Other Worlds 2021 preview: Day Four

Returning for an eight exciting year, Other Worlds, one of the premier SciFi Film Festivals in the US, features some of the best and unheralded genre films. Beginning on Thursday December 2 at Austin’s Galaxy Highland 10, the four day event includes over 25 feature films, a slew of shorts, a screenwriting workshop, and the Mary Shelley Award. This year also features an additional five days of virtual events.

After skipping last years virtual only event, I gladly return to the festival for another go around

Art by Lauren Kitching

Here’s what to expect at Other Worlds 2021

Sunday, December 5

10AM

2001: A Brunch Odyssey

¡Vamonos!
4807 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751

Before the final day of films, discuss your favorites of the festival so far with other attendees and filmmakers. For the first time, this party is open to all attendees.

12PM

Other Worlds Shorts II

Includes:

  • Echo Pines

Stephanie Begg | Australia | 12 min

Newly-minted Detective Barnes takes the lead on a missing child case, only to encounter a one-two punch of unexplainable phenomena in a nearby forest and no support from her fellow officers.

  • Florence

Florian Thess | UK | 13 min

She’s the first of her kind: an AI therapist for human patients. But as she learns more about the human condition, Florence isn’t sure that she knows the answers an isn’t sure that she knows the answers any more than those she seeks to help.

  • Giselle

Emmanuel Shiu | US | 2 min

A micro-meditation on loss, grief, and new beginnings.

  • Killing Time

P. Patrick Hogan | US | 15 min

A mysterious figure slips inside an isolated home and forces an independent research engineer to confront her past.

  • The Name of the Prime Minister

Bizzy Thompson | UK | 10 min

In this political thriller, a psychiatrist interviews a man convinced Tony Blair is still the Prime Minister, while trying to get answers from agents in a secret government facility.

  • Pew! Pew! Pew!

Loren Dunn | US | 13 min

At a cosplay convention, Miles has got some explaining to do with his friends. And what’s worse, his archenemy has just forced him into “battle,” putting those same friends in mortal danger!

  • Smudged

Jack Muldoon | US | 10 min

DMV, the near future: Adam finds himself on a Dantean odyssey through the bureaucratic hell of license-renewal.

  • Transfer

Sage Mears, Aaron Pagniano | US | 11 min

Max is rightfully nervous for this interview, and Bridget is not going to make it any easier for him.

  • Voices

Jake Hart | US | 7 min

A telepathic intelligence operative is confronted by her handler for connecting with the minds of unsanctioned targets.

Homebody: The Haunt Of Guy Withers

Zachary Endres | US | 2021 | World Premiere

Stars: Jordan O’Neal, Ryan Sterling Smith, Gary Teague

When Guy retreats into the apartment he runs as a shared short-term rental, he finds himself at the mercy of a world that doesn’t even notice he is gone, and haunted by the prospect of what lies past his door.

https://vimeo.com/638450905

Other Worlds 2021 preview: Day Three

Returning for an eight exciting year, Other Worlds, one of the premier SciFi Film Festivals in the US, features some of the best and unheralded genre films. Beginning on Thursday December 2 at Austin’s Galaxy Highland 10, the four day event includes over 25 feature films, a slew of shorts, a screenwriting workshop, and the Mary Shelley Award. This year also features an additional five days of virtual events.

After skipping last years virtual only event, I gladly return to the festival for another go around.

Art by Lauren Kitching

Here’s what to expect at Other Worlds 2021

Saturday, December 4

10AM

Saturday Morning – Workshop
Storytelling In The Time Of Vr And Ar With Randal Kleiser

We’ve already left the age of just watching movies and have entered the age of being inside the movie. Unlikely as it sounds, Randal Kleiser, the director of Grease and Flight of the Navigator, has been at the forefront of this new technology for years, creating one of the first multi-episode VR series Defrost, adapting Grease’s “You’re the One that I Want” into a singing and dancing AR experience, and receiving a Lumiere Award for distinguished creative and technical achievements.

Join us for our annual screenwriting workshop to hear about crafting stories in new formats.

Esluna: The Crown of Babylon

Denver Jackson | Canada | 2021 | Texas Premiere

Stars: Grace Chan, Shawn O’Hara, Ariel Hack

After her mentor is abducted by a renegade monk, a relic hunter and her crew must find the Crown of Babylon, an ancient artifact rumored to have the power to bring back the dead.

Other Worlds 2021 preview: Day Two

Returning for an eight exciting year, Other Worlds, one of the premier SciFi Film Festivals in the US, features some of the best and unheralded genre films. Beginning on Thursday December 2 at Austin’s Galaxy Highland 10, the four day event includes over 25 feature films, a slew of shorts, a screenwriting workshop, and the Mary Shelley Award. This year also features an additional five days of virtual events.

