Adams Movie Reviews

Hillary and Bonnie are two teenaged girls who meet and decide, just for the fun of it, they will kill an elderly woman. They don't even know this woman beforehand, they just select her to be their victim. The story is told in flashbacks from the juvenile detention hall where the two girls are held (separated from each other) and meet with a therapist/counselor Jane.

This story is reminiscent of "Heavenly Creatures", one of Kate Winslet's first films and based on a true story. I recommend both films, but warn the potential viewer that there are pretty gruesome scenes in both movies. So much for sugar and spice -- one wonders if these girls are anything other than pure evil ....

I've been looking for this film on a good format for years. I even shelled out first-run prices for a rental VHS copy years ago, just to have a good copy for keeps. So I was very happy upon discovering this release of Fun on DVD.

My response to the DVD itself is mixed. Not much in bonus materials -- this is of course a by-product of how low-budget the production was. I had interviewed a key member above the line who said that this shoot was literally scrapped together, so it's a marvel the film came together at all.

Though director Rafal Zielinski is known mostly for trashy exploitation flicks (Screwballs, Jailbait), this was his moment of greatness. Much credit, however, should go to writer James Bosley. The screenplay was adapted from his stage play and the dramatic scenes and characters are so compelling that the film was already halfway there. The dialogue moves with a relentless forward momentum and there's never a boring moment with the characters' internal life. The vital central scene between tough-as-nails counsellor Jane (24's Leslie Hope, giving her career-best performance) and hyperactive teen Bonnie (a staggering performance by Alicia Witt) literally crackles with life and pathos.

Fun was rightly celebrated for its acting (two acting awards at Sundance Film Festival), or it is the four performances that hold this film together. Witt is a marvel, a whirlwind of energy that gives way to unexpected intensity and sorrow. Renee Humphrey gets the more conventional brooding role and does a fine job, but it is Witt's erratic, lovable, yet internally seething Bonnie which embodies the spirit of the film. She had brought many elements of herself to the role (Witt herself was the one who had learned to speak at the age of one month), and while that strays from the original play (where the character was far less precocious and much more of an everygirl), it works wonderfully in the context of the film. Hope has never been better, her steely resilience anchoring the film's perspective, and William R. Moses is great as visiting journalist John, and the audience's way into the psychological world of Bonnie and Hilary.

One more honorable mention to cinematographer Jens Sturup, who executes the dual visual style of the film beautifully. The scenes in colour look assured, warm and expressive, making it hard to believe this film was shot in a matter of days. And Sturup's handheld camera work in the black-and-white sequences is superb, where he executes a degree of "editing in camera" which made me believe, for the first several years since seeing this film, that there was far more intercutting in those dialogue scenes than there actually was.

The gripes I have about this DVD is that though the film was made low-budget, the release is really a bit too cheap. The DVD sleeve, for example, looks like a low-res colour photocopy, and the layouts are quite amateurish as well, far worse than the VHS release from the mid-'90s. That wouldn't have been a problem, but the DVD itself also suffers from jumps and lapses. While this could be a one-off problem on my personal copy, I somehow got the feeling that this release wasn't done by pros.

If another superior edition of this film comes out on DVD, I'll definitely be first in line. In the meantime, I think it's still worth owning this DVD, if only to see one of the best, most emotional independent films made in the '90s, made against the odds in true guerilla fashion.

I am both driven to warn people about this movie, and to be enthusiastic about it. Definetly not for the faint of heart, it is terribly disturbing. I watched the film with my best friend and we both kept staring at eachother in amazement, which could be a true sign of how masterful the piece is. Great characters and story line. If you think you can handle the psychological implications and chilling plot of this movie, then go for it!

Can S Club 7 act? NO. Is it pathetic? YES. I thought the TV shows were bad enough, but now a movie? Bubblegum pop icons making a movie isnt the best idea AT ALL.

