Trailer Round-up: Silent Hills and The Evil Within

Whilst much of the latest news has been dominated by the delights currently screening at this year's Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one or two announcements have managed to push their way to the front of every horror fans' radar, namely as a result of another popular, annual event - Tokyo Game Show (TGS).

Held each year in Chiba, Japan, this video game convention is an unmissable opportunity to showcase the very latest in Japanese gaming. This year was no different, as both Hideo Kojima and Shinji Mikami's latest efforts took centre stage.

If, like countless other horror gamers out there, the Silent Hills playable teaser (PT) scared you witless, TGS were kind enough to premiere an exclusive concept video, just to scare you that little bit more...


As a companion piece to the PT, this concept video remains dark, twisted and nightmarishly bonkers with some seriously eerie sequences. Hardcore fans may sneer at the first-person set-up, others may feel it anti-climactic after the incredibly effective subtlety of the PT. Either way, Kojima and collaborative partner Guillermo del Toro are most definitely out to prove a point with this latest exclusive - to rejuvenate the dilapidated Silent Hill franchise and hopefully once again frighten us in to a collective stupor.
The same can be said for the highly anticipated The Evil Within. Due for release this October 14th on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One, this latest survival horror proves it's out to shock, with a new exclusive trailer, fresh from TGS...

The material on offer here is another look at the treacherous terrain and physical struggles from our main protagonist, Sebastian, as well as a greater (albeit brief) look at the type of monsters we are bound to encounter. In addition to the familiar maniacal butcher, we are also privy to leaking lesions, spider-like limbs and tentacle-ridden faces. 
Played out to a sombre, orchestral score and the sinister musings from an assumed antagonist, we are clearly in for a dark and twisted tale. It may not appear as eerily surreal in comparison to Silent Hills, but odds are, with blood and gore in abundance, The Evil Within will provide a much needed thrill to all horror gamers in the run up to Halloween. 

Some say the survival-horror sub-genre is dead and indeed, the above may well turn out to be overly generic and dull. However, given the recent successes of independent efforts such as Outlast and Amnesia, there is an underlying sense that the sub-genre is undergoing a renaissance. There are new ideas, new techniques and new boundaries often pushed to breaking point. Arguably, these latest trailers indicate a combination of this recent ingenuity, with the rejuvenated efforts of the very creators who started it all... Fingers crossed they deliver.
What are your thoughts on Silent Hills or The Evil Within? Post a comment!  

News: Official Trailer for American Horror Story: Freak Show!

October is proving to be a damn good month for television fans. In addition to the fifth season of The Walking Dead, American Horror Story is also returning to our screens with its fourth season entitled Freak Show.

Set in the 1950s, Freak Show surrounds the bizarre lives of American carnies, whose arrival in Florida strangely coincides with an emerging dark entity, threatening the lives of humans and freaks alike.

From three boobs to a bearded lady, the show appears to have it all, including its usual recurring (but nonetheless impressive) cast of Jessica Lange, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson, in addition to Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett and newcomer Michael Chiklis.

As we approach the show's October debut, a nice array of posters (top right) and teasers have been released, including Open Wide and Twisted Smile. Whilst short, both are positively creepy, and do a great job of alluding to the maniacal characters we can expect from this season.

Just yesterday however, the show's official and full-length trailer was finally released (see below), granting us an extended look at our beloved carnies in action and unveiling the utterly bizarre, dark and voyeuristic world that we will be privy to this Autumn.

A Todd Browning masterpiece isn't likely, but hopefully American Horror Story: Freak Show will dodge the pitfalls of Coven and keep us enticed. Chant with me now, gooble gobble, one of us...



American Horror Story: Freak Show will premiere on FOX (UK), October 21st, 2014.
Make sure to keep an eye out for my weekly reviews on The Digital Fix.

News: UK Horror Anthology 'Its Walls Were Blood'

It's fantastic news for us UK horror fans as just last week it was announced an all-British portmanteau is in the works. Entitled Its Walls Were Blood, the film is set in an English country house and follows four connected stories that take place throughout the house's history. Filming is said to start later this year and an intriguing cast has already been announced, boasting the best in British talent. 

Steve Oram (Sightseers, The Canal), Pollyanna McIntosh (The Woman) and Edward Hogg (Anonymous) have been confirmed to star (to name but a few) and akin to the classics Dr Terror's House of Horrors, From Beyond the Grave and The House that Dripped Blood, we can expect an ensemble piece, with plenty more names yet to be announced. 

