Tuesday, March 31, 2009

DARK KNIGHT top horror film of the year???????

Okay, so the 7th Annual Rondo Awards were announced last week. Many thanks to everyone who put in a vote for HORROR 101 - even though we did not win, it was lovely to feel the support in the cold spring air.

However, upon seeing some of the winners this year, maybe it's for the best... THE DARK KNIGHT wins best film of the year? Followed by IRON MAN? In the Rondo Awards, sponsored by the Classic Horror Boards? Riddle me this, Batman...what the heck?



For better or worse, here are the results:

BEST FILM OF 2008
THE DARK KNIGHT
Runners-up: IRON MAN; LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
Honorable mention: WALL-E; CLOVERFIELD

BEST TV PRESENTATION
DOCTOR WHO: 'Silence in the Library'
Runners-up: SUPERNATURAL; BATTLESTAR GALACTICA
Honorable mentions: LOST; TRUE BLOOD

BEST CLASSIC DVD
PSYCHO SPECIAL EDITION
Runners-up: THE MUMMY (1932);
RODAN/WAR OF THE GARGANTUAS
Honorable mentions: WORLD WITHOUT END/SATELLITE IN THE SKY;
THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD

BEST CLASSIC HORROR COLLECTION
RAY HARRYHAUSEN COLLECTIBLE DVD SET
Runner-up: HAMMER ICONS OF HORROR
Honorable mentions: ABBOTT & COSTELLO: COMPLETE UNIVERSAL COLLECTION;
PLANET OF THE APES BLU-RAY SET

BEST CLASSIC TV COLLECTION
THE MUNSTERS: THE COMPLETE SERIES
Runners-up: OUTER LIMITS ORIGINAL SERIES COMPLETE;
NIGHT GALLERY: SEASON TWO
Honorable mention: DOCTOR WHO: COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON

BEST RESTORATION
VAMPYR (1932 film by Carl Dreyer; Criterion Edition)
Runners-up: 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD;
CONQUEST OF PLANET OF THE APES
Honorable mentions: PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY; RODAN (Japanese version)

BEST BOOK
THE TWILIGHT ZONE, by Martin Grams
Runners-up: THE BOOK OF LISTS: HORROR, edited by Amy Wallace, Del Howison, and Scott Bradley; RAY HARRYHAUSEN: MASTER OF THE MAJICKS Vol. 2, by Mike Hankin )
Honorable mentions: THE GREAT MONSTER MAGAZINES, by 'Bobb' Cotter;
VIDEODROME by Tim Lucas; I TALKED WITH A ZOMBIE, by Tom Weaver;
CLAUDE RAINS: AN ACTOR'S VOICE by David J. Skal with Jessica Rainse

BEST MAGAZINE
RUE MORGUE
Runner-up: VIDEO WATCHDOG
Honorable mentions: HORROR HOUND;
MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT;
SCARY MONSTERS

FAVORITE HORROR HOST (Active)
Svengoolie (Rich Koz) (Woo hoo!)

Runners-up: Penny Dreadful; Dr. Gangrene
Honorable mentions: Graveley MacCabre and Grizelda; Count Gore De Vol

For a complete list of winners and nominees, visit http://www.rondoaward.com

Monday, March 30, 2009

A question about robots...

I do not mean to hijack Blood Radio from it's intended horrific course, but I need a question answered and this seems like the right place to ask it.

Is anyone watching the new Joss Whedon show Dollhouse? I know, it's not horror, unless you count Eliza Dushku's horrific acting ability...I digress...but it is sci-fi fantasy, so, it's close enough, and I am a big admirer of most of Joss Whedon's stuff, Firefly, Buffy. So far, Dollhouse is watchable, but it is not great, not like Supernatural (which had a superior episode with two quality kills last week) or heck, not even Fringe (which is growing on me) but, interesting enough. I am still watching it. I kinda have to, but that is another story...again, I digress...

Is the Rossum corporation in Dollhouse the same Rossum as the corporation from R.U.R.(Rossum's Universal Robots)? Ms. Aly Greaves, our resident expert in the Whedon-verse as well as the costume designer of Strawdog Theatre's production of R.U.R.(Rossum's Universal Robots) believes that it is definitely one in the same, that it must be.

Is it possibly a coincidence?