Hi,
i recently bought this movie and must admit i thought it would be a stupid, corny movie. When i popped it in my dvd player though i was pleasently surprised to find that this was not the case. I found the movie hypnotizing and quite enjoyable. The charecters real s club or not are lovable and they really make you laugh. If you are looking for a fun movie witha great music and a nice story, buy this and you will not be dissapointed.

this movie is so great. i love it. I just got it about a week ago and I have already watched it so many times. The squeegy seen is the funniest. Everyone go out and buy it you'll love it. Plus, there is a bunch of extra features. Definetly worth the money!

Love'em or hate 'em, idiosyncratic films that dabble with subversive notions and stories of fringe people make some viewers uncomfortable. You either get it or not. For those who do, there are rewards.

Martha (Shirley Stoler) and Ray Tony LoBianca) are two misfits whose sick pathologies collide into something greater 1969's THE HONEYMOON KILLERS (Criterion). Based on The Lonely Hearts Killers case (1949), Leonard Kastle's only film, luridly shot in black and white, documentary style, connects with a visceral impact. No pin up movie star arty slo mo stuff here. Stoler's authentic emotions transcend the B-movie schlock. Original director Martin Scorsese was fired for being too slow, too artful. Great extras.

I bought this DVD on impulse. That was two weeks ago I'm still watching this movie over and over. It's well directed. I love Shirley Stoler and Tony Lo Bianco's acting. Stoler is especially amazing, everytime I rewatch the DVD something new is revealed, her nasty character is consistent throughout the movie. After watching this movie the first time I couldn't get some phrases out of my head like Stoler's "Awww ain't that cute", and Lo Bianco's "don't be a shy nurse", although said in the scene it's distubring, but funny. I highly recommend this film, the sound is monoaural, but I believe it enhances the movie. Watch it's directing and Stoler's acting.

For years I had to watch a pan and scan video of this dark, sad movie. Now Criterion has released an enhanced widescreen DVD which is like a Holy Grail for lovers of this underground cult classic. This film makes the list of classic murderous, hetro couples genre along with BONNIE AND CLYDE, BADLANDS, THE GETAWAY and GUN CARZY. Ray Fernandez is a hot looking Latin stud; he fleeces lonley women who respond to his ad in the type of Lonely Hearts correspondence club found in the back pages of seedy magzines. He only takes their money and their hearts until he hooks up with a fat, miserable nurse named Martha. While pretending to be brother and sister, they go on a murderous spree as they hook up with spinsters, widows and an ugly assortment of women who look for love in the wrong place. Although there is only two scenes of actual violence, this is one of the most violent movies I have ever seen due to the ruthlessness, and cold blooded greed of Ray and Martha. It's dark, violent, and extremely brutal; not recommened for the squeamish.

Fun, old fashioned horror from Amicus studios. As with all compendium films of this type some stories are inevitably stronger than others. The final one in this case, featuring Jon Pertwee is by far the weakest. I think the scariest is the first one with Denholm Elliot as a writer who goes mad thinking he's becoming the murderous character he's created.
The Christopher Lee segment is excellent too, closely followed by the Peter Cushing episode.
The transfer is very good with strong, rich colours and the sound is good and clear.

Ahhh, another juicy Amicus film released by Lion's Gate Entertainment. With The House That Dripped Blood, we get five fearsome tales involving murder, voodoo, vampires, and generally bad mojo all around.

The tales are centered on a large, old house located just outside of a small town in the English countryside. Seems a report filed on the disappearance of the most recent owner by the local constabulary has raised some questions within Scotland Yard, prompting a Yard investigator to make the trip for more clarification. On arriving, the investigator learns that the disappearance of the recent tenant was only the last in a long line of strangeness to come out of that house with regards to past tenants.

The first tale, Method For Murder, involves a horror writer, played by Denholm Elliot, whose most recent literary creation, a maniacal strangler, seems to have come to life, and is lurking in and around the house, being all troublesome and such.