As for the directors, Paul Davis (The Body), Sean Hogan (The Devil's Business), Paul Hyett (FX Artist and Director of The Seasoning House) and Tom Shankland (The Children, Ripper Street) have been confirmed for each segment. The individual synopses have remained under wraps, although producer Paul Fischer had shed some light on the matter;

"It's all set in one house, and the house is a character, certainly; but it's not a haunted house. It's more complex than that - more about the idea of bringing your own darkness to a place that draws it out of you, of stepping into darkness and darkness entering you in return".

Davis (who is also the film's Executive Producer) has described it as a "contemporary-throwback", providing a modern twist on the classic portmanteau form, with a nod to the British anthologies of the 60s and 70s. In addition to Davis, who has labelled his own segment as "the heaviest thing [he's] done so far", the other directors have promised "a chilling and visceral journey through the twisted innards of a Victorian house", "a retro/horror thriller echoing the grittiness of Straw Dogs and A Clockwork Orange" and the "product of 1970s broken Britain". 

By the sound of things, Its Walls Were Blood is a fantastic project - a celebration of not just horror, but British horror, drawing upon an esteemed sensibility and tradition that has been somewhat lost within the genre of late. Not to mention, the consideration of some intelligent socio-cultural context that should provide some solid substance. With credible talent and an evident passion for what each cast and crew member is about to embark on, any horror fan is a fool to not get excited over this recent development. Need a little more convincing? Then read on for these Wise Words... from Fischer;

"Britain has a great, proud tradition in cinematic horror, where originality, spectacle, atmosphere and memorable characters played as much of a role in a film's identity as jumps and gore... Hammer and Amicus films of the 1960s and 70s had all the scares, the psychological suspense, all the dread and a sort of primordial imagery that kept you up at night and stuck with you your whole life - but they were also a great cinematic experience, in the dark with other people.

They were made for a wide audience, not a niche audience - and made well, made to scare and entertain. We're hoping Its Walls Were Blood will claim that back for horror a little, and give people a change from found footage, torture porn and period ghost stories".

We wait with baited breath for further information but until then, feast your eyes on the recently released teaser poster below...

Source: twitchfilm.com

Trailer Round-up: Cub, Horns and [REC]4: Apocalypse!

Another week has passed so it's time for the Wise Words... trailer round-up! First up;

[REC]4: Apocalypse

The popular Spanish franchise returns this year with its fourth installment, [REC]4: Apocalypse, directed by Jaume Balagueró. Less than two weeks away from its world premiere at Midnight Madness, Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), a full and final trailer has been released.



Unfortunately there are no subtitles, but as you can see our feisty protagonist, Angela Vidal (Manuela Velasco), is back for more zombie madness. Taking place after [REC]2 (bypassing the anomaly that is [REC]3: Genesis), we join the troubled news reporter on a quarantined ocean liner. Queue what looks like a fast-paced, fun and gory finale, as the recognisable virus wreaks havoc on unsuspecting shipmates. 
[REC]4: Apocalypse is set for release this Autumn (date TBC).
Horns
Alexandre Aja's latest film, Horns, is fast approaching and just last week a new trailer was released for this much anticipated horror-fantasy. Based on Joe Hill's acclaimed novel, Horns tells the tale of Ig Perrish (Daniel Radcliffe) and his sudden gain of two devilish horns in the emotional aftermath of his girlfriend's unsuspected murder. Blamed for her death, Perrish embraces the dark side and uses his new supernatural anatomy to find out the true killer.

From the looks of things, Aja is back on-form (after Piranha 3D) with this stylistic and dark journey. Grim at times, humorous at others, Horns could well be one of the most strange, yet compelling horror films out this year.
Horns is set for release October 31st, 2014.
Cub
Along with [REC]4: Apocalypse, Cub will also be found at this year's Midnight Madness (TIFF) - the feature debut from Belgian filmmaker, Jonas Govaerts. This folkloric, forest-based horror follows a group of young cub scouts stalked by a psychopathic huntsman, who has riddled the forest with deadly traps. 

