As we move closer to October 31st, horror fans have several amazing collections and special edition releases to look forward to this week, including the highly anticipated “Black Maria” collection from Dark Sky and MPI in celebration of the 40th anniversary of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.
Universal is also releasing a really cool box set that features a handful of Steven Spielberg’s finest films, Kino Lorber is resurrecting the cult classic Jennifer in high-def this week, and the indie horror comedy Witching & Bitching makes its way home on DVD as well, all in time for Halloween.
SPOTLIGHT TITLES:
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 40th Anniversary Black Maria Edition (MPI Home Video/Dark Sky Films, Blu-ray)
40 years ago, five youths on a weekend getaway in the Texas countryside fell prey to a butcher in a mask made of human skin and his cannibalistic family, and horror cinema would never be the same. Violent, confrontational, and shockingly realistic, director Tobe Hooper’s THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE terrified audiences in a way never thought possible when it was unleashed on a politically and socially tumultuous America in 1974.
Facing a storm of controversy, censorship, and outcry throughout its troubled release, this masterpiece of horror has stood the test of time to become a landmark motion picture and cultural milestone. To celebrate the film’s 40th anniversary and its enduring ability to scare audiences both new and old, Dark Sky Films proudly presents THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE in an all-new 4k digital transfer and with a newly created 7.1 surround sound mix supervised by Tobe Hooper. Get ready to experience fear in a whole new way.
Special features include Limited Edition packaging (built as a replica of the famous Black Maria semi-truck from the film), a blood-spattered Leatherface apron, the official theatrical mini poster, as well as a 5th bonus disc exclusive to this release.
Jennifer (Kino Lorber, Blu-ray & DVD)
Lisa Pelikan (Ghoulies) unleashes the forces of hell in this supernatural thriller, inspired by Carrie. Jennifer is a shy, quiet country girl who wins a scholarship to the prestigious Green View School for girls, a dream come true. But the snobby girls at the school refuse to accept Jennifer and begin to torment her, hoping she'll leave. The humiliation becomes unbearable and Jennifer s growing anger and pain suddenly turn to a consuming desire for vengeance. Determined to repay those who degraded her, Jennifer releases the evil powers she had once fought to suppress. In a blinding fury of destruction, Jennifer evens the score. The strong supporting cast includes Bert Convy, Nina Foch, Jeff Corey and John Gavin.
Steven Spielberg Director’s Collection (Universal Home Entertainment, Blu-ray & DVD)
Steven Spielberg is one of the most prolific directors in motion picture history. Spanning over 40 years, Steven’s career began as a teenager when he made his way onto the Universal backlot and befriended studio executives. His passion and talent quickly developed, allowing him to direct an unprecedented number of blockbuster films. The Steven Spielberg Director’s Collection showcases a selection of the Academy Award winner’s unforgettable movies filmed for Universal, including his very first TV feature, Duel, and his first theatrical release, The Sugarland Express, and blockbusters such as Jaws, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and Jurassic Park. Steven’s work has captivated audiences worldwide and continue to set the standard for filmmaking. The Director’s Collection contains eight discs, all featuring special features.
Witching & Bitching (MPI Home Video, DVD)
When a bank heist in the city doesn’t all go according to plan, José and Tony find themselves in possession of some hostages and speeding through the mountains of Spain, hoping to quietly slip over the border. Not wanting to give up his custody days to his ex-wife, José has also brought his son along for both the robbery and the ride. Little do they know that this is only the beginning of their troubles, as they soon make a stop in a small tavern in the Basque countryside and find themselves the honored guests of a fractured family of witches who are preparing for an ancient ritual. Director Alex de la Iglesia (As Luck Would Have It, The Last Circus) serves up laughs, action and thrills in this visually inventive comedy that builds towards a jaw-dropping climax with plenty of scares and surprises along the way.
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (Universal Home Entertainment, Blu-ray & DVD)
Don’t Blink (Vertical, DVD)
Dracula: Season One (NBC Universal, Blu-ray & DVD)
Juan of the Dead (Entertainment One, Blu-ray)
Nothing Bad Can Happen (Drafthouse, Blu-ray/DVD)
Penny Dreadful: Season One (Paramount, Blu-ray & DVD)
Tales of the Supernatural (Greenway Entertainment, Blu-ray)
Werewolf Rising (Image Entertainment, DVD)
X-Men: Days of Future Past (Blu-ray/Digital HD & DVD)
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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