This is an optional subset of the 4th Annual DVDTalk Horror Challenge (http://forum.dvdtalk.com/dvd-talk/538819-100-movies-31-days-4th-annual-october-horror-movie-challenge-10-1-10-31-a.html). Watch these 31 films on the listed day, with group discussion starting the next morning. Or don't watch them but still join the discussion.

Please don't talk about the actual film content until 0700 the next morning, as we don't want to post spoilers for anyone who hasn't gotten to the film yet. Spoiler tags don't work inside the email notifications, so please just wait. Spoiler tags shouldn't be necessary at all in this thread. If you're in here, you've probably watched the movie being discussed.

All films are the original versions only of course. Please try to put the title of the film(s) you're discussing in the title field of your post.


Nosferatu http://planetsmilies.net/vicious-smiley-1796.gif
Shadow of the Vampire http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/6608/nosferatuqc0.gif
Suspiria http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/1107/suspiriatm9.gif
Nightmare on Elm Street http://planetsmilies.net/angry-smiley-8029.gif
Night of the Living Dead :consume:
The Shining http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1432/redrumsu4.gif
Re-Animator http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/1079/reanimatorua2.gif
Creature from the Black Lagoon (chosen by vote <s>last year's winner ViewAskewbian</s>) http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/2262/blacklagoonym4.gif
The Devil's Rejects (chosen by FusionX) http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/6923/spaldingit5.gif
Rosemary's Baby http://planetsmilies.net/person-smiley-9828.gif
Texas Chainsaw Massacre :chainsaw:
Freaks http://img382.imageshack.us/img382/2556/freaksnf8.gif
Friday the 13th http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/sports/hockeyplayer.gif
The Wolf Man (this is October's Full Moon) http://planetsmilies.net/person-smiley-1357.gif
Claw of Terror (aka Scream Bloody Murder) (chosen by Mister Peepers) youtube link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUo7CPcNeuY)
Manos: The Hands of Fate (chosen by steelpotato) :tinfoil:
The Exorcist http://planetsmilies.net/vomit-smiley-17155.gif
The Invisible Man http://planetsmilies.net/person-smiley-9851.gif
Hard (chosen by edwardnortonfan) -other-
Aprils Fool's Day (chosen by wlverinefactor)
The Thing
Evil Dead http://planetsmilies.net/not-tagged-smiley-10675.gif
Psycho http://planetsmilies.net/not-tagged-smiley-10659.gif
The Mummy http://planetsmilies.net/person-smiley-1351.gif
The Pit and the Pendulum (chosen by Dimension X)
Horror of Dracula (chosen by Crazee4DVDs) http://planetsmilies.net/person-smiley-1056.gif
The Innocents (chosen by <s>EdTheRipper/</s>Giles)
Black Sunday (chosen by Chad) http://www.thesmilies.com/smilies/transport/blimp.gif
Dracula
Frankenstein (1931) :frankie:
Halloween http://smilies.vidahost.com/otn/holiday/pain7.gif


Thanks to caligulathegod and DeputyDave for some of the smileys. Everyone feel free to suggest more or alternatives to the quickees I put in.

I cringe to think of what the appropriate smilie would be for "Hard" -eek-

I cringe to think of what the appropriate smilie would be for "Hard" -eek-

I was thinking the same thing. There are some I could find from another board, but I think I'll refrain.

-other-

About Nosferatu...

Psyche!

About Nosferatu...

[snip]

You're 24 hours early. Let's not talk about anything involving the plot until everyone has a chance to watch it today.

Edit to add: The above post was meant to come off as a polite reminder. I sincerely apologize for any "command" tone that comes across in this post or in any thing I post. I have and desire absolutely no authority on this forum, my opinions and comments have just as much weight as a newbie who just joined the forum, and my posts are meant to give my opinions and thoughts only. Maybe I don't use enough smilies when I post things disagreeing with someone else's thoughts? I will be more careful in phrasing things in the future, and appreciate the feedback.

Yes sir!

Watching Nosferatu right now. Hoo hoo.

Holy crap edwardnortonfan, what's up with the edit info a couple posts back!?

Even if we were friends and that was meant as a joke it was quite uncalled for. I thought my post was just politely reminding you (and everyone) what we agreed on in the other threads and what is written in the first post, that we won't discuss the films until the following morning to give people a chance to watch them first. Why spoil the films for people?

I personally think a lot of the things you've been lobbing at me and others over the course of this challenge are horribly uncalled for. You constantly tell people what to do and what to post as though you were super mod when there's no need for that. I didn't think I gave away any info about the plot of Nosferatu, so I didn't think it was going to be a big deal, and since the thread was going off topic I didn't think anyone would mind if I said something. Then you stepped in and told me not to discuss anything, when I didn't reveal any spoilers, so I edited my post and didn't say a single thing to you publicly (which means if you want to get snippy with me about what I said in my edit, it goes in a private message and NOT here publicly on the board). Considering your attitude throughout the years I've been participating in this challenge, I've been more than civil with you.

The edit info is public and displayed for the whole forum btw.

I'm a little surprised that you think some of those things. I don't think I've ever "told people what to do". People ask for opinions and I give them, usually with a "imho". Isn't that the point of the whole discussion thread the last few months? Even in the things that I've sort of "taken the ball" and helped create, like the expanded checklist and the 31 films list, I thought I've always done it with a spirit of openness and non-ownership. I've bent over backward to give Chad final say in those things, change to appease others, share credit, etc. I can't think of a single thing that I've "lobbed at you or others" that is "horrible".

If I am as big a prick as you seem to think I am, I wish someone had warned me earlier. I'd rather not be a prick.

And again, I don't see my post of asking you to hold off on discussion as being snippy or an order (which I obviously have no right or desire to do), just a polite reminder that perhaps it's best to wait on discussing the film. And even if your post didn't spoil the ending, it (hopefully) would have led to discussion that would have spoiled some plot elements at least.

I personally think a lot of the things you've been lobbing at me and others over the course of this challenge are horribly uncalled for. You constantly tell people what to do and what to post as though you were super mod when there's no need for that. I didn't think I gave away any info about the plot of Nosferatu, so I didn't think it was going to be a big deal, and since the thread was going off topic I didn't think anyone would mind if I said something. Then you stepped in and told me not to discuss anything, when I didn't reveal any spoilers, so I edited my post and didn't say a single thing to you publicly (which means if you want to get snippy with me about what I said in my edit, it goes in a private message and NOT here publicly on the board). Considering your attitude throughout the years I've been participating in this challenge, I've been more than civil with you.

As far as I'm concerned, the 31 movies idea was Trevor's, and he can lay down the guidelines/rules as he sees fit. If that means I can't post anything about the movie until the next day Hawaii time, I'll abide by it. FWIW, I don't think he's ever told anyone what to do or said anything uncalled for. To me, it has always been to enhance the challenge or provide his opinions on the rules.

Whoops, didn't know it was public. I never noticed. At the other forums I belong to it only goes to the mods. I apologize. But I didn't think it was a big deal; n the other forums we insult each other back and forth (I'd give examples but then I'd get banned, if I'm not going to already) and all it does is lead to more discussion, so even if I knew it was public I wouldn't expect more than for you to insult me back. Everyone here takes every single aspect of this challenge and indeed this entire board way too seriously for me. You constantly say that other people care too much about numbers, but you are the one who posts about padding numbers, and how people are "missing the point that this is supposed to be fun and not about numbers" and really, you're one of the only ones I see constantly talking about numbers, so it looks like you care more.

The "horrible" nature of your posts is more the tone you use when addressing people which could be my misinterpretation of what you're trying to say, and I apologize again, but the first time I posted here I had to ask my friend "Who's that Trevor guy and why does he think he's better than everyone else"? If you'd said "Hey, just a reminder, it's too early to discuss the movie yet, we don't want anyone to be spoiled," then I wouldn't have a problem; your post sounded a lot more brusque, like you were barking out orders, and that coupled with your post in the other discussion thread about how the "Fangoria Blood Drive" flicks were wildcards, and everyone who wanted to list them was trying to pad their lists (when the movies are 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours when taken with all the shorts together, so I don't see that as much of a pad, since they take as much time to watch as a regular movie would) that sent me over the edge. I want this challenge to be fun. I don't care what other people post, I don't read the fine print to see why people edit their posts so I can call someone out if they piss me off, I don't question the movies anyone else chooses to label as horror (unless they ask, "hey, is this horror?") and I just watch the horror movies I love and don't constantly try to fight with people. The only fights I get into are ones like these that seem really pointless to me because they're about tone and semantics and definitions and "when you said this you were being a jerk" "No I'm not, YOU'RE a jerk!!" that just make me tired.

