While many, including some we will discuss, have no problem talking about their past, not everybody is so quick to embrace their boody roots. So, for those folks who shudder when a skeleton is pulled out of their closet, allow us to throw the doors wide open and celebrate the path you’ve traveled.

Today’s entry: OSCAR EDITION – BEST ACTOR CATEGORY

DEMIAN BICHIR
Nominated for: A BETTER LIFE
Roots: HIPNOS (2004)
Synopsis: (unavailable)
Trailer:

GEORGE CLOONEY
Nominated for: THE DECENDANTS
Roots: GRIZZLY II: THE CONCERT (1987)
Synopsis: “All hell breaks loose when a giant Grizzly, reacting to the slaughter of Grizzlies by poachers, attacks at a massive big-band rock concert in the National Park.”
Trailer (trailer is long lost, so enjoy Clooney’s death scene from a tenth gen VHS transfer!):

GARY OLDMAN
Nominated for: TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY
Roots: BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA (1992)
Synopsis: “This version of Dracula is closely based on Bram Stoker’s classic novel of the same name. A young lawyer (Jonathan Harker) is assigned to a gloomy village in the mists of eastern Europe. He is captured and imprisoned by the undead vampire Dracula, who travels to London, inspired by a photograph of Harker’s betrothed, Mina Murray. In Britain, Dracula begins a reign of seduction and terror, draining the life from Mina’s closest friend, Lucy Westenra. Lucy’s friends gather together to try to drive Dracula away.”
Trailer:

BRAD PITT
Nominated for: MONEYBALL
Roots: CUTTING CLASS (1989)
Synopsis: “High school student Paula Carson’s affections are being sought after by two of her classmates: Dwight, the “bad boy”, and Brian, a disturbed young man who has just been released from a mental hospital where he was committed following the suspicious death of his father. Soon after being released, more murders start happening. Is Brian back to his old tricks, or is Dwight just trying to eliminate the competition?”
Trailer:

* JEAN DUJARDIN has no genre efforts in his catalog

THE HAMMER VAULT

by Marcus Hearn
Titan Books

Review by Elvis Kunesh 

If you’re looking for a great book to go with your blood-stained coffee table, have we got the recommendation for you. From publisher Titan Books we bring you THE HAMMER VAULT – an immense tome bursting with illustrious artifacts and elaborate stories behind the creation of every single entry in the HAMMER film library.

Each enormous two-page spread spotlights a single film. Author Marcus Hearn says something unique about the background of each film, and what it meant for the over-all big picture, charting Hammer’s roller coaster history all the way up to present day. Every movie is featured with an alluring array of concept art, poster work, annotated script pages, props, promotional material, exclusive set photos and private messages written between production heads; each accompanied with a detailed caption provided further insight to the film. The imagery is as diverse as the Hammer film library, showcasing the horrific and lecherous charm the company is known for.

My personal favorite section was the five pages devoted to a number of unmade Hammer films which included concepts for VAMPIRELLA, a comic-style adventure focused on the titular and titillating heroine; NESSIE, a Loch Ness Monster rampage film with special effects handled by Kaiju-wrangler studio Toho; and a high-flying stop-motion monster epic that might qualify for the greatest movie title ever… ZEPPELIN VS. PTERODACTYLS.

Starring Samuel L. Jackson

THE HAMMER VAULT is as captivating as it is visually striking. I couldn’t help but pour over every line, finding myself fascinated to know the specifics of each HAMMER production and its place in cinematic history– and this is coming from someone who has seen a stark few Hammer films. This book goes beyond being a collectible for fans and manages to be a solid, devilishly good read for any horror buff or cinephile. Go and get yourself a copy right away!

For now, here is the latest on the restoration, courtesy Hammer:

“This post will deal with UK vs. US main/end titles, update you all on the “lost” DRACULA footage restoration and talk about the seemingly contentious topic of Digital Vision Noise Reducer (DVNR) aka Digital Noise Reduction (DNR).

First, the subject of main and end titles. Both our restoration partners and ourselves are doing everything we can to ensure that Hammer films are restored from the very best available materials. Often these materials are of the US rather than the UK version, which leads to a search for viable first and last reels so that the UK titles can be restored. DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS (released March 5th by StudioCanal) was restored from an OCN featuring US main titles but UK end titles. Using the first reel of a badly-damaged print as a source, Pinewood Studios have done a fantastic job restoring the original UK main titles, meaning that the final restored film has UK titles at the beginning (Associated British Productions Limited Presents // A Hammer Film Production) and the end (A Hammer Film Production produced at Bray Studios, England // Released through Warner-Pathe Distributors Limited). Watch Marcus Hearn’s all-new documentary on Blu-ray for more on this.

