Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983)

Title: TwilightZone: The Movie
Starring: Scatman Crothers, Vic Morrow, Albert Brooks, Dan Aykroyd, John Lithgow
Directed By: George Miller, John Landis, Joe Dante, Steven Spielberg
Release Year: 1983
VHS Release Year: 1983
Distributor: Warner Bros. Home Video
Box Type: Clam shell
Catalog #: 11314

Released in a Warner Bros. clamshell in 1983.

It took about 10 years after the rise of DVD for this film to be released on that format in 2007.

This film has been released on VHS a few times, each with a slipcase and slight variations on the box art. This is the only time it has been released in this clamshell packaging as WB changed to slipcase around 1986 or so. This film is also available as part of the "Warner Bros. Hits" line in the early 90's.

Creepshow 2 (1987)

Title: Creepshow 2
Starring: Lois Chiles, George Kennedy, Dorothy Lamour, Tom Savini
Directed By: Michael Gornick
Release Year: 1987
VHS Release Year: 1996
Distributor: Starmaker Entertainment, HGV Video Productions, R & G Video
Box Type: Slipcase
Catalog #: 99112

Released in a slipcase in 1996 co-distributed by Starmaker Entertainment, HGV Video Productions, & R & G Video.

Part of the Collector's Edition, Gold Series from R & G Video.

Although this is co-distributed by Starmaker Entertainment, HGV Video Productions, & R & G Video, all companies notorious for releasing tapes in EP or LP mode, this version is in SP mode.

The ink label on the cassette features the HGV Video Productions logo only.

Duplicated, packaged and printed in Canada.

There are several VHS releases of this film from various companies.

There are two trailers for "Creepshow 2" prior to the feature. One of the trailers is an early "Currently in production" trailer using the original "Halloween" theme music.

Tales From The Hood

Title: Tales From The Hood
Starring: Corbin Bernsen, Rosalind Cash, David Allen Grier, Wings Hauser
Directed By: Rusty Cundieff
Release Year: 1995
VHS Release Year: 1995
Distributor: HBO Home Video
Box Type: Chromium Slipcase
Catalog #: 91217

Released in 1995 from HBO Video in a beautiful chromium slipcase.

Due to the box being chromium, it's a real bitch to get a clear quality scan.

I've come across several of these throughout the years and I think because the box is protected by a hard chromium shell attached to a cardboard slipcase, used copies of this are commonly found in great shape.

Contains previews for "Dr. Jekyll And Ms. Hyde" & "Last Of The Dogmen".

There is also a widescreen VHS released in 1998.

The widescreen VHS does not have the chromium slipcase.

Including the wraparound story, five "tales" comprise this feature.

The laserdisc release apparently had a commentary by the director, which for some reason, was not carried over to the actual now-OOP DVD. (Blurb submitted by ryan1234- thanks.)

Tales From The Darkside: The Movie

Title: Tales From The Darkside: The Movie
Starring: Christian Slater, David Johansen, William Hickey, James Remar, Deborah Harry, Rae Dawn Chong
Directed By: John Harrison
Release Year: 1990
VHS Release Year: 1990
Distributor: Paramount Home Video
Box Type: Slipcase
Catalog #: 32360

1990 slipcase Release from Paramount Home Video.

There is a preview/trailer for the 1990 Full Moon release, "Crash And Burn" prior to the "Feature Presentation".

There is also a version with the same box, sticker label, release year and catalog # that features trailers for "Crash And Burn" & "Red Blooded American Girl".

Tales From The Crypt: Volume 3

Title: TALES FROM THE CRYPT VOL. 3
Starring: Demi Moore, Kelly Preston, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lance Henriksen, William Hickey
Directed By: Howard Deutch, Arnold Schwarzenegger, & Walter Hill
Release Year: 1992
VHS Release Year: 1992
Distributor: Warner Home Video
Box Type: Slipcase
Catalog #: 35320

This is a 1992 slipcase release distributed by Warner Home Video.

This is a collection of the first three episodes from season two of the HBO series, "Tales From The Crypt"

The three "tales" in this collection are "Dead Right", "The Switch" (Directed and with a brief cameo by Arnold Schwarzenegger), & the outstanding, "Cutting Cards".

The Warner Home Video ident is shown before the feature.

There are no previews before the feature.