As far as I'm concerned, the 31 movies idea was Trevor's, and he can lay down the guidelines/rules as he sees fit. If that means I can't post anything about the movie until the next day Hawaii time, I'll abide by it.

And that's fine for you, and that's your opinion. In MY opinion, I wasn't spoiling anything so it wasn't a big deal, and I DID remove it when he snipped at me, so this whole argument should have been in a private message, not splashed across this forum. Plus this isn't the only thread where I've seen him acting like a wannabe mod, so it doesn't matter if he started this thread or not. I did something, he asked me to remove it, I removed it, he got mad, I said I disagreed with him. As far as I'm concerned, when I'm called out, I'm allowed to say why I said what I did, even if he made the thread. If he chooses to call me out in the thread, I'm going to respond in the thread.


This is exactly why this should have been taken to a PM.

As far as I'm concerned, the 31 movies idea was Trevor's, and he can lay down the guidelines/rules as he sees fit. If that means I can't post anything about the movie until the next day Hawaii time, I'll abide by it. FWIW, I don't think he's ever told anyone what to do or said anything uncalled for. To me, it has always been to enhance the challenge or provide his opinions on the rules.


Thanks Numes, those comments help my crushed spirit a bit. That really is how I'm "saying" all these things I type on this forum btw, just giving my opinion and trying to enhance Chad's baby and the experience for everyone. I really don't think I have any more "authority" than a new member who joins the forum today and posts their opinion. But if I ever do become a prick please call me out on it right away.

I don't think it was my initial idea, I'm pretty sure someone else had the initial thought last year. I just championed the cause and ran with the idea once we got closer to October.

I just championed the cause and ran with the idea once we got closer to October.

And I'm grateful that you did, because it's a fun idea and it was cool being able to suggest a movie (even though I don't think many people liked my choice so I doubt they'll watch it).

<i>Mod note: There's been a slew of edits and RTPs from this thread already. If I remember correctly in the past some of these "challenge" threads have been shut down because of the behavior of some of the participants. Please don't let that happen again.</i>

You constantly say that other people care too much about numbers, but you are the one who posts about padding numbers, and how people are "missing the point that this is supposed to be fun and not about numbers" and really, you're one of the only ones I see constantly talking about numbers, so it looks like you care more.
I admit that I'm quite vocal on that topic, perhaps too persistent. My mindset there is that last year's debacle of the thread closing was so awful, silly, and unnecessary that I want to work hard to do my part to keep that from happening again. This forum is a nice little community, and these challenges are some of the best parts of it, and I want to help keep the strife level low. I'm failing at that apparently. :)
If you'd said "Hey, just a reminder, it's too early to discuss the movie yet, we don't want anyone to be spoiled," then I wouldn't have a problem; your post sounded a lot more brusque, like you were barking out orders, and that coupled with your post in the other discussion thread about how the "Fangoria Blood Drive" flicks were wildcards, and everyone who wanted to list them was trying to pad their lists that sent me over the edge.
Sorry, I tend to be matter of fact in my posts, and not go out of my way to use smileys or make sure people know my "tone", which is not at all brusque. I think I get in the mindset that I've been here long enough that people must know I'm a kind-natured, helpful, just giving my opinion sort of guy, and that I shouldn't have to use smileys or watch my "tone". But I will be more careful now, thanks.
he got mad, I said I disagreed with him. As far as I'm concerned, when I'm called out, I'm allowed to say why I said what I did, even if he made the thread. If he chooses to call me out in the thread, I'm going to respond in the thread.
In my defense, I think I was very justified in getting mad, given the extreme nature of the comments. I called you on it in the thread because you began it here. I'm over it, never the type to "get in a war", just felt violated and needed to respond. Friends?

And I'm grateful that you did, because it's a fun idea and it was cool being able to suggest a movie (even though I don't think many people liked my choice so I doubt they'll watch it).

It's going to be a <s>hard</s> difficult watch I'm sure, but I'm looking forward to challenging myself. I'm glad you pushed the envelope.

Uh, I like Nosferatu. It's good.












Am I even in the right thread? :lol:

Am I even in the right thread? :lol:

Yes, but don't talk about the plot yet unless you want to feel my wrath! :)

I think everyone knows that Nosferatu is available all over the internet for free, but just in case here is a link. (http://www.archive.org/details/nosferatu_ipod)

*gives away the end of Nosferatu*

:nopanic:

In addition to the site Trevor gave, Nosferatu is also available here and they have a nice selection of other movies as well: http://cinema.lycos.com/search/?q=&genre=8&p=1

Some of the movies there suck (ok, most of them probably do, with the exception of "Nosferatu" and "Phantom of the Opera") but I plan to fulfill my "Attack of the..." checklist requirement there by watching "Attack of the Giant Leeches," and some of the other movies are cheesy fun too.

OMG, Nosferatu is just Dracula!! Ha ha! Let's see. I have a VHS (one of the first three movies I ever bought-Phantom of the Opera and Hunchback of Notre Dame were the others), the Image Laserdisc, the first Image DVD pressing that I left in the damned player when I returned a defective player, the second Image pressing (with its slightly altered commentary), a public domain copy on the Edison Frankenstein DVD, the crappy one with the Type O- metal soundtrack, and the two disc deluxe restored Nosferatu: The Ultimate Edition. I've seen it in a theater twice, including once with a live accompaniment from a band called the Weird Lovemakers (I would pay big money to have that soundtrack). Damn, do I love this movie. When I was a young kid, I had this book on movie monsters and there was this one page with Orlock looking at the camera after feeding on Ellen that scared the heck out of me. I memorized what page it was on so I could skip it each time. Eventually, I got over it and became obsessed with the movie. There are very few movies that affect me in this way. It's fun having that feeling when I watch a film now that I'm so jaded and older. I have other films I'm just as obsessed with from my childhood, like the Wizard of Oz, but this is the only scary one. I hope everyone enjoyed this film as much as I do. I even love the remake since you can tell it was made with such love and reverence for the original.

The MoC edition of this is just fantastic - the main reason I finally went region-free last year. Great presentation all around. The film is a true classic of horror cinema, and just one example of how far ahead technically and artistically the German Expressionist movement was, compared to what was being released in America concurrently. Here's my question: Knock seems pretty unhinged from the get-go. I was always curious how a bug-eating madman was able to cope with the day to day drudgery of a real estate office. Looking forward to watching Shadow of the Vampire today and comparing the two.

It must have been scary living back in a time when threats of the plague meant you had to stay in your homes and you couldn't take your sick family members to the doctor for fear it would spread. The vampire has a smorgasbord there, with all the people in their homes and no one believing in vampires so they wouldn't recognize what the symptoms were until it was too late (if ever). Has anyone here seen the remake? Does it play up on these themes any more than the original?

I like how Nina (haha, you're not going to avoid being sued just because you changed the spelling of a name from "Mina" to "Nina"...I know that wasn't the intent, but I still think it's funny) finds out how she can battle Nosferatu by reading the book. And how she looks to the windows of the house across the street and sees Count Orlock standing at the window. That always gives me chills.

I'm jealous of you all that own the DVDs. My region free player died on me, so I've been waiting on buying the MoC, and haven't seen the other DVD editions yet. Fairly crappy quality internet downloads is all I've seen so far. Still, amazing film.

More comments later, back to my TV....

As caligulathegod said, the remake is also highly recommended.

This might actually be the first time that I've seen the restored version. The town-plague scenes didn't seem to ring a bell to me when I watched it this time around. It felt like every other version I've seen cuts to the chase (Literally) when Knock escapes from the asylum. Therefore eliminating all the townspeople scenes.

This is also the first time that I've watched the movie on a widescreen TV. Loved that glorious shot of Nina on the beach.

I even love the remake since you can tell it was made with such love and reverence for the original.

The remake is excellent. Only an actor as dedicated and, let's face it, insane as Klaus Kinski could ever hope to fill Max Schreck's sizable shoes. I really like the Popol Vuh score, especially in the film's final scene. A bit of trivia, courtesy of IMDB: 'schreck' is German for 'terror'!

