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Blu-Ray Release of ‘Schlock,’ Reintroduces Us to John Landis’s Killer Cult Satire

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Schlock

A tagline stating “Due to the horrifying nature of this film, no one will be admitted to the theater” can start all kinds of conversation, and even raise some interest strictly based hyperbolic curiosity. Little did folks in 73’ know that tagline was going to lead them to the magical schlockiness that was John Landis’s, Schlock.

Schlock painted an early picture of what John Landis would later apply to his bigger budget films like American Werewolf in London, The Blues Brothers and Animal House. I say “bigger budget,” but in truth Schlock was practically a no-budget outing and definitely screams proudly and wildly to that point.

A tribute to the b-movie, Trog, this film found Landis in a fully absurdist sandbox that mainly touted to the old as time struggle of the archaic versus the youthful. Damn the man, damn the man hard indeed.

Schlock is a love it or hate it polarizing film. But, for those of us that have a special place in our hearts for it, Schlock is a one of a kind, joyful experience. It not only introduced us to one of my personal favorite directors, but also introduced the world to a very young Rick Baker – Monster Maker, who designed and crafted the killer gorilla suit.

The story, follows the hi jinks of the missing link who has recently been thawed out in an underground cave. Dubbed “The Banana Killer” by the inept police, The Schlockthropus (played by John Landis) runs amok murdering all over the suburbs of Southern California, while finding love amongst all the misadventure and biting satire.

Schlock parodies a lot of greats along the way of the Schlockthropus’ terrorization of Southern Cali. 2001: A Space Odyssey, King Kong, and Keystone Cops are all placed in the cross hairs of Landis’s playful micro-budget first outing. The result is a charming and inspiring outing, that proves Landis’ words of “All you need to do to be a filmmaker is to get out there and make a movie” absolutely true.

Arrow’s 4k restoration from the original negative looks great and comes with a book featuring a piece written by Joe Bob Briggs, new cover art by Graham Humphreys and a whole lot more.

Best of all it comes with feature length audio commentary by John Landis and Rick Baker. This is easily one of my favorite features on a disc this year. Landis and Baker are insightful, hilarious and inspiring. Absolute commentary gold.

Full features include:

  • Audio commentary by writer/director John Landis and makeup artist Rick Baker
  • New video interview with author and critic Kim Newman
  • Birth of a Schlock, a 2017 video interview with John Landis
  • Archival video interview with cinematographer Bob Collins
  • 1972, 1979 and 1982 US theatrical trailers
  • US radio spots
  • FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Joe Bob Briggs
  • Original lossless mono soundtrack
  • Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
  • 4K restoration of the film from the original camera negative
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys

Schlock is out now on Blu-Ray!

 

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First Look: On Set of ‘Welcome to Derry’ & Interview with Andy Muschietti

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Rising from the sewers, drag performer and horror movie enthusiast The Real Elvirus took her fans behind the scenes of the MAX series Welcome to Derry in an exclusive hot-set tour. The show is scheduled to release sometime in 2025, but a firm date has not been set.

Filming is taking place in Canada in Port Hope, a stand-in for the fictional New England town of Derry located within the Stephen King universe. The sleepy location has been transformed into a township from the 1960s.

Welcome to Derry is the prequel series to director Andrew Muschietti’s two-part adaptation of King’s It. The series is interesting in that it’s not only about It, but all the people who live in Derry — which includes some iconic characters from the King ouvre.

Elvirus, dressed as Pennywise, tours the hot set, careful not to reveal any spoilers, and speaks with Muschietti himself, who reveals exactly how to pronounce his name: Moose-Key-etti.

The comical drag queen was given an all-access pass to the location and uses that privilege to explore props, facades and interview crew members. It’s also revealed that a second season is already greenlit.

Take a look below and let us know what you think. And are you looking forward to the MAX series Welcome to Derry?

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New Trailer For This Year’s Nauseating ‘In a Violent Nature’ Drops

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We recently ran a story about how one audience member who watched In a Violent Nature became sick and puked. That tracks, especially if you read the reviews after its premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival where one critic from USA Today said it had “The gnarliest kills I’ve ever seen.”

What makes this slasher unique is that it’s mostly viewed from the killer’s perspective which may be a factor in why one audience member tossed their cookies during a recent screening at Chicago Critics Film Fest.

Those of you with strong stomachs can watch the movie upon its limited release in theaters on May 31. Those who want to be closer to their own john can wait until it releases on Shudder sometime after.

For now, take a look at the newest trailer below:

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James McAvoy Leads a Stellar Cast in the New Psychological Thriller “Control”

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James McAvoy

James McAvoy is back in action, this time in the psychological thriller “Control”. Known for his ability to elevate any film, McAvoy’s latest role promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Production is now underway, a joint effort between Studiocanal and The Picture Company, with filming taking place in Berlin at Studio Babelsberg.

“Control” is inspired by a podcast by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie and features McAvoy as Doctor Conway, a man who wakes up one day to the sound of a voice that begins to command him with chilling demands. The voice challenges his grip on reality, pushing him towards extreme actions. Julianne Moore joins McAvoy, playing a key, enigmatic character in Conway’s story.

Clockwise From Top L-R: Sarah Bolger, Nick Mohammed, Jenna Coleman, Rudi Dharmalingam, Kyle Soller, August Diehl and Martina Gedeck

The ensemble cast also includes talented actors such as Sarah Bolger, Nick Mohammed, Jenna Coleman, Rudi Dharmalingam, Kyle Soller, August Diehl, and Martina Gedeck. They’re directed by Robert Schwentke, known for the action-comedy “Red,” who brings his distinctive style to this thriller.

Besides “Control,” McAvoy fans can catch him in the horror remake “Speak No Evil,” set for a September 13 release. The film, also featuring Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy, follows an American family whose dream holiday turns into a nightmare.

With James McAvoy in a leading role, “Control” is poised to be a standout thriller. Its intriguing premise, coupled with a stellar cast, makes it one to keep on your radar.

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