Just like years past, I placed a substantial Amazonian order in preparation for that most hallowed time of year, that most marvelous of months, that most terrifying of times - Halloween/October/the peak of autumn.
I went a bit crazy this year, but Amazon’s prices on these particular items were just too tempting. Nothing was over $20 and a few were under $10. How can a horror fiend like myself not succumb to temptation? It seems that I keep upping the ante with these horror orders (I should stop that trend…), but it’s a once-a-year treat right? Right. In 2009 it was just 3 DVDs. In 2010, I was entering into the blu-ray age and went with 5 BDs. Went with a hefty 8 titles this year, but I feel they’re all valuable additions to my collection.
I told myself I wouldn’t update too many DVDs to their Blu-ray counterparts, but I couldn’t resist the pricing on 4 of these beauties. Halloween is one of my most-watched films ever, so I felt that updating to the most recent (of many) editions was due. Halloween II keeps growing on me with each viewing and I really couldn’t resist this recent release, especially since it includes the previously unavailable-since-VHS Terror in the Aisles. The Thing is another alltime favourite and when the blu-ray is just $7.99 how can I be expected to say no? Dressed to Kill isn’t really a horror film, but I’ve heard good things about this recent blu-ray release. The film is definitely on better side of De Palma’s hit-or-miss career.
Inferno and City of the Living Dead represent films by great Italian horror auteurs that I still haven’t seen. I expect to enjoy them a great deal - maybe not as much as some of their other works, but seeing them via a fine HD transfer will be an ideal introduction to both. Thanks, Blue Underground!
Things and Final Exam (both only available on DVD) are lesser know films (many would say underrated) that I’m really looking forward to finally seeing. Things is a no-budget Canuxsploitation legend and Final Exam is one that seems right in my wheelhouse - an early 80s slasher set on a college campus and is part of a recently announced line of horror DVDs that really have me excited.
Shock Value sounded like a great breakdown of how horror achieved mainstream success, with a focus on some of the eras most influencial films.
All in all, a great haul.
Let the Halloween Hype begin!
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