I think everyone knows that Nosferatu is available all over the internet for free, but just in case here is a link. (http://www.archive.org/details/nosferatu_ipod)

Downloaded and burnt it to DVD-R only to find out that it didn't include a score. I had to sync it up with one on Google Video. Still enjoyed it though, despite the somewhat crappy quality. :)

Really need to pick up that MoC version.

There never is a big closeup of Orlock's face in this movie, correct? Probably the only thing closest to him getting a fullframe closeup is at the dinner table when he slides the paper down his face, but only stopping at his eyes. Yet, on many DVD/Laserdisc/VHS covers and still galleries of the movie, boom! His face tends to almost take up all the room!
http://www.williams.edu/Individuals/jshepard/images/productionbookcover.JPEG
I'm guessing audiences might have been so shocked at the sight of him that Murnau made a decision to keep his looks in the distance.

I'm figuring a closeup would reveal it was all grease paint and yak hair. Medium and far shots preserve the illusion and Orlock is the creepiest vampire ever.

Downloaded and burnt it to DVD-R only to find out that it didn't include a score. I had to sync it up with one on Google Video. Still enjoyed it though, despite the somewhat crappy quality. :)

Really need to pick up that MoC version.

Doh! Sorry. There are like a dozen versions of it on the site I linked to, I should have just linked to the page to give you a choice.

And yes, I need to get at least one of the versions. Sounds like there are at least two releases that do a good job on the transfer and have tons of extras.

The region 1 Kino version is fine. The difference between it and the MOC isn't as big as the Metropolis. The nature of changing the speed makes interlacing necessary and you don't see artifacts unless you pause it.

The region 1 Kino version is fine.

Image-wise, yes. But the MoC includes a commentary track and 80 page booklet. All eleven of the silent films that MoC have released are equal to or superior to their Kino counterparts.

Does sound cool.

I watched my Kino version of Nosferatu during the second challenge, so this year I went with an unwatched el-cheapo version I have. There wasn't a soundtrack on that copy, but I usually turn down the crappy music on PD silents anyway, so that was no big deal. Plus, I think it let me concentrate more on the movie itself.

Also, all the character names had been changed to their Dracula names, which was a little odd.

I followed that with Shadow of the Vampire and the 1979 remake (which I hadn't watched with the German soundtrack since I first saw it in the theater back in '79).

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm not a huge fan of Nosferatu. I respect it for it's achievements and creepy scenes, but for me personally, it doesn't age as well as many silent films, horror or otherwise.

However, I'm glad that it was placed on the list to be watched on the 1st, otherwise I likely would not have rewatched it this year. It deserves to be watched by anyone that considers themselves a cinephile, and I certainly do not mean to say that I believe that it's bad, it's just not a favorite silent work.

Every scene and image of Count Orlak himself is riveting, but I've always felt that pacing wise it is good, until he gets to London (I forget the name of the town they use in Nosferatu). I want an interaction between him and Ellen that isn't just staring across the road or influence in the night, while I do want those as well, but I miss the sexual in person tension that is palpable from the Lugosi version on.

It's still a great film and a must watch, just not one that's ever completely enticed me.

Also, all the character names had been changed to their Dracula names, which was a little odd.

I also watched a version like that. That kinda annoyed me even though this was only the second time I've ever watched the movie. I should find a better copy before next year.


BTW for anyone who bought the Iron Man Best Buy exclusive, you have the option of spending your gift card on this (http://www.sideshowtoy.com/?page_id=4489&sku=2924).

Just deleting my post since I was early. Sorry guys :)

Your a bit too early for Suspiria talk, movie talks the next morning after the film. So for instance todays chat would be about Shadow of the Vampire.

There never is a big closeup of Orlock's face in this movie, correct? Probably the only thing closest to him getting a fullframe closeup is at the dinner table when he slides the paper down his face, but only stopping at his eyes.

I believe we get a bit closer when when Hutter looks at him laying in the coffin. It's certainly a closeup, enough anyway to see his front fangs clearly. His is not in full view as the wood is blocking some of it and the angle helps block it out too. Still one of the creepiest shots in the film.

I love the film, especially the more I see it. It is slow but I really enjoy the performances and the images are striking. I much prefer The Cabinent of Dr. Caligari as far as german silent horror films go.

Here's a suggestion... maybe we could all put the name of the movie we are talking about in the "title" section?

You know, where it says "an idea?" in this post.

Big thanks to whoever had the idea of watching these two back to back. I had contemplated not going for 100, but just concentrating on the 31, watching them with all the extras, multiple versions if available, just really soaking in the classics. It's too late for that, my OCD has taken over, but if I had stuck to that plan I'd be happy. I could easily watch these two again, or explore the extras, if I didn't have 90 other films to get thru.

Maybe I'm easily impressed, but the whole concept of the 2nd film was just amazing. The movie probably could have had horrible acting, directing, lighting, whatever, and I'd still love the frigging movie because the idea is just so darn cool to me.

Yeah I didnt think i would dig Shadow, but I actually did. Funny thing is after waching it, I thought about Nosferatu more and went back and edited my rating for it, giving it a higher one. Definite good idea for both to be played back to back nights.

I missed these two movies so I am probably going to watch both back to back tonight.

Question... would it benefit me at all to watch them in reverse?

The Shadow of the Vampire movie is one of my favorites. I like movies that aren't set in our present day. This one of course being in 1921. It's a very dark movie. What I didn't understand though was how in the movie when the producers found out that Shrek was a real vampire they all just kind of went " ok", we'll just go with the flow. No need to panic that there is an actual vampire on the set killing people and we could be next but it doesn't really matter. There is a great line in the movie that I picked up on when the producer asks Shrek why he had to kill the movie camera man instead of the script girl. Then Shrek said, " Oh yeah, the script girl, I'll eat her later." Great line.

I missed these two movies so I am probably going to watch both back to back tonight.

Question... would it benefit me at all to watch them in reverse?

I'd definitely do Nosferatu first.

What I didn't understand though was how in the movie when the producers found out that Shrek was a real vampire they all just kind of went " ok", we'll just go with the flow. No need to panic that there is an actual vampire on the set killing people and we could be next but it doesn't really matter.

If you're referring to the part I think you are I believe the reason the producer and cinematographer didn't react to the director's confession of signing a real vampire to be in the film was because he was high at the time. I thought that perhaps they just thought he was talking nonsense. Even if there are a couple of flaws though, it's a great watch and was a fantastic edition to the list.

I missed these two movies so I am probably going to watch both back to back tonight.

Question... would it benefit me at all to watch them in reverse?

I would strongly agree with Trevor that you really need to watch Nosferatu first to fully appreciate Shadow of the Vampire.

I'd like to thank whoever suggested Shadow of the Vampire for the list. I had rented it back when it first came out on DVD and liked it enough that I later bought a copy (which I've had for almost seven years and hadn't watched until yesterday). Pretty good movie.

"Die you fucking rat bastard... vampire pig!... schwienhund!... shit!" :lol:

If I had to pick two words to describe it, I guess they'd have to be "atmospheric horror".

I was first introduced to Suspiria sometime during the mid/late 90's (It being my first Argento film, as well) Unfortunately, I made the mistake of first watching the movie on one of those 15-inch TV/VCR combos and the "Atmospheric Horror" was definetly lost. Needless to say, I didn't turn out to be a fan of the movie.
But all it took was a DVD, a 53-inch Panny, and 5.1 surround sound to make me realize that I had been missing out one of the most memorable experiences the horror genre has ever provided.

But If I still had a nitpick against the movie, it would be the dubbing/phoned-in line delivery. So yesterday, I decided to watch the movie in French with captions (No english subtitles provided on the BU Disc) and the horror felt as strong as ever. At least Helena's voice sounds more threatening in French!

I agree, a visual feast, very weak English dubbing. If my DVD had subtitles, I would have listened to it in Italian.

In fact, it would be fine without any dialogue, just the visuals, sound effects, and great soundtrack.

Late comment, but a great idea on the title thing Darth.

Anyone else watch A Nightmare on Elm Street yet? It's been awhile since I've seen it in its entirety. I've also been watching some of the sequels including part 3 which I had never seen before. Spoilers for both movies in the comment below:

What I always took from the ending of the original film was that it was a cruel fake-out and Freddy won, but then Nancy shows up in the third movie still alive. I guess since we don't actually see anything happen to her we just have to assume she woke up from that nightmare. That just makes it more depressing that she ends up being killed a few years later anyways.

