Category: Horror

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: THE OFFICIAL STORY OF THE FILM by Simon Braund is Coming (to get you, Barbara)!

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Has any film influenced a genre and had an impact on movies, television, books, comics, graphic novels, video games and pop culture like George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead?  I don’t think so.

Fans of the movie are in for a treat on September 30th when NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD: THE OFFICIAL STORY OF THE FILM by Simon Braund is released.  Here’s the info…

The official retrospective of one of cinema’s most important films – Night of the Living Dead.

The full story of the first “zombie” movie, the 1968 George A. Romero cult film that denoted the birth of modern horror genre.

Released in 1968, George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead revolutionized horror, redefining the zombie subgenre and influencing filmmakers for generations.

This official retrospective tells the full story of how the film was made by a small group of people at the outset of their film-making careers. Interviews with cast and production company members explore the genesis of the movie, from persuading friends and family to become investors, finding the perfect run-down farmhouse in rural western Pennsylvania for the central location, assembling a cast of extras to portray “flesh-eating ghouls”, and the ground-breaking casting of a black actor in a leading role — Duane Jones as Ben — to therough-and-tumble guerilla-style shoot.

The book explores how Night of the Living Dead went from controversial to iconic over the years, gaining critical acclaim and a hardcore cult following. And how zombies — as envisioned by Romero and his co-creators—now permeate everything from video games to literature, all tracing back to the unparalleled original.

Illustrated with movie stills, memorabilia, and unpublished on-set photos never previously seen, and including analysis of the original shooting script annotated by George A. Romero, this book is a must-have for horror fans.

“Chaos: The Manson Murders” (2025) / Z-View

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Chaos: The Manson Murders (2025)

Director: Errol Morris

Based on: CHAOS: CHARLES MANSON, THE C.I.A., AND THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE SIXTIES  by Tom O’Neill with Dan Piepenbring

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Chaos: The Manson Murders details the events leading up to the murders of Sharon Tate (who was 8 1/2 months pregnant), Jay Sebring, Voytek Frykowski, Abigail Folger, Steven Parent, Leno LaBianca, and Rosemary LaBianca.  It also explores other lesser-known murders and crimes committed by Manson and his followers.

It then investigates possible connections between Charles Manson and the C.I.A.  How could it be possible that Manson was able to break parole, create a cult of followers who did his bidding and fly under the radar of the police?  Could there have been more at play than we know?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Chaos: The Manson Murders does an excellent job of detailing the events and people involved in Charlie Manson’s cult, the victims, as well as the trial of the century.  In addition other crimes and little know facts are presented.  I’ve followed the Manson murders/trial as well as books, documentaries, television specials, etc. for decades.  I enjoyed Chaos: The Manson Murders, but found the C.I.A. speculation to be a bit of stretch.  Still, I thought the documentary was excellent.

Chaos: The Manson Murders (2025) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial” (2024) / Z-View

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Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial (2024)

Director: Joe Berlinger

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial is a six part miniseries that traces the rise and fall of Adolph Hitler.

  • Ep. 1: Traces Hitler’s life as a child growing into a man who dreamed of being an artist.  Hitler’s role in World War I.
  • Ep. 2: Hitler’s ability as a public speaker allows him to become one of the most popular politicians in Germany.
  • Ep. 3: Hitler brings forth laws targeting Jews and making them the scapegoat for all of Germany’s problems.  Hitler brings Austria into the Third Reich.
  • Ep. 4: Hitler’s desire to increase German territory leads him to take the war to more countries.  Concentrations camps are introduced.
  • Ep. 5: Concentration and death camps are causing the deaths of countless people.  As World War II rages, Hitler calls for the invasion of his ally, Russia.
  • Ep. 6: Germany loses the war, Hitler and some of his closest commanders commit suicide.  The allies round up Nazi leaders and for the first time in history, countries come together to hold a trial in Nuremberg.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial does a nice job of summarizing Hitler’s life, the rise and fall of Nazism and the Nuremberg trial.  I wish there were less reenactments and more vintage footage.  I would have also liked a bigger emphasis on the Nuremberg trial.  But that’s just nitpicking.

Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Manson: The Women” (2019) / Z-View

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Manson: The Women (2019)

Director: James Buddy Day

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Manson: The Women explores how four of Charles Manson’s female cult members were recruited, compelled to follow Manson’s every command and how they feel about Manson today.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Manson: The Women takes an interesting idea and showcases how four women who were members of Charles Manson’s family were recruited, compelled to follow Manson’s orders and how they feel about Manson today.  This is done using vintage footage, and interviews coupled with current interviews.

The recruitment method was similar for all of the women — they were young troubled girls without a support system looking for one.  Once in the family, Manson won them over using drugs, sex and saying things to make them feel special (even though he treated them terribly).  Manson had sex with all of them and made them available to anyone he wanted to impress.  They would beg, steal, and even kill for Charlie Manson.

All these years later, two looked back on their time in the cult with disgust, while two still spoke favorably about Manson and the things that went on there.

Manson: The Women (2019) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Prophecy” starring Talia Shire & Armand Assante – Christopher Shy’s Alt Movie Poster!

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Christopher Shy‘s excellent alt movie poster for Prophecy reminded me of the horror film that doesn’t get enough love.

Prophecy was written by David (The Omen) Seltzer, directed by John (Ronin) Frankenheimer and starred Talia (Rocky) Shire, Robert (Damien: Omen II) and Armand (I, the Jury) Assante.

I saw Prophecy when it was first released. I liked it much better than expected.  I’ve seen Prophecy at least once since then (years ago) and thought it held up well.  Thanks to Christopher Shy, Prophecy is now on my list for another watch.

