Santa's Slay (2004)

DVD Release Date: December 20, 2005
unk. duration
Starring:  Bill Goldberg, Robert Culp, Fran Drescher
Directed by:  David Steiman

Rated R for violence, language and some sexuality/nudity

He's making a list - pray you're not on it!  Damned if the cover doesn't just make you want to buy it.  Bill Goldberg is on the loose as a murdering Santa.  Goldberg was one of the most intimidating wrestlers of all time, but his screen presence is usually bumbling.  However, in this movie, he fits the campy, tongue-in-cheek character well.  The story is of the son of the devil, who lost a bet with an angel - so he has to spread cheer and joy for 1000 years.  Well, kiddies, that time is up, and this Santa's about to kick some serious ass.  Just looking at the storyline and the cast, you should know that this has got to be a B-classic for the modern ages.  Murders include choking via wreath, running down people with a reindeer, lighting people on fire with coal - in the end , a rocket launcher is unleashed on a reindeer...  If you ask me, every Xmas should be like this.    Click here to get it from Amazon.com  

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

DVD Release Date: December 20, 2005
119 min
Starring:  Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Campbell Scott
Directed by:  Scott Derrickson 

Rated PG-13/NR for thematic material, including intense/frightening sequences and disturbing images

What happened to Emily?  She became the subject of one of 2005's more successful and rewarding horror films, that's for sure.  On the other hand, Emily was a college student who believed she'd become possessed.  Turning to faith, under the care of a priest, she dies.  The story of Emily Rose is told through the eyes of the people in the trial, and by the priest who performed her exorcism and watched over her during her possession.  Released in theaters in September of 2005, and made on a 20 million dollar budget, The Exorcism of Emily Rose went on to gross 75 million in the US, and about 120 million worldwide.  Its not comparible to The Exorcist - this film is different, based on true accounts, and after reading a few books on true-life exorcisms, offers a more realistic view of an actual case of possession via flashbacks, not so focused on the exorcism itself.  Its a well made, thought provoking horror film with a lot of good psychological facets.  One of a few landmark films for the 2005 horror year.  Click here to get it from Amazon.com in its unrated, special edition. 

Cry Wolf (2005)

DVD Release Date: December 20, 2005
90 min
Starring:  Julian Morris, Lindy Booth, Jon Bon Jovi
Directed by:  Jeff Wadlow

Rated PG-13/NR for violence, terror, disturbing images, language, sexuality and a brief drug reference

You lie, you die...  From Rogue Pictures comes a horror movie specifically created for the teen, internet junkie market, and offers very little to the hardcore horror fan, especially if youre over 23.  Its your average slasher movie, combined with twists that add no additional effect - all in all its mediocre stuff, at its best.  Unfortunately, that's what you get with a PG-13 horror film in most cases.  There are rated and unrated versions being released.  Look into it before you buy it, as a lot of people walked out of the theaters disgruntled or wanting their money back.  On a more positive note, it made about 10 million in the US after a one million budget.  Our own Dave Dreher professes that the unrated DVD release has something more to offer to fans than the version released in theaters.  Click here to read his full review on the unrated DVD and to delve further into its special features.  If its a must-buy for you, click here to get it from Amazon.com in its unrated/fullscreen version. 

Creep (2004)

DVD Release Date: December 20, 2005
85 min
Starring:  Franka Potente, Vas Blackwood, Ken Campbell
Directed by:  Christopher Smith

Rated R for strong bloody horror violence, language, some drug use and sexual content

Evil dwells underground...  Trapped in a London subway station, a woman is being pursued by an underground presence and heads into the tunnels beneath the city's streets.  This is your average survival-horror flick amped up with a lot of sewage and gore, which sounds nice - just didn't amaze anyone with its storyline.  Filmed and produced in the UK, this movie is creepy to some, unremarkable to others.  Scream queen vs. flesh hungry killer, amidst lotsa sludge and blood.  Doesn't sound half bad.   Click here to get it from Amazon.com

The Brothers Grimm (2005)

DVD Release Date: December 20, 2005
118 min
Starring:  Matt Damon, Petr Ratimec, Barbora Lukesová
Directed by:  Terry Gilliam

Rated PG-13 for violence, frightening sequences and brief suggestive material

Eliminating evil since 1812 ... (This) Why in the world is a Matt Damon movie in a list of horror DVD releases?  (movie) I hate myself for doing this - I admit.  (blows) I offer NO support for this horrible film.  But the story of Brothers Grimm goes way back - and was always a worthy tale of humans versus creatures of folklore.  Once again a good creepy tale that has lasted the ages, turns into a star-ridden, one-liner fest of crap, this time with Matt Damon's boring cardboard cut-out presence offering nothing to the film, as usual.  Released back in August of 2005, this movie tanked, making only 38 million after a budget of about 80 million to create.  I won't try to influence what YOU do with your money, but I will be found dead before I spend money on this turd.  DVD features include "Bringing the Fairy Tale to Life", deleted scenes, commentary by director Terry Gilliam, French or English audio, and "The Visual Magic of The Brothers Grimm".  Click here to get it from Amazon.com  

OTHER UMD Mini-Disc RELEASES THIS WEEK (for the PSP):

Constantine (2005)  buy it here
House of Wax (2005)  buy it here
Terminator 3 - Rise of the Machines (2003)  buy it here
The Matrix (1999)  buy it here