I am a culinary genius. Currently in my oven, cooking away on a low light, is the most amazing smelling scouse ever. Except it’s not really scouse as it only has beef in it and not lamb as well. Plus I’ve got beetroot to have with it instead of red cabbage. But I don’t care. I’m from Liverpool. It’s a stew. It’s scouse. Obviously I need to taste it to see if it’s as good as it smells. But even if it just tastes half as good, then it’s going to be boss. In fact, my tummy’s grumbling just thinking about it! But it’s got another couple of hours to cook! I can wait… Just!
So it’s been a good week. The sun’s been out, the sky has been blue, I bought new clothes and my students finally seem to like me. All is right with the world! Of course, next week will be even better since Damned By Dawn with its banshee and flying skeletons is out on DVD on Monday from Momentum Pictures! The film has been getting some great reviews as can be seen from the blog. Or why not head on over to the official thread to chat about the title? Also worth checking out is Stonehenge Apocalypse which is out now on DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment. Check out the blog and official thread.
Anyway, lots more news to get through before I can be fed, so on we go!
Sarah@Cult Labs.
PHENOMENA – OUT MONDAY!
Arrow Video’s loving Blu-ray and DVD of Dario Argento’s Phenomena is out on Monday and it’s shaping up to be an excellent package including:
- 4 panel reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork.
- Two-sided fold out poster with new artwork.
- Exclusive collector’s booklet featuring brand new writing on Phenomena by Alan Jones, author of Profondo Argento.
- High Definition transfer of the Italian cut of the film.
- Original English & Italian Stereo Audio.
- Brand new subtitle translation of the Italian and optional English subtitles of the English audio.
- Dario’s Monkey Business: The Making of Phenomena – A 50 minute long documentary featuring interviews with key talent behind the film including director Dario Argento, star Daria Nicolodi, underwater photographer Gianlorenzo Battaglia and more!
- Music for Maggots – An Interview with composer with Claudio Simonetti.
- Introduction by special effects artist Sergio Stivaletti.
- Creepers for Creatures – Sergio Stivaletti lives Q&A sessions from Dublin and Glasgow.
This is a must-have for all Argento fans. For more info, check out the blog or the official mini-forum!
THE BEYOND
Also out soon from Arrow is The Beyond which is out 14 March 2011 on DVD and Blu-ray. Forum regulars will have noticed some debate over the opening of the film which, in review copies was black and white rather than the original sepia. Arrow have now released a statement regarding this and have said that anyone who receives a faulty disc (i.e. with the opening in black and white) will be able to receive a corrected version by either sending them the original disc or proof of purchase. They’re dead good like that!
For more info on The Beyond, check out the official mini-forum!
ALTITUDE
Last week I told you about Altitude, aviator-horror combining the traits of survival horror with the good ol’ monster movie! The film itself is out on DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment on 14 March 2011 but, if you can’t wait until then, why not check out the first and second clips to be released from the film? Or why not head over to the official thread?
MASTERS OF GIALLO COLLECTION SPECIAL OFFER
Fancy stocking up on some classic slices from Fulci, Argento and Bava (Lamberto that is!) without breaking the bank? The first three Arrow Video titles ever released, The House by the Cemetery, Macabre and Sleepless are for a limited time available direct from Arrow for only £18! You can purchase them direct from Arrow here.
THE KING MAKER – COMING SOON!
Based on the true story of a murderous queen, who, in 16th century Siam, plotted the murder of her husband so her lover could accede to the throne, the historical action epic The King Maker stars Gary Stretch (World Trade Center, Alexander), John Rhys-Davies (Lord Of The Rings, Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade) and former Miss Thailand Cindy Burbridge (A House Of Mad Souls) in a swashbuckling, martial arts adventure packed with sword-wielding warriors, ninja assassins, heroic battles and political intrigue.
This action epic will be released on DVD by Anchor Bay Entertainment on 21 March 2011.