Still I think the original ANOES holds up very well and the ending sort of adds to its mystique.

Spoilers don't work on the email notifications, so you're ending analysis just came to me as I'm watching the film. :(

I loved the first, liked the second, and the third is one of the worst for me. Mainly because it's where it was turning from a horror movie to Freddy's a popular kind of guy. It was trying to be two things at once.

When the fourth movie came out it had completed the change. It wasn't great but it knew what it was.

I first saw Suspiria on cable some time in the late '70s. Never been a huge fan, but I like it well enough to own the DVD.

Is there not a trailer for Suspiria that shows the girl (Pat Hingle? I got a chuckle out of that name) falling through the stained glass ceiling? I remember seeing it on cable back when I first saw the movie, but the trailers on the DVD don't show this scene.

I'd forgotten that Udo Kier was in Suspiria (or maybe I just never recognized him before because his voice was dubbed). He's the second actor from Shadow of the Vampire to "pop up" in another film I've watched in the last couple of days. The other one was Willem Dafoe (who had a bit part in The Hunger).

After Suspiria, I watched Phenomena for the first time (don't know how I'd never seen that one before). While it's certainly no classic, I actually like it more than Suspiria.

I skipped Nightmare on Elm Street since I watched it in one of the previous challenges.

I was watching the mouths in Suspiria and it seemed to me the actors were mostly speaking English. Almost all Italian films are shot post-sync and I've seen this one >30 times so maybe I'm just used to it. I don't see how watching it in another language would help. The DVD looks great upconverted but I am dying for this on Blu-Ray. I saw it on 35mm in a theater 2 years ago (I've seen it 4 times in a theater), and spent the whole movie watching all the textures, like the flocked red wall paper in the school, that you just don't see on DVD. I've always loved this film. Could be my crush on Jessica Harper, though.

I was watching the mouths in Suspiria and it seemed to me the actors were mostly speaking English. Almost all Italian films are shot post-sync and I've seen this one >30 times so maybe I'm just used to it. I don't see how watching it in another language would help.

The ending-credits even say that the film was shot in english, but due to the sub-par efforts in making the movie look like it was "Authentic" in english, I perferred to absorb the movie in an alien language (This might tend to help to make the movie more horrific for those who haven't seen the movie 30+times)

Could be my crush on Jessica Harper, though.

It's certainly not hard to have a crush on Harper, ah Phoenix so wonderful.

It's certainly not hard to have a crush on Harper, ah Phoenix so wonderful.
She is beautiful. Phoenix?

^
A reference to PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE.

I'll just post what I put in my list post.

One...Two...Freddy's coming for you. I saw this movie over at a friends house when I was maybe 10 or 12 and it really freaked me out. I remember not being able to sleep at all that night. A true horror classic. As I'm sure many know, it was Johnny Depp's first movie.

I don't really find this movie very scary anymore. I'm not quite sure why, I think it's just because I know what's going to happen.

Did anyone know that they are remaking this in 2010? I'm not sure what I think about that.

Scare Factor (2008): 3.5/10
Scare Factor (1988): 9.5/10

I'll have to try watching Suspiria in Italian. Seeing it as many times as I have, I'm sure I can take it (I used to use it as my Demo disc back in my Laserdisc Pro-Logic days). Part of my pleasure is Jessica Harper's voice, though. I even love Shock Treatment almost entirely on her singing. Phantom of the Paradise has the added benefit of Paul Williams lyrics (which are very distinctive).

I'd forgotten that Udo Kier was in Suspiria (or maybe I just never recognized him before because his voice was dubbed).

It took me ages to finally realize it was him because of that. And i wonder if Argento's ever commented as to why they dubbed his voice with an American one when the film takes place in Germany ...especially considering he's German!

I think the original NOES stands head and shoulders above the sequels. I like the mystery behind the Freddy character in the film. He's not yet the always-wisecracking villain we've grown to know after watching the rest of the series.

It took me ages to finally realize it was him because of that. And i wonder if Argento's ever commented as to why they dubbed his voice with an American one when the film takes place in Germany ...especially considering he's German!

If I recall, they only had him for that day and they always shoot silent and record dialog later.. He wasn't available for the later ADR.

A bit behind here, as I was away for the weekend. Shadow of the Vampire was great fun, and I thought the fusion of black and white "on set" footage with color was very effective. My only issue was with the pretentious, long winded opening credits. What was the point of all those closeups of cryptic, random images completely unrelated to the film? Suspiria is a mesmerizing experience as long as you don't attempt to get to caught up in the machinations of the plot, as the film makes little sense. Wonderful use of color and that great Goblin score are big pluses. Nightmare was a nifty concept for a horror film, and Freddy had yet to turn into an unholy (and unfunny) fusion of Benny Hill and Milton Berle.

I even love the remake since you can tell it was made with such love and reverence for the original.
As caligulathegod said, the remake is also highly recommended.
The MoC edition of this is just fantastic - the main reason I finally went region-free last year.
Image-wise, yes. But the MoC includes a commentary track and 80 page booklet.
The more I think about Nosferatu, the more I want to get the remake and MoC release. As soon as a good price is found, they'll be in my collection. 80 page booklet! :drool:
Orlock is the creepiest vampire ever.
Still one of the creepiest shots in the film.
I love the film, especially the more I see it. It is slow but I really enjoy the performances and the images are striking.
And how she looks to the windows of the house across the street and sees Count Orlock standing at the window. That always gives me chills.
37 movies into this challenge, and Nosferatu is still the only film that actually scared me.
BTW for anyone who bought the Iron Man Best Buy exclusive, you have the option of spending your gift card on this (http://www.sideshowtoy.com/?page_id=4489&sku=2924).
Thanks for the reminder. Need to peruse that website to see if I want to keep that BB set (with it's $50 sideshow giftcard) or not.
A bit behind here, as I was away for the weekend. Shadow of the Vampire was great fun, and I thought the fusion of black and white "on set" footage with color was very effective. My only issue was with the pretentious, long winded opening credits. What was the point of all those closeups of cryptic, random images completely unrelated to the film?
Catching up on comments myself. I agree that the opening is a bit strange. I listened to the director's commentary, and don't think he commented on why they choose that opening.

I don't see how watching it in another language would help.
I think just because the english dub is so bad for the most part, that perhaps a foreign language would be less distracting.
^
A reference to PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE.
Thanks. I wouldn't mind seeing more of Miss Harper, I'll seek this one out.
Suspiria is a mesmerizing experience as long as you don't attempt to get to caught up in the machinations of the plot, as the film makes little sense. Wonderful use of color and that great Goblin score are big pluses.
Yep. Usually I don't care much for audio/video, and would just as well watch my films on a tinny sounding 5" black and white or a 60" plasma with DTS sound. But this is definitely one film more appreciated with a good AV set-up.

Still I think the original ANOES holds up very well and the ending sort of adds to its mystique.
Agreed.
I loved the first, liked the second, and the third is one of the worst for me. Mainly because it's where it was turning from a horror movie to Freddy's a popular kind of guy. It was trying to be two things at once.

When the fourth movie came out it had completed the change. It wasn't great but it knew what it was.
Never saw the sequels for the most part, a few minutes here and there on cable, maybe one of the sequels in the theater. They never looked all that impressive to me. Still considering the box set for $23 at amazon right now, but trying to resist.
I saw this movie over at a friends house when I was maybe 10 or 12 and it really freaked me out. I remember not being able to sleep at all that night. A true horror classic.

I don't really find this movie very scary anymore. I'm not quite sure why, I think it's just because I know what's going to happen.
Still slightly scary to me, but I know what you mean. There are many films that terrified me as a kid that don't come close to doing so now.
I think the original NOES stands head and shoulders above the sequels. I like the mystery behind the Freddy character in the film. He's not yet the always-wisecracking villain we've grown to know after watching the rest of the series.
Nightmare was a nifty concept for a horror film, and Freddy had yet to turn into an unholy (and unfunny) fusion of Benny Hill and Milton Berle.
Those comments seem to confirm to me to perhaps avoid the boxset. I really enjoy the first film, but the snippets I've seen of the "Benny Hll Freddy" just turn me off.

Somehow pretty much avoided all the Dead films until about a year or two ago, and have now watched the original a few times.