After skipping last years virtual only event, I gladly return to the festival for another go around

Here’s what to expect at Other Worlds 2021

Friday, December 3

4:30PM

Keeping Company

Josh Wallace | US | 2021 | Texas Premiere

Writers: Josh Wallace, Devin Das

Stars Jacob Grodnik, Devin Das, and Ahmed Bharoocha

A fateful chain of events begins to unravel after two brash insurance salesmen go knocking on the wrong door, only to find themselves selling to a serial killer. (Also screens on Saturday, December 4 11:30PM)

The Turn of the Screw

Alex Galvin | New Zealand | 2020 | Texas Premiere

Writer: Alex Galvin and Henry james

Stars: Greer Phillips, Jane Waddell, Ben Fransham

Julia—a last minute replacement for another actress—arrives the night before open and is thrust immediately onstage to act the lead role in an evening of terror. Cast as the governess in a stage adaptation of Henry James’ Turn of the Screw, Julia, just like her character, begins to suspect that not just the fictitious house is haunted, but also the stage where she stands.

Lingering Visions Shorts

Includes:

  • Blue Fire

Nick Ronan | US | 21 min

A mysterious alien entity serves to reunite two ex-lovers and offer a new path forward, should they choose to take it.

  • Evie

Alex von Hofmann | Australia | 18 min

Teen Evie lives in a post-apocalyptic frontier rife with human scavengers and genetically modified dinosaurs. When her father is injured, she must venture out alone to get the supplies to save him.

  • Silver Age

Steve Makowski, Harrison Lees | US | 22 min

Does Elliot’s ailing grandfather have a secret past as a masked vigilante, or is he just senile?

  • Why Is It So Warm At Christmas?

Choi Woo Gene | Korea | 27 min

Eugene is a movie star and, thanks to a freak accident, a masked superhero. There’s just one problem: his stylish costume leaves him cold in winter months. Never fear: crafty superfans to the rescue!

(Also screens on Saturday, December 4 9PM)

Other Worlds 2021 preview: Opening Night

Returning for an eight exciting year, Other Worlds, one of the premier SciFi Film Festivals in the US, features some of the best and unheralded genre films. Beginning on Thursday December 2 at Austin’s Galaxy Highland 10, the four day event includes over 25 feature films, a slew of shorts, a screenwriting workshop, and the Mary Shelley Award. This year also features an additional five days of virtual events.

After skipping last years virtual only event, I gladly return to the festival for another go around

Here’s what to expect at Other Worlds 2021

Thursday, December 2

7:42PM

Madelines
OPENING NIGHT FILM

Jason R. Miller | US | 2021 | World Premiere

Writer: Brea Grant, Jason R. Miller

Madeline and Owen have invented time travel, but after discovering a mistake in the code that causes a copy of Madeline to appear every day, they must kill each new Madeline to prevent the universe from collapsing in on itself.

10PM

Launch Party

The Aristocrat Lounge
6507 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78757

Let’s gather together physically in one place in person. That’s odd to write but should be a good time. We can discuss Other Worlds of yore, and filmmakers can vie for your attendance at their films. Look forward to themed cocktails and party games involving killing Madelines.

Great Bunnies of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror

Rabbits are among nature’s most beautiful creatures, and they play many important roles. In movies, TV, and such, they are equally necessary, just as in nature, where they tell hunters and ducks which hunting season it is, and dress up like female Tasmanian devils.

6. 30-Second Bunnies

These bunnies re-enact movies in 30 seconds. Good movies, including Evil Dead II and Back to the Future. Watch now. You deserve it. 

5. Enemies of Anya

Anya from Buffy the Vampire Slayer made it frequently clear her distaste for bunnies. In the episode “Once More With Feeling,” Anya claimed that they are not cute like everyone supposes.

4. Thunderbunny

In this 1982 comic book, a teenager wishes he was a superhero. Then he finds a crashed spaceship, where he is granted flight and super-strength, but only by turning into a muscle-bound talking bunny.

The lesson is, be careful what you wish for, because you just might get turned into a super rabbit-man.

3. Hoppy the Marvel Bunny

The power of Shazam compels you!

Captain Marvel Bunny first appeared in 1940. He returned in the 1980s to help the non-rabbit Captain Marvel in a story by Roy Thomas, a writer who loves bunnies so much he created Captain Carrot and Jaxxon the awesome Star Wars Rabbit

Hoppy is invulnerable and super-strong like like Captain Marvel, but he’s a talking bunny.


What does a talking bunny do with the powers of Shazam? Whatever he wants.

2. Science bunnies from Lost

The things had red eyes.

When Ben Linus was Little Ben, he used one to see if a sound-wave fence was on. When he grew up, he made one fake a heart attack.


But the bunnies’ greatest contribution to Lost is that in one episode, Sawyer read Watership Down. The rabbit murders in it toughened him up.

1. Bunnicula

 Bunnicula is a rabbit that a dog thinks is a vampire, in a book series by James Howe.

The star of the books is Harold the dog. Hijinks ensue when Harold tries and fails constantly to kill the bunny, and thus becomes convinced it’s a vampire.

