Filthy Review - 'The Thompsons'

The Thompsons (2012)

Review by Jude Felton

Back in 2006 a subtle and disturbing vampire flick was made by The Butcher Brothers. The film hit theaters as part of the After Dark Horrorfest, of which I managed to catch a few on the big screen. The Hamiltons was something a little different to other vampire movies; was it even a vampire flick? The titular family needed to feed, on blood of course, but it was always referred to as the disease, and many other traditional aspects of vampirism were distinctly absent. Regardless, it was a good movie and a solid calling card from the directing partnership.

Pirate 'John Dies at the End' and you will explode!

I had planned on posting this last night, but due to lack of power and whatnot that was not to be. Regardless, Don Coscarelli's new movie, John Dies at the End, has just hit VOD and will open at theaters on January 25th, and to coincide with this there is a new anti-piracy trailer. Remember, you have been warned!

Get ready for an 'Aftershock' - New trailer

To get you in the Christmas spirit I have the new trailer for the Eli Roth produced Aftershock. Directed, and co-written with Roth, by Nicolas Lopez, the movie also stars Eli Roth (as you can tell from the still above) and is set in Chile where a group of travelers are caught in an underground nightclub when an earthquake hits. Check the trailer out after the break! Aftershock is set to hit theaters in 2013.

Filthy Review - 'Total Recall'

Total Recall (2012)

Review by Jude Felton

Ah, another day, another remake, and more often than not another reason, as if any were needed, for the masses to cry heresy. Without reference to this film, just yet, the originals aren’t always the best; if they were we’d all be driving Model T Ford’s right about now. In all seriousness though, stop putting the money in the studios coffers if you don’t want to see more remakes. Even the biggest box office flop takes in more money than the most successful independent film. Harsh but true. As for original movies; folk just aren’t plonking their collective asses down at the theaters to see them. It would appear that the masses are content with remakes, sequels and adaptations. At the time of writing this review at least 6 movies in the current top 10 are either adaptations or part of a franchise (or sequel), with one re-release in 3D. Someone is paying to see these films.

Filthy Review - 'Berberian Sound Studio'

Berberian Sound Studio (2012)

Review by Jude Felton

In 2009 directors Helene Cattat and Bruno Forzani made the quite sublime movie Amer. It was slightly abstract in its execution, but it painted a loving homage to the Italian Giallo movie. The movie probably wasn’t to everyone’s taste, due to its style; however, I thought it was quite superb. I highly recommend you check it out it you get the chance. If I was to pair Amer up with another film for a double-bill, it would be with Peter Strickland’s Berberian Sound Studio, which stars Toby Jones. Visually it is far removed from Amer’s surreal style, yet it sits perfectly together with it as a wonderful nod to that bygone Italian era.

'West of Memphis' - New clip featuring Henry Rollins and Eddie Vedder

Amy Berg's West of Memphis documentary is a film I am eagerly awaiting. It opens theatrically on December 25th and tells the untold story of the West Memphis 3, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley, who were finally freed after 18 years behind bars for a crime they did not commit. West of Memphis is released by Sony Pictures Classics. After the break you can check out a new clip, which features Henry Rollins and Eddie Vedder, as well as the trailer and some stills.

Filthy Review - 'Fangoria #319'

Fangoria #319

Review by Jude Felton

Fangoria is the one magazine I subscribe to. I’ve been reading it since the 80s’ (issue 73 to be precise), but it’s only the last couple of years that I have eagerly awaited its arrival in my mailbox. So, I get a little antsy when I see the latest issue in the stores before my copy arrives, although I can live with this knowing that the magazine’s head offices were getting battered by Hurricane Sandy during the creation of #319. Hey, I’m just eager to get stuck into the bloody thing!

Filthy Music Review - 'Degial: Death's Striking Wings'

Degial – Death’s Striking Wings (2012)

Sepulchral Voice

Review by Jude Felton

Sweden’s Degial are a band from Sweden who have been around since 2004, yet this is their first full length album. They have previously released a demo, in 2006, and the EP Death and Darkness Buries All.. in 2010, both of which I have not heard. Death’s Striking Wings though is a hell of an introduction though to their music.