Nora Goes to Fangoria LA

Our beautiful zombie pal, Nora O'Sullivan, is going to Los Angeles as a finalist in the Fangoria Spooksmodel Contest (she's currently in 3rd place in the final thirteen). Go Nora!


Brian and Nora at Zombie Bowling

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Don't Fear the Reaper




The magazine The Atlantic has an article on the renaissance of slasher films. Interesting to see this subject written about in such a publication.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Chiller Theatre's Italian Invasion in April



Lucio Fulci reunion, without the dead man himself, but, how lovely still! They'll be Richard Johnson, Ian McCulloch, Luigi Cozzi, Zora Kerowa, Michael Sopkiw, Michael Baronas, Malisa Longo, Giovanni Frezza, Silvia Collatina, Ottaviano Dell'acqua, Al Cliver. All at the Hilton Parsippany, One Hilton Court, Parsippany, New Jersey.


Thursday, March 26, 2009

Episode #008 Deathscribe part three

Click to listen

We are very pleased to announce WildClaw Theatre’s Blood Radio Podcast, episode #008.
We continue our presentation of Deathscribe 2008, with part three, featuring your host Aaron “Dr. AC” Christensen, and director of the upcoming production of The Revenants, Anne Adams. We also have news about Deathscribe 2009!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Vote for Your Favorite Fangoria Spooksmodel!

Now's the time to place your votes for Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors 2010 Spooksmodel! Reigning queen Shannon Lark (who has graciously agreed to be interviewed in the near future by some lucky WildClaw Daemon, so stay tuned for that) will be passing off her crown and chainsaw to a brand new bloody babe. Who will it be?

While we cannot show any overt favoritism, it is worth pointing out that several of the nominees are Midwestern gals, including a few from right here in Chicagoland! So be sure to viddy Nora and Alexandra's portfolios as you're making your selections, although once you get a gander at the bevy of beauties Fango has lined up, you'll want to take them all, er, check them all out.

Voting closes this Sunday, March 29, at MIDNIGHT (of course). So scurry over to http://www.creationent.com/cal/fangocon/fango_spooksmodel/spooksmodel.asp and perform your civic duty today!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Magnolia Lets the Wrong Subtitles In...




From our pals at Icons of Fright:

"If you're an avid reader of this or just about any other horror web-publication, then no doubt you've heard plenty about the Swedish indie-vampire flick LET THE RIGHT ONE IN - a somber, haunting & beautiful tale directed with finesse by Tomas Alfredson. In the last year, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN has quickly garnered "cult" like status among genre & movie fans alike. It managed to top the "best of 2008" lists for just about every horror website out there, and has become a favorite for the entire ICONS staff here. So, naturally, we were all rather excited that the film finally was released last week here in the US on both DVD and Blu-Ray.

"About 20 minutes into the screening, I was absolutely horrified.

"The subtitles had been drastically changed since the last time I saw it, and dare I say... had been completely dumbed down? Sure, the basic gist of what the characters were saying was kind of there, but missing completely was the dark humor, subtleties and character nuances which made the movie so powerful and a favorite amongst audiences last year. I tried to carry on and ignore it, hoping that only a few of the translations were off... but... I was wrong. The intent of just about every single line of dialogue was completely off and ruined the movie..."


To read the entire post with numerous frame by frame comparisons, visit:

http://iconsoffright.com/news/2009/03/let_the_wrong_subtitles_in_to.html

Shiny Toy Guns' Ghost Town Zombies

Glen Hanson has created a kickass zombie video for Shiny Toy Guns and their song, "Ghost Town".

Monday, March 23, 2009

The Revenants Press Photos

We had a fun photo session with photographer, Kirstie Shanley, this weekend. She took these great shots of our Revenants cast in action.


Ryan Patrick Dolan and Brian Amidei


Laura Hooper


Brian Amidei, Ryan Patrick Dolan, Jenny Strubin, and Laura Hooper


Brian Amidei


Jenny Strubin and Ryan Patrick Dolan


Laura Hooper


Laura Hooper

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Horror Masters


This is the best horror literature site I have come across on the web. Here you can find and read hundreds of classic and obscure stories and novels that have passed into public domain. They have divided their library into sub genres too, examples being Women of Horror, Scientific Horrors, Asian Horror Stories, Haunted Houses, Early Gothics and Late Gothics, Nautical, Witchcraft and Black Magick, Weddings and even Body Parts.

Friday, March 20, 2009

This Season: Zombie is the New Black!