This collection is titled, "Volume 3". The other two volumes in this series were released on VHS by HBO Video as "Tales From The Crypt" in 1989 & "All New! Tales From The Crypt" in 1990. Neither had "Volume" in it's title.

The episodes are edited together without their opening and end credits, each segments credits are edited together in a scrolling screen credit sequence, giving it more of a theatrical horror anthology feel.

The themes from each individual episode along with the main title theme by Danny Elfman are played over the end credits.

The opening intro for "Tales From The Crypt" usually opens with "Home Box Office Presents", however being that this is distributed by Warner Bros., this collection opens with "Warner Bros. Presents". The Tales From The Crypt logo also features a cheaply inserted "Vol. III" graphic below it's title.

Arnold Schwarzenegger made his directorial debut with "The Switch".

Rich Rossovich, who plays Hans/Carlton in "The Switch" also appeared with Arnold Schwarzenegger in "The Terminator". He played Ginger's (Sarah Connor's roomie) boyfriend.

Tales From The Crypt: Night Of Horror

Title: Tales From The Crypt: Night Of Horror
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Billy Wirth, Tia Carrere, Teri Garr, Michelle Johnson, Brion James
Directed By: Michael J. Fox, Russell Mulcahy, William Friedkin
Release Year: 1994
VHS Release Year: 1994
Distributor: Malofilm Video, New World Pictures, Republic Pictures Home Video
Box Type: Slipcase
Catalog #: 94086

This is a 1994 Canadian slipcase release co-distributed by Malofilm Video, New World Pictures & Republic Pictures Home Video.

This is a collection of three "tales" from various seasons of the HBO series, "Tales From The Crypt"

The three "tales" in this collection are "The Trap" (Directed and with a brief cameo by Michael J. Fox), "Split Second" & "On a Deadman's Chest".

"Split Second" is my all time favorite episode of "Tales From The Crypt".

Michelle Johnson didn't go on to be much of a star but she did have two amazing "assets" going for her. Yes, you see them in the "Split Second" segment and they are spectacular.

The Malofilm Video & New World International logo sequences are shown before the feature.

There are no previews before the feature.

The Republic Pictures Home Video logo only appears on the front ink label and not in the actual feature or the slipcase.

The episodes are edited together without their opening and end credits, giving it more of a theatrical horror anthology feel. Each segments credits are edited together following the last story, in the order of "On A Deadman's Chest", "Split second" & "The Trap". This is a reverse order of how the episodes are sequenced on the tape.

The intro for this collection retains the usual "Home Box Office Presents", however, the "Tales From The Crypt" title logo does not appear after the intro ends, it is placed somewhere in the middle with the "Night Of Horror" graphic below it.

Tales From The Crypt (1972) (UPDATED)

Title: Tales From The Crypt
Starring: Joan Collins, Peter Cushing, Sir Ralph Richardson
Directed By: Freddie Francis
Release Year: 1972
VHS Release Year: 1985
Distributor: Prism Entertainment
Box Type: Clam Shell
Catalog #: 1931

Released in 1985 in a clam shell by Prism Entertainment.

The first tale, starring Joan Collins, "And All Through The House" was adapted from the Johnny Craig story, "...And All Through The House..." from Vault Of Horror #35, Feb-March 1954. This story was also adapted as the second episode of the 1989 HBO Tales From The Crypt TV series starring Mary Ellen Trainor.

I personally feel the HBO episode of "And All Through The House" is much better than the Joan Collins version, especially the ending.

There are five "tales" in this film, "And All Through The House", "Reflection Of Death", "Poetic Justice", "Wish You Were Here" & "Blind Alleys".

My personal favorite is "Poetic Justice" starring Horror Legend, Peter Cushing. This vignette is also one of my top 5 adaptations of any EC story, be it from the Amicus films, or the HBO series. "Blind Alleys" is also a standout story.

The segments, "Wish You Were Here" & "Blind Alleys" were also adapted as episodes for the HBO series, both with alterations and title changes. "Wish You Were Here" an homage to "The Monkey's Paw" was adapted as "Last Respects" also directed by Freddie Francis and "Blind Alleys" was mashed-up with the similar story, "Revenge Is The Nuts", being renamed with that title.

This film was also released on VHS in 1989 from Starmaker Entertainment and in 1998 as part of the 20th Century Fox Selections collection.

It took until 2007 for this film to be released on DVD.

