Wednesday, September 23, 2015

HALLOWEEN II (1981) Review (Originally posted on Planet Fury)




     The Moustapha Akkad presentation of HALLOWEEN II picks up directly where the original ends. Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) shoots boogeyman Michael Myers (Nick Castle) six times, sending him over a balcony and onto the front lawn of the Doyle house. Of course, everybody knows that you ‘can’t kill the boogeyman’ and Myers’ body is nowhere to be found. Intrepid “final girl” Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis), is taken by ambulance to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital to tend to her wounds while Loomis and Sheriff Brackett (Charles Cyphers) wander the streets of Haddonfield attempting to find The Shape. 




     Throughout his original rampage, Michael’s motives were seemingly tied to the anniversary of murdering his sister Judith (fifteen years prior). After returning to the scene of the crime, he fixated on a teenager (Laurie) who reminded him of his sister, compelling him to repeat the crime again. His efficient trail of death was either tied to survival or his compulsion to relive the past. A Phelp’s Garage mechanic, two dogs and three horny teens were either slashed or strangled - and sometimes both. By HALLOWEEN II, our boogeyman (now played by stunt man Dick Warlock) appears less focused and much more angry. Maybe it was the knitting needle in the neck, the hanger in the eye, the butcher knife in the chest, the six close-range bullets to his body and two-story fall to the ground that soured his patient, methodical approach? Whatever the cause, poor Alice (Anne Bruner), a random teen alone in her home, is the first unfortunate victim of the angrier, less subtle Myers. Alice’s only sin? Leaving the front door unlocked. Myers may have returned, but he couldn’t have wandered further from Orange Grove Ave.



 
   The rest of HALLOWEEN II focuses on Loomis’ attempts at finding Myers - and Myers’ attempts at killing Laurie. While Loomis gathers clues indicating a nonsensical (and unnecessary) motive for his former patient, the incompetent staff at Haddonfield Memorial are systematically killed by Myers in several mean and equally nonsensical ways. The creepy cat and mouse games of a child-like psycho have been replaced by FRIDAY THE 13th-style murder set pieces. What is most frustrating with this follow-up, again scripted by Carpenter and Debra Hill, is that there is no true protagonist. Curtis’ Laurie is drugged and bedridden for most of the running time. The intrepid babysitter from the original is relegated to the sidelines while Loomis is left to search dental records and wax philosophic on evil and the origins of Samhain. The audience is left to wander the dark halls with group of dim, vague archetypes simply waiting for a syringe to the eye.  Hard to believe that Carpenter and Hill would choose to pursue such a limited and redundant narrative. It’s a slick yet depressing coda to a classic film that surely deserved better. 




     Director Rick Rosenthal (HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION) does a serviceable job with the slight material he was given. He gets some solid performances from Pleasence, Cyphers and Lance Guest (JAWS: THE REVENGE) as concerned paramedic Jimmy. Nancy Stephens makes a welcome return as the cynical, chain-smoking Marion and Gloria Gifford is a strong presence as head nurse Mrs. Alves (the lone authority figure at Haddonfield Memorial). Curtis, who did the sequel out of loyalty to Carpenter and Hill, is suitably worried and anxious in her extended victim role. Though a poorly-chosen wig offers distracting evidence that this is definitely not the same brave teen who fought so valiantly to stop the boogeyman. Thankfully she was able to reconcile the somnambulant turn of her character TWICE several years later in the compelling HALLOWEEN: H20 and the even better Blumhouse re-imagining HALLOWEEN 2018 (which ditches all the sequels and the sibling connection altogether). 




     Rosenthal’s film looks and feels very much like the original, thanks to returning cinematographer Dean Cundey (SATAN’S CHEERLEADERS). The first moments after the opening credits, with Myers’ POV through the back alleys of Haddonfield, contain a mischievous energy missing from the rest of the film. These brief shots cleverly mirror the beginning of the original and promise a movie that is far more inventive than what proceeds. As a HALLOWEEN sequel, it’s mostly trick, but as a mindless slasher film it’s a digestible treat (if you prefer hard candy). It’s helped greatly by the kinetic score, an electronic revamp of Carpenter’s iconic original soundtrack. The extended, entirely expected stalking sequence between Myers and Laurie is shot and edited with a modicum of energy. However, the leisure pace of the Warlock Myers is often unintentionally funny. Laurie “narrowly escaping” the surgical knife by a slow moving elevator is far removed from the nail-biting confrontations orchestrated in the original. 