That’s right. It’s a kids’ book. The bunny does not die. And it shows no sign of really being a vampire.

The book presents two options, but leaves the answer up to us gentle readers: The dog is crazy. Or Bunnicula is a soulless devil-spawn biding its time until it consumes the family’s lifeblood.

5. Captain Carrot

Captain Carrot was the greatest of all the animal heroes, because he was a wimpy rabbit who ate radioactive carrots to become a stronger rabbit. 

Roy Thomas, a veteran writer who knows everything about comic books, even the ones with bunnies, teamed with Scott Shaw to visit a parallel Earth in the DC Universe in 1982, where superhero animals Captain Carrot, Rubberduck, Alley-Kat-Abra and Little Cheese fought Salamandroid, Dr. Hoot, and Cold Turkey. Every person, place, and thing was an animal pun. But I liked it anyway. 

4. Captain Bucky O’Hare

This rabbit flew a spaceship. There might be only one thing more excellent than that. How about a rabbit who fires a laser gun?

The Captain did that, too.

Never has a hero been more resonant with our times than the good captain, who was “a funky fresh rabbit, who can take care of it.”

3. Killer rabbit, Monty Python and the Holy Grail

The Crusades were a dark time, when society had few things to help them strive forward, such as courageous knights who fought valiantly even though their arms were off.

In this bleakness, crusading warriors were set upon by deadly creatures. This terrifying historical re-enactment is not for the faint.

“What’s he do? Nibble your bum?”

2. Watership Down

So I’m eight, and a cartoon comes on at night, as cartoons were wont to do in 1978.

It’s a heroic quest story, but with rabbits, frolicking in a meadow. So I think “Neat. Bunnies.

Then I sit down to watch and Oh Lord! Killing! Fangs! Blood! Garfunkel!

1. Jaxxon, the Green Star Wars Rabbit

Roy Thomas wrote the first issues of Marvel Comics’ Star Wars comic book. So he put a rabbit in it. That man loves him some rabbits.

Jaxxon is a green rabbit guy, which totally makes sense, since the galaxy far, far away has pig guys and walrus guys. Jaxxon is the baddest Star Wars anything that is not a Wookiee. You got that, Boba Fett?

The more serious Star Wars fans disavow Jaxxon’s existence, which makes him more awesome. Also, they need to chill out.

If you care not for Jaxxon, there may be something wrong with you.

4. Frank from Donnie Darko

Frank told Donnie Darko he would die in 28 days. He asked whether Donnie believed in time travel. He appears to be someone wearing a stupid bunny suit. He leaves us with more questions than answers.

Number one on the list: Why are we wearing these stupid man suits?

3. Usagi Yojimbo

Stan Sakai’s ronin rabbit appeared in comics in 1984. He teamed up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

But he lived in feudal Japan, not modern America. So he had no pizza or sewers. He lived outside, baby, and he had a sword, not some girly nunchuks.

2. Lepus, Night of the Lepus

“What is the terrifying mutant that strikes from behind the shroud of night?”

Night of the Lepus is about a giant bunny. Not scary, you might say, but only if you have never encountered a giant bunny. 

Check out the horrifying way they pronounce mutant!

Janet Leigh runs afoul of the Lepus. You would think she learned her lesson after taking that shower in the crazy man’s hotel. 

1. Hoops from Gamma World

In TSR’s 1978 role-playing game Gamma World, the apocalypse made bad things happen. Animals were mutated. Robots went crazy. Plants could talk. Best of all, it gave us a break from AD&D; for a week or two.

In Gamma World, society was crumbled. Things were rotten. You lived by your wits and fought for your life every day. But no one was prepared to handle rabbits who carried guns.

Slipped Discs 8/18/2020

Gamera is really neat! Gamera is filled with meat!

Welcome back to the latest episode of Slipped Discs, where I give you a head’s up on what nerdy stuff is available to come home with you, because I still believe in physical media!

Once more, all this information comes from Blu-Ray.com, but they list everything that will be in the stores, whereas I shall provide you with what I feel is the interesting genre fare.

Well, apparently some AMC theaters are reopening soon, my Physical Medians, and will be showing The New Mutants. I was starting to think that movie would never get released, and to be honest, I’m still not sure. But if it does, that means more new movies coming out, which means more new movies coming out on disc! So, we’ll hopefully have more than the assortments of previously released media.

Which, don’t get me wrong, I love, but I want some new stuff!

Speaking of new stuff, lets get started with our filthy business.

Flash Gordon (1980) “When energy waves pull the moon out of orbit, New York Jets quarterback Flash Gordon unexpectedly finds himself heading for the planet Mongo, where, with assistance from the beautiful Dale Arden and the noble Prince Barin, he will face Emperor Ming the Merciless and rescue humanity.” Yes, this just recently came out on Steelbook, but this is a 4K release for the masses! So if you missed getting Ming in metal, pick it up now! Especially as it’s only the offering from our fine friends at Arrow Video this week, and they know how to give a movie the deluxe treatment.

