THE GREEN SLIME (1968) is tracked back to the Gamma 3 Space Station by a crew of astronauts after they blow up an errant asteroid. Aboard the station, the goo transforms into a giant monster that feeds on electricity, mutates into more monsters and kills everything in its path. Can our heroes stop the slime before it gets to Earth? This Japanese/American co-production was directed by Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale), later championed by Quentin Tarantino. The psychedelic theme song was composed by Charles Fox, who made a name for himself creating high-profile soundtracks for films such as Barbarella. REMASTERED EDITION.
EYE OF THE DEVIL (1966) Deborah Kerr and David Niven star in this off-beat tale of sinister mysteries, deftly directed by J. Lee Thompson. Kerr is the loyal wife to a troubled marquis (Niven) who discovers that her husband’s ancestral chateau is home to witches, warlocks…and terror. Also known as “13”, the film provided integral supporting roles for future stars David Hemmings and Sharon Tate. REMASTERED EDITION.
THE SWAN (1956) REMASTERED! With Grace Kelly’s impending departure from Hollywood to become Princess of Monaco, MGM quickly cast her in this glittering story of romance and royalty based on Ferenc Molnar’s 1920’s stage success. Alec Guinness, Louis Jourdan and Jessie Royce Landis co-star under the inspired direction of Charles Vidor, in a stunningly new remastered presentation that showcases the film’s CinemaScope photography and the stereophonic glories of Bronislau Kaper’s memorable underscore. Also available this week, ONE ROMANTIC NIGHT, a rarely seen 1930 screen version of the Molnar play which served as silent screen legend Lillian Gish’s talkie debut. Marie Dressler, Rod LaRocque and Conrad Nagel co-star.
ONE WAY PASSAGE (1932) The seas are calm and the ship is sturdy – but the shipboard romance is doomed. Dan does not know that Joan is dying of an incurable disease. Joan does not know Dan is a convicted murderer en route to San Quentin. Still, they have four weeks to find happiness in each other’s arms. William Powell brings unmatchable urbane charm to the role of Dan, and Kay Francis, as Joan, displays lustrous sincerity.
HANNA-BARBERA CLASSICS
THE FUNKY PHANTOM (1971) Animated teens Skip, April, Augie – and Elmo, their dog – meet up with Mudsy, a befuddled Revolutionary War spirit and his cat Boo. Together this gang solves mysteries and brings down the bad guys. You’ll find a friend, friend, friend in the Funky Phantom, a 4-Disc, 17-Episode Hanna-Barbera Collection!
GOOBER AND THE GHOST CHASERS (1973-75) follows the globe-trotting, ghost-hunting adventures of Gilly, Ted and Tina and their reluctant, sometimes invisible pooch, Goober. Adding to the fun, animated versions of TV’s Partridge Family kids appear in several episodes! All 16, half-hour episodes of this beloved Hanna-Barbera production come in this 4-disc set.
LON CHANEY SR. FEATURES
HE WHO GETS SLAPPED (1924) stars Lon Chaney as a scientist, who after losing everything, decides to lose himself in the laughter of others and becomes France’s most celebrated clown. His act is both painful and humiliating – as is his life. This silent classic film features Norma Shearer, John Gilbert and Bela Lugosi in an uncredited role. It is also notable for MGM’s first use of Leo the Lion.
MOCKERY (1927) tells a cold, silent tale of the Russian Revolution. Lon Chaney plays a simple peasant who endures torture for the sake of a desperate and mysterious woman. When he finally finds her again, times have changed; Revolutionary ideals lead to violent revolutions on the home front.
Lon Chaney is Ziska, THE MONSTER (1925), an insane surgeon who believes that he can bring the dead back to life, and has taken over an insane asylum to conduct his evil experiments. Credited as any early example of “old dark house” film, this silent horror paved the way for future mad scientist movies. Aspiring detective Johnny Goodlittle (Johnny Arthur) provides comic relief from the macabre goings on.
Although he is devoted to his daughter, MR. WU (1927) is even more loyal to the ways of the Chinese ancients. When his only daughter betrays his wishes – and their tradition – her dishonor must be repaid in blood. Lon Chaney plays two roles in this silent film: the wizened grandfather, and the younger Mr. Wu.
THE UNHOLY THREE (1925) is a silent film about three carnies who escape their sideshow captivity and enter a life of crime. Lon Chaney – The Man of a Thousand Faces – plays a ventriloquist in a granny disguise. He and his cohorts rob a string of Park Avenue apartments that ends up in murder. Directed by Tod Browning (Freaks).
THE UNHOLY 3 (1930) is the “talkie” remake of Tod Browning’s 1925 silent film. Three sideshow acts disguise themselves to gain the trust – and later the stolen wealth – of New York society. Lon Chaney and Harry Earles reprise their 1925 roles. This was Chaney’s first “talkie” but his last film. He died of throat cancer two months after the movie’s release.