Johnny Thunder's Midnite Spook Frolic

The Midnite Spook Frolic Jukebox: Skarekrows "Texas Chainsaw Massacre"

2012-01-28T11:11:00.001-05:00

Monsterwax Spookshow Trading Cards

2012-01-26T11:10:00.003-05:00

Hey, boils & ghouls! Check out these bad-ass trading cards being offered by Monsterwax.

Ghosts! Monsters! And macabre magic! They were all part of the traveling Spook Shows.

During the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, daring magicians opened movie theaters at midnight with the express purpose of "scaring the yell" out of their audience. For a $1 or less, thrill seekers witnessed black magic, gruesome illusions, and the "black out"-- when glowing spirits flew overhead and the crowds ducked in terror. Then the horror flick would begin... assuming the entire audience hadn't already fled the theater in panic!

If you were among the millions who experienced this incredible fright of fancy (and especially if you didn't), then you won't want to miss the sheer horror of Spook Show-- a new series from Monsterwax.

You'll learn the behind-the-scenes history of the "ghost masters" and the ingenious tricks they used to tantalize the imagination and dumbfound crowds from ghost to coast!

So climb aboard a time machine of terror, and go back to an era when monster movies, haunted houses, and mad magicians collided in a giant festival of fear. Get Spook Show this Halloween from Monsterwax.

(Not recommended for pregnant women, people suffering from anxiety attacks, or anyone with a history of heart problems.)

Check out the site for all the information. Thanks to my buddy Chris Tillman over at Rocky Mountain Terror/Trick or Terror for the spooky head's up!

Cops say man hacked victim with ax, then ate eye & brain

2012-01-26T09:28:00.001-05:00

Check out this grisly story my wife shared with me:

A Florida man has been arrested on charges that he hacked to death a Connecticut man and ate the victim's eye and part of his brain...

...the blows to Gonzalez's head were so severe he was able to remove an eye from the victim's head along with a piece of the victim's brain, which he then carried in a plastic bag to a nearby cemetery where he ate the parts at his brother's grave site..

Yikes.

Dracula Living Dead Doll

2012-01-25T15:00:00.000-05:00

Uh…….well, can’t say I really dig this, but since it is Universal and Dracula, I thought I would share.

Here be da link.

The Walking Dead meets Growing Pains

2012-01-25T12:27:00.000-05:00

Good times.

Hellboy Camp

2012-01-25T10:57:00.002-05:00

Sweet! Sign me up.

Check out all the details in the link, but here's some highlights:

The B.P.R.D. Training Camp includes:
• Tactical training
• Survival in any environment
• Martial arts and self-defense specific to preternatural entities
• Hand-to-hand weaponry (foam swords, bows, and more)
• Investigation and forensics
• Folklore and mythology
• Potions and charms 101
• Telepathy training
• Gadgets of the occult: EMF detectors, polarized lenses, and other paranormal investigative gear
• Comparative analogy and physiology of monsters
• Construction of your own quality foam swords and training weapons
• Meeting with the artists of the comic book that documents the adventures of the B.P.R.D.
• Bureau history and paranormal research

Killer Bedding!!!

2012-01-24T16:44:00.004-05:00

These photos have been flying around facebook today. I wish I could give you some more info on how to purchase this bad a@@ comforter and pillow shams set, but alas I have not been able to find any info on them.

If you know where to purchase these, send me an email.

Mars Attacks ongoing comic from IDW

2012-01-24T12:31:00.000-05:00

Check out the press release carried over on CBR:

IDW Publishing and Topps are pleased to announce the multiple Eisner Award-winning creative team for MARS ATTACKS, an all-new ongoing comic series based on the fan-favorite Mars Attacks franchise.

Debuting in June 2012, IDW’s comic series will offer the first stories of an all-new Mars Attacks universe, bringing the brand’s outrageous action and dark humor to a new set of tales. Writer John Layman, author and co-creator of the Eisner-winning series Chew, will pen the series, with art by John McCrea, best known for his collaborations with Garth Ennis, including Eisner-winner Hitman

MARS ATTACKS #1 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available in stores in June 2012.

Godzilla (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray & DVD] (1954)

2012-01-24T11:27:00.002-05:00

Check out the rerelease out today with everyone's favorite giant lizard, including:

New high-definition digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition

Audio commentary by David Kalat (A Critical History and Filmography of Toho’s Godzilla Series)

New high-definition digital restoration of Godzilla: King of the Monsters!, Terry Morse’s 1956 reworking of the original, starring Raymond Burr

Audio commentary for Godzilla: King of the Monsters! by Kalat

New interviews with actor Akira Takarada (Hideto Ogata), Godzilla performer Haruo Nakajima, and effects technicians Yoshio Irie and Eizo Kaimai Interview with legendary Godzilla score composer Akira Ifukube

Featurette detailing Godzilla’s photographic effects

Another Walking Dead character to die? Spoilers!

2012-01-24T11:19:00.003-05:00

Interesting news that has been carried by a few sites.

Check out this story about casting news that may signal that we will see another character die this season on The Walking Dead.

Brian Keene's "Ghoul" on Chiller

2012-01-24T10:16:00.002-05:00

Chiller announced its made-for-TV version of Keene's "Ghoul" will air April 13th. The flick is directed by Gregory Wilson, and stars Nolan Gould ("Modern Family"), Mattie Liptak, Zach Rand, Andrea Frankle, Crystal Rivers, Brett Lapeyrouse and Tim Bell.

One of my favorite Keene books, so I would love to check this out. I was actually talking to Brian about the film at the last Horrorfind weekend, and he was really excited about the way it turned out. He said that the script has a few changes from the book, but that they were pretty cool. Hey, if he's happy with it, then I should be too!

Blood bubbles from drains

2012-01-24T09:18:00.000-05:00

Check out this story -

Residents of Koscierzyna, a small Polish town, called in the police and ambulance service to investigate after blood began streaming out from under manhole covers.

Art Sunday's FREE Movie Night Presents...Women of Horror Night in OKC

2012-01-23T10:36:00.004-05:00

If you happen to be in the Oklahoma City area on Thursday, Jan. 26. You need to check out Art Sunday's FREE Movie night at Bad Granny's Bazaar in the Plaza District.

The best of women of horror films will also feature a "live" burlesque show starring ... Adéle Wolf.

Some of the movies he be showing include:

Brains
by Shannon Lark and Amber Steele

I was a Tranny Werewolf

by Lola

Rock ‘n’ Rolla Candy

by Sage Hall

Modern Grim

by Kate Shenton

Together

by Gigi Romero

The Bride

by Ana Almeida

Aftershock
by Lori Bowen

Switch

by Melanie Light

Hollywood Skin

by Maude Michaud

and many more....

