Maniac Cop Slashes Its Way Onto Blu-ray

William Lustig's Maniac Cop, and its subsequent sequels, are still not-so-guilty pleasures of mine. I enjoyed them when they were first released and I still get a kick out of them now. So this is definitely good news for fans of the first movie as it hits Blu-ray on Oct 3rd from Arrow.

From our exclusive feed with Cult Labs

Maniac Cop (Arrow Video)

Police brutality never felt so good

Notorious video nasty creator William Lustig and B-Movie legend Larry Cohen return to the dirty streets for a unique high speed collision of the slasher movie and police thriller in Maniac Cop, a blood splattered tale of brutal cop vengeance from beyond the grave.

When reports come in of a man in a police uniform committing gore drenched bloody murder on the city streets, officer Jack Forrest (Bruce Campbell) stands accused. Now, with few friends, powerful enemies and a psychopathic slayer still at large, it's up to Jack to prove he's not guilty and bring down the killer.
Now, Arrow Video brings the Maniac Cop back from the 80s video vault to stalk the night time streets once more, looking for fresh victims…

THIS EDITION CONTAINS
- Reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork
- Double-sided fold-out artwork poster
- Collector's booklet featuring brand new writing on the film by author Troy Howarth and The Original Maniac: An interview with William Lustig, adapted from Calum Waddell's book Taboo Breakers

SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Brand new High Definition transfer of film film
- Exclusive UK introduction to the film from star Tom Atkins
- Doomed Detective: Tom Atkins on Maniac Cop
- Lady of the Night: Laurene Landon remembers Maniac Cop
- Scripting a new Slasher Super-Villain: Larry Cohen on Matt Cordell
- Trailer

Original Art by Rick Melton

In original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
Original Stereo 2.0 Audio
Optional English subtitles for the hearing impaired
Feature and extras 1080/24p Region ABC playable worldwide
RRP 27.99
Released 3rd October

Coming Soon - Brighton Rock

Based on Graham Greene's novel, which was also made into the 1947 movie starring Richard Attenborough, comes this new version of the story. Directed by Rowland Joffe, this is set for a US release on August 26th through IFC Films. Hopefully the combination of Mods, Rockers and Gangsters a solid looking cast, which includes Helen Mirren, will deliver the goods.

ABOUT BRIGHTON ROCK:

With the aesthetics of a British gangster flick and the soul of classic film noir, screenwriter Rowan Joffe's debut feature BRIGHTON ROCK tells the story of Pinkie, an ambitious teenage gangster who will stop at nothing to make a name for himself in Britain's sinister world of organized crime. His aspirations are nearly derailed when Rose, a naïve local waitress, stumbles upon evidence linking him to a revenge killing. To keep his alibi alive, Pinkie seduces Rose, weaving a chilling web of deception and passion, violence and love. Set in the picturesque seaside resort of Brighton, England, the film updates Graham Greene's iconic 1939 novel to 1964-at the height of Britain's Mods and Rockers riots-and stars the sexy, up-and-coming British pair Sam Riley (CONTROL, ON THE ROAD), in a performance of intense cunning and charm, and Andrea Riseborough (MADE IN DAGENHAM and the upcoming W.E. directed by Madonna) as the young couple. Veterans Helen Mirren and John Hurt co-star as friends who set out to protect Rose from Pinkie and the dangerous world she is quickly falling into. Rowan Jaffe's first feature is a triumph, perfectly capturing Graham Greene's violent and sexually daring masterpiece

Filthy Review - Megan is Missing

Megan is Missing (2011)

Review by Jude Felton

Megan is Missing is a cautionary tale, inspired by true events, that is sure to unsettle even the most cynical viewer out there. In an age where chatting online to random folk is the norm, and rarely even given a second thought to, it shows what the consequences could horrifyingly end up being. Of course, not everyone online has a hidden agenda but the horrors are out there and Megan is Missing is just one shocking story brought vividly to the screen.

The movie is about two young teenagers, Megan and Amy who, even though they are polar opposites in their lifestyles, are the best of friends. Megan is the popular party animal from a broken home who seeks solace in drugs, partying and pleasing the boys, whereas Amy is far quieter, a child who doesn’t want to grow up and to whom boys are not something she has any real interest in.

