Scream Factory Blu-ray Discussion Thread

[The Great Owl]

Last night, I watched Human Beasts from the Scream Factory Blu-ray set, The Paul Naschy Collection.



Spanish horror actor Paul Naschy plays Bruno, a mercenary who becomes involved with a beautiful Japanese woman who recruits him to join her and her Yakuza gangster brother for a diamond heist, after which he is set to marry her. When Bruno kills the owners of the diamonds during the heist and betrays his lover and her brother by taking the diamonds for himself and fleeing into the mountains of Spain, his lover, who is now pregnant with his child, and her brother track him down. After a fiery gunfight, during which Bruno kills his lover's brother, and is wounded by gunfire from his lover, he escapes into the woods. With all of this unfortunate chick drama seemingly behind him, he buries the diamonds in a secret location and collapses on the ground, bleeding to death.

Bruno wakes up to find himself being nursed back to health at the remote house of a wealthy Spanish doctor and his two gorgeous daughters. Unaware of his shady past, the daughters both vie for his affection, and he eventually makes love to both of them. Jealousy ensues between the two lovely women, and tensions surface within the closely-knit family because of Bruno's presence. Meanwhile, a mysterious and ghostly figure roams the countryside house, killing various intruders and villagers. Bruno also hears unsettling noises from the doctor's farmhouse, where man-eating pigs eagerly await their next prey. The doctor, his two daughters, and their African slave are hiding some terrifying secrets, but Bruno also finds himself in more danger from his Japanese lover, who still has not given up in her pursuit of him in order to exact vengeance for his betrayal and for his murder of her brother.

It goes without saying that Human Beasts is a rather odd film that goes all over the place, with Japanese gangster killings, gothic Spanish ghost stories, African voodoo mystery, a perverse costume party where one participant dresses as a Nazi, gratuitous nudity, and abrupt violence. One scene, where an unfortunate man is eaten by the pigs at the farm got me thinking about the poetic justice of the scenario, given how many pigs have been slaughtered by humans for food. I may cut down on the pork products that I eat, but, in all honesty, I probably won't, because I still love barbecue ribs too much.

Eiko Nagashima is excellent as Bruno's vengeful lover. Silvia Aguilar and Azucena Hernández, both of whom also star with Naschy in Night of the Werewolf, which I'll hopefully be watching tonight, are incredibly sexy as the doctor's daughters. The likewise gorgeous Julia Saly figures into the equation as a strange family member who figures heavily in the plot toward the end.

Human Beasts is my favorite Paul Naschy film that I've seen so far, although many viewers might not quite be ready for its offbeat approach.

The Scream Factory Blu-ray looks and sounds great.

[Donl1282]

Originally Posted by Christophah Maghen

Disappointed but never surprised when our pals at Scream use whatever elements are available when releasing a beloved and highly anticipated Blu Ray.

Yes, Scream Factorys latest slovenly effort is simply the equally junk German blu ray slapped on a disc along with Night of the Sorcerers with a new English friendly menu.

I bought the German blu ray when it came out like 3 or 4 years ago and was so disappointed in the washed out colors and blurry motion.

Looking at caps-a-holic the difference between the DVD and blu rays is so marginal, sure the blu is a tiny bit sharper and the colors a tiny bit bolder.

Back in 2008 though when Lorelei first bowed on DVD, it looked phenomenal for the time period, in this era, washed out, a hair better than a 2008 DVD isnt going to cut it ...PASS. Not that Scream will care losing some sales to die hard fans, they shoestring budgeted this with no respect at all.

It is a real shame this purely capitalist suit and tie outfit are the ones that got their hands on a few Ossorios and a ton of Paul Naschy's best work, what a missed opportunity...Arrow, Vinegar Syndrome, Code Red, Severin would have done a MILES better job than these bums.

Surprising, Germany is known for its high quality products.

[20th Century Boy]

Originally Posted by Talal86

I don't use it as a player, but I have a European ps4..

wait, did I just open the region b floodgates

One of us! One of us!

[rickah88]

Wasn't sure if SF has a deal with IFC in place, but just watch The Chaser DVD last night and couldn't stop thinking how nice it would be to have a US BD.
While it's labeled a Poilce Thriller, there are definitely some horror aspects to it.

[bruce holecheck]

Final specs for THE RESURRECTED!

***THE RESURRECTED Update**

The 1991 underrated Dan O' Bannon-directed film (adapted from an H.P. Lovecraft novella) gets a serious upgrade from us this Fall. Final bonus features are as follows:

• NEW 2K transfer from the film’s vaulted interpositive film element
• NEW Claire’s Conundrum – an interview with actress Jane Sibbett
• NEW The Strange Case of Charles Dexter Ward – an interview with S.T. Joshi, author of I Am Providence: The Life and Times of H.P. Lovecraft
• Audio Commentary with producers Mark Borde and Kenneth Raich, screenwriter Brent V. Friedman, actor Richard Romanus and make-up effects artist Todd Masters
• The Resurrected Man – an interview with Chris Sarandon
• Abominations & Adaptations – an interview with screenwriter Brent Friedman
• Grotesque Melodies - an interview with composer Richard Band
• Lovecraftian Landscapes – an interview with production designer Brent Thomas
• Human Experiments – an interview with special effects artist Todd Masters
• Deleted and Extended Scenes from the workprint
• Home Video Trailer & Japanese Trailer
• Photo Gallery

[zbinks]

Originally Posted by rickah88

Wasn't sure if SF has a deal with IFC in place, but just watch The Chaser DVD last night and couldn't stop thinking how nice it would be to have a US BD.
While it's labeled a Poilce Thriller, there are definitely some horror aspects to it.

