From the fevered mind of maverick cult movie mogul and FULL MOON FEATURES President Charles Band comes the triumphant return of the brand that first brought oddball shock to your living room: WIZARD Studios!

WIZARD Studios is an evolution of Band's iconic WIZARD Video label, the home video imprint that blazed trails in the early 1980's, bringing the world's weirdest horror, fantasy and exploitation films to audiences everywhere via big box rental and sell-through VHS. WIZARD Video (the successor to Band's landmark Meda Home Video label) not only pioneered many concepts in how we watch films, it introduced young audiences to a cavalcade of exciting, erotic, esoteric and avant-garde international genre films and auteurs with such now celebrated pictures as Lucio Fulci's ZOMBIE, Meir Zarchi's I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE, Jess Franco's OASIS OF THE ZOMBIES and A VIRGIN AMONG THE LIVING DEAD and Joe D'Amato's MONSTER HUNTER (aka ABSURD). Many of these legendary releases are now highly sought after and WIZARD Video maintains a level of myth among serious film culture collectors.

Now, inspired in part by the unprecedented success of Band's Full Moon Streaming initiative (www.FullMoonStreaming.com), WIZARD Video has been reborn, this time as WIZARD Studios, an exciting acquisition program and distribution outfit designed to spotlight rising independent filmmakers and their cutting-edge genre pictures.

Here's how it works:

Filmmakers are invited to submit their feature length, undistributed films to WIZARD Studios and, after an internal screening process from the WIZARD Studios team, a new movie will be selected every week to premiere - with much fanfare, including stills, trailers and other promotional tools - on the WIZARD Studios portal located at FullMoonStreaming.com. Filmmakers will then promote their film and share it with cast, crew, friends and family, encouraging them to sign up for a minimum three-month term to FullMoonStreaming.com (a rate of only $18.00). As soon as the filmmaker signs up just 50 people, he or she will automatically receive a $2,500.00 advance and WIZARD Studios/FULL MOON FEATURES will additionally distribute the film on DVD and other high profile digital platforms. The filmmaker will then receive an additional 50% of all sales from said product. receive an additional 50% of all sales from said product.

"We're incredibly excited to re-launch Wizard Studios as a portal to spotlight the best in new genre filmmaking talent," said Full Moon Features and Wizard Studios founder and president, Charles Band.

"The spirit of Wizard Video was to always champion films that defied the conventions of the mainstream. We're thrilled to be able to provide an outlet to do this again, working with filmmakers from the ground up to nurture and support their vision."

Visit for details on how you can be part of the new WIZARD STUDIOS cinema streaming and distribution program!

WIZARD STUDIOS:
A CLASSIC BRAND.
EXCITING NEW MOVIES.
UNLEASHING 2014.

Please see the video here at the Wizard Studios page, which features Charles Band himself explaining the concept and reasoning behind this venture!

When I first heard about “Gingerdead Man vs Evil Bong”, I was skeptical about the film, because the two franchises felt different. I figured I’d give this film a shot since I liked the first two “Evil Bong” films and liked the last “Gingerdead Man” film.

The serial killer cookie known as the Gingerdead Man is back to track down Sarah, the only survivor of his murderous rampage and finish what he started. His plan goes haywire, when Sarah meets Larnell, a stoner who’s is still in possession of an Evil Bong. Gingerdead Man leaves a trail of bodies, as the only thing that can help them is that dread bong. This leads to all sorts of craziness in bong world.

Going into “Gingerdead Man vs Evil Bong”, I thought the whole concept between two of Full Moon staples wouldn’t work considering that there different from one another. But for some weird reason, I was kept entertained and interested even though it didn’t have the feel of a horror film for most of the film’s running time.

One of the main reason that I enjoyed this was Charles Band’s direction. Even though his direction has gotten away from the Empire/Full Moon classics like “Trancers” and “Blood Dolls”, the films that he’s done as of lately have been different with the exception of “Puppet Master X”. What makes Band’s direction good, he’s able to make sure that the film keeps moving. Whether it’s the dialogue scenes or the action, you never feel like you’re never left disappointed with the end result. Band also does a good job making sure the acting added to the fun time. You’re never going to get a perfect story with a Charles Band film, but he almost always makes sure that his cast make their characters fun. It was the case here, as the performances were fun to watch. It’s not going to win any awards, but at least I felt entertained and was having a good time.