If this trailer is anything to go by, we are in for a horrifying treat. Set mostly at night, the unfolding terror looks dark and brutal but beautifully shot with a suitably eerie undertone. It may be based in a familiar setting but this is not your generic cabin-in-the-woods affair. According to the Midnight Madness programmer, Colin Geddes, the film;
"draws on such influences as Lord of the Flies and The Devil's Backbone to create a world filled with vivid childhood terrors... [It] marks Govaerts as a bold new voice in horror cinema: one who understands both the art of storytelling and the complex craft of inspiring real fear"
Unfortunately an official release date for Cub remains unconfirmed but stay tuned to Wise Words... for further updates and visit the film's official website on - http://www.cubthemovie.com/.

That's it for this week's trailer round-up! Which of the above are you looking forward to the most? Post a comment! 

Trailer Round-up: Annabelle, Amityville: The Awakening and More!

It's time for another round-up and this week Wise Words... is focusing on the bout of new trailers that have recently been released. From the Paris catacombs to a devilish doll, it appears a variety of horror sub-genres are being covered. Have a look and see what you think...

Amityville: The Awakening

Once again we are returning to 112 Ocean Avenue - Long Island's most haunted house, famous for the real-life paranormal experiences of the Lutz family. Amityville: The Awakening isn't quite another generic re-telling of this tale that the franchise is so used to seeing, rather it is a sequel loosely based on the urban mythology, which sees a family, unaware of the house's history, take up residence.


This Jason Blum and Dimension-Films production, directed by Franck Khalfoun (who most recently helmed the successful Maniac remake), follows a single mother move herself and her three children into the seemingly lovely home, to best care for her son's severe, bed-ridden state. Sure enough, paranormal activity ensues (maggots and all) forming what looks like an unfortunately formulaic flick.
Amityville: The Awakening is due for release January 2nd, 2015. 
Annabelle

If creepy dolls aren't your thing I'd look away now, as the full trailer for The Conjuring spin-off Annabelle, directed by John R. Leonetti, premiered last week. The film follows John Form and his wife, Mia, who just so happen to be the proud owners of a beautiful, vintage doll. Of course by 'beautiful' we mean a malevolent entity, responsible for fear-inducing blood-shed. 


Despite a different director, the James Wan 'stamp' is evident here (after all, he is the film's producer), with the impressive period set-design and well-crafted scares. Say what you like about the man's 'appeal-to-the-masses' technique, certain moments work. For The Conjuring, it was the infamous 'wardrobe sequence'. For Annabelle, we may want to think twice about leaving room doors open...

Annabelle is due for release October 3rd in the US and October 10th in the UK.

As Above, So Below

By now you will have probably seen the trailer for As Above, So Below. Plaguing every ad-break is the teaser for this horror, set underneath the streets of Paris in the city's infamous catacombs. What looks to be another typically dull found-footage affair might just have a few more tricks up its sleeve, thanks to the new NSFW red-band trailer...


It is safe to argue that As Above, So Below now appears a little gorier than expected, within a location that could induce a great deal of anxiety, especially for those who take unkindly to claustrophobic settings. If you enjoyed The Borderlands (particularly the ending), this could be an upcoming release to look out for...

As Above, So Below is due for release August 29th, 2014.

Exists

Eduardo Sanchez, one half of the directing duo responsible for the infamous The Blair Witch Project, is taking us back to the woods with his new film, Exists. The premise follows five friends who take a trip to the woods for a fun summer getaway, only for the fun to be remarkably cut short as they soon become victim to a terrifying urban legend...


That's right, Bigfoot is alive ladies and gentlemen and in full terrorising form, bounding between the trees of this familiar forest setting. You could argue that the found-footage technique compliments such a premise, as there are clearly one or two decent shots of the predatory creature. It's doubtful that Exists will offer us anything astounding or original, as much of the film looks remarkably formulaic (/annoying), but there may be one or two salvaging sequences, dominated by our furry friend in the spotlight. 

Exists is due for release on multiple platforms October 24th, 2014.

So there we have it, a round-up of the latest trailers. What are your thoughts on these upcoming releases? Do any of these trailers get your horror heartbeat racing? Share your thoughts and post a comment! 

Horror Highlights: Gamescom 2014

Gamescom, Cologne's largest trade fair and events highlight for interactive games and entertainment, has been and gone for another year. Thousands once again gathered for first-hand reveals and exclusives in the 'next generation of gaming'.

