Horror Highlights: MONSTERS UNBORN: THE LOST UNIVERSAL MONSTER REMAKES, THE DUKE MITCHELL COLLECTION

2026/05/22 13:46:54 +00:00 | Jonathan James

MONSTERS UNBORN: THE LOST UNIVERSAL MONSTER REMAKES by Bruce Kilkowski Jr.: "Step into the shadowy world behind Hollywood’s most iconic creatures with Monsters Unborn! Drawing on unproduced scripts and decades of behind-the-scenes history, author Bruce Kilkowski Jr. uncovers a treasure trove of “lost” stories from haunting gothic reimaginings to bold futuristic reinventions that never made it to the screen. Packed with new research, this book brings to life abandoned visions of legendary monsters like the Bride of Frankenstein, the Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, revealing just how close they came to rising again. Equal parts film history and thrilling “what might have been,” Monsters Unborn is an essential, fun, and eye-opening journey for horror fans and cinephiles alike."

Monsters Unborn covers lost remakes written by:

  • John Carpenter (Halloween, Escape From New York)
  • George Romero (Night of the Living Dead, The Crazies)
  • Mick Garris (The Stand, The Shining, Psycho IV)
  • Anne Rice (Interview with the Vampire, Queen of the Damned)
  • David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight and Blade trilogies)
  • Andrew Kevin Walker (Se7en, 8MM, Sleepy Hollow)
  • Nigel Kneale (Quatermass and the Pit, Halloween III)
  • And many more!

To learn more and pre-order, visit: https://www.harkerpress.com/monstersunborn

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The Duke Mitchell Collection Comes to Blu-ray in New 3-Disc Set from Grindhouse Releasing: "Grindhouse Releasing is proud to present the Blu-ray double feature of the decade – two brain-blasting ’70s crime thrillers from Duke Mitchell, accompanied by hours of astounding bonus features, plus the long-anticipated first-time-ever release of the GONE WITH THE POPE soundtrack album!

The deluxe 3-disc (2 Blu-rays + CD) release of MASSACRE MAFIA STYLE and GONE WITH THE POPE is now available for preorder exclusively at GrindhouseReleasing.com.

Exclusively for Grindhouse Releasing webstore customers, we’re also offering a limited “Family Edition” bundle with a bonus 2-disc DVD and an original folded 27×41 GONE WITH THE POPE one-sheet movie poster.

We’re also rolling out a brand-new ‘Directed by Duke Mitchell’ T-shirt, and while supplies last, all customers who order directly from Grindhouse Releasing will receive a free poker chip commemorating the 100th anniversary of Duke Mitchell’s birth. Cent’anni!

Head over to shop.GrindhouseReleasing,com to join the celebration! THE DUKE MITCHELL COLLECTION ships in mid-June."

THE DUKE MITCHELL COLLECTION Blu-ray specs:

MASSACRE MAFIA STYLE (1974)

SPECIAL FEATURES

  • Stunning digital restoration of the original uncensored director’s cut
  • Interviews with Jeffrey Mitchell, Frankie Ray, George Jacobs, Jim LoBianco, and exploitation legend Matt Cimber
  • Almost one full hour of Duke Mitchell home movies
  • Lost audio recording – Duke Mitchell Live in Concert, June 9, 1960
  • Bonus TV special – AN IMPRESSIONISTIC TRIBUTE TO JIMMY DURANTE
  • Extensive still galleries, radio spots, and theatrical trailer
  • AND OTHER SURPRISES!

GONE WITH THE POPE (1976)

SPECIAL FEATURES

  • Spectacular digital restoration from the original 35mm camera negative
  • Three audio options – mono, stereo and 5.1 – mixed by Emmy award-winning mixer Marti Humphrey
  • In-depth interviews with stars Jim LoBianco and John Murgia, cinematographer Peter Santoro,
  • editors Bob Leighton and Robert Florio, and legendary exploitation producer/director Matt Cimber
  • Footage from the 2010 Hollywood World Premiere
  • Deleted scenes and bloopers
  • Liner notes by acclaimed horror novelist John Skipp
  • Extensive still galleries and theatrical trailer
  • AND OTHER SURPRISES!

PLUS – Bonus CD – GONE WITH THE POPE original motion picture soundtrack lovingly mastered in glorious 24-bit/96Khz sound

To learn more and purchase, visit: https://shop.grindhousereleasing.com/products/the-duke-mitchell-collection-massacre-mafia-style-gone-with-the-pope-deluxe-3-disc-set-2x-blu-ray-cd-soundtrack

If you're in the Cincinnati area and want to check out tonight's special screening for this release, visit: https://www.esquiretheatre.com/home/

  • Jonathan James
    About the Author - Jonathan James

    After more than a decade as a consultant in the entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who passionately explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.

    Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He is also consulted with as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, film festivals, and conventions.

  • Jonathan James
    About the Author : Jonathan James

    After more than a decade as a consultant in the entertainment industry, Jonathan James launched Daily Dead in 2010 to share his passion for horror. He takes immense pride in Daily Dead's talented team of writers, who passionately explore and celebrate horror as a respected art form capable of telling complex, character-driven stories with deep emotional and cultural impact.

    Over the course of his career, Jonathan has written more than 10,000 articles and hosted panels at major conventions, including New York Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con. He is also consulted with as an expert on horror and pop culture, offering insights on horror history and the latest trends through media outlets, film festivals, and conventions.