on Halloween night. So you can understand that some were shocked when they went to see Halloween III and it wasn’t anything like the previous two films. Instead of more Michael Myers, they got a movie about a warlock who wanted to use the power of Stonehenge to kill millions of children. With masks that would melt their heads down into puddles of snakes and bugs. This change in direction did not go over well. For decades, Halloween III: Season of the Witch (watch it Here) was largely disregarded.
- 7/6/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The Halloween episode of Wtf Happened to This Horror Movie? was Written by Eric Walkuski, Narrated and Edited by Tyler Nichols, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
In 1978, the landscape of horror changed forever with the release of John Carpenter’s Halloween (watch it Here). Jumping off from a very simple premise, Carpenter crafted a vision of terror unlike anything that had been seen before. Though there were movies not unlike it prior to its release, Halloween’s success would inspire a brand new subgenre: the slasher film, and while there have been many imitations – not to mention sequels and remakes – few horror movies have achieved the kind of glowing praise and reverence that the original Halloween has. Not to mention the fact that it introduced us to one of the most infamous screen villains of all time, Michael Myers, the unstoppable killer without a conscience.
In 1978, the landscape of horror changed forever with the release of John Carpenter’s Halloween (watch it Here). Jumping off from a very simple premise, Carpenter crafted a vision of terror unlike anything that had been seen before. Though there were movies not unlike it prior to its release, Halloween’s success would inspire a brand new subgenre: the slasher film, and while there have been many imitations – not to mention sequels and remakes – few horror movies have achieved the kind of glowing praise and reverence that the original Halloween has. Not to mention the fact that it introduced us to one of the most infamous screen villains of all time, Michael Myers, the unstoppable killer without a conscience.
- 6/22/2023
- by Eric Walkuski
- JoBlo.com
This episode of The Test of Time was Written by Andrew Hatfield, Narrated by Niki Minter, Edited by Mike Conway, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
When you are talking about the big slasher franchises of all time, the original 4, the Mount Rush-Gore if you will, it’s a losing argument to try and say any of the first films don’t hold up. Of course, I’m talking about Halloween, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. What you Can do is look at their many, Many, sequels and see what sticks and what doesn’t. Or you know, in our case, what stands the test of time and what doesn’t. Some of these are just schlocky fun and don’t need a critical reappraisal but a couple of them that have higher reputations that...
When you are talking about the big slasher franchises of all time, the original 4, the Mount Rush-Gore if you will, it’s a losing argument to try and say any of the first films don’t hold up. Of course, I’m talking about Halloween, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. What you Can do is look at their many, Many, sequels and see what sticks and what doesn’t. Or you know, in our case, what stands the test of time and what doesn’t. Some of these are just schlocky fun and don’t need a critical reappraisal but a couple of them that have higher reputations that...
- 5/11/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Spoilers for the "Halloween" franchise, including "Halloween Ends," follow.
"Halloween Ends," the latest (and possibly last?) entry in the "Halloween" franchise, goes to unexpected places. It takes big swings, introduces new characters, and unfolds in a fairly unpredictable manner. Some have taken issue with such drastic changes, but here's the thing: big, weird swings are nothing new for the "Halloween" series. Indeed, part of what makes the "Halloween" franchise so memorable is its flexibility — Michael Myers' never-ending murder quest has been shaped and reshaped in different ways through a score of films.
And that's part of the fun. If you're a fan who only wants these films to play the hits — The Shape stalking teens through Haddonfield — there are multiple movies that offer that. But there's something to be said for the out-there, unconventional, big-swing "Halloween" movies. Movies that take that familiar formula and smash it to bites, asking if...
"Halloween Ends," the latest (and possibly last?) entry in the "Halloween" franchise, goes to unexpected places. It takes big swings, introduces new characters, and unfolds in a fairly unpredictable manner. Some have taken issue with such drastic changes, but here's the thing: big, weird swings are nothing new for the "Halloween" series. Indeed, part of what makes the "Halloween" franchise so memorable is its flexibility — Michael Myers' never-ending murder quest has been shaped and reshaped in different ways through a score of films.
And that's part of the fun. If you're a fan who only wants these films to play the hits — The Shape stalking teens through Haddonfield — there are multiple movies that offer that. But there's something to be said for the out-there, unconventional, big-swing "Halloween" movies. Movies that take that familiar formula and smash it to bites, asking if...
- 10/17/2022
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
By Jaime Lee Curtis’ own admission, she’s had a hell of a career, filled with all sorts of opportunities. “I’m an actor. I write books for children. I create websites and podcasts. I have sold yogurt that makes you poop. I’ve done Hertz commercials with O.J. Simpson,” she says. “I’ve been able to do so much and I’m very lucky to be able to do what I do, in whatever form it is.”
Yet, the mutli-hyphenate seems more surprised than anyone that she will be receiving the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at this year’s Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 8. Curtis will be there with her latest film, “Halloween Kills,” the latest installment in the iconic franchise that launched her career in 1978.
Congratulations on the Venice honor. How did you find out about it and what was your reaction?
Well, it was unexpected.
Yet, the mutli-hyphenate seems more surprised than anyone that she will be receiving the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at this year’s Venice International Film Festival on Sept. 8. Curtis will be there with her latest film, “Halloween Kills,” the latest installment in the iconic franchise that launched her career in 1978.
Congratulations on the Venice honor. How did you find out about it and what was your reaction?
Well, it was unexpected.
- 8/28/2021
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
“You can’t kill the bogeyman!” little Tommy Doyle says to babysitter Laurie Strode at the climax of John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978). A couple years later—and some $80 million dollars later—the man who started it all, movie mogul and producer Irwin Yablans, agreed and launched Halloween II on Friday, October 30th, 1981. Let’s begin with a simple truth: sequels are to movie fans as drugs are to drug addicts: fans are chasing that first high knowing, over time, that it’s nearly impossible a sequel will ever outdo or even match the first. But we keep trying, don’t we? Now, Halloween II is not as good as its predecessor, but it is a damn fine sequel that finishes telling the story of Laurie Strode and Michael Myers on Halloween night. But let’s not forget Halloween H20 in 1998. Oh, and then there were those Zombie ones. And, of course,...
- 8/16/2021
- by Ray Marshall
- DailyDead
Many American holidays have their definitive films marking the occasion. For instance, John Hughes gave Thanksgiving and Christmas Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and Christmas Vacation, respectively. But best of all, at least in my opinion, is when John Carpenter gave us Halloween way back in 1978, when I was 14 years old. Specifically, Carpenter’s classic debuted on silver screens 41 years ago this very day: October 25th.
Halloween immediately left an indelible impact on popular culture. Critics lauded it with praise, as they very well should have, and audiences reacted viscerally to it; just check out this reaction track. It didn’t invent the slasher genre, but it certainly solidified it, which led to the deluge of copycats and ripoffs all throughout the 1980s. And ya know what? The franchise is still going today, even stronger than ever, some would say.
John Carpenter was originally hired when the film was still called The Babysitter Murders.
Halloween immediately left an indelible impact on popular culture. Critics lauded it with praise, as they very well should have, and audiences reacted viscerally to it; just check out this reaction track. It didn’t invent the slasher genre, but it certainly solidified it, which led to the deluge of copycats and ripoffs all throughout the 1980s. And ya know what? The franchise is still going today, even stronger than ever, some would say.
John Carpenter was originally hired when the film was still called The Babysitter Murders.