Cost: FREE

When: 7:00 p.m., Jan. 26, 2012

Where: Bad Grannys Bazaar,
1759 N.W. 16th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Woman sits on toilet for two and a half years

2012-01-23T10:07:00.002-05:00

WTF?

Story in the link.

Ti West talks about V/H/S & his films

2012-01-20T10:17:00.002-05:00

BD posted a great interview with Ti West in which he talks about his films as well as the upcoming found footage flick V/H/S, of which is he one of multiple directors and writers.

What's this one about? Hmmm - glad ya asked: "When a group of misfits is hired by an unknown third party to burglarize a desolate house and acquire a rare VHS tape, they discover more found footage than they bargained for."

I'm not a fan of the found footage subgenre overall, but this one intrigues me. Check out the interview for more detail.

Johnny Depp as Barnabas

2012-01-20T08:18:00.003-05:00

So, here's a good look at Depp as everyone's favorite daytime vampire character. Whattya think?

Flick is out May 11th.

The Midnite Spook Frolic Jukebox: Demented Are Go "Satan's Rejects"

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Math may explain why serial killers kill

2012-01-20T07:58:00.001-05:00

Check out this weird and interesting story.

Researchers have discovered that the seemingly erratic behavior of the "Rostov Ripper," a prolific serial killer active in the 1980s, conformed to the same mathematical pattern obeyed by earthquakes, avalanches, stock market crashes and many other sporadic events. The finding suggests an explanation for why serial killers kill.

Mikhail Simkin and Vwani Roychowdhury, electrical engineers at the University of California, Los Angeles, modeled the behavior of Andrei Chikatilo, a gruesome murderer who took the lives of 53 people in Rostov, Russia between 1978 and 1990. Though Chikatilo sometimes went nearly three years without committing murder, on other occasions, he went just three days. The researchers found that the seemingly random spacing of his murders followed a mathematical distribution known as a power law.

The 2012 Salt City Horror Fest - April 14, 2012 - The Palace Theater, Syracuse, NY

2012-01-19T15:09:00.003-05:00

Caught this cool news over on The Classic Horror Film Board, and wanted to share with all you cats. Wish I was closer, I would definitely support this event!

THE 2012 SALT CITY HORROR FEST: A 35mm Film Fest and tribute to classic and new horror films.
SATURDAY APRIL 14TH

This event has been months in the planning and we are all very proud to announce this years horror fest line-up. All films screened from 35mm film prints.

1-Bride of Frankenstein - noon
2-Creature from the Black Lagoon in Anaglyph (old school) 3D! - 1:15 pm
3-Tremors
4-Troll Hunter
*dinner break*
5-Popcorn - (awesome throw back horror flick from 1991)
6-Army of Darkness
7-Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2
8-Last House on Dead End Street

(obviously show times and films are subject to change, so the exact line-up will be posted closer to show date)

The Palace Theater will be opening its doors for the event around 11am with start time at noon sharp (ish). Along with all the usually festivities like the delicious wine, beer and food we always serve, we will be having vendors set up in the lobby. Or friend from Horror Movie Empire who you may be familiar with from past events will be on hand selling his vast film, DVD and memorabilia catalog. As well as a few others. And of course, all films are being shown on 35mm prints

Venue address:
The Palace Theater
2384 James Street
Syracuse, NY 13206

For more info:
brewandView@gmail.com
315-436-4723

Vendors:
The Vegan Zombie, Colleen McCarthy, ZRS - Zombie Research Society. EVIL TREATS.
If you are a vendor and want to get in we have about 7 more tables avail for this years horror fest.

Our great friends over at Resurrected Tattoo have been kind enough to sponsor this years event and will be carrying the advance sale tickets, same price $15, So please feel free to contact the guys over at Resurrected Tattoo. They are located at 125 West Fayette st. right in downtown Syracuse to pick up your ticket. Instore cash only.

through paypal ONLY at: RESURRECTEDTATTOO@GMAIL.COM
INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAYPAL ADVANCE TICKETS!

Make the payment to Resurrectedtattoo@gmail.com. In the subject line put "Salt City Horrorfest". In the message put as follows.
1 - Quantity of tickets
2 - Full name as it appears on your drivers license
3 - phone number
4 - wether you would like a pair of 3-D glasses

Print the payment page as a reciept, and we will email you when we recieve your information to ensure you that your tickets are ready.

I would advise to purchase an advance sale ticket because there is a Very limited number of anaglyph (Old School) red/ blue filter 3D glasses available

As soon as we have the exact details for running schedule we will be posting it anywhere and everywhere...until then share with your friends and get excited. This is going to be one of the best Salt City Horrors Fests yet!

You can also check out the Palace Theater link here.

The Walking Dead producers & cast at the TCA

2012-01-19T12:46:00.003-05:00

AMC presented the producers and cast at the Television Critics Association to talk about the show. Check out this great article over on Bloody Disgusting about TWD.

Facebook launches online ticket store with major sellers

2012-01-19T11:22:00.002-05:00

In another move to attract and retain users, Facebook has joined with five ticket sellers, including Ticketmaster and StubHub, to launce an online store. Full details in the link.

StudioCanal to restore Hammer horror for UK Blu-ray & DVD

2012-01-19T10:55:00.005-05:00

What up, boils & ghouls. Here's some cool Hammer news for all you U.K. fans.
Looks like Dracula Prince of Darkness will be the first release in March 2012, followed by releases of The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula and The Mummy, The Reptile, The Plague of The Zombies, The Devil Rides Out, Rasputin the Mad Monk and The Mummy’s Shroud.

The new releases will feature fully-restored HD picture and restored sound, as well as newly-filmed extras, including interviews with cast members.

Hmmm, now to get these here in the states..........

Supreme Court upholds copyright law protecting public domain foreign works

2012-01-19T10:49:00.002-05:00

In a ruling that will be of interest to film buffs, the Supreme Court has upheld a copyright law that extends U.S. protection to foreign works once in the public domain.

While the article and challenge use music as an illustration, this also affects other works of art including paintings and film.

End of the Poe Toaster

2012-01-19T10:18:00.003-05:00

For the third year in a row, the mysterious Toaster failed to appear at Poe's grave to commemorate the author's birthday. Sad to see it end.

Perhaps someone else would take up the mantle and continue this tradition.

House of Hammer site by Dez Skinn

2012-01-19T09:42:00.003-05:00

This is a really cool site for Hammer fans. Check it out.

Bus of the Dead

2012-01-19T09:24:00.000-05:00

....and here's a weird story.

A son took his dead mother on a 36-mile bus journey home after she died on the way back from a day out.

