Happy Black Friday, everyone, and welcome back for Day 2 of Daily Dead’s fourth annual Holiday Gift Guide! Once again, our goal is to help you navigate your way through the horrors of the shopping season with our tips on unique gift ideas, and we’ll hopefully help you save a few bucks over the next few weeks, too.
This year’s Holiday Gift Guide is being sponsored by several amazing companies, including Mondo, Anchor Bay Entertainment, DC Entertainment, and Magnolia Home Entertainment, who have all donated an assortment of goodies to help you get into the spirit of the season. Daily Dead also recently teamed up with Texas-based artist Dustin Pace of Duddy in Motion to create an amazing Stranger Things print (see below) that all of our giveaway winners will receive with our amazing prize packs that feature a collection of items, including movies, graphic novels, the Duddy in Motion Stranger Things print, and much more. One lucky winner will also receive the Collector’s Edition Box Set of Season 6 of The Walking Dead!
For a chance to win one of our 2016 Holiday Gift Guide prize packs, send an email to contest@dailydead.com with “Holiday Gift Guide” in the subject line and be sure to include your full name and mailing address as well.
Black Friday Deals:
Patti Lapel: Patti Lapel specializes in pop culture-inspired enamel pins and they’re currently offering 20% off all orders through tonight (Friday, November 25th) at midnight PST. Just use the code BLACKFRIDAY when ordering to receive your discount.
TeeFury: You’ll definitely see more on TeeFury later on in the 2016 Holiday Gift Guide, but the site is currently offering 30% off all orders through Sunday, November 27th, so if you’re looking to stock up on some gifts, now is definitely the time. Use the code 30BFD1116 at checkout.
Gallery 1988: I will be profiling Gallery 1988 and all their wonderful art later on in this year’s Gift Guide, but I wanted to mention that right now, they’re having a 30% off sale on most of their inventory. Use the code HOLIDAY to get your discount when checking out (they also have some great Black Friday special releases that fans should definitely take a look at).
Nerd Block: Right now, if you start a new subscription to any of Nerd Block’s monthly box services (their Horror Block has been consistently great this year, too, I must say), you can get 50% off the first month when you use the code BLACKFRIDAY50 while checking out. If you’ve been considering subscribing, now is a great time to check out any of their awesome subscription box selections.
Blu-rays & DVDs:
Throughout a career that encompasses both visually arresting art-house hits and big-budget Hollywood spectacles, director Guillermo del Toro has continually redefined and elevated the horror genre with his deeply personal explorations of myths and monsters. These three Spanish-language films, each a tale of childhood in troubled times, showcase his singular fusion of the fantastic and the real. Drawing inspiration from a rich variety of sources, from Alfred Hitchcock to Francisco de Goya, the gothic-infused stories collected here—populated by vampires, ghosts, and a fairy-tale princess—make evident why del Toro is considered the master cinematic fabulist of our time.
Special Features Include:
Tales of Halloween Box Set (Epic Pictures, Blu-ray/DVD)
Named “the best horror anthology since Trick ‘r Treat” by Fangoria and “among the Best Halloween-themed horror movies ever made” by Daily Dead, this critically acclaimed film weaves together ten chilling tales from horror’s top directors. Ghosts, ghouls, monsters, and the devil delight in terrorizing unsuspecting residents of a suburban neighborhood on Halloween night. The all-star directorial lineup includes Neil Marshall (Game of Thrones, The Descent, Lost in Space), Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw 2, 3, 4), Lucky McKee (The Woman, All Cheerleaders Must Dies), and Mike Mendez (Gravedancers, Big Ass Spider!). Cameos by horror heavyweights such as Barry Bostwick (The Rocky Horror Picture Show), Lin Shaye (Insidious), John Savage (The Deer Hunter), Adrienne Barbeau (The Fog), John Landis (Director of Animal House), Joe Dante (Director of Gremlins), Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator, We Are Still Here), Booboo Stewart (Twilight), Keir Gilchrist (It Follows), Grace Phipps (Fright Night), Pat Healy (Cheap Thrills), Kristina Klebe (Rob Zombie’s Halloween), Greg Grunberg (Heroes, Star Wars), Alex Essoe (Starry Eyes), Pollyanna McIntosh (The Woman), and more.