Filthy Review - 'The Frozen'

The Frozen (2012)

Review by Jude Felton

A movie does not have to be 100% original for me to enjoy it. Hell, if that was the case I really wouldn’t enjoy many films at all. I am, however, not a fan of laziness when it comes to the naming and marketing of them. So, when I first glanced my eyes over the artwork and title of The Frozen, many things came to mind; first and foremost being that there appeared not to be an ounce of originality in it.

Movie News - 'Crawlspace' Poster and Stills

The Australian horror flick, Crawlspace, (not to be confused with the 1986 Klaus Kinski flick) will be released by IFC Midnight on January 4th at select theaters, as well as VOD and Digital outlets. I've actually just finished reading an interesting article on the film in the latest issue of Fangoria, and it definitely looks to be well worth checking out (both the film AND magazine!). Check after the break for more on Crawlspace, include a bevy of stills.

Movie News - 'Stoker' poster debuts

'From the director of Oldboy' should be all you need to get excited about Stoker. Park Chan-wook's latest movie stars Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska and Matther Goode, and opens on March 1st. Above you can check out the deceptively innocent looking new poster.

Music News - 'Cradle of Filth' announce US tour dates

As you may imagine, I have been waiting for this tour to be announced and now they finally have. The boys from my home county of Suffolk, Cradle of Filth, are coming back to the States on tour. Support will be from The Faceless, Decapitated and The Agonist (full tour dates below). Available for this tour will be Ticketless VIP Packages, which include a meet and greet with the band. The Filthy ones are touring in support of their excellent The Manticore and Other Horrors album. See you in Philly!

DVD News - 'Above the Street, Below the Water'

Without a doubt the Scandinavians are putting out some of the most interesting and exciting movies and TV of late. On January 21st Arrow Films will be releasing Above the Street, Below the Water to DVD and Digital; a film which stars some of the cast from such shows as The Killing and The Bridge.

DVD News - 'My Ex 2: Haunted Lover'

On February 4th MVM will be releasing My Ex 2: Haunted Lover, from director Piyapan Choopetch. It is the sequel to My Ex, funnily enough, which I reviewed here. My Ex 2 was released in its native Thailand in 2010, but is only now seeing a DVD release in the UK. Check after the break for more details, including a shedload of stills.

Eco-Thriller 'The Bay' set to hit DVD and Digital in March

Barry Levinson's found footage style eco-thriller, The Bay, is set to hit DVD and Digital on March 5th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The film recently had a limited theatrical release, which surprises me as I have only heard good things about it, and I am eager to see it. I am also surprised that to the best of my knowledge there is no Blu-ray release planned as of yet. The DVD special features include an audio commentary from Levinson and a featurette entitled Into the Unknown. On a sidenote, I highly recommend reading the recent interview with Barry Levinson in issue 128 of Rue Morgue magazine.

Old School Video Store viewing of V/H/S - Get the anthology on Limited Edition video cassette

Want to get your hands on a limited edition number vhs edition of the horror anthology V/H/S? Thought you might. Well, one way you can do this (there are only 300 copies of this) is to attend this very cool looking screening of the film. Cellar Rentals, at Blackall Studios, in London, will be screening the film on Wednesday 16th January. You'll get drinks, popcorn, more drinks, a chance to peruse their retro video store AND a copy of V/H/S on vhs. Cool? Very.

Filthy Review - 'Resident Evil: Retribution'

Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)

Review by Jude Felton

Ever since the first Resident Evil movie, back in 2002, the series has moved away from the game franchise that spawned it, whilst ironically moving closer in some aspects. Realistically speaking the movie franchise, of with director/producer Paul W.S. Anderson pulls the strings, is an expansion of the gaming world taken in a new direction. Zombies are no longer the main threat, and appear in Retribution very rarely, with the ominous Umbrella Corporation continuing to be the uber-villian.

Filthy Review - 'Killer Joe'

Killer Joe (2011)

Review by Jude Felton

Hey Joe, where are you going with that gun in your hand? I’m going to shoot someone’s old lady, because they have a handsome life insurance policy. Yes indeed, legendary director William Friedkin is back with a bang in this modern day Noir that mixes up the down and dirty, with ample violence, with a good amount of dark humor.

Filthy Review - 'Out There'

Out There (2012)

Review by Jude Felton

There’s definitely something in the Irish water at the moment, with films such as the recent Citadel and Railway Children impressing the hell out of me. Now I can happily add Out There to this list, as this 16 minute short film is quite excellent. The film takes a simple premise and manages to infuse tension, thrills and perfect pacing until it reaches its wonderful climax.