In the most recent episode of one of my new favorite podcasts, Comic Book Queers, the boys were discussing Marvel Zombies and someone mentioned that "Zombie is the new black for comic books" or even better, "Zombie is the new Zombie". What a fabulous expression and oh so true. Zombies have been busting out all over in the funny books these days. After the ridiculous success of Marvel Zombie, half the titles in the store are tossing a token zombie or two in their upcoming pages. Hell even the recent (and supremely awesome) Wonder Woman animated film had Amazombies! And they majestically kicked undead ass.

Check out this fabulous round up of the recent zombie comic mayhem... If you are asking, "But Aly...I love comics and zombies, where do I begin?" I say go straight to Image's Walking Dead. I don't actively read this one but it is the creme de la creme of zombie comics at the moment.

And if you want to introduce some fun zombie into your life...I am wild about Art Balthazar and Franco's Zombie Butler Roy character in the Grim Reaper Comics. Both Grim Reaper and one of their other comics, Patrick the Wolfboy, are hilarious, adorable, and also kid friendly for the Wildclaw Juniors out there. These guys are Chicago locals too so show them some love!

And of course...here's that little black Zombie Dress for you...courtesy of Craftzine user Smarmyclothes!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

WildClaw Theatre Video


A little taste of WildClaw Theatre...

Zombie Bowling Sightings Numero Cinco

And, in the last of our Zombie Bowling vid series, we present two examples of Scary-oake:

"Silence of the Lambs"


"The Shining"

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Zombie Bowling Sightings Numero Quatro

You scream, we scream, we all scream for prizes. Ladies and Germs, the Zombie Bowling Scream Contest. Wait 'til you see who wins. It's actually a very different experience just listening to it. [NSFW]

Zombie Bowling Sightings Numero Tres

Ah, the blacklights. Can you spot Tony Akins, Elizabeth Laidlaw, Aly Greaves, Brian Amidei, Charley Sherman, Aaron Christensen, Paul Foster, Lily Mojekwu, Ryan Patrick Dolan, Casey Cunningham, Colleen Elizabeth Miller, Dannie McKenzie, Bob of Timber Lanes, Scott T. Barsotti, Rich from Angel Island, Joe Jahraus from Profiles theatre, and Dan and Kirsten?

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Zombie Bowling Sightings Numero Dos

Here's a scene from the very start of the evening (pre-blacklights) where we find out that Kitty wants to go bowling.



And then - "The Zombie Pageant". Staggering in its glory, with host, Dr. AC.



More to come -"Scream Contest"; Scary-oakes; general mayhem.

Get to know your Horror History with Kitley's Krypt


Sure, sure, you know all the terror icons like Romero, Craven, Savini, Carpenter, Hooper and you're on a first name basis with the new kids like Eli, Rob, and Alexandre. And the old school folks like Vincent, Boris, Bela, Peter, Christopher and both Lons - They're like your favorite uncles, right?

But if you really want to impress your fellow fiends, try name-dropping a few more obscure horror luminaries like Lionel Atwill, Abel Salazar, Helga Liné and John Chambers.


What, you don't know who these folks are? Well, then this is a perfect opportunity to learn and Jon Kitley of Kitley's Krypt is just the fellow to make the introductions.


For over 10 years, Kitley's Krypt has been fulfilling its mission of the three E's: Educate, Expand and Entertain. Week in, week out, Jon lays it all out for Windy City (and beyond) horror fans with new reviews for film, soundtracks, magazine, convention reports, and upcoming news in the world of terror. But not content to stop there, he also takes it upon himself to dig into the past and the fringe, recommending overlooked diamonds in the rough as well as giving forgotten stars their moments in the sun. Recent profiles include Hammer Films composer extraordinaire James Bernard and staple of Pete Walker's classic '70s Brit horror efforts, Sheila Keith.



Head over to http://www.kitleyskrypt.com and see what you've been missing. They'll leave the door open for you. (Granted, it may slam shut the second you walk in, but them's the breaks...)

Zombie Bowling Sightings Numero Uno

This will be the first of several blog entries featuring stills and video from our March 14th Zombie Bowling Benefit at Timber Lanes in Chicago. Mucho fun and big thanks to our makeup zombiettes Aly, Colleen, Kirsten and Nora for making everyone deadly beautiful. And another round of applause for our sponsors Quirk Publishing (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) and Lionsgate Films (The Haunting in Connecticut).