     What is most obvious (and unfortunate) with HALLOWEEN II, is that Myers is most certainly NOT the boogeyman. The silent, sneaky phantom in the shadows from HALLOWEEN is nowhere to be found once Strode has been secured in the stretcher. Perhaps by bookending the film with The Chordettes’ “Mr. Sandman,” Carpenter and Hill were intimating that our heroine began hallucinating as soon as she stated that, ‘It was the boogeyman.’ Razors in the mouth, exploding cars, boiled faces and slippery pools of blood are surely the stuff of nightmares. 







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Thursday, August 20, 2015

Possession of Nurse Sherri DVD Review (Re-post from 2004 Monsters at Play article)



Silly softcore artwork for Retro Shock-O-Rama's DVD release of Nurse Sherri.
     Don’t let the slick softcore, direct-to-video cover art fool you, this is authentic ‘70’s schlock at its most entertaining. Though known in it’s various releases under several different titles (including Beyond the Living and Black VooDoo), most are familiar with this bargain basement Al Adamson film simply as Nurse Sherri. A lurid mix of horror and sexploitation, Sherri is one of the last great examples of drive-in circuit programming - and one of the most absurdly compelling.  
     While attempting to raise the body of a dead disciple, enigmatic cult leader Reanhauer (Bill Roy) has a heart attack. He’s promptly rushed to a hospital for emergency surgery and ends up dying. His tortured spirit, in the form of a crudely animated green blob, quickly possesses sexy nurse Sherri (the pretty but vacuous Jill Jacobson). Using her as his demonic vehicle, he haphazardly begins a plot of revenge against the crackerjack surgical team that operated upon him. Death by pitchfork and other sharp objects soon follow. Ultimately, it’s up to Sherri’s boyfriend Dr. Peter (handsome piece of wood Geoffrey Land) and her fellow nurse confidants (Marylin Joi and Mary Kay Pass) to help her exorcise the evil spirit. 


Jill Jacobson is not confused, she is simply possessed by a confused spirit.


     It’s pointless to delve much into the “plot” of this schizoid production given its fractured history. Even the premise of film is  arbitrary (not to mention contradictory) when given the slightest scrutiny. The cult leader in question seeks revenge because he refused medical help. Though the surgery proves unsuccessful, he would have died regardless – which renders his beyond-the-grave retribution completely nonsensical. His amazing and ever-evolving supernatural powers putting a huge exclamation mark on the junky narrative. Subplots are provided and ultimately prove fruitless. Prentiss Moulden plays a blind ex-football player with knowledge on all things supernatural. His scenes with cult icon Joi (Ilsa: Harem Keeper of the Oil Sheiks) are well played. The two African American actors give the most convincing performances - which is faint praise indeed. 
     The film is opened up somewhat by an additional “subplot” provided by extra footage shot when it was decided to play up Sherri’s “scarier” aspects. Adamson regular J. C. Wells, who was a minor character in the first cut, now receives lots of screen time as an ex-cult member. Telekinetic mayhem, a car chase with ubiquitous vehicle explosion and some nicely shot exteriors are the “bonuses” of this extra mandated footage. Though these sequences add nothing to the central plot, they greatly enhance the production value. This is appreciated even more once the original cut of the film is viewed. Obviously much of the enjoyment factor in watching Sherri is the poorly executed story structure. Those who prefer coherence and continuity along with their exploitation should avoid this (and most Adamson films) altogether.


Marylin Joi and Prentiss Moulden give all in Nurse Sherri (a.k.a. Black VooDoo).