- 10/26/2019
- by Josh Heath
- We Got This Covered
Today in 1978: Halloween premiered in theaters. A classic of the horror genre, John Carpenter’s Halloween follows Laurie Strode, a teenager whose Halloween babysitting job is interrupted by the appearance of Michael “The Shape” Myers, a psychopath who silently sets about killing everyone who gets in his path. Originally titled The Babysitter Murders, producer Irwin Yablans and financier Moustapha Akkad […]
The post This Day in Horror: Halloween Premiered in 1978 appeared first on Dread Central.
The post This Day in Horror: Halloween Premiered in 1978 appeared first on Dread Central.
- 10/25/2019
- by Alyse Wax
- DreadCentral.com
Starring Morgan Fairchild as a news anchor targeted by a deranged stalker, The Seduction is coming to Blu-ray on May 21st from Scream Factory, and ahead of its anticipated release, we've been provided with a clip, TV spot, and trailer to give Daily Dead readers a better idea of what to expect from the new Blu-ray.
The Seduction Blu-ray: "Morgan Fairchild and Andrew Stevens burn up the screen in this steamy stalker thriller!
L.A. anchorwoman Jamie Douglas (the stunning Morgan Fairchild in her big screen debut) has it all: a glamorous career on a top-rated news show, a luxurious house in the hills, and a devoted young admirer named Derek (Andrew Stevens). But when Jamie rebuffs his romantic advances, Derek becomes an obsessed stalker who plays out an increasingly psychotic courtship with the frightened newswoman. Soon he is threatening every part of her life, secretly watching even her most intimate moments.
The Seduction Blu-ray: "Morgan Fairchild and Andrew Stevens burn up the screen in this steamy stalker thriller!
L.A. anchorwoman Jamie Douglas (the stunning Morgan Fairchild in her big screen debut) has it all: a glamorous career on a top-rated news show, a luxurious house in the hills, and a devoted young admirer named Derek (Andrew Stevens). But when Jamie rebuffs his romantic advances, Derek becomes an obsessed stalker who plays out an increasingly psychotic courtship with the frightened newswoman. Soon he is threatening every part of her life, secretly watching even her most intimate moments.
- 5/7/2019
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Starring Morgan Fairchild as a news anchor targeted by a deranged stalker, The Seduction is coming to Blu-ray on May 21st from Scream Factory, and we've been provided with the full list of special features, including a new interview with Fairchild.
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA – On May 21, The Seduction, the steamy stalker thriller starring Morgan Fairchild and Andrew Stevens comes to Blu-ray™ from Scream Factory. Bonus features include brand new interviews with Morgan Fairchild, Andrew Stevens, and producer Bruce Cohn Curtis, and more. The Seduction is available for pre-order from Scream Factory and Amazon.com.
L.A. anchorwoman Jamie Douglas (the stunning Morgan Fairchild in her big screen debut) has it all: a glamorous career on a top-rated news show, a luxurious house in the hills, and a devoted young admirer named Derek (Andrew Stevens). But when Jamie rebuffs his romantic advances, Derek becomes an obsessed stalker who plays out...
Press Release: Los Angeles, CA – On May 21, The Seduction, the steamy stalker thriller starring Morgan Fairchild and Andrew Stevens comes to Blu-ray™ from Scream Factory. Bonus features include brand new interviews with Morgan Fairchild, Andrew Stevens, and producer Bruce Cohn Curtis, and more. The Seduction is available for pre-order from Scream Factory and Amazon.com.
L.A. anchorwoman Jamie Douglas (the stunning Morgan Fairchild in her big screen debut) has it all: a glamorous career on a top-rated news show, a luxurious house in the hills, and a devoted young admirer named Derek (Andrew Stevens). But when Jamie rebuffs his romantic advances, Derek becomes an obsessed stalker who plays out...
- 4/3/2019
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
In addition to When a Stranger Calls Back, Scream Factory has several other horror titles in store for viewers this May, including their newly announced Blu-rays for 1982's The Seduction, 1977's The Chosen, and 1959's The Alligator People:
The Seduction Blu-ray: "Morgan Fairchild (The Initiation of Sarah) is a news reporter terrorized by an obsessed admirer in 1982’s steamy and deadly thriller The Seduction. Coming soon to Blu-ray for the first time on May 21st!
L.A. anchorwoman Jamie Douglas (Fairchild) has it all: a glamorous career on a top-rated news show, a luxurious house in the hills, and a devoted young fan named Derek (Stevens). But when Jamie rebuffs his romantic advances, Derek becomes a stalker who plays out an increasingly psychotic courtship with the frightened newswoman. Soon he is threatening every part of her life, secretly watching even her most intimate moments. Her tough-talking lover (Michael Sarrazin) can't console her.
The Seduction Blu-ray: "Morgan Fairchild (The Initiation of Sarah) is a news reporter terrorized by an obsessed admirer in 1982’s steamy and deadly thriller The Seduction. Coming soon to Blu-ray for the first time on May 21st!
L.A. anchorwoman Jamie Douglas (Fairchild) has it all: a glamorous career on a top-rated news show, a luxurious house in the hills, and a devoted young fan named Derek (Stevens). But when Jamie rebuffs his romantic advances, Derek becomes a stalker who plays out an increasingly psychotic courtship with the frightened newswoman. Soon he is threatening every part of her life, secretly watching even her most intimate moments. Her tough-talking lover (Michael Sarrazin) can't console her.
- 2/5/2019
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Exactly 40 years after John Carpenter’s “Halloween” was released in 1978, David Gordon Green released his modern-day sequel to an estimated $75 million opening weekend. It has the benefit of strong reviews, original star Jamie Lee Curtis’ return to the lead role, and its placement as this year’s holiday horror film release — but it was never just a horror film. This ultra low-budget slasher flick was one of the most important movies to be released in the 1970s.
Among the top-grossing films released in 1978, “Halloween” was no. 10. However, those that did better — “Grease,” “Superman,” “Animal House,” “Every Which Way You Can,” “Heaven Can Wait,” “Hooper,” “Jaws 2,” “Revenge of the Pink Panther,” and “The Deer Hunter” — may be unfamiliar to anyone 40 or younger. Even last weekend, which would be week 2,036 of release, “Halloween” remains vital in the public consciousness: It grossed $9,553 last weekend.
Adjusted to 2018 prices, the 1978 independent film made $184 million...
Among the top-grossing films released in 1978, “Halloween” was no. 10. However, those that did better — “Grease,” “Superman,” “Animal House,” “Every Which Way You Can,” “Heaven Can Wait,” “Hooper,” “Jaws 2,” “Revenge of the Pink Panther,” and “The Deer Hunter” — may be unfamiliar to anyone 40 or younger. Even last weekend, which would be week 2,036 of release, “Halloween” remains vital in the public consciousness: It grossed $9,553 last weekend.
Adjusted to 2018 prices, the 1978 independent film made $184 million...
- 10/20/2018
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
After watching John Carpenter’s 1976 action-thriller Assault on Precinct 13 at the Milan Film Festival, film producers Irwin Yablans and Moustapha Akkad put up the $300,000 budget for the young up-and-coming filmmaker to write, direct, and score a movie about a psychopath who stalks babysitters. Carpenter and his then-girlfriend Debra Hill began drafting a script for The Babysitter Murders, which was later renamed to Halloween after Yablans suggested setting the movie on Halloween night. And the rest is history. The 1978 independent film grossed $70 million at the worldwide box office and became the blueprint for every slasher flick since. Now, 40 years later, David Gordon Green looks to capture some of the macabre magic of Carpenter's classic with his own Halloween — a direct sequel that ignores the seven sequels before it and resurrects the iconic characters of Laurie Strode and Michael Myers. Produced by Malek Akkad and Blumhouse's Jason Blum (of Get...
