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Film Masters Monster Mayhem Collection Shows What Happens on a Saturday Night…

A look at Film Masters’ Monster Mayhem Collection, from its restored B-movie horrors to the lingering charm of drive-in-era oddities, missing extras, and what may be coming next.

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No B-Movie horror fan should ever rush through collections of forgotten movies of yore like they are peanut butter sandwiches. Although Film Masters Monster Mayhem Collection has been out for a month, to enjoy these restored works requires dedicating a Saturday night at the drive-in. Back then, during the 50s, that was when these movies were released, and whether couples were necking or actually watching what’s projected, I’d need a time machine to find out. The slang used is appropriate for the era as groovy, man, and I think that’s why this set appeals to me.

In this set, the works offered are Monster from Green Hell, The Brain from Planet Arous, Frankenstein’s Daughter, and Giant from the Unknown. This collective has chosen these works as the “first volume” of movies originally released by the Film Detective, and if the distributor labels seem confusing enough, you’re not alone!

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The Film Masters Isn’t Finished With Roger Corman’s Catalogue of Films Yet

Just when we thought The Film Masters was finished with releasing under-rated films from Roger Corman’s vast catalogue of works, this remastered treat will be sure to entertain!

Night of the Blood Beast BOX ART (Blu-ray) The Film Masters Restoration — **Available to preorder on Amazon USA**

The Film Masters isn’t finished with remastering films from Roger Corman’s vast catalogue of works. Coming November 12 is a double creature feature where this producer has partnered with Bernard Kowalski (Mission Impossible TV Series, Hot Car Girl) to make Night of the Blood Beast and Attack of the Night Leeches! Technically, Gene Corman has the principal credit with the latter, and although this post-Halloween treat is just that, any day is good to mark when aliens have come to town!

From the Press Release:

Night of the Blood Beast (1958)—with an extensive restoration, a new 4K scan from original 35mm archival elements—and Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959)—newly restored in HD—will be available on Blu-ray and DVD in a special collector’s two-disc edition from Film Masters.

Plot Synopsis:

Astronaut John Corcoran (Michael Emmet) dies upon returning to Earth following a space mission, but mysteriously comes back to life! As the scientists at a remote space research station investigate Corcoran’s revival, they discover that a parasitic, alien lifeform is utilising his body as a host to incubate its offspring. Starring Angela Greene, John Baer and Ed Nelson, the disc includes the highly entertaining Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode as well.

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You May Look, But Will Want to Hide when “Door-to-Door Maniac” and “Right Hand of the Devil” Are Paired Together!

When The Film Masters is pairing up Door-to-Door Maniac and Right Hand of the Devil in this latest home video release, what’s offered is a great look at attempting to revitalise the neo-noir genre.

Door-to-Door Maniac & Right Hand of the Devil — Available to purchase on Amazon USA

The Film Masters next release is absolutely criminal! With Door-to-Door Maniac, (originally released in 1961 as “Five Minutes to Live.”), I was curious because of Johnny Cash, who plays Cabot, a hardened crook who thinks taking a hostage in her own home (Cay Forester) is easy. However, anyone who has seen Abigail knows that’s a bad idea!

No, there’s no scary twist ending. These tropes were not as established back then. Also, to see Ron Howard in the credits made me curious! This film was made back when he was better known as Opie from The Andy Griffiths Show.

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Recognising The Film Master’s The Crippled Masters During Disability Pride Month

Hint: Lawrence Carter-Long’s essay on The Crippled Masters is required reading to truly appreciate why this film exists. The booklet provides a proper backdrop on how this project came about.

The Crippled Masters by Film Masters — Now availiable for purchase on Amazon USA

The Film Masters have moved on from examining vintage horror pieces to martial arts! In The Crippled Masters, what’s presented is a film many fans of this genre may well overlook; This movie features two genuinely handicapped martial artists: Shun Chung-Chuen (Two Crippled Heroes) and Thomas Hong Chiu-Ming (Fighting Life) who prove that two people working together as one can kick a lot of asses!

In the story, Lin Chang Cao (Mu Chuan Chen) is a cruel crime lord who ordered the dismemberment of Tang and Lee Ho’s limbs. The former lost his legs and the other their arms. It’s a good way to explain why these two became the way they are, and although Ho is not willing to let this loss let him down, he’s determined to live on. Tang, on the other hand, feels ready to face an untimely death. At first, they are hostile to each other at the shelter they find, but when they realise it’s a home to another cripple, the three better be friends! By sheer luck, The Old Man (Jackie Conn) they meet is a master of a distinct style of martial art, and he’s willing to teach these youths how to harmonise.

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Remembering Roger Corman, the Marvel Comics Connection, and the Love for E.A. Poe. Part Two

The reason why Roger Corman is exceptional is because he’s willing to take chances, and also find creative ways to save a buck or two.

Roger Corman is a cinematic maestro who sadly passed away late last week, and the outpouring of affection continues. Even though he’s regarded as retired, there’s still some output. He’s executive producing and I can’t wait for the release of Little Shop of Halloween Horrors, a reboot of the movie that made me a fan of his works. Technically, I first saw the musical and upon learning right away that it was based on a darker version, I had to see it. Afterwards, I had a tough time deciding which one I loved more. Both have their merits.

As for being a filmmaker at the height of his career, the 60s, he gave many young talents getting into the industry that break. He also helped mentor them to be even more successful than he was. At the time of writing, the outpouring of affection from Ron Howard and John Carpenter say more than what I can put to words. There’s also bound to be more social media posts from other industry leaders. Even the heads from Shout! Studios, an early distributor of his works, have paid tribute. Continue reading “Remembering Roger Corman, the Marvel Comics Connection, and the Love for E.A. Poe. Part Two”

Remembering Roger Corman (Part One). The Beast from Haunted Cave Remastered.

Although Beast From Haunted Cave is not one of Roger Corman’s best, it’s notable for other reasons in this retrospective of this filmmaker.

Beast From Haunted Cave and Ski Troop Attack — **Available to purchase on Amazon USA**

The Beast from Haunted Cave (1959) won’t win awards for its schlock, but for B movie enthusiasts, to see it offered side by side with Ski Troop Attack (1960) can make for a fun weekend at the movies–especially if you’re the type who love those drive-in type affairs. Film Masters released this pairing back in October as a look at what the Corman brothers did early in their career. Roger produced the former and got his brother Gene to direct.

Strangely, what I wrote before and thought I had posted has disappeared. Perhaps that monster chewed it up because it didn’t like what I wrote. But after hearing of Roger’s passing, I had to delve into my library and select a sampling of works to remind myself about why this filmmmaker is revered.

Continue reading “Remembering Roger Corman (Part One). The Beast from Haunted Cave Remastered.”