Watched my 30th Anniversary Edition version, and holy crap, what were they thinking making those additions? Awful! I'll have to find a better version, or perhaps just wait for BluRay.

I watched the 1990 version. It was ok, I probably should have made more effort to obtain a copy of the original.

I probably should have made more effort to obtain a copy of the original.

Youtube, google video, etc

Somehow pretty much avoided all the Dead films until about a year or two ago, and have now watched the original a few times.

Watched my Millennium Edition version, and holy crap, what were they thinking making those additions? Awful! I'll have to find a better version, or perhaps just wait for BluRay.

The recent 40th anniversary edition put out by Dimension is fantastic and it's loaded with extras that are worthy of the film. I can't imagine the print looking much better than this.

Somehow pretty much avoided all the Dead films until about a year or two ago, and have now watched the original a few times.

Watched my Millennium Edition version, and holy crap, what were they thinking making those additions? Awful! I'll have to find a better version, or perhaps just wait for BluRay.

:confused: I thought it was the Anchor Bay 30th Anniversary Edition that had the additions.

http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/film.php?fid=1041

:confused: I thought it was the Anchor Bay 30th Anniversary Edition that had the additions.

http://www.dvdcompare.net/comparisons/film.php?fid=1041

You're 100% right, with all the various editions out there (9 now?), I get confused.

I was stupid and bought that 30th AE before I knew better. Still waiting to find a better edition on sale or in a used bin someday.

You're 100% right, with all the various editions out there (9 now?), I get confused.

I was stupid and bought that 30th AE before I knew better. Still waiting to find a better edition on sale or in a used bin someday.

You caught me off guard because I watched the Millennium edition this weekend and didn't notice anything added. :lol:

I also have the 30th anniversary edition. That was a huge pile of crap.

I watched my old Elite DVD (the one in the funky clear case) which I hadn't watched it in several years. Now I don't remember if I've ever listened to the commentaries, so I guess I have something to look forward to in Nov.

I love the news footage of the posse hunting the zombies, but how exactly did the TV news crew "just get back" at 3 am with daylight footage? And after the electric lines went down, where was all that light in the cellar coming from? :scratch2:

Those comments seem to confirm to me to perhaps avoid the boxset. I really enjoy the first film, but the snippets I've seen of the "Benny Hll Freddy" just turn me off.

I would definitely give Part 3 a try before you write off the series. Freddy hadn't become a full blown goof ball yet. In fact Part 3 does a good job of balancing old and new Freddy. When he is being "funny", it's not over the top.

I really enjoy the first film, but the snippets I've seen of the "Benny Hll Freddy" just turn me off.

He's all business in New Nightmare, and sports the best makeup job of the series.

I agree with both of the above comments. I would at least try watching Part 3 and New Nightmare. Part 4 is when Freddy starts to get increasingly campy, though I thought there were a couple of good moments in 4.

The only Freddy movies one really needs are Nightmare on Elm street (part 1), ANOES pt. 3, and New Nightmare (my pick for the best film in the entire series).

Personally, I really liked watching all 7 movies in a row, it was a lot of fun. I had seen 1-6 before, but I had never seen New Nightmare. A Nightmare on Elm Street 1 and 3 are a must. I also liked 2. New Nightmare was ok, but I wasn't terribly impressed and the plot didn't win me over. As for the makeup in New Nightmare, yes it was different, but I wouldn't necessarily say better/best (that's a relative term). I did love Freddy in the bright green hat though.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I actually don't own any Freddy, rented the first one for this list. So based on 3 of them being worthwhile, and my love of extras, I'll go ahead and buy the boxset for $23, add in another Something Weird sale title for free shipping I imagine.

First off, let's get baselined. I watched the Elite Millenium Edition (the one with the red case.) I have seen this movie once before, and I can certainly appreciate the movie for what it was when it was made, but it is not really a movie I will watch many more times in the future. I'll probably listen to the Romero commentary more times than watching the movie.

I wish I was old enough to have watched this when it came out (or near when it came out) to perhaps appreciate it as a turning point in horror cinema (if not cinema itself.) I doubt there were many leading actors at that time who were black.

I think my favorite part of the movie is the zombie daughter eating the dads arm and then going and killing (stabbing like 15 times) the mom...the scream is great. Good stuff. Apparently she was full after all that arm eating, because mom wasn't touched. I know I get quite full after eating arm.

Although I am late to the game, I figured I'd finally throw in my two cents on Nosferatu.

Here's what I wrote on my list...

After an extremely late start, my horse has finally left the gate. This is my first time seeing this movie all the way through... And although I respect this movie for what it is, I didn't love it. At first, I thought that maybe it was because it was a silent movie, but then I remembered how much I loved "The General" with Buster Keaton. Maybe after watching "Shadow of the Vampire", I'll have a new love for this one.

I don't know which version of the movie this was as the DVD I own is from a local horror host show so their segments were intercut with the movie. The movie was using the Dracula names (as somebody mentioned before) and the soundtrack was kind of varied. Some it was kind of jazzy with a beatnik kind of drum and bass line.

I'll save compliments for tomorrow since that's the rules, but It's too bad this movie couldn't have been picked to watch on the 10th of October. :)

Kubrick was a genius with the camera. This and Nosferatu are the only movies I've watched so far this challenge that have actually scared me.

Apparently, the original edit was about 30 minutes longer, and seen in theaters in NY during a test release. Shame those scenes aren't available on DVD, unless I'm (hopefully) wrong.

Here are a couple (http://forum.dvdtalk.com/movie-talk/413020-please-explain-shining-spoiler.html) of DVDtalk threads (http://forum.dvdtalk.com/movie-talk/515190-can-someone-explain-ending-shining-me.html) trying to make sense of the ending.

I'll go with, "It's a Kubrick movie, it could be a dozen different things." Not a negative statement btw.

This movie is a masterpiece. The music and the cinemetography are second to none. The acting is superb. Jack is amazing, as usual. I can't imagine Danny being any more perfect than he was. His subtle change in look from Danny/Tony was brilliant. It's hard to believe a little kid pulled that off so beautifully. Shelly Duvall is perfect in her role as Wendy. I was not a big fan of Scatman Crothers as Dick Hallorann. I thought his scene with Danny in the kitchen was great, but all of his other scenes felt a little forced. This is my favorite Kubrick movie.

This is probably the 4th time I've seen this movie. The first time was very very intense. Now, since I know what's going to happen, it doesn't impact me nearly as much, but there are definitely some spine-tingling moments.

The tagline for this movie is: "A Masterpiece of Modern Horror." I think they got that exactly right.

<s>P.S. I just realized this movie counts as an Academy Award winner for the checklist.</s>

This movie is a masterpiece.

P.S. I just realized this movie counts as an Academy Award winner for the checklist.

Agreed.

But I don't think it won an Oscar.

Agreed.

But I don't think it won an Oscar.

Whoa. What the heck happened. I was on the IMDB page looking for Shelley Duvall's name, and I swear under awards it said "Won Oscar."

I must have clicked on a different movie. It wasn't even nominated for an Oscar :confused: I will edit my post.

Edit: Ok, I clicked on Stanley Kubrick on IMDB, and he won an Oscar. Whoopsies.

Wow, this film even impressed Ebert:

Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars and wrote, "I walked out somewhat surprised and reinvigorated (if not re-animated) by a movie that had the audience emitting taxi whistles and wild goat cries".


I'll save compliments for tomorrow since that's the rules, but It's too bad this movie couldn't have been picked to watch on the 10th of October. :)

What's the significance of that date? I'm holding off until the 18th in honor of its original release back in '85. That, and certain classics I just prefer watching closer to Halloween.

What's the significance of that date?

That's the date of West's first human subject in the morgue.

I was also really surprised when I heard that Ebert gave the film a positive review. But then I later found out that Stuart Gordon basically worked right across the street from Ebert on stage plays. Could've been a "Hometown-cooking" review, but the movie still kicks ass nonetheless.

How many of you have triple dipped on this title?

Each release has slightly different extras, and I'll admit I've been suckered into them all.

Some interesting stuff on the wiki page. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Re-Animator) Another sequel (or three) in the works!

As much as I love this film, I don't think I've ever watched either of the two sequels. Any thoughts on them?

As much as I love this film, I don't think I've ever watched either of the two sequels. Any thoughts on them?
I watched Bride of Re-Animator and Beyond Re-Animator for the first time the other day. I thought Bride was really good. If you like the first one, I think it's safe to say you'll like Bride. Beyond I thought was just so-so.