This year was a particularly exciting one for us horror fans, not least because everything from post-apocalyptic survival to the supernatural was represented, in what can only be described as one of the most prolific weeks horror gaming has seen for quite some time. With that in mind, read on to see what all the fuss is about...

Until Dawn

Following its initial reveal two years ago, teen slasher Until Dawn has been severely rebooted and reworked by developer Supermassive Games. Gamescom premiered this swanky new trailer, showcasing significant improvement in the games aesthetics, plot and casting. Check it out below;


Until Dawn will be available on the PS4 and is set for a release in 2015.
Dead Island 2
Another exclusive trailer from this year's Gamescom, showcases the first gameplay footage from the upcoming zombie-smashing Dead Island 2. Up until now we had only seen a CGI trailer, but this latest snippet places the game on a whole new level, reminding us why we all enjoyed the franchise so much in the first place - to gleefully obliterate the undead. Check out the trailer below;

Fast-paced, gun-toting, body-freezing, head-exploding fun appears to be the general message, and now with dual-wielding abilities. Hoorah!
Dead Island 2 is due for release Spring 2015 on the PC, PS4 and Xbox One.
Dying Light
In keeping with the zombie theme, Gamescom also premiered a new gameplay trailer for Techland's Dying Light. This game is hardly groundbreaking in its originality (mind you, neither is Dead Island) however there are some elements which should keep things a little fresh. Check out the trailer below;

In addition to the all-too-familiar open-world concept, gamers can see that Dying Light also has freerunning, multi-player co-op games (in which you can join as a monster) and extensive character progression. Not to mention, the titular clue that things get a little tougher once the sun goes down... Can you live to see the light? Unfortunately you will have to wait a little while, before finding out.
Dying Light is due for release February 2015 on the PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. 
The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead here, The Walking Dead there, The Walking Dead everywhere. This phenomenon, very much like the walkers themselves, will not die. In addition to Telltale's successful episodic series (and the not-so-successful Survival Instinct), Gamescom has exclusively revealed the teaser for a new Walking Dead game, developed by Overkill Software. 

Detail about the game is a little scarce, other than it being a co-op shooter set in Washington D.C. As evident from the trailer, The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman is also involved, namely to oversee its production and most likely ensure that this is the game "fans have been waiting for". 
Release date and platforms TBC.
Bloodborne
One of the most exciting horror games to feature at this year's Gamescom was Bloodborne. Developed by From Software and directed by Demon's Souls and Dark Souls' Hidetaka Miyazaki, this horror-fantasy set in the fictional city Yharnam has many gamers positively ecstatic. Yet to feel the same way? Well check out the exclusive gameplay trailer below;

Blending the much-loved elements of Dark Souls with new monsters, treacherous scenery and a violently deranged plot, this epic looks dark, tough and beautiful. 
Bloodborne is set for release in 2015, exclusively on PS4. 
Other Gamescom highlights...
Amidst all of the above, other horror games that we have known about for quite some time also had their moment to shine.
Another trailer for Alien: Isolation (due for release October 7th on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One) was premiered, just to keep us fans salivating, further showcasing the relentless hunt and survival expected from the much-loved franchise.
A new trailer for  The Order: 1886 (due for release February 2015 on PS4) was also revealed, showing off its intriguing premise of werewolf-fighting and steampunk weaponry, set in Victorian London.
The Evil Within (due for release October 14th on PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One) also had a few announcements up its sleeve at this year's Gamescom. Namely the unveil of a season pass, that will unlock all three of the game's planned single-player add-ons, and the estimated campaign time of a whopping 15-20 hours - without the DLC. 
But of course, there was one reveal this year that took the crown and dominated headlines...
Silent Hills
Good news for some, bad news for others, but whatever your attachment to the Silent Hill franchise, this surprising announcement is undeniably intriguing. Silent Hills is being lead by Hideo Kojima (of Metal Gear fame), in collaboration with Guillermo del Toro, and features Norman Reedus as the game's star. Any further information is not yet known, although a sneaky promo for the game's playable teaser accompanied its reveal at Gamescom. Check it out below;

If you haven't yet seen or played the teaser, I advise you to do so... and preferably not alone. It is mind-boggling, unsettling and a little frightening. Whether or not the actual game will continue such tricks, and indeed persuade hot-on-the-mark skeptics, is yet to be determined. It all appears promising however, so watch this space for further updates. 
Silent Hills is exclusively for PS4. Other platforms and a release date TBC.

