DVD Collectors Online

From Beyond the Grave, a review by Danae Cassandra

From Beyond the Grave

Year of Release:  1973
Directed By:  Kevin Connor
Starring:  Peter Cushing, Ian Bannen, Ian Carmichael, Donald Pleasence, David Warner
Rated:  PG

Overview:
Bolt the door, lower the lights and settle in for a stylish five-episode supernatural shocker possessed of a shivery all-star cast and drenched in evil. Welcome to Temptations Ltd., a decrepit antique shop whose unwary customers get more than they bargain for from the wily proprietor (Peter Cushing). Much more.

Go to the head of the horror class if you can predict who'll join the ranks of the doomed from among this role call of distinguished British actors: Ian Bannen, Ian Carmichael, Diana Dors, Lesley-Anne Down, Margaret Leighton, Donald Pleasence, Nyree Dawn Porter, David Warner and more. A mirror. A medal. A snuff box. An ornate door. All unleash novelty surprises for the characters – and you – in these wickedly horrific tales From Beyond the Grave.

My Thoughts:
This is a fun and entertaining anthology film from Amicus, starring the great Peter Cushing.  He's one of my favorite actors, so I wanted to get at least one of his films in this month.  It's got a nicely creepy atmosphere, especially the blue room in the fourth story, and some pretty good acting (especially Cushing, but Donald and Angela Pleasence are also quite good in their roles).  The opening sequence, as the camera moves through an overgrown graveyard, is also very well done and sets an appropriately eerie stage for the film.  There isn't a lot of gore - while there's plenty of death, the camera cuts away from the act of killing.  I personally kind of like this, because it forces the film to rely on telling a scary story.  Recommended for fans of Amicus, Hammer, or classic horror in general.

Bechdel Test:  Fail

Overall:  3.5/5

(From Danae's 2012 Horror on October 13th, 2012)

Scream, a review by Dragonfire

Scream



The smash hit that transformed the horror genre into a phenomenon, Scream also launched the careers of some of today's brightest stars!

After a series of mysterious deaths, an offbeat group of friends get caught up in a lively mix of thrills and chills! With hot stars Drew Barrymore (Ever After), Courteney Cox (TV's Friends), Neve Campbell (54), Skeet Ulrich (As Good As It Gets) and David Arquette (Beautiful Girls).

Now you can experience this edge-of-your-seat thriller like never before with the Dimension Collector's Series on DVD.

My Thoughts

I did get a review posted on Epinions last year.

Scream

(From Dragonfire's Halloween/Horror Marathon 2009 on October 14th, 2009)

Caroline in the City Marathon, a review by Tom

Caroline and the Kid (1996-06-14)
Writer: Will Calhoun, Bill Masters, Jay Sherick
Director: Tom Cherones
Cast: Lea Thompson (Caroline), Eric Lutes (Del), Malcolm Gets (Richard), Amy Pietz (Annie), Andy Lauer (Charlie), Burke Moses (Marco), Sam Gifaldi (Martin), Gregory Itzin (Mr. Lepner), Lupe Ontiveros (Rosa), Perry Anzilotti (Towel Attendant)

A good episode. Richard and Caroline have to deal with a brat boy. Del gets jealous when he sees in the gym's locker room, that an ex-boyfriend of Caroline is hung well.



Caroline and the Ex-Wife (1996-03-28)
Writer: Amy Cohen, Michelle Nader
Director: Tom Cherones
Cast: Lea Thompson (Caroline), Eric Lutes (Del), Malcolm Gets (Richard), Amy Pietz (Annie), Andy Lauer (Charlie), Joely Fisher (Jill), Adam Ferrara (Pete Spadaro), Kenny Johnson (Blair), Joseph Bologna (Lou Spadaro), Candice Azzara (Angie Spadaro)

Caroline meets the second ex-wife of Del. An average episode.



Caroline and the Movie (1996-04-04)
Writer: Bill Prady
Director: Tom Cherones
Cast: Lea Thompson (Caroline), Eric Lutes (Del), Malcolm Gets (Richard), Amy Pietz (Annie), Andy Lauer (Charlie), Robby Benson (Himself), John Landis (Himself), Jeff Altman (Howie Bloom), Steven Banks (A.D.), Kathy Griffin (DMV Clerk), Rick Pasqualone (Blade), Sandra Purpuro (Maria Louise Fanego), Wendee Cole (Howie's Date), Nina Jane Barry (2nd A.C.)

John Landis shoots a scene for a movie in the street where Caroline lives. Richard and Caroline get roles as extras in the movie.
A good episode and one of the cases I do not mind the stunt casting.

(From Caroline in the City Marathon on September 18th, 2008)