The screenplay from Kent Roudebush was good for the most part. He does a good job with the way he handles the dialogue of the film. It makes some of comedy scenes work especially in the beginning, as it was funny and kept my interest in the film. It was something that I didn’t enjoy with the last “Evil Bong” film. This film however has kept me entertained, considering most of it is spend on backstory.

Speaking of the backstory, there was two things that I felt about it. It was nice that it gave a chance to go over what the two franchises have done to this point. It gave someone, who hasn’t seen either the “Evil Bong” or “Gingerdead Man” films a recap of what previously happen with those two franchises. The problem that I had with it was, it felt like it took half of film to explain everything. Maybe it was a good thing in hindsight, but it felt long for me that has watched all of those films. It would’ve been nice to trim that a little bit, but this is a much better “Evil Bong” film than the previous film.

“Gingerdead Man vs Evil Bong” may not be the best film that Charles Band has done, but his direction and good humor makes this film fun.
Gingerdead Man vs Evil Bong” is now streaming on Full Moon Streaming. You can subscribe by clicking this link. The film will available on DVD in January.

Review Rating: Three Stars

Full Moon Features recently announced in their newsletter that they're releasing Stuart Gordon's "The Pit and the Pendulum" and "Castle Freak" on Blu-Ray this upcoming Tuesday. "The Pit and the Pendulum" was originally released back in 1991 when Full Moon was releasing their films through Paramount. The film stars Lance Henriksen (Aliens, Near Dark), Jeffery Combs (Re-Animator, From Beyond)and Oliver Reed (“Gladiator,” “Three Musketeers”).

Special Features on "The Pit and the Pendulum" Blu-Ray includes Behind The Pit & The Pendulum: The Inquisition of Stuart Gordon, Rare, Never-Before-Seen Blooper Reel Original Pit & The Pendulum VideoZone and Full Moon Trailers.

"Castle Freak was released in 1995 right after the Full Moon/Paramount split. The film stars "Re-Animator" and "From Beyond stars Jeffery Combs and Barbra Crampton.

Special features on the Blu-Ray and DVD include Castle 'Speak' interview with Stuart Gordon, Lost William Shatner Interviews w/ Stuart Gordon, Jeffrey Combs, and Barbara Crampton, Original VideoZone and Full Moon Trailers

"The Pit and the Pendulum": Plot Synopsis:

In the quest to save souls, the Spanish Inquisition will stop at nothing and knows no boundaries for its evil. Under the direction of Torquemada (LANCE HENRIKSEN - “Alien,” “Pumpkinhead,” “Millennium”) the Grand Inquisitor of Spain, a young baker’s wife, Maria (RONA DE RICCI) is falsely accused of witchcraft and dragged before the inquisition and the Cardinal (OLIVER REED – “Gladiator,” “Three Musketeers”). Torquemada is enchanted by Maria’s beauty and subjects her and her husband Antonio (JONATHAN FULLER – “Castle Freak”) to heinous tortures hoping to prove that his own desires for her are a result of her magic, and that she has “bewitched him.” With the help of Esmerelda, Maria’s cellmate and confessed witch, Maria must find the power to save her husband Antonio from Torquemada’s ultimate machine of torture: the inevitable, razor sharp PENDULUM poised over the inescapable PIT of hell.

"Castle Freak": Plot Synopsis

Stuart Gordon takes you on a pulse pounding roller- coaster ride in Castle Freak… one of the most macabre thrillers you’ll ever experience. John Reilly (Jeffrey Combs – Re-Animator), Susan (Barbara Crampton – Young & The Restless) and their daughter come face to face with terror when they travel to Italy to move into a castle they have inherited. They soon discover it is haunted by a relentless blood- thirsty creature. When mutilated bodies start turning up, John must uncover the Reilly family’s dark secret to save his wife and child from the sadistic being.