     Basically, Nurse Sherri is a strange marriage of the film Carrie and the nurse sexploitation sub genre. In fact, producer Sam Sherman (listed in the credits as Mark Sherwood) offers a candid audio commentary where he credits Carrie and the Roger Corman film Student Nurses as inspiration. The final result is probably the most coherent of all of Sherman’s collaborations with the late director. It’s also one of the more compelling pieces of low budget schlock released at the time. (The climax of the film is actually edited quite nicely and does hold a modicum of suspense.) 
     What makes this film more than just a “so-bad-it’s-good” experience is a combination of elements. Often Nurse Sherri feels like an Ovidio Assonitis production. The jarring editing and poor continuity frequently found in his Italian/ American releases (which include Beyond the Door and The Visitor) tend to give them an eerie, otherworldly quality. In this respect, Sherri’s budget limitations and numerous re-shoots often work in its favor. There is also a claustrophobic uneasiness that permeates the film as well. Practical locations (no studio sets) and its 16 millimeter you-are-there documentary aesthetic certainly give it an edge. It’s the perfect companion piece to William Sachs’ The Incredible Melting Man from ’77. Both films are micro-budgeted, claustrophobic horror films that work because of their obvious limitations. Though certainly no classic, Sherri can be immensely entertaining for those who appreciate the sub-genre. 


A bloody hand attempts to awaken the somnambulant Nurse Sherri.


     Nurse Sherri was originally shot in 16mm, then transferred to 35mm. High color contrast and severe grain on the release print are often the result. Sherri’s additional footage was shot on 35mm film stock, which only adds to its inconsistent presentation. The original release probably looked much like the image on this DVD – lots of minor wear with heavy contrast and grain. The night scenes are also extremely dark on the original cut of the film. There is an alternate, sexed-up version of Sherri included as well. This cut has even more wear and high contrast but, oddly enough, the night scenes are much brighter. The image is not letterboxed, but the 16mm aspect ratio remains intact. Al Adamson was not known for his mise-en-scene as a director - so even the 35mm scenes don’t seem to lose much information in the framing. For the record, most the film was shot by Roger Michaels - who does an adequate job. There are no awkward boom mics in the frame or major technical gaffes.
     Sound quality on the DVD is merely adequate. The original film transfer had audio problems and these are even more prominent in the digital presentation. The groovy catalogue music (all provided by the same television composer) comes in quite clear. Most of the sound problems come from post-production dubbing (or maybe the lack of) but really add to the drive-in experience. You don’t purchase a grind house film like this expecting much in terms of technical quality. However, compared to Something Weird’s DVD releases of the H. G. Lewis films (all 16mm), this is vastly inferior on all levels. Also, the film’s audio during the commentary track is off slightly – and is a bit distracting. 

The unfortunate Sherri is overtaken by a sparkly green blob in Nurse Sherri.

     This disc is a must for all fans of ‘70’s drive-in films for the audio commentary alone. Sam Sherman has provided numerous commentaries for other DVD releases and he’s got the system down. As stated previously, the audio of the film is out of sync during his voice-over, but he rarely stops to take a breath. His candid comments about the genesis of the film, behind-the-scenes struggles and reedits make it even more interesting. Originally Nurse Sherri was intended as a sex film with horror elements. The original cut is provided and is a fascinating look at the making and remaking of an exploitation film. Also included is the theatrical trailer and a TV spot - both great pieces of schlock advertising. Shock-O-Rama and Seduction Cinema trailers (mainly ‘90’s direct-to-video titles) are also part of the package.
     Though a fully-remastered, widescreen print would have greatly improved the package, this is the best Nurse Sherri has appeared since its release and the commentary alone is worth the (inexpensive) retail price. Certainly not for every taste, especially those who prefer the “intentionally campy” horror films that permeated the multiplexes in the mid-80’s. But if you prefer your exploitation with honest absurdity and eager-to-please schlock, then search out your favorite DVD vendor for this out-of-print gem.   

The gloriously lurid original one-sheet for the 1978 theatrical release.


 



 

Saturday, September 13, 2014

HE KNOWS YOU'RE ALONE DVD REVIEW (from 2004 - MONSTERS AT PLAY)


“He’s after me Marvin; he’s trying to kill me! He killed Nancy!”
Amy (Caitlin O’Heaney), manic in the morgue, in HE KNOWS YOU’RE ALONE.



Directed by Armand Mastroianni in late 1979, HE KNOWS YOU’RE ALONE is one of the more slavish slahers to brandish a knife in the shadow of John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN. It’s also one of the more enjoyable. Burdened with an awkward title that’s more of a tag line - and a lazy ad campaign, Mastroianni’s film didn’t exactly set the boxoffice on fire in the fall of 1980. It’s remembered primarily for two things: the movie debut of a young Tom Hanks and the creepy opening sequence where a woman is stabbed in a movie theater. But this efficient, often suspenseful, little exploitation film deserves more than mere footnote status in this often-derided subgenre.