Monday, March 16, 2009

I am cautiously hopeful for this movie, only because of my love of all things Raimi. And, I guess, my love of witches...

Sunday, March 15, 2009


Just a quick note of personal thanks to Timber Lanes, and to everyone who came out last night. Zombie Bowling was a BLAST!

You can be sure that we will be bowling for braaaiiinnss again in the near future...stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, thanks to everyone who bowled, helped, drank, danced, shambled and shuffled...

Friday, March 13, 2009

Yet Another Friday the 13th...Big Plans for 2009

So here we are again...the second Friday the 13th in a row. We here at Wildclaw think it might be a good omen for us...we have big plans this year. Lots of things in the hopper and we need all of you to join us for the ride. First stop on the 2009 Wildclaw express is tomorrow night: Zombie Bowling yall...Zombie Bowling. It's going to be an event to remember and hopefully reoccur for years to come. You want to be there from the beginning.

Then we have the Revenants. I had a little meeting today with our lovely Director Anne and makeup artist Sania at the Lincoln Square starbucks this morning. We were the three cute chicks discussing puss, blood poisoning, and brain splatter...maybe you over heard us while sipping your latte?

After that...Deathscribe is coming back. Bigger, Badder, Bloodier...name a B word and we might be featuring it...

Plus more podcasts, more blog posts, and a goal to be the destination for live horror theatre in the Midwest...later THE WORLD.

Ambitious? You're damn right. Now try not to trip in the woods tonight...

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Bohemian Theatre's PLAYING WITH FIRE: AFTER FRANKENSTEIN


Ran into Albert Williams the other night on my way to see the LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT remake (which, by the way, was sooooo much better than I thought it was going to be). He had just seen Bohemian Theatre Ensemble's production of PLAYING WITH FIRE: AFTER FRANKENSTEIN and said, "You and the WildClaw fans would love it!" His review for the Chicago Reader, which came out today, is available by clicking on the link below:

PLAYING WITH FIRE: AFTER FRANKENSTEIN

Chicago Horror Theatre is alive and well in Rogers Park, it seems. Go see the Boho show, then come by Timber Lanes on Saturday night for WildClaw's ZOMBIE BOWLING. Sounds like a night in horror heaven!

Surviving the Zombie Financial Apocalypse

Aha. It's all so clear now.



So take that you misguided Max Brooks, misinformed survivalists, and those annoying online quizzes:

Not a bullet to the head. You nationalize 'em.

'Course the shareholders take it in the gut, but when they get killed, they stay dead.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Lovely Lovecraft Painting

Matt Buck has done a clever job with his portrait of H. P. Lovecraft. Hmm... tentacles.

Horror Society Talks About WildClaw Fangocon Panel


The FangoCon Chicago '09 WildClaw Theatre Panel:
Paul Foster, Charlie Athanas, Aaron Christensen (Dr. A.C.), Brian Amidei, and Charley Sherman


The great folks over at Horror Society included the WildClaw Theatre panel in their FangoCon 2009 roundup. Here's what they had to say:

"Finally it was time for Chicago’s own Wildclaw Theater to talk about their new play The Revenants, and discuss what exactly it is they do. Not many on hand for this panel, since I’m sure most people are flat out exhausted from the weekend, but the HS crew was there to show support for our local horror fiends. Wild Claw does live horror theater and having been to a couple of their show, it is just as full of terror, blood and gore as some of the movies. Almost more since you are there and you get to feel the vibrations from the music, hear the actors in person, and you really get a sense and feel for the suspense. Ive never really been to any plays at all, but I’m hooked now. Its great… oh Zombie Bowling on Saturday.. check the link."

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Timber Lanes is AWESOME!

Seriously, they have three dollar pints.

THREE DOLLAR PINTS!!

What more could you ask for? Hope to see you this Saturday.

