CineVentures Best of 2022 Blu-rays/UHD

Top Blu-ray Releases of 2022:
1. BOILING POINT (Phillip Barantini, 2021) Region B UK Second Sight (REVIEW)
2. SISTER, SISTER (Bill Condon, 1988) Region ALL USA Vinegar Syndrome (REVIEW)
3. DRAGON'S RETURN (Eduard Grecner, 1968) Region ALL Second Run (REVIEW)
4. LOVE (Karoly Makk, 1971) Region ALL Second Run (REVIEW)
5. THE PARTY AND THE GUESTS (Jan Nemec, 1966) Region ALL Second Run (REVIEW)
6. EXECUTION IN AUTUMN (Hsing Lee, 1972) Region B Eureka (REVIEW)
7. TOMBS OF THE BLIND DEAD (Amando de Ossorio, 1971) Region ALL Synapse Films
8. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MIRROR (Jess Franco, 1973) Region ALL Mondo Macabro
9. TO SLEEP SO AS TO DREAM (Kaizo Hayashi, 1986) Region A/B Arrow Video (REVIEW)
10. COACH TO VIENNA (Karel Kachyna, 1966) Region ALL Second Run (REVIEW)

Top 4K UHD Releases of 2022:
1. QUIET DAYS IN CLICHY (Jens Jørgen Thorsen, 1970) Region ALL UHD/Blu-ray Blue Underground (REVIEW)
2. DOG SOLDIERS (Neil Marshall, 2002) Region ALL UHD/Region B Blu-ray Second Sight
3. SCHIZOID/X-RAY (David Paulsen, 1980/Boaz Davidson, 1981) Region ALL UHD/Region A Blu-ray Vinegar Syndrome (REVIEW)
4. MADMAN (Joe Giannone, 1981) Region ALL UHD/Blu-ray Vinegar Syndrome (REVIEW)
5. THE WEREWOLF VS THE VAMPIRE WOMAN (Leon Klimovsky, 1970) Region ALL UHD/Blu-ray Vinegar Syndrome
6. DEATH WISH II (Michael Winner, 1982) Region ALL UHD/Region A Blu-ray Vinegar Syndrome (REVIEW)
7. FOUR FLIES ON GREY VELVET (Dario Argento, 1971) Region ALL UHD/Blu-ray Severin Films
8. THE COMPANY OF WOLVES (Neil Jordan, 1984) Region ALL UHD/Region A Blu-ray Scream Factory/Shout! Factory
9. THE FOG (John Carpenter, 1980) Region ALL UHD/Region A Blu-ray Scream Factory/Shout! Factory
10. PHENOMENA (Dario Argento, 1984) Region ALL UHD Synapse Films

Top Boxsets of 2022:
1. TWISTING THE KNIFE (Claude Chabrol, 1997-2003) Region A/B Blu-ray Arrow Video (REVIEW)
2. THE WAR TRILOGY (Andrzej Wajda, 1955-1958) Region ALL Blu-ray Second Run
3. LIES AND DECEIT (Claude Chabrol, 1984-1994) Region A/B Blu-ray Arrow Video (REVIEW)
4. SYLVIA KRISTEL 1970s COLLECTION (Alain Robbe-Grillet, 1975/Wim Verstappen, 1978/Paul de Lussanet, 1978/Sigi Rothemund, 1974) Region ALL Blu-ray Cult Epics (REVIEW)
5. GOTHIC FANTASTICO: FOUR ITALIAN TALES OF TERROR (Massimo Pupillo, 1965/Alberto de Martino, 1963/Mino Guerrini, 1966/Damiano Damiani, 1966) Region ALL Blu-ray Arrow Video (REVIEW)

Honorable Mentions:

While Severin Films made fans ecstatic with their UHD debuts of the first legitimate English-friendly release of Dario Argento's lesser-seen FIVE DAYS OF MILAN and the first fully uncut version of FOUR FLIES ON GREY VELVET that did not depend on sub-par 16mm or standard definition video inserts, what may have fallen under the radar for many are their other halfway to Black Friday and Black Friday releases including THE DEVIL'S GAME - which not only includes the first legitimate release anywhere of Mario Bava's final film "The Venus of Ille" (co-directed with his son Lamberto Bava) but also otehr Italian telefilm adaptations of other pieces of fantastic nineteenth century literature including one from DEATH LAID AN EGG's Giulio Questi - as well as the little-seen South African psychosexual slasher THE SHADOWED MIND - truly a rescue operation since no film materials were available when the film was last announced as a DVD release by another label half a decade ago - the rare giallo LIBIDO (with heretofore unavailable English dub), and Jess Franco's MACUMBA SEXUAL, MANSION OF THE LIVING DEAD, and SEX IS CRAZY.

