FOR THE FUN OF IT:

 

SHOUT! FACTORY'S DAY OF THE DEAD (1985) 4K ULTRA HD/BLU-RAY COLLECTOR'S EDITION

"The Darkest Day of Horror the World Has Ever Known"

Shout! Factory/Scream Factory has bestowed George A. Romero's fans a monumental, "40th Anniversary" gift: a special-edition box set of the writer/director's third chapter in his flesh-eating zombie saga, Day of the Dead. 

The 4-disc set supplies a sizzling, restored transfer of the 1985 classic on both 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray, enhanced by Dolby Atmos, mono and other interesting, audio options. Though the movie was not culled from an actual negative (with an interpositive transfer being the next best option), the imagery pops with gruesome intensity, giving it a scary sheen that surpasses previous releases.   

In addition to the polished print, the set includes  the acclaimed, feature-length documentary, World's End: The Legacy of Day of the Dead; audio commentary by Romero, makeup maestro Tom Savini, lead star, Lori Cardille and production designer Cletus Anderson; additional audio commentary by writer Daniel Kraus and movie critic Drew Mcweeny; interviews with Cardille, costar John (Martin) Amplas, music composer/assistant director John Harrison, Susanne Romero (the director's spouse and founder of the George A. Romero Foundation), filmmaker Tina (Queens of the Dead) Romero, second-unit director Ernest Dickerson and special-effects assistant/actor Greg (The Walking Dead) Nicotero; behind-the-scenes Savini footage; a look at the movie's restoration process; a "Stink of the Dead" segment (which caters to Captain Rhodes' demise and the rotted meat that turned the sequence so noxious); a tour of the Wampam Underground mine, with a promotional video from the company; a photo gallery; and theatrical/TV trailers. 

The packaging for the release is exquisite, with a new image of Howard Sherman's Bub gracing the box top and reproductions of Day of the Dead's theatrical and VHS posters for its disc-case sleeves. In addition, the set contains twelve collectible cards, featuring varied, promotional images. 

Day of the Dead was remade twice (in 2008 and 2019), and though the retellings hold their merits, the original remains the aesthetic standard. In fact, its pervading impact on The Walking Dead's gritty despair and contemptuous conflict is obvious. (Heck, even Bub made an appearance on Season 4.) Also, for what it's worth (and this should count for much), Romero considered Day of the Dead his favorite of the franchise, not only for its memorable dialogue, but that it dug far deeper into the apocalyptic macabre than either Night of the Living Dead or Dawn of the Dead. In many ways, Day of the Dead was in the forefront of the dystopic, horror visions yet to come and holds up in ways that few anticipated. 

I'm damn proud to say that Day of the Dead is one of my all-time favorite movies. This box set is a painstaking labor of love and a comprehensive must-have, even if one owns the prior submissions. At long last, "the darkest day of horror" has received its creme-de-la-creme commemoration. 

https://gruv.com/collections/day-of-the-dead

FOR THE FUN OF IT:

 

FLASH GORDON: STRATAGEMS FOR A REDUX

That Masters of the Universe (2026) won't meet its budget cost per box-office receipts is disheartening. It thwarts the likelihood of a sequel, but it may also delay what would have been a sooner-than-later, Flash Gordon movie. 

Masters leaned on Mike Hodges/Lorenzo Semple/Sam Jones' 1980 Flash for much of its zest, which means that much of Masters holds a tongue-in-cheek angle, which in turn also mirrors the mature-audience Flesh Gordon. For the sake of distinction, returning to an original, more serious slant might be wise for a new adaptation, in line with Alex Raymond's comic strip, the classic, King Features/Buster Crabbe serials, as well as the 1979, King Features/Filmation, animated, movie pilot. 

I didn't realize that a Bruce Jones/Al Williamson, comic-book version of Sam Jones' cult classic was published, which extracted the camp, but lo and behold, this, too, would work as an excellent blueprint for a retelling.

I've inserted links to my referenced examples for one's edification and pleasure. 

With Star Wars rejecting its virile roots, a new Flash could be a saving grace for many of us who yearn for the swashbuckling space operas of old. Let's hope that we not only get our wish, but that it's done right. 

Engage and enjoy! 🗲

ST. GREGORY THE GREAT'S CARNIVAL 2026 (6/22-27), 420 NOTTINGHMAN WAY, HAMILTON SQ, NJ

 

COLLECTIBLE TIME: LAUGHING CLOWN VACUUM-FORM, CARNY/CIRCUS MASK

Oh me, oh my, did I ever land a colorful dandy! Considering that I've revered clowns since I was a little lad, this one was an Ebay no-brainer. 

I'm uncertain of the manufacturer, but from what I can gather, the featured, vacuum-form mask was produced in the U.S. during the 1970s and is hand-painted, with a few chipped flecks standing as proof. There's even a smidgeon of inner brow-glue that I presume once kept the mask snug on the wearer's face. (Actually, I find these aged "flaws" endearing, and isn't that moist tongue just amazing?) 

I realize the design might strike some as creepy (those inclined to dismiss all clowns for Pennywise), but try as I may, I just can't see it that way. To me, the piece recalls my favorite, televised, greasepaint characters, like Bozo, Clarabell, Philly's friendly, fan favorite, Happy and heck, even Cesar Romero's devilish but just-kiddin' Prince of Crime. In addition, the design invokes those poor, battered buffoons of Lon Chaney Sr., who were inclined to hide their pain behind bright eyes and stretched smirks. 

Well, this vintage work of art is now mine oh mine, and I'm jolly as jolly can be to cherish it. 

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