Deathstroke: Knights & Dragons – The Movie (2020) “Ten years ago, Slade Wilson – aka the super-assassin called Deathstroke – made a tragic mistake and his wife and son paid a terrible price. Now, a decade later, Wilson’s family is threatened once again by the murderous Jackal and the terrorists of H.I.V.E. Can Deathstroke atone for the sins of the past – or will his family pay the ultimate price?” Another animated offering from DC, this one looks pretty cool, and has everyone’s favorite merc without an eye.

Gamera: The Complete Collection (1965-2006) “The original hero in a half-shell returns! For the first time ever worldwide, all twelve tales of the adventures of everyone’s favorite titanic terrapin are collected together in one deluxe Blu-ray boxset. This limited edition collectors’ set traces the decades-long evolution of Gamera, from the “friend of all children” in his more lighthearted earlier films, to the Guardian of the Universe in the groundbreaking 1990s reboot series, often hailed as three of the best kaiju films ever made.” The best known kaiju that wears a shell, it’s nice to see Gamera getting some respect. If you want a good run down on all of his movies, Movie Bob actually did a good two part retrospective on the Friend to All Children, and his movies, here and here. And with all the extra goodies that come in this box set, it’s my Pick of the Week.

Badass vs Aliens

Pitch Black (2000) “In the not-too-distant future, a docking pilot makes a forced crash-landing of her spacecraft on a distant planet. As the survivors explore the uncomfortably hot planet, they must band together. The planet is eerie, arid, and lifeless. But as the sun sets and the planet plunges into total darkness, other inhabitants emerge — including a fiendish murderer with a nose for blood.” Still one of my favorite movies, and the one that launched Vin Disel into the stratosphere. This is our second release from Arrow Video this week, and one I really want to get my hands on.

Cursed Films (2020) “Cursed Films is a five part documentary series which explores the myths and legends behind some of Hollywood’s notoriously “cursed” horror film productions.” I love a good documentary, especially on things that might be supernatural. Even if everything just was a tragic accident or coincidence, it’s still a fascinating subject.

Screaming in High Heels (2011) “Three actresses “accidentally” became cult horror film icons in the late 1980s and created the modern interpretation of the “Scream Queen” image.” Another documentary, this one covers the careers of Linnea Quigley, Brinke Stevens, Michelle Bauer, who all are horror royalty. Though how you discuss Scream Queens and not talk about Jamie Lee Curtis is beyond me.

You wouldn’t happen to be from New England, would you?

The Barge People (2018) “Set on the canals amid the glorious British countryside, two sisters and their boyfriends head off for a relaxing weekend away on a barge, unaware of the flesh-eating fish mutants lurking in the water, ready and waiting to feed.” So Deep Ones head to England. I’ll check it out.

Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell (1974) “Last of the Hammer Frankenstein films, this one deals with the Baron hiding out in an insane asylum, so that he may continue his experiments with reanimating the dead, along with inmate Dr. Helder, who has been institutionalized for conducting such experiments.” A Hammer film that’s not coming out from Scream Factory? I’m shocked. But it will be worth a look.

The Last House on the Left (1972) “On their way to a rock concert, two teenagers are kidnapped by a gang of escaped convicts. Although they put up the fight of their lives, the girls are drugged, tossed in a car trunk and driven into the woods by the savage, murderous gang… only to wake up to a horror they could not have imagined.” Another classic, one that launched Wes Craven as a horror icon, this movie for the longest time was considered to be the most brutal, difficult to watch horror movie ever made. 48 years later, it’s still a strong contender for that title. This is our third release from Arrow Video this week, and no, they’re still not paying me.

Four movies enter – four movies are in your collection.

Thrills & Chills! 4-Movie Collection (Pet Sematary (2019), A Quiet Place, Crawl, Overlord) (2018-2019) “See individual titles for their synopses.” Thanks a lot, B-R.com. So, these are three really good or really fun movies, and Pet Sematary, which is ok. If you don’t own any of them, or only own one or two, this is a good way to get them all.

Prevenge (2016) “Widow Ruth is seven months pregnant when, believing herself to be guided by her unborn baby, she embarks on a homicidal rampage, dispatching anyone who stands in her way.” A pregnant lady as a serial killer? I’m so in.

Other titles of note: Batwoman: The Complete First Season (2019-2020), A Dog’s Courage (2018), Open 24 Hours (2018), Those Who Deserve to Die (2019), Curve (2015), Notzilla (2020), Dreamworks 6 Spooky Stories Collection (Scared Shrekless; Shrek’s Thrilling Tales: Shrek: The Pig Who Cried Wolf, – Shrek: The Ghost of Lord Farquaad; Monsters vs Aliens: Night of the Living Carrots; Monsters vs Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space) (2003-2011)

An interesting week overall, my Physical Medians. Let me know, will you be braving returning to movie theaters, if they open? Or will you be sensible and stay home? And, as always, let me know which of these are a must-buy for you, a pass, or which ones I missed!

