Dr. Gangrene's Mad Blog

Great American Pitchfest!

2013-05-20T14:33:00.000-05:00

If you're in the Burbank area on June 1st make plans now to attend the Great American Pitch Fest. Meet top Hollywood directors, producers and writers at this screenwriting conference. For more details go to www.pitchfest.com.

New NBC Dracula TV series

2013-05-14T13:42:00.002-05:00

Keep your throats covered and your eyes peeled for a new DRACULA tv series debuting this fall on NBC. Horror series on Televisiona re on a roll right now, with Bates Motel (A&E), American Horror Story(FX) and Hannibal (NBC) all turning out quality material on a weekly basis. This new series based on the Bram Stoker source material looks promising. It is from the Production team of Downton Abby, a super successful PBS period piece. With the attention to detail and quality on display in Downton, things look promising for our favorite blood sucker. The cast is interesting and offers a few new twists on the well known story. Check out the trailer below and see for yourself...

Farewell Ray Harryhausen

2013-05-08T09:06:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a sad day for monster fandom, as pioneering stop-motion animator and fan favorite Ray Harryhausen passed away at the age of 92. Ray was a true inspiration and his films inspired a legion of fans worldwide. His work had an undeniable charm to it, a "look" that is instantly recognizable and synonymous to the process of stop motion animation itself. Talk with anyone about animation in a film and you're likely to hear the term "Harryhausen type" effects. His films are that powerful, impactful and unforgettable - his name becomes almost an adjective.

Among the list of his movies are some true sci-fi and fantasy classics:

Mighty Joe Young, The Beast from 20 Fathoms, Earth vs. The Flying Saucers, Jason and the Argonauts, It Came from Beneath the Sea, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, Clash of the Titans and many more!

I have fond memories of seeing both Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger and Clash of the Titans in the theater. They sparked my imagination and led me to read up on the Greek mythos and also to seek out more of Harryhausen's work. Years later it was my privilege to show these films to MY children, and watch the wonder in their eyes as these fantastic creatures played forth on the screen before them. There is a timeless quality to Harryhausen's work that stands the test of time - they'll never go out of style or look dated.

Below is a tribute my friend Dave Conover made for a Ray Harryhausen banquet at the Wonderfest convention a few years back when Ray was a guest. It is one of the most personal and touching tributes I've ever seen, a true love-letter from a fan to one of his heroes. Thanks Dave, for saying this so eloquently:

http://www.rayharryhausen.com/index.php

Dr. Gangrene Facebook Page

2013-05-03T09:30:00.002-05:00

So have you guys "liked" the Dr. Gangrene Facebook page yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Head over to http://www.facebook.com/drgangrene and get to clickin! Wanna get to 1000 likes by end of the day...

Witchfinder General, hosted by Dr. Gangrene

2013-05-02T14:18:00.005-05:00

Just confirmed - Dr. Gangrene will be hosting the 1968 British classic
WITCHFINDER GENERAL, aka The Conqueror Worm, starring the one and only Vincent Price, Ian Ogilvy, Rupert Davies, Hilary Dwyer and Patrick Wymark, at the Nashville Library on

Sat, October 5th at 2pm.

FREE ADMISSION!!

Great movie, great price!!

New Deep Purple song

2013-04-30T13:47:00.002-05:00

New Purple, and it's all spooky and stuff - VINCENT PRICE, off the new CD, "SO, WHAT?!"
Dig it!!

Shame on you Nashville Film Fest

2013-04-22T17:14:00.000-05:00

I've always been a big fan of the festival, from its humble Sinking Creek beginnings to its current “international” status. I try to support the Nashville Film Festival each year when it rolls around, and although I rarely get to see as many movies as I’d like, I nevertheless try and attend at least one or two screenings. The first thing I always do is search through the listings and see what horror offerings are on tap. The NFF website made it even easier this year by allowing you to sort by category. I looked under HORROR and the search turned up seven listings: Six features and a collection of shorts called GRAVEYARD SHORTS. I opted for the latter, as it was screening Saturday the 20^th and I had that evening free. I figured it might be fun to see a collection of horror shorts and was looking forward to some creative, scary, and well-made short films. Here is the description of the short film block:

Graveyard Shorts - From the deeply disturbing, to the raucously silly; from spine-tingling chills to the mind-bendingly weird - this collection of shorts is one you won't soon forget.

Sounded intriguing. Well, for the most part it was a pretty interesting batch, some better than others. But about three quarters of the way through, a short “film” screened that turned my stomach. It made me angry, honestly, because it wasn’t a horror film and it had no business being in the festival to begin with. It was called Coco D. Nut and was a 3min music video of a squirrel puppet singing a moronic song about looking for a nut. It was made by Big Kenny. Now I had no idea who Big Kenny was before this, (because I don’t listen to country music), but have since found out he’s one half of the country music duo BIG AND RICH (the other half is the guy who built that god-awful eyesore on top of Love Circle).

Here’s the thing. This was a well-produced video, technically speaking. But the music was, to put it bluntly, shit. It was embarrassing, complete with a “rapping” segment. My son looked at me and asked what the heck this was. It was obvious that this video was only in the festival because of who made it. The Nashville Film Festival has aspirations of greatness, wants to be on par with Sundance and Cannes – but as long as they pull this crap, kissing up to local “celebrities” and screening garbage like this, they’ll always be considered a second-rate festival. It is an embarrassment to Nashville that this was included in their film festival.