Daraont opens up a little on his Walking Dead firing

2012-01-19T09:14:00.002-05:00

While speaking with TV Guide about his new L.A. Noir based show, the topic of AMC's decision to fire him from TWD came up. Here's what he had to say, in part:

“It was, for the sake of my cast and my crew, a tremendously regretful thing to face, to have to leave. But I was really given no choice,” he said. “I don’t understand the thinking behind, ‘Oh, this is the most successful show in the history of basic cable. Let’s gut the budgets now.’ I never did understand that and I think they got tired of hearing me complain about it. It’s a little more complicated than that, but that’s as far as I want to go with it because otherwise it’s just provoking more controversy and that’s not really of interest to me. I just want to keep my head down and do my job and be allowed to do my job, that’s key, and continue to, hopefully, enjoy it and do good work.”

Pretty much confirms earlier reports and rumors, and I agree with his critism of the budget cuts. Full story in the link.

Hooray for Hollywood

2012-01-19T09:09:00.000-05:00

Yikes.

Los Angeles police on Wednesday afternoon found two human feet below the Hollywood sign. The discovery occurred several hours after two hands were found and a day after dogs found a man's head along a hiking trail.

Story in the link.

That old gag

2012-01-19T09:05:00.000-05:00

Armed with flaming tampons--yes, flaming tampons--two young Pennsylvanians attempted to blow up a vehicle after severely vandalizing it, according to police.

All the gory details in the link.

Dig!

2012-01-17T08:23:00.005-05:00

What up, boils & ghouls. Check out this bad-ass faux movie poster my buddy Gary Berger made for me!

Now, all we need to do is actually make this crazy flick!

Check out Gary's company DBGgraphix over here. Thanks again man!

The Midnite Spook Frolic Jukebox: Rod Willis “The Cat”

2012-01-16T15:04:00.000-05:00

Season 3 green lit for TWD

2012-01-16T14:53:00.002-05:00

Yes, even more news about TWD.

AMC announced that it has green lit a Season 3 of everyone's favorite zombie show for a 16 ep season. Unfortunately, they're also going to do the split season thing again.

All the gory details in the link.

Alcatraz debuts tonight

2012-01-16T12:03:00.001-05:00

Reminder, kids, the new Abrams supernatural-themed show Alcatraz debuts tonight at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.

I hope to check it out, assuming I'm still awake...........

New Walking Dead sneak peek & teaser

2012-01-16T11:21:00.001-05:00

Spooktacular. Check out the link.

TN town ghost search

2012-01-16T11:08:00.001-05:00

NASHVILLE (Reuters) - Harriman, Tennessee hopes that ghosts, or rather ghost hunters, can raise enough money to restore an historic and reputedly haunted building.

Full story in the link.

Some things I've been working on for next year......

2012-01-16T10:42:00.002-05:00

Scary Monsters #81

2012-01-12T14:05:00.002-05:00

Check out the spooktacular cover to latest & greatest ish of Scary Monsters!

The Midnite Spook Frolic Jukebox: Innzmouth “Requiem”

2012-01-12T10:07:00.000-05:00

DC cancels 6 of the New 52, adds 6 more

2012-01-12T09:18:00.002-05:00

DC Comics just announced the first wave of cancellations from their New 52 line (Rest in Peace, OMAC - that was a fun book).

However, perhaps of interest to genre fans is one of the replacement titles:

G.I. COMBAT – Writer: J.T. Krul. Artist: Ariel Olivetti. Featuring the return of a classic DC Comics series, THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT, along with rotating back-up stories and creative teams – including THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER, with writers Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti and artist Dan Panosian; and THE HAUNTED TANK, with writer John Arcudi and artist Scott Kolins.

This, along with the Creature Commandos revival in Frankenstein, is revitalizing a lot of cool horror tinged characters from DC's past.

The Bigfoot Filmography: Fictional and Documentary Appearances in Film and Television by David Coleman

2012-01-12T08:50:00.003-05:00

Check out this cool new Bigfoot flick book:

The "Sasquatch" film genre, devoted to the legendary and notoriously elusive creature also known as Bigfoot, and its Himalayan counterpart, the Yeti, is the focus of this illustrated reference guide. Here is a fascinatingly detailed look at the cinematic history of Sasquatch, from the earliest trick films of Georges Melies to the most up-to-date CGI efforts. Critical insights regarding the genre's development are offered, along with an exhaustively researched filmography that includes every known film or television appearance of Sasquatch, Bigfoot and Yeti in both fictitious and documentary formats. Included are in-depth interviews with such filmmakers as Kevin Tenney, Adam Muto, Ryan Schifrin, Tim Skousen and Michael Worten, as well as reproductions of rare movie stills, posters, lobby cards and behind-the-scenes production photos. Renowned cryptozoologist Loren Coleman provides an insightful foreword to the text.

Halloween Horror Night plans underway

2012-01-11T15:34:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Dread Central for the head's up:

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Universal has been conducting an online survey to gauge fan interest in 50 movie and television properties as potential haunted maze themes for Halloween Horror Nights 2012.

Among the possibilities for 2012 and beyond: Psycho, The Amityville Horror, Aliens, Trick 'r Treat, The Evil Dead, Poltergeist, Paranormal Activity, 28 Days Later, American Werewolf in London, Freddy vs. Jason, The Shining, Hellraiser, "True Blood," "Dexter" and "American Horror Story"!!! Among the movie titles in the online poll with planned 2012 releases: Halloween 3D, Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D, The Lords of Salem and Resident Evil: Retribution.

Yvonne Strahovski on "I, Frankenstein"

2012-01-11T14:41:00.001-05:00

Movieweb talked to the actress about her role opposite Aaron Eckhart. Flick is due out February 2013.

Story in the link.

Peli talks "The River"

2012-01-11T12:19:00.004-05:00

STYD interviewed Oren Peli (the man behind Paranormal Activity) yesterday regarding the new found footage ABC series debuting on Feburary 7th. For more background, check out this earlier post.

Check it out in the link.

Hong Kong's "haunted houses"

2012-01-11T12:16:00.001-05:00

HONG KONG — It may not be everyone's idea of a dream home, but for bargain hunters in Hong Kong's turbocharged property market apartments that belonged to the recently deceased are proving irresistible -- and the more gruesome the occupant's demise the better.

Popular belief in a city awash with superstition runs that the ghost of a person who dies in unnatural circumstances -- a suicide, murder or bad accident -- inhabits their home, passing misfortune onto the new occupants.

The threat carries weight in a city where feng shui consultants do brisk business; families placate the "hungry ghosts" of their ancestors with offerings and people even refrain from whistling in the street in fear of disturbing lurking spooks.