Slipped Discs 8/11/2020

Yes, that’s Batman’s butler in the back there.

Welcome back to the latest episode of Slipped Discs, where I give you a head’s up on what nerdy stuff is available to come home with you, because I still believe in physical media!

Once more, all this information comes from Blu-Ray.com, but they list everything that will be in the stores, whereas I shall provide you with what I feel is the interesting genre fare.

Well my Physical Medians, it’s August in Georgia (and everywhere else) and it is too damn hot! So it’s a perfect time to stay indoors and watch some movies. I’m also still hip-deep in Dragon Con preparations so let’s get right down to our filthy business.

Split Second (1992) “In a futuristic London, the rising sea levels mean that large areas are under feet of water. Hauer plays a cop who previously lost his partner to some strange creature. Now the creature is back and is after him.” I remember watching this in the theater, mainly for Rutger Hauer, and it’s a fun little Alien/Terminator-ish action piece. Plus it has Pete Postlethwaite & Kim Cattrall, so it’s probably still worth a look.

Mikey (1992) “Although Mikey is just a little boy, he is capable of anything…. Every family Mikey lives with has a series of unexplained “accidents” and hence he’s moved from home to home. After his original family die, accidently, Mikey is taken by authorities and placed into the care of adoptive parents. Of course they eventually come to learn that.” I had to read that gist twice before I realized that it didn’t actually cut off in mid-sentence. So this is part of that same batch of evil kid movies, like The Good Son, or The Bad Seed, so if you’re not fond of children, here you go.

The Phantom of the Opera (1962) “The corrupt Lord Ambrose D’Arcy steals the life’s work of the poor musical Professor Petry. In an attempt to stop the printing of music with D’Arcy’s name on it, Petry breaks into the printing office and accidentally starts a fire, leaving him severely disfigured. Years later, Petry returns to terrorize a London opera house that is about to perform one of his stolen operas…” Another take by Hammer on the classic monsters, and one I need in my collection of all things Phantom. No, not that guy, though I do love Dave. Definitely more influenced by the Claude Rains version than the Lon Chaney, and not one of the better interpretations, there’s still something here for fans of the story or Hammer productions, and I am in both of those categories. This is another patented Scream Factory Collector’s Edition, with a beautiful cover by Rondo Award Winning artist Mr. Mark Maddox, so you know it’s my Pick of the Week.

No, they’re still not paying me.

He may be friendly, but he’s still creepy . . .

Casper (1995) “A paranormal expert and his daughter bunk in an abandoned house populated by 3 mischievous ghosts and one friendly one.” The not very well received, or to be honest, well done, version of the classic animated character. Don’t get me wrong, it has a solid cast, including Christina Ricci, Bill Pullman, and Eric Idle, but there was just something missing. Well, for me at least. It might be the mid-90s CGI, the need to explain how Casper died, or that I was too much of a fan of the cartoon (ask my mom about my being five years old and trying to find it on the TV after we moved from Florida to Yonkers sometime), but the movie just didn’t work for me when it came out. Still, it’s nice to see it getting a 25th Anniversary Best Buy exclusive Steelbook, and so I might give it another shot.

The Wretched (2020) “A defiant teenage boy, struggling with his parent’s imminent divorce, faces off with a thousand year-old witch, who is living beneath the skin of and posing as the woman next door.” Interesting premise, a cool cover, and I love this kind of horror. I’ll check it out.

Michael (1996) “Two tabloid reporters checking out a report of the Archangel Michael living with an old woman find that it’s true.” The first of two angel-related movies out this week, this one is cute, sweet, and has good performances by John Travolta, William Hurt, and the always lovely Jean Stapleton. You’ve watched worse movies.

The Quest (1986) “American boy, Cody, whoose parents have died, lives in Australia with his guardian, Gaza. Cody is very imaginative, inventive, and inquisitive. He comes accross some strange events happenning in Devil’s Knob national park associated with an aboriginal myth about “frog dreamings”. Cody tries to investigate…” Yeah…I’ll pass.

A who’s who of horror!

Brutal Massacre: A Comedy (2007) “What has the world come to when the director of Sasquatch at the Mall can’t get a gig? That’s what horror auteur Harry Penderecki is wondering. Once considered a horror legend, with a string of hits like Bowel Movement, People Pesticide and I’ll Take the Ring Back and the Finger Too, he now finds himself on the outside looking in at Hollywood. Determined to make his comeback, Penderecki returns to direct what he believes will be his ultimate masterpiece, Brutal Massacre. Follow along with the documentary crew to discover whether Harry will reassert his genius, or remain a relic of the ’80s.” This was supposed to have been out a month ago, so read what I had to say back then. I’m still interested in it.