The sequels both have 5.9 ratings on IMDb for what it's worth.

Some interesting stuff on the wiki page. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Re-Animator) Another sequel (or three) in the works!

As much as I love this film, I don't think I've ever watched either of the two sequels. Any thoughts on them?

I've only seen the first one. I own Re-Animator and Beyond Re-Animator. I've always wanted to get Bride of Re-Animator, but I was holding out for the OOP Pioneer version that had the additional extra features. However, I just looked on dvdcompare.net and that version is non-anamorphic. Now I don't know what I'm going to do. I am very particular on watching all the sequels of a movie if I haven't seen them before, so I will probably not watch Re-Animator for this challenge since I don't own Bride of Re-Animator. I guess just hope the unrated version gets re-released someday with the commentaries. :shrug:

I bought the Millennium Edition when it first came out. Then I won the new Anchor Bay version at Flashback Weekend this summer.

I really liked Bride of Re-Animator, but I don't own it yet, nor do I own the third one. I thought the beginning of Beyond Re-Animator was decent and I liked the premise, but it got silly really fast.

I hope if House of Re-Animator happens, it is more in the same vein as the first two movies.

Too busy at work to post this really, but I just wanted to try to get something started about this classic. More tomorrow.

If there's one thing I love about this movie, it's the slot machine!
http://media.igt.com/images/00429.jpg

I always have good luck breaking even or doubling my money with this one.

"Let's all eat at the Snack Lagoon!"

Just wanted to throw in my thoughts on the Shining, which I watched again last night. This is my favorite film. I've seen it probably 15-20 times, and I love it more and more every time I see it. I love the atmosphere that this movie creates. The two scenes in the Gold Ballroom are amazing. The tension produced through the steadicam tracking shots is awesome. Nicholson is Nicholson, of course. And I still think this has the best score of any movie..Midnight, The Stars and You is phenomenal.

Since The Shining was part of the 31 films, I thought it would be ok to discuss The Shining Mini Series here too. Anyone else watch this? It was probably a real bad idea to watch it right after I watched the movie because it is really nowhere near the quality of the movie. I know I should try to be objective and view it on its own for what it is, but that was about impossible.

There were quite a few differences in the mini series, which I'm assuming were more in-line with the book. Some of them were interesting, but they didn't really pull them off as well as they could have. I really like Steven Weber, but I will always see him as Michael Hackett from Wings, so even his psychotic episodes didn't feel real to me. Once again, unfair to stereotype him as actor, but I couldn't get over it.

I didn't really like the croquet mallet as the weapon (Axe was much more scary in the movie.) I did like how Tony was really a future version of Danny, that was excellent. I think the hedge maze worked so much better than the hedge creatures. I don't think they could have done the hedge creatures in 1980 anyways, but they were REALLY cheesy in the mini series. Once again, I'm sure these are in the book, but the movie was so awesome as a stand-alone entity.

Numes, that very cheesey thing you refer to in your spoiler tag was a part of the book. I haven't seen the mini-series, but I have heard it's far more loyal to the book. I love the book, and I love the movie but I see the movie as more of a spin-off idea from the book, not an adaptation of the book.

The book deals a lot more with the supernatural. Yes, there are elements of that in the movie, but for the most part it's about insanity and the effects of isolation. I think Kubrick took the elements of the book that appealed to him the most and focused on that, and he made a classic film. It's a Kubrick film, not a King adaptation.

Numes, that very cheesey thing you refer to in your spoiler tag was a part of the book. I haven't seen the mini-series, but I have heard it's far more loyal to the book. I love the book, and I love the movie but I see the movie as more of a spin-off idea from the book, not an adaptation of the book.

The book deals a lot more with the supernatural. Yes, there are elements of that in the movie, but for the most part it's about insanity and the effects of isolation. I think Kubrick took the elements of the book that appealed to him the most and focused on that, and he made a classic film. It's a Kubrick film, not a King adaptation.

Yes! Yes! That exactly what I was trying to say...Or at least exactly how I feel about the movie.

To clarify, my "cheesy" comment was simply on how they implemented it in the mini-series, not the concept. I like the concept.

^^ I figured as much. When I read the book, that was always something that I thought would be really difficult for a movie to replicate and have it actually look good. I guess I was right. :lol:

I watched the 1990 version. It was ok, I probably should have made more effort to obtain a copy of the original.

I actually found a copy of the Good Times DVD of the orginal at a pawn shop for $2.

This and one of the sequels were originally released in 3-D. Have 3-D versions been released on DVD? I don't think so.

A remake is in the early works, wiki says that Peter Jackson almost was set to direct it.

Very nice melding of Free Bird into the final sequence.

Well done for it's type I guess, but I just don't like that sub-genre very much.

Another classic that I've put off watching until now.

Enjoyed it, great to see some older actors given good roles, including an Oscar winning performance by Ruth Gordon.

I'll be lynched for saying this perhaps, but I didn't like it.

Somehow put off seeing this until the other night, while I had seen the Michael Bay remake and the Zellweger/McConaughey version. I liked both of those films more.

I still can't believe someone actually picked this movie for this challenge. I haven't quite decided if I'm going to go for the original or the MST3K version yet. Maybe I'll see if some people want to get together to play a drinking game or something to the original, that's about the only tolerable way to watch it.

Manos was terrible, but I still had fun mocking it.

Creature from the Black Lagoon is probably the weakest of the Universal monster films, but it still boasts a great underwater mating dance between the Creature and luscious litterbug Julie Adams.

Creature from the Black Lagoon is probably the weakest of the Universal monster films, but it still boasts a great underwater mating dance between the Creature and luscious litterbug Julie Adams.

Not only is it one of the weakest films but it's a weak series, it's also bizarre how quicky Universal felt it was ok killing the potential series. Especailly when you consider the best thing the series has going for it is the incredible monster suit.

I'll be lynched for saying this perhaps, but I didn't like it.

Nah, I'll just hang you from a meathook.

I think this may be the best movie in the list so far.

Was never a big fan of this series, have probably only seen one of them all the way thru in my entire life, the original. I'm sure I've seen parts of several of them on cable over the years, and have probably seen the original 5 or more times, but never really got into them enough to seek out the sequels.


Seeking the Best Buy exclusive disc, I finally bought the box set of this earlier this year, and planned to marathon thru all of the movies this month. So far, watched the first two and have enjoyed them.

I completely forgot that Kevin Bacon was in the original, and actually didn't recognize him at first. Did any of the other stars of this end up getting big roles later?

Nah, I'll just hang you from a meathook.

I recognize it's importance to the medium/genre, and admit that I may have liked it or appreciated it more if I had seen it 30, or even 10 years ago. I understand that many of the horror films I watch and enjoy owe a lot to it, but I just couldn't get into it. One big problem for me was that I couldn't generate sympathy for any of the kids.

Strange that I prefer really old horror, or stuff from the 90s and on, but many "classic" of the 70s or so don't do much for me.

Creature from the Black Lagoon is probably the weakest of the Universal monster films, but it still boasts a great underwater mating dance between the Creature and luscious litterbug Julie Adams.

I'll agree that it is the weakest, although I haven't watched The Invisible Man in years. Coming up next week I think.

But that great scene you mention, and the fantastic suit, along with a cool premise, will always keep it in my favorites list.

Now if Peter Jackson had ended up doing the remake, would we have seen Naomi Watts in that scene? Yum!

Strange that I prefer really old horror, or stuff from the 90s and on, but many "classic" of the 70s or so don't do much for me.

It's obvious something is wrong with you. :) Seriously, I think the 70s being that medium between your tastes doesn't help. It's not quite golden era horror, but has some qualities and it's not modern, but also has those qualities. It's a bizzare hybrid that I'm guessing feels off to you. It's like a middle child.

Also, horror doesn't depend on sympathy for me, it's more me imagining myself in that situation. The Sawyer family comes off like the real deal to me though, and so I find TCM to be really effective. That's also why I can overlook the acting in horror films, and often I like seeing that kind of acting. Now it just helps set the mood for me. "Poor acting? Switching to horror mode".

I would imagine the 70s era films requiring a few views to really appreciate them, so don't give your final verdict yet Trevor. I'm kind of like that for all the genre classics of that era. I'm a bit underwhelmed at first, and so I don't think I really like them, but the more I think about them my views change, and when I see them again I really like them.