- 10/18/2018
- by Adam Frazier
- firstshowing.net
David Crow Oct 16, 2018
Jamie Lee Curtis cannot escape the reach of Halloween's Michael Myers or Laurie Strode. And she doesn't want to.
Jamie Lee Curtis knows the importance of Halloween and the boogeyman it unleashed. She can feel their combined shadow when entering a ballroom at San Diego Comic-Con. Arriving slightly behind the other filmmakers she’s partnered with to bring that boogeyman back, her presence causes the cavernous space filled with journalists to go quiet. All eyes are on the woman in a black blazer and horn-rimmed glasses. Next to me, Halloween producer Jason Blum murmurs, to no one in particular, that there is a queen.
“It is my life,” Curtis says once she sits across the table from reporters, reflecting on the significance of her breakout role. “This is the greatest job I will ever have, and I know it. I knew it then, I tried to pretend it wasn’t,...
Jamie Lee Curtis cannot escape the reach of Halloween's Michael Myers or Laurie Strode. And she doesn't want to.
Jamie Lee Curtis knows the importance of Halloween and the boogeyman it unleashed. She can feel their combined shadow when entering a ballroom at San Diego Comic-Con. Arriving slightly behind the other filmmakers she’s partnered with to bring that boogeyman back, her presence causes the cavernous space filled with journalists to go quiet. All eyes are on the woman in a black blazer and horn-rimmed glasses. Next to me, Halloween producer Jason Blum murmurs, to no one in particular, that there is a queen.
“It is my life,” Curtis says once she sits across the table from reporters, reflecting on the significance of her breakout role. “This is the greatest job I will ever have, and I know it. I knew it then, I tried to pretend it wasn’t,...
- 10/1/2018
- Den of Geek
After being possessed by the demon Pazuzu in The Exorcist, Linda Blair faced a different kind of threat that made some horror fans "pray for day" in Hell Night. With the 1981 slasher film out now on a Collector's Edition Blu-ray from Scream Factory, we've been provided with three copies to give away to lucky Daily Dead readers.
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Prize Details: (3) Winners will receive (1) Collector's Edition Blu-ray / DVD combo pack copy of Hell Night.
How to Enter: We're giving Daily Dead readers multiple chances to enter and win:
1. Instagram: Following us on Instagram during the contest period will give you an automatic contest entry. Make sure to follow us at:
https://www.instagram.com/dailydead/
2. Email: For a chance to win via email, send an email to contest@dailydead.com with the subject “Hell Night Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will...
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Prize Details: (3) Winners will receive (1) Collector's Edition Blu-ray / DVD combo pack copy of Hell Night.
How to Enter: We're giving Daily Dead readers multiple chances to enter and win:
1. Instagram: Following us on Instagram during the contest period will give you an automatic contest entry. Make sure to follow us at:
https://www.instagram.com/dailydead/
2. Email: For a chance to win via email, send an email to contest@dailydead.com with the subject “Hell Night Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will...
- 1/2/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Happy 2018, dear readers! With a new year comes a new batch of home entertainment releases, even if we only have a relatively quiet week of titles to look forward to. Scream Factory is kicking off 2018 right with their Collector’s Edition of Hell Night, and Umberto Lenzi’s Seven Blood Stained Orchids is getting a brand new Blu as well. If you missed it last fall, The Houses October Built 2 comes home this week, and cult film fans should keep an eye out for Miss Zombie from Redemption Films, too.
Other January 2nd releases include Bigfoot Country, Dystopia, Anna, Death Island Paranormal Retribution, No Solicitors, and The Body Tree.
Hell Night (Scream Factory, Blu/DVD Combo)
As an initiation rite into Alpha Sigma Rho fraternity, four pledges must spend a night in Garth Manor, twelve years to the day after the previous resident murdered his entire family. Two of the pledges,...
Other January 2nd releases include Bigfoot Country, Dystopia, Anna, Death Island Paranormal Retribution, No Solicitors, and The Body Tree.
Hell Night (Scream Factory, Blu/DVD Combo)
As an initiation rite into Alpha Sigma Rho fraternity, four pledges must spend a night in Garth Manor, twelve years to the day after the previous resident murdered his entire family. Two of the pledges,...
- 1/2/2018
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Before he came face to face with Jason Voorhees in Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter, Peter Barton faced a different kind of cinematic killer alongside Linda Blair in Hell Night. With the 1981 horror film coming out soon on a Collector's Edition Blu-ray / DVD with a new 4K scan from Scream Factory, we've been provided with an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip to share as a special treat for Daily Dead readers.
In the behind-the-scenes clip below, Barton reflects on a humorous time when it was difficult for him to maintain a straight face during filming, and he also talks about the high level of energy that goes into a performance when actors are playing characters who are fighting for (or fear for) their lives.
Scream Factory's Hell Night Collector's Edition Blu-ray / DVD will be released on January 2nd, 2018, and we have a look at the full list of special features...
In the behind-the-scenes clip below, Barton reflects on a humorous time when it was difficult for him to maintain a straight face during filming, and he also talks about the high level of energy that goes into a performance when actors are playing characters who are fighting for (or fear for) their lives.
Scream Factory's Hell Night Collector's Edition Blu-ray / DVD will be released on January 2nd, 2018, and we have a look at the full list of special features...
- 12/19/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
After facing off against the demon Pazuzu in The Exorcist, Linda Blair faced off against a vicious murderer that made some horror fans "pray for day" in the 1981 slasher film Hell Night (read our own Scott Drebit's Drive-In Dust Offs on the film here), coming out this January on a Collector's Edition Blu-ray / DVD combo pack from Scream Factory that's brimming with almost four hours of bonus features:
Press Release: One dark night 12 years ago, madman Raymond Garth butchered his wife and children in their mansion before killing himself. Legend has it that one child survived the slaughter and remains hidden in the house as a deformed monster. Years later on pledge night, a group of new fraternity and sorority pledges must spend an evening in this creepy mansion on the anniversary of the killings. But what starts off as a night of innocent pranks and rowdiness soon turns deadly…...
Press Release: One dark night 12 years ago, madman Raymond Garth butchered his wife and children in their mansion before killing himself. Legend has it that one child survived the slaughter and remains hidden in the house as a deformed monster. Years later on pledge night, a group of new fraternity and sorority pledges must spend an evening in this creepy mansion on the anniversary of the killings. But what starts off as a night of innocent pranks and rowdiness soon turns deadly…...
- 11/15/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
It starts with the music, which rises as the screen fades from black to reveal the sinister orange glow of the credits and a leering jack o’ lantern. The rapid, staccato piano notes indicating an oppressive force at work; relentless and unforgiving. John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978) is about all of these sensations and more; concrete vibrations that have echoed through the halls of horror, resounding from time to time to remind audiences of its lasting influence and potency.