Again using the first reel from a UK print in each case, Pinewood Studios have also restored the original UK main titles to both THE REPTILE and THE PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES, meaning that TPOTZ’s opening title sequence (featuring the voodoo ritual) will play in the correct order (sadly not the case on recent DVD releases of the film which play the title cards out of sequence). The end titles of both films are from a US-cut OCN, as no viable materials were available featuring the UK end titles.

On Monday we reviewed the restoration of the Japanese footage to DRACULA (warmest thanks to Simon & Michiko Rowson and The National Film Center at The Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo). It was incredibly exciting to see the two long-lost moments in the context of the BFI’s restoration. Molinare have done a superb job restoring this footage, considering the state of the reels (you’ll be able to compare and contrast on the eventual Blu-ray; we’re going to release all four surviving Japanese reels unrestored as a single extra). The moment where the Count leans-in over Mina is full of transgressive threat and erotic charge (one can easily see how this moment had to be cut in 1958) though the footage does not actually include a bite (contrary to wishful thinking in some quarters). The “face-clawing” scene is truly magnificent and sits perfectly within the last few seconds of the film. There are still tickets available for the world premiere screening of the “definitive” restored DRACULA on 18th February.

Finally, there have been several posts here and elsewhere regarding screen grabs from DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS suggesting over-use of DNR and lack of grain. We can assure you all that when you see the film in motion you will definitely see plenty of grain! It isn’t really possible to draw conclusions from low-res JPEG screen grabs, however we can state that the DNR used on the restoration was very light indeed, only on a handful of scenes, and only when absolutely necessary. We can also state that there were no blanket noise-reduction filters used at any point during restoration. Any loss of focus and fading on the picture as presented on the Blu-ray is due to the age of the scanned materials rather than DVNR or the use of filters.

As a postscript, you’ll all be pleased to hear that scanning has now commenced on THE DEVIL RIDES OUT, RASPUTIN THE MAD MONK and THE MUMMY’S SHROUD at illuminate in Hollywood; film material courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox.”

A few months back we shared the first footage of the picture, and today a new teaser trailer was released, giving a little further insight into Argento’s vision. In addition, 40 (!) images have been released, a nice mix of stills and production shots, that tell the real story of just what is in store with this controversial outing from “Italy’s Hitchcock.” The film is set for release later this year.

StudioCanal has already been hard at work on bringing a few Hammer classics up to spec, starting with 1958′s QUATERMASS AND THE PIT (currently available). StudioCanal has their second effort, DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS (’66) set to hit the home market on March 5. Regarding this release, Hammer comments, “DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS, restored at Pinewood from a two-perf original cut negative, scanned at 4k and restored in 2k. DRACULA PRINCE OF DARKNESS will be presented in all its Techniscope glory, in the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1.” The disc will include a new documentary featuring interviews with Barbara Shelley, Francis Matthews, Mark Gatiss, Jonathan Rigby and others.

Also on StudioCanal’s plate is the dastardly duo of two more from 1966 in THE PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES and THE REPILE. In addition to all of that, keep your eyes peeled for the definitive version of Terence Fisher’s 1958 masterstroke DRACULA, which will include newly discovered footage originally cut from the British version, restored courtesy of The National Film Center at The Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo. The Japanese footage reportedly features an extended and gruesome death scene for Drac, as well as an extra erotic moment that shocked censors upon initial release.

More as these releases continue rolling out!

Last year, Universal Studios announced they are scrapping their long-running JAWS theme park ride in favor of a newer flavor, which saddened fans, so some good JAWS news is welcome. Quite honestly, with Warner Bros. digging into their catalog for the superb Warner Archives DVD series, and MGM following suite, it is about time Universal stepped up to give some TLC to their marquee titles. Bring on the Blus!

Also on the list are ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT, SCHINDLER’S LIST, BUCK PRIVATES, THE STING, PILLOW TALK, OUR OF AFRICA, and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.

