IT’S THE VERY FIRST NEWSLETTER OF 2012!

It’s 2012! The year which will, according to some, see the end of the world as we know it. Personally I wasn’t a believer of this not-so-cheery prediction…until Harold Camping (the guy who wrongly announced the end of the world last October) said it was total nonsense. Now I’m a little worried.

Thankfully, there’s plenty of fantastic cult film releases coming out this soon – so we can all go out with a bang and with some style. Booyah! This newsletter is cram packed with all the latest news about some of the most exciting releases to look forward to. So sit back, recover from that hangover you still haven’t shaken since New Years and count down the days till the end of humanity as I guide you through the wonderful world of Cult Cinema this week.

THE BEST THINGS OUT NOW!

Bam! Kicking this year into gear before you can finish singing Auld Lang Syne is the new Blu-Ray release of Frank Henenlotter’s Frankenhooker! A killer lawn mower, an off-kilter recluse, a floating brain with one eye and a rowdy lady-creature made from the decomposing body parts of recently exploded super crack addicted hookers. That could mean one of two things to you, dear readers. Either it reminds you of your New Years Eve party or it sounds like one of the greatest and most fun films ever made! Few films are quite as zany as Henenlotter’s Frankenstein-themed masterpiece and thanks to Arrow Video, you could own it in High Def stuffed to the brim with fantastic and exclusive special features. Besides the 4 artwork panels, poster and collector’s booklet, this release includes exclusive commentaries, the making of, a tour of the effects lab, interviews, introduction and oh so much more! You can order yours online at Amazon if you like – be sure to check out the Official foum for plenty of details on this release and some fun threads including a poll to vote for your favourite Henenlotter film!

COMING SOON!

Throughout January there’s so many great releases that it can get a little overwelming sometimes. So here’s a handy list full of some of the best DVDs and Blu-Rays coming your way this chilly month. Enjoy!

The Bird With The Crystal Plumage (Arrowdrome, DVD) – One of the two Arrowdrome releases this month is that all time classic amongst the best of giallo. Along with Suspiria and Deep Red, The Bird With The Crystal Plumage remains one of Dario Argento’s greatest and most well loved films around the globe. It is a true masterpiece of Italian cinema, and it could all be yours on the 9th of January. Not only does this DVD come complete with a great transfer of the film, reversible artwork sleeve and an exclusive booklet written by Argento-guru, Alan Jones but its at a bargain price too! You can pre-order yours here or visit the forum for more information.

Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman (Arrowdrome, DVD). One word: Samurai. There are few things quite as godly in their awesomeness as Samurai warriors (with the exception of dinosaurs, zombies, ninjas and pirates, of course). And there are few Samurai movies that live up to the Zatoichi series’ status. When a film was created from the minds that brought us Lone Wolf & Cub and Hanzo the Razor you know you’re in for a very bloody treat. Exploitative? Check. Funny? Check. Sensitive and moving? Check. Epically awesome in every way? Double Check. If you fancy checking out some swordplay mastery then click here – you wont be disappointed!

Troll Hunter (Momentum Pictures, DVD and Blu-Ray) – Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. There’s not long until The Troll Hunter comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray! What do you mean you haven’t pre-ordered yet? This film is far too good to miss out! When a film is being described as one of the best of the year, you know it’s gotta be good and thankfully The Troll Hunter does anything but disappoint. Visit the Fan Hub for lots of cool articles including one in which Bloody Good Horror announces The Troll Hunter as the second scariest film of 2011! This film is out on the 9th of January.

Without You (Freemantle Enterprises, DVD) – “Blood, guts and monsters! Don’t you people watch anything else?!” Well, funny you should ask that because it doesn’t get more different to the aforementioned releases than Without You. Without You, ITV1’s current hit thriller series based on the bestselling novel “What To Do When Someone Dies” by Nicci French (the pen name of writing duo Nicci Gerrard and Sean French) and starring Anna Friel (Limitless; London Boulevard; Pushing Daisies), comes to DVD on 16th January 2012 and features all three episodes of the series plus bonus “making of” featurette which includes interviews with Anna Friel and Nicci French.

Hidden (Freemantle Enterprises, DVD) – Another slightly more calmer release here. Hidden is a topical and intricately plotted drama that recalls similar quality thrillers such as Spooks, 24 and The Shadow Line and boasts a complex storyline that rewards repeat viewings, Hidden recently screened on BBC One to critical acclaim that saw it hailed as “atmospheric and intriguing… Glenister is fabulous” (The Guardian), “excellent” (The Daily Express) and “exciting… ambitious… intelligent” (Four Stars, The Daily Telegraph). If this thriller sounds like your sort of tea, then you know what to do!