THE BEST OF THE BLOG
Sam’s Sharktopus blog has had me in stitches. It might be one of the funniest things I’ve read so far this year. Sharktopus has become a star and, with it, is making star-like demands. In this week’s blog, Sam weighs up whether the half-shark-half-octopus is just a victim of the fame machine or diva extraordinaire!
The trouble with working with Hollywood types is, as a lowly PR droid, you are subject to the whims and egotistical demands of the ‘talent’. Between you and me, my colleagues and I are getting a little sick of Sharktopus’ constant requests from Brine Lattes and Fresh Sealions.
It’s not Sharktopus’ fault. He’s had fame thrust upon him because of his unique look (which Vogue and ID Magazine have both declared ‘this summers hot trend’) and ability to kill bloodily on both land and sea. No wonder he’s having trouble adjusting.
To read more, head on over to the blog or check out the official thread! Sharktopus will be released on DVD by Anchor Bay Entertainment on 14 March 2011.
THERE’S SOMETHING GOING ON AT THE LABORATORY
I am so hungry now. But dinner is very nearly ready and I can’t wait to wolf it down now! Yum! While I wait for Mr. Sarah@Cult Labs to serve up, why don’t I catch you up on what’s been going on at the forums this week?
Fantastic Factory Presents – The Artwork Panels
Nos has been slowly revealing the artwork panels for Arrow’s stunning Fantastic Factory Presents box set. Check out this thread for the box set artwork as well as the individual artwork for each of the titles included: Beyond Re-Animator, Faust: Love of the Damned, Arachnid and Romasanta: The Werewolf Hunt. What are you waiting for? Head on over and let us know what you think now!
The Strange Vice of Mrs. Wardh
Nothing new here this week but I’ll draw your attention to it anyway. As the release date draws nearer and nearer, more and more things will be revealed such as the trailer and the – dare I say it? – reverse artwork. Keep your eyes peeled over the next couple of weeks!
The Twilight Zone: Official UK Forum
Just another wee mention about this forum. Cult Labs is now home to the official UK forum for The Twilight Zone and is the place you can chat about all things TZ including the forthcoming DVD and Blu-ray releases! The forum is a hive of activity and has got members super-excited so head on over to join in the fun. And, don’t forget, if you know a big TZ fan, send them this way!
Prisoner Cell Block H: The Official UK DVD Forum
Another place buzzing with activity is the official forum for Prisoner Cell Block H. Rust Orange won the colour vote for Vol. 9 but you’ll have to check back to see when another poll goes up! People on Cult Labs really know their Prisoner so if you know any fans who would enjoy a good chinwag, send them over to us!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I think you would be lucky to get this through unscathed by the BBFC. Would it include the notorious ‘singing’ scene?” - mr 420 expresses concern at Shameless’s proposed release of Grease 2.*
* In no way is this true.
KYLE’S COMP CORNER
This week Kyle has a copy of Phenomena for you and he’s thought up an excellent comp for it! To be in with a chance of winning, head on over to the Comp Corner now! Good luck…
MODS & ROCKERS
It’s been a quiet week on the Labs. A few scuffles here and there but nothing our Super Mods can’t handle. Just a reminder that manners are always appreciated. Whether what you have to say is positive or negative, please remember to say it politely. If members feel intimidated by the manner of someone’s post, they should PM any of the the mods directly.
The forum rules can be found here. If any of the mods (forum, technical, competitions, etc.) want me to include anything in this section next week then just let me know!
WELCOME NEWBIES!
This week I’m saying hi there to blu, and welcome back to MaGgot_VomiT (formerly bitchslicer). Have a fab time here! If you’re new to the forum, why not head on over to the new members thread to introduce yourself?
AND FINALLY…
Before I go, here’s a little reminder that if you haven’t already signed up to receive this newsletter in your inbox each week, you can do so using this link. All this means is that every Thursday you get a little bit of me in your inbox. Not literally though. That’d be a bit gross.
Remember, if you have any comments, feedback or anything you’d like to see featured in the newsletter, PM me at Sarah@Cult Labs or drop me a line on the newsletter thread! Or, if you’re reading this as an email, just hit “reply”!
Until next week,
Sarah@Cult Labs.