Full Moon Features has send us over a couple of still and information for the world premiere of their upcoming online world premiere of "Ooga Boga". The film will be having it's world premiere on Grindhouse Filx service. "Ooga Booga" stars two-time Golden Globe winning actress Karen Black (House of 1000 Corpses), Golden Globe winning actor Stacy Keach(American History X), Siri, the curvaceous pornstar, and Internet sensation Maddox, creator of the self-proclaimed http://theBestPageInTheUniverse.com

"Ooga Booga" will be making its premiere at www.GrindhouseFlix.com starting on March 12th.

Press Release:

Following a successful preliminary run with fans, Full Moon Features is thrilled to officially announce their new video streaming service at www.GrindhouseFlix.com, host to the weirdest, craziest, and most unbelievable grindhouse films from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s – and brand new world premieres – all from the convenience of a computer or mobile device via the Grindhouse App.

The first film to make its world premiere on the service is Ooga Booga, a tongue-in-cheek grindhouse exploitation flick in the vein of Django Unchained, starring two-time Golden Globe winning actress Karen Black (House of 1000 Corpses), Golden Globe winning actor Stacy Keach(American History X), Siri, the curvaceous pornstar, and Internet sensation Maddox, creator of the self-proclaimed http://theBestPageInTheUniverse.com in his memorable film debut. Ooga Booga is directed by the prolific Charles Band, founder of Full Moon Features, and follows the murder of an innocent African-American medical student whose soul is transferred into the body of an obscure toy, eventually extracting his revenge by killing racists in the city.

“We wanted to create an unparalleled movie site for impossible to find cult classics,” explained Band. “This service will finally make it possible to discover the obscure films that played in decadent art house cinemas years ago, and be first to access our exciting world premieres, such as our newest feature film Ooga Booga. ”

For only $4.99 per month, fans can stream rare and bizarre film gems instantly on any device (including iPhone, iPad, Android, tables, and desktops) with four new films being added to thelibrary each month. Titles include new world premieres, such as Ooga Booga on March 12, and obscure favorites such as Necroplis, Savage Island, White Slave, Riot in a Women's Prison and
many others.

Those who purchase single movies will have access to a permanent digital copy of the film. Renting is also an option, for $1.99 per title.

For more information please visit www.fullmoonhorror.com.

Ah, Puppet Master, how I’ve missed you…I mean, I miss what you used to be.

Admittedly, I’ve been out of the Puppet Master game since part 5, so this is a sequel to a film I haven’t seen, however, Band does a good job filling you in throughout the film what happened in part 9.

The story follows the arrival Nazis who have infiltrated Los Angeles, along with the Japanese, during World War II. Danny (Kip Canyon) and Beth (Jean Louise O’sullivan) have survived the battle from Axis of Evil and retreated to their home, where Blade, in very limited movement, informs them that the Nazis took Tunneler, and attempt to formulate a plan to get him back, aided by Sgt. “Sarge” Stone (Brad Potts), a really fun over the top, hard-nosed character that looks like he belonged in World War II.

The Nazis are trying to create a super soldier by reanimating the dead through the use of ancient symbols. Dr, Freuhoffer (Oto Brezina), a feeble old man with an affinity for dolls, is in charge of doing this for Moebius (Scott Anthony King), who plays a pretty good evil Nazi that dreams of the Nazi Regime marching over the Allies and taking over the world with his undead soldiers. Moebius’ partner, Uschi (Stephanie Sanditz), is a little nod to Ilsa: She-wolf of the SS, although Uschi’s ruthlessness is nowhere near that of Ilsa, who uses her body to try and get whatever she wants.

We are also introduced to new puppets: Bombshell, modeled after Uschi, that shoots bullets from her breasts, Weremacht, a werewolf, Blitzkrieg, a tank puppet, Kamikaze, designed after a WWII stereotyped version of a Japanese soldier, with dynamite strapped to his back, and finally Six-shooter is introduced for the second time since part 3.

The film was lensed very well; of course with Charles Band at the helm, I didn’t expect anything less. (I’m a little Band biased because, he was involved with so many faves of my childhood, especially Ghoulies, Troll, and Ghost Town.)