Too Fat For 40 (Mediumrare Entertainment, DVD) – No that’s not a personal slur to you, dear reader. You’ve never looked better! Although, perhaps you shouldn’t slouch so much when reading this. Anyway, back to the film! Too Fat For 40 is Kevin Smith’s stand up comedy DVD! Horray! If you liked his Red State, Cop Out, Zack And Miri Make A Porno and Clerks II then this is right up your alley. If boobies, willies, poo and bum bum jokes (I said bum bum! Heheheh!) make you giggle like a schoolgirl with ants in her pants, then look no further as absolutely nothing is off limits as Smith discusses very personal and very funny aspects of his private and public life including sex, the problems of being overweight, working with his hero, the late George Carlin, getting stoned with Seth Rogen, being arrested by the Canadian border guards for smuggling, being suspected by the LAPD of child kidnapping and the difficulties of working with a Hollywood superstar of Bruce Willis’ stature – a situation exacerbated by the fact that the Hollywood superstar in question suspects you don’t really know what you are doing. And, naturally, this being Kevin Smith, fellow actor-director and good friend Ben Affleck frequently finds himself in the firing line of Smith’s comedy pot shots. This two-disc edition featuring the full, uncut and unexpurgated three-and-a-half-hour version of Smith’s performance and includes a bonus DVD loaded with extra features including additional encore Q&A footage and a look behind the scenes. You can pre-order it here as it’s not out until the 23rd of Jan or visit Sam’s blog to find out even more details.

P.S. Willy.

THE TWILIGHT ZONE

With a month to the day until the 5th volume of The Twilight Zone comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray and brand spanking new section has been added to the Twilight Zone forum dedicated entirely to this upcoming set. Here you’ll find all the details you’ll need including all the episodes, all the special features (2011 saw The Guardian reward The Twilight Zone boxsets the prize of the years best extras!) , packshots and a whole load more too! So what are you waiting for? Head on over to the section for all you need to know!

Also new this week is a thread for every single episode of Season 5, including everyone’s favourite Nightmare At 20,000 Feet! So, forget Miso or GetGlue, share your thoughts of the episodes as you watch them on their very own thread! Just head here. Simple!

This week’s Topic Of The Week is dedicated to one of the greatest writers in all of Science Fiction and Horror. Responsible for penning such classic literature as The Incredible Shrinking Man and I Am Legend, films including Duel, The Devil Rides Out and The Pit And The Pendulum, this writer was also responsible for some of the best episodes from the original Twilight Zone show. Yes, of course it’s Richard Matheson! But which is his best episode? Perhaps it’s the Shatner fav Nightmare At 20,000 Feet? Or maybe it’s Little Girl Lost that Poltergeist seemingly ripped-off? Or Buster Keaton’s Once Upon A Time? Or something else? It’s a tough call! Be sure to share your thoughts on the poll.

Don’t forget to pre-order the 5th volume of the 1960′s Twilight Zone, available on DVD and Blu-Ray on the 6th Feb from all good retailers who have taste including Amazon.

Also, take a look at this incredible artwork! Came across any yourself? Perhaps you’ve drawn your own? Or maybe you just want a nosey. Well head over to the ‘Your Twilight Zone‘ Forum!

PRISONER: CELL BLOCK H

The 6th of Feb is not only a time for all Sci-Fi fans, but also those who love Prisoner: Cell Block H and what sane person doesn’t?! Yes, that’s right, in a month’s time the 11th Volume of this cult show will be out and all yours to add to your ever growing collection. This set will be made up of 8 discs and ventures into some of the show’s greatest moments including the huge fire! To find out everything you need to know about this release head to the new section dedicated to it’s release. Keep your eyes pealed over the coming days for screenshots, clips, GIFs and a very nice competition on this section too!

As some of you may know, every couple of week’s we run a Twilight Zone Night in which members can watch, together, an episode from that show and chat away, together. So…how many of you guys would like there to be a Prisoner equivilant? If you do, drop me a message and I’ll make it happen! It’ll be a lot of fun – so don’t be shy!

If you want to be a true fancy-pants, you could not only pre-order the 11th Volume, but also the 12th! You dedicated people!

Say hi to the girls – don’t be afraid to start your own threads on the Official Prisoner Forum! We’re nice…honest!

WIN! WIN! WIN! BECAUSE WE’RE GENEROUS LIKE THAT!

For the very first weekly competition of 2012, we’re giving away Arrow Video’s very cool Blu-Ray release of Frankenhooker! All you have to do is try and solve the film character’s new years resolutions! You’ll need to stick on your thinking caps though and it’s not easy! You can read all the rules and enter here – GOOD LUCK!

THE GRINDHOUSE PROJECT

It’s back! Yes, that’s right, the section of the newsletter dedicated to all the great cult film events in the country is back. So, put your hands together and welcome BioZombie. Take it away, Bio…

The GHP is back a better than even in 2012. Head over to the January Screenings Section to see the biggest list of cult films for any month so far! And if you’re really feeling in the mood for cult on the big screening, follow the GHP on Twitter at @The_GHP

Below are my pics for the best of The GHP this week: