Welcome back for Day 4 of Daily Dead’s fourth annual Holiday Gift Guide, readers! Once again, our goal is to help you navigate your way through the horrors of the 2016 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. For today’s gift ideas, we’re taking a look at some of the best Scream Factory titles of 2016, Mezco Toys, TeeFury, the Aliens soundtrack, Cavity Colors, the artwork of 100% Soft, a pair of Labyrinth-related books, and so much more.
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 guys 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 featuring a collection of items including movies, graphic novels, 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.
Blu-rays & DVDs:
The Thing: Collector’s Edition (Scream Factory, Blu-ray)
In 1982 legendary genre filmmaker John Carpenter (Halloween, They Live) unleashed THE THING--a chilling sci-fi thriller that raised the bar on shocking special effects and terrified movie audiences worldwide. On [October 11th] the SCREAM FACTORY™ home entertainment brand is proud to present this landmark horror film in a 2-disc Collector’s Edition Blu-ray release which includes a brand new 2K scan of the film (supervised by Director of Photography Dean Cundey) and over 5 hours of extras.
Directed by Carpenter, THE THING stars Kurt Russell (Escape from New York, Big Trouble in Little China) and features special visual effects by Albert Whitlock (Dune) and special makeup effects by Rob Bottin (The Howling, Fight Club). This definitive set includes a collectible slipcover featuring newly rendered artwork and a reversible cover wrap featuring original theatrical key art. A must-have for movie collectors, sci-fi horror enthusiasts and loyal fans, THE THING Collector’s Edition Blu-ray set is available for pre-order now at ShoutFactory.com and will be made available to other fine retailers.
Special Features Include:
-2K scan of the inter-positive supervised and approved by director of photography Dean Cundey
-4.1 created from the original 70MM Six Track Dolby Stereo soundtrack
-Audio Commentary with director of photography Dean Cundey
-Audio Commentary by director John Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell
-“The Men of Outpost 31:” Interviews with Keith David, Thomas Waites, Peter Maloney, and more
-“Assembling and Assimilation:” An interview with editor Todd Ramsay
-“Behind the Chameleon:” Interviews with visual effects artists Peter Kuran and Susan Turner, special make-up effects artist Rob Burman, and Brian Wade and more
-“Sounds from the Cold:” Interviews with supervising sound editor David Lewis Yewdall and special sound effects designer Alan Howarth
-“Between the Lines:” An interview with novelization author Alan Dean Foster
-“John Carpenter’s The Thing: Terror Takes Shape:” A documentary on the making of THE THING featuring interviews with John Carpenter, Kurt Russell, special effects make-up designer Rob Bottin, legendary matte artist Albert Whitlock, and members of the cast and crew (80 minutes – SD)
-Outtakes (5 minutes - SD)
-Vintage featurettes from the electronic press kit featuring interviews with John Carpenter, Kurt Russell, and Rob Bottin (12 minutes - SD)
-Vintage featurettes “The Making of a Chilling Tale” and “The Making of THE THING” (1982 – 14 minutes - SD)
-Vintage Product Reel – contains a promotional condensed version of the film with additional footage not in the film (19 minutes - SD)
-Vintage Behind-the-Scenes footage (2 minutes - SD)
-Annotated Production Archive – Production Art and Storyboards, Location Scouting, Special Make-up Effects, Post Production (48 minutes - SD)
-Network TV Broadcast version of THE THING (92 minutes - SD)
-Teaser Trailer
-Theatrical Trailers (U.S. and German Trailer)
-TV spots
-Radio Spots
-Still Gallery (behind-the-scenes photos, posters and lobby cards)
The Exorcist III: Collector’s Edition (Scream Factory, Blu-ray)
For more than fifteen years Police Lieutenant Kinderman (George C. Scott) has been haunted by the death of his friend Father Damien Karras. Now, on the 15th anniversary of the exorcism that claimed the priest’s life, Kinderman’s world is once again shattered when a boy is found decapitated and savagely crucified. It’s just the beginning of a nightmare series of bizarre religious murders.