By law, buyers are entitled to details on so-called "haunted houses" -- or hongza in Cantonese -- and many rigorously check the backstory to their potential purchase.

Full story in the link.

Racetrack sculpture inspired by "Metropolis"

2012-01-10T14:58:00.001-05:00

Check out this kick-ass art. Full story in the link.

The 1927 science-fiction film Metropolis is an expressionistic portrayal of a dystopian, capitalist society which has become a cult classic among movie lovers.
Artist Chris Burden used the film by German director Fritz Lang as the inspiration for his racetrack sculpture and spent four years building Metropolis II.

The model city features 1,100 toy cars zipping around a track through miniature skyscrapers, at speeds of up to 230mph. The kinetic sculpture is set to open to the public at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in California on January 14.

The buildings, many similar to the Art Deco style of the original film, were made from blocks of wood and glass. Some particularly detailed models took five months to make. The installation was not intended to be an exact replica of the original film but a comment on life in the urban sprawl.

According to the artist: 'The noise, the continuous flow of the trains and the speeding toy cars, produces in the viewer the stress of living in a dynamic, active and bustling 21st-century city.' ....

Chris Burden, 65, is an artist originally from Boston, who creates performance, sculpture and installation art at his studio in Topanga, California. Many of his pieces focus around the automobile and technology.

American Scary: Conversations with the Kings, Queens and Jesters of Late-Night Horror TV by Michael Monahan

2012-01-10T11:07:00.001-05:00

What up, monster kids! Here's another really cool book just released. Dig!!

This book is for all those Monster Kids who remember those long weekdays anxiously awaiting the weekend and the thrills and chills of another monster movie—brought to them courtesy of their local horror host. Inside you will find a celebration of local TV personalities and their intimate, inspirational connection to the community. With corporate ownership of media poised to snuff the last struggling ember of local broadcast identity, it’s more important than ever to remember a time when the person on that television screen was a neighbor, someone who said your name on the air, read your letter, showed your artwork, announced your birthday, made you laugh and showed you really cool monster movies. Hopefully these interviews will bring back a few happy memories of those golden days of our lost youth. Interviews include: Vampira,Zacherley,Dr. E. Nick Witty, Baron Daemon. Big Chuck, Tim Conway, Lil’ John, Christopher Coffin, Chilly Billy,Bob Wilkins and Bob Shaw,Count Gore De Vol, Svengoolie, The Ghoul, Dr. Creep,Fritz the Nite Owl,Son of Svengoolie, Crematia Mortem, Stella,Commander USA, Son of Ghoul, Joe Bob Briggs, Zomboo, Balrok

Universal's 100th anniversary

2012-01-10T10:47:00.003-05:00

Thanks to STYD for the Universal press release, including information on a new logo and film restoration, including some classic horror.

Universal will mark its 100th anniversary in 2012, and will commemorate its centennial with a yearlong celebration honoring the studio's rich film history and cultural legacy. The campaign draws its inspiration from Universal's extraordinary and diverse library of films, many of which will be highlighted throughout the year, and is designed to engage fans of all ages in the art of moviemaking.

......
Universal will reveal an updated animated logo tied to the centennial. The animated logo will make its first appearance in front of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax at its premiere in February, and for that film's U.S. theatrical release on March 2 nd. (The new static version of this logo is unveiled today and is featured at the top of this release.) Other activities surrounding the studio's 100th anniversary include a vibrant social media campaign, special events, theme park activities, promotions and many surprises to engage fans throughout the yearlong celebration.
......
On April 30, 1912 , Universal Film Manufacturing Company filed its certificate of incorporation with the state of New York . In 1915, Carl Laemmle officially opened Universal City , the largest film production facility in the world. Throughout Universal's 100 years, the studio has served as a home for many of the most talented filmmakers of all time (such as Alfred Hitchcock , Steven Spielberg , Robert Zemeckis , Martin Scorsese , Ron Howard , Peter Jackson , Spike Lee , John Hughes and Judd Apatow ) and created films that have touched the hearts of millions and fueled culture's fascination with cinema. To share the profound legacy of its artists, the studio will highlight their careers with touching personal stories from filmmakers, talent, crews, employees and fans.

Universal's key centennial activities included throughout the anniversary year are as follows:

Major Film Restoration Commitment
Universal will restore 13 films over the course of the centennial year. The restoration effort includes the following films: All Quiet on the Western Front, The Birds, Buck Privates, Dracula (1931), Dracula Spanish (1931), Frankenstein, Jaws, Schindler's List, Out of Africa , Pillow Talk, Bride of Frankenstein, The Sting and To Kill a Mockingbird.

Home Entertainment
Universal Home Entertainment will be introducing a limited edition 100th Anniversary Collector's Series featuring some of the aforementioned film restorations on Blu-rayTM in collectible, book-style packaging showcasing rare movie memorabilia and brand new 10-minute video featurettes. In addition, special collections will be released throughout the year, culminating in the highly anticipated Blu-rayTM releases of Universal's Classic Monster and Alfred Hitchcock series. A selection of movies that have shaped Universal's legacy will also be released in commemorative packaging, many of them on Blu-rayTM for the first time ever.

Web series? Nope, woulda been Darabont's debut ep for Season 2

2012-01-09T14:08:00.003-05:00

Remember the story the other day talking about the aborted web series that Darabont had planned for TWD?

Well, turns out that all would have been what he would have done with the debut ep for Season 2 had he not been let go by AMC. Full story in the link.

Editor Dan Braun talks about Creepy & Eerie

2012-01-09T12:26:00.003-05:00

Dread Central has a message from Creepy Editor Dan Braun concerning the future of that mag, as well as the return of Eerie. Check it out.

Pennhurst update

2012-01-09T09:13:00.003-05:00

Here's an update - and great news - for Pennhurst:

WEST CHESTER — A judge has sided with the East Vincent Zoning Hearing Board in deciding that a haunted attraction at the former Pennhurst Hospital did not violate the township's zoning code.

Common Pleas Judge Robert Shenkin last month upheld the board's ruling permitting the owners of the school grounds to use buildings there as a haunted house.

Neighbors of the property, including a member of the township's Historical Review Board, had argued the Pennhurst Asylum attraction did not meet the permitted use as a "recreational facility."

Shenkin, in a five-page decision filed Dec. 30, said that since the township's zoning code for a Low Density Residential District, in which Pennhurst is located, did not specifically define what constitutes a recreational use, the zoners were correct to use a standard dictionary definition of the term. That defines recreation as

"a means of getting diversion or entertainment."

Based on that, Shenkin wrote, he could not find that the zoning board either committed an error or abused its discretion in determining the zoning code permitted a "haunted house" in the low-density district.

Check out the full story in the link.

