M.I.A DVDs

DVDs have been around since 1995. After countless releases, enough to fill entire warehouses from top to bottom, some films have still never seen the light of day, forgotten in the vault of distributors around the world. Some movies are stuck in legal limbo hell: lost copyrights, feuds between video distributing companies, soundtrack rights changing hands etc.; others are simply left aside, disregarded like trash. No wonder that some websites proudly sale DVD-R of some unreleased titles. If major shit-heads distributors spit on the prospect of releasing such lost gems then why not Jim Bob Doe through his website? Pressing DVD-R from VHS transfer in his basement, selling them to prospect buyers like myself ? At least we’re able to watch our favorite gory cult sci fi movie on DVD. Even though most of time the quality “laisse à desirer”.

Oh well, here’s a list of DVDs still missing in action, still officially unreleased.

CURTAINS (1983, Richard Ciupka, Vestron Video)
This Canadian semi-slasher holds a special place in my memories: the ice skating scene with the psycho-girl wearing an old hag mask carrying an axe…memorable. The rights of this creepy movie are probably buried in the video catalog acquired by a major distributor or laying under the arse of some sleaze ball Canadian producer. Probably will never get a decent release on DVD.

THE DEADLY INTRUDER (1985, John McCauley, Thorn Emi Video)
Obscure slasher, amateurish and not very memorable. However, I had the poster in my room back in the 80’s and nowadays, the movie is for me very nostalgic. Like Curtains , probably will never get release on DVD.

THE VIDEO DEAD (1987, Robert Scott, Embassy Home Entertainment)
By far, not a great zombie flick and probably not a great flick. I mean the acting is horrible but the story is engaging and the SFX are well made for such a low budget. In fact, this zombie-fest was very entertaining when I rented it a couple of years ago. Unfortunately like many Embassy Home titles presently own, I think, by MGM ( Humongous for example), Video Dead might never rise from the VHS cemetery.

THE KEEP (1983, Michael Mann, Paramout Pictures Home Video)
Ok, we’ve all seen it. You might not remember it or even not like it but I’m a fan of it and to this day don’t understand why The Keep isn’t yet released??? Either Paramount doesn’t give a flying f**k about it, completely disregards fans of this movie or Michael Mann doesn’t want to see it release for some obscure reasons – now that he is a big shot Hollywood director. This film would be very nice on a two discs special edition loaded with extras…Shame Paramount, shame.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot...

RITUALS (1977, Peter Carter) another great canadian flick (what is the @$#! problem with the releases of canadian horror films???) reminiscent of Deliverance is finally suppose to see the light of day very soon thanks to Code Red. But after pushing back - twice! - the release date maybe they'll give us this little classic in 2010... or 2011 or 2012?!

That’s it for now but lots more to come…gotta go eat something and watch The Keep on DVD-R….