The second story, Waxworks, stars Peter Cushing as a retired investment banker and mysterious goings on at the local wax museum. Seems one of the wax figures in the museum bares an uncanny resemblance to a woman he used to know. This one also has a young Joss Ackland, of whom I vaguely recognized until I remembered him as the head bad guy from Lethal Weapon 2.

The third story, Sweets to the Sweet, stars Christopher Lee in a tale about a child with unnatural abilities. To say anymore would give it away, though you will most likely be able to figure out what's going on before the ending is revealed.

The fourth story, The Cloak, star Jon Pertwee as an egotistical horror actor in search of a realistic cloak for an upcoming role in a horror movie. He does find what he's looking for, and much more. Also in this one is Ingrid Pitt, as his buxom co-star. This one had a twinge of humor throughout, while the others were more serious, straightforward horror tales. One part that stands out in my mind was when Pertwee is verbally thrashing the art and movie director for the lack of realism in the sets and in the wardrobe, and he relates the 'look' he's after to past horror movies for examples, citing Frankenstein and Dracula, "but the one with Bela Lugosi, not that newer one." in reference to Christopher Lee and his performances as the count.

The fifth story is basically an ongoing one between the other stories, involving the Scotland Yard inspector hearing each of the four tales, and then deciding to see this house for himself.

All stories seem to be credited to Robert Bloch, probably best known for writing the Hitchcock classic Psycho, but looking at the IMDb, it shows a couple of other writers had a hand in this movie, most notably Richard Matheson. The print used for transfer to DVD was quite good, especially when compared to an included trailer of dubious quality. The only other special feature is a psuedo interview with the producer, Max Rosenberg, whose prolific production career includes such movies like Scream and Scream Again (1969), Tales From the Crypt (1972), Asylum (1972), The Land That Time Forgot (1975), and The Incredible Melting Man (1977). Good directing, accomplished actors, a creepy house, and a haunting musical score all come together to create an overall enjoyable experience. The threads that tied the individual stories to the house were a little thin in some places, but that appears fairly inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.

Don't be misled by the title. This is a movie that relies on atmospheric sets, solid acting, and mood-enhancing music to get the job done. As you would expect from a master of the genre such as Robert Bloch, all of the stories are well-crafted (unlike many anthologies, which toss at least one dud into the mix). I was very pleased with the transfer from VHS to DVD. The picture is bright and clear, and I was able to discover many details that were murky on tape. The sound is also crisp, which is especially important with this movie - the music and the odd sound effects are integral to maintaining the spooky atmosphere that permeates the film. The first three stories are serious in tone, but Mr. Bloch lightens-up the proceedings in the final story - where the rubber-faced Jon Pertwee and the buxom Ingrid Pitt are given a chance to camp things up a bit. This very enjoyable movie has thunderstorms, candlelight, creaking doors, shadows, and cobwebs.....but no blood. Let me provide some by giving this film a rating of...."A positive."

CARNIVAL OF SOULS & DEMENTIA 13 are two of the creepiest low budget movies in the 60s. Marengo films gave both of these movies a ggreat treatment by putting them together on one DVD. And the transfer was very good! CARNIVAL OF SOULS starring Candace Hilligoss is one of those genuinely creepy movies that send a chill down your spine. Effectively chilling despite its low budget.

DEMENTIA 13 is Francis Ford Coppola's debut feature. He put together a very intense & engaging movie with a very respectable cast that gave very credible performances. The standout performance of this movie was the late Patrick Magee. It would have been interesting if someone like Vincent Price would have gotten Magee's role as Magee reminds me of Price in a lot of ways. Very graphic for its time, especially the ax decapitation murder, DEMENTIA 13 is a forgotten classic. Luana Anders & Mary Mitchel are very sexy in their respective roles, P>A great buy! Two horror classics for the price of one.

I saw this on vhs about ten years ago (by accident) and never forgot it. I have recommended it many times. It is a very good story and gave me the willys because it somehow felt real. We have all gone to a place sometime in our life, that just seemed too creepy for some unknown reason.