There are a few older IFC Midnight titles I'd like to see upgraded to Blu-Ray, but as of November 2015:

Originally Posted by Scream Factory

No plans at this time to go into back IFC catalog (The Human Centipede and The Larry Fessenden Collection being exceptions).

https://www.facebook.com/ScreamFacto...%3A%22R0%22%7D

[rickah88]

Originally Posted by zbinks

There are a few older IFC Midnight titles I'd like to see upgraded to Blu-Ray, but as of November 2015:



https://www.facebook.com/ScreamFacto...%3A%22R0%22%7D

Ok, I thought SF had a few IFC titles, but I couldn't remember off the top of my head.
Oh well, I will keep my fingers crossed for something down the road.

[babybreese]

Originally Posted by Christophah Maghen

Yes, Scream Factorys latest slovenly effort is simply the equally junk German blu ray slapped on a disc along with Night of the Sorcerers with a new English friendly menu.

It is a real shame this purely capitalist suit and tie outfit are the ones that got their hands on a few Ossorios and a ton of Paul Naschy's best work, what a missed opportunity...Arrow, Vinegar Syndrome, Code Red, Severin would have done a MILES better job than these bums.

You really do not understand the situation involving the company controlling these films.
Is LORELEY disappointing? Yes.
You may still want to pick up the Ossorio double though as SORCERERS looks pretty good, and a nice bump over the DVD.


Scream either released as is these or not at all.
That the day for night was not corrected is unfortunate. I am glad they put them out. People get a chance to see them, which is important.

The Naschy titles are in the same boat. Scream did not have options.
Several other companies tried to strike a deal with Victory, and failed, Arrow among them.
Again, much better to have these titles available than not.

Mondo Macabro does excellent work, but their INQUISITION is just like Scream's Spanish titles, a decade + year old master.
The back story is a bit different here, and more of simple economics, and Mondo will be doing a 4K scan on heir next Naschy release.
But to claim other companies would have done better is BS. Other companies would have nothing to do with the package offered.

Scream is currently working on Naschy Vol 2 and taking every step to make sure they are perfect.
There are some positive changes in store for Vol 2 as well, more details to come.

Not sure if we can do anything about the cover art though.

[zeze]

Just got Beyond the Gates yesterday. Excited to watch it. It seems like one of those movies where you will either love it or hate it.

[deltatauhobbit]

Originally Posted by zeze

Just got Beyond the Gates yesterday. Excited to watch it. It seems like one of those movies where you will either love it or hate it.

I was neither, leaning more towards "like" than anything else, good concept but couldn't make the scares happen and the ending is a bit of a let down, maybe if they had a slightly larger budget to do more with the ending.

I enjoyed the whole VHS rental throwback, definitely reminded me of a few places I used to go to when I was growing up, they should have spent more time in that place than the house since it's claustrophobic with all the shelves of VHS tapes. Wish Barbara Crampton had a bigger role but she was effective for the parts she was in.

No regrets owning it though, I'll probably revisit it during a Crampton marathon.

[Christophah Maghen]

Originally Posted by babybreese

You really do not understand the situation involving the company controlling these films.
Is LORELEY disappointing? Yes.
You may still want to pick up the Ossorio double though as SORCERERS looks pretty good, and a nice bump over the DVD.


Scream either released as is these or not at all.
That the day for night was not corrected is unfortunate. I am glad they put them out. People get a chance to see them, which is important.

The Naschy titles are in the same boat. Scream did not have options.
Several other companies tried to strike a deal with Victory, and failed, Arrow among them.
Again, much better to have these titles available than not.

Mondo Macabro does excellent work, but their INQUISITION is just like Scream's Spanish titles, a decade + year old master.
The back story is a bit different here, and more of simple economics, and Mondo will be doing a 4K scan on heir next Naschy release.
But to claim other companies would have done better is BS. Other companies would have nothing to do with the package offered.

Scream is currently working on Naschy Vol 2 and taking every step to make sure they are perfect.
There are some positive changes in store for Vol 2 as well, more details to come.

Not sure if we can do anything about the cover art though.

I dont agree at all with the common "its either take it AS-IS and be happy you have something than have nothing at all".

A crap release takes the title off of the domestic market and makes it a damn near impossibility of seeing anyone else release at the very least a proper version and at best a fantastic one.

Saying that other studios wouldn't have done a better job is not technically true, the fact that they did nothing shows that they were ready and willing if given the opportunity to do new scans, because they weren't allowed to make superior masters they walked away, as they should have.