Besides the aforementioned Blu-ray debut of Franco's arthouse stunner THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MIRROR that made our top ten, Mondo Macabro also gave us in that same bundle LOVE BRIDES OF THE BLOOD MUMMY - heretofore only available as a Spanish-language copy of the domestic nudity-free version or a British 8mm reduction that was also lighter on sex than violence - and THE HORRIBLE SEXY VAMPIRE, neither of which are truly good films but are atmospheric timewasters nicely-curated with audio commentaries, footage from alternate versios in the case of MUMMY and much-needed context about the true crime "Vamprire of the Highway" case for HORRIBLE.

Arrow Video's announcement of Region A editions of three Shaw Brothers Blu-ray releases of titles already available in the UK from the likes of Eureka Video and 88 Films with a nice set of extras was initially not that thrilling, but they put their own spin on things for the better.  COME DRINK WITH ME had a new commentary track from the esteemed Tony Rayns and a host of interviews from the archvies of Frédéric Ambroisine, THE ONE ARMED BOXER ported over the UK commentary but added an exclusive interview, and THE EIGHT POLE DIAGRAM FIGHTER not only featured a healthy stack of extras but also addressed the issue of lost frames at every splice point that has dogged other masters of Shaw Brothers material including the previous Blu-ray editions.

Mondo Macabro falls prey to THE RAVAGER and THE BUSHWHACKER (review)

Mondo Macabro and Something Weird Video launch their American Arcana line with a truly deranged duo.  In THE BUSHWHACKER, a crazy and horny desert hermit shoots down a passing plane carrying a studly pilot and three pretty models.  From SHE FREAK's Byron Mabe.  In THE RAVAGER, a traumatized Vietnam War demolitions expert is discharged and can only achieve arousal by blowing up his victims!  From Charles Nizet, director of HELP ME... I'M POSSESSED!

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVDCompare)

THE BUSHWHACKER/THE RAVAGER Blu-ray specs:

• The Bushwhacker (1968):
• 1080p24 MPEG-2 1.78:1 widescreen
• English LPCM 2.0 Mono
• Theatrical Trailer
• The Ravager (1970):
• 1080p24 MPEG-2 1.33:1 pillarboxed fullscreen
• English LPCM 2.0 Mono
• German Theatrical Trailer

Cineventures' Best of 2021 List

TOP TEN MAINSTREAM/ARTHOUSE RELEASES:

• NOUCHKA VAN BRAKEL TRILOGY (A Woman Like Eve/The Debut/The Cool Lakes of Death), Cult Epics (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.

• A WOMAN LIKE EVE available separately from Amazon.
• THE DEBUT available separately from Amazon.
• THE COOL LAKES OF DEATH available separately from Amazon.
  

• VIY/SVETO MESTO, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray, limited edition no longer available from Amazon
  

• single disc standard edition without SVETO MESTO also available at Amazon

• CELIA, Second Run (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• ADOPTION, Second Run (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Second Run (UK), available from Amazon

• LAKE MUNGO, Second Sight (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• JOHNNY GUITAR, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• THE GREAT SILENCE, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• MALCOLM, Umbrella Entertainment (Australia) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• SUNDAY TOO FAR AWAY, Umbrella Entertainment (Australia) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

TOP TEN CULT RELEASES:

• TIE: PERDITA DURANGO, Severin Films (US) Region ALL 4K UHD/Blu-ray and DAY OF THE BEAST, Severin Films (US) Region ALL 4K UHD/Blu-ray

• PERDITA DURANGO 4K UHD/Blu-ray, available from Amazon
• PERDITA DURANGO Blu-ray, available from Amazon
• DAY OF THE BEAST 4K UHD/Blu-ray, available from Amazon
• DAY OF THE BEAST Blu-ray, available from Amazon
  