My scan of this also appears on the excellent website, VHS Wasteland to which I am a one of many cover contributors.(Cheap Plug)

Features previews for "Shock Waves" & "Dominique".

All New! Tales From The Crypt

Tales From The Crypt (1989)

Title: Tales From The Crypt
Distributer: HBO Video

Loose Screws

Title: Loose Screws
Release Date: 1985
VHS Release Date: 1986
Distributor: Lightning Video
Starring: Bryan Genesse, Karen Wood, Alan Deveau
Directed By: Rafal Zielinski
Catalog #: LA 9935

Released by Lightning Video in 1986.

There is a preview for "The Party Animal" following the feature.

This is the sequel to "Screw Balls".

It took until 2005 for this movie to be released on DVD.

Well known Canadian comic, Mike MacDonald appears as the principal of Coxwell Academy.

This version clocks in at around a little under 77 minutes, there is an 88 minute cut available on DVD.

Psychic

Psychic
Release Date: 1991
VHS Release Date: 1992
Vidmark Entertainmant
Starring Catherine Mary Stewart, Michael Nouri, Zach Galligan
Directed by George Mihalka
Catalog #: VM 5388

Released by Vidmark Entertainment in 1992.

This is a Screener copy.

The "Screener Copy" information is printed on the box and is not a sticker.

Like most screener copies, the label on the cassette is cheaply typed and looks homemade.

The label on the cassette reads,
"Cineglobe/C/FP
Screening Copy
"Psychic"
December 18, 1991
Release Date: February 6, 1992"

The trailer and a commercial package featuring retailer information for this film appear before the feature.

While the label states a release date for February 6, 1992, the retailer commercial states a release date of January 29, 1992. The order date was January 14, 1992.

If a retailer purchased a two-pack of this film they would have recieved a lighted "Psychic" counter display.

Vidmark backed this release with full page four color ads in retailer newsletters, "Video Store", "Video Business" & "Video Insider".

The Uranium Conspiracy (1978)

Kiss Daddy Goodnight

Kiss Daddy Goodnight
1988
Academy Entertainment
Starring Uma Thurman, Paul Dillon, Steve Buscemi
Directed by Peter Ily Huemer

Released by Academy Entertainment in 1988.

This film is Uma Thurman's feature film debut, she would have been about 17 or 18 when she filmed this. While this film is really just a by the numbers suspense thriller and nothing special, it is sought after by collectors because of Thurman's involvement and that it is also released by Academy, which is a well loved label by collectors.

Steve Buscemi has a small role in this film. He also has a small scene in Pulp fiction as the "Buddy Holly" waiter at Jackrabbit Slim's. Buscemi shares this scene with John Travolta and of course, Uma Thurman.

The slipcase has flaps on the top and bottom.

There are no previews prior to the feature.

This slipcase is done partly in a "gray wash". This technique was popularized by covers from DC Comics in the late 60's, early 70's and is usually used on VHS covers for courtroom dramas and erotic thrillers. The main character's oversized floating head is usually gray washed in a grainy effect in the background while another principal character usually full or half bodied is normal colored in the foreground. The VHS covers for "Physical Evidence" and "The Morning After" are examples of "gray washing".

Paul Dillon is the brother of Matt & Kevin.

Physical Evidence (1989)

Physical Evidence
1989
Vestron Video
Starring Burt Reynolds, Theresa Russell, Ned Beatty
Directed by Michael Crichton

Released by Vestron Video in 1989.

Burt Reynolds & Ned Beatty also worked together in "Deliverence" (1972). No pig squealing here though.

The cover artwork is done partly in a "gray wash". This technique was popularized by covers from DC Comics in the late 60's, early 70's and is usually used for courtroom dramas and erotic thrillers. The VHS covers for "The Accused", "Kiss Daddy Goodnight" and "The Morning After" are examples of "gray washing".

Theresa Russell plays a lawyer named "Jennifer Hudson", no sign of her lawyer boyfriend/sports entertainer, David Otunga.

This is one of those movies that I really enjoyed the first time I seen it in the late 80's but did not like when i watched it recently. Theresa Russell is still hot as hell and her hair is amazingly long in this film, which adds to her hotness, imo.

The tape features previews for a cheesy Ed Marinaro thriller, "Dead Aim" and "Little Monsters" starring Howie Mandel & Fred Savage.