The brutal murders bear the hallmarks of the infamous Gemini Killer…who died in the electric chair fifteen years earlier. But when a psychopath claiming to be the Gemini Killer reveals intimate, gruesome details that only the true killer could possibly know, Kinderman is confronted with a horrifying truth that he cannot explain…and that will shake him to the core.
The Exorcist III is author/filmmaker William Peter Blatty’s personal vision of what followed after The Exorcist. Like the original, The Exorcist III combines elements of a detective story, a theological puzzle, and an unforgettable study in terror.
DISC ONE: The Exorcist III (Theatrical Cut)
• New 2K scan of the inter-positive
• Vintage featurette
• Deleted Scene/Alternate Takes/Bloopers
• Deleted Prologue
• Vintage interviews (featuring behind-the-scenes footage) with writer/director William Peter Blatty, George C. Scott, Jason Miller, Ed Flanders, Grand L. Bush, executive producer James G. Robinson, production designer Leslie Dilley, Larry King and C. Everett Koop
• Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spots • Photo Galleries
DISC TWO: Legion (Original Director’s Cut) 105 minutes
• NEW Audio interview with writer/director William Peter Blatty
• NEW A “Wonderful” Time – interviews with producer Carter DeHaven, actors Clifford David and Tracy Thorne and production assistant Kara Reidy
• NEW Signs of the Gemini – an interview with Brad Dourif
• NEW The Devil in the Details – interview with production designer Leslie Dilley, assistant designer Daren Dochterman and illustrator Simon Murton
• NEW Music for a Padded Cell – an interview with composer Barry DeVorzon
• NEW All This Bleeding – a look at the re-shoot and makeup effects with production manager Ronald Colby, editor Todd Ramsay, effects artists William Forsche, Mike Smithson, Brian Wade and actor/body double Charles Powell
Carrie: Collector’s Edition (Scream Factory, Blu-ray)
Based on the best-selling Stephen King novel, this "absolutely spellbinding horror movie", (Roger Ebert) has become a pervasive, pop-culture touchstone for anyone who's ever wanted to get even. Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie deliver Oscar-nominated performances and John Travolta and Amy Irving are terrific in this ultimate revenge fantasy that has become one of the all-time great horror classics, and is now, finally, offered as a definitive, two-disc Collector's Edition Blu-ray!
At the center of the terror is Carrie (Spacek), a high school loner with no confidence, no friends... and no idea about the extent of her secret powers of telekinesis. But when her psychotic mother and sadistic classmates finally go too far, the once-shy teen becomes an unrestrained, vengeance-seeking powerhouse who, with the help of her "special gift," causes all hell to break loose in a famed cinematic frenzy of blood, fire and brimstone!
Lady in White (Scream Factory, Blu-ray)
The ghosts of the dead can’t rest without the help of the living in this terrifying horror film that's "one of the most intelligent and riveting ghost stories since Poltergeist", (LA Weekly). Starring Lukas Haas (Inception, Transcendence), Len Cariou (Blue Bloods), Alex Rocco (The Godfather) and Katherine Helmond (Soap, Who’s the Boss), Lady In White is presented here in both its director’s cut and the never-before-released extended director’s cut.
Frankie Scarlatti (Haas) lives in a small town with a deadly secret. For a decade, a serial child killer has eluded police, and the death toll continues to rise. Then, one night Frankie gets locked in his school and witnesses the ghost of the first victim being murdered. Now, aided by the girl’s restless spirit, Frankie takes it upon himself to bring her assailant to justice. But in a town with no strangers, the killer may be closer than he knows.
Child’s Play: Collector’s Edition (Scream Factory, Blu-ray)
"The "chills come thick and fast" (Los Angeles Times) in this riveting, jolt-a-minute thriller about an innocent-looking doll inhabited by the soul of a serial killer who refused to die. From the director of Fright Night, Child's Play comes complete with "excellent special effects" (Leonard Maltin) and a slew of special features that make this Blu-ray your "friend to the end!"
In this "clever, playful thriller" (The New York Times), only six-year-old Andy realizes that Chucky is responsible for a spate of gruesome murders, including that of his unsuspecting babysitter. But the real terror takes hold when the deranged doll becomes determined to transfer his evil spirit to a living human being... Andy!
