Box of Dread 8/20/2014

8/20/2014

First we have a sticker and subscription guide to Stan Winston's school. This totally caught me off guard as the late Stan Winston has been dead from some time. After looking into it (or just reading the back of the card) you're just paying for instructional video's. Might be pretty cool if you gave it a good effort.

Beneath the brochure is a promotional surgical mask marketing the film Aftermath (2014).

Here we have a couple of Cthulhu relics, one being an air freshener and the other a bottle opener. Even though these things aren't as cool as promotional items they still are pretty cool and much better than the Pacific Rim themed things of a couple months ago. My only complaint is that the bottle opener also functions as a magnet, yet the magnet that's glued on the bottom had fallen off during shipping. That sucks since Cthulhu would have gotten much more use as a magnet.

I love this human shaped hand sanitizer promoting the next installment of Cabin Fever and the wound tattoo is a perfect companion. I'm still debating on whether or not to use any...

Above is half of the awesome Wolf Creek 2 postcards that came in this months box. 

Campy, just like the film!

Last but not least is a promotional backpack/bag from "All Cheerleaders Die". I have to say I am incredibly happy with this months Box of Dread. The past few months have had popular vinyl toys and stickers with other little goodies but no promotional swag and that's what I really want! I want all this promotional crap because I can rarely find this stuff on my own. I mean I signed up after I saw people had received "You're Next" animal masks in the first box, thus assuming the later boxes would be filled with other awesome promo items. I can't complain too much seeing as they killed it this month, I will still add that I have decided to also sign up for the Horror Block. The Horror Block being another $20 (roughly) a month subscription offering up much of the same things found in older boxes of dread, with the added bonus of a shirt that can only be obtained in that months block. 

(Below is a picture of July's Horror Block exclusive shirt)

To subscribe to Box of Dread.

To subscribe to the Horror Block.

Bluray Tuesday!

August/19/2014

Bluray Tuesday is going to become a regular segment here on the Overlook Theater. The Impostor is an avid bluray collector and this is going to be his area to inform us about the newest releases, the best prices, and exclusive content. Below is a rough draft of what is to come, links and pictures will most likely stay the same and coverage will extend to non horror in the future also. Really this list will just contain whatever The Impostor thinks is worthy. 

- Lord Battle

The Sacrament: Best Price - Best Buy/Amazon - $17.99

The Quiet Ones: Best Price - Target - $14.99

Rosemary's Baby Miniseries: Best Price - Amazon - $16.99

Disney's Toy Story of Terror: Best Price - Amazon - $12.96

The L.A. Slasher Returns

I woke up this morning feeling just as terrible as I did when I went to bed last night. I groggily reached for my phone getting ready to jump back into Kim Kardashians free app game when I noticed I had received an email from Sean Decker (Dread Central's West Coast Field Correspondent). Anytime I get an email from Sean I become incredibly excited and today's email was something I had been waiting for... And here it is, the first trailer (teaser) from the L.A. Slasher!!

I'm 110% sold. I loved the way this film looks, from the lighting to how the shots are setup. I know teaser trailers aren't the best way to judge a film but from the awesome media campaign, wonderful concept with appropriate cast, and now promising execution... I have very high hopes to say the least.

Now since I've been absent from the blog a major thing has changed between me and the L.A. Slasher and that's our communication has ceased. I've grown to despise FaceBook which is the place my love and worship for the Slasher began. My disdain started when they made it so 10 out of a 1,000,000 people would see each post you made (exaggerated number (not by much)) unless you paid money, of course. And honestly I'm not even really against that but when you're paying and a fraction of your followers are still only seeing posts, forget it. If you have been following the Overlook Theatre on FaceBook you may have noticed The Impostor has taken over running the page and is doing an amazing job.

I myself have moved to Instagram (under the name LordBattle of course), connecting with people has been far easier and a lot of fun. Sadly the L.A. Slasher made only a minor attempt at contributing to that platform. When you figure he's already on Facebook, tumblr, and twitter, it's pretty understandable. With that said I'll be giving away movie codes to people who re-post L.A. Slasher pictures I'll be putting up throughout the week. This is my way of saying sorry to the almighty L.A. Slasher. I also feel I need to redeem myself for play that Kardashian game...

Here is my stack of movie codes and just to give you an idea of whats in there I'll name a few...

Curse of Chucky, Total Recall (original), Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, Sin City, The Hobbit: Unexpected Journey, Lone Ranger, The Lego Movie, Joy Ride 3, Predators, Black Swan, The Cabin in the Woods, Friday the 13th: The Complete Collection, and Hannibal season 1. That's just to name a few...

Follow the L.A. Slasher on Instagram here.

Follow the L.A. Slasher on Facebook here.

Follow the L.A. Slasher on Twitter here.