This film is definitely fun to watch, but lacking the budget of the first Puppet Master films. The best part of the old films was the stop-motion animation of the puppets, but that is virtually gone now, as there are only limited movements and head turning through close-ups, which is sad because, the battle scenes would’ve been much better with proper animation, but that costs money, and neither Full Moon, nor Puppet Master garners high budgets anymore.

If you’re really into Puppet Master, or have been out of the series for a while, this is a pretty fun flick, although I admit that I didn’t see the film this follows, so maybe check that out first. 6/10

Last week, yours truly had the chance to review the “Puppet Master II” blu-ray and thought it was very good, especially with the film’s remastered transfer. Now it’s on “Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge” Blu-Ray.

The film is a prequel to the first two “Puppet Master” film. It takes place during WWII, where the Gestapo hears about Toulon’s formula and his deadly puppets. Major Krauss (Richard Lynch) and Dr. Hess (Ian Abercrombie) are sent out capture Toulon (Guy Rolfe) and his puppets. After they capture Toulon and his puppets, Krauss kills Toulon’s Wife. Now Toulon’s out for revenge with the help of his deadly puppets, which includes Tunnler, Jester, Pin Head, Leech Woman and his newest puppet Six Shooter. Toulon is ready to get even with the Gestapo for the murder of his wife.

It was great going back and revisiting this film, especially with its newly remastered transfer from its original negatives. It looks very much better from the previous DVD release. The picture and audio was very much improved from the lackluster transfer of the original DVD release. But at the end of the day, it’s the film that makes this worth your time.

“Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge” is one of Full Moon’s best films that they’ve ever put out. Most of the credit has to go to the film’s director David DeCoteau. This is by far, his best film. The directing was very good, as he makes sure the film that the same feel as the other two films in style. Most of the films in the series have a certain comic bookish feel to them. This film has that. But what makes this different from most of the films, it also has dark tone, since the story is taking place during the Second World War. DeCoteau makes the tone stand out through the various backgrounds that he uses during the course of the film. It makes the film dark, while trying to capture the atmosphere of the time period. The other thing that makes DeCoteau’s directing very well was the way that he directed the acting. Everyone was cast perfectly in this film. He also takes his time in getting the performances he needs. To me, it shows very well on screen. I liked the late Guy Rolfe’s performance as Andre Toulon. He makes the character different from the last film, which was needed to make the film work. But the best performance that I enjoyed most was from the late Richard Lynch, as the villainous Major Krauss. Like in other cult films such as “Bad Dreams” and “Trancers II”, he able to make the character very sinister to the point that his presence alone enhances the tone of the film. You don’t see that from many actors that take on the role of the bad guy.

The screenplay written by C Courtney Joyner does a very good job creating the backstory of Andre Toulon. You get it very briefly in the second film during a flashback sequence, but you didn’t a sense of the character until this film. Joyner does a very good job making the character likeable considering the character was the main villain in the last film. He does that, by the way that he sets up the first act of the film. Without spoiling anything, it sets up well to the point that you forget the character’s evil deeds from the last film. The other thing that I liked was that this was different from the first two. It’s much darker and focuses more on Toulon than in the other films of the series with the exception of “Retro Puppet Master”. That’s makes this movie work on a story level and makes the character work with the series.

Blu-Ray Extras:

The first extra on the Blu-Ray is the film’s commentary track with director David DeCoteau and C. Courtney Joyner. This is a very good commentary track that gives a retrospective on the making of the film. DeCoteau and Joyner a very good job going into very detail on the making of the film. They shared stories about the film’s pre production and stories that happened during the making of film and its post production. Overall, a much better commentary track than “Puppet Master 2”. It’s a great listen for fans of the series and fans of nineties B-movies.

Next featurette is the film’s original uncut videozone with behind the scenes of “Puppet Master III” and other information for other Full Moon releases that were released during that time period. Overall, it always welcomed on any Full Moon Release and is still better than normal nine minute behind the scenes featurettes that are found on many Blu-Ray releases.