So there you have it, Wise Words... Horror Highlights from Gamescom 2014. What are your thoughts on the above? Is there a game that you are particularly excited about? Get involved and post a comment! 

News Round-up: The Babadook, Screamfest 2014 and More!

A lot of this week's news has so far been dominated with reports from Gamescom 2014. Indeed, there is a lot to be excited about (keep your eyes peeled for a Wise Words... horror highlights special), but what else has been going on in the world of horror? Well you're in luck, as it's time for another News Round-up...

American Horror Story: Freak Show Debut

The creepy workings of Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuck are to once again grace our screens, as their new series of American Horror Story is upon us.

On October 8th, 2014, American Horror Story: Freak Show will debut on its home channel, FX. The familiar faces of Jessica Lange, Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson return, with Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett, in a series set in the 1950s. It surrounds one of the last remaining freak shows of that era, promising us the likes of Siamese twins and bearded ladies, in amongst the show's usual madness. Newcomers to the cast include John Carroll Lynch, taking the reigns as the season's core villain, rumoured to be a rather scary killer-clown. An official trailer is yet to be released, so stay tuned for further updates.

American Horror Story: Freak Show will debut on Wednesday 8th October, 2014 at 10pm, only on FX (UK date TBC).

The Devil's Advocate Television Series

According to reports from Deadline, rumor has it that The Devil's Advocate might well be getting the television treatment. This 1997 thriller, directed by Taylor Hackford and adapted from Andrew Neiderman's novel of the same name, starred Keanu Reeves as a skilled public defender who unknowingly joins a law firm run by The Devil, played by Al Pacino. 

From Warner Bros. TV to the platform of NBC, a pilot episode of this devilish tale has been ordered, to be penned by Matt Venne, who will also co-executive produce with John Wells, Andrew Stearn and Arnold Kopelson (who produced the 1997 feature).

It's still very early days yet, but a legal drama with a supernatural twist is the sort of premise networks will push for in today's horror-fuelled programming. Odds are, this will go ahead.

Are you a fan of the film? How do you feel about a televisual adaption? Post a comment! 

New Trailer for The Babadook

Australian horror, The Babadook is causing an absolute storm right now, not least because of its rave reviews emerging from various festival circuits. Since its premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, high praise has been circulating the web as us unlucky pundits wait with feverish anticipation. Needless to say such anticipation is now even greater, as a second trailer has been released...


Written and directed by Jennifer Kent, the film follows widowed-mother Amelia and the struggling relationship with her out-of-control six year-old, Samuel, as both are plagued by a mysterious children's book,The Babadook, and its titular sinister creature. Ghostly hallucinations, familial frustration, emotional strife and a long-fingered, top-hat-wearing monster? Count us in.

The Babadook is set for release on October 24th (UK) and November 28th (US). 

Screamfest 2014 Line-up

Screamfest 2014 is soon to terrorise the streets of LA once again, and as the festival that has previously brought us Trick 'r Treat, Paranormal Activity and American Mary, horror fans eagerly await what delights have been added to this year's line-up. 

Well, the first wave of programming has been announced and lucky festival-goers will be able to catch the world premiere of See No Evil 2, in addition to Richard Bates Jr's Suburban Gothic and Venezuelan hit The House at the End of Time. Other films include; The Creep Behind the Camera, I Survived a Zombie Holocaust, Julia, Parlor and Refuge.

Screamfest runs from October 14th to October 23rd. Visit the official website for further information and stay tuned for future announcements!

That's it for now - fancy sharing your views on any of the above? Post a comment! 

Up next on Wise Words... - the Horror Highlights of Gamescom 2014!

News Round-up: TIFF, Resident Evil and More!

It's time for another round-up - here are a few more horror news highlights from the past week or so.