By now, most know the story of how Halloween came to be and the landmark it truly is. How producer Irwin Yablans approached Carpenter about doing a horror film after seeing his Assault on Precinct 13 (1976), and wanted it to revolve around babysitters; how the film was initially panned by major critics, and then re-evaluated once it started to become popular; how it ended up making over $70 million worldwide at the box office against a $325,000 budget,...
By now, most know the story of how Halloween came to be and the landmark it truly is. How producer Irwin Yablans approached Carpenter about doing a horror film after seeing his Assault on Precinct 13 (1976), and wanted it to revolve around babysitters; how the film was initially panned by major critics, and then re-evaluated once it started to become popular; how it ended up making over $70 million worldwide at the box office against a $325,000 budget,...
- 3/4/2017
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
Ryan Lambie Oct 25, 2019
To celebrate Halloween, we look back at how John Carpenter created a low-budget horror classic...
It's the spring of 1978, and John Carpenter is in the midst of a risky decision. He's reached the 20th and final day of shooting on Halloween, and has a final few hours to compose what will become the movie's opening sequence: a point-of-view shot where we're introduced to the young Michael Myers, aged six. But rather than make things easy on himself by shooting the scene as simply as possible, he's decided to film it as one, unbroken sequence, with as few edits as he can get away with - an atmosphere-building bit of camera trickery inspired by Orson Welles' Touch Of Evil.
The shot requires camera operator Ray Stella to creep around the old house (hurriedly redecorated by cast and crew alike earlier that day) with a 70lb Panaglide camera...
To celebrate Halloween, we look back at how John Carpenter created a low-budget horror classic...
It's the spring of 1978, and John Carpenter is in the midst of a risky decision. He's reached the 20th and final day of shooting on Halloween, and has a final few hours to compose what will become the movie's opening sequence: a point-of-view shot where we're introduced to the young Michael Myers, aged six. But rather than make things easy on himself by shooting the scene as simply as possible, he's decided to film it as one, unbroken sequence, with as few edits as he can get away with - an atmosphere-building bit of camera trickery inspired by Orson Welles' Touch Of Evil.
The shot requires camera operator Ray Stella to creep around the old house (hurriedly redecorated by cast and crew alike earlier that day) with a 70lb Panaglide camera...
- 10/31/2016
- Den of Geek
Ryan Lambie Oct 18, 2018
To celebrate Halloween, we look back at how John Carpenter created a low-budget horror classic...
It's the spring of 1978, and John Carpenter is in the midst of a risky decision. He's reached the 20th and final day of shooting on Halloween, and has a final few hours to compose what will become the movie's opening sequence: a point-of-view shot where we're introduced to the young Michael Myers, aged six. But rather than make things easy on himself by shooting the scene as simply as possible, he's decided to film it as one, unbroken sequence, with as few edits as he can get away with - an atmosphere-building bit of camera trickery inspired by Orson Welles' Touch Of Evil.
The shot requires camera operator Ray Stella to creep around the old house (hurriedly redecorated by cast and crew alike earlier that day) with a 70lb Panaglide camera...
To celebrate Halloween, we look back at how John Carpenter created a low-budget horror classic...
It's the spring of 1978, and John Carpenter is in the midst of a risky decision. He's reached the 20th and final day of shooting on Halloween, and has a final few hours to compose what will become the movie's opening sequence: a point-of-view shot where we're introduced to the young Michael Myers, aged six. But rather than make things easy on himself by shooting the scene as simply as possible, he's decided to film it as one, unbroken sequence, with as few edits as he can get away with - an atmosphere-building bit of camera trickery inspired by Orson Welles' Touch Of Evil.
The shot requires camera operator Ray Stella to creep around the old house (hurriedly redecorated by cast and crew alike earlier that day) with a 70lb Panaglide camera...
- 10/31/2016
- Den of Geek
Magnolia Pictures
It’s hard to believe that movies like The Tingler (1959), Blood Feast (1963) and Suspiria (1977) didn’t get a late-October release, but at the time Halloween was seen as a lull period between summer and Christmas. All of that changed when, on 31 October 1978, John Carpenter’s Halloween had its Us premiere.
Not only had no previous picture made use of the title, but enterprising filmmakers had failed to seize upon the season for a gimmick release strategy. Originally conceived as The Babysitter Murders, Halloween owes some of its success to producer Irwin Yablans, who set out to do just that.
Set in Haddonfield, one of those Illinois towns where the cars bear California plates and palm trees are visible in the background, Carpenter’s movie uses the date as an excuse for lots of horror movie atmospherics, most of which hadn’t been seen in a while. The closest...
It’s hard to believe that movies like The Tingler (1959), Blood Feast (1963) and Suspiria (1977) didn’t get a late-October release, but at the time Halloween was seen as a lull period between summer and Christmas. All of that changed when, on 31 October 1978, John Carpenter’s Halloween had its Us premiere.
Not only had no previous picture made use of the title, but enterprising filmmakers had failed to seize upon the season for a gimmick release strategy. Originally conceived as The Babysitter Murders, Halloween owes some of its success to producer Irwin Yablans, who set out to do just that.
Set in Haddonfield, one of those Illinois towns where the cars bear California plates and palm trees are visible in the background, Carpenter’s movie uses the date as an excuse for lots of horror movie atmospherics, most of which hadn’t been seen in a while. The closest...
- 10/1/2015
- by Ian Watson
- Obsessed with Film
It is fitting that Tourist Trap came out in 1979. This was a year of variety in horror with everything from Ridley Scott’s Alien to Lucio Fulci’s Zombie. From space creatures to the walking dead and all points in between, this was the end of a decade and Tourist Trap couldn’t have been made at any other time. It’s magnificently weird.
Released in March by Compass International Pictures, Tourist Trap was not a commercial or critical success. That’s a real shame because it possesses a unique ability to get under the skin of the viewer with the oddest of fears: Mannequins. Have you ever been shopping and felt the dead eyed gaze of these department store statues? Ever felt they were watching…and waiting? Well sit back and strap in as things are about to get strange.
In a nutshell: A traveling group of young adults...
Released in March by Compass International Pictures, Tourist Trap was not a commercial or critical success. That’s a real shame because it possesses a unique ability to get under the skin of the viewer with the oddest of fears: Mannequins. Have you ever been shopping and felt the dead eyed gaze of these department store statues? Ever felt they were watching…and waiting? Well sit back and strap in as things are about to get strange.
In a nutshell: A traveling group of young adults...
- 6/6/2015
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated home video release of this year is Scream Factory/Anchor Bay's Halloween: The Complete Collection Blu-ray set, which contains every single film in the franchise and is jam-packed with bonus content both new and old.
Today comes word that the set will come equipped with a newly-recorded commentary track with Jamie Lee Curtis and Halloween H20 director Steve Miner. Included with the exciting press release was a picture of Curtis and Miner recording the track, a reunion that's sure to bring a smile to your face.
Check it out below, and read on for all the information you need to know about the September 23rd release!
Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement outlining all the great newly produced interviews, featurettes, behind-the-scenes footage, and more that will be included in the 15-disc Deluxe Edition.
Halloween Box Set Release Details
Last year the horror classic...
Today comes word that the set will come equipped with a newly-recorded commentary track with Jamie Lee Curtis and Halloween H20 director Steve Miner. Included with the exciting press release was a picture of Curtis and Miner recording the track, a reunion that's sure to bring a smile to your face.
Check it out below, and read on for all the information you need to know about the September 23rd release!
Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement outlining all the great newly produced interviews, featurettes, behind-the-scenes footage, and more that will be included in the 15-disc Deluxe Edition.
Halloween Box Set Release Details
Last year the horror classic...
- 6/30/2014
- by John Squires
- DreadCentral.com
Fans are anxiously awaiting the September release of the Halloween Complete Collection Blu-ray set, which will contain all new bonus features. While the full list of special features have not yet been revealed and are still being finalized, it has been announced that Jamie Lee Curtis and Steve Miner got together for a brand new Halloween H20 commentary track:
“Work continues on the Halloween Complete Collection Blu-ray set. Bonus features continue to be added on a daily basis, and an announcement is forthcoming outlining all the great newly produced interviews, featurettes, behind-the-scenes footage and more that will be included in the 15-disc Deluxe Edition.
So, as we near our nation’s birthday, please enjoy the attached behind-the-scenes photo of the actress who helped launched the historic franchise — Jamie Lee Curtis, as she sat down with Halloween H20 director Steve Miner (r) and moderator Sean Clark (c) for a new commentary...
“Work continues on the Halloween Complete Collection Blu-ray set. Bonus features continue to be added on a daily basis, and an announcement is forthcoming outlining all the great newly produced interviews, featurettes, behind-the-scenes footage and more that will be included in the 15-disc Deluxe Edition.
So, as we near our nation’s birthday, please enjoy the attached behind-the-scenes photo of the actress who helped launched the historic franchise — Jamie Lee Curtis, as she sat down with Halloween H20 director Steve Miner (r) and moderator Sean Clark (c) for a new commentary...
- 6/30/2014
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
So the big question everyone has been wondering since the announcement of the next Halloween film was whether or not it would continue on in the universe set up by Rob Zombie. Recently Collider caught up with Malek Akkad at the Saturn Awards, who shed some light on the subject.
“I can’t talk about it too much right now," says Akkad. "It will definitely keep elements and bring in new elements. But I really want to bring it back to kind of like, the classic – because the last one got a little dark – I want to bring it back to the classic Friday night horror film that people will really like.”
When asked about the ill-fated Halloween 3D, which was announced a couple of years back...
"Todd Farmer and Patrick Lussier did a script. The next day after the last one came out, we were back in production for Halloween 3D.
“I can’t talk about it too much right now," says Akkad. "It will definitely keep elements and bring in new elements. But I really want to bring it back to kind of like, the classic – because the last one got a little dark – I want to bring it back to the classic Friday night horror film that people will really like.”
When asked about the ill-fated Halloween 3D, which was announced a couple of years back...
"Todd Farmer and Patrick Lussier did a script. The next day after the last one came out, we were back in production for Halloween 3D.
- 6/29/2014
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
Last year, the horror classic "Halloween" celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration. What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill and Irwin Yablans, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable, iconic – and copiously studied -- horror film franchises ever created. Before Jason, before Freddy, and before Jigsaw, there was…Michael. Over the years, audiences have lived and relived the terrors of Michael Myers through ten feature films, as well as various re-edits and alternate versions. Yet to date, the complete saga of Michael Myers could only be told in pieces, in individual DVD and Blu-ray...
- 6/14/2014
- by Pietro Filipponi
- The Daily BLAM!
Artwork Premiere - Scream Factory and Anchor Bay's Halloween The Complete Collection Blu-ray Box Set
Get ready to feast your eyes and glut your soul on the sexiest thing to hit the Halloween franchise since P.J. Soles bared her breasts and beckoned to a ghost-sheet-wearing Shape. See anything you like? Indeed!
From the Press Release
Last year the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration.
What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill, and Irwin Yablans; writer/director John Carpenter; and stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable, iconic – and copiously studied -- horror film franchises ever created. Before Jason, before Freddy, and before Jigsaw, there was… Michael. Over the years audiences have lived and relived the terrors of Michael Myers through ten feature films as well as various re-edits and alternate versions; yet, to date, the...
From the Press Release
Last year the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration.
What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill, and Irwin Yablans; writer/director John Carpenter; and stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable, iconic – and copiously studied -- horror film franchises ever created. Before Jason, before Freddy, and before Jigsaw, there was… Michael. Over the years audiences have lived and relived the terrors of Michael Myers through ten feature films as well as various re-edits and alternate versions; yet, to date, the...
- 6/13/2014
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
Scream Factory and Anchor Bay recently announced that they’ve teamed up for Halloween The Complete Collection Blu-ray box set. The 15-disc collection that includes all of the Halloween movies together for the first time, including the rare producer’s cut of Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, and we now have a look at the new artwork created for the set:
“Beverly Hills, CA – Last year, the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration. What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill and Irwin Yablans, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable, iconic – and copiously studied — horror film franchises ever created. Before Jason, before Freddy, and before Jigsaw, there was…Michael. Over the years, audiences have lived...
“Beverly Hills, CA – Last year, the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration. What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill and Irwin Yablans, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable, iconic – and copiously studied — horror film franchises ever created. Before Jason, before Freddy, and before Jigsaw, there was…Michael. Over the years, audiences have lived...
- 6/13/2014
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Last month, Scream Factory dropped the bomb that they, in conjunction with Anchor Bay, would be releasing the complete collection of the Halloween franchise. All 8 films including television cuts of Halloween 1 & 2 as well as the infamous Producer’s Cut of the sixth entry, Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers. While we posted that this “Complete Collection” still isn’t complete, we are still stoked to see this. Today, at 10:31 am Pdt, Scream Factory released the artwork. Feast your eyes on it below.
The 10 Disc Set
The 15 Disc Set
From the Press Release
Last year, the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration. What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill and Irwin Yablans, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable,...
The 10 Disc Set
The 15 Disc Set
From the Press Release
Last year, the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration. What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill and Irwin Yablans, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable,...
- 6/13/2014
- by Andy Triefenbach
- Destroy the Brain
Ladies and gentlemen... We now present to you reason number 89,098,0127,091 to Love The Scream Factory and Anchor Bay... the long talked about, highly demanded Producer's Cut of Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers is hitting Blu-ray with a whole lot more!
From the Press Release
Last year, the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration. What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill and Irwin Yablans, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable, iconic – and copiously studied -- horror film franchises ever created. Before Jason, before Freddy, and before Jigsaw, there was…Michael. Over the years, audiences have lived and relived the terrors of Michael Myers through ten feature films, as well as various re-edits and alternate versions.
From the Press Release
Last year, the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration. What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill and Irwin Yablans, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable, iconic – and copiously studied -- horror film franchises ever created. Before Jason, before Freddy, and before Jigsaw, there was…Michael. Over the years, audiences have lived and relived the terrors of Michael Myers through ten feature films, as well as various re-edits and alternate versions.
- 5/19/2014
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
While the secret was spoiled by Amazon over the weekend, it is still nice to get all the official details of the Halloween: The Complete Collection Blu-Ray Set. Read below for the official release. After you get done with that, be sure to read our post on why this collection will still be missing important footage.
The press release states that “Artwork and bonus features to be announced in the next couple of months” so we will update this as soon as we have it.
From the Press Release
Last year, the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration. What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill and Irwin Yablans, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable,...
The press release states that “Artwork and bonus features to be announced in the next couple of months” so we will update this as soon as we have it.
From the Press Release
Last year, the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration. What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill and Irwin Yablans, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable,...