^^ I agree to a point with the sympathy thing. Most of the time it's not a problem, but then I look at a film like Hostel where I hated all the characters so much that I was wishing horrible fates to befall them.

In the case of Texas Chainsaw Massacre, I didn't have that problem at all. I can easily put myself in their position. I don't know, TCM has always represented the ultimate in horror to me. Some films might be scarier or creepier, but I always get this sense of absolute horror when I watch TCM.

As for the remake, it's proof that sometimes restraint is a good thing. And the Next Generation one, it just felt like a shameless ripoff of all the best moments from the original.

I'll be lynched for saying this perhaps, but I didn't like it.

Somehow put off seeing this until the other night, while I had seen the Michael Bay remake and the Zellweger/McConaughey version. I liked both of those films more.

Was Franklin really that annoying? ;) Nah, sound likes another falls victim to the Hollywood remake machine - the flashy "MTV style" editing, WB channel eye candy and high production values just to cash in on name recognition. Shoulda caught the original first! The same thing happened to me with the American version of "The Ring".

Just give it another chance. You might still harbor the same feelings on subsequent viewings, but you'll at least come to appreciate the gritty documentary feel and sense of realism that was accomplished on a shoestring budget. Remember, it's not supposed to be a pleasant experience!

Now, the part 4 thing I can't explain! :eek: :D

Just noticed a couple of back-to-back films on the list share a common "theme"...

"The Shining" and "Re-Animator" both borrow very heavily from the opening theme songs of older horror films. The former from "The Return of Dracula" and the latter from "Psycho". Coincidence? Probably.

I never got the bashing of Night of the Living Dead's performances. Give me amateur acting over hammy overacting (Day and Dawn) any day. Besides, Duane Jones turns in the finest, most believable performance of the entire trilogy. Plus, the scene in which the daughter butchers her mom with a spade still shocks today. I love Rosemary's Baby - the frumpy, nosy characteristics of the elderly satanists make them far more credible than the typical long haired, Manson-esque devil worshippers we're used to seeing.

Nah, sound likes another falls victim to the Hollywood remake machine - the flashy "MTV style" editing, WB channel eye candy and high production values just to cash in on name recognition. Shoulda caught the original first! The same thing happened to me with the American version of "The Ring".

I am so not what you describe there. I typically agree that remakes suck, especially American ones. I'm not saying that I actually enjoyed the awful Bay remake or the next generation oddity, just that I found them slightly more likable.

I'll definitely be revisiting the original, bought the Blu Ray actually. Perhaps I let the 30 years of hype affect me. I usually don't do that though, and really expected to enjoy it. But the pacing was horrible, the character annoying, and the scares too few.

And btw, I am not alone in thinking that America got one right in their The Ring remake. It soundly beats the Japanese original.

It took me quite a while to get into the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. When I first saw it I was annoyed and couldn't figure out how such annoying characters and zero production values could have made it considered a classic.

However, for various reasons (usually hanging out with other people who had never seen it) I watched it again a few more times through the years and it began to really grow on me.

Now Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a film I enjoy a lot and part 2 with thick doses of black comedy is also a fun viewing. I imagine now that the hype of it is gone you'll go into it with a different viewpoint later and might enjoy it more. However, I'm still annoyed as hell with Franklin.

Friday the 13th on the other hand has never gotten much better to me. It was mediocre at best the first time I saw it and remains that way today.

Just noticed a couple of back-to-back films on the list share a common "theme"...

"The Shining" and "Re-Animator" both borrow very heavily from the opening theme songs of older horror films. The former from "The Return of Dracula" and the latter from "Psycho". Coincidence? Probably.

The theme you're referring to for The Shining and The Return of Dracula has been used in quite a few films, mostly horror movies. It's based on a hymn called Dies Irae.

I remember it being in Roger Corman's The Undead and I know it appears in one or more of the later Amicus anthology horror films. It's a striking and an effective piece.

Not only is it one of the weakest films but it's a weak series, it's also bizarre how quicky Universal felt it was ok killing the potential series. Especailly when you consider the best thing the series has going for it is the incredible monster suit.

I'll be in the minority and state that I love this series. The Creature is my favorite Universal monster design. I've seen the 3D version of the first film several times at a local theater. I really love "Revenge" and having the monster attack mainland and marineland. When I was kid I hated "The Creature Walks Among Us" because he only appears as himself in the beginning. Watching the DVD a few years back I was surprised at how good the story really was. Again, I realize I'm alone in this but I am a fan for the gil-man.

You're not alone. I've loved Creature from the Black Lagoon since I was a kid.

I'll be in the minority and state that I love this series. The Creature is my favorite Universal monster design. I've seen the 3D version of the first film several times at a local theater. I really love "Revenge" and having the monster attack mainland and marineland. When I was kid I hated "The Creature Walks Among Us" because he only appears as himself in the beginning. Watching the DVD a few years back I was surprised at how good the story really was. Again, I realize I'm alone in this but I am a fan for the gil-man.

I'm afraid that I might have been misunderstood, the reason I feel that it is a weak series is simply because it was ended too soon, and that the third film destroyed the best thing the films had going for it - the creatures incredible costume itself.

Never noticed before that this is set in Wales. My grandfather immigrated from Wales, and I was able take my father there a few years ago to track down some of our ancestral heritage; visiting record offices, cemeteries, and distant cousins. No werewolves found.

Also never knew that there was an earlier Universal werewolf movie, Werewolf of London (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027194/). It's on the legacy set, perhaps I'll watch it later this month.

Ok Mister Peepers, you wanted us all to watch this. Please explain yourself. :)

When I was a kid, I didn't realize that Wolf Man was in Wales, either. I always thought it was odd that everyone in Transylvania was English. Now, of course, it all makes sense. Still don't know why Larry is so American, though. He couldn't have been gone that long.

Fusion X, since you chose this film for us all to watch and comment on, do you have anything?

When I was a kid, I didn't realize that Wolf Man was in Wales, either. I always thought it was odd that everyone in Transylvania was English. Now, of course, it all makes sense. Still don't know why Larry is so American, though. He couldn't have been gone that long.

Yeah, I think I've seen film makers use that trick before. Film set in foreign land, but lead actor is American? He had just been there on extended holiday!

I loved these films as a kid, and love it when they put the various monsters together. Some, heck most, of the sequels combining them were quite cheesy, but fun cheese. There are still a few I need to track down on DVD.

There have been a couple more modern tales combining old classics that I quite enjoy, The Monster Squad and the Alan Moore League of Extraordinary Gentlemen graphic novels (not the abomination of a movie w/ Sean Connery).

I did not watch a movie last night for the first time this challenge (I had to catch up on some DVR overflow), but I will be watching the typical Friday night Manos-Exorcist combo.

I'm not sure which one to watch first. Do I want to get Manos out of the way first? I think so. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the non-MST3K version. My buddy bought me the DVD as a gag gift and at least I can knock it off my unwatched movie pile.

Side question -> Why aren't some of the people who chose the movies discussing them after the assigned viewing day is over?

I'd watch The Exorcist first, a film that genuinely scares the crap out of me and leaves me sleeping with the lights on and hopefully not alone. Watching Manos afterwards would take the edge off and enable me to recover from the possession experience.

Also never knew that there was an earlier Universal werewolf movie, Werewolf of London (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027194/). It's on the legacy set, perhaps I'll watch it later this month.

"Werewolf of London" is great, especially for its time.

It's a good thing WB included English subs on Freaks, as Harry Earles is basically unintelligible. Fans of his should track down Tod Browning's silent The Unholy Three, in which Earles plays a jewel thief disguised as a baby. Quite bizarre. What happened to the fat black guy at the end of Texas Chainsaw Massacre? He just waddled slowly off into the distance. Nice aim with the wrench though. I'll check out Claw of Terror tomorrow, though I don't think I can endure another viewing of Manos - once is enough for any lifetime.

It's a good thing WB included English subs on Freaks, as Harry Earles is basically unintelligible.

I agree. Didn't even know he spoke German at times. But I was aware of this thanks to the closed-captioning when TCM would show the movie (Before the DVD arrived)

But sadly, both the subtitles and the captions have no idea what Schlitzie is saying aside from "So What?".

I did not watch a movie last night for the first time this challenge (I had to catch up on some DVR overflow), but I will be watching the typical Friday night Manos-Exorcist combo.