'Django, Prepare a Coffin' coming to DVD from Arrow

If you have yet to see one of the original Django movies, which starred Franco Nero, there would be no better time than January 14th. This is when Arrow Video will be releasing Django, Prepare a Coffin on to DVD in the UK. This lost lost sequel to the 1966 movie, Django, comes at the most opportune time, with Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained hitting theaters over the Christmas period. As the blurb on the sleeve tells us, 'Step into the Cult Arena'! I am sure I will be.

Filthy Review - 'The Words'

The Words (2012)

Review by Jude Felton

It is always said that you should never judge a book by its cover, and this could very well be true. This is a statement that could also be leveled at Blu-rays or DVDs, as judging from the cover artwork of The Words you can’t really gauge what the film is about. Aside from plastering Bradley Cooper on it, who’s fairly hot property after his turns in the two The Hangover movies, there’s not an awful lot to go on. The fact that it is a film that does have a literary theme, tying in with my opening comment, might not be that surprising, given the film’s title, but I still don’t like the artwork.

'247°F' set to heat up the UK

Anchor Bay UK will be releasing the claustrophobic thriller 247°F on Blu-ray and DVD on January 28th. The film stars Scout Taylor-Compton and Tyler Mane, re-uniting the Halloween stars, and is about a group of youngsters who become trapped inside a sauna.

'The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia' - Poster and Trailer

I know what you are thinking; I had no idea they were making a sequel to the spooky 2009 flick, The Haunting in Connecticut, either. Well, not only are they making one, but it appears to be made and ready to roll, with a limited theatrical release set for February 1st. The first film was decent enough, with its play on themes we have seen before, so I will more than likely be checking this one out. Lionsgate and Golden Circle Films will be releasing the film, and you can check out the trailer after the break.

Music News - 'Darkthrone' return with new album

The legends that are Darkthrone will return on February 26th, with their new album entitled The Underground Resistance. It will be released by Peaceville Records  and is their first new album since 2010.

'Willow' gets the Blu-ray treatment for its 25th Anniversary

The George Lucas produced and Ron Howard directed classic, Willow, is set to get a Blu-ray release when 20th Century Fox release their Blu-ray/DVD combo pack on March 12th. The film will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary and the Blu-ray is set to contain a fair few special features, with the film itself receiving a new digital transfer.

Trailer for the rather wonderful looking 'Railway Children'

When I was a wee lad one of the films that I watched, on a seemingly frequent basis, was The Railway Children. The vision of Jenny Agutter frantically flagging down an oncoming train will be forever embedded in my head. Now, Irish filmmaker Jason Figgis brings us Railway Children, which doesn't feature Jenny Agutter, or trains for that matter, but is set in a world where a virus has wiped out almost all of the adult population, leaving the children to fend for themselves. Why the title, Railway Children? Because one of the children, Evie, reads chapters of the E. Nesbitt book (upon which the aforementioned film was based) The Railway Children. You can check out the excellent looking trailer below, and I plan on having a review of the film itself over the coming weekend.

The excellent 'Sleep Tight' coming to Blu and DVD

If you have perused my Top 20 favorite films of 2012, you will have seen that Jaume Balaguero's Sleep Tight is on the list. It's a quite terrific, and creepy, movie and on January 8th Dark Sky Films and MPI Media Group will be releasing it on Blu-ray and DVD. Highly recommended viewing.

Music News - Peaceville to reissue 'Mysticum' debut album

On February 26th Peaceville Records will be reissuing the debut album from Mysticum. In the Streams of Inferno will be remastered and contain two bonus songs, as well as an accompanying DVD featuring two live sets. Read on for more info.

Music News - 'Misery Index' to release live album

Fresh from their North American tour, with Cannibal Corpse, Baltimore's Misery Index have released details of their upcoming live album entitled 'Live in Munich'. Recorded on February 18th 2012, whilst touring with Cannibal Corpse and Behemoth, the album will be released digitally and on a very limited edition vinyl version. Full details below.