- 5/19/2014
- by Andy Triefenbach
- Destroy the Brain
In recent years, we’ve seen Halloween II and III on Blu-ray from Scream Factory, with Anchor Bay releasing Halloween, Halloween 4, and Halloween 5 on Blu-ray. Now, both companies have teamed up for Halloween The Complete Collection Blu-ray box set, a 15-disc collection that includes all of the Halloween movies together for the first time:
“Beverly Hills, CA – Last year, the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration. What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill and Irwin Yablans, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable, iconic – and copiously studied — horror film franchises ever created. Before Jason, before Freddy, and before Jigsaw, there was…Michael. Over the years, audiences have lived and relived the terrors of Michael Myers through ten feature films,...
“Beverly Hills, CA – Last year, the horror classic Halloween celebrated 35 years of terror for those willing to partake in its vision of unrelenting horror. But that was only the beginning of the celebration. What producers Moustapha Akkad, Debra Hill and Irwin Yablans, writer/director John Carpenter and stars Jamie Lee Curtis & Donald Pleasence started in 1978 has transformed into one of the most durable, iconic – and copiously studied — horror film franchises ever created. Before Jason, before Freddy, and before Jigsaw, there was…Michael. Over the years, audiences have lived and relived the terrors of Michael Myers through ten feature films,...
- 5/19/2014
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Ryan Lambie Oct 31, 2016
To celebrate Halloween, we look back at how John Carpenter created a low-budget horror classic...
It's the spring of 1978, and John Carpenter's in the midst of a risky decision. He's reached the 20th and final day of shooting on Halloween, and has a final few hours to compose what will become the movie's opening sequence: a point-of-view shot where we're introduced to the young Michael Myers, aged six. But rather than make things easy on himself by shooting the scene as simply as possible, he's decided to film it as one, unbroken sequence, with as few edits as he can get away with - an atmosphere-building bit of camera trickery inspired by Orson Welles' Touch Of Evil.
See related Gotham season 3: Robin Lord Taylor interview Gotham season 3: Cory Michael Smith interview Gotham season 3: Sean Pertwee interview Gotham season 3: episode 8 trailer arrives...
To celebrate Halloween, we look back at how John Carpenter created a low-budget horror classic...
It's the spring of 1978, and John Carpenter's in the midst of a risky decision. He's reached the 20th and final day of shooting on Halloween, and has a final few hours to compose what will become the movie's opening sequence: a point-of-view shot where we're introduced to the young Michael Myers, aged six. But rather than make things easy on himself by shooting the scene as simply as possible, he's decided to film it as one, unbroken sequence, with as few edits as he can get away with - an atmosphere-building bit of camera trickery inspired by Orson Welles' Touch Of Evil.
See related Gotham season 3: Robin Lord Taylor interview Gotham season 3: Cory Michael Smith interview Gotham season 3: Sean Pertwee interview Gotham season 3: episode 8 trailer arrives...
- 10/20/2013
- Den of Geek
Feature Ryan Lambie 21 Oct 2013 - 07:15
As Halloween celebrates its 35th birthday with a Blu-ray reissue, we look back at how John Carpenter created a low-budget horror classic...
It's the spring of 1978, and John Carpenter's in the midst of a risky decision. He's reached the 20th and final day of shooting on Halloween, and has a final few hours to compose what will become the movie's opening sequence: a point-of-view shot where we're introduced to the young Michael Myers, aged six. But rather than make things easy on himself by shooting the scene as simply as possible, he's decided to film it as one, unbroken sequence, with as few edits as he can get away with - an atmosphere-building bit of camera trickery inspired by Orson Welles' Touch Of Evil.
The shot requires camera operator Ray Stella to creep around the old house (hurriedly redecorated by cast and...
As Halloween celebrates its 35th birthday with a Blu-ray reissue, we look back at how John Carpenter created a low-budget horror classic...
It's the spring of 1978, and John Carpenter's in the midst of a risky decision. He's reached the 20th and final day of shooting on Halloween, and has a final few hours to compose what will become the movie's opening sequence: a point-of-view shot where we're introduced to the young Michael Myers, aged six. But rather than make things easy on himself by shooting the scene as simply as possible, he's decided to film it as one, unbroken sequence, with as few edits as he can get away with - an atmosphere-building bit of camera trickery inspired by Orson Welles' Touch Of Evil.
The shot requires camera operator Ray Stella to creep around the old house (hurriedly redecorated by cast and...
- 10/20/2013
- by ryanlambie
- Den of Geek
Stars: Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, Dan O’Herlihy | Written by Tommy Lee Wallace, Nigel Kneale | Directed by Tommy Lee Wallace
I really hate the bad rap that Halloween III gets. I mean, it’s a stinker reputation. People are either supremely dismissive or they appreciate it for what it is – a completely underrated film with a downer of an ending and trying something new when it appears that it seemed to be heading the way of franchise, and as we undoubtedly know, it has.
The idea being that Carpenter and Debra Hill wanted something new, after all an unstoppable killer would become old hat after a while. And so, they decided to hand the reins over to the talented Tommy Lee Wallace and this is what he produced. And merciful me, it sunk and it sunk badly. Does this mean it’s a bad film? Not at all. It’s...
I really hate the bad rap that Halloween III gets. I mean, it’s a stinker reputation. People are either supremely dismissive or they appreciate it for what it is – a completely underrated film with a downer of an ending and trying something new when it appears that it seemed to be heading the way of franchise, and as we undoubtedly know, it has.
The idea being that Carpenter and Debra Hill wanted something new, after all an unstoppable killer would become old hat after a while. And so, they decided to hand the reins over to the talented Tommy Lee Wallace and this is what he produced. And merciful me, it sunk and it sunk badly. Does this mean it’s a bad film? Not at all. It’s...
- 7/28/2013
- by Nathan Smith
- Nerdly
As our ears are always pressed to the blood-soaked ground at Dread Central, here's exclusive word on Middle of the Night, a slasher flick starring model-turned-actress Jordan Carver, which is set to go before cameras this summer under the watchful eye of David Scheinbaum.
Penned by self-avowed slasher fan Scheinbaum, Middle of the Night revolves around a group of young men and women cast on a reality television series called "West Hills." Moving into a house in the hills to film the show, they are unaware, however, that the abode was home to several bloody murders years prior, and unfortunately for them, the killer returns home for an encore performance upon their arrival. In addition to Carver (pictured), the cast is made up by Jessica Richards, Mindy Robinson, Laura Aidan (2011's Fright Night), Adeana Lane, Marc Wayne, Dayne Ryan, Vincent Carubia, Taylor Ragan and Amanda Moyer, with stuntman Brennan Dyson as "The Man.
Penned by self-avowed slasher fan Scheinbaum, Middle of the Night revolves around a group of young men and women cast on a reality television series called "West Hills." Moving into a house in the hills to film the show, they are unaware, however, that the abode was home to several bloody murders years prior, and unfortunately for them, the killer returns home for an encore performance upon their arrival. In addition to Carver (pictured), the cast is made up by Jessica Richards, Mindy Robinson, Laura Aidan (2011's Fright Night), Adeana Lane, Marc Wayne, Dayne Ryan, Vincent Carubia, Taylor Ragan and Amanda Moyer, with stuntman Brennan Dyson as "The Man.
