Retro Reviews

Reviews of older horror films, shorts, or general creepiness.

Celebrating 35 Years Of David Cronenberg’s ‘Dead Ringers’ With Seven Fascinating Facts Surrounding The Film

Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SGA-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, Dead Ringers being covered here wouldn’t exist. David Cronenberg is most well-known for his uncompromising and often gory body horror flicks such as Shivers, Rabid, and the uncomfortably …

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‘X-Files’ Turns 30 This Month And Twice, Was My Salvation

I’ve been getting away from more standard retro-reviews lately. And this The X-Files retro will be no different. Maybe something along the lines of a “love letter” to a series that was a source of comfort for me. Tales of the Unexplained and Bizarre, But on the ‘Small Screen’ I grew …

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When Your Vacation Home Is A Blasted Out Hovel – Vinegar Syndrome’s ‘VACATION OF TERROR’ I and II – Blu-ray Review

Vacation of Terror

I know almost zilch about 1980’s Mexican horror cinema. I mean, I have a weird affinity for the “Coffin Joe” films, but those are Brazilian, and Paul Naschy did a plethora of Spanish language films, but other than the work in the last two decades from Guillermo Del Toro and …

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Looking Back On Twenty Plus Years Of ‘BUBBA HO-TEP’ (2002) – Retro Review

Bubba Ho-Tep

Bubba Ho-Tep (2002) is old enough to buy a beer! Let’s revisit this excellent horror comedy for the 21st anniversary of the film. But first? The trailer! Bubba Ho-Tep Synopsis Elvis Presley (Bruce Campbell) and a black JFK going by Jack (Ossie Davis) are living in a nursing home where nothing …

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The Modern Freaky-Deaky Prometheus! Cauldron Films’ ‘FRANKENSTEIN ’80’ (1972) Blu-ray Review

Frankenstein '80

I’m a dyed-in-the-wool fan of Italian cinema. From giallos to cannibal flicks, from lush, gothic yarns to complete sci-fi rip-offs, I love ‘em all! Dubious dubbing, psychedelic soundtracks, frequent, unnecessary nudity from countless Euro-babes—gimmie more! So it was with an open mind and a sardonic grin that I popped in …

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Let The Dead Rise Again: The 45th Anniversary of George A. Romero’s ‘DAWN OF THE DEAD’ (1978)

Dawn of the Dead

The Dead will rise again this year for the 45th Anniversary: Dawn of the Dead was first released in Italy in September 1978, and all the OG zombie fans can’t wait to celebrate the walking dead all over again. Dawn of the Dead set the standards a little higher for …

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‘THE WAR OF THE WORLDS’ (1953): Quintessential Alien Invasion Epic

The War of the Worlds

The War of the Worlds is a science fiction film released in 1953, directed by Byron Haskin and produced by George Pal. Based on the 1898 novel of the same name by H.G. Wells (with screenplay by Barré Lyndon), it is considered one of the classic and influential movies in the …

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Turn Your Insides Inside-Out With Cauldron Films’ ‘City Of The Living Dead’ (1980) 4K UHD Set Review

You know from that opening scream, things are about to get strange. And “strange” is a very apt term to describe director Lucio Fulci’s splattery masterpiece, City of the Living Dead. After two very different Blu-ray releases, Cauldron Films has upped the ante with their new 4K transfer. Synopsis: “A …

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Yinzer Madness! Re-live the Sickness With Unearthed Films’ New ‘AUGUST UNDERGROUND’ Blu-ray!

Fred Vogel is a pretty normal guy. By all outward appearances anyways. He’s not, like, Satan, or anything.  I’ve met him a few times at conventions, his eyes don’t glow red, he doesn’t have fangs (that I’ve seen…), and no horns protrude from his noggin. He’s actually quite friendly and …

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