Arrow bring more Scandinavian thrills to DVD with 'Unit One'

Arrow Film's Nordic Noir imprint is definitely the place to go if you are looking for your Scandinavian crime TV thrills. Having released The Killing and The Bridge recently, they now have Unit One coming to DVD. The 3 disc set will be released on January 21st in the UK and follows an elite police task force, Unit One, as they help police with especially tough crimes in Denmark.

Music News - 'Rotting Christ' new album details

Greek Black Metal legends, Rotting Christ, are gearing up for the release of their next album. 'ΚΑΤΑ ΤΟΝ ΔΑΙΜΟΝΑ ΕΑΥΤΟΥ' ('Do What Thou Wilt') will be released in the US on March 5th from Season of Mist, and will be available on CD, Double Gate-fold LP and a Limited Edition Digibox. Full details, including tracklisting can be found below.

Music News - 'Complete Failure' new album details and artwork

Pittsburgh's Complete Failure have released the cover artwork and tracklisting details for their forthcoming new album. Entitled 'The Art Gospel of Aggravated Assault', you can expect some musical brutality when the album is released on February 19th through Season of Mist. More details below.

The Lair of Filth's Top 20 Films of 2012

Well well, it's that time of the year (it is for me anyway) in which I decide to post a list of my top 20 favorite films of the year. I never post 'Best of' lists, as I don't agree with them, I just like to list the films that I enjoyed the most. All the films below received their either Blu-ray, DVD, Screener or Theatrical releases in 2012 in either the US or UK; for example, Shame got a theatrical in late 2011 but didn't see its Blu-ray release until April 2012, so it made the list. Whereas Accident was didn't get a Blu-ray release until October 2012, but was first released in 2009, so it didn't make the list. Like I say though, this is a list of films I enjoyed from 2012, and it is always a tough decision to decide what makes the list and what doesn't. It's always a tough list for me to write, and this year was no different as my first draft had over 30 films on it. It was a hard decision to cut some and keep others, but that's the way it goes.

Filthy Review - 'Silent Night, Deadly Night Christmas Survival Double Pack''

Silent Night, Deadly Night 1 & 2 – Christmas Survival Double Feature (1984/1987)

Review by Jude Felton

Whether this double feature is seeing a release to coincide with the Steven C. Miller remake, Silent Night, or whether Anchor Bay are just feeling especially festive is probably neither here nor there. It is however a welcome release, regardless of the quality of the films contained. Personally, I think Arrow’s edition of Silent Night, Deadly Night is excellent, but that is essentially a UK release, and with Anchor Bay’s double feature it gives US viewers a chance to catch up on these tales of Christmas carnage. On top of that, the Silent Night, Deadly Night contained here is the unrated version, as opposed to the previously released R rated version.

Time to make your reservation at 'Hotel Transylvania' - Blu-ray and DVD details

On January 29th Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will be releasing the animated movie, Hotel Transylvania on a variety of formats. The film will hit shelves on 3D Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD, all with UltraViolet. Read on for the list of bonus features.

Prepare yourself for 'The Possession' this January

On January 15th Lionsgate will be releasing the Sam Raimi produced The Possession on Blu-ray, DVD, VOD and Digital (with UltraViolet included on the Blu and DVD release). The film stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Kyra Sedgwick and is directed by Ole Bornedal. Included on the release will be an extended featurette about the true story behind the film.

'Berberian Sound Studio' scoops 4 awards at British Independent Film Awards

Berberian Sound Studio, which gets its Blu and DVD release through Artificial Eye in the UK on December 31st, has scooped up the most awards of any film at the British Independent Film Awards. The film took four awards, including Best Director for Peter Strickland, and this comes on top of its multiple wins at the 2012 Film Four FrightFest. Full details below.

Filthy Review - 'V/H/S'

V/H/S (2012)

Review by Jude Felton

Of all the horror websites out there, it definitely seems that Bloody Disgusting is putting their money where their mouth is, and is standing proud in its support of new and exciting horror movie. With the Bloody Disgusting Selects label they have released a wide range of movies in the US, ranging from excellent through to average at best. All have been well-worth checking out though. The Woman, Rammbock, YellowBrickRoad, Atrocious and Chop, among others, have all gotten their US releases through this new and exciting imprint.