William Castle Tribute at the OffScreen Film Festival




A big tip across the waters to our friend Gert Verbeeck of Cult Reviews, reporting from the front lines of the Offscreen Film Festival in Brussels, Belgium. In addition to a tribute/retrospective of William Castle's films (more below), they have programs entitled Post-Apocalyptic Films, Raro Italiano, Ozploitation (Australian exploitation), Interactive Cinema, and First-Offscreenings (new releases and premieres). For a closer look at Gert & Co.'s extraordinary viewing adventures, visit Cult Reviews at http://www.cultreviews.com/

WILLIAM CASTLE
American director and producer William Castle was known as the
King of the Gimmick." Although his contribution to the big Hollywood productions of the ‘50s and ‘60s was marginal, he was successful in promoting his low-budget B movies thanks to his inventive publicity campaigns. He transformed the big screen into a carnival experience…

William Castle, a.k.a. William Schloss, was born in 1914. He directed and produced over fifty films, yet became legendary above all for his talent in luring audiences to the movie theatres. In 1958, having only worked on B movies for the big studios until then, Castle took the reins and made the horror film Macabre. To rope in the spectators, he signed up for insurance with the famous Lloyd Company to cover any fear-induced casualties that could result from watching his film! This publicity stunt impressed many: the film was a success and Castle became a true phenomenon.

A series of well-packaged genre films ensued, each accompanied by sensorial effects such as “Percepto”, “Illusion-O”, “Emergo”, the “Fright break” or the “Punishment Poll”. This screening programme, which will include the some of the effects mentioned above, starting with a double feature on March 6 at Cinema Nova. Screenings will then continue at the Cinematek starting March 13, including six films by the inventive director who passed away in 1977 and the film Matinee, an affectionate homage to Castle by Joe Dante.

Films to be screened:

13 GHOSTS - One of the craziest ghost films ever made, directed by an overzealous William Castle who recklessly multiplied any and all effects designed to terrify the spectator. Featuring the “Illusion-O” gimmick, a special pair of glasses that allows spectators to see real ghosts.

HOMICIDAL - A disturbing residence where even more disturbing things take place. A horror film so frightening that William Castle offered to reimburse any terrified spectators who couldn’t sit through the end.

MR. SARDONICUS - This is Castle’s tribute to the gothic horror films of the 1930s. A ghoulish spin on “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by way of “Eyes without a Face”. Featuring the “Punishment Poll” for audience participation, with a clever break hosted by Castle himself before the film’s devious finale.

STRAIT-JACKET - Joan Crawford is an axe-wielding homicidal maniac who leaves the psychiatric ward only to be haunted by her crimes… a mad adventure about madness.

THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL - An eccentric millionaire offers a tidy sum to any guest that survives the night in his haunted mansion. Vincent Price at his finest in one of Castle’s best movies, featuring his “Emergo” gimmick whereby an inflatable skeleton floats above the audience’s heads.

THE NIGHT WALKER - Barbara Stanwyck plays a rich widow tormented by strange dreams about her missing husband. A psychological thriller written by Robert Bloch, author of “Psycho”.

THE TINGLER - Vincent Price is a scientist obsessed with fear. In his research, he discovers that fear causes a nasty, worm-like creature to grow inside the human body along the spine. Featuring the legendary “Percepto” gimmick: Some innocent viewers will receive a mild electric shock from their seats!

ZOTZ! - A magic coin from ancient times bestows supernatural powers upon he who holds it. William Castle strays from his usual path of horror in this rare attempt at fantasy and comedy.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Zombie Bowling -- This Saturday!!!


Don't forget folks, this Saturday, Timber Lanes, 9:00pm, 1851 W. Irving Park Road.

ZOMBIE BOWLING!

Bring your friends who love bowling!
Bring your friends who love zombies!

Tickets still available, but tickets are limited, so do not miss out and BUY THEM TODAY!!!

Fango Con 2009

WildClaw had a blast at Fangoria Magazine's Fango Con Chicago this weekend. A big thanks to Tony and his crew at Fangoria for continuing to support the WildClaw cause. On Saturday, our faithful and lovely demon thralls, Colleen and Ele, boldly told everyone at the conference about The Revenants and Zombie Bowling.


Cuties Colleen, Paul, and Ele (her t-shirt says "ZOMBIE - eat flesh")

We got to see old friends like John Kitley of Kitley's Krypt. One of the many highlights of the weekend was talking theatrical SFX shop with Tom Savini.



On Sunday, WildClaw unveiled the new video promo and hosted a panel at the convention. Thank you to all who showed up and to those who asked insightful questions. We look forward to next year's Fango Con. Until then, we'll see you the Timber Lanes for some Zombie Bowling on March 14th. Get your tickets now 'cause this one is limited capacity and you won't want to miss this one. We'll have fun swag from new sponsors Quirk Publishing (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies) and Lionsgate Films (The Haunting in Connecticut).



