HorrorVision

Well it had to happen, since the internet really came into the public domain the horror fans embraced the technology also (hey, we're part of this fun old web thing!) and inevitably the movie scene would pick up on this also. A long time unrealised project of genre favourite J R Bookwalter, 'HorrorVision' brings to the screen the fantastic world of horror infiltrating the internet scene.

With director Danny Draven at the helm, 'HorrorVision' follows the adventures of net porn dealer (and erstwhile writer) Dez (played brilliantly by Jake Leonard) whom stumbles across the HorrorVision website. A site that delivers more than anyone could imagine, acting as a portal to everything evil on the net.

Unwittingly, Dez gets pulled deeper into the mysterious web goings on - more so after his photographer pal (a great cameo by Brinke Stevens) and his girlfreind are literally rubbed out when they access the HorrorVision site. Helping him along the way is the cool as ice Bradbury (played equally coolly by James Black) who aides Dez in his quest to seek out the truth behind HorrorVision.

The film itself is an entertaining romp that refuses to be restricted by its budgetary limitations. Full of excellent production values (by an obviously enthusiastic cast and crew) and lovely directing from Draven who easily proves to Bookwalter that he was indeed the man for the job. The effects are very impressive indeed and there are solid performances throughout from the small cast, but it is Jake Leonard in the lead role of Dez who steals the show with an outstanding performance that will obviously lead the way to many more roles in future productions.

With a running time of around 70 minutes or so you really don't get the chance to come up for air in this well paced production and the ending really is a kicker that will have you screaming for more! Yup, it's one of those Evil Dead 2 moments where just as you reach the end of the film the credits roll up just as things start to really get rolling. A frustrating but enjoyable moment and I'm sure Tempe/Full Moon will be pleased that folk like myself will be itching for the inevitable (and very welcome) sequel to go into production (go on, just a sequel or two or maybe even a TV series ??)

This is another fine DVD release from Full Moon also. Not quite as gratifying as their excellent 'Blood Coven' disc but an admirable package nonetheless. As should be with a new production the anarmorphic widescreen print is pin sharp and although the audio doesn't get the 5.1 treatment that the aforementioned 'Blood Coven' disc got there is a nice clear stereo soundtrack that does the job nicely.

The extras are yet again top notch with lots of cool background stuff on director Draven including his old reels of short films and he pops up also to provide the obligatory audio commentary too. There's some nice gallerys and some footage of the cast auditions tucked in there also. The best of the extras though is the 'Behind the Scenes' documentary which I found totally fascinating, a very honest look into the films production with interviews with all the key players involved. A great documentary that will endear you to the team at Tempe even more.

An entertaining romp of a movie that screams out for a sequel and yet another fine DVD pakage from Full Moon's Lunar collection. Keep 'em coming ! Go check it out.