Chiller network update

2012-01-06T11:29:00.004-05:00

Variety is carrying a story with updates on the Chiller network's upcoming programming, including "The American Scream" a documentary that will follow "haunted house enthusiants."

Check out the story here.

The Midnite Spook Frolic Jukebox: Hayride to Hell "Rockin' Coffin Bar"

2012-01-06T10:58:00.000-05:00

Hauntworld Magazine #29

2012-01-06T10:22:00.002-05:00

Check out the spooktacular cover to the next issue of Hauntworld! Looks like the issue is at the printers and should by out by the 3rd week of January.

Fright Night on Channel 9: Saturday Night Horror Films on New York’s WOR-TV, 1973-1987 by James Arena

2012-01-06T09:59:00.001-05:00

What up boils & ghouls! Check out this newly released book about late night horror. Dig!

From 1973 to 1987, Fright Night was a fixture of the late Saturday evening schedule on independent New York television station WOR-TV. A genre fan’s nightmare come true, the modestly produced showcase featured horror films both classic and obscure, from Universal’s Frankenstein series to such lesser-known delights as Beast of Blood and The Living Coffin.

Fright Night suffered no delusions of grandeur and never claimed to be anything more than what it was: great entertainment on a Saturday night. This thorough if affectionate tribute to Fright Night’s glory days includes a complete listing of all films shown on the series, as well as discussion of WOR-TV’s other horror movie programs from the 1970s and 1980s. Also featured are interviews with the major surviving players, including Fright Night creator Lawrence P. Casey.

Check out the link for all the details.

Monsterpalooza April 13-15,2012

2012-01-06T09:46:00.000-05:00

Go to the official site for all the details!

Info on the nixed "Walking Dead" web series

2012-01-06T09:38:00.003-05:00

Actor Sam Witwer gives the scoop about the web series Frank Darabont had planned with his zombie character. Check it out.

"I always knew E.T. would come home"

2012-01-06T09:28:00.001-05:00

Yes, so did we all. So did we all.

Story in the link.

The Hammer Vault

2012-01-05T13:49:00.002-05:00

Hey freaks check out this recently released Hammer hardcover book from Titan Books. It's 176 pages and lists for $34.95, but available on Amazon for $23.07.

From the official product description:

This remarkable journey through the Hammer Vault includes props, annotated script pages, unused poster artwork, production designs, rare promotional material and private correspondence. Hundreds of rare and previously unseen stills help to create a rich souvenir of Hammer’s legacy, from the X certificate classics of the 1950s to the studio’s latest productions.

Written and compiled by the official Hammer Films historian Marcus Hearn, and featuring exclusive contributions from the actors and filmmakers associated with the company, this is the most lavish book ever published on the legendary House of Horror.

Highlights include:
- Letters to and from some of the company's stars
- Pages from Peter Cushing's scrapbooks
- Pages from the scrapbook of managing director Michael Carreras
- Pre-production artwork, and poster artwork from films that were never made
- Production designs
- Rare and previously unpublished photos

Spooktacular!

Cool monster swag Santa left for me..........

2012-01-05T13:00:00.002-05:00

I'm thinking Santa had me confused with someone else, but check out the cool gifts I found under the Thunder tree. The mugs feature Dracula, the Frankenstein monster, and the Mummy, while the bad ass tshirt is Drac. Dig!

Thanks Santa :)

The 250th anniversary of the Cock Lane Ghost

2012-01-05T12:01:00.002-05:00

At some point in a January 250 years ago, in a rented apartment near Holborn, the ghost of a recently dead wife appeared to warn that she had been murdered by her husband.

The Cock Lane ghost was to become a notorious episode that dragged in two competing arms of the Christian faith, scandalise the local populace, excite the national newspapers and even involved Dr Samuel Johnson.

Check out the link for the full story.

Rick Baker's "I Was a Teenage Monster Maker"

2012-01-05T11:43:00.001-05:00

Check out this cool news from over on the Classic Horror Film Board & STYD.

Rick Baker is working on a career retrospective book called "I Was a Teenage Monster Maker." This looks like a kick-ass project!

STYD interview with Ti West & Sara Paxton

2012-01-05T11:33:00.003-05:00

Check out this interview with filmmaker Ti West.

Go to the link.

The Midnite Spook Frolic Jukebox: Cold Blue Rebels “Hellblock 13”

2012-01-05T11:26:00.000-05:00

Dig!

The Walking Dead Episode 2.08 “Nebraska” Sneak Preview

2012-01-05T11:19:00.000-05:00

Head on over to Dread Central and check it out!

Mondo's Dracula

2012-01-05T11:06:00.003-05:00

Check out this cool Dracula artwork. Go over to Mondo to check out all three variants.

Thanks to DC for the spooky head's up.

World War Z - the trilogy?

2012-01-05T11:05:00.000-05:00

Interesting tidbit from the L.A. Times -

In "World War Z," due in theaters right before next Christmas, Pitt will play a United Nations fact-finder and family man who desperately races around the globe to determine the origins of a zombie pandemic that has toppled civilization in short order. The film is directed by Marc Forster ("Finding Neverland," "Quantum of Solace") and is similar in spirit to September's "Contagion" (from director Soderbergh and starring Damon) with its geo-political bent and the aspiration to deliver social messages amid the moans and screams.

For Pitt, the big sci-fi thriller also represents his strongest bid to have a big film franchise of his own, which might be viewed as the missing piece of his career jigsaw puzzle. Forster and Paramount Pictures each view "World War Z" as a trilogy that would have the grounded, gun-metal realism of, say, Damon's Jason Bourne series tethered to the unsettling end-times vibe of AMC's "The Walking Dead."

Scary Christmas!

2011-12-24T12:55:00.000-05:00

A very merry scary Christmas to all cool ghouls!

A Very Chewbacca Christmas

2011-12-23T10:13:00.003-05:00

Heart warming. Brings a tear to my eye.

Christmas Evil & New Year's Evil tonight on TCM!

2011-12-23T07:38:00.002-05:00

What up, boils & ghouls. Just a friendly ho-ho-holiday head's up that TCM is presenting a couple of flicks to get us in the mood for the horrordays, er I mean holidays.

Tonight (or is that tomorrow?) at 2:00 a.m. EST is Christmas Evil a/k/a You Better Watch Out from 1980. This is actually my favorite holiday-themed horror flick. Quite disturbing and unusual. If you haven't seen this gem, do yourself a solid and check it out.

Then, at 3:45 a.m. EST is New Year's Evil (1981). This so-so slasher flick is quite dated and every time I've seen it, I'm hoping the annoyingly horrible "hot" lead gets her head cut off just to shut her up. In any event, still not the worst thing you'll sit through.