• 99.9, Cult Epics (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• IREZUMI, Arrow Video (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• TIE: CANNIBAL MAN, Severin Films (US) Region ALL Blu-ray and NO ONE HEARD THE SCREAM, Severin Films (US) Region ALL Blu-ray
• CANNIBAL MAN available from Amazon
• NO ONE HEARD THE SCREAM available from Amazon
  

• THE DESIGNATED VICTIM, Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• FORGOTTEN GIALLI VOL. 3 (Crazy Desires of the Murderer/Autopsy/Murder Mansion) Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Vinegar Syndrome
  

• SATAN'S BLOOD, Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• MILL OF THE STONE WOMEN, Arrow Video (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• FRANCO NOIR (Death Whistles the Blues/Rififi in the City), Severin Films (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• AN ANGEL FOR SATAN, Severin Films (US) Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
For giving a boxed set to a martial arts filmmaker more inconsistent than Godfrey Ho:

• CINEMATIC VENGEANCE! (7 Grandmasters, The 36 Deadly Styles, The World of Drunken Master, The Old Master, Shaolin Kung Fu, The Shaolin Kids, The 18 Bronzemen, Return of the 18 Bronzemen), Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon

For Synapse Films improvements on DEMONS US mono track and the restoration of English stereo soundtrack to DEMONS 2:

• DEMONS/DEMONS 2, Synapse Films (US) Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• 4K UHD also available from Amazon

For making such godawful films look so, so good:

• SHE FREAK, American Genre Film Archive (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

• THE CURIOUS DR. HUMPP, American Genre Film Archive (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon

Mondo Macabro targets THE DESIGNATED VICTIM (Review)

Tomas Milian and Pierre Clementi plot the perfect crime in this giallo riff on STRANGERS ON A TRAIN.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

THE DESIGNATED VICTIM Blu-ray specs:

• Theatrical Version (100 minutes):
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 2.35:1 Widescreen
• English and Italian LPCM 1.0 Mono
  
• Optional English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary by giallo experts Rachael Nisbet and Peter Jilmstad
  
• Extended Version (105 minutes):
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 2.35:1 Widescreen
• Italian LPCM 1.0 Mono 
• Optional English Subtitles
  
• Interview with co-writer/assistant director Aldo Lado
• "Pierre Clémenti: Pope of Counterculture" interview with Pierre Clémenti's son Balthazar Clémenti
• Trailers:
• International Trailer
• "Slam-Out" Trailer
• Italian Theatrical Trailer
• Alternate English Titles
• Limited numbered edition of 1,500 copies comes with a reversible cover, set of lobby card reproductions, and a 16-page booklet with brand new writing on the film by Italian film expert Roberto Curti.
• Available directly from Mondo Macabro.

Mondo Macabro plays IT'S NOTHING MAMA, JUST A GAME (review)

David Hemmings goes from the boyish hero of BLOW-UP to the mentally-unstable childlike landowner of a Venezuelan plantation who likes hunting game, if the game are beautiful girls destined to be torn apart by his hunting dogs.  Alida Valli and Andrea Rau also star.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

IT'S NOTHING MAMA, JUST A GAME Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.85:1 Widescreen
• English and Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary by film historian Kat Ellinger
• "Absolutely Power Corrupts Absolutely" video essay on the career of David Hemmings by Chris O'Neill
• Spanish Title Sequence
• Theatrical Trailers
• Numbered limited edition of 1,200 copies comes with a reversible cover sleeve with original ad art on each side, B side featuring the alternate "Beyond Erotica" title, a set of lobby card reproductions, and a 24-page booklet with brand new writing on the film by Spanish film expert Ismael Fernández.
• Available directly from Mondo Macabro.
  

Mondo Macabro grooms HUMAN ANIMALS (review)

After a nuclear holocaust, two men and a woman wake up in a vast desert wasteland with no memory of their prior existence.  A German Shepherd leads them to a virtual Garden of Eden, but as they address their creature comforts, lust and jealousy set in, leading to violence and the woman getting cozy with her canine companion.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

HUMAN ANIMALS Blu-ray specs: 

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.85:1 Widescreen
• Spanish LPCM 2.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
• Interview with director Elgio Herrero
• More from Mondo Macabro
• Numbered edition of 1,200 copies comes with a reversible cover sleeve with original ad art for the film on each side and a 24-page booklet with brand new writing on the film by Spanish film expert Ismael Fernández.
• Available directly from Mondo Macabro.
  

