With Halloween now only 37 days away, we have another double bill of devilish delight to entertain and excite. This time its two films that are anthology’s of terror. Now both have a bit in common. Both were produced by Amicus Productions (a rival to the Hammer Studios). Both use films focus on the everyday, mundane lives of middle class people. Both then take those involved and subvert their lives with shrieking delight. Finally both were inspired by E.C. Comics’ Tales from the Crypt comic-book series of the 1950s.
37 – TORTURE GARDEN (INDICATOR)
WHATS IT ABOUT?
A group visit a travelling freak show. 5 are drawn into a side show that has the ultimate in horrors. First it seems it just a man. The guy who played the Joker in the old series of Batman. However as he probes into their minds, he brings forth horrors galore. Revealing the dark reality of the everyone there’s death.
WHY SHOULD WE WATCH IT FOR HALLOWEEN?
You might enjoy it for numerous reasons. 5 that we find were the collective stories. If you don’t like one, wait and another comes along shortly. Each written by Robert Bloch (author of Psycho). Each played as straight as a knife and each cutting to the bone with terror. Well kind of.
WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR?
The standard disc grants the viewer a series of very good extras. Which in turn means that if you enjoy the scares, you can explore those that created them. If you are really gung ho (or brave), you could do no worse than watching the Alternative presentation of the extended TV cut (100 mins)
INDICATOR STANDARD EDITION SPECIAL FEATURES:
• High Definition remaster
• Original mono audio
• World premiere Blu-ray presentation of the original theatrical cut (93 mins)
• Alternative presentation of the extended TV cut (100 mins)
• The Guardian Interview with Freddie Francis (1995, 77 mins): the great cinematographer and director in conversation with journalist Alan Jones recorded at the National Film Theatre, London
• Production Supervisor Ted Wallis on ‘Torture Garden’ (2017, 5 mins): a brief look at the film’s production
• Ramsey Campbell on Robert Bloch (2017, 17 mins): the horror-fiction author explores the importance of the prolific Bloch
• Fiona Subotsky on Milton Subotsky (2017, 8 mins): a personal remembrance
• Kim Newman on ‘Torture Garden’ (2017, 25 mins): new appreciation by the author and genre-film expert
• Original theatrical trailer
• Stills Gallery: on-set and promotional photography
• Lobby Cards and Posters Gallery: an extensive selection of original international promotional material
• New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
BUY IT NOW
36 – TALES FROM THE CRYPT (FINAL CUT)
WHATS IT ABOUT?
The problem with suburbia is nothing ever happens. Well in TALES FROM THE CRYPT, it seems that everything happens. Murder, deceit, revenge, sex and scandal. Oh and the undead coming back to haunt the living. This is a series of scary tales that will leave you in no doubt that ordinary is anything but!
WHY SHOULD WE WATCH IT FOR HALLOWEEN?
Joan Collins being murdered by Santa Claus. Its a highlight that will stay with many a film fan for their entire life. Also to enjoy is a deranged turn by the great Terry Thomas.
WHAT SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR?
The disc is empty but the film more than makes up for it!
BUY IT NOW