Stay scary!

The Human Centipede Menorah

2011-12-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

2011-12-22T09:32:00.001-05:00

Check out this cool story. I'd like to tour the joint. Thanks to my wife for the link!

The main Gothic Revival building is one of the world's largest hand-cut sandstone structures and a National Historic Landmark. Virginia legislators authorized its construction in 1858, but it wasn't until 1864 that the first patients were admitted.

The hospital repeatedly changed hands during the Civil War, ending up with West Virginia when it became a separate state. Originally intended for 250 patients, it housed nearly 10 times that many during the 1950s.

Known in later years as Weston Hospital, it eventually closed in 1994, when the state moved patients to a more modern facility. Then it stood empty for nearly 15 years, inhabited only by rats, security guards and the occasional paintball-playing trespasser.

In 2008, Jordan's father Joe, a Morgantown asbestos abatement and demolition contractor, bought it at auction for $1.5 million. He's since sunk at least another $1 million into the place, hiring crew after crew to repair the showpiece clock tower, the disintegrating floors and the forever-leaking roofs.

Running the asylum is a family affair.

Rebecca handles marketing and sales. Her historian husband applies for grants. Her brother handles advertising and maintains the website. Her 13-year-old daughter, Breonna Childress, is a full-time volunteer who hosts overnight birthday-party ghost hunts with her friends and talks about the day she'll inherit the business.

Mainly by capitalizing on public interest in the paranormal, the Jordans have lured more than 115,000 visitors to the property since they bought it.

Chris Richards, director of the Lewis County Convention and Visitors Bureau, calls the following "phenomenal," noting that people are traveling from all over the world to visit Weston.

Shadowland Magazine

2011-12-22T09:10:00.002-05:00

Check out this cool new quarterly magazine I just found. Yeah, I'm a little late to the party, but you know what they say.......Really kick ass covers! Each issue is $6.95, and a 4 ish sub is $25.00. Here's the contents for the first and second issues:

Issue 1
The Phantom Unmasked!
An exhaustive retrospective on the history of
The Phantom of the Opera in film, television, and literature.
Godzilla In Comics: The Marvel Years

Toho's King of the Monsters in the Mighty Marvel Manner! A fond remembrance of Godzilla's 1970s comic battles with S.H.I.E.L.D., the Fantastic Four, Devil Dinosaur, the Champions, and The Avengers.

The Lost Spielberg Film
In 1982 Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial smashed box office records, but it wasn't the film the renowned director set out to direct. We examine the origins of Spielberg's child-friendly film, which was originally intended as a horrific sci-fi/thriller entitled: Night Skies.

RoboCop: The Series
A look at the short-lived RoboCop TV series from 1994.

The First Avenger on Film!
Captain America may be Marvel's latest summer blockbuster,
but what of his other on-screen adventures? A glimpse back at
the Star-Spangled Avenger's 1940's cliffhanger serial, his animated show, two made-for-tv movies, and his '90s flick Marvel tried to hide.

Exclusive Interviews
We revisit the 1979 made-for-television Captain America film
with director Rod Holcomb and speak with storyboard artist, writer, producer, and director, Will Meugniot, about Marvel's
attempt at a '90s Captain America animated series.

Interview with Dwayne Pinkney
We talk with artist Dwayne Pinkney about his jaw-dropping artwork.

Issue 2:
FALL 2011 ISSUE
Contents:
Out of Control: The Guyver
A retrospective on Japan's Bio-Boosted hero, The Guyver, and his journey from manga, to anime, to live-action. We also stack up the Guyver's powers and abilities and speak with screenwriter/author Nathan Long about his screenplay for The Guyver 2: Dark Hero.

Dark Heroes
The Guyver manga is known for its graphic violence in Japan; here we explore several iconic American comics that pushed the boundaries in the '80s & '90s.

William Castle on TV: Ghost Story
William Castle, the Master of the Macabre, has directed his share of memorable horror films - but what of his television venture, Ghost Story? We uncover the details of Castle's small-screen outing.

Legacy of Evil - The Amityville Horror
A critical review of The Amityville Horror franchise.

Tombs of the Blind Dead
The terrifying Templars rise once again in this retrospective on the legendary series of horror films from Spain.

Bob Mitchum meets Bigfoot
When it comes to cinematic appearances, even Robert Mitchum would agree that Bigfoot has more than a foot above the rest!

Two-Headed Beast
An examination of the 'True Horror' and 'Slasher' genres.

Beyond Fantastique!
Reviews of Cyber Ninja, The House of the Devil, Eyes of the Mothman, A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series, and Romancing the Vampire.

Go check it out on the official site.

Who wants cake?

2011-12-22T08:57:00.001-05:00

While most teenagers spend their spare time hanging out with friends and playing sports, three former Avon Grove high school students will spend their time picking up dog droppings and scrubbing toilets, urinals and bed pans at local senior centers and nursing homes.

A judge sentenced the three girls to the dirty labor after the trio pleaded guilty Monday to frosting a birthday cake for a classmate with human feces, according to the Daily Local News of West Chester. A fourth teen, a juvenile, also confessed to having a hand in making the cake, although she has not yet been sentenced.

MMMMMM cake..............Maybe wash it down with some pee?

Teddy: It's Gonna Be A Bear

2011-12-22T08:50:00.003-05:00

Hey, boils & ghouls - head over to Dread Central and check out this banned student film from Steve Goltz and Kevin Sommerfield who are filmmakers at Arizona State University.

Apparently one of the professors commented that their film was "troubling and traumatizing", and their response was "Thanks, it's a horror movie."

Bad-ass!!! Go check it out here - thanks DC!

The Midnite Spook Frolic Jukebox: The Wretched Ones "Christmas Song"

2011-12-22T08:45:00.002-05:00

Warms the heart, eh?

Mail-Order Mysteries: Real Stuff from Old Comic Book Ads by Kirk Demarais

2011-12-21T15:43:00.002-05:00

This is going on my list for Santa! Just hoping Krampus doesn't pay me a visit instead.......

From the official description:

Rediscover your sense of wonder!

Generations of comic book readers remember the tantalizing promises of vintage novelty advertisements that offered authentic laser-gun plans, x-ray specs, and even 7-foot-tall monsters (with glow-in-the-dark eyes!). But what would you really get if you entrusted your hard-earned $1.69 to the post office?

Mail-Order Mysteries answers this question, revealing the amazing truths (and agonizing exaggerations) about the actual products marketed to kids in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Pop-culture historian Kirk Demarais shares his astonishing collection, including:

100 Toy Soldiers in a Footlocker
Count Dante’s World’s Deadliest Fighting Secrets
GRIT
Hercules Wrist Band
Hypno-Coin
Life-Size Monsters
Mystic Smoke
Sea Monkeys
Soil From Dracula’s Castle
U-Control Ghost
Ventrilo Voice Thrower
...and many, many more!