Mondo Macabro celebrates a BLOOD CEREMONY (review)

The legend of the "Bloody Countess" who bathed in the blood of virgins to preserve her youth gets a twist in the Spanish/Italian seventies horror film BLOOD CEREMONY starring arthouse starlet Lucia Bose and CANDY herself Ewa Aulin.  From the director of THE LIVING DEAD AT MANCHESTER MORGUE.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

BLOOD CEREMONY Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.66:1 widescreen transfers of the uncensored international version and the Spanish domestic version
• English and DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary by film historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson 
• Audio Commentary by film historians Robert Monell and Rod Barnett
• Jorge Grau Inteviews:
  
• "Getting Started"
• "On Blood Ceremony"
• Press Book Gallery
• Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots
• More from Mondo Macabro

Mondo Macabro trespasses on HUNTING GROUND (review)

When thieves murder her husband in a robbery gone wrong, attorney Adela's beliefs in the innate goodness of human beings and the corruptness of the world are turned upside down as she becomes the victim of a campaign of terror in HUNTING GROUND (also known as CODE OF HUNTING) from Jorge Grau, director of THE LEGEND OF BLOOD CASTLE and THE LIVING DEAD AT MANCHESTER MORGUE.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

HUNTING GROUND Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.66:1 Widescreen
• English and Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
• Archival Interview with director Jorge Grau
• More from Mondo Macabro
• Limited Red Case Edition featuring reversile cover artwork and a booklet by Ismael Fernandez
  

Mondo Macabro palpitates with PANIC BEATS (review)

A middle-aged couple retreat to the husband's country estate for some relaxation, but the ghost of a brutally murderous ancestal knight turns up for some ghoulish gore in Paul Naschy's semi-follow-up to HORROR RISES FROM THE TOMB.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

PANIC BEATS Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.66:1 Widescreen
• Spanish
• Optional English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary by Rod Barnett and Troy Guinn of Naschycast
• "Paul Naschy on...His Life in Cinema" 2005 interview
• 1997 interview with actor/director Paul Naschy
• More from Mondo Macabro 

 

Mondo Macabro courts QUEENS OF EVIL (review)

A hippie learns that there is a high price to pay for abandoning his ideals when he is tempted by three beautiful women in the horror-tinged fantasy QUEENS OF EVIL starring Ray Lovelock, Evelyn Stewart, Silvia Monti, and Haydée Politoff.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

QUEENS OF EVIL Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.85:1 Widescreen
• English and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary by film historians Kat Ellinger and Samm Deighan
• Interview with actor Ray Lovelock
• Italian Theatrical Trailer
• Alternative Scenes
• More From Mondo Macabro

 

Cineventures' Best of 2020 Blu-ray and DVD List

With over two hundred reviews this year and even more worthy product, it was hard to narrow down my favorites to just ten. The two top ten releases consist of films making their Blu-ray debut while worthy upgrades are listed among the honorable mentions.

TOP TEN EXPLOITATION:

• TIE: DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS, Blue Underground (US) Region ALL 4K Blu-ray/Region ALL Blu-ray/CD Soundtrack and HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY, Blue Underground (US) Region ALL Blu-ray/CD Soundtrack
• Daughters of Darkness available from Amazon 
• House by the Cemetery available from Amazon (also as Blu-ray 4K reissue)
• DAWN OF THE DEAD, Second Sight (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon (also as Blu-ray 4K edition).
• SEVEN WOMEN FOR SATAN, Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• SHIVERS, Vestron Video/Lionsgate (US) Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• THE SIN OF NORA MORAN, The Film Detective (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• THE COMPLETE LENZI/BAKER GIALLO COLLECTION, Severin Films (US) Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• MACABRE, 88 Films (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• THE BEAST AND THE MAGIC SWORD, Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• FORGOTTEN GIALLI: VOLUME 1, Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• MY BLOODY VALENTINE, Scream Factory/Shout! Factory (US) Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

• DEADLY MANOR, Arrow Video USA (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon. 
• MALABIMBA, Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• DREAM DEMON, Arrow Video USA (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• ASSIGNMENT TERROR, Scorpion Releasing (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Ronin Flix.
• SWEENEY!/SWEENEY 2, Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• TIE: NIGHT OF OPEN SEX, Severin Films (US) Region ALL Blu-ray + CRIES OF PLEASURE, Severin Films (US) Region ALL Blu-ray
• Night of Open Sex available from Amazon.
• Cries of Pleasure available from Amazon.
• ARMOUR OF GOD II: OPERATION CONDOR, 88 Films (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• P.O. BOX TINTO BRASS, Cult Epics (US) Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• SHINING SEX, Severin Films (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• CECILIA, Blue Underground (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.