Oculus

5 of 5 viewers "Liked" "Oculus" (2013, USA)
Here's what the citizens of the Overlook Theatre had to say:

Lord Battle - "Oculus is a fully equipped, armed with great writing, an awesome story and a perfect visual narrative that leaves you under the same spell as the characters." - 4 1/2 Stars

The Impostor - "A complete mind trip. Oculus is creepy, with a sort of gore that makes you cringe in your seat. Overall good acting and nicely executed horror film." - 4 Stars

Huntress - "This was an inventive and original story that didn't shy away from playing up the gory effects. It didn't go in an obvious direction and was a very exciting progression in modern horror." - 4 Stars

Ice Giant - "The CG eyes weren't overdone and the actors were perfect for their roles. WWE studios has up'd their movie selection." - 4 Stars

xKillDozerx - " This film deals with more then a few old school haunted house film trappings but manages to present them in a fun and exciting way that will make the most seasoned horror veteran smile." - 3 1/2 Stars

The Overlook Theatre Final Rating*

  I will admit that I carry a large amount of doubt and apprehension when going to see a wide release/major studio produced horror film. I went into the theater negative guns blazing and fully ready to trash this film as a big budget "Amityville Horror" rip-off. I now have to swallow my pride and admit that I was dead wrong (Crypt keeper pun intended). Oculus is a fully imagined film based off of and written by the talented duo who brought us the short; "Oculus 3: the man with the plan" in 2006. This film deals with more then a few old school haunted house film trappings but manages to present them in a fun and exciting way that will make the most seasoned horror veteran smile. Through great acting, (even from the child actors) wonderful cinematography, lighting in all the right ways, and talented writing, we, the audience, are drawn in and made to question our thought process as much as the characters themselves. The pacing is excellent and never leaves the viewer waiting for more. At a running time of 105 minutes "Oculus" really used every inch of film time to give people all the creepy darkness they could handle. I'm not saying I have found faith in Hollywood but I am seriously looking forward to what Mike Flanagan and Jeff Howard have in store for use next (fingers crossed for more horror).

- xKillDozerX

I'd just like to elaborate on my comment above about the visual narrative. Oculus director Mike Flanagan really captures the essence of a haunting by bring us through the house in the present and flashing back to the horrors that took place there years before. And most often the horrors are nothing more than a bad memory that a child has distorted or given far too much thought and weight to over the years. "The Shining" is so powerful because Kubrick filmed the hotel in such a way that you could feel the negative energy trapped inside. If "The Shining" is the work of a mysterious auteur, "Oculus" is the calculated work of a bright student.
- Lord Battle

*Based on the star ratings turned in by character reviewers, others viewed and got to "Dislike" or "Like" but that does not effect the rating. 

Lord Battle's Box of Dread 03/26/14

March has been a rough month for screenings, so I've decided to get back to posting about things other than reviews, which has honestly been a popular request for a while now.

If you don't know what the Box of Dread is I'll take a moment now to explain. The horror news website Dread Central has started packaging up some of their horror swag and sending it out as very cool kind of blind box. For $20 a month or $57 for 3 months, you can take part in the pleasures of working in the horror industry. Here's what I received today:

Pictured above is the contents of what I consider the best Box of Dread to date. I must admit that I'm a bit biased as John and Lotti Knowles have become personal favorites of the Overlook Theatre but even after taking that into consideration the "Chastity Bites" pack Dread Central put together is perfect for showing a special someone a horror flick. And if you don't have a special someone, they included toys and cards to make sure your night is eventfully nonetheless. Keep in mind these Boxes of Dread do vary box to box, so if you think Jail Lori is a lame character, I'm sure others got a different set. 

Honestly, I find myself forgetting about these boxes every month so when they show up it's always a pleasant surprise, I highly recommend signing up for a box. 

Beware Boxes of Dread are meant for hardcore horror fans only!!

Order yours here.

Celebrities Really DO Bleed Pink

This awesome promotional poster was sent to me in an email earlier today and I must say, while I do like the first one more, this is still pretty awesome. In fact this poster couldn't have come at a better time, seeing as I was feeling extremely tired but still planned on posting something after I worked my two jobs. But the best part about this gift from the L.A. Slasher had to be what they wrote: "To my #1 fan, it's true, they Do bleed pink". If you don't know by now I, Lord Battle, really am L.A. Slashers #1 fan and I am incredibly excited they noticed! Attached to the email was this press release I'm very excited to share:

“L.A. Slasher” releases new poster

Social Satire calls for “Death to Reality T.V.”

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (March 24, 2014) – The buzzed about feature film “L.A. Slasher,” directed by Martin Owen and produced by Jeffrey Wright and Daniel Sollinger (“Girls Against Boys”, “The Alphabet Killer”), has recently completed post production.  Jonathan Willis (“The Machine”), Shree Patel, Martin Owen and Abigail Wright also produce.

“L.A. Slasher” sports an eclectic cast: Danny Trejo (“Machete”), Mischa Barton (“The O.C.”), Dave Bautista (“Riddick”), Eric Roberts (“The Dark Knight”) Drake Bell (“Drake & Josh”), Brooke Hogan (“Hogan Knows Best”), Tori Black (“Not Another Celebrity Movie”) and the voice of Andy Dick (“News Radio”).