Bonus Features:
DISC ONE:
DISC TWO:
Invasion of the Body Snatchers: Collector’s Edition (Scream Factory, Blu-ray)
Under cover of darkness, while an unsuspecting city sleeps, an alien life form begins to sow the seeds of unspeakable terror. Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Leonard Nimoy, Veronica Cartwright and Jeff Goldblum star in this shocking, "first-rate suspense thriller", (Newsday).
One by one, the residents of San Francisco are becoming drone-like shadows of their former selves. As the phenomenon spreads, two Department of Health workers, Matthew (Sutherland) and Elizabeth (Adams), uncover the horrifying truth: Mysterious pods are cloning humans and destroying the originals! The unworldly invasion grows stronger with each passing minute, hurling Matthew and Elizabeth into a desperate race to save not only their own lives, but the future of the entire human race.
Special Features Include 2K scan of the inter-positive, “Star-Crossed in The Invasion:” An interview with actress Brooke Adams (9 minutes), “Leading the Invasion:” An interview with actor Art Hindle (25 minutes), “Re-Creating The Invasion:” An interview with writer W.D. Richter (16 minutes), “Scoring the Invasion:” An interview with composer Denny Zeitlin (15 minutes), Audio Commentary with author/film historian Steve Haberman, Audio Commentary by director Philip Kaufman, “Re-Visitors From Outer Space, or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Pod:” Including interviews with director Philip Kaufman, screenwriter W.D. Richter, director of photography Michael Chapman, and actors Donald Sutherland and Veronica Cartwright (15 minutes), “Practical Magic: The Special Effects Pod” (4 minutes), “The Man Behind The Scream: The Sound Effects Pod:” An interview with Ben Burtt and sound editor Bonnie Koehler (12 minutes), “The Invasion Will Be Televised: The Cinematography Pod” (5 minutes), Theatrical Trailer, TV Spots, Radio Spots, Photo Gallery and An episode of SCIENCE FICTION THEATRE, “Time is Just A Place,: based on Jack Finney’s short story directed by Jack Arnold.
Books:
“What a flabbergastingly delightful series of events! Where ever to begin?”
Experience the endlessly imaginative world of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth through the eyes of its most fantastical and beloved characters! Witness a day in the life of Sir Didymus, the recklessly heroic fox-terrier; Ludo, the lovable oaf; Hoggle, an ever loyal companion; and others as they play games, work together, and revel in the magic of the labyrinth.
Written and gorgeously illustrated by acclaimed children’s book illustrator Cory Godbey (Have Courage, Be Kind: The Tale of CinderellaI), Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: Tales takes readers deep into the adventure where magic knows no bounds.
Labyrinth: The Ultimate Visual History
Labyrinth: The Ultimate Visual History is the definitive thirtieth-anniversary exploration of the beloved Jim Henson classic, featuring rare artwork, interviews, and on-set photos.
Journey back to Jim Henson's Labyrinth in this visually stunning celebration of the enchanting fantasy classic.
Three decades after its release, Labyrinth, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, continues to enthrall audiences with its winning mixture of fairy-tale magic, fantastical creatures, and unforgettable music. Filled with a wealth of rare and unseen behind-the-scenes imagery, this book explores the creation of the film as seen through the eyes of the artists, costume designers, and creature creators who gave Labyrinth its distinctive look. Featuring in-depth commentary from the talented crew and cast—including exclusive new interviews with Jennifer Connelly, Brian Henson, Brian Froud, and George Lucas—this deluxe book brings together a wealth of rare sketches, concept art, and candid set photography to form and incredible treasure trove for Labyrinth fans. With stunning visuals and unparalleled insight into the creation of a true modern classic, Labyrinth: The Ultimate Visual History is the perfect companion piece to one of the best-loved fantasy films of all time.
Artwork:
100% Soft: I’ve been a big fan of 100% Soft’s artwork for some time now (mostly because their work has been a mainstay at Gallery 1988 throughout the years) so I thought it was only fitting to showcase their work in this year’s Holiday Gift Guide, because it’s always consistently awesome. 100% Soft’s work encompasses all areas of pop culture, but horror and sci-fi fans should dig on their Friday the 13th and Robocop-themed prints.