"Carnival of Souls" is a cult classic with a most deserved reputation that puts it almost (but not quite) on a par with dead George Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" in terms of shoestring productions. Mary Henry (Candace Hilligoss) accepts a car ride from a group of other young girls, only to end up in a drag race that sees the car go over a bridge with only Mary surviving. Having taken a job as a church organist in Salt Lake City, Mary heads for her new home, passing a deserted pavilion on the outskirts of town. Mary is drawn to the ruined bathing center/carnival, but has bigger problems since she keeps seeing a leering, corpse-like man (played by director Herk Harvey) watching her. Again and again Mary has the eerie experience of suddenly finding herself in a silent world where no one seems to notice her. Eventually she returns to the pavilions to come to the terrifying realization of what has happened. The overall effect is a nightmarish quality that makes you ignore the technical problems with overdubbing, campy performances by the supporting cast, and such.

"Dementia 13" comes to us from slightly higher up on the production ladder coming from AIP. Francis Ford Coppolla does the directing as part of producer Roger Corman's infamous "apprentice" program (Corman was shooting his own film and let Coppolla film on the same location). The story is set in Ireland and if it bears a strong resemblance to Corman's film adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe, well, DUH, but the ending is going to rip off a different horror classic. When her husband drops dead, Louise Haloran (Luana Anders) know she will be cut out of the Haloran family inheritance so she pretends he is in New York on business and heads off to the ancestral home in Ireland to try and get in good with the family. But at Castle Haloran the family is engaged in morbid rituals marking the death of John's sister Kathleen, who drowned in the pond six years earlier. The question of inheritance becomes more interesting once family members start being hacked to death by an ax-murderer. Despite this development "Dementia 13" is not a gory film, but more of a character study. This was Coppolla's first film but beyond pointing the camera in the right directions those interested in an auteur study should not get too excited about this one.

Of these two damsel in distress cult films, "Carnival of Souls" is the better. But the fact that you can get both on one DVD is certainly a nice incentive. You can certainly quibble about the quality of these respective films, but in terms of their reputations both of these are on the consensus Top 10 list of cult films in the horror genre. That means you should at least see them once for yourself and make up your own mind.

We did "Patience" about thirty years ago at UConn, set in a lovely monochromatic design concept, which resembled a Blue Willow china pattern. The production was chock full of references to Oscar Wilde, Coventry Patmore, et alia. It was very campy and very well done. This video seems somewhat ho-hum in that Judith DePaul HAD to video the COMPLEAT G+S for the project in the UK in the Eighties. I get the feeling that the producers just said, about "Patience", we "we have to do it." It is too bad. "Patience", in many ways, is Gilbert's most brilliant libretto. Sullivan is not as his best here, but the score is certainly very good. I do agree with another reviewer here in that the work is far more topical than "Mikado" or "Pirates". But for anyone who knows the Aesthetic movement of the 1880s in London will howl at this very funny opera.

(Stratford Canada...PLEASE do this show! Your other G+S shows on DVD are brilliant!!!)

A couple of weeks ago I was reading an annotated version "The Picture of Dorian Gray," in which the editor mentioned the rôle Wilde played in popularising this operetta in the States. Since I recognised from the start the comic possibilities inherent in the Aesthetic movement, I couldn't wait until I saw what that genius Gilbert had made of it. I was certainly not disappointed--first by the libretto and score, and then by the marvellous sets, costuming, and vocal casting. The best cast members were the ladies of the Ambrosian Opera Chorus. The languorous, disdainful grace of their movements during the first scene with Patience was perfect, and their singing tight and very together throughout the entire show. I agree with David Olivenbaum that Anne Collins made a great Lady Jane, but I must say that the three leads (Bunthorne, Grosvenor, and Patience) were well-cast even though they don't fit the parts physically--having two aging men play young heartthrobs and a pretty blonde play a "plain, homely, unattractive" girl actually added to the irony and humour of the situation.
A must-see for anyone with a languid love for lilies, a passion for the super-aesthetical, and a predilection for transcendental dialogue--and for those who like to make wicked fun of the mincing, lily-loving, poetic types.

