Where are the DVDs . . . huh?

[The Burgomaster]

I am still (impatiently) waiting for the following DVD releases (widescreen ONLY!) I'd like to hear from the rest of you about movies you would like to see on DVD.

The Hills Have Eyes

The Brood

Beyond the Door

The Fantastic Four (not the copies that are floating around on Ebay, but a legitimate release!)

Willard (I assume the remake will encourage someone to release the original on DVD)

Ben

Puppet on a Chain

The Blood Eaters

Squirm

King Frat

I was a Teenage Werewolf

and (completely out of character for this list) The Friends of Eddie Coyle

I believe that a few of the above are available from overseas, but they are generally expensive ($35.00 or more). Where the hell are the U.S. releases???

[TC]

Here's a few I'm crossing my fingers for:

The Mutilator

Nailgun Massacre

Don't Go in the Woods

[Todd R.]

I read an article a few years ago which described why THE FANTASTIC FOUR was never distributed via home video. Corman's studio was paid a nice sum of money to shelve the whole thing so as not to compete--or mar the public image--of the big-budget film that was supposed to be directed by Chris Columbus. This came as a complete surprise to the film's cast, and I remember that at least one of the stars expressed a sincere feeling of betrayal over the whole thing. Unless the "Corman payoff" has some kind of expiration date, I doubt that the existing version is going to get a legitimate video or DVD release anytime soon.

[Greywizard, The Unknown Movies]

Actually, Roger Corman *never* intended to release the FF movie. In a nutshell, this is what happened:

Some film production company had the rights to make a FF movie, but development hell prevented them from getting started. Soon they found that the contract was about to expire.

However, when they looked at the contract, they saw a loophole. There was a clause that said that if they started production of a workable FF movie, then they could make another one. Of course, this was originally intended by Marvel to give the company permission to make a sequel, but the way it was worded gave the production company a way out.

They realized if they made something that could technically be called a FF movie, they could get the contract extended. Naturally, they would want to make it as cheap as possible. So they approached Roger Corman with not more than $2 million dollars and commissioned him to make a FF movie (and NOT release it), and he agreed.

Only Corman and a few others associated with the movie knew from the start the movie would never be released. I remember reading an issue of Film Threat that interviewed the actors (and had some pictures showing the generally tacky nature of the movie), and they seemed genuinely excited about the movie despite its low budget. Of course, they were pretty upset when they eventually learned the movie would not be released.

[Greywizard, The Unknown Movies]

I am really puzzled why THE HILLS HAVE EYES has never been released on DVD, especially since the awful part 2 is being released on DVD later this year! All I can guess is (1) the copyright is currently being contested by more than one party, or (2) the copyright holder is sitting on the movie until he gets offered an incredible amount of money. (One example of the latter is JUST BEFORE DAWN)

NAIL GUN MASSACRE was recently re-released... but on VHS only for some reason! Still that might mean it has a chance in the future.

I will end this post with some good news... SQUIRM is getting a DVD release later this year by MGM! Not only will it be the uncut R-rated version, but it will include commentary by the director.

[Scotty Xtreme]

how about From Beyond?
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes?
Orgazmo?
Toxic Avenger 4(I know it is going to come, but when, DAMN IT!, WHEN?????????)?
Puppet Master series?
Beyond Re-Animator?(yeah, I know it's in the works, but when will it be released?)
Is Bride of Re-Animator on DVD?  I guess not since I'm one of the only people who seem to like it.

[Bubba]

About a year ago on this message board, I read that a Anchor Bay was releasing a DVD of "Mitchell" (the uncut version, not the MST3K version). It would have behind the scenes footage, interviews, trailers, and deleted scenes. I REALLY want to see that. Hopefully with a Joe Don Baker commentary!
As far as I know, there haven't been any American or Canadian made DVD releases of "Godzilla 1985," "Godzilla vs. Megalon," and "Godzilla vs. the Smog Monster." I'd like those.
I would also like to see DVDs of
"Santa Claus Conquers the Martians"
Ed Wood's "Sinister Urge" and "Crossroads Avenger"
"Red Zone Cuba" (uncut version)

[Brian Ringler]

They have a Santa Claus Conquers the Martians release out by Catcom.  Catcom dvds are hard for some people to find, so I suggest checking ebay.  The only one I see on ebay is being sold out of the UK: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3308123641&category=18843

[Deena]

I have seen this movie around, but have never rented it.  Which is sort of odd for me, I mean the title alone is right up my alley of preffered films.  I am guessing that since ppl want it released on dvd that it is good.

Deena

[Greywizard, The Unknown Movies]

CURSE OF THE PUPPET MASTER and RETRO PUPPET MASTER are on DVD. You can order them at Amazon.

[Deej]

HELL YEAH!! The Friends of Eddie Coyle. Great flick. I'm a big Mitchum fan, and I like anything set in Boston...I even liked Spenser for Hire!!

[Squishy]

It may sound weird, but I want a DVD of Harold Lloyd's "The Milky Way" so bad. (Co-starring Helen Mack from "Son of Kong" and Lionel Stander from "Hart to Hart") Asskickingly funny.

I never want to sit through "Puppet On A Chain" again, for reason mentioned in the "Disturbing Scenes" thread. I was literally stunned, like I'd been punched hard right in the face. (Of course, I was a lot younger when I saw it.)

I just discovered the "3 Stooges" DVDs. Bit overdark, but awwwwwwyeah.

[Vermin Boy]

I believe Citizen Toxie is coming in March. And Bride of Re-Animator is out on DVD, in a special edition no less.

[Todd R.]

You're right about the contract loophole and the "let's make any movie we can, no matter how bad" angle of the film's production. I'd forgotten that the film was made with the secret intention of just shelving it, and I can't blame the actors for any hard feelings they might have over such a huge waste of their time...

[Brian Ringler]

If you want to spend insane amount of money you can find the puppetmaster series box set floating around, but since it was pulled from shelves, used dvd shops and ebay seem to be the only option.