Vinyl Pick of the Day:
Aliens: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 2XLP (Mondo)
The Academy Award-nominated score for Aliens is an appropriate musical companion to this wildly successful sequel. Much like the film, the soundtrack is a departure from the original, but equally beloved. Composer James Horner took the reigns from the previous film's composer Jerry Goldsmith and made something his own: blending the suspense and horror that the franchise is known for, with an element of adventure that is unique to this entry.
This deluxe edition soundtrack features over a dozen cues that have never before been released on vinyl, including 5 bonus tracks. Commenting on the design, artist Killian Eng said, “I wanted the alien to play a big role but at the same time incorporate its shape into the materials of the space station, almost like it becomes the station itself, keeping the marines in a steady merciless grip.”
Apparel:
TeeFury: I’ve been shopping at TeeFury for years and I don’t think I’ve ever had a single bad experience with either their customer service or their products. For 2016, they have a huge selection of holiday-themed items including Knit Beanies (I thought this Star Wars one was cool), Knitted Sweaters (this Nightmare Before Christmas sweater is just adorable), Ugly Sweaters (Stranger Things fans, take note—they have a great ugly sweater themed for ST that you will undoubtedly dig). As if that’s not enough, TeeFury also has great holiday items that pay tribute to Cthulhu, Gremlins, Jaws, Ghostbusters, Back to the Future, and many more!
Enamel Pins:
For today’s enamel pin selections, I’m focusing on two great companies that are a bit different from each other in terms of their artistic approaches, but are equally awesome: Punky Pins and Cavity Colors.
Punky Pins: Based in the UK (but they ship worldwide), Punky Pins creates enamel pins for every walk of life, but there were a few I thought would be of interest to you guys, including their Beetlejuice-inspired pin, this fun design featuring the twins from The Shining, this Eleven pin, and this amazing pin replicating Fox Mulder’s FBI badge from when he appeared on The Simpsons.
Cavity Colors: If you’re a regular reader here on Daily Dead, then you know we frequently cover the goings-on over at Cavity Colors because we’re all big fans of their work. The CC enamel pins are just as great as the rest of their inventory, so if you’re on the hunt for some genre-themed stocking stuffers, you may want to pick up their badass Herbert West or Ghoulies pins. Or if you feel like declaring your love of horror and the Halloween season, you’ll definitely want to nab their “Everyday is Halloween” enamel pin for yourself.
Collectibles:
Mezco Toyz: For today’s assortment of collectibles, I thought I’d put the focus on Mezco Toyz, because they’ve been consistently making great products with genre fans in mind for well over ten years now. If you’re in need of a stocking stuffer for a Hellraiser fan, Mezco’s Lament Configuration ornament would make for a great choice, and if you need a full-blown Hellraiser gift, their 12” Pinhead figure would fit the bill. Three items currently available for pre-sale that would be killer I.O.U. holiday gifts are Mezco’s Living Dead Doll version of Deadite Ash, Dawn of the Dead LD Dolls, or their Universal Monsters Frankenstein display.
Kids Korner:
Monster Mashup Card Game w/Collectible Lunch Box
A lab experiment has gone bad and monster parts are scattered everywhere. You are a scientist trying to make a special monster from all of the monster parts. Create your own monster. Collect arms, legs, a head and a body to complete your unique creature. The first player to mash-up a complete monster, no matter how silly he looks, wins the game. 2-4 Players.
Etsy Spotlight:
For today’s Etsy Spotlight, we’re actually going to take a look at a variety of ornaments from various Etsy retailers. First up is Pure Evil Expressions and their blood-spattered Jason Voorhees glow-in-the-dark ornaments, which would make for a fun addition to any tree this December. Next on the list is Dark One Closet with their Horror Icons Christmas Collection featuring all of our favorite cinematic slashers. Next up is this ridiculously cute Sam ornament that is the perfect gift for any Trick ’r Treat fan, which was created by The Kawaii Stitch Girl. And last, but certainly not least, is this pair of Gremlins ornaments from Killer Keepsakes, which I just fell in love with.
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In case you missed them, check out previous 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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