Date with an Angel (1987) “Aspiring composer Jim Saunders is engaged to spoiled rich girl Patty. But the morning after his bachelor party, Jim wakes up hung over to discover a broken-winged, real-life angel in his swimming pool.” Our second Angel-related release of the week, this one does not look promising, even with Phoebe Cates being involved. Watch the other one instead.

Other titles of note: Eureka: The Complete Series (2006-2012), Neo Ultra Q (2013), Final Space: The Complete First and Second Seasons (2018-2019) Max Reload and the Nether Blasters (2020), The Hand That Feeds the Dead (1974)

So that’s it for this week, my Physical Medians! Thank you for reading, and be sure let me know how you’re keeping cool in these hot, hot days. I keep thinking about getting a kiddie pool. And, as always, let me know which of these are a must-buy for you, a pass, or which ones I missed!

PS: Look what finally came out!

Slipped Discs 8/4/2020

Six stories, 26 episodes, and my Doctor.

Welcome back to the latest episode of Slipped Discs, where I give you a head’s up on what nerdy stuff is available to come home with you, because I still believe in physical media!

Once more, all this information comes from Blu-Ray.com, but they list everything that will be in the stores, whereas I shall provide you with what I feel is the interesting genre fare.

Well, my Physical Medians, we’ve hit the doldrums, both of Summer, and of the release schedule. The last few weeks were quite full of cool stuff, but not so much this week. Which is good, because with all the prep work that I’m having to do for Dragon Con, I’m a busy squid, so let’s jump right into our filthy business.

Inception (2010) “Dom Cobb is a professional thief with a difference: the spoils he goes after are not material objects but the thoughts, dreams and secrets buried in the minds of other people. This rare talent has cost him dear, rendering him a solitary fugitive stripped of everything he ever really cared about. When he is offered a chance for redemption by reversing the process and planting an idea rather than stealing it, he and his team of specialists find themselves pitted against a dangerous enemy that appears to pre-empt their every move.” Another finely crafted work by Christopher Nolan, this one gets the patented Best Buy 4K Steelbook treatment, most likely because Tenet was supposed to be out right around now. Sigh. I miss going to the movies.

His Dark Materials: The Complete First Season (2019) “Two children embark on a magical adventure through parallel universes.” AKA the Atheist Narnia. Ok, ok, yeah, that’s a cheap joke that downplays the books, but even the writer said that was kind of his goal. Anyway, this new adaptation of the books by HBO looked interesting, but I haven’t watched it yet. I only have so much time, people. I’m also thrown by swapping Sam Elliot for Lin. I mean, I love Lin, but that’s quite a change. Still this is supposed to be good, and I will get to it eventually. It’s out on Blu, and a Steelbook in the UK.

Doctor Who: Tom Baker – Complete Season Three (1976-1977) Once again, for these Doctor Who seasons, I can’t use Blu-Ray.com for the gist, and have to use Wikipedia: “The fourteenth season of British science fiction television series Doctor Who began on 4 September 1976 with The Masque of Mandragora, and ended with The Talons of Weng-Chiang.” This is the last year of Sarah Jane, the first year of Leela, and aside from some cringe-y “Yellow Peril” stuff in Talons, it’s a pretty solid set of stories. Go check out the Timestamps Project‘s look at the season, starting here, for a run down on the episodes, and the season overall. It’s my Pick of the Week.

Coma, coma, coma chamelion . . . you come and go, you come and goooooooo . . .

Coma (2019) “After a colossal and mysterious accident a young talented architect comes back to his senses in a very odd world that only resembles the reality. This world is based on the memories of the ones who live in it – people who are currently finding themselves in a deep coma. Human memory is spotty, chaotic and unstable. The same is the COMA – odd collection of memories and recollections – cities, glaciers and rivers can all be found in one room. All the laws of physics can be broken. The architect must find out the exact laws and regulations of COMA as he fights for his life, meets the love of his life and keeps on looking for the exit to the real world which he will have to get acquainted with all over again after the experience of COMA.” Another odd Russian production that looks interesting. I kinda want to check it out.

Better Off Dead (1985) “Lane Meyer is a depressed teen who loses his girlfriend Beth. Her given reason for breaking up is: “Lane, I think it’d be in my best interest if I dated somebody more popular. Better looking. Drives a nicer car.” Anyway, poor Lane is left alone and thinks up treacherous ways of killing himself. He finally meets a French beauty called Monique and falls for her. Simultaneously, he must endure his mother’s terrible cooking which literally slides off the table and his disgusting next door neighbour Ricky (and his mum) while he prepares for the skiing race of his life – to get his old girlfriend back!” Yeah, FYE pushed this back. Again. I’ll believe that it’s released when I have finished watching the movie on my player.

Nothing But the Blood (2020) “A controversial cult moves into a small town, sparking a series of violent events.” No pic of the cover art, no one I’ve heard of involved with the movie, so it could be good. Or not. We’ll see.