"Bruce" almighty! (image courtesy Universal)

Take a look at a high res photo of the model, along with its colorful packaging…

(Images courtesy Sideshow Toys)

An early trailer has been released, featuring visual effects sequences labeled as being “in progress” along with plenty of footage from the film. Clearly a violent take on the legend, DRACULA 3-D certainly has genre fans talking…

Take a look (WARNING: trailer contains violent and adult images NSFW)…

Asia Argento and Rutger Hauer in Dario Argento's DRACULA 3D (image courtesy Film Export Group)

Mavis - Count Dracula's Daughter in HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA

Miley will be voicing Mavis, Dracula’s kid daughter whom is coddled by the Count. Sandler plays Dracula, whom dissuades Mavis’ adventurous spirit by fabricating tales of great dangers in the rest of the world. To keep her safe he opens the HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, where Mavis and the world’s most famous monsters– including Frakenstein’s monster, the Bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man and a family of Werewolves– live in peace

Things are all well and ghoulish at the HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA until one ordinary fellow comes for a stay and takes a liking to  Mavis. Can you imagine a worse MEET THE PARENTS situation? “Brad, this is my dad, Count Dracula.” “How do you d- AGGGAHAH!” It’s just sad because it’s the children that really get hurt in these scenarios.

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA is set for release in September 2012. Do you think Miley Cyrus will be a good addition to the cast? Are you excited to see Dracula and her boyfriend duke it out? Would YOU date the daughter of Dracula? Tell us in the comments!

UNIVERSAL ACTION FIGURES

First up, the action figures! There are four of these amazing UNIVERSAL MONSTERS action figures to collect, each of which depicts a classic monster in their supernatural habitat and comes equipped with their very own unique accessory!

THE MUMMY

You wander across the Egyptian desert on the verge of heatstroke, lips cracking from dehydration as you drag your feet through the scalding sands. At the top of a particularly high sand dune you stop and bring a canteen to your parched lips.

Nothing comes out.

Frustrated, you shake the canteen. One single drop of moisture forms at the vessel’s mouth. You bring it to your lips slowly, desperate to slurp up this delicious H20, but despite your best efforts the droplet falls to the scorched ground before you can get in position.

Your last hopes evaporating as fast as the last of your water, you whip the canteen at the ground and fall to your knees. As you kneel there sobbing, the ground beneath you suddenly shifts.

What was that? You scramble to your feet only to slip and fall into a cyclone of sand as it pours down through a growing hole that appears underneath you.

THUD. Groaning, you climb to your feet and pull out the flashlight you brought for just such an occasion. Finding yourself in an enormous underground tomb of sorts, the only thing around you is a strange ancient pedestal with an ominous-looking scroll resting on top of it.

Never the smartest person, as proven by your being stranded in the Egyptian desert in the first place, you choose to pick up the parchment and find it covered in strange hieroglyphics - it is the Scroll of Thoth. Everything you learned in those Egyption 101 classes that you took back in high school comes flooding back to you and you read a passage aloud.

The ground shakes again, cluing you in to the immense poorness of this latest series of decisions that you’ve made. Shining the flashlight around frantically, you search for any indication as to what is going on. The ground continues to shake, debris and sand rain down from the ceiling, a creepy undead arm flails around wildly as it sticks out of a crack in the side of an ornate sarcophagus. Wait, what!?

You watch, frozen in horror, as the linen-wrapped arm pushes the lid off the sarcophagus to reveal the embalmed, yet somehow living remains of Prince Im-Ho-Tep. The Mummy gives a scratchy groan, flexing dried up vocal cords that haven’t been used in millenia, and limps toward you.

Terrified for your life, you retrieve the Scroll of Thoth and skip to a new passage, conveniently titled “HOW TO SHRINK AN ATTACKING MUMMY.” You speak the words and BAM! Time freezes around you. An eerie light appears within The Mummy’s hallow chest cavity and, in the blink of an eye, engulfs the undead being.

After a moment the light fades and, resting on the ground where The Mummy once stood, is a tiny figurine. You pick it up and inspect it, temporarily entranced by the figurine’s incredible detail. You grin and let loose a victorious laugh. Finally! Your very own authentic Mummy action figure! If only there were an easier way to get one…

Oh, wait. There is!

Cue Diamond Select Toys and their latest series of action figures, capturing The Mummy in a never-before-seen level of detail! This outstanding Imhotep action figure stands 8″ tall and comes with an exclusive, full sized sarcophagus – large enough to contain your mummified monster when he tries to sacrifice you to revive his long lost love! All for only $19.99!

DRACULA

1931 – Carpathian Mountains – Borgo Pass.

