riotinmyskull

only because it lacks michael myers...not because it's a bad movie

SethDLH

Halloween 3 is one of the best of the series imo. Easily better than 5-8 and probably better than 2.

NoirFan

For me, II's hospital setting is utterly devoid of the atmospheric, creepy sense of suburban isolation that the first film captured so well. Plus, it's populated entirely by unlikable and/or undeveloped characters who have none of the quirky personality traits of the teens in the original. The girl talk in the first film, scripted by Debra Hill, comes off as warm and genuine. In Part II, we're supposed to chuckle at a repugnant jerk who 'cleverly' croons 'Amazing Grace, sit on my face'? When, say, does anyone really give a shit? It's a competently helmed but nevertheless mind-numbingly boring slasher that is nevertheless superior to any of the more recent incarnations, in which noted thespians like Busta Rhymes and Josh Hartnett stumble around unconvincingly.

islandclaws

I'm not sure either, but I can tell you that it'll have all-new extras that aren't on the Arrow release.

Also, H2 and H3 will have some great supplements that I can't discuss.

riotinmyskull

Death Watch (1980) - 8/28

NoirFan

According to Cliff on FB, Shout will not be releasing Halloween III. They will be releasing Abel Ferrara's Fear City (uncut, according to FB) through their Shout! Select series on 7/17 here.

It's a pretty lousy film, but plenty of slick, sleazy 80's cheese for those who enjoy such things.

riotinmyskull

Who owns MS. 45 godammnit!?!?

Gizmo

Did the Halloween info change?

Willo007

Jul 17, 2012



Shout Factory have announced that they will release on Blu-ray director Abel Ferrara's Fear City (1984), starring Tom Berenger, Billy Dee Williams, Melanie Griffith and Jack Scalia. The Blu-ray, which feature the film's uncut version, will be available for purchase exclusively at the ShoutFactoryStore.com on July 17th.

There are no special features listed for this release at the moment.

NoirFan

Doing a little detective work, here are the six horror titles released by Universal between 1987-1989, according to Wikipedia:

Prince of Darkness
Serpent and the Rainbow
Phantasm II
They Live
Watchers
Shocker

Neither Shocker or Watchers were mentioned in the thread in question, and They Live seems too high profile. That would leave either Serpent, Phantasm II, or Prince of Darkness.

MTRodaba2468

As much as I love Phantasm II, I would be disappointed if that's the only one in the series that gets a Blu-Ray. Someone please get Anchor Bay off their collective asses...

NoirFan

I emailed them about Phantasm a month or so ago, and was told they had no plans. Guess they're too busy with the various no-budget STV turds they now specialize in.

clckworang

Yeah, I would find it very strange if that was the only of the films on Blu. What happened to the Phantasm remake? Maybe that would spur a Blu-ray release.

Of the Universal films listed, I would be very happy with Prince of Darkness, They Live, or Serpent and the Rainbow.

riotinmyskull

i'm hoping for PRINCE OF DARKNESS and PHANTASM II

Matthew Chmiel

Would the rights have reverted back to MGM or go back to MGM?

I don't recall how AB got the rights to it, but the first Phantasm was an Avco Embassy release. Every film the studio released is currently in the hands of MGM.

NoirFan

For what it's worth (probably not much), the reply email didn't mention rights issues:

MTRodaba2468

That's awful. Mind you, I have no qualms of getting a Blu-Ray for Phantasm II, and hope Shout's working on it (I'm a fan of the entire series, and would be nice to have extras available on a domestic release for it). But I remember when AB was talking about their planned "second wave" of films (I know this was quite a while ago when this was mentioned, but I still held out hope), and Phantasm (along with Re-Animator, Hellraiser II, Evil Dead 1, and a port of the UE of Dawn Of The Dead) was planned.

Well, only Evil Dead has come to fruition. Hellraiser II, like the other New World titles Anchor Bay had, has been put out by Image, and there's apparently no word on any of the other titles. Sigh. Instead of waiting for Arrow to potentially do a release, perhaps Shout could try and get the rest of the Phantasm series (and Re-Animator, while we're at it, too).

JackBurton

Fingers crossed for Prince of Darkness. I'd like to retire my region 2 DVD.

If AB would release decent blus of Phantasm and Re-Animator I could amicably part ways with them. While their quality varied, AB used to be my go-to guy. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Shout! was hitting them out the park for a while there. Hopefully they do these horror titles right - whichever they may be.

SethDLH

Remember when Anchor Bay ruled the horror market? It seems like decades ago.

I'd love to give them my money for a Re-Animator blu and a Phantasm set (I think I could even part with my r2 sphere set if I was given all 4 on blu)

islandclaws

Read my mind.

clckworang

Oh, I had forgotten about all of those films that had been previously discussed. I remember actors from Re-Animator even tweeted about working on extras for it. Of course, that has been quite a while ago now.

As others have said, Anchor Bay used to have such a great brand. There were so many great titles and packages that were released. Does Anchor Bay still own the rights to the original Wicker Man? I would love to upgrade that one, too.

MTRodaba2468

No, Lionsgate has that one now. It's one of Studio Canal's titles.

NoirFan

Good luck with a US edition then - Lionsgate just sits on their catalog.

clckworang

You're probably right about that, especially since the remake was a monumental flop. I could see Wicker Man getting an eventual UK release, though. I hope anyway.

islandclaws

From Shock Till You Drop:

Here is some news that's going to knock your socks off. Shout! Factory is launching a new division called Scream Factor - "a new home entertainment series created to celebrate some of the most enthralling horror and sci-fi films with massive cult followings in cinematic history." And, get this, they've got a new special edition of Halloween II in the works along with Halloween III: Season of the Witch! That's not all. Read on for the other titles they have on the way...

Debuting this September, SCREAM FACTORY boasts a scary slate of fan-favorite thrillers from the 1980s, many of which have never been available on Blu-ray before. Titles include Halloween II and TERROR TRAIN, (both starring “Scream Queen” Jamie Lee Curtis); the 30th Anniversary release of Halloween III: Season of the Witch; THEY LIVE from director John Carpenter (The Thing); Peter Benchley’s THE ISLAND starring Michael Caine, THE FUNHOUSE from director Tobe Hooper (Poltergeist); the nightmarish PHANTASM II; and the much-anticipated DVD debuts of DEADLY BLESSING, directed by Wes Craven (Scream) and featuring Sharon Stone in an early role, and DEATH VALLEY starring Peter Billingsley (A Christmas Story). Each title will be presented in anamorphic widescreen, and most will be released in a “Collector’s Edition” packed with new bonus content, archival materials, a collectible cover featuring newly rendered retro-style artwork, a reversible wrap with original theatrical key art and more!

On September 18, 2012, fans will rejoice as Shout! Factory unleashes Halloween II Collector’s Edition and Halloween III: Season of the Witch 30th Anniversary Special Collector’s Edition on Blu-ray and DVD. These two formidable titles inaugurate the SCREAM FACTORY home entertainment series and are now available to preorder at ShoutFactory.com and Amazon.com.

HALLOWEEN II Collector’s Edition Blu-ray & DVD

<img src=http://cdn1.shocktillyoudrop.com/images/stories/2012/May/halloween-2-blu1.jpg alt=h2

Starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence, Halloween II follows the same ill-fated characters as they encounter the knife-wielding maniac they left for dead in the first film. It seems the inhuman Michael Myers is still very much alive and out for more revenge as he stalks the deserted halls of the Haddonfield hospital. As he gets closer to his main target, Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) discovers the chilling mystery behind the crazed psychopath’s actions. Written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, Halloween II is a spine-tingling dark ride into the scariest night of the year.

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED OFFER: Order the Blu-ray or DVD directly from ShoutFactory.com and receive an exclusive “Haddonfield Memorial Hospital nurse’s hat!” Less than 500 have been made, so these are only available while supplies last.

Special Features (preliminary confirmed line-up):

•Audio commentary with director Rick Rosenthal
•Audio commentary with stunt coordinator / actor Dick Warlock
•The Nightmare Isn’t Over – The Making of HALLOWEEN II, featuring Rick Rosenthal, Lance Guest, Dick Warlock, Alan Howarth, Dean Cundey and more..
•Horror’s Hallowed Grounds- Revisiting the original shooting locations
•Still Gallery
•Theatrical Trailer, TV and Radio Spots

Halloween III: Season of the Witch 30th Anniversary Special Collector’s Edition Blu-ray and DVD

<img src=http://www.shoutfactory.com/pics/temp/H3Poster.jpg alt=h3

A murder-suicide in a northern Californian hospital leads to an investigation by the on-call doctor, which reveals a plot by an insane toymaker to kill as many people as possible on October 31st through an ancient Celtic ritual and deadly Halloween masks. Starring Tom Atkins, Stacy Nelkin and Dan O’Herlihy, this third chilling film from the popular Halloween franchise is produced by John Carpenter and Debra Hill and is directed by Tommy Lee Wallace.

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED OFFER: Order the Blu-ray or DVD directly from ShoutFactory.com and receive an exclusive 18”x24” poster featuring the newly commissioned artwork! Less than 500 have been printed, so these are only available while supplies last.

Special Features:

•Audio commentary with director Tommy Lee Wallace
•Audio commentary with actor Tom Atkins
•Stand Alone: The Making of HALLOWEEN III: Season of the Witch featuring Tommy Lee Wallace, Tom Atkins, Stacey Nelkin, Dick Warlock, Dean Cundey and more
•Horror’s Hallowed Grounds- Revisiting the original shooting locations
•Still Gallery
•Theatrical Trailers and TV Spots

**********************************************

Told ya, and then some!

Holy fuck.