TOP TEN ARTHOUSE/MAINSTREAM: 

• TENDERNESS, Second Run (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• GOODBYE, DRAGON INN, Second Run (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• MADE IN HONG KONG, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• SÉRIE NOIRE, Film Movement, Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• RAINING IN THE MOUNTAIN, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• BLACK RAINBOW, Arrow Video USA (US) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• CLAUDE SAUTET & ROMY SCHNEIDER DUO: CÉSARE ET ROSALIE/LES CHOSES DE LA VIE, Film Movement (US) Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• ZU: WARRIORS FROM THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• TIE: BUSTER KEATON: THREE FILMS - VOLUME TWO, 1924-1926, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray + BUSTER KEATON: THREE FILMS - VOLUME THREE, 1923-1927, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray.
• Buster Keaton: Three Films - Volume Two, 1924-1926 available from Amazon.
• Buster Keaton: Three Films - Volume Three, 1923-1927 available from Amazon.
• HOUSE BY THE RIVER, Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS: 

• VALERIE AND HER WEEK OF WONDERS, Second Run (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• THE WOMAN IN BLACK, Network (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• UNDER THE SHADOW, Second Sight (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• ALASTAIR SIM'S SCHOOL FOR LAUGHTER, Film Movement (US) Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• THIS GUN FOR HIRE, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• THE CHICKEN CHRONICLES, Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• WALKABOUT, Second Sight (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• CRISS CROSS, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• THREE EDGAR ALLAN POE ADAPTATIONS STARRING BELA LUGOSI, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
• THE THOUSAND EYES OF DR. MABUSE, Eureka (UK) Region B Blu-ray, available from Amazon.
  

Mondo Macabro gets perverse with THE LADY KILLS and PERVERTISSIMA (review)

In this odd double bill of French seventies sexploitation, a woman stalks five men for seduction and death in THE LADY KILLS and a young virgin is hired to do a story on "Love in Paris" in the mondo film PERVERTISSIMA, both from the director of THE SADIST WITH RED TEETH.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

THE LADY KILLS/PERVERTISSIMA Blu-ray specs:

• The Lady Kills:
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.66:1 Widescreen
• French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
  
• Pervertissima:
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.66:1 Widescreen
• French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
  
• Introductions to both films by writer Christophe Bier
  
• "Who is Jean-Louis Van Belle?" Cinematheque presentation
• 1983 television commercial by Jean-Louis Van Belle
  
• More from Mondo Macabro

 

Mondo Macabro sees double with GEMINI (review)

Moving away from the cyberpunk aesthetics of TETSUO, director Shinya Tsukamoto tackled this gothic horror film with its own share of stylistic quirks as the world of a young doctor in post-WWI Japan starts to unravel when he is stalked by his double.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region A Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

GEMINI Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.85:1 Widescreen
• Japanese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo
• Optional English Subtitles
• "The Making of Gemini"
• Venice Film Festival 1999 Premiere
• Make-up Demonstration
• Behind The Scenes
• Theatrical Trailer
• More From Mondo Macabro 

 

Mondo Macabro serves up SEVEN WOMEN FOR SATAN (review)

Is the last-living descendent of the evil Count Zaroff also a psychosexual killer?  Only his butler knows for sure in the French fantastique film banned in France SEVEN WOMEN FOR SATAN, written, directed, and starring Michel Lemoine.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

SEVEN WOMEN FOR SATAN Blu-ray specs:

• Theatrical (85 minutes) and Extended (90 minutes) Versions 
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.66:1 Widescreen
• English and French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
• "Formidable!" interview with actor/writer/director Michel Lemoine
• "Movie Memoirs" interview with assistant director/actor Robert de Laroche
• Deleted and Unused Scenes
• Theatrical Trailer
• More from Mondo Macabro
• Reversible Cover
• Liner Notes Booklet by Pete Tombs

Red case edition limited to 1,000 copies available directly from Mondo Macabro.

