Nightbreed: The Cabal Cut (Scream Factory)
This limited special edition of Clive Barker’s heavily discussed alternate cut has finally arrived. For fans of the film, this version is everything you wanted. More monsters and more narrative allow the film to progress more fitting to Barker’s intention and style.
Godzilla by Akira Ifukube (Death Waltz Records)
Beautiful. The guys from Death Waltz have again given genre fans something to be excited about. The 1954 soundtrack of Toho’s “Godzilla” is stunning, a true pleasure to hear on vinyl.
Phantom of the Opera by Rupert Julian (One Way Static Records)
The septet UK group The Laze released their accompaniment for 1925’s “Phantom of the Opera” off One Way Static Records. Styled with a range of musical influences the group makes a worthy companion score to the classic film.
The Innocents (1961) directed by Jack Clayton (Criterion Collection)
One of the greatest classic horror films received the Criterion treatment. The transfer is beautiful and the mono track is crisp; Criterion has brought back to life the ghosts that have haunted Jack Clayton’s film with this affectionately rendered Blu-ray.
Scanners (1981) directed by David Cronenberg (Criterion Collection)
Criterion again displays their love for horror by crafting another standout Blu-Ray. The transfer is gorgeous and the artwork throughout the packaging is some of the best composed from the company. “Scanners” has received the treatment it truly deserves.
Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters by August Ragone (Chronicle Books)
Tsuburaya is a legend; he is one of the founding fathers of tokusatsu and a pioneer of special effects in Japan. “Master of Monsters” is a beautiful collection of pictures but also an in depth analysis of the man behind the magic of such influential films as Godzilla and Ultraman.
True Detective (HBO)
The year started off great with this fantastic series. The character driven narrative takes a look at the lives of two men intertwined within a mystery. While they are investigating the evil actions of one man the two detectives become consumed by the indulgent lives they are leading. It’s mesmerizing to watch such great performances accommodated by an equally superb script.
Twin Peaks: The Entire Mystery (Paramount)
“Damn good coffee”. In my opinion “Twin Peaks” is one of the best television shows of all time. This boxset is a must own for fans of the show. If you haven’t seen this show…stop reading immediately, get this collection, and start watching.
Funko’s Expanded ReAction Figures
Funko again impressed with their collection of ReAction figures. This year expanding to include classic and new monsters but also other pulp culture characters from films that include “The Terminator”, “Back to the Future”, and “Pulp Fiction”.
Under The Skin (directed by Jonathan Glazer)
With a near silent and purposefully ambiguous narrative, “Under the Skin” moves with a hallucinatory yet naturalistic aesthetic through the streets of Scotland, following Scarlett Johansson’s curious and deadly being. The purpose of the lead character is never fully realized, but it doesn’t matter because the journey is so ambitiously designed that the mystery becomes nothing short of consuming.
Snowpiercer (directed by Bong Joon-ho)
Director Bong Joon-ho crafts an exceptional science fiction film, one that displays a profound message about the world by wrapping the thematic significance within individualized compartments of a never-ending train ride. It’s an action packed and thought provoking film, one that displays all the best qualities of the genre.
Babadook (directed by Jennifer Kent)
First time director Jennifer Kent has crafted one of the most effective haunting films of the year; a horror film that works on numerous levels while also being consistently chilling throughout. With influences from numerous genres and a monster that builds intimidation through the power of suggestion crafted exceptionally within the narrative. Kent designs a horror film that burrows and finds a lingering home in the mind of the viewer.
Only Lovers Left Alive (directed by Jim Jarmusch)
“Only Lovers Left Alive” examines the toils of eternal life through the eyes of vampirism. Jarmusch finds significance through character, steering the film in a seemingly aimless direction while shrewdly avoiding the pitfalls that other vampire films have faltered into. Time will pass but “Only Lovers Left Alive” is the kind of genre film that will only get better.
Guardians of the Galaxy (directed by James Gunn)
It can be difficult for a comic book film to find an identity, most having a tendency to look and feel similar even with unique heroes. “Guardians of the Galaxy” is a wonderfully envisioned world that takes a straightforward approach at presenting the elements and characters of the comic book genuinely, giving the film a uniquely immersive quality. Director James Gunn has fashioned one of the best Marvel adaptations to date.
Jodorowsky’s Dune (directed by Frank Pavich)
What could have been? That’s the question asked after this fascinating documentary about the version of Frank Herbert’s seminal novel “Dune”, adapted for the screen by David Lynch in 1984, which was almost composed by visionary cult director Alejandro Jodorowsky. This glimpse into the early process of adaptation by Jodorowsky paints a film that could have potentially been nothing short of astounding.
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