In addition to the feature film on both Blu-ray and DVD, the limited-edition collector’s set will also contain a DVD chock-full of bonus features and a CD of the film’s soundtrack featuring original tracks by Jimmy Psycho, Christopher Drake and Christian Henson. Among the highlights of the bonus features are exclusive, never-before-seen short films from Tales of Halloween directors, including “Brain Death,” an early student film from director Neil Marshall (The Descent, Game of Thrones, Lost in Space) which was previously unreleased. Other highlights include video diaries for each segment, exclusive commentary for selected segments, and pop-on fun facts for selected segments.
The Herschell Gordon Lewis Feast: 17-Disc Limited Edition Set (Arrow Video, Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
In 1963, director Herschell Gordon Lewis pulled a cow s tongue out of an actress mouth on camera, and in doing so, changed the landscape of horror cinema forever. That sequence was just one of numerous gruesome gags featured in Blood Feast, the film credited as being the world s first gore movie. It s no exaggeration to say that the modern gross-out movies of today owe their very existence to the pioneering efforts of H.G. Lewis.
But whilst Lewis is most widely celebrated for his blood-and-guts epics (Two Thousand Maniacs!, The Wizard of Gore et al.), there s more to the prolific director than splatter. From tales of sordid photographers (Scum of the Earth) to sex robots (How to Make a Doll), from biker girl-gangs (She-Devils on Wheels) to youths-run-amok (Just for the Hell of It), and from psychic witches (Something Weird) to hard liquor-loving hillbillies (Moonshine Mountain), the filmography of H.G. Lewis reads like a veritable wish-list of exploitation movie madness.
Now, for the first time ever, Arrow Video is proud to present fourteen of the Godfather of Gore s most essential films (including nine Blu-ray world debuts), collected together in a Limited Edition set (only 2,500 in the U.S.) and packed full of eye-popping bonus content. So put your feet up, pour yourself a glass of good ol moonshine, and prepare yourself for a feast H.G. Lewis style!
LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
The Vincent Price Collection III (Scream Factory, Blu-ray)
This extraordinary collector’s set is an essential collection for every movie library and brings together FIVE Vincent Price masterpiece classics, featuring the first-ever Blu-ray movie presentation of MASTER OF THE WORLD (1961), TOWER OF LONDON (1962), DIARY OF A MADMAN (1963), AN EVENING OF EDGAR ALLAN POE (1970) and CRY OF THE BANSHEE (1970). Packed with a bevy of chilling bonus content including new interview with producer/director Roger Corman and writer/producer/director Kenneth Johnson, new audio commentary with actor David Frankham, film historians, original theatrical trailers, archival materials, this highly-anticipated Blu-ray collection also includes a 12-page collector’s book with rare photos.
Special Features Include:
DISC 1:
MASTER OF THE WORLD
High Definition 1080p (1.85:1)/DTS Master Audio Stereo/1961/Color/Not Rated/102 minutes
-High Definition Master from the inter-positive
-Stereo Soundtrack created from the original 4-track mag
-Audio commentary with actor David Frankham
-“Richard Matheson: Storyteller:” Extended Cut (72 minutes)
-Theatrical Trailer
-Posters, Lobby Cards and Behind-the-Scenes Photo Gallery
-Photo Gallery of images from David Frankham’s personal collection
DISC 2:
TOWER OF LONDON
High Definition 1080p (1.66:1)/DTS Master Audio Mono/1962/B&W/Not Rated/80 minutes
-High Definition Master from a fine grain film print
-Interview with director Roger Corman
-“Producing Tower of London” – an interview with producer Gene Corman
-Two episodes of Science Fiction Theatre: “One Thousand Eyes” and “Operation Flypaper” (1956) both starring Vincent Price (in Standard Definition – 52 minutes)
-Posters, Lobby Cards and Behind-the-Scenes Photo Gallery
DISC 3:
DIARY OF A MADMAN
High Definition 1080p (1.66:1)/DTS Master Audio Mono/1963/Color/Not Rated/96 minutes
AN EVENING OF EDGAR ALLAN POE
Standard Definition (1.33:1)/DTS Master Audio Mono/1970/Color/Not Rated/53 mins.