With more than 150 extraordinary, peculiar, and downright fraudulent collectibles, Mail-Order Mysteries is a must-have book comic book fans everywhere. Trust us.

Go order yours too over here.

The Innkeepers

2011-12-21T15:34:00.003-05:00

Looking forward to Ti West’s newest fright flick, The Innkeepers, coming to VOD on December 30th, and theatrical run on February 3rd.

I loved his earlier film The House of the Devil and this supernatural flick looks equally as great. Here's the plot summary:

After over one hundred years of service, The Yankee Pedlar Inn is shutting its doors for good. The last remaining employees -Claire (Sara Paxton) and Luke (Pat Healy) - are determined to uncover proof of what many believe to be one of New England's most haunted hotels. As the Inn’s final days draw near, odd guests check in as the pair of minimum wage “ghost hunters” begin to experience strange and alarming events that may ultimately cause them to be mere footnotes in the hotel’s long unexplained history.

Ooooh, scary kids. Be sure to check out the trailer and the official film site.

Ho ho ho

2011-12-21T15:08:00.004-05:00

The Whisperer in Darkness

2011-12-21T15:01:00.003-05:00

Finally, it's here!!! Dig it, boils & ghouls -

Written in 1931, H.P. Lovecraft's iconic genre-bending tale of suspense and alien terrors is brought to life in the style of the classic horror films of the 1930s like Frankenstein, Dracula and King Kong. Using its Mythoscope™ process — a mix of vintage and modern techniques — the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society expands on Lovecraft's original tale while still bringing you unparalleled authenticity.

Horror and science fiction collide in the adventure of Albert Wilmarth, a folklore professor at Miskatonic University, as he investigates legends of strange creatures rumored to dwell in the most remote mountains of Vermont. Wilmarth’s investigation leads him to a discovery of horrors quite beyond anything he ever imagined, and ends in a desperate attempt to escape the remote New England hills with his life and sanity intact.

The studio that brought you The Call of Cthulhu now presents one of Lovecraft's weirdest tales as a feature-length talkie starring Matt Foyer as the intrepid folklorist, Albert Wilmarth. Celebrated television and stage star Barry Lynch plays Henry Akeley, supported by an ensemble of outstanding actors. Shot on location in New England and in Hollywood, The Whisperer in Darkness brings Lovecraft's intense imagination to vivid life in the style of the 1930s.

This Deluxe Two Disc DVD set includes
• The Whisperer in Darkness (103 minutes, black and white) with 5.1 surround sound
subtitles in twenty three languages
• a replica prop newspaper clipping about the Vermont flooding

Disc Two features:
• a delightful and revealing 47 minute Behind the Scenes documentary seven documentary featurettes showcasing special effects and filmmaking techniques
• numerous deleted and/or extended scenes
• strange bonus features we cannot even describe
• all Whisperer in Darkness trailers
• this disc features over two and a half hours of additional Lovecraftian fun

Check out all the details at the official link!

Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a horror fan?

2011-12-06T08:23:00.005-05:00

If A Tree Falls is the perfect holiday film for the whole family!! Buy it online and bring the horror home.

Hauntcast R.I.P. - "Laid To Rest"

2011-11-12T14:46:00.010-05:00

What up, boils & ghouls! Johnny Thunder here letting ya know that the new episode of Hauntcast "Laid to Rest" is up featuring a great interview with Vic Bariteau a/k/a Halloween Zombie of Ghoulie Manor, along with kickass band, The Koffin Kats.

That's right - the new show will also, unfortunately, be our last.

Thank you to Chris & my Scream Team family, all you fans, avid listeners, sponsors, and - most importantly - those of you who supported the show by buying a tshirt, hoodie, sub, or bought from our sponsors. Again, thank you! What a great three year run we had!

Also, for all of you who enjoyed my segment and got what I was trying to do - thanks, much appreciated. If you didn’t – well, ya can’t please everybody and I'm glad I could piss you off for three years by being on the show.

As for me, I am taking some time to regroup and figure out what- if anything- is next.

Stay scary!

"Cemetery collector" with 29 bodies arrested

2011-11-09T15:16:00.000-05:00

Horror flick come to life..........

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian police have arrested a man described by local media as the "cemetery collector" for digging up 29 corpses and dressing the remains in female clothing to display around his flat. Grainy police video images of the man's cramped flat showed what look like several life-sized female dolls without faces, some with platinum blond wigs.

Story in the link.

WTF family pet pics

2011-11-04T10:30:00.001-04:00

Enjoy these WTF family pet photos.

Jesus roller skating Christ..............

Face seen in ultrasound

2011-11-04T09:53:00.000-04:00

Uhm, eeewwwww?

Doctors in Canada were scanning through ultrasound images of a 45-year-old man with a painful mass in his testicles when they did a doubletake. There was a man's face staring up at them, the mouth grimacing as if he were in agony.

GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot R.I.P.

2011-11-04T09:51:00.000-04:00

R.I.P.

The lead guitarist for the heavy metal band GWAR has been found dead on their tour bus. Manager Jack Flanagan and record label Metal Blade say Cory Smoot was found early Thursday before crossing into Canada following a show in Minneapolis. It's unclear what caused Smoot's death or how old he was.

Hauntcast FYI

2011-11-04T09:14:00.002-04:00

What up, boils & ghouls!

Although the new Hauntcast has been dropping on the first Friday of the month, the new show will be delayed due to Halloween. Chris is shooting to get it out next Friday, 11/11.

Stay scary!

Jack the Ripper's knife found?

2011-11-04T09:11:00.000-04:00

It was found among possessions belonging to Welsh surgeon Sir John Williams, a chief suspect in the Victorian murders.

Sir John, known to his family at the time of the killings as "Uncle Jack" was the surgeon to Queen Victoria who lived in London at the time of the slayings.

He fled the capital after the murders and later founded the National Library for Wales in Aberystwyth.

One of his distant relatives has now unearthed the old black-handled surgeon's knife, which he used for operations, and believes it could be the murder weapon.

Tony Williams, 49, Sir John's great-great-great-great nephew, has now published a book, which features the startling image of the knife, to expose his relative's guilt.

Story in the link.

Hatchet III preview art

2011-11-03T16:11:00.003-04:00

Dig it.

"Bones" stolen from pub

2011-11-03T10:55:00.000-04:00

OK, fess up -

'Bones', the six-foot unofficial mascot of The Dog & Duck and Underground venue on Mutley Plain, was stolen at about 6am on Halloween.