It is very difficult to find good videos of Gilbert and Sullivan anywhere ... If you like G&S and you don't have this opera, buy it -- it's purely delightful. You may also look up some of the other wonderful operas in this series.

He dresses all in black. He struts around with 2 pearl-handled Colt pistols. He doesn't drink. His horse can make breakfast. He's Hopalong Cassidy. 1935's hit "Hopalong Cassidy Enters" sparked the magic formula for veteran actor William Boyd and his long-running movie and television franchise. This double-feature DVD starts with 1936's "Three on the Trail", co-starring George "Gabby" Hayes and one-time Broadway star Onslow Stevens as the corrupt saloon owner Pecos Kane. Stevens had an interesting Hollywood career. In 1932, he started in films as a leading man. He slipped to character parts,and became famous as mad Dr. Edleman in 1945's "House of Dracula". In later years, his career was adversely affected by alcohol. It is reported that his death in a convalescent home in 1977 was attributed to murder. The second movie, "Hopalong Cassidy Returns" is an exciting shoot-em-up. Villian Blackie Felton drags a wheelchaired cripple through town to his violent death. Hoppy swears revenge. Blackie is played by Stephen Morris, who once worked for Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre. Later, he changed his name to Morris Ankrum, and appeared(often uncredited) in over 170 motion pictures. In the 1950's, Ankrum turned up consistently in low-budget monster movies. These 2 superior Cassidy episodes were filmed in the Alabama Hills, in Lone Pine, Cal., around Mt. Whitney, 400 miles north of Los Angeles. Other locations included Red Rock Canyon in the High Sierra Mountains. The DVD elements have been spruced up with digital audio and visual restoration. There's some sound drop-out, but the picture quality is amazing for 1936. William Boyd continued his very successful Hoppy films into the 1950's, ending with a TV series. He retired, but continued making live appearances for his legions of adoring young fans; almost up until his demise in 1972.

Hopalong Cassidy movies always had high production quality; for B movies, it is obvious that the producer spent a lot of money--and it shows. Shot on location rather than in a back-lots like most old westerns, the sets and expansive outdoors locations are well represented on film. You just have to like Hoppy in black and George (later called "Gabby") Hayes as "Windy." Plenty of good acting, action, a touch of comedy, and, of course, Hoppy's famous laugh. Old Westerns just don't get better than this. The quality of these DVDs is quite good. You may have to re-set the disk to mono sound to enhance quality, but once you do it is great. The picture quality looks like the movie was shot yesterday. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning watching Hoppy catch the crooks.

Once again our silver-haired hero in black Hop-A-Long Cassidy, with the help of Johnny Nelson (Jimmy Ellison) and Windy Halliday (George "Gabby" Hayes), Hoppy's two trail wranglers try to feed hungry settlers during the great depression in Plainsville...Hoppy goes up against some tough polecats (Morris Ankrum) and it spells trouble...strong storyline with fast-paced action and a beautiful backdrop of Lone Pine, California...gives this film the wide open spaces with breathtaking moments.

William Boyd (Hoppy), ranked high on the list of "Western Roundup" heroes, riding his white steed Topper, with blazing pearl-handled six-guns, as the rustlers and outlaws reached for the sky.

Both features are top-notch film-making, outstanding directing from Nate Watt...Boyd gave his character life, his word was his bond...never quit on a friend in need and always give the other fellow an even break...this was the way of the early west...and this was the code he lived by, they'll never be another HOP-A-LONG CASSIDY!