Much of their time is spent chatting by phone or online and making videos together. But, whereas Amy’s innocence helps keep a barrier up to the world Megan thinks nothing of chatting with complete strangers. If you were in any doubt as to why the movie is so named you should now have a very good idea of what happens next. However, not only does Megan go missing but Amy does too.

The movie is shot entirely through cell phone point of view shots, webcam footage, video camera and news footage and it all works very well to set build the tension throughout. The faux news footage succeeds in showing how events as sad as missing children can be sensationalized to a sickening degree, without real thought of the consequences, but it is the last 22 minutes that will really leave an indelible mark on the viewer. It is raw and uncompromising and definitely hard to watch.

Throughout the movie there are questionable actions made by both girls, but on closer examination and thought you have to remember that the story is dealing with very young teenagers. They still aren’t as worldly-wise as they might like to think they are, and their outlook on the world still has that innocence about it. Yes, Megan’s life is definitely a world away from Amy’s in what she has seen and gone through but they are still just children.

Megan is Missing is without a doubt a shocking and harsh movie, but it does ask the questions as to where the parents of Megan and Amy fall in to these events, and also to parents watching as to what they should allow their children to see and do with regards to the internet and even cell phones.

At the end of the day though Director Michael Goi has delivered a powerful movie, one which is supported by great turns by Amber Perkins and Rachel Quinn in the lead roles. It does have its flaws, although as a whole it is an incredibly effective and brutal movie.

The movie was released in 2011 yet I believe it was made back in 2008 and I can only wonder why it took so long to get a release. The cash crazy out there could well have saddled it on the back of the success of movies such as The Blair Witch Project or Paranormal Activity, to which it does share some similarities in style if not the tone. Regardless, it is a movie that will stick in your mind of that you can be sure.

(Megan is Missing is available through Anchor Bay Entertainment)

Dead Hookers Are Heading Your Way

Dead Hooker in a Trunk is finally getting its US release next month through IFC Midnight. The movie, from directors Jen and Sylvia Soska, has already been available overseas for awhile now so it is great news that we will finally have it on these shores.


Dead Hooker in a Trunk Official Site

DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK RELEASED BY IFC MIDNIGHT IN LIMITED THEATERS AND VOD

The Highly Anticipated Release of the Award Winning, Critically Acclaimed, Independent Hit, DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK!

WORLD PREMIERE -- AUGUST 3rd 2011 --

"You should check out DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK. They made it low budget and it's f*cking awesome. The violence is incredible and the stunts are fantastic." ~ Eli Roth, Director

After touring the film festival circuit and capturing the attention and adoration of critics and fans alike, the highly anticipated world release of the independent, cult classic in the making, grindhouse film DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK has finally arrived after making its UK and Australian release earlier in the year. DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK is being released through special midnight theatrical screenings in a limited release across the USA and Canada by IFC Midnight. Cities and theater information will be released soon. For those who can't wait to see it in theaters can see it early through VOD on August 3rd, 2011.

DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK, set in beautiful Vancouver, tells the story of four friends who set out on an everyday errand and end up in a fight for their lives when they discover the body of a dead hooker left in their trunk.

Lead by a sexy, impulsive Badass, her distant Geek twin sister, their bible thumping, Jesus loving Goody Two Shoes friend, and a chaotic, rock star Junkie pal, the group has to put aside their differences to dispose of the body before they're next. Thrown into their own personal purgatory, they face off against persistent police, a sleazy motel manager, chainsaw wielding triads, and a brutal serial killer. All the while they are followed by a mysterious Cowboy Pimp who wants to claim the corpse for his own.

Will they uncover the truth behind the body and be able to stand up to their demons? Buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life filled with gun fights, extreme violence, blood, guts, gore, and goats.

DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK is the debut feature film by Canadian Twin Filmmakers, Jen and Sylvia Soska, that has set the independent horror scene ablaze with excitement. The film and the filmmakers have captured the attention of Hostel director Eli Roth, Fangoria, Gorezone, Twitch Film, Rue Morgue, and many other profound voices in horror.