Other titles of note: Satan’s Slaves (2017), The Soul Collector (2019), Dispatches from Elsewhere: Season 1 (2020)

Like I said, my Physical Medians, it’s another thin week. And I’m afraid that will continue until new stuff gets digital releases, or, you know, we fix the world. Until then, let me know which of these are a must-buy for you, a pass, or which ones I missed!

Slipped Discs 7/28/2020

Because why only have one?

Welcome back to the latest episode of Slipped Discs, where I give you a head’s up on what nerdy stuff is available to come home with you, because I still believe in physical media!

Once more, all this information comes from Blu-Ray.com, but they list everything that will be in the stores, whereas I shall provide you with what I feel is the interesting genre fare.

Sorry for the delay on this, my Physical Medians, but I was occupied last night recording this week’s Quarantine Panel for the Dragon Con American Sci-Fi Classics Track, with the fine folks at the ESO Network, all about one of last week’s releases, Airplane! I do hope that you will tune in when it plays on Thursday!

Or, if you’re reading this after 7/30, that you will go back and watch it on the YouTube, along with all of our other Quarantine Panels and funny videos.

And with those plugs out of the way, let’s get on with our filthy business.

Alien Trespass (2009) “Look out, earthlings! From The X Files’ R.W. Goodwin comes this action-filled sci-fi tale in the tradition of such cult classics as The Blob and It Came from Outer Space. It’s 1957, a spaceship has just landed in a quiet small town, and a maneating one-eyed alien is on the loose! But fear not, a friendly alien also has emerged from the spaceship. Inhabiting the body of local astronomer Ted Lewis (Will & Grace’s Eric McCormack), the alien teams up with a spunky diner waitress in a desperate battle to save mankind!” It’s very hard to do camp on purpose, and make it work. This doesn’t look like they pull it off, to me.

Graveyard Shift (1990) “In a very old textile mill, with a serious rat infestation, the workers discover a horrifying secret deep in the basement.” Loosely based upon the short story by Stephen King, this is another adaptation that doesn’t quite grasp what made the story work, and is honestly a pass for me.

Thirteen Ghosts (2001) “A family inherits a spectacular old house from an eccentric uncle. There’s just one problem: the house seems to have a dangerous agenda all its own. Trapped in their new home by strangely shifting walls, the family encounters powerful and vengeful entities that threaten to annihilate anyone in their path. Soon the family is joined by an offbeat ghost hunter who is determined to free the spirits imprisoned in the house. Caught in a frantic race to save themselves before it’s too late, the human inhabitants realize the house is a riddle which contains the key to their imminent salvation – or destruction.” Another great Dark Castle production, with a fantastic cast, great SFX, and a cool premise, I am glad to see this flick finally getting the recognition it deserves. This is yet another SCREAM Factory Collector’s Edition release, and my Pick of the Week.

No, they’re still not paying me.

Still the best DCCU movie to date. Yeah, I said it!

Wonder Woman (2017) “The Amazonian Warrior Princess Diana left her lush tropical island to dwell in our urban cityscapes of glass and steel. Tutored in the ways of the Greek warriors, and outfitted with incredible gifts the Goddess bestowed upon her people, she becomes Paradise Island’s emissary to civilization.” With Wonder Woman 1984 supposed to have been released right around now, there’s quite a bit of wondrous releases that were scheduled to come out as part of the hoopla. And I am here for it. This Best Buy exclusive Steelbook is quite awesome, with a plastic slipcover to fit over the case containing the Blu and 4K editions of this great movie. It was nearly my pick of the week, and yes, I already have it in my collection.

She’s a Wonder

Wonder Woman: The Complete Collection (1975-1979) “During World War II, a plane piloted by Major Steve Trevor crashes near Paradise Island, the secret hidden island home of the mighty and eternally young Amazons. He is rescued by Princess Diana and learns of the war against the Nazis. The Amazons decide to send Diana to help fight in this crisis.” The other big release to tie into the Wonder Woman 1984 release, this collection of all three seasons of this iconic series is, for me, a must have. Sure, the first season is the best, but all three seasons have Lynda Carter, Lyle Waggoner, and a pure sense of fun that I find irresistible.

Old Dracula (1975) “In this spoof of the Transylvanian legend, Count Dracula, sinks his fangs into a bevy of Playboy Bunnies in order to find the right blood type to resurrect his dear-departed wife, then after a mix up in the lab, he finds he has a different kind of uh.. “problem”.” David Niven as, like the title says, Old Dracula. Restored by the fine folks at Vinegar Syndrome, this is probably worth a look.

