Mocata's Den of Horror

Finally, the 1968 Hammer Films classic, The Devil Rides Out , has gotten a Blu-ray release in the U.S.  This release is courtesy of the folks at Shout Factory/Scream Factory. U.S. Blu-Ray release from Scream Factory There are two versions of the film included on the disc: the original version as released in the U.S. (including the alternate title of The Devil's Bride ) and there is also the revamped version Hammer released in the U.K. with the modified special effects.  Obviously, making changes to an old movie is a contentious issue, so it is a good move to have both versions, rather than just choosing one or the other.  For those who are curious to see the enhanced effects, it is there, but at the same time, you aren't stuck with it if you don't like it.  There is still the regular version to watch. Much of the bonus stuff is carried over from some previous releases, such as the audio commentary featuring Christopher Lee, plus some featurettes from the Hammer Bl

In honor of Halloween, I am going to write a bit about one of the greatest albums ever recorded (in my opinion, at least).  That record is also quite appropriate for the season: November-Coming-Fire by Samhain (Glenn Danzig's criminally overlooked band between the Misfits and Danzig). Originally released in 1986, this was the final release the band had during its existence.  Glenn would record a few more songs over the next few years to complete one last EP for the band, Final Descent, which was accompanied in its original release by the 1987 reworked version of the band's other EP, Unholy Passion , making it something of a compilation album. Even though Samhain was only around for about 3-4 years, there is a lot of growth evident on the records.  Each release had its own feel and each was brilliant in its own way.  Initium was the punkiest of the records, but the songs were darker and featured various moody touches, such as chimes ringing through the atmospheric haze. 

Few things are as pleasant as having a couple of beers and watching a good horror movie.  For some horror movies, there are certain beers that are especially appropriate to drink while watching, usually due to that beer popping up in the movie itself.  Here are a few to start with.  At some point, I will likely do another, because there are certainly more than I will be listing now. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)- Shiner Premium To start off, we have Tobe Hooper's classic, which features some country guys drinking some Shiner Premium in a cemetery at the beginning.  The choice of Shiner makes sense for the movie, as it is a Texas beer, brewed in Shiner, Texas.  This particular beer was, as far as I know, discontinued for some time, but it showed up some time back on shelves, with the label looking very close to the ones visible in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre .  So if you plan on watching this one and want to really get into the vibe of the movie, try picking up a six pac