CREEPY Archives Volume 11!

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CREEPY Archives Volume 11 will be released on November 4, 2025.  It will contain 256 pages of horrific fun! Here’s what we get…

GRAVE CONSEQUENCES!

IT’S BOUND TO BE A SCREAM!

Collects issues #51–#54, plus color covers and stories in an affordable paperback format!

Our latest foray into fear reprints some of Warren Publishing‘s first full-color story offerings from the early ’70s and features more of the unique talents that made Creepy so tantalizing and timeless. With a gorgeous cover by Frank Frazetta and stories by comic-book talents Richard Corben, Doug Moench, Budd Lewis, Tom Sutton, and Reed Crandall, this volume is not to be missed!

  Deal me in.  Pre-Orders are available now.

EERIE Archives Volume 11!

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EERIE Archives Volume 11 will be released on October 7, 2025.  It will contain 264 pages of horrific fun! Here’s what we get…

GRAVE CONSEQUENCES!

LEGENDARY CREATORS OF LEGENDARY TERROR!

Collecting issues #52–#55 of Warren Publishing‘s legendary Eerie horror anthology, this affordable paperback edition features the character Hunter—the deadly demon killer of the future—making an explosive debut.

Esteban Maroto continues his enchanting tales of Dax the Warrior, and Shreck struggles for survival on a dangerous, irradiated alternate world! A run of breathtaking covers by Sanjulian and Ken Kelly and a do-it-yourself Werewolf! board game top off this fine collection of 1970s horror tales!

  Deal me in.  Pre-Orders are available now.

“Elevation” (2024) starring Anthony Mackie and Morena Baccarin / Z-View

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Elevation (2024)

Director: George Nolfi

Screenplay: John Glenn, Jacob Roman, Kenny Ryan

Stars: Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, Maddie Hasson, Rachel Nicks, Tyler Grey, Ian Hummel and Danny Boyd Jr..

Tagline: Don’t go down without a fight.

The Plot…

Three years ago, armored creatures burrowed to the surface and began wiping out humankind.  The beasts were impervious to our weapons due to the natural protective plates that covered their bodies.  95% of the world’s population was dead within weeks.

Only those who lived or could get to 8,000 feet above sea level survived.  For some reason the creatures wouldn’t go above that level.  Now small villages of survivors live above 8,000 foot elevation line.

When Wil’s son, Hunter (Boyd Jr.) runs low on his breathing medication, Wil (Mackie) knows he’ll have to go to Boulder to get more.  The city is below the 8,000 foot level.  It will almost certainly be a suicide mission.  But if he doesn’t go Hunter will die.

Joining Wil will be Nina (Baccarin), a scientist working to create a bullet strong enough to penetrate the creatures’ armor and Katie (Hasson), a woman tired of hiding above the safety line.

It’s a suicide run to save a child.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Be sure to watch the mid-credits scene which could set-up a sequel.

I love the pre-opening credits set-up and the final scene before the end credits.

Mackie, Baccarin, Hasson were well cast.  I like the trio’s chemistry.

Elevation (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Longlegs” (2024) written & directed by Osgood Perkins; starring Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage & Blair Underwood / Z-View

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Longlegs (2024)

Director:  Osgood Perkins

Screenplay: Osgood Perkins

Stars: Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Blair Underwood, Alicia Witt, Michelle Choi-Lee, Dakota Daulby, Kiernan Shipka, Jason William Day, Lisa Chandler and Shafin Karim.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

It’s discovered that rookie FBI agent Lee Harker (Monroe) has some psychic ability.  For that reason Harker is assigned to a small task force working to find the serial killer known as Longlegs.  For years, Longlegs has wiped out entire families by forcing the father to kill his children, wife and then himself.  Longlegs then leaves coded Satanic messages behind.

Shortly after Harker is assigned to the task force she receives a message from Longlegs.  Slowly Harker begins to realize she may have a connection to the killer.  As the clock ticks and the date of Longlegs’ next family massacre draws near, Harker works to discover Longlegs’ identity.

Tick…tick…tick…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although Nicolas Cage starred as the killer, Longlegs, writer/director Osgood Perkins requested that posters/trailers limit his use to promote the film so when he appears onscreen in the film it would be even more frightening.

Longlegs is the highest-grossing independent horror film since Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013).

Kudos to director Osgood Perkins.  He films each scene to at angles to increase tension.  Halls feel long and narrow.  Doors, windows and rooms in the background create concern.  There is always the feeling that something beyond the camera’s focus is about to occur.  Sometimes it does.  Creepy.

Longlegs (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

CREEPY Archives Volume 10!

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CREEPY Archives Volume 10 will be released on September 2, 2025.  It will contain 280 pages of horrific fun! Here’s what we get…

GRAVE CONSEQUENCES!

IT’S BOUND TO BE A SCREAM!

In this cranium-cracking collection, the Eisner Award-winning Creepy Archives run continues to bring classic Warren horror anthology stories to modern readers in an affordable paperback edition!

Collecting Creepy magazine issues #46-#50 and featuring a terrifying cover by acclaimed horror and fantasy illustrator Sanjulian, our latest excursion into terror brings us face to fang with the bizarre concoctions of Richard Corben, Doug Moench, Reed Crandall, Tom Sutton, Jerry Grandenetti, José Bea, and other familiar monsterminds and fan faves.

This archival edition also reprints all color covers, color Loathsome Lore stories, fan-art pages, letter columns, and essays from the original magazines, making our series essential for hardcore horror collectors and new readers alike!

  Deal me in.  Pre-Orders are available now.