And that's just to prepare you for our intense production of Scott T. Barsotti's The Revenants, which opens at Angel Island Theater on April 20th. See you there!

Friday, March 6, 2009

Episode #007 Deathscribe part two

Click to listen

We are very pleased to announce WildClaw Theatre’s Blood Radio Podcast, episode 007 Deathscribe part two. We continue our presentation of Deathscribe 2008, with part 2, featuring your host Aaron “Dr. AC” Christensen, and special guest Ari Lehman, (Jason Vorhees from the original Friday the 13th).

Reading and Listening to Horror...Hail to the King!


Like many people, I have a REALLY long commute to work...at least an hour one way most days. Those of you who have met me know that I never waste time. I am a multitasking addict. Why do only one thing when you can do five right? If I am watching TV, then I am also knitting. If I am in a meeting, then I am also doing drawings...or knitting. Sometimes I even knit at stoplights...I mentioned I was an addict right?

So this brings me to my listening and reading habits. I listen to lots of podcasts during the day at work about various subjects: fashion, Smallville, Sarah Connor, Buffy, knitting, sewing, TV, and comics. While in my car, I listen to audiobooks. Then at night I either read comics or read a book. So I get through a fair amount of material in a week. Audiobooks in the car or while you are cleaning or doing the dishes or even just trying to fall asleep are a great way to get a TON of "reading" done. Many people poo poo this as not actually "reading" and yeah..I am not holding a book and looking at the words. I am also getting the 'filter' of a performer and the director of the reading so there is a little less work for my imagination to do. However, by listening to books I can plow through two novels a week AND listen to Clive Barker describing ritual disembowelments while I am negotiating a lane change on the Ike Expressway. There is a certain satisfaction in that, don't you agree?

Currently in the CD player is Stephen King's Dark Tower series Book One: The Gunslinger. Stephen King books are extremely enjoyable listens. I have burned through more than half of his books this way. I believe that all of his audiobooks are unabridged and the vocal talent is topnotch. (I won't even bother with abridgements). My favorite audiobook has been Bag of Bones. In addition to the book being marvelous (my favorite King book hands down), Stephen himself reads it and there is also original music created especially for the audiobook. Music is often really important in King novels and this book is no exception. With one of the characters, Sara Tidwell, being a singer, having this original music come to life is a marvelous storytelling device. And having the author read a tale that has a great deal of autobiographical content in it is also key.

I have three other King audiobook favorites: The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon,Cell,and Blood and Smoke. Tom Gordon is read by actress Anne Heche. This is a wonderful little story that is actually kid friendly...great for the Wildclaw Juniors out there. Cell is read by actor Campbell Scott and makes you never want to use your cell phone ever again: classic King apocalypse type stuff. The last is Blood and Smoke, once again read by Stephen King. This is a series of three short stories put out exclusively as an audiobook. It features the great spooky ghost story 1408, which was later made into the film with John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson. All good stuff...

So next time you are taking a road trip, consider a dose of horror for you CD player or Ipod. Many of the traditional horror favorites have extensive audiobook offerings...Clive Barker, Stephen King, Laurel K Hamilton, Charlaine Harris, John Saul, Bram Stoker...etc.. For a nice listing check out this site... Buried.com and let us know if you have any favorites!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Nightmare scenarios

Stephen Colbert channels his best Glenn Beck at the Doom bunker, spinning out unlikely nightmare scenarios for America's future. Why does this belong on a blog dedicated to all things horror? You will get your answer right around 4:15.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Day of the Dead Zombie Make-up

Lost Zombies

Lost Zombies is community generated zombie documentary. This is a video time-line of the events that led to the zombie apocalypse. You can help them complete the documentary and save the world.



In fact, you could take some footage at the WildClaw Zombie Bowling Benefit to submit to Lost Zombies. Bring your cameras on March 14 to Timber Lanes.

Plants VS Zombies

Over at Boing Boing Offworld, there is a nice little piece on PopCap's Plants VS Zombies tower defense strategy game.

Remake of Let The Right One In

Over at Bloody Disgusting, they have gleaned from Production Weekly that there are plans in the works to remake the Swedish vampire film, Let The Right One In. Let the teeth gnashing begin.

Onion: Add Madness To School Curriculum

Lovecraftian School Board Member Wants Madness Added to Curriculum.

WildClaw at Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors!!