TIFF Midnight Madness Selection

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is fast approaching, which means the acclaimed Midnight Madness programme, showcasing all the best in upcoming horror, shock and action, is upon us too. This year's selection has been announced and it's looking pretty impressive, including the world premieres of Kevin Smith's Tusk and [REC] 4: Apocalypse. Other films include;

• Big Game - A thriller, starring Samuel L. Jackson, which follows the survival of his character and a 13 year-old boy in the wilderness, after an Air Force One plane is forced down after an act of terrorism. 
• Cub - A group of young Cub scouts find themselves stalked by a psychopathic huntsman, who has plagued the forest with deadly traps.
• The Editor - A loving tribute to/parody of the Dario Argento/Mario Bava giallo films in which a one-time film editor becomes a prime suspect in a series of brutal murders.
• Electric Boogaloo: The Wild, Untold Story of Cannon Films - A documentary that follows the rise and fall of exploitation powerhouse Cannon Films, whose contribution to cinema include American Ninja, Death Wish II and Masters of the Universe.
• The Guest - The latest from director Adam Wingard, in which a charming young man arrives at the house of a grieving family, claiming to be the best friend of their dead son. 
• It Follows - A nineteen year-old girl finds herself stuck with a sexually transmitted serial haunting, in which the lingering phantoms remain unless she passes the curse on to someone else.
• Tokyo Tribe - A yakuza street-gang hip-hop musical epic (need we say more?)
• What We Do in the Shadows - Another horror-comedy to emerge from New Zealand, in which the mockumentary format is used to follow a trio of vampires who struggle to adapt to life in the 21st century. 

This year's TIFF takes place from the 4th to the 14th of September. For more information on Midnight Madness, visit the official website.

In the works...

Dead Island
Paradise. Virus outbreak. Zombie apocalypse. We've heard it all before and yet, we can't get enough. That's right, along with the upcoming release of Dead Island 2, it has now been confirmed that a film adaptation of this video game franchise is on the way. Occupant Entertainment and Deep Silver have teamed up to deliver this inevitable project and although we are far off any further detail, the shooting schedule is set to begin in 2015.

Resident Evil
In keeping with the gaming theme, Capcom has announced that the 2002 Gamecube 'remake' of the survival-horror juggernaut, Resident Evil, has received the remaster treatment. It has been rebooted for all current and next-gen platforms and will be available in early 2015, bringing Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine back to our screens... only in a far less 'blocky' aesthetic.

According to the company's official statement, this remastered version will be a walk down memory lane, using the latest resolution enhancement and 3D model technology. The game resolutions and textures have been significantly upgraded to 1080p, revealing beautiful and intense detail, and the sound effects are now a fully remastered 5.1 surround support. 

Fans of the franchise may be a little dubious of this recent announcement. Given the plans of a Resident Evil 7, and the not-so-successful predecessors, the release of this remastered edition could well be just a sneaky technique to test the proverbial waters. On the other hand, there is every chance this is a much-loved hark back to the good ol' days.

Either way, it's a win-win situation. Play the game and relive the 'old school' Resident Evil, or hate every second of it and join consumer activism in shaping the future of this much-loved franchise. 

The Beast Within
This week it was announced that the 1982 horror, The Beast Within, is receiving the remake treatment by none other than the original's writer, Tom Holland. Holland has voiced his wishes to have another go at this transformation classic, to primarily implement previous ideas that were, at the time, inconceivable.

Given the development of CGI and practical effects, he is now able to bring his original concepts to screen. Fear not, it won't all be digital drivel however, as Holland has quite rightly confirmed that Michael MacCleary's infamous transformation scene will remain 'old-school' and 'in-camera'. Phew. After all, how can you beat this...?


The passing of Dick Smith and Marilyn Burns

To end on a somewhat bitter-sweet note, the past week or so has seen the unfortunate loss of two horror icons. The first being Marilyn Burns, who has starred in the likes of Eaten Alive, Helter Skelter, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation, Texas Chainsaw 3D and most recently, The Sacrament. Of course, her most famous role was Sally Hardesty in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, in which her delirious laughter, sheer terror and primal screams lauded her as one of horror's original scream-queens, and provided cinema with a performance never to be forgotten.

The other loss if of course, Dick Smith. Close friend and mentee Rick Baker announced his passing last week with an official statement:

"The master is gone. My friend and mentor Dick Smith is no longer with us. The world will no longer be the same". 

It's difficult to summarise Smith's career and to put in to words just how influential and iconic his work has been. His make-up effects have shaped not only the horror genre, but film as a whole. From the old-age make-up in The Godfather and Amadeus (for which he won an Academy Award), to the blood-soaked finale in Taxi Driver, to his most iconic work of all - transforming Max von Sydow and Linda Blair in The Exorcist.