Incensed by the tabloid culture which celebrates it, the L.A. Slasher publicly abducts a series of reality TV stars, while the media and general public in turn begin to question if society is better off without them. A biting, social satire about reality TV and the glorification of people who are famous for simply being famous, “L.A. Slasher” explores why it has become acceptable and even admirable for people to become influential and wealthy based on no merit or talent - purely through notoriety achieved through shameful behavior.

Says producer Wright, “We are very optimistic about the commercial success of L.A. Slasher, given the explosion of Twitter and Facebook followers on our social media platforms. It's pretty amazing."

Sollinger adds, “The L.A. Slasher is a character that everyone can relate to. He is angry and frustrated with the often toxic role celebrity plays in our society.” Added writer and director Owen, “We are putting a funhouse mirror up to fame. The movie is vibrant and exciting and I know whoever sees it will be changed.”

Using a meta casting angle which taps into pop culture zeitgeist, Mischa Barton plays a washed up Actress who now works in reality tv, while Eric Roberts’ character is a Mayor who deals with a substance abuse problem. Porn star Tori Black’s character of Teen Mom who is the victim of “accidentally” released sex tapes, while teen crooner Drake Bell plays a Popstar who spits in the face of his fans.

Riffing on familiar television/film tropes, Brooke Hogan also appears as a reality T.V. star, along with a Socialite (portrayed by Korrina Rico), an Heiress (Elizabeth Morris), and real life scream queens Ashlynn Yennie (The Human Centipede), Barbara Nedeljakova (Hostel), Allison Kyler (Laid To Rest) and Carlee Baker (The Woman) portraying themselves. Actress Marisa Lauren appears as a stripper with ambitions of fame, and Abigail Wright plays a reporter trying to make sense of it all.

The Ghost Galleon & How this Bleak Adventure is Perfect for a Table Top

7 of 7 viewers "Liked" "Horror of the Zombies"/"The Ghost Galleon"/"The Blind Dead 3" (1974, Spain)

Here's what the citizens of the Overlook Theatre had to say:

Lord Battle - "Campy and absurd don't begin to describe this film, so get some beer and friends and enjoy but if you still have doubts about viewing "The Ghost Galleon" just know this film features a satanic orgy on a ghostship in another dimension." - 4 1/2 Stars

Math Mage - "A Lamentations of the Flame Princess adventure plus some of the most ridiculous dubbing ever." - 3 Stars

Huntress - "The Room's nonsense meets Scooby Doo's investigative curiosity in this very strange venture." - 3 1/2 Stars

The Great Hornito - "This felt like this was a really fun Italian, live action, crazy over the top Scooby Doo ghost story. Any one who loves pirates, bad dubs, sexy girls in bikinis and ghost ship exorcisms, should definitely check this out." - 4 Stars

Bug - "This movie was definitely not what I expected, but it was very entertaining." - 3 Stars

Unicorn Slayer - "Classic Italian style film making, the dubs, acting, and overall idea are painfully laughable. Amusing as a groan-inducing film, not for much else." - 2 1/2 Stars

Book Wyrm - "Interesting to say the least. No cohesive story but still sort of entertaining. Fun to laugh at!" - 2 Stars

The Overlook Theatre Final Review*

"The Ghost Galleon" is the coolest of the films many titles so that's what I'll be calling it. There isn't much to say that fans of Italian horror won't already be expecting, the dub is amazing/awful depending on how you look at it, the story is dream like and absurd, and the characters are bad Hollywood impersonators while the undead are unique and brutal. 

The story is the real oddball in this one as motivations and actions seem totally lost in translation. This normally would be a bad thing but "The Ghost Galleon" just starts to feel dream-like, just not in the typical film style, it feels more like a group nightmare. My favorite scene is also one the best examples of this group nightmare, as a model held captive in a very dungeonesk basement area of a building tries to escape. She fails miserably but the scene is defiantly strange and totally awesome.  

In the header I stated that this movie would be perfect for a table top, and by "table top" I mean table top RPG's in the style of D&D. Although this movie would make an adventure far too brutal for any version of D&D and would need to be played in my favorite system "Lamentations of the Flame Princess". I can imagine a module now... It would read "The Ghost Galleon" and when you open it up you would see the same image the film opens with:

LotFP also is the perfect system because it focuses on the fact adventurers are greedy and go to extreme lengths for treasure. The people that make up the party in the film may not be adventures in the classic D&D sense but they would work perfectly for a modern game and everything in this film happens because of a cheap ploy to make money. In fact once they board the ship the way the film flows starts to feel like a group of friends in a dungeon, as players tend to be very weary until something happens. Even the speculation as to where they are and what's going on sounds like something a sleep deprived group of friends came up with. But what really makes this a LotFP adventure over any other system is the complete lack of hope and the sense of immanent doom both the characters in the film and players of the module would undoubtedly be feeling.

I could go on and on about how perfectly this film would work, so instead of ruining the whole movie let me just say this to the creator of LotFP... Raggi you gotta make this an adventure!!! 

- Lord Battle

If you'd like to learn more about the Flame Princess I have his blog on my list of awesome blogs and here is a link to his games site.

*Based on the star ratings turned in by character reviewers, others viewed and got to "Dislike" or "Like" but that does not effect the rating.