After a bride-to-be is stabbed through her seat while watching a horror movie, Detective Gamble (hunky Lewis Arlt) grows concerned that it might be the work of a long dormant serial killer; one who murdered Gamble’s own fiancé just hours before their wedding. Sure enough, it turns out that Ray Carlton (the menacing Tom Rolfing) has returned from the void to begin stalking brides - and anyone associated with their wedding party. Fresh off the bus from Slasherville, Ray sets his sights on Amy (Caitlin O’Heaney), a bride-to-be in the final planning stages of her wedding. While her fiancé is off on a wild bachelor party (and her parents conveniently away) she busies herself with dress fittings and a lingering doubt about her upcoming marriage. Her best friends Nancy (Elizabeth Kemp) and Joyce (soap mainstay Patsy Pease) keep her company while she watches her younger sister (Dana Barron) and flirts with ex-boyfriend Marvin (Don Scardino). All the while she is followed by the wide-eyed stalker, who begins to slice up everyone associated with her upcoming wedding. 

Ray Calton (Tom Rolfing) sets his sights on bride-to-be Amy (Cailtin O'Heaney) in HE KNOWS YOU'RE ALONE. 

There are several aspects of Mastrianni’s film that set it apart from the typical slasher film from this era. Shot on Long Island, the cast is filled with talented New York actors including many Broadway and soap opera vets. O’Heaney, also seen in the ugly, misogynistic SAVAGE WEEKEND (shot in ’79 but released in the early ‘80s) makes a likeable, if somewhat neurotic, heroine. Scardino, who stared in Jeff Lieberman’s SQUIRM a few years prior, gives another “charming goofball” performance as Amy’s spurned beau. Kemp (looking very Laurie Strode-like) is also very appealing as Nancy, the girlfriend who sets her sights on a young jogger (Hanks). Much has been made about the future BOSOM BUDDIES star in this film. In what constitutes as little more than an extended cameo, Hanks is fine as a psych student who gives a short spiel on the nature of fear. The late Rolfing is appropriately menacing as the stalker, though some of the awkward staging in the final act renders his character a bit clumsy. Writer Scott Parker embellishes the derivative story with just enough characterization for the actors to hold on to, lending the scant dramatic elements a nuance not typically found in the slasher genre. The believable, and sympathetic, characters also give the suspense sequences an added sense of urgency.

Mastroianni’s first film is appropriately intense, especially during the harrowing climax set at a morgue. Few slasher films from this era were very ambitious; most of which substituted suspense for extreme violence and gore. HE KNOWS eschews much of the violence predominant in the genre, relying more on implied, off screen bloodletting. The Long Island location and late fall backdrop also give the film an isolated, chilly sense of place. Indded its lush fall aesthetic elevates much of the workman-like cinematography by Gerald Feil (who would go on to shoot FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 3).  

Nancy (Elizabeth Kemp) on her first (and last) date with psych major Elliot (Tom Hanks).

Though HE KNOWS is in many ways a superior thriller, especially when considering its budget and 15-day shooting schedule, it remains one of the more blatant reactions to the success of HALLOWEEN. Suspense set-pieces, characters and even music borrow liberally from the Carpenter film. It also lacks the cinematic skill and innovation that made that watershed film so memorable. In the engaging commentary with Mastroianni and Parker, they mention Carpenter’s film only once; odd when you consider how much they relied on his formula for success. In their defense, much of the “kitchen sink” horror brought back into fashion by HALLOWEEN was around well before its landmark release. The “old dark house” with the specter in the shadows goes back to the thrillers of the ‘30’s. Pressure was also imposed upon the filmmakers by producers who insisted on more of the formulaic aspects -like the nude shower scene. And in a bit a slasher film irony, a few of the set pieces that occur in the climax of HE KNOWS turned up a year later in the disappointing HALLOWEEN 2. While no one would accuse Carpenter of stealing from Mastroianni’s film, it’s interesting how certain film genres seem to mirror one another – intentional or not. 

Subtle, isn't he? 