His artistry makes every effect on screen feel palpable, his mark is indellible, his work is influential. Indeed, all of the great artists that exist today do so because of Smith - he is 'The Godfather of Make-up'. His passing is a great shame, but what a legacy he has left behind. 

That's it for now, stayed tuned for the next news round-up!

News Round-up: Septic Man, The ABCs of Death 2 and More!

Here we are again! It's time to round up the very latest horror news and updates. First up...

Release dates announced!

The ABCs of Death 2
In 2013, 26 tales of death were brought to us by 26 different directors in Magnet's The ABCs of Death. This year, the alphabet is getting revisited by a new batch of horror-loving creatives, including the likes of Jen and Sylvia Soska and Julian Barratt. The premise remains the same however, as each director interprets their assigned letter to explore death, primarly in the most repulsive, bonkers and unimaginable way possible.

Along with the film's official poster, the release dates for this portmanteau have also been confirmed. The ABCs of Death 2 will come out on all VOD platforms on October 2nd, before receiving a limited theatrical release on October 31st. 

The Babadook
Another one to add to this year's Halloween watch-list is The Babadook - an Australian horror from Jennifer Kent which recently caused a storm at this year's Sundance Film Festival. The film looks genuinely creepy and follows the crumbling relationship between a mother and her young son, as the titular creature begins to terrorize the two.

The Babadook will receive its UK premiere at this month's Film4 FrightFest, followed by a wider release on October 24th. Until then, check out the trailer below;



The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 40th Anniversary - cover art and special features announced!

As we all know, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Tobe Hooper classic, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. To mark the occasion, in addition to various screenings, a 4k remastered version of the film is being re-released on DVD and Blu-ray, courtesy of MPI and Dark Sky Films. This week the cover art and bonus features were revealed, which had many of us squealing with delight. See below...

Both editions (Blu/DVD combo on the left and Blu on the right) will include the following special features;

• Track 1 - writer-producer-director Tobe Hooper, actor Gunnar Hansen, cinematographer Daniel Pearl
• Track 2 - actors Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger and Paul A. Partain, and production designer Robert Burns
• Track 3 - writer-producer-director Tober Hooper
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Shocking Truth
• Flesh Wounds: Seven Stories of the Saw
• A Tour of the TCSM house with Gunnar Hansen
• Off the Hook with Terri McMinn (1080p, 17:02)
• Production Manager Roz Bozman interview (480p)
• New deleted scenes and outtakes
• New interview with actor John Dugan 
• New interview with editor J. Larry Carroll
• Blooper Reel
• Outtakes from 'The Shocking Truth'
• Dr W.E Barnes presents 'Making Grandpa' (still gallery)
• Still gallery
• Trailers 1 and 2, TV Spots 1,2 and 3, and Radio spots 1 and 2

The 40th anniversary edition of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre will come out in a Blu-ray/DVD combo and sole Blu-ray release on September 16th, 2014.

Red Band trailer for Septic Man

The smell of sweet success is encroaching, as the much anticipated Septic Man is set for release this month. In one last promotional push, getting us horror fans even more excited, a new red band trailer for the film has been released. Catch it below:



It's no wonder that Septic Man has won awards throughout its festival circuit, and been lauded as 'stunning' (Little Red Umbrella), 'funny' (Twitch)  and a 'visceral story that will leave you shaken and desperate for a shower' (Rue Morgue Magazine). It indeed looks disgusting, disturbing and downright loopy, with a distinct 'Brundlefly' vibe, emanating from those wonderful shots of the deformed sewage worker, Jack. 

Thankfully, we don't have long to wait until we can revel in this filth. Septic Man will receive a full VOD release on August 12th, followed by a DVD release on August 19th.

It's a short but sweet edition of News Round-up this time but fear not, another part is just on its way... Stay tuned!

The Twisted Twins and Painkiller Jane: A Marvelous Match Made in Action-Horror Heaven

There were many highlights from this year's San Diego Comic-Con (in fact, you can read my horror highlights here), but there was one exclusive announcement which took prevalence, causing all action-horror pundits to squeal with delight.

During the WWE panel, Jen and Sylvia Soska (aka the Twisted Twins) announced their plans to direct an adaptation of the 90s comic, Painkiller Jane. This is, without question, a genius pairing and here's why...