The Steel Claw (1961)

The Steel Claw
1961
VEC
Starring George Montgomery, Charito Luna, Mario Barri
Directed by George Montgomery

There is no year dates on the box or the cassette.

Released by VEC, an EP mode Canadian label, known mostly for public domain titles.

Like most VEC titles, the box is a sipcase and has flaps on the top and the bottom.

This version is recorded in EP/SLP mode, however, the tracking and sound are above average for this mode.

VCI Home Video released a version of this film on VHS in 2002.

Originally distributed by Warner Bros., the film went into the public domain, however, on this version, the Warner Bros. Logo still appears at the beginning of the film.

Bloodsport (1988)

Bloodsport
1988
Warner Home Video/Cannon
Starring Jean Claude Van Damme, Forest Whitaker, Donald Gibb, Bolo Yeung
Directed By Newt Arnold

Original 1988 Warner Home Video release.

The back box synopsis differs from the 1998 Re-release.

There are several world wide versions of this film available on VHS.

This version features a sticker label on the cassette.

There are no previews on this version.

1998 "Warner Bros. Hits" slipcase Re-release.

Unlike the 1988 release, this version does not have the Cannon logo on the spine.

This version is the 10th Anniversary edition but the box does not promote that aspect.

This version features an ink label on the cassette.

There are no previews on this version.

Leprechaun 2 (1994)

Leprechaun 2
1994
Vidmark Entertainment/Trimark Pictures/Front Row Entertainment
Starring Warwick Davis, Shevonne Durkin, Tony Cox, Michael James MacDonald
Directed By Rodman Flender

• Although there's no mention on the box or the actual tape this version appears to have been released by Front Row Entertainment. A company known for their cheap prints of public domain films, usually recorded in EP/SLP mode, with some of the worst tracking of any of the cheaper low budget companies.
• The Front Row Entertainment logo appears after the Warning screen followed by the Trimark logo.
• This version is recorded in EP/SLP, but the tracking worked fine on my newer VCR that I bought this year (4/11).
• There is a Vidmark Entertainment only SP version available with an identical box and tape front. Besides playing it, the other way to tell the difference is to look at the amount of tape inside the cassette. The Front Row version would have less.
• The first Leprechaun movie had Jennifer Aniston, this one has Shevonne Durkin. Who? Exactly. (Reader, ryan1234 pointed out that Durkin was "the babysitter babe in Ghost In The Machine".
• Warwick Davis & Tony Cox (A standout in Bad Santa) both played Ewoks in "Return Of The Jedi".
• Michael MacDonald who plays the waiter who gets his face boiled, is now best known for playing the man-child Stuart Larkin on MADtv.
• The late Sandy Baron, who plays Morty, will forever be known as Jack Klompus, the guy who gave Jerry the "upside down pen" on "Seinfeld".
• There are no previews/trailers prior to the feature.
• Rodman Flender went on to direct, "Idle Hands" one the most underrated comedy/horror flicks of the 90's.

Scream And Scream Again!

1970
1985 VHS Release
Vestron Video/Orion Pictures
Starring Vincent Price, Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing
Directed by Gordon Hessler

• 1985 Vestron Video & Orion Pictures release.
• If you look closely, nipples are visible on the box art. Yes, I'm a sicko.
• The box makes a big effort to state that this is "Vincent Price's 92nd Thriller", even though he's hardly in the movie.
• Beautiful box art that took me over an hour to get all the video store stickers off. My version is faded but thanks to photoshop I got most of the color back in it.
• This film was released on DVD by MGM in 2003 as a "Midnite Movies Double Feature" along with "The Oblong Box". There was also a DVD release in 2000.
• The cover art is a reworked version of the original theatrical poster. On the poster the breast area has already dissolved.
• There are several releases of this film on VHS, most notable, A 1994 "Vincent Price Collection" edition from Orion Home Video and two "Midnite Movies" versions in 2000 & 2003 from MGM.
• My scan of this appears on the excellent website, Critical Condition in the Vestron Video section. (Although they could of given credit, just saying).

Last updated: Sept. 28, 2015

Abigail Wanted (AKA Stingray) (1978)

Title: Abigail Wanted
Starring: Sherry Jackson, Christopher Mitchum
Directed By: Richard Taylor
Release Year: 1978
VHS Release Year: 1990
Distributor: HQV
Box Type: Slipcase
Catalog #: N/A

Originally released theatrically in 1978 as "Stingray".