Total Time: 65 Mins (3 on the Trail-1936)
Total Time: 74 Mins (Hopalong Cassidy Returns-1936)

You have to give the Troma people some credit - they're not afraid to stab themselves in the eyeball from time to time. "All the Love you Cannes" apparently began life as a simple (and pretty damned useful) guide to surviving at the Cannes Film Festival on a limited budget. Places like Cannes are crucial to an independent studio like Troma - they attract international buyers, they pick up small, ... films for cheap, they get precious screenings for their films. But they also promote themselves, and here's where "ATLYC" turns a little ugly.

The Troma Team is willing to try every stunt imaginable to get a little publicity, including walking the streets of Cannes dressed as various Troma heroes, staging lesbian make-out sessions, hilariously crashing Jean-Claude Van Damme's "press conference," where JCVD shows up for about 2 seconds. All well and good, but gradually we start to see a struggle between Scott, who prefers a businesslike approach, and Doug, the incredibly obnoxious "Director of Marketing" who believes that drunkenly harrassing the citizens of Cannes is good, clean marketing.

I won't tell you where Lloyd's sympathies ultimately lie (he's much more cuddly in this doc than in the making-of's of "Terror Firmer" and "Citizen Toxie"), but at least I have to respect him for sticking to his guns...he'd rather support the artists who have made Troma, for better or worse, what it is today than kowtow to the people with the most money. Still, watching the behavior of the Troma team degenerate to truly ugly depths can be difficult, and might queer your sympathies toward Troma. The ending of this story is really no surprise, and Lloyd can't pin it on his entertaining-if-paranoid theories of Corporate Conspiracy. Troma definitely gives itself a purple nurple with this one.

Still, you gotta admire them for releasing this doc. It's scrappy and entertaining, and generally well-edited - it's better than "The Making of Citizen Toxie," but maybe not as fun as "The Making of Terror Firmer." It does feature some solid advice, and some lovely Tromatic debauchery. Will it make you a bigger Troma fan? Maybe not. Will you buy their next DVD anyway? Of COURSE you will!

This DVD is a great documentary about the struggles Troma has been through with dealing with the corporate elites at Cannes film festival. It is also an interesting look at what you really have to go through as in independent filmaker. This documentary is a no holds barred guide to every step of making your own independent movie on a very small budget and coming out with great results like Lloyd. Kudos to Lloyd and the Troma Team they have put together another winner in my eyes. Check it out and you will not be dissapointed. To the die-hard fans this dvd offers a glimpse into the everyday life of Troma filmaking. LONG LIVE TROMA! Forget the hollywood pattern. Take a chance on truly independent cinema and you will be forever changed.

Although the music is good, I was very disappointed that it took until 2002 to release this DVD and it wasn't in Dolby Digital 5.1. His VHS tapes were better. Wait until they produce it in 5.1.

If you grew up during the 80s like I did, Bryan Adams is one of the icons of your favorite era of music. From "Summer of '69" to "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You," Bryan Adams and his music encompass a great deal of what was magical about the music during the 1980s and early 1990s. This DVD revisits a lot of those memories from the 80s while demonstrating the reason why he continues to entertain audiences today. Besides reliving the past, this DVD demonstrates the wonderful musical talents of "The Dudes of Leisure." I am a big fan of MTV's Unplugged series, and this particular episode demonstrates how this format can bring the best out of a band. Every BA fan should have this DVD in their collection, and any fan of this style of music will be very much entertained.

I am so glad to finally see this show out on DVD! I have waited a long time for it. When I first saw this on MTV, I was just stunned by the quality of musicianship, sound, and production. Bryan Adams is truly a great musician and he brilliantly surrounds himself with even more to pull off a stunning performance! I can't recommend this dvd enough. The cd is one of my favorites, now I can finally watch the show.

"Back To You" is one of my alltime favorite songs now. It just makes you feel good.

The Naked Witch is a low budget movie that hooks you first with facts about witches and then with facts about German settlers in Texas. Its a first person narrative about a college guy doing research on the folklore of the German folk who settled in Luckenbach Texas. While the older folk refuse to talk of the legend of the naked witch, a pretty young blonde girl aides the student who learns where the naked witch is buried and goes and digs her up. Revenge ensues.