Scream flat out doesn't care what they are given so the inability to do new masters wasn't even an issue for them as they hardly ever do while the companies I mentioned almost always do except in extremely rare circumstances (Arrows Brain Damage comes to mind)

[jim1985]

I hope they announce Hell Night on the next Friday the 13th which is in October...

[Jay Mammoth]

If Scream can't do a new scan I would rather them put the film out than them not do a release at all.

[Christophah Maghen]

When a company, any company, releases subpar or detritus material and the fans buy it anyway, it creates a scenario by which the powers that be feel they can continue the trend of sloppy mediocrity.

[The Great Owl]

I just finished watching The Night of the Werewolf from the Scream Factory Blu-ray set, The Paul Naschy Collection.



The Night of the Werewolf delves into the legend of Elizabeth Báthory, the Hungarian countess and serial killer who bathed in the blood of her victims. The gorgeous Julia Saly plays Báthory, and, if this portrayal is any indication, then Báthory was a total babe, and her bathing habits must have been genuinely beneficial for her complexion and her appearance.

Spanish actor Paul Naschy, whose films I've been enjoying all week, plays Waldemar Daninsky, the nobleman who served Báthory by carrying out his duties as a werewolf who killed for his master. At the beginning of the film, as Báthory is sentenced to death, along with her accomplices, Daninsky is relieved to be put to death so that he will finally be free from Báthory's grasp.

Fast forward to present day, where three totally hot graduate student babes, played by Pilar Alcón, Silvia Aguilar and Azucena Hernández (the last two of whom starred with Naschy in Human Beasts, which I watched last night), travel from Rome to the Carpathian Mountains to find the crypt of Báthory, because one (Silvia Aguilar) of them harbors evil plans to revive the countess and live forever under her influence. They encounter Daninsky, who has recently been revived by a pair of grave robbers. Werewolf attacks, vampires, blood rituals, and generous nudity ensue.

While I still think of Human Beasts and Blue Eyes of the Broken Doll as my favorite Naschy films that I've seen to date, I have nothing but great things to say about The Night of the Werewolf. The special effects are quite good, at least during the final stretch of cinema before An American Werewolf in London came along as a game-changer for werewolf scenes.

The Scream Factory Blu-ray looks quite impressive. The commentary track, from Rod Barnett and Troy Guinn, has quite a few great anecdotes about this movie.

[zeze]

Originally Posted by zbinks

There are a few older IFC Midnight titles I'd like to see upgraded to Blu-Ray, but as of November 2015:



https://www.facebook.com/ScreamFacto...%3A%22R0%22%7D

After their lackluster announcements at Comic-Con maybe they should rethink their stance on this.

[TripleHBK]

MisterLime posted in the Rawhead Rex thread that Kino had "The Keep" but had to stop plans to release it due to events that they cannot reveal to the public. Since this thread is often the place for rampant speculation I figured I'd post this info here as the wording of this revelation has me wondering if a deal was worked out between companies and if someone else (not necessarily Scream Factory) now has it in exchange for something else.

[20th Century Boy]

Originally Posted by rickah88

Wasn't sure if SF has a deal with IFC in place, but just watch The Chaser DVD last night and couldn't stop thinking how nice it would be to have a US BD.
While it's labeled a Poilce Thriller, there are definitely some horror aspects to it.

Oh man, you're so right about that title. Korean blus are such a pain: expensive and go OOP quickly. The Chaser would be great in HD (as would Ryoo Seung-wan's films) in the West.

[LeeFanatic007]

Originally Posted by TripleHBK

MisterLime posted in the Rawhead Rex thread that Kino had "The Keep" but had to stop plans to release it due to events that they cannot reveal to the public. Since this thread is often the place for rampant speculation I figured I'd post this info here as the wording of this revelation has me wondering if a deal was worked out between companies and if someone else (not necessarily Scream Factory) now has it in exchange for something else.

I personally suspect that Michael Mann, who directed The Keep, found out that someone was working on a release and said absolutely not. It's pretty well known that he has purposefully has kept the film in obscurity (it hasn't been released since VHS days) because he's not a fan of the film as it was released in theaters. Originally his version was 210 minutes, he was told to trim it to 2 hours and then against his wishes the studio cut it down to a very lean 96 minutes. The original ending was dropped and tons of other footage. It would be great if some company were to get Mann involved with restoring his original version.

[Jlouisbarrett]

Originally Posted by TripleHBK

MisterLime posted in the Rawhead Rex thread that Kino had "The Keep" but had to stop plans to release it due to events that they cannot reveal to the public. Since this thread is often the place for rampant speculation I figured I'd post this info here as the wording of this revelation has me wondering if a deal was worked out between companies and if someone else (not necessarily Scream Factory) now has it in exchange for something else.

Someone else in that thread replied to MisterLime saying, "I hope that means someone wants to do something with it rather than someone not wanting it out," to which MisterLime responded, "I would not hold my breath," which to me basically confirms Mann blocked the release. Which is ridiculous.