The 2004 DVD release from Warner’s Home Video (now out of print) is a great gift to fans of this overlooked film. The beautiful transfer is presented in its original aspect ratio; the first time since its theatrical release. It also appears that the print was struck from the original negative; dark scenes that appeared murky on video and cable are now sharp and clear. The Dolby Digital sound is a serviceable mix with little distortion apparent. The special features include the original trailer and, best of all, commentary by Mastroianni and Parker. Their behind-the-scenes reminiscing might not be the most eagerly anticipated DVD audio track this year, but to kids who grew up reading Fangoria, this “special feature” truly is one.  

The out-of-print MGM DVD 2004 release of HE KNOWS YOU'RE ALONE.


Issue #9 of Fangoria, with its iconic image of a chainsaw wielding pig, featured a cover story on HE KNOWS (a photo of Rolfing grabbing at O’Heaney is pictured in the second frame of the iconic film strip.) Any kid who purchased that issue in the fall of 1980 will certainly want to get of copy of this film. It’s an entertaining artifact from a high point in exploitation history.



Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Don't Look in the Basement DVD Review (Originally Published on Monsters at Play)


Don’t Look in the Basement DVD Review

By Bradley Steele Harding (for Monsters at Play)

“Now use the axe Judge, listen to me Judge… use the axe Judge, go ahead Judge use the axe…”
Dr. Stephens (Michael Harvey) just “axe’n” for trouble in the quintessential grindhouse movie DON’T LOOK IN THE BASEMENT.


     Writer David A. Szulkin wrote what has to be one of the best books ever written about an exploitation film, “Wes Craven’s Last House on the Left: The Making of a Cult Classic.” It’s an exhaustive account on the making of the film, it’s distribution and the impact that it had on the exploitation market of the 70’s. In it he touches upon the distributor Hallmark Releasing (who also helped finance LAST HOUSE) and the long list of exploitation films that they unleashed upon an unsuspecting viewing public. One of those titles was DON’T LOOK IN THE BASEMENT, a Texas-lensed shocker that borrowed the LAST HOUSE “…it’s only a movie” tag line for its advertising. Hallmark was extremely savvy in its marketing, often re-titling its acquisitions to ensure success. BASEMENT was originally lensed as THE FORGOTTEN and played under several titles including WARD 13 before someone wisely suggested its more sensational, drive-in-ready moniker. Though it never enjoyed the same success as the Wes Craven film, BASEMENT remains one of the quintessential exploitation releases of its time and is definitely due for a reevaluation. 


     The patients at the Stephens Sanitarium are involved in a new experimental treatment. Most of them seem to be suffering from a heightened delusional state and all are encouraged to live out their fractured realities. Sam (Bill McGhee) is a lumbering man-child, concerned mainly with toy boats and popsicles. Sergeant Jaffee (Hugh Feagin) never fully recovered from the war and is still battling an unseen enemy. Harriet (Camilla Carr) was unable to deal with the loss of a child and has become fixated on a baby doll and Oliver (Gene Ross), a former judge, seems to have completely lost himself within his work personae. There is also the resident sexpot Allyson (played with flair by Betty Chandler) who has some severe daddy issues. They are among a few other patients (and a small staff) at the secluded, two-story facility. 
     After her life is threatened once again by the unstable Harriet, Nurse Jane (Jessie Lee Fulton) decides that she’s had enough and goes to give Dr. Stephens (Michael Harvey) her notice. She finds him outside, in the middle of a therapy session with Judge. It’s a treatment that includes a sharp axe and the cutting of wood (evidently the Judge had some anger management issues). Just as the harried nurse tells Stephens of her decision, the patient chops the doctor in the neck with the axe. Dr. Masters (the amazing Anne MacAdams a.k.a Annabelle Weenick) rushes to the scene and attempts to placate the disoriented Judge. There she vows to do whatever she can to keep the “family” together. Soon after, Nurse Beale (Rosie Holotik), hired before Dr. Stephen’s death, shows up at the sanitarium. Though her arrival comes as a surprise to Masters (and seems somewhat of an inconvenience), the young nurse is asked to stay. It soon becomes apparent that the unorthodox therapy, without the supervision of Dr. Stephens, has the potential for further violence. Nurse Beale is warned repeatedly to leave by frail geriatric Mrs. Callingham (Rhea MacAdams) - whose tongue is eventually ripped out of her mouth. Further random acts of violence and a shocking revelation (to the heroine, if not the audience) soon compel the beautiful nurse to do expressly what the title has forbidden. 

