2016 was another stellar year for horror movies on Blu-ray. Along with a couple of sought after titles getting their debut, downright classics like, 'The Thing', and 'Carrie', were finally given much needed remasters. For myself, and I will make no bones about this, as I am an '80s slasher fanatic, this year gave me two of my most wanted releases - 'The Mutilator' and 'Hide and Go Shriek'.
As we enter into 2017 the number of M.I.A titles is getting ever smaller, but still, 'Hell Night', 'The Prey', and 'Blood Beach', along with hundreds more, are still without proper editions. Here's hoping 2017 has even more horror Blu-ray surprises in store.
10:
Tie - Killer Dames Box Set & A Lizard In A Woman's Skin
Release Dates: May & February
Companies: Arrow Video & Mondo Macabro
Dames: Arrow killed it this year when it came to giallo movies. I may not be a huge fan of 'Evelyn', but 'Red Queen' has always been one of my favourite gialli. While the likes of 'Torso' and 'Bird' get thrown around a lot by fans, 'Red Queen' hardly ever gets a mention. Hopefully this release fixes that once and for all, as it is a rockin' good time. It is also among the few giallos that best resemble the later American slashers. 'Bay of Blood' being another that was nearly taken beat for beat, by the first two 'Friday the 13th' movies.
Lizard: I actually viewed a download copy of 'Lizard' before I purchased this amazing Blu. I had been left a little underwhelmed by my first Fulci giallo experience, 'Perversion story', so I was a bit trepidatious about this one. Thankfully I had nothing to worry about, as 'Lizard' is a wonderful cacophony of smashingly, weird images, and breakneck twists, all held together by an assured lead performance by Florinda Bolkan. Highly recommend.
9:
Chopping Mall (Limited, Slipcover)
Chopping Mall (Limited, Slipcover)
Release Date: September
Company: Vestron Video
Company: Vestron Video
This was a flick that had eluded me for years. I will always remember seeing the iconic VHS cover in a local Video store, unfortunately it closed before I was old enough to rent it. Oh, how amazing it would have been to my adolescent self to watch 'Chopping Mall' on VHS. While it still holds up as a fun time movie today, I just missed out on the added nostalgia that would have made me love it. The art and transfer are really nice too, the only downside...Eco case. Argh!
8:
Psycho 3 (Australian Release)
Company: Via Vision Entertainment
Psycho 3 (Australian Release)
Company: Via Vision Entertainment
Release Date: March
'Psycho' 3 is a revelation. It is everything I look for in a horror movie. The fact that Anthony Perkins himself directed this, while throwing in nods to the entire series, and Dario Argento, is mind-boggling. This Blu by Australian outfit Via Vision is a great region B alternate to the Scream Factory release, this has become an essential part of my collection.
7:
The Pit
Release Date: October
Company: Kino Lorber
7:
The Pit
Release Date: October
Company: Kino Lorber
'The Pit' has intrigued me ever since I first heard the plot to this fever dream Canadian horror. We got a perverted, blond haired kid, his evil teddy bear, and a pit full of monsters. Now doesn't that sound great?
I love Canadian horror, I love evil kids, and I especially love perverted/evil kids. So yeah, this was right up my street. Also, just look at that cover, now that is how you do cover art modern horror movies!
6:
6:
Release Date: November
Company: Arrow Video
I literally couldn't believe my eyes when I saw Arrow Video announce this in time for Halloween. 'The initiation' is one of the best '80s slashers that nobody talks about, and features a great turn by Daphne Zuniga (Spaceballs), in her second slasher role. This Blu-ray completely blows away the old DVDs in terms of picture. Sharpness is greatly increased, while also maintaining a filmic look. A must buy.
5:
5:
The Blob (German Mediabook)
Release Date: February
Company: Alive
Release Date: February
Company: Alive
Having missed out on the Twilight Time Blu-ray last year, I was delighted to see the movie get a region B release in Germany. The mediabook looks great, the size is also Blu-ray correct, as opossed to the bigger DVD sized ones. While the transfer isn't as sharp as Twilight's, this will hold me over until, Arrow, or Eureka can knock a UK release out of the park.
4:
4:
Deep Red (Limited Edition)
Release Date: January
Company: Arrow
Release Date: January
Company: Arrow
I do love me some 'Deep Red', but the shorted version of 'Deep Red', is that okay to say? I feel like if you're not watching the longest cut in Italian, you may as well be wearing a dunce's cap. This limited edition is the only way to watch the shortened version in remastered HD too. Love the artwork, the posters, and the presentation as a whole. This should only increase in value if you were lucky enough to snag one.
3:
Pieces (2 Blu-rays + CD)
Release Date: March
Company: Grindhouse Releasing
3:
Pieces (2 Blu-rays + CD)
Release Date: March
Company: Grindhouse Releasing
I was fortunate enough to grab a copy of 'Pieces' with the infamous puzzle, thus avoiding 'Puzzle Gate 2016'. One of the most controversial releases of the year, also happened to be the best. Stellar picture, full of extras, a CD soundtrack, and housed in a beautiful package, probably the best horror Blu-ray of the year.
2:
Hide and Go Shriek
Release Date: December
Company: Code Red
2:
Hide and Go Shriek
Release Date: December
Company: Code Red
I have to admit, I hate the whole set up with Code Red. I hate the drama. I hate the weird guessing games of where the movie will show up, and for how long. If I could get back all the hours I have spent watching Diabolik DVD, or scrolling through Blu-ray forums, so I wouldnt miss releases. Thankfully 'Hide & Go Shriek' was put on Screen Archives, who do ship to Ireland. What the future for those overseas in dealing with Code Red will be like, I shudder to think, it sure won't be easy, anyway.
As for the Blu, the movie looks amazing. Blacks are rich, colours are bright and clear, and the film is still a total blast. The only downside is that it isn't completely uncut, as a few seconds are VHS source only. While not inserted into the movie. they do come as a special feature.
1:
As for the Blu, the movie looks amazing. Blacks are rich, colours are bright and clear, and the film is still a total blast. The only downside is that it isn't completely uncut, as a few seconds are VHS source only. While not inserted into the movie. they do come as a special feature.
1:
Release Date: February
Company: Arrow Video
Company: Arrow Video
If Arrow were a woman I would...Ahem! Well you get the idea. 'The Mutilator' was a Holy Grail for me, and I am sure many other horror and slasher fans. Having to watch shitty VHS transfers over the years should have put me off the film, but no, it only enhanced my intrigue. Like my number one release from last year, 'Curtains', this new Blu-ray shone a light into parts I never knew existed. Completely uncut, packed with features, like cast reunions, audio commentaries and so much more, this has it all. Essential for slasher fans.