I'm not sure which one to watch first. Do I want to get Manos out of the way first? I think so. I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the non-MST3K version. My buddy bought me the DVD as a gag gift and at least I can knock it off my unwatched movie pile.

Side question -> Why aren't some of the people who chose the movies discussing them after the assigned viewing day is over?

The internet has been down on my street the last week :(
Watching Manos solo for the first time in years was pretty painful; it actually goes really well with a crowd and a few beers.

Re: "Manos" the hands of fate... a.k.a. "Attack of the Moths"

The tagline for this movie is "It's Shocking! It's Beyond Your Imagination!"

Truer words have never been spoken. This movie is (a) shocking (shockingly horrible) and (b) beyond my imagination (I never thought a movie could possibly be this bad.)

I did, however, feel for Torgo. This guy had some nasty arthritis in his knees, and he was obviously addicted to Meth. I'm guessing that he was a former NFL player and the players union wouldn't pay for his knee replacement surgery after he retired. Poor guy, all he wanted was a nice gal. I've tried the "shaky hand on the shoulder and hair slapping" move when I was out at the bars in in college. It usually worked when I combined it with the "say everything twice and have unusually long pauses between dialogue" maneuver. It was a killer one-two punch.

They must have hired a big gun for the screenplay. The dialogue and pacing was impeccable. Who could forget the famous line "They'll never think of looking for us in the house!" And who was the costume designer? The dual hand garment was all the rage in the late 60's / early 70's. Finally, the music was ahead of it's time. It's an amazing trick to play the clarinet out of an orifice other than one's mouth for a movie soundtrack. Excellent job...you!

P.S. Bravo to steelpotato for re-introducing me to this....uh...movie? I think I'll go start my hand on fire, cut it off, and then go running into the darkness now... in 32 second increments, of course.

Ok Mister Peepers, you wanted us all to watch this. Please explain yourself. :)

The first time I caught it was at work. I got hooked on the beginning when he had the accident.

Then I just couldn't stop watching claw man.

As bad as it was, I just couldn't turn it off.

Would've responded sooner but I just now got some free time and I also had some problems when I switched from DSL to cable this week.

Just noticed a couple of back-to-back films on the list share a common "theme"...

"The Shining" and "Re-Animator" both borrow very heavily from the opening theme songs of older horror films. The former from "The Return of Dracula" and the latter from "Psycho". Coincidence? Probably.

Speaking of theme songs, I just noticed that John Carpenter must have been inspired by the theme of The Exorcist when he wrote the one for Halloween.

Are there any better themes than these two (one)?

I never got the bashing of Night of the Living Dead's performances. Give me amateur acting over hammy overacting (Day and Dawn) any day. Besides, Duane Jones turns in the finest, most believable performance of the entire trilogy. Plus, the scene in which the daughter butchers her mom with a spade still shocks today. I love Rosemary's Baby - the frumpy, nosy characteristics of the elderly satanists make them far more credible than the typical long haired, Manson-esque devil worshippers we're used to seeing.

Agree with you on all points there. NOTLD really is incredible, even without considering the budget.


But must admit that I haven't watched Day and Dawn yet, maybe this month. Not sure how I've managed to put them off this long, part of my "safe the best for last" thing I sometimes do.

... I don't think I can endure another viewing of Manos - once is enough for any lifetime.
Watching Manos solo for the first time in years was pretty painful; it actually goes really well with a crowd and a few beers.
P.S. Bravo to steelpotato for re-introducing me to this....uh...movie? I think I'll go start my hand on fire, cut it off, and then go running into the darkness now... in 32 second increments, of course.

I doubt if I could even do one viewing sober, kudos to you that did. Now the MST3K version, that I could do every year at least! Great riff, perhaps my favorite so far. Joel and the bots are great, and Mike as Torgo is hilarious.

The first time I caught it was at work. I got hooked on the beginning when he had the accident.

Then I just couldn't stop watching claw man.

As bad as it was, I just couldn't turn it off.

Would've responded sooner but I just now got some free time and I also had some problems when I switched from DSL to cable this week.

Nice pun, the beginning was great, easy to get hooked into it.

Was that The Tall Man we saw early in this film? It was!

Congrats on upgrading (I imagine) to cable.

I viewed "The Version You've Never Seen Before" version of the movie. I had seen the VHS version (I'm assuming it was the theatrical version) about 10 years ago.

It was a little hard to remember what was new. IMDB helped me out a bit on that. The most obvious change was the ending. I really didn't like the ending on this version, I thought the theatrical ending was much better. The whole idea about the detective asking if they wanted to go to the movies was very odd and to end the movie on that note was pretty lame.

For those of you who have seen the two versions, what are your thoughts?

As for the movie, in general, it is really a classic. In general, if I have seen a movie before, it becomes much less scary the subsequent times I see the movie. That was the case for The Exorcist. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat during the movie, but it would have been so awesome to view this in the theater when it first came out.

Ok, first off. Why doesn't he use THE CLAW to kill everyone? Hello?

This movie was bad, but not Manos bad. I actually though the main character was a pretty creepy guy. I'm kind of with Mister Peepers in the fact that it was in intriguing start to the movie, in a weird-cheesy sort of way. Why would they rename the movie "Scream Bloody Murder"? How could they not go with "Claw of Terror"?? "Scream Bloody Murder" is such a lame/generic title for a movie and doesn't distinguish it at all.

I think this quote sums up the movie:
"I get groceries, and clothes, and art stuff, and kill people and do you appreciate it? NO! N-O!"

Ok, first off. Why doesn't he use THE CLAW to kill everyone? Hello?


I thought it was symbolic that the claw was only used to kill one person. Himself.

I thought it was symbolic that the claw was only used to kill one person. Himself.

He killed Daisy (accidentally) with his claw. I was just expecting more claw terror.

I don't think we need spoiler tags in this thread.

I never got the bashing of Night of the Living Dead's performances. Give me amateur acting over hammy overacting (Day and Dawn) any day. Besides, Duane Jones turns in the finest, most believable performance of the entire trilogy. Plus, the scene in which the daughter butchers her mom with a spade still shocks today.

What exactly is the difference between amateur and hammy overacting? Barbara was overacting in Night and was a bit cheesy. Both styles come from actors unsure of what they're doing. I don't think either is better than the other, and all the styles fit the films perfectly.

And Sherman Howard is the best performance, there is no overacting there, he downplays it a lot. I do think Jones is great, though.

It was a little hard to remember what was new. IMDB helped me out a bit on that. The most obvious change was the ending.
The most obvious change for me was the spider walking scene.
I really didn't like the ending on this version, I thought the theatrical ending was much better. The whole idea about the detective asking if they wanted to go to the movies was very odd and to end the movie on that note was pretty lame.
Agree. I liked the scene of him trying to start a new friendship, to replace the one he had formed with Karras, but it was an odd moment to end the film on.
As for the movie, in general, it is really a classic. In general, if I have seen a movie before, it becomes much less scary the subsequent times I see the movie. That was the case for The Exorcist. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat during the movie, but it would have been so awesome to view this in the theater when it first came out.
Yep, first time was scarier, but this one was actually pretty close. The spider walking scene freaked me out big time. I remember when it was released to the theaters, and the big controversy. I was too young to go, but think my parents may have gone. I'll have to ask my mom about it.

I viewed "The Version You've Never Seen Before" version of the movie. I had seen the VHS version (I'm assuming it was the theatrical version) about 10 years ago.

It was a little hard to remember what was new. IMDB helped me out a bit on that. The most obvious change was the ending. I really didn't like the ending on this version, I thought the theatrical ending was much better. The whole idea about the detective asking if they wanted to go to the movies was very odd and to end the movie on that note was pretty lame.

For those of you who have seen the two versions, what are your thoughts?

As for the movie, in general, it is really a classic. In general, if I have seen a movie before, it becomes much less scary the subsequent times I see the movie. That was the case for The Exorcist. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat during the movie, but it would have been so awesome to view this in the theater when it first came out.

I didn't watch it this time, because I just saw it two months ago in an actual theater (on the "Extreme Screen"), so it's still pretty fresh. I have seen the Exorcist maybe 20-30 times over the years and I think I prefer the Version You've Never Seen. It's more like the book. I like the addition of the hospital scenes and the more gradual onset of her condition. I like the scene of Karras listening to Regan's