- 6/28/2013
- by Sean Decker
- DreadCentral.com
“I got the habit of drinking Lysol in Gainesville in ’49. You ever been to Florida? I never saw the beach.” Cresus (Lincoln Kilpatrick) tells this to Burke (Viggo Mortensen) in a rather sad confession of a lifer. The two are recently assigned cellmates at a newly reopened penitentiary, which looks like a set from an Aip film starring Vincent Price in the 1960’s.
The American directing debut of Renny Harlin tells the story of a prison haunted by the ghost of an executed inmate. This ghost however is as much of the psychological as it is the external; the men in this prison are haunted by their own past, present, and the horrors of the future.
Produced by Charles Band for Empire Pictures in the late 1980’s, Prison is one of the studio’s smartest films. C. Courtney Joyner contributes a surprisingly deep screenplay for a supernatural horror film. The large ensemble cast,...
The American directing debut of Renny Harlin tells the story of a prison haunted by the ghost of an executed inmate. This ghost however is as much of the psychological as it is the external; the men in this prison are haunted by their own past, present, and the horrors of the future.
Produced by Charles Band for Empire Pictures in the late 1980’s, Prison is one of the studio’s smartest films. C. Courtney Joyner contributes a surprisingly deep screenplay for a supernatural horror film. The large ensemble cast,...
- 2/26/2013
- by Derek Botelho
- DailyDead
While many horror fans know Finnish filmmaker Renny Harlin best for his efforts on A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master, that wasn't the director's first foray into the genre world.
Shortly before signing on with New Line for Noes 4, Harlin first helmed the supernatural thriller Prison for producers Charles Band and Irwin Yablans.
A cult classic that never even made it to DVD, Prison will be celebrating its Blu-ray release on February 19th courtesy of Shout! Factory, and to mark the occasion, Dread Central recently had the opportunity to chat exclusively with Harlin about the release and his experiences making both Prison and Dream Master and caught up on what's ahead for the man behind such classic actioners as Cliffhanger, Die Hard 2, The Long Kiss Goodnight and one of this writer's personal favorites- Deep Blue Sea (my hat is like a shark's fin, yo!).
Check out...
Shortly before signing on with New Line for Noes 4, Harlin first helmed the supernatural thriller Prison for producers Charles Band and Irwin Yablans.
A cult classic that never even made it to DVD, Prison will be celebrating its Blu-ray release on February 19th courtesy of Shout! Factory, and to mark the occasion, Dread Central recently had the opportunity to chat exclusively with Harlin about the release and his experiences making both Prison and Dream Master and caught up on what's ahead for the man behind such classic actioners as Cliffhanger, Die Hard 2, The Long Kiss Goodnight and one of this writer's personal favorites- Deep Blue Sea (my hat is like a shark's fin, yo!).
Check out...
- 2/11/2013
- by thehorrorchick
- DreadCentral.com
In a very short period of time, Scream Factory has become the number one company to watch for cult horror releases. They have new titles planned every month and, in February, we’ll see the release of TerrorVision, The Video Dead, and Prison. We covered the initial announcement and we’re back with details on the presentation, bonus features, and cover artwork:
“Scream Factory™ invites loyal fans and collectors to embark on a journey filled with thrills, chills and 80s high-camp spills when Prison (starring Viggo Mortensen in an early career role) and a double feature presentation of Terrorvision and The Video Dead debut on home entertainment shelves everywhere on February 19, 2013. Prison Collector’s Edition and Terrorvision/ The Video Dead Double Feature are presented in Two Blu-ray + DVD combo packs. Each boasts original theatrical key art, anamorphic widescreen movie presentation and exciting bonus content.
Available for the first time on Blu-ray and DVD,...
“Scream Factory™ invites loyal fans and collectors to embark on a journey filled with thrills, chills and 80s high-camp spills when Prison (starring Viggo Mortensen in an early career role) and a double feature presentation of Terrorvision and The Video Dead debut on home entertainment shelves everywhere on February 19, 2013. Prison Collector’s Edition and Terrorvision/ The Video Dead Double Feature are presented in Two Blu-ray + DVD combo packs. Each boasts original theatrical key art, anamorphic widescreen movie presentation and exciting bonus content.
Available for the first time on Blu-ray and DVD,...
- 11/20/2012
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Scream Factory have announced, via their Facebook page, the extras on the upcoming collector’s edition Blu-ray & DVD combos of Prison and the double feature Bd & DVD combo pairing of Terrorvision and The Video Dead – both of which are coming soon on February 19th 2013.
Prison:
Commentary with Director Renny Harlin Hard Time: The Making of “Prison” – An all-new retrospective with Director Renny Harlin, Producer Irwin Yablans, Screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner, Actor Tom Everett, Stunt Coordinator Kane Hodder, Special Makeup Effects Creator John Carl Buechler, Executive Producer Charles Band, Composer Richard Band, Production Designer Philip Duffin, and Production Assistant Patrick Denver U.S. Theatrical Trailer, Poster & Still Gallery and Original First-Draft Screenplay (Pdf format)
Terrorvision:
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Ted Nicolaou and Stars Diane Franklin and Jon Gries Monsters on Demand: The Making of “Terrorvision” – An all-new retrospective with Writer/Director Ted Nicolaou, Stars Gerrit Graham, Mary Woronov,...
Prison:
Commentary with Director Renny Harlin Hard Time: The Making of “Prison” – An all-new retrospective with Director Renny Harlin, Producer Irwin Yablans, Screenwriter C. Courtney Joyner, Actor Tom Everett, Stunt Coordinator Kane Hodder, Special Makeup Effects Creator John Carl Buechler, Executive Producer Charles Band, Composer Richard Band, Production Designer Philip Duffin, and Production Assistant Patrick Denver U.S. Theatrical Trailer, Poster & Still Gallery and Original First-Draft Screenplay (Pdf format)
Terrorvision:
Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Ted Nicolaou and Stars Diane Franklin and Jon Gries Monsters on Demand: The Making of “Terrorvision” – An all-new retrospective with Writer/Director Ted Nicolaou, Stars Gerrit Graham, Mary Woronov,...
- 11/20/2012
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Halloween III: Season Of The Witch
Stars: Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, Dan O’Herlihy | Written by Tommy Lee Wallace, Nigel Kneale | Directed by Tommy Lee Wallace
I really hate the bad rap that Halloween III gets. I mean, it’s a stinker reputation. People are either supremely dismissive or they appreciate it for what it is – a completely underrated film with a downer of an ending and trying something new when it appears that it seemed to be heading the way of franchise, and as we undoubtedly know, it has.
The idea being that Carpenter and Debra Hill wanted something new, after all an unstoppable killer would become old hat after a while. And so, they decided to hand the reins over to the talented Tommy Lee Wallace and this is what he produced. And merciful me, it sunk and it sunk badly. Does this mean it’s a bad film?...
Stars: Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, Dan O’Herlihy | Written by Tommy Lee Wallace, Nigel Kneale | Directed by Tommy Lee Wallace
I really hate the bad rap that Halloween III gets. I mean, it’s a stinker reputation. People are either supremely dismissive or they appreciate it for what it is – a completely underrated film with a downer of an ending and trying something new when it appears that it seemed to be heading the way of franchise, and as we undoubtedly know, it has.
The idea being that Carpenter and Debra Hill wanted something new, after all an unstoppable killer would become old hat after a while. And so, they decided to hand the reins over to the talented Tommy Lee Wallace and this is what he produced. And merciful me, it sunk and it sunk badly. Does this mean it’s a bad film?...