-High Definition Master from the inter-positive film element (“Diary of A Madman”)
-Master created from the original 2” tape masters (“An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe”)
-Audio Commentary with film historian and author Steve Haberman (on both features)
-Interview with writer/producer/director Kenneth Johnson (“An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe”)
-Theatrical Trailer (“Diary of A Madman”)
-Poster and Lobby Card Gallery (“Diary of A Madman”)
-Behind-the-Scenes Photo Gallery (“An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe”)
DISC 4:
CRY OF THE BANSHEE
High Definition 1080p (1.85:1)/DTS Master Audio Mono/1970/Color/Not Rated/91 minutes (Director’s Cut)/87 minutes (Theatrical Cut)
-High Definition Master of the director’s cut from the inter-positive
-High Definition Master of the American International Theatrical Cut from the only surviving element in MGM’s Vault, a Color Reversal Intermediate
-Audio Commentary by film historian Steve Haberman (Director’s Cut)
-“A Devilish Tale of Poe” – an interview with director Gordon Hessler
-Theatrical Trailer
-TV Spot
-Radio Spot
-Posters, Lobby Cards and Behind-the-Scenes Photo Gallery
Books:
Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters
The perfect companion piece to an enthralling new exhibition on the visionary work and fervent imagination of director Guillermo del Toro.
In 2016, a new exhibit on the work of visionary director Guillermo del Toro will begin at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), before moving on to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) and the Minneapolis Museum of Art (MIA). This book will be the perfect accompaniment to the exhibition, which focuses on del Toro’s creative process, including the well-defined themes that he obsessively returns to in all his films, the journals in which he logs his ideas, and the vast and inspiring collection of art and pop culture ephemera that he has amassed at his private “man cave,” Bleak House. Filled with imagery from the exhibit, including favorite pieces of art that del Toro has chosen for the exhibit, and pertinent journal pages, the book will further delve further into the director’s world through exclusive in-depth interviews and commentary from notable figures in the art world. Forming a perfect companion to the exhibition, this book will deliver an engrossing look into the mind of one of the great creative visionaries of our time.
Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth: Inside the Creation of a Modern Fairy Tale
Discover the dark secrets of Guillermo del Toro’s masterpiece, Pan's Labyrinth, in this thrilling exploration of the film’s creation.
Released in 2006, Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth was hailed as a dark, thrilling masterpiece and announced the filmmaker as a major creative force, garnering him a loyal fan base attracted to his technical skill and wild imagination.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of this acclaimed fantasy, Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth provides the definitive account of the film’s creation. Written in close collaboration with the director, this volume covers everything from del Toro’s initial musings, through to the film’s haunting creature designs, the hugely challenging shoot, and the overwhelming critical and fan reaction upon the its release.
Including exquisite concept art and rare unit photography from the set, Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth gives readers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how this modern classic was crafted for the screen. The book also draws on interviews with every key player in the film’s creation, including stars Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdu, and Doug Jones; producers Alfonso Cuarón and Bertha Navarro; and director of photography Guillermo Navarro, to present the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at this unforgettable cinematic classic.
Artwork:
Space Boy Comics: I’ve been a fan of Blake Armstrong’s work over on Space Boy Comics for some time now, so I thought he’d be a great artist to highlight today. He has a vibrant and energetic style to his work, and I’m an especially big fan of his prints for The Burbs, Back to the Future, and Guardians of the Galaxy. Be sure to check out the entire Space Boy site for other gift ideas, including apparel and comics.
Cakes and Comics: One other site I wanted to mention is Cakes and Comics, who do some amazing work. Their current stock of prints is a bit low, but I’d recommend keeping an eye on their site regularly in the future, as they do some really amazing prints.
Vinyl Pick of the Day:
Salem’s Lot – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 2XLP (Waxwork Records)
Waxwork Records presents, for the first time ever on vinyl, the complete, re-mastered score of SALEM’S LOT. Featuring all 84 musical cues from the film, this two record set clocks in at over one hour of atmospheric, old-fashioned horror film music. Composed and conducted HARRY SUKMAN, the classic score to SALEM’S LOT was his final work before his death in 1984.
Waxwork has commissioned art from FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA (Afterlife with Archie, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics) for the entire LP package.