Mondo Macabro revels in SINS OF THE FLESH (review)

Benoit is a spoiled rich kid who is also a voyeur who channels his impotence into violence.  When he meets a car thief and a girl on the run from her lecherous stepfather, they form an unholy trio out for money, kicks, and possibly some murder in this French sex film from Claude Mulot (THE BLOOD ROSE).

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

SINS OF THE FLESH Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.66:1 Widescreen
• English and French DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
• "La Charnelle" interview with actress Anne Libert
• "My Nights with Claude" interview with sound editor Gerard Kikoine
• "Adventures with Alpha France" interview with distributor Francis Mischkind
• "Profession: Movie Maker" interview with assistant director Didier Philippe-Gerard
• Alternate Title Sequence: "Les émotions secrètes d'un jeune homme de bonne famille"
• Alternate Video Title Sequence: "Nevro"
• French "Les Charnelles" Theatrical Trailer
• English "Sex Without Love" Theatrical Trailer
• "More from Mondo Macabro" Promo Reel 
• Limited edition contents: reversible cover with brand new are by Justin Coffee on one side and old school VHS art on the other, a full color booklet with brand new writing about the film by Pete Tombs, and a set of postcards featuring original ad art.

Limited red case edition available directly from Mondo Macabro.

Mondo Macabro conjures SATANICO PANDEMONIUM (review)

A beautiful and devout nun meets a wolf in shepherd’s clothing who turns out to be Satan in the nunsploitation film SATANICO PANDEMONIUM (yes, this is the film that Salma Hayek got her stripper name from in FROM DUSK TILL DAWN).

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

SATANICO PANDEMONIUM Blu-ray specs:

• Two transfers from a pre-print element with some optical blemishes and a 35mm projection print
• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.85:1 Widescreen
• Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary by film historians Kat Ellinger and Samm Deighan (both transfers) 
• Interview with Co-writer Adolfo Martinez Solares
• Interview with Nigel Wingrove of Redemption Films
• More from Mondo Macabro

Mondo Macabro seeks out AN IDEAL PLACE TO KILL (review)

Paying for their globe-hopping vacation by selling pornography, hippies Dick and Ingrid run out of gas near an isolated villa and end up in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a woman who has just killed her husband.  Irene Papas, Ray Lovelock, and Ornella Muti star.  Umberto Lenzi directs.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

AN IDEAL PLACE TO KILL Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 2.35:1 Widescreen
• English and Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary by film historian Troy Howarth and Mondo Digital's Nathaniel Thompson
• "Porn Smugglers" interview with director Umberto Lenzi
• Theatrical Trailer 
• More from Mondo Macabro

Mondo Macabro unleashes THE BEAST AND THE MAGIC SWORD (Review)

The last great Paul Naschy werewolf movie takes his cursed character to the Far East in search of cure but finding deadly samurai, ninja, and ghostly sorceresses.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

THE BEAST AND THE MAGIC SWORD Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.66:1 and 1.37:1 framing options
• Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
• Audio Commentary by The Naschycast's Rodney Barnett and Troy Guinn
• "Smile of the Wolf" documentary on Paul Naschy
• Introduction by actor Paul Naschy
• Author Gavin Baddely on Paul Naschy
• Theatrical Trailer
• More from Mondo Macabro

Mondo Macabro takes on DANGEROUS CARGO (review)

Before DALLAS and BODY DOUBLE, Miss USA Deborah Shelton paid her dues in a couple sexy Greek exploitation films during the late seventies.  In DANGEROUS CARGO, she is the wife of a ship's captain whose crew mutiny, putting her in danger of violation and death.  From the director of THE DEVIL'S MEN/LAND OF THE MINOTAUR.

REVIEW LINK: Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray (DVD Drive-in)

DANGEROUS CARGO Blu-ray specs:

• 1080p24 MPEG-4 AVC 1.33:1 Fullscreen
• Greek Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
• Optional English Subtitles
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CineVentures Best of 2019 Blu-rays

With over three hundred reviews this year and even more worthy product, it was hard to narrow down my favorites to just ten.  The two top ten releases consist of films making their Blu-ray debut while worthy upgrades are listed among the honorable mentions.