From the Fangoria website:

"WildClaw Theatre, Chicago’s leading horror stage troupe, will bring their brand of terror and the supernatural to the fast-approaching Chicago edition of FANGORIA’s Weekend of Horrors, to be held March 6-8 (this weekend!) at the Wyndham Chicago O’Hare Hotel (6810 North Mannheim Road, Rosemont, IL). On Sunday of the event, 6pm, the local horror theater stalwarts will discuss their previous shows, screen clips of their most outlandish work, answer questions, talk about their upcoming Zombie Bowling and zombie play, THE REVENANTS, then close out the convention with a round of 'Scary-aoke,' where the audience will have the opportunity to act out scenes from their favorite horror flicks."

Other guests comin’ to the Midwest extravaganza include:

George A. Romero (NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD), Tobe Hooper (TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE), Ruggero Deodato (CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST), Lamberto Bava (DEMONS 1 and 2), FX artist/director Sergio Stivaletti (CEMETERY MAN), Tom Towles (HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER), Marilyn Burns (TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, Caroline Williams (TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2), Doug Bradley (HELLRAISER’s Pinhead), Bill Moseley, (HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES and THE DEVIL’S REJECTS), Bill Johnson (Leatherface from Tobe Hooper’s TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2), Herschell Gordon Lewis (BLOOD FEAST), Tom Savini (DAWN OF THE DEAD), Lloyd Kaufman (TOXIC AVENGER), Gary Sherman (DEAD & BURIED), and many more!

The convention will also host a costume contest, a Friday night Shock ‘N’ Roll Spooktacular (with Mushroomhead and Fashion Bomb), cocktail/dessert party (free for Gold and Silver customers), giant dealers’ marketplace, a jam-packed indie-horror movie festival and advance previews of 2009’s hottest fright flicks! For additional information and tickets to our national 2009 Weekend of Horrors tour, produced by Creation and FANGORIA Entertainment, visit http://www.creationent.com/cal/fangocon/fangochi.asp

Monday, March 2, 2009

Supernatural returns for Season 5

It was recently announced that Supernatural, the CW TV series that resembles a cross between the Hardy Boys Mysteries, Night Gallery, and the X Files, has been renewed for a 5th season. This is wonderful news for me.

I came to the Supernatural bandwagon late, after some resistance. But, as has often happened, persistence on the part of the lovely and talented Ms. Greaves turned my head around. I am unabashedly in love with this show. There are so many things that I like about this show I do not know where to begin. Just to name a few reasons to watch, if you are not already, off the top of my head...

It delivers on it's promise. Each week you get a little monster movie. With amazing consistancy, with or without dwelling on some season long story arc, they deliver a tidy "meet demon/ghost/werewolf, chase demon/ghost/werewolf, kill demon/ghost/werewolf" scenario, from beginning to end, with just enough blood and guts to keep me satisfied. It is still TV, but in ways, that makes the body count that much more impressive. They consistently provide one genuinely creepy moment every couple episodes, another impressive feat for TV.

They know their audience. It is smartly written, with enough references for the horror buff to get them, but...they do not overplay their hand, most of the time. They walk a fine line between being clever and winking at the audience, but so far, they haven't pissed me off. I particularly liked the Hollywood episode, with the Canadian weather. And Linda Blair episode. Obvious, but...

The soundtrack. The is ridiculously fun. Yes, fun. I said it. Not one of my favorite words, but when used appropriately, a very fine word...the whole thing is right up my classic rock alley. Come on, Bad Moon Rising? Surrender? Hellhound On My Trail, Rock You Like A Hurricane? Joe Walsh, Ozzy Osbourne, Ted Nugent, The Stooges, STYX, Guns and Roses, Jefferson Airplane?








The car. 'Nuff said.




The Crossroads Blues episode in the second season. Being a huge fan of Robert Johnson, the Blues in general, and the Crossroads mythology in particular, that was too much for me. If at any time I doubted my love for this show, from that episode on it has been appointment TV for me, and it has continually delivered smoking hot demons, gooey monsters, creepy succubi, quality kills, sweet tunes, and one badass ride. What more can a guy ask for? So, good news, they are keeping it on the air for one more season. If you haven't seen it, get the first season and check it out.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

The Horror Timeline


When researching all things horror-centric, one occasionally stumbles upon a terrific website, filled with revelations about the history of horror itself. Here is one from Australia, which actually provides us with a timeline of horror in all its many forms: TABULA RASA

Enjoy the journey.