The Twisted Twins are fast becoming an unstoppable force in horror. In 2009, the two debuted their directorial efforts with Dead Hooker in a Trunk - a low-budget, comical exploitation film that follows four young adults and the fight for their lives, following the discovery of well... a dead hooker left in their trunk. With violence, sleazy motels, pimps and chainsaws the film indeed became a cult hit. It wasn't until 2012 however, and the release of American Mary, that the Soska Sisters truly shot to critical acclaim.

American Mary is a female-centric, body-horror revenge film that follows the tumultuous journey of Mary Mason and her descent (or ascent, depending on which way you look at it) into the world of underground body-modification.The physical and emotional strife of a young adult woman, combined with gore and a seedy yet elegant aesthete, makes for one compelling feature film. Starring Katharine Isabelle as the titular character, the film is easily one of the best female-themed horrors to emerge from the genre for quite some time.



Indeed, this garnered the two monumental success and since then, the Soska Sisters have been very busy. In addition to directing and appearing in numerous shorts, they have also directed the upcoming See No Evil 2 - which looks like an enjoyably raucous neo-slasher, starring female leads Isabelle and Danielle Harris - and a segment for The ABCs of Death 2 - details of which, are yet to be confirmed. They have also just finished directing Vendetta - a WWE Studios film about a detective who seeks vengeance against the man who murdered his wife - and are currently filming a segment for XX - an upcoming, all-female horror anthology film.

Although relatively small, recurring trends throughout their filmography are clear. Stylistically speaking, the two are accomplished and well-versed in executing atypical horror aesthete - relishing the scuzziness, exploitation, gore and titilation. Yet there also feels a non-descript seamlessness which adds a contemporary feel. Having written the majority of their films, the Soska Sisters also manage to deliver very smart and well-thought dialogue, that occasionally diverge into the realms of black comedy.

Thematically speaking is where the two really shine however, thanks to the recurring focus on female characters. Gender politics in the horror genre is a bit of a landmine, so claiming the two as feminist filmmakers is a rather loaded statement. Yet, when stripping the twins' work down to its basics, it's undeniable. All of their films, whether likeable or not, have primary female characters. They are thoughtfully developed and have a depth or purpose, representing areas of the female psyche or experience that to-this-day remain marginalised. Sylvia explains...

"You see so many flawless female characters...they're the girlfriend or they're the nagging wife and you're like 'Who are these people?' I think the modern woman is a lot more interesting than we're seeing represented on film... I'm a chick and I know the crazy that goes through my head"



In the quest to truly represent a contemporary female perspective, their films are predominantly female-focused. That's not to say men can't enjoy their work or indeed, that all women do enjoy it, but the female-centricity is certainly refreshing, which is why their partnership with Painkiller Jane is such a marvelous match.

The comic Painkiller Jane was released in 1995 and created by Jimmy Palmiotti and Joe Quesada. In a five issue mini-series (with later crossovers into Punisher, Vampirella and Hellboy) it follows Jane Vasko, an ex-cop who is virtually indestructible. The origins of how this came to be vary from source to source. In one instance,whilst on duty undercover, she is caught in a bomb explosion planted by her mafia 'boss' Joey Fonti. In the other, she is tortured and drugged rather than blown up. Either way, she mysteriously awakes with regenerative powers.

Minor injuries heal in mere seconds and anything more serious takes only minutes - even from an axe embedded in to her spine to a shoutgun wound to the face. Overall Jane's healing abilities - teamed with a pair of handguns and a martial arts skill set - make her a rather badass vigilante, to take on all sorts of crime, oppression and further wrongdoing. That's not to say her injuries don't hurt however, hense the given name. 

Okay so it's more action than horror per se, but Painkiller Jane's narrative and aesthetics pair perfectly with the talents of the Soska Sisters. We have a complex, female lead for them to once again explore (with added depth as an LGBT character), and their attachment to the horror genre is ideal for delivering those gory set pieces. All in all, there is no one better to direct such a violent, female-themed film than the two ladies who have received such acclaim for recently, and brilliantly, doing so in the first place.

Sources: 

http://www.nsnews.com/entertainment/twisted-sisters-jen-and-sylvia-soska-scare-people-for-a-living-1.364387#sthash.CaS1bOPw.dpuf

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/soska-sisters-direct-painkiller-jane-720772