Top Ten Exploitation Releases:

SPOOKIES, Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region ALL Blu-ray – Available from Vinegar Syndrome.

THE PREY, Arrow Video (US/UK) Region A/B Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

EMANUELLE IN AMERICA, Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

BLOOD HUNGER: THE FILMS OF JOSE RAMON LARRAZ, Arrow Video (US/UK) Region A/B Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

DRACULA'S FIANCEE/LOST IN NEW YORK, Redemption Films/Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

THE CORRUPTION OF CHRIS MILLER, Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region ALL Blu-ray/Region 0 NTSC DVD - Available from Amazon.

THE DEVIL'S NIGHTMARE, Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

AMERICAN HORROR PROJECT VOLUME 2, Arrow Video (US/UK) Region A/B Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

BEYOND THE DOOR III, Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region ALL Blu-ray/Region 0 NTSC DVD

• Limited edition available from VinegarSyndrome.
• Standard edition coming soon from Amazon.

TIE: THE WILD PUSSYCAT/THE DESERTER, Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray + EMANUELLE AND FRANCOISE, Severin Films (US) Region ALL Blu-ray

• The Wild Pussycat/The Deserter available from Amazon.
• Emanuelle and Francoise available from Amazon.

Honorable Mentions:

THE MUMMY'S REVENGE, Scorpion Releasing (US) Region ALL Blu-ray – Available from Ronin Flix and Diabolik DVD.

EEGAH, The Film Detective (US) Region ALL Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

SCARED STIFF, Arrow Video (US/UK) Region A/B Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

BERSERKER, Vinegar Syndrome (US) Region ALL Blu-ray/Region 0 NTSC DVD – Available from Vinegar Syndrome.

EDGE OF THE AXE, Arrow Video (US) Region A/B Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

VIY, Severin Films (US) Region ALL Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

THE FIFTH CORD, Arrow Video (US/UK) Region A/B Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

THE KILLER OF DOLLS, Mondo Macabro (US) Region ALL Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

WEREWOLF IN A GIRLS' DORMITORY, Severin Films (US) Region ALL Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

OPERA, Scorpion Releasing (US) Region ALL Blu-ray - Available from Ronin Flix and DiabolikDVD.

Top Ten Arthouse/Mainstream Releases:

THE GOLEM, Eureka Video/Masters of Cinema (UK) Region B Blu-ray - Available from Amazon (import)

THE EAR, Second Run (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray - Available from Amazon (import)

MURDER!, Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

CASE FOR A ROOKIE HANGMAN, Second Run (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray - Available from Amazon (import).

THE POSSESSED, Arrow Video (US/UK) Region A/B Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

THE MAFU CAGE, Scorpion Releasing (US) Region ALL Blu-ray.  Available from Ronin Flix and DiabolikDVD.

THE CHAMPAGNE MURDERS, Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

ALL ABOUT LILY CHOU CHOU, Film Movement (US) Region A Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

THE QUEEN OF SPADES, Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

TIE: UN COEUR EN HIVER, Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray + NELLY AND MONSIEUR ARNAUD, Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray

• Un Coeur en Hiver available from Amazon. 
• Nelly and Monsieur Arnaud available from Amazon.

Honorable Mentions:

THE WHITE REINDEER, Eureka Video/Masters of Cinema (UK) - Available from Amazon (import).

HIGH NOON, Eureka Video/Masters of Cinema (UK) Region B Blu-ray - Available from Amazon (import).

THE FATE OF LEE KHAN, Eureka Video/Masters of Cinema (UK) Region B Blu-ray - Available from Amazon (import).

THE MAD ADVENTURES OF RABBI JACOB, Film Movement (US) Region ALL Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

DAWSON CITY: FROZEN TIME, Second Run (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray - Available from Amazon (import).

A FISTFUL OF DYNAMITE, Eureka Video/Masters of Cinema (UK) Region B Blu-ray - Available from Amazon (import).

DIAMONDS OF THE NIGHT, Second Run (UK) Region ALL Blu-ray - Available from Amazon (import).

LEON MORIN, PRIEST, Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.

LE DOULOS, Kino Lorber (US) Region A Blu-ray – Available from Amazon.