After that, the disc wraps up with a killer puppet montage, rare “Puppet Master” action figure commercial, Trailers and introduction to the film. All of these were the same features that can be found on the “Puppet Master II” Blu-Ray.

I truly hope, Full Moon continues release more of its Paramount films on Blu-Ray. It’s great watching these remastered films like they were aired back in the day on the Sci-Fi Channel and HBO. “Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge” is easily the best “Puppet Master” sequel and is one of the best films that Full Moon Features has ever put out.

Review Rating: Five Stars
DVD Extras: Three and a Half Stars

Full Moon Features send us over stills for their upcoming release of "Killjoy Goes to Hell". John Lechago is back in the director's chair again, while cult film actor Trent Hagga is back as Killjoy. "Killjoy Goes to Hell is available at FullMoonDirect.com and online retailers. The film will also hit Redbox locations this tuesday.

Plot Synopsis:

The demon clown Killjoy is on trial in Hell! Having failed in his last outing to claim his victim's soul, he must face the devil himself in Hell's courtroom and prove that he's evil and worthy of a demon. His only hope is the testimony of his last victim and a trial by combat. Killjoy's murderous minions Batty Boop, Punchy, and Freakshow plot a daring rescue attempt, but they have nosy detectives, renegade clowns, and a whole mess of demons in their way. If they fail Killjoy is damned to oblivion, never to return!

"Killjoy Goes to Hell": Official Trailer

As a big fan of Full Moon Features, this news excites me. Full Moon Features recently announced that some of their classic films will be making their Blu-Ray debut. It all starts on September 18th, 2012, the premiere Full Moon blu ray releases will be Puppet Master" "Puppet Master II" and "Puppet Master III: Toulon's Revenge. They will be available individually and as a three disc set.

Future Blu-Ray releases in the coming months include sequels from the “Subspecies” and “Trancers” franchises, as well as classic films directed by Stuart Gordon, such as“Pit And The Pendulum” starring Lance Henkrisen and “Castle Freak” starring Jeffrey Combs, “Dollman” and “Dollman Vs The Demonic Toys” starring Tim Thomerson, “Vampire Journals”, “Doctor Mordrid”, “Demonic Toys”, “Head Of The Family” and more to be announced later in 2012.

For more information on Full Moon Features, you can visit the official website at: www.fullmoondirect.com and www.fullmoonhorror.com

Press Release:

For over thirty years Charles Band has been creating modern day horror classics such as Puppetmaster, Trancers and Subspecies.

According to Charles Band, Chairman and Founder of Full Moon Features, “after testing the Blu-ray market with the original “Puppetmaster,” and “Subspecies,” Full moon will move forward with additional Blu-ray releases of the best selling titles in the Full Moon catalog. The fan response has been overwhelming in support of Blu-ray and they are demanding more. Featuring wide-screen 16:9 fully remastered picture and sound, these transfers have never looked more beautiful and we’ll
re-release the titles on DVD as well.”

On September 18th, 2012, the premiere Full Moon blu ray releases will be the first three “Puppetmaster” films, available individually and as a three disc set.

Subsequent releases will include sequels from the “Subspecies” and “Trancers” franchises, as well as classic films directed by Stuart Gordon, such as“Pit And The Pendulum” starring Lance Henkrisen and “Castle Freak” starring Jeffrey Combs. Other Full Moon classics seeing release on blu ray for the first time include “Dollman” and “Dollman Vs The Demonic Toys” starring Tim Thomerson, “Vampire Journals”, “Doctor Mordrid”, “Demonic Toys”, “Head Of The Family” and more to be announced later in 2012.

They will be available for the low price of only $14.98! Plans are to release two Blu-Ray’s a month with an exact release schedule announced shortly. Here are the details for the first in the installment:

In addition to all the feature film work, Full Moon is very active in creating and marketing a wide variety of merchandise including original action figures, resin statues and 1:1 scale replicas of its better-known puppets and dolls, and they are open to utilizing these collectables as exclusive prizes for sweepstakes for interested retailers.

For more information, visit: www.fullmoondirect.com and www.fullmoonhorror.com