Released as "Stingray" on VHS in 1986 by Embassy Home Entertainment.

This release clearly pushes the "Abigail as a nun" premise, other versions push the "carsplotation " aspect of the film.

There are no previews on this version. In fact, like most HQV Videos, there's no company ident or FBI warning at the beginning. The movie just begins during the credit sequence after pressing play, and the film's title is conveniently missing. I'm guessing maybe to avoid costs on having to insert "Abigail Wanted" over "Stingray".

Last updated: Feb. 10, 2014

Black Ice (1992)

Title: BLACK ICE
Starring: Michael Nouri, Michael Ironside, Joanna Pacula
Directed By: Neill Fearnley
Release Year: 1992
VHS Release Year: 1992
Distributor: Prism Pictures
Box Type: Slipcase
Catalog #: 8403

Direct-to-video.

Unrated version.

Includes an R-Rated trailer for the Robbie Benson thriller, "Invasion Of Privacy".

Turner Home Entertainment also released this film on VHS in 1996. (Source-IMDB)

Michael Nouri has one of the worst Mullet wigs to ever appear on film.

Filmed in Winnipeg, Canada.

Nouri, Pacula & Ironside appear completely different in the movie than they do on the box art.

Michael Ironside & recognizable character actor, Mickey Jones also appeared together in the 1984 series, "V".

As of this writing, the film is unavailable on DVD.

The Beast Must Die! (1974)

Title: THE BEAST MUST DIE!
Box Tagline: One Of These Eight People Will Turn Into A Werewolf! See It...Solve It...But Don't Tell!
Starring: Peter Cushing, Calvin Lockhart, Marlene Clark
Directed By: Paul Annett
Release Year: 1974
VHS Release Year: 1986
Distributor: Prism Entertainment
Box Type: Slipcase
Catalog #: 3302

Released in 1986 by Prism Entertainment.

For some reason, I could be wrong but I think the film fell into the public domain which resulted in it being released on VHS several times from low budget companies and with varying degrees of quality and recording modes. Most notable are a 1981 release from The Nostalgia Merchant, a 1986 Canadian release from Interglobal Home Video, a 1989 release from Impulse Productions, a 1993 release from Jtc, Inc., and a 1991 & 2001 release from Image Entertainment. Image also released it on DVD in 2001 as well.

Last Updated: Dec. 4, 2014

Viking Massacre (AKA I Coltelli Del Vendicatore)

Title: Viking Massacre (AKA: I Coltelli Del Vendicatore & Knives Of The Avenger, Bladestorm)
Starring: Cameron Mitchell
Directed By: Mario Bava
Release Year: 1966
VHS Release Year: 1985
Distributor: Videoline Productions
Box Type: Slipcase
Catalog #: 1261

This is a 1985 Canadian VHS release from Videoline Productions for a 1966 Mario Bava flick, featuring a beautiful painted cover that really has nothing to do with the film.

Released on VHS in the U.S. in 1987 as "Bladestorm" from Mogul Communications, Inc. and also as "Viking Massacre" from Mega Video. (Info from Cinema Arcana) 

 

Last Updated: Sept. 27, 2015

Shanghai Killers

Shanghai Killers (AKA Zhui ji and The Chase)
1971
VHS Release 1988
United American Video Corporation
Starring Paul Tien, Fang Hsin
Directed by Tian-lin Wang

Although this is clearly a cheap release of a 1970's martial arts public domain title, the cover while crudely drawn is pretty good. It's obvious they tried to give the guy a "Bruce Lee" look, who was always good for a quick sell. I Always loved the artwork on these public domain titles, they weren't the best, sometimes they looked like they were done by a 4 year old, but they certainly stand out compared to the later VHS/DVD public domain titles in the 90's and 2000's which just used a publicity shot of the featured actor, usually from a different movie, no less! At least these had originality.

This version is a 1988 United American Video Corporation release of a 1971 Hong Kong film, originally titled "Zhui ji", later renamed "The Chase" for the North American market in 1973.
The quality of this tape is what to be expected from companies such as this, there's no remastering here, lots of blur, distortion, dirt, grain, and tracking problems which are perfect for a 1970's martial arts film, it adds to it's appeal.

Last Updated: Feb. 5, 2014