- 9/17/2012
- by Nathan Smith
- Nerdly
Halloween II and III are the first releases from Shout! Factory’s upcoming Scream Factory line of horror titles. They will be released to Blu-ray/DVD on September 18th and we have multiple clips from both movies, along with the original trailers.
“Picking up exactly where the first film left off, Halloween II follows the same ill-fated characters as they once again encounter the knife-wielding maniac they thought they had left for dead. It seems the inhuman Michael Myers is still very much alive and out for more revenge as he stalks the deserted halls of the Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. As he gets closer to his main target, Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) discovers the chilling mystery behind the crazed psychopath’s actions.
Written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, Halloween II is a spine-tingling dark ride into the scariest night of the year.”
Bonus Features:
The Theatrical Version and the...
“Picking up exactly where the first film left off, Halloween II follows the same ill-fated characters as they once again encounter the knife-wielding maniac they thought they had left for dead. It seems the inhuman Michael Myers is still very much alive and out for more revenge as he stalks the deserted halls of the Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. As he gets closer to his main target, Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) discovers the chilling mystery behind the crazed psychopath’s actions.
Written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, Halloween II is a spine-tingling dark ride into the scariest night of the year.”
Bonus Features:
The Theatrical Version and the...
- 9/6/2012
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Halloween II and III are the first releases from Shout! Factory’s upcoming Scream Factory line of horror titles. They will be released to Blu-ray/DVD on September 18th and we have clips from the bonus feature documentaries included with each movie.
“Picking up exactly where the first film left off, Halloween II follows the same ill-fated characters as they once again encounter the knife-wielding maniac they thought they had left for dead. It seems the inhuman Michael Myers is still very much alive and out for more revenge as he stalks the deserted halls of the Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. As he gets closer to his main target, Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) discovers the chilling mystery behind the crazed psychopath’s actions.
Written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, Halloween II is a spine-tingling dark ride into the scariest night of the year.”
Bonus Features:
The Theatrical Version and the...
“Picking up exactly where the first film left off, Halloween II follows the same ill-fated characters as they once again encounter the knife-wielding maniac they thought they had left for dead. It seems the inhuman Michael Myers is still very much alive and out for more revenge as he stalks the deserted halls of the Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. As he gets closer to his main target, Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) discovers the chilling mystery behind the crazed psychopath’s actions.
Written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, Halloween II is a spine-tingling dark ride into the scariest night of the year.”
Bonus Features:
The Theatrical Version and the...
- 8/24/2012
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Irwin Yablans, the executive producer and creator of the indelible Halloween film franchise has written a book about his travails making the films and his life and career in the horror industry. That book, The Man Who Created Halloween: How a Bit of Desperation and Inspiration Gave Birth to the Movie that Changed Hollywood, comes out October 31st, just in time for Halloween this year. For the full synopsis, read on, thanks to Dread Central:
Synopsis:
The Man Who Created Halloween is the fascinating story of one man’s improbable journey from the tenements of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg to fame and fortune in Hollywood. It is also a chronicle of the shifting winds of change from the old studio system to the emergence of a new breed of independent producers and filmmakers. Replete with fascinating first-hand anecdotes, The Man Who Created Halloween shows us that tumultuous era thru the...
Synopsis:
The Man Who Created Halloween is the fascinating story of one man’s improbable journey from the tenements of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg to fame and fortune in Hollywood. It is also a chronicle of the shifting winds of change from the old studio system to the emergence of a new breed of independent producers and filmmakers. Replete with fascinating first-hand anecdotes, The Man Who Created Halloween shows us that tumultuous era thru the...
- 8/23/2012
- by Andy Greene
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
The executive producer and creator of the Halloween films, Irwin Yablans, is releasing his first book, The Man Who Created Halloween, just in time for the yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31st.
The full title is The Man Who Created Halloween: How a Bit of Desperation and Inspiration Gave Birth to the Movie that Changed Hollywood, and it's chock-full of insider info from Yablans, who is known for his work in the horror film industry. He produced films that include Halloween (1978), Roller Boogie (1979), Nocturna: Granddaughter of Dracula (1979), Halloween II (1981), Hell Night (1981), Blood Beach (1981), and Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982).
Synopsis:
The Man Who Created Halloween is the fascinating story of one man's improbable journey from the tenements of Brooklyn's Williamsburg to fame and fortune in Hollywood. It is also a chronicle of the shifting winds of change from the old studio system to the emergence...
The full title is The Man Who Created Halloween: How a Bit of Desperation and Inspiration Gave Birth to the Movie that Changed Hollywood, and it's chock-full of insider info from Yablans, who is known for his work in the horror film industry. He produced films that include Halloween (1978), Roller Boogie (1979), Nocturna: Granddaughter of Dracula (1979), Halloween II (1981), Hell Night (1981), Blood Beach (1981), and Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982).
Synopsis:
The Man Who Created Halloween is the fascinating story of one man's improbable journey from the tenements of Brooklyn's Williamsburg to fame and fortune in Hollywood. It is also a chronicle of the shifting winds of change from the old studio system to the emergence...
- 8/22/2012
- by The Woman In Black
- DreadCentral.com
When I was growing up in Texas, there was a channel that showed the most outrageous horror films, and the majority of the time, they were even uncensored. The problem is, as you grow older, it becomes increasingly harder and harder to find these films. For a nostalgia buff like myself, this is criminal. Fortunately, for myself and I’m certain many others, there’s Scream Factory, the new horror based off-shoot of the great label, Shout Factory.
So, it’s with great pleasure that we announce that on September 18, 2012, Shout! Factory is releasing Halloween II Collector’s Edition and Halloween III: Season of the Witch 30th Anniversary Special Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray and DVD. These two films have long been unavailable on home video and frankly, now’s the time to buy! They’ll be releasing tins of titles over the next couple of months, like They Live...
So, it’s with great pleasure that we announce that on September 18, 2012, Shout! Factory is releasing Halloween II Collector’s Edition and Halloween III: Season of the Witch 30th Anniversary Special Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray and DVD. These two films have long been unavailable on home video and frankly, now’s the time to buy! They’ll be releasing tins of titles over the next couple of months, like They Live...
- 8/7/2012
- by Nathan Smith
- Nerdly
In Hollywood there is nothing more terrifying than an original idea. It’s a fear born from the unknown, fear that audiences won’t get it, fear that it won’t do ‘good business.’ For nervous studio executives, both the movie franchise and the remake are a reassuring comfort blanket. These are movies that already have a guaranteed audience and producers can relax in the knowledge that the same idea has made money before.
Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007) is in the rare position of being both a franchise movie and a direct remake of John Carpenter’s 1978 classic. That Zombie’s film raked in a massive $30.6 million on its opening weekend is hardly surprising. Nor should it be surprising that the film is a mess – lacking originality, insight, and, worst of all, scares. The sequel released in 2009 is even worse.
But fans of the original have little reason to complain.
Rob Zombie’s Halloween (2007) is in the rare position of being both a franchise movie and a direct remake of John Carpenter’s 1978 classic. That Zombie’s film raked in a massive $30.6 million on its opening weekend is hardly surprising. Nor should it be surprising that the film is a mess – lacking originality, insight, and, worst of all, scares. The sequel released in 2009 is even worse.
But fans of the original have little reason to complain.
- 10/27/2011
- by Tom Fallows
- Obsessed with Film
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