Bill McGhee (as Ben) and Camilla Carr (as Harriet) in DON'T LOOK IN THE BASEMENT.
     Screenwriter Tim Pope (who later became a popular music video director) wrote a solid, if eccentric, little script that makes good use of its one-location setting. The simple story structure has several unnecessary plot holes, but this only adds to the off-kilter reality imposed by the delusional patients. BASEMENT was directed by the late S. F. Brownrigg, a filmmaker known for making the most out of micro-budgets and finessing great performances from inexperienced actors. This was his first film and many from the BASEMENT ensemble would show up in his subsequent work. The key asset to this grindhouse favorite is indeed Brownrigg’s deft touch with his cast. BASEMENT is essentially as series of claustrophobic scenes with two or three actors at any given time. Though the cast is small, Brownrigg never has the entire ensemble in the same scene. It’s a choice that greatly adds to the unsettling atmosphere; there’s always some patient not present - off to their own devices. It’s also a testament to the performances (and the wonderful lurid photography by Robert B. Alcott) that the momentum continues to build despite the confines of the sparse setting. Ross, Carr and Weenick all enjoyed varying degrees of success in film. McGhee, who is unforgettable as the simple-minded Sam, didn’t do much after BASEMENT, but would, ironically, later appear in the low-budget comedy DRIVE-IN. The beautiful Holotik (HORROR HIGH), who portrays Nurse Beale with a broad yet charming naivite, only made a handful of films before she gave up acting altogether. 


     It’s been rumored that David A. Szulkin’s next book will be, appropriately enough, a biography on Brownrigg who created his own Texas-based film company in the mid-60’s. All of his 70’s exploitation output: SCUM OF THE EARTH, DON’T OPEN THE DOOR, KEEP MY GRAVE OPEN along with BASEMENT were produced by his Century Studios. Not much has been written about Brownrigg, let alone his impressive film resume (however short). If Mr. Szulkin does half the job on Brownrigg that he did on LAST HOUSE it’s certain to be a compelling read. BASEMENT has a rather poor reputation among horror fans, much of which must be attributed to its public domain status. Any video company wanting to make a few dollars off this film can do so with a small investment in a (typically poor) print. The drive-in graveyard is filled with wonderful films that are poorly represented by cheap video distributors. Other obscure genre films that have suffered greatly because of a copyright lapse include Theodore Gershuny’s SILENT NIGHT, BLOODY NIGHT and Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz’s MESSIAH OF EVIL.  (Both are amazing films and are only available in dark pan and scan abominations.) 
     This particular review is for the newest BASEMENT release from Alpha Video. The technical aspects are negligible… sound is adequate as is the picture. The print seems to be from a 16mm copy (as the aspect ratio seems to dictate). To their credit, it’s not the worst print available and Alpha did go the extra mile and came up with some cover artwork that uses actual imagery from the film. There are no extras save for a six-panel access menu (not animated) and a gallery of video titles available from the company. Regardless of its cheap origins, Brownrigg’s film deserves better. Nothing will be able to duplicate seeing Robert B. Alcott’s lurid compositions on a giant drive-in screen. But restoring the print to its former 35MM glory and presenting it in the original aspect ratio would be a nice start. Mr. Szulkin works for Grindhouse Releasing, the DVD company that put out the definitive version of CANNIBAL FEROX. He was also responsible for the great LAST HOUSE reunion short on the recent MGM DVD release. Maybe with Szulkin’s connections (and his affinity for Brownrigg) a new release with a quality, letterboxed print and requisite extras will finally be issued.

Until then: “To avoid disappointment, keep repeating: It’s only a crappy public domain copy, it’s only a crappy public domain copy…”

Update: 

A superior widescreen version of BASEMENT was released by VCI Entertainment in 2007 (on a DVD double-bill with another Brownrigg title DON'T OPEN THE DOOR). 

Cult DVD label Code Red also put out a great version of MESSIAH OF EVIL and a better (widescreen) release of SILENT NIGHT, BLOODY NIGHT. http://www.codereddvd.com/