Classic-Horror.com | Reviewing the History of Horror Movies

Our editor-in-chief Nate Yapp is proud to have contributed to the new book Hidden Horror: A Celebration of 101 Underrated and Overlooked Fright Flicks, edited by Aaron Christensen. Another contributors include Anthony Timpone, B.J. Colangelo, Dave Alexander, Classic-Horror.com's own Robert C. Ring and John W. Bowen. Pick up a copy today from Amazon.com!

Review: Devil Doll (1964)

Submitted by Nate Yapp on Wed, 2002-09-18 00:00

One of the lesser episodes of the classic cable television show "Mystery Science Theater 3000" involved a 1964 British film entitled Devil Doll. The essential problem with that particular entry was that the movie was too good for the jokes to come easy, but too boring to be really interesting. It was one of those films that was probably safest confined to a room with Mike and the 'bots.

Well, it's been let loose now, on a DVD from Image. The black and white cinematography is startlingly clear, the mono sound fairly crisp, and the extras are reasonably extensive. The question, though, is why?(read more...)

Review: The Vampire Lovers (1970)

Submitted by Jason Jones on Wed, 2002-09-18 00:00

The Vampire Lovers, while based on nineteenth century writer Sheridan LeFanu’s classic vampire novella "Carmilla," is not high art. It is however, a highly enjoyable if a little tawdry vampire yarn in the grand Hammer tradition replete with foggy graveyards, ruined castles, buxom, braless, neck-biting beauties and the greatest vampire killer of all time, Peter Cushing.(read more...)

Review: Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951)

Submitted by Jake Tucker on Sun, 2002-09-15 00:00

At the end of Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, voiced by none other than Vincent Price, introduces himself to the bumbling duo. Vincent Price would not meet Abbott and Costello in their next monster film, but the Invisible Man would. Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man is one of the comedy duo’s greatest films, surpassed only by Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.(read more...)

Review: Ghost Town (1988)

Submitted by Matt Mulcahey on Sat, 2002-09-14 00:00

Part of a string of high-concept, low-budget efforts from 80s schlock king Charles Band, Ghost Town features an intriguing premise and atmospheric photography, but little else works in this melding of the Horror and Western genres.

Beginning like so many other low-budget genre films set in the Southwestern desert, a single car on a lonely highway appears and disappears from view as it crosses the Arizona hills. The car's driver is Kate Barrett, the small town of Riverton's requisite spoiled rich girl, on the run from the marriage altar. To whom she was supposed to be married or why she changed her mind isn't volunteered.
(read more...)

Review: Anguish (1987)

Submitted by Rob Wrigley on Sat, 2002-09-14 00:00

One of the most depressing aspects of the Slasher films of the 80's was its penchant for franchises. It was not enough to craft a scary film that could stand on its own. There also had to be a colorful killer and a vapid plot, both of which can be resurrected again and again is an endless series of sequels. While studios promoted these films as product, better, and more ambitious films languished without an ad-campaign or an audience. Case in point is Anguish (AKA Angustia), the 1986 film written and directed by Spain's Bigas Luna. Recently released on DVD by Anchor Bay, it is revealed to be an overlooked gem.(read more...)

Review: The Toolbox Murders (1978)

Submitted by Nate Yapp on Fri, 2002-09-13 00:00

Roughly two decades ago, somebody made a huge squeak about the violence in a little exploitation slasher called The Toolbox Murders. As a result, the film became the center of a huge controversy. Its detractors attacked its attitude towards women and claimed that it was not fit for public consumption. The movie was banned in Britain (a decision that was recently reversed) and its video availability has been pretty shoddy - until now.

Blue Underground, a new DVD label from Maniac director and former Anchor Bay impresario William Lustig, has released The Toolbox Murders uncut, complete with a bevy of extras to satisfy any lover of low-budget 70s trash.(read more...)

Review: When a Stranger Calls Back (1993)

Submitted by Jenn Dlugos on Fri, 2002-09-13 00:00

When a Stranger Calls has been hailed as having the most intense opening sequence of any horror movie. How many of us still shutter when we think of the words “The call is coming from inside the house!”? While the rest of the movie didn’t hold up to this level of suspense (which, to be fair, would have been impossible), the movie surely caused many a babysitter’s hair to stand on edge when she was alone in a strange house. Surprisingly, When a Stranger Calls Back delivers the same amount of “opening sequence thrills”.(read more...)

Review: Cronos (1993)

Submitted by Jason Jones on Thu, 2002-09-12 00:00

In the darkness a clock ticks. The ticking of one clock is gradually replaced by another and then another. Time two-steps along, ad infinitum, each clock marking the passage its own way. Antique dealer Jesus Gris marks his time with his beloved granddaughter Aurora, taking only enough of it away from her to show love to his wife Mercedes.(read more...)

Review: The Boston Strangler (1968)

Submitted by Jenn Dlugos on Tue, 2002-09-10 00:00

“One by one the victims fell, each death more gruesome than the last….” The “true horror story” of The Boston Strangler kept many women off the streets at night. Today, the faithful horror viewing population can still relive the terror in this epic film. This film is an important film for all horror fans and film students. Whether it’s the film’s landmark shooting style, the controversial subject matter, or Tony Curtis’s finest performance on celluloid, you should be hanging your head in shame if you haven’t seen this film already.
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Review: Blood Sucking Freaks (1976)

Submitted by Rob Wrigley on Sat, 2002-09-07 00:00

The best thing one could say about Bloodsucking Freaks is that it's a failed comedy. Director Joel M. Reed's 1976 sleaze classic manages to irritate the sensibilities of even the most jaded viewer. But in the end, it never manages to be truly offensive. Troma has released a 'collector's edition' on DVD, for those who can take it.(read more...)