Apparel:
Cavity Colors: We already mentioned Cavity Colors yesterday, as their Cyber Hell sale is currently underway, and you can grab some great deals. But, considering they offer an amazing selection of apparel each and every day of the year that would make great additions to any horror fan’s closet, I thought we should take a moment to show off a few of Cavity Colors’ excellent shirts, including their Every Day is Halloween design, their Ghoulies shirt, and this badass Re-Animator tribute holiday sweatshirt.
Tee No Evil: If you have some zombie fans you need to grab gifts for this holiday season, Tee No Evil offers this snazzy Undead Holiday Sweatshirt that would make for an excellent surprise to unwrap this December. And, if you sign up for Tee No Evil’s newsletter, you can snag 10% off your first order, which will save you a few bucks.
Enamel Pins:
Terror Threads: The fiends over at Terror Threads make some pretty stellar enamel pins, like their PumpKill Patch Complete Pin Set or their I Love Horror Glow-in-the-Dark Pin, and right now it looks like Terror Threads is offering a solid discount on all of their pins, so I’d recommend giving their site a visit this weekend.
I Scream Pins: If you’re on the hunt for enamel pins that aren’t necessarily of the horror variety, but are still a bit on the geeky side, you should definitely check out I Scream Pins, as they have a wild assortment of pins to choose from, including several designs inspired by The Simpsons.
Collectibles:
Over the last few years, Hallmark has really stepped up their ornament game by giving us horror and sci-fi fans a lot of cool ornaments to look forward to each and every year. 2016 has an excellent assortment of ornament choices, too, which we’re highlighting below, and all orders over $50 on Hallmark.com get free shipping this weekend.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens BB-8 Ornament
Star Trek Kirk and the Salt Monster Ornament with Sound
Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise 50th Anniversary Edition Musical Ornament
Star Wars: A New Hope Darth Vader & Princess Leia Ornament with Sound
Monster High Draculaura Ornament
AMC’s The Walking Dead Rick Grimes Ornament
Star Wars Death Star Tree Topper
Star Wars Death Star Tree Topper with Lights
Kids:
Nerf Zombie Strike Brainsaw Blaster
Defend the world from the zombie hordes with Nerf Zombie Strike blasters! Slice a path to shelter with the Brainsaw blaster. This dart-firing blaster also has a spinning foam saw blade for 2 ways to keep zombies away. Load the darts into the blaster to be ready for an attack whenever you venture into zombie-infested territory. Fire up the spinning foam blade and start cutting this zombie invasion down to size! Prime the blaster and pull the trigger to fire 1 dart at a time, and pull the string to make the blade spin. The Nerf Zombie Strike Brainsaw blaster comes with 8 Zombie Strike darts. Nerf and all related properties are trademarks of Hasbro.
Practice your zombie-blasting skills with this hardcore Zombie Strike Target Set! Set up your 3 zombie targets and take aim with the compact, stealth-sized Jolt blaster. You've got 1 dart for each target, so take careful aim and develop your precision-strike skills! Those lurching, staggering zombies won't stand a chance when you hit the streets! Nerf and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.
Etsy Spotlight:
For today’s Etsy Spotlight, we’re going to take a moment to showcase all of the fun horror and sci-fi themed jewelry from Murder She Tote. If you have a few accessory lovers on your holiday gift lists this year, check out this cool Hannibal bracelet and this adorable Doctor Who bracelet, or if you’re in need of something a little less feminine, this Supernatural key ring might do the trick!
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In case you missed them, check out other installments of Daily Dead's 2016 Holiday Gift Guide:
Heather A. Wixson was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, until she followed her dreams and moved to Los Angeles in 2009. A 14-year veteran in the world of horror entertainment journalism, Wixson fell in love with genre films at a very early age, and has spent more than a decade as a writer and supporter of preserving the history of horror and science fiction cinema. Throughout her career, Wixson has contributed to several notable websites, including Fangoria, Dread Central, Terror Tube, and FEARnet, and she currently serves as the Managing Editor for Daily Dead, which has been her home since 2013. She's also written for both Fangoria Magazine & ReMind Magazine, and her latest book project, Monsters, Makeup & Effects: Volume One will be released on October 20, 2021.
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