The Soska's 'American Mary' UK trailer debuts

Over here in the States we have to wait until the Fall of 2013 to see American Mary released on Blu and DVD, but not so in the UK. Back in Blighty the Soska Sisters eagerly anticipated follow-up to Dead Hooker in a Trunk will be hitting theaters from January 11th, through FrightFest, and Blu-ray and DVD on January 21st from Universal UK. I see an import copy in my near future. Now is your chance to see the new UK trailer for American Mary in all its glory!

Filthy Contest - 'Doomsday Book' Blu-ray - Closed

The end of the world is on its way, apparently, so why not get into the spirit of things with the Well Go USA release of Doomsday Book? Directed by Kim Jee-Woon and Yim Pil-Sung, the Blu-ray and DVD are released on December 11th, and I just so happen to have a copy of the Blu-ray to giveaway!

The Lair of Filth's Top 10 Albums of 2012

Sure, it's not quite the end of 2012 just yet, but I don't believe that I will be getting any more new albums in the remaining couple of weeks of the year. So, below is my choice of Top 10 albums of the year. I don't listen to as many new albums as I would probably like to, but the below list is of albums that are personal favorites and have been pretty much played to death!

'Vreid' unveil new album artwork and new single

Black Metallers, Vreid, have unveiled the artwork to their upcoming album, Welcome Farewell, which you can see at the top of this page. The Norwegians have also announced that the first single from the album will be The Reap. Welcome Farewell will be released by Indie Recordings on March 5th, in North America, and February 26th in Europe.

'Nidingr' want you to puke blood with their new single

Norwegian Black Metal band Nidingr have unveiled the second single from their latest album, Greatest of Deceivers. You can check out Vim Patior for yourself after the break.

'God Seed' Festival appearances and new video

God Seed, who are currently supporting Cradle of Filth on their tour, are set to make at least two festival appearances in 2013. Confirmed dates are Hellfest (June 21-23) and Graspop (June 28-30). Their latest album, I Begin, is available now from Indie Recordings, and you can check out their new video, for Alt Liv, below.

'Holy Motors' coming to UK Blu and DVD from Artificial Eye

The latest film from writer/director Leos Carax, who incidentally directed one of my all-time favorites movies with Les Amants du Pont Neuf, is all set for a Blu-ray and DVD release from Artificial Eye in the UK. Holy Motors stars Eva Mendes and Kylie Minogue, and takes place over the course of one day, and will be released on January 28th. Read on for more details.

'Sinister' coming to UK Blu-ray and DVD

With the recent announcement of the upcoming US Blu-ray and DVD release of Sinister just last week, I can now tell you that the Scott Derrickson fright-fest now has its UK home release. It will hit Blu-ray and DVD from Momentum Pictures on February 11th, with Digital Download also available. Will Sinister make my year end list? You'll just have to wait and see. A list of extras to be included on this release are listed below.

'American Mary' picked up by XLrator Media in US

American Mary is without a doubt one of the most eagerly awaited and anticipated horror flicks in quite some time. Directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska, the movie stars Katherine Isabelle as medical student Mary Mason and delves into the world of underground surgery and body modification. The good news is that XLrator Media has acquired the US rights to American Mary, and will release it on their ScreamFest imprint. The bad news? You'll have to wait until the Fall of 2013 to see it released. This is a little frustrating seeing as the film is getting a UK release in January. Still, we can be assured of a Blu-ray and DVD release.

'Storage 24' trailer debuts

Storage 24, from director Johannes (F) Roberts, hits ultra VOD tomorrow (Dec 6th) and theaters in January (11th). So, to get you ready for for this creature feature, which stars Noel Clarke, I have the new US trailer to share with you. Storage 24 is released by Magnet Releasing.

New trailer from Arrow for 'The Killing' Season 3 Blu-ray and DVD

Arrow Film's Nordic Noir are releasing The Killing Season 3 (on DVD) and The Killing Trilogy (Blu-ray and DVD) on December 17th, and have just released a new trailer for the release. The trailer encourages fans to say goodbye to Sarah Lund, and just makes me want to buy this set! I watched the US remake, but am really eager to check out the Danish original.

William Friedkin's 'Killer Joe' coming to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital

Killer Joe, which is directed by William Friedkin and stars Matthew McConaughey, is coming to Blu-ray, DVD, Digital and VOD from Lionsgate, just in time Christmas. It will be available on Digital Download from December 14th, before hitting disc and VOD on December 21st. The Unrated version will include an audio commentary from Friedkin.