Ignoring warnings from the locals, the intrepid (or stupid) Renfield made his way through the mountains via stagecoach, headed for the ominously named Castle Dracula. The road was bumpy, and it didn’t take long for Renfield to lean out of the carriage to ask the driver if perhaps he could have a small pillow or some such cushion to protect his tookus. But the driver was gone, and instead a strange bat fluttered in front of the horses, leading the way.

“By Van Helsing’s crucifix!” Renfield shouted, “Bats don’t know how to drive!”

Clamoring to the driver’s seat, Renfield took the reins and desperately tried to control the horses. The Bat did not like this.

With the moves of an Arwing from Starfox 64, the Bat somersaulted through the air and attacked Renfield.

“Son of a banshee!” Renfield exclaimed, unprepared for such an aerial assault.

The Bat attacked again and again. And again and again. And again and again and again and again. Finally Renfield had had enough.

“I’ve had enough!” He announced.

As the Bat swooped down for another attack, Renfield reached out and plucked the wanna-be bird from the air. The Bat struggled to free itself, but Renfield held on tight. After a moment the Bat stopped struggling, and then something completely and utterly shocking happened…

The Bat began to transform into a man. A very distinguished, very pale man with a glorious red and black cloak. Unfortunately, presumably due to the constraints of Renfield’s chubby fingers, the transformation resulted in not a full sized human, but a very small, very flustered Tiny Count Dracula.

“Noo!” Tiny Dracula cried in a high falsetto, “Curse my tiny bat body and the ambiguousness of my re-transformation process! ”

“Huh,” muttered Renfield, remarkably taking this all in stride, “Sucks for you. I’m going to go live in your castle now!”

And with that he tossed Tiny Dracula out into the night and continued on to his new life of riches and luxury. Tiny Dracula was never seen or heard of again.

This is not that Tiny Dracula. But it is an incredible replica!

FRANKENSTEIN

There once was a doctor. Well, more of a mad scientist really. But for the sake of anonymity, we’ll just call him Dr. Henry Frankenstein.

Dr. Frankenstein had a rather sad childhood, always getting picked on for his crazy inventions – and later on getting picked on for earning a Ph.D. in a time when people didn’t even know that those letters existed.

Under such terrible conditions, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that little Dr. Frankenstein grew to hate the world. On his eighteenth birthday, the Doctor was struck with a brilliant idea. If the world was full of people who were mean to him, he would create one who wasn’t.

And so Dr. F went to work. He worked and he worked, and then he worked some more. On Monday, he worked. Tuesday, worked. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday? Worked. The man didn’t even take weekends off! He was obsessed.

Years went by and finally the day came that his creation was complete, all he needed was power. 1.21 gigawatts of it.

“1.21 gigawatts!” Doc exclaimed, “How am I gonna generate that kind of power? It can’t be done! I mean, the only power source capable of generating that much electricity is…”

And then it hit him. A bolt of lightning!

After wiring up a few simple contraptions and waiting twelve days for a thunderstorm, the good Doctor was ready.

He plugged in the machine. ZAP! The monster of Frankenstein was born!

From that day on, Dr. Frankenstein and his monster were living the good life. Playing catch, tea parties, getting drunk in Vegas… the inseparable duo did it all! Until that fateful day that Frankenstein’s monster got lost on his way back from the candy store and was mugged by a local biker gang that called themselves the Torch & Pitchforks. Hearing his monster’s demonic cries of fear, Dr. Frankenstein rushed to the scene. But he was too late, the ravenous gang had torn his friend to shreds.

Gathering what remains he could find, Frankenstein took them back to his lab and tried to recreate his masterpiece. While managing to capture the incredible detail of his original creation, this copy was much smaller – due to lack of materials – and didn’t have enough matter for the life-giving process to work, and so the Doc was stuck with a lifeless doll monster.

Unable to live with the constant reminder of his failure, Dr. Frankenstein sold his mini-creation on Ebay and it eventually found it’s way to Diamond Select Toys, where they put legendary monster sculptor Gabriel Marquez to work and the Frankenstein’s Monster action figure was born!

Clocking in at $21.99, this 7″ action figure comes with a fantastically sturdy little table that looks identical to the very piece of laboratory furniture upon which the original Frankenstein’s Monster was created!

CREATURE OF THE BLACK LAGOON

NEXT PAGE - UNIVERSAL MINI-MATES!