Lloyd the Conqueror (2011) “Their grades slipping, hard-partying college students Lloyd, Patrick, and Oswald plead with the professor Derek to give them some much-needed extra credit. In order to earn it, Derek insists that they arm themselves with foam swords, and participate in an epic game of Demons & Dwarves. A former LARP champion, Derek’s stint in academia has weakened his skills on the battlefield. But Lloyd is determined to help Derek in his fight against the dreaded Horde of Chaos, and he knows just the right people to ensure victory. A former cage fighter who teaches female self-defense course, Cassandra possesses both beauty and brawn; likewise, local gaming merchant Andy possesses the skills of a White Wizard – a notable advantage in the struggle against darkness. Still, it remains to be seen whether this mighty crew will be any match for the fierce Danes, hulking lunatic Leopold, and a stern Vulcan with the power of Starfleet on his side.” This looks like one that’s laughing at the nerds, not with the nerds, so this is a hard no from me.

Draw me like one of your French zombies.

The Revenge of the Living Dead Girls (1987) “Promoted as France’s first gore film, Revenge of the Living Dead Girls (La revanche des mortes-vivantes) is a consumate shocker of horror and sex that as grown into a legend as being one of the sickest and most perverse of zombie films.” They had me at living dead girls wanting revenge.

Dead Dicks (2019) “After Becca receives a distressing call from her suicidal brother Richie, she rushes over to his apartment and finds him alive and well – surrounded by copies of his own dead body.” No name cast, interesting premise, this might be decent. I’m gonna check it out.

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916) “Captain Nemo has built a fantastic submarine for his mission of revenge.” I had no idea that this film existed, and I am always glad to see a classic film get a new release on modern media. This is one I am going to have to track down.

Real heroes stand in the rain.

Gundala (2019) “Indonesia’s preeminent comic book superhero and his alter ego Sancaka enter the cinematic universe to battle the wicked Pengkor and his diabolical squad of orphan assassins.” From everything I can see, this looks like a very cool superhero flick. I’m going to try and check it out.

Other titles of note: The Outsider: The Complete First Season (2020), Demonia (1990), James Cameron’s Story of Science Fiction (2018), The Eleventh Commandment (1987), Slave of the Cannibal God (1978), Nazi Undead (2018),  The Bucks County Massacre (2010)

As you can see, my Physical Medians, we have another large selection to choose from this week! As always, let me know which of these are a must-buy for you, a pass, or which ones I missed!

Great Moments in Hulk History

10. Hulk at the Tropicana

Class. That’s what this is.




9. “Nobody Loves the Hulk”

This song was for sale in issues of Marvel Comics.  You thought John Lennon’s “Imagine” was a tear-jerker?

Try this: “They dropped an H-Bomb on him, but Hulk only became annoyed.”


8. Hulk Rollercoaster at Universal Studios

At Universal theme park’s Marvel Superhero Island, don’t eat at the Fantastic Four cafe before you ride this.

It’s very exciting to hear the screams of terror from all the milksops.

7. Hulk 1970s toy commercial

The Hulk song in this toy commercial  is still stuck in my head a million years later.

I’m not sure why Hulk and Spider-Man have “fly away action,” but some questions are not meant to have answers.

6. Hulk Cartoons from 1966

In 1966, appeared to be the result of someone going crazy with the scissors on a pile of comic books, then moving the pieces back and forth. It offered a finger-snapping theme song that rhymed “gamma rays” with “unglamorous.” That is called “creative expression.”

5. Incredible Hulk #417

The longest-running Hulk comic book writer is Peter David, who brought humor and heart to the Hulkster (along with plenty of smashing).  Hulk throws a bachelor party for sidekick Rick Jones and invites the super-males of Marvel. Hijinks ensue, including Captain America attempting to hire a magician, and instead getting an ecydiast. (Google it. Totally worth it.)

4. Hulk cartoons from 1982 and 1996

The 1982 series had an awesome bass drum intro with Hulk growling and breaking things, as Hulk is wont to do. It was notable for Bruce Banner’s clothes, which ripped to shreds every time he Hulked out, but returned to buttoned-up shirt, tie, and nicely pleated pants when he returned to Banner form. 

The 1996 series had John Rhys-Davies as Thor.  Lou Ferrigno did Hulk’s voice and I have a story.

3. Meeting Lou Ferrigno

Lou Ferrigno appeared at Atlanta’s DragonCon sci-fi convention in the late 1990s, and I got in the autograph picture line. After seeing dozens of fans talk about the Hulk TV show with him, I decided to talk about something no one else did: his voice acting as Hulk on the 1996 cartoon. Some advice: Don’t be the one guy a celebrity remembers.

As the line drew closer, I plotted my message in my head: “It’s good the cartoon makers asked you to do the voice of the Hulk.” 

But what came out of my mouth, to Lou Ferrigno’s face,  was “I’m glad they asked you, because they must have said, “What could Lou Ferrigno be doing?”

Time stood still. I realized what I said. He realized what I said. He said “Thank you for enjoying the show,” and we shook hands. He squeezed my hand, as if to say, “I could rip this arm right off.”

This is a great moment in Hulk history because I survived. 

2. The Incredible Hulk TV series


In four seasons Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno taught us many life lessons.

Number one: Don’t try to fix your car during a lightning storm.

Hulk cologne.

Hulk cologne!
Smells like rage.