The Crypt of Dark Secrets takes place in Louisiana bayou country. It reminded me of comic books like Swamp-Thing and Man Thing. The acting is the definition of wooden but I found the photography to be nice and the colors crisp on the DVD. The lead witch in this production is very attractive and does have a prolonged nude scene.

Then there are a ton of short subjects and witch related trailers. One of the most incoherent of the shorts is called something like the Great Pearl Snatch where forbidden Lesbian love and a lust for pearls collide in an epic rambling journey of rambling epic proportion. I don't know what it was about but it had some nudity.

Then there's the even more completely incoherent Acid Skull, which is the best short on the disk that combines LSD, a human skull, two naked girls in chains, and disco lights into about ten minutes of something. But don't worry, what ever it is, its not as bad as Moulin Rouge.

...

Two great flicks here especially if you like regional made horror films. The first if Larry Buchanan's first film Naked Witch about a college student who brings a beautiful dead witch back to life. Filmed for $8000.00 in Texas, Buchanan does his best to bring a very interesting story to life. I really enjoyed this film and it was nice to see a color print. Contains a little nudity, but nothing special.
The second feature is Crypt Of The Living Dead and it was shot in Louisiana. A mysterious woman on an island brings a man back from the dead and they seek revenge of those who killed him. Thick with voodoo and murky swamp vengeance, this is another rare treat for horror fans.
Great extras and trailers as only Something Weird can do. Check it out!

To break down my ratings I give the Naked Witch 4 stars, the Crypt of Dark Secrets 1 star, and the extras get 5 stars.

In Crypt of Dark Secrets, all you get for your trouble are 4 drownings, one robbery, one naive vietnam vet, and a long and boring look at a fictional society (with a population of 4 or 5 people (one dead)) that lived in the New Orleans swamps before the Europeans arrived. These ancient ones apparently spent most of their time doing boring, hippy dippy dances. Interestingly, half of them were white. But it's not as funny as it sounds. The only interesting thing is the swamp footage. It is unfortunate this movie takes up space on this DVD, but even if you skip this second feature, you get more than you do on most DVDs. The extras, plus "The Naked Witch", directed by Larry Buchanan, the man behind such hits as "Zontar" and "Mars Needs Women", make the DVD worthwhile.

"The Naked Witch" starts out with a long introduction giving the history of beliefs about witches around the time of the Black Death, with lots of great detail shots of Bosch's famous triptych. This opening is sort of like a sensational counterpoint to the classic "Haxan". It then goes into the history of a (real!) village in Texas settled by Germans which has maintained a culture straight out of mid-1800s Germany. Once these almost-documentaries end, it tells the story of a folklorist arriving in the village to study the legend of a witch (a real German folk legend transplanted to Texas, and previously the subject of a movie in Germany called, guess what, "The Naked Witch"). All of this I found interesting enough (many viewers may find these openings boring, but imagine going to a drive-in for a horror movie and sitting through this!), but eventually, the folklorist revives the witch of the title and the real fun begins. You get to see such things as the witch dancing to bongo drums inside a cave and walking behind censorship dots which mysteriously float on the screen awaiting her arrival before she even comes on screen, and "nighttime" scenes just as brightly lit as the daytime scenes! And the witch's eyebrows must be seen to be believed!! (Divine must have based his eyebrows on hers).

The extras include some of the best movie trailers I've seen on any Something Weird compilation, and "The Hot Pearl Snatch" (I wonder if the Cramps named their song after this?), is a really bizarre and fascinating short which is completely incoherent. Despite the fact that this last short lacks "Psyched by the 4D Witch"'s psychedelic imagery, it is just as jaw-dropping. So although this is not one of Something Weird's best DVDs, and many viewers might not enjoy "The Naked Witch" as much as I did, it is still worth getting for this short.