Story in the link.

Paranormal Porn

2011-11-03T10:48:00.001-04:00

Good news - you can still get laid when you're dead.

Check out the link.

Monsterpalooza Magazine #1

2011-11-02T09:14:00.002-04:00

Check out this cool new mag! Go to the link for all the info & to order yours today!

Check out the contents of the premier ish:

FRANKENSTEIN and DRACULA at 80!
The VINCENTENNIAL: A Report from St. Louis!
The John Chambers Interview!
A HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN!
DARE YOU SEE IT? FRANKENSTEIN AT 80!
Who Put The ‘Monster’ In Monsterpalooza? We answer : Chaney and Pierce, of course!
THE THING(S) FROM ANOTHER WORLD!
KNB:EFX FrightNight! ! Jimmy Sangster Remembered
THE HAPPIEST HAUNT ON EARTH!
AND MUCH, MUCH, MORE!
IT PACKS A ‘PALOOZA! 96 PAGES—COVER TO COVER CONTENT AD FREE!
ORDER THE PREMIERE ISSUE!
ONLY $9.95! (plus Shipping and Handling)

Stoker's Dracula journal found

2011-11-01T11:50:00.000-04:00

The private journal of author Bram Stoker, in which he sketched his first thoughts about his legendary creation 'Dracula', has been unearthed after more than 100 years.

Full story in the link.

Zombie Doctor & other Halloween mugshots

2011-11-01T10:45:00.001-04:00

Check 'em out......

JUG-ly Art & Antics (*Art/Music/Charity) Event @ Peacock Room November 4th

2011-11-01T09:37:00.003-04:00

Friday, November 4th @ the Peacock Room
1321 N. Mills Ave. / Orlando, FL 32803
(www.thepeacockroom.com)
*VIP ART Reception from 7-9pm
Doors @ 9:00pm / $5.00 COVER

What up, boils & ghouls - here's a cool event coming up this weekend. The Bloody Jug Band is a kick-ass bunch we featured on Hauntcast a few months back. I really dig this band and recommend you check them out if you haven't done so yet. And if you haven't, what the hell is wrong with you? If you're in the Orlando area, you should definitely support this cool event. From the band email:

Hey ALL,

This weekend we combine our loves of Music, Art and Helping our Community...and roll it all into one amazing event. Join us for 'JUG-ly Art & Antics', an Americana Art Exhibit and Jamboree at the Peacock Room this Friday Night (11/4/11). ALL Proceeds of the Sale of Art, Raffles, and the Door Charge will go to benefit A Gift For Music, and to fund children's pottery scholarships at Crealde School or Art.

Art will be on display (for sale) from Jug Potters from all over the country, as well as amazing wood carvings from DeLand Tiki and Cigar Box Guitars from Cigar City CBG's. The VIP Art Reception will take place from 7-9pm with music from GT Springer, and DJ White Lightning from WPRK.

Then once the doors 'officially' open at 9:00pm, we'll have live music from Lone Wolf (One Man Band), the Getbye, and the Bloody Jug Band...not to mention performances by the Kitschy Kittens Burlesque Troop. Raffles, souvenirs and more...and all going to help under-served children have more access to art and music. The art exhibit will be up the entire month of November for viewing, but there is only one night of JUG-ly Jamboree...so don't miss out.

"The Exorcist" getting a rewrite

2011-11-01T09:23:00.001-04:00

In The Exorcist, William Peter Blatty told the spine-chilling story of a little girl named Regan MacNeil, the daughter of a Hollywood star shooting a film in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Funny things start happening in the MacNeils' rented house: They hear noises in the wall, and Regan starts speaking in a growl, levitating, turning her head 360 degrees and spitting up green slime. Then, Regan's bedroom gets as chilly as a frozen foods case and her bed starts flying around.

Readers were drawn to the novel's profane subject matter, making it a best-seller. When the book's film adaptation came out two years later, fans waited in lines that stretched around city blocks to catch the first screenings; some even tried using battering rams to force their way into theaters.

Forty years later, Blatty has revised and polished his landmark novel, even adding a whole new character. The result is a 40th-anniversary edition that's just as terrifying as the original.
Full story in the link.

Zombies worth over $5 billion to economy

2011-11-01T09:22:00.000-04:00

Think way beyond zombie movie ticket sales. Think about DVD sales, video games, comic books, novels, Halloween costumes, zombie walks, merchandise, conventions and even zombie art. And more.

Check out the link.

For all of us on the East Coast......

2011-10-30T08:53:00.002-04:00

Final night at The Bates Motel

2011-10-30T07:46:00.001-04:00

Hard to believe, but tonight is my final evening of acting for the season. Even though we had many long nights, looking back the month flew.

Looking forward to one last night of scares!

If I had a dollar every time this happened to me....

2011-10-28T11:56:00.001-04:00

A Zimbabwean man has told a court that he hired a prostitute who during the night transformed into a donkey, and that he is now "seriously in love" with the animal, according to state media.

Christ almighty - story in the link.

Mars Attacks

2011-10-28T10:30:00.002-04:00

Some cool info courtesy of CBR:

Leading into the Long Beach Comic and Horror Con, IDW Publishing and Topps today announced a long-term partnership to offer new comics based on the fan-favorite Mars Attacks. Created in 1962, Mars Attacks will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2012 with major product launches throughout the year. IDW’s new comic series, as well as high-quality reprints of existing material, will be a cornerstone of that effort.
“We are excited to be partnering with Topps on this classic brand. Mars Attacks has always been a favorite of the comics creator community, and fans can look forward to top talent bringing their visions to fruition,” said Greg Goldstein, IDW’s Chief Operating Officer. “I know we will definitely bring the comics to the next level.”

Originally developed as a series of trading cards, Mars Attacks was created by Len Brown and Woody Gelman, after Brown was inspired by the Wally Wood cover to Weird Science #16 (EC Comics). The cards went on to achieve cult status for their then-shocking imagery, fully painted by pulp legend Norm Saunders, and remains a staple of pop culture. Topps revived the franchise in the mid 1990s with a second card set, comic book series and toy line. The story was also adapted into the 1996 feature film, Mars Attacks!, directed by Tim Burton.

“When looking for a comics partner for Mars Attacks, we wanted a publisher with the right creative sensibilities and an appreciation of our brand’s fifty-year legacy,” said Ira Friedman, Topps/VP, Global Licensing. “There’s no doubt that IDW will provide a great home for us. We’re looking forward to Mars Attacks complementing their existing stable of powerhouse franchises.”

Debuting in summer 2012, IDW’s comic series will offer the first stories of an all-new Mars Attacks universe, bringing the brand’s outrageous action and dark humor to a new set of tales.