Soundtrack Review: Creepshow

Creepshow
Released by La-La Land Records
First in 2003 & then again in 2014 in an expanded edition
Original release has 14 tracks with a Total Running Time of 1:06:49 min.
Expanded release has 48 tracks with a Total Running Time of 75 min.
Composed and Performed by John Harrison

2003 Release

2014 Expanded Release

George Romero and Stephen King made this movie as a homage to the old EC Comics of the ’50s, such as Tales from the Crypt and Vault of Horror. Listening to Harrison’s score for this movie is just like reading through the comics yourself. The eerie sounds both in and around the music is incredible, making this one of my favorite scores of all time. Granted, the film itself in one of my favorites, so the music just adds to that.

Soundtrack Review: I Kill Giants

I Kill Giants
Released by Varèse Sarabande, 2018
17 Tracks with a Total Running Time of 53 min.
Music by Laurent Perez del Mar

While this might be a little off the usual horror path that we’re on, I am a sucker for soundtracks, and this is a movie about giants, so it kind of fits, right? I had never even heard of the title before getting this to review, but I did make the mistake of watching the trailer before listening to the score, because then I knew I couldn’t get a fresh take on it. But I have to say from what I seen in the trailer, the music that Laurent Perez del Mar created is just beautiful. Right from the first track, Barbara, we get that magical feel of this unique little girl. This firs track is quiet and somber, but almost gives off a sense of wonder.

Movie Review: The Crawling Eye (1958)

The Crawling Eye (1958)
Directed by Quentin Lawrence
Starring Forrest Tucker, Laurence Payne, Jennifer Jayne, Janet Munro, Warren Mitchell, Frederick Schiller, Andrew Faulds, Stuart Saunders, Colin Douglas

The Trollenberg Terror originally was a TV serial from 1956, with writer Peter Key trying its best to replicate what Nigel Kneale had been doing. Unfortunately, none of this original series exists so it’s hard to judge it, but damn wouldn’t it be cool to see now? In 1958, a film version was made, this time written by Hammer’s own Jimmy Sangster. It was released in the UK under the same title, but here in the states, it got re-titled to a much more appropriate moniker…The Crawling Eye! I mean, let’s face it, what sci-fi/monster kid wouldn’t be lined up to see that film back then?

Cinepocalypse 2018 Announce First Feature!

Chicago’s own Music Box Theatre had already announced the return of Cinepocalypse, taking place from June 21st to June 28th, featuring over 50 features being screened! They have announced that Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson and screenwriter C. Robert Cargill have been slated to be the Co-Presidents of the 2018 Cinepocalypse Feature Film Jury!

Mystery Photo 4-16

Didn’t think we’d miss a Mystery Photo two weeks in a row, did you? I’ll blame Cinema Wasteland for last week not having an updated photo. But here is today’s new photo, better late than never. But before we get to it, let’s go over the last one. It was from Norman J. Warren’s Prey, also known as Alien Prey for those that remember the old VHS days. Great little low budget flick. Kudos to the following for sending in the correct answer: Aaron Christensen, Michael Shields, and William Wilson.

Now on to this week’s photo. Going old school again with another black and white title, so see if you old timers can guess it! As always, please do not post your answers here, but instead send them to us in an email to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

Book Review: Horror!

Horror! The Definitive Companion to the Most Terrifying Movies Ever Made
Published by Carton Books, 2013. 360 pages.
By Kim Newman & James Marriot

Let’s start with the good stuff, shall we? With an original retail price of only $24.95, this book covers some of the best the genre has to offer. Starting at the very beginning of horror movies and moving its way through the more recent films in the early 2000’s, covering 340 different titles. The reviews give a very brief synopsis without giving too much details away, concentrating more on the facts and thoughts about the title, which we really enjoyed. Newman and Marriot really know their stuff.

This is the kind of book that is great for a newer fan that is just getting into the genre since it is a perfect place to start, using it as a checklist to slowly go through. Even a seasoned fan might want to double check to see if they’ve missed any of the classics covered here, or maybe some they might want to go back and re-visit. Not to mention possibly learning a bit more about the genre and the films.

Horror History: Sheila Keith

Sheila Keith
Born June 9th, 1920 – Died Oct. 14th, 2004

If you’ve seen more than a couple Pete Walker films, then you probably know who Sheila Keith is, or at least have seen her. And you’ve seen her work in his films, then you are definitely going to remember her! Keith was this wonderful older lady who seemed to excel in playing twisted and demented characters, even if she looked like your friendly old grandmother. While she did work a lot in other smaller roles and in a few TV series, it is her work with Walker that us deviant horror fans remember and love her for.

In Walker’s Frightmare aka Cover Up (1974), which happens to be my favorite role of hers, where she plays a cannibalistic matriarch, with such zest and conviction, that she is one of the scariest women you’d ever want to come across. She also appeared in Walker’s House of Whipcord (1974), The Confessional aka House of Mortal Sin (1976), The Comeback (1978), and House of Long Shadows (1983), where she worked alongside the likes of Carradine, Cushing, Lee, and Price!

Keith’s performances were always so strong and powerful that it amazes me that she did not get a ton of work in other movies. Maybe it was because Walker’s films didn’t receive a lot of critical acclaim.