Most frustrating of all is the fact this took the spot of some deserving filmmaker. I’d love to see some of the shorts that were rejected in favor of Coco D. Nut. I am sure there were some real gems excluded in favor of this ridiculous pandering.

By the way, Big Kenny was in the audience, as was pointed out by NFF employees before the show – but he got up and left after his short screened. Guess he was too “big” to stick around and chat with people after the show.

New Rob Zombie Video

2013-04-22T08:25:00.000-05:00

Rob has been a busy feller - new movie opened this week and his new CD hits stores soon. Here's the video for his first release - "Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown." Break dancing skeletons, hot chicks, a muscle bound yeti and more await - dig it!

SUCK - a film that doesn't

2013-04-20T07:41:00.000-05:00

SUCK
2009
Directed by Rob Stefaniuk
91min

Suck is a 2009 film that follows a struggling pop-punk band called THE WINNERS. The band members are singer/guitarist Joey Winner (played by writer/director Rob Stefaniuk), bass player Jennifer (Jessica Pare), drummer Sam (Mike Lobel), lead guitarist Tyler (Paul Anthony), and roadie Hugo (Chris Ratz).

While playing a typical late night gig in a dive bar a strange, pale faced guy enters and makes his way toward the stage. This is Queeny, played by real life rocker Dimitri Coats. Dmitri has a really great look - wide face, piercing eyes, long curly hair - he makes one genuinely creepy vamp. He gains and maintains eye contact with Jennifer for the rest of the show, making her obviously self-conscious. Afterwards the two cozy up at a side table, oblivious to the rest of the world.

Meanwhile Joey is talking with band manager Jeff, played by Dave Foley. Jeff is a lousy excuse for a manager, honestly, and even tells them as much. A sarcastic waitress brings the guys drinks, courtesy of the bartender, played by none other than rock legend Alice Cooper. The waitress is played by Calico Cooper, Alice’s real life daughter. Joey is stopped on his way out by the bartender, who gives him a bit of ominous, if somewhat vague, advice.

Jennifer tells the guys that rather than spend the night in a crowded hearse she’s going to a party with Queeny, and she’ll be back in the morning. Joey questions if that’s a good idea, since she doesn’t even know this guy. She ignores him, chalking it up to jealousy (they used to date) and heads off with Queeny. Joey’s concerns were justified, however, as we discover Queeny is a vampire, and his party is a gathering of bloodsuckers.

The next morning Jennifer is nowhere to be found. The band waits as long as possible, but finally has to hit the road. Fortunately Jennifer shows up just before show time, looking radiant. She informs them that she hitched a ride with the opening act, The Itchies. However, they just dropped her off and she doesn’t know where they disappeared to. There is a real glow about her, and Joey remarks that she somehow looks different. Onstage the crowd reacts positively to the band for the first time - but all their enthusiasm is directed toward Jennifer.

We later find out that she, in Hugo's words, "Ate the Itchies." You see, Hugo is the first person to discover Jennifer's little secret, but she charms him into not telling the rest of the band, instead serving as her own personal "Renfield." He helps dispose of the bodies of her victims in exchange for a promise to one day turn him into a vampire, too.

The band continues their tour across Canada and into the U.S. Along the way we follow their course on a map, animated with blood splatters rather than Indiana Jones-style dotted lines. These are punctuated with animated clips of a claymation hearse making its way from town to town.

Meanwhile the band is being stalked from town to town by an eyepatch wearing vampire hunter Eddie Van Helsing (a name that immediately conjures up images of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, appropriately enough), played by Malcolm McDowell.

There is a flashback sequence where we see Malcolm as a young man who loses his bride to be to a vampire. I was amazed at how good the footage of Malcolm looked, and wondered if they used some kind of computer generated wizadry to make him look young in this scene. However, it turns out these were actually scenes from a 1973 film called "O Lucky Man" which were integrated seamlessly into the movie. It really looks as if they were made for Suck, so Kudos for the flashback sequence.

At the U.S. border they are stopped by a guard who thinks they look suspicious and makes them pull over and step inside. The coolest cameo of the movie (and I say that as a lifelong RUSH fan), this guard is played by none other than Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson. He asks if they have any drugs and they say no. The guard suddenly lights up when he hears they’re in a band, and he delivers my favorite line in the movie - “Oh, you’re a band eh? I used to be in a band. Played a little guitar…” A real tongue in cheek comment coming from a rock god like Alex Lifeson!

A few other rock idols make appearances in this movie. Moby plays Beef Bellows, front man of rival band The Secretaries of Steak, a band whose fans show their appreciation by throwing raw meat…

Henry Rollins plays Rockin’ Roger, a douche bag DJ who invites them to be guests on his program…

Iggy Pop plays Victor, a retired rock star turned record producer who owns a studio where they stop in to record a track. Victor recognizes Jennifer for what she is right off the, er, bat. He tells Joey this’ll end badly for him and the rest of the band, and he should kick her out if he knows what’s good for him…

He is right, as the band members notice the audience response and decide that they want to become vampires too. They one by one talk a reluctant Jennifer into turning them into blood drinkers. With each undead addition the audience reaction grows stronger and stronger. The Winners are becoming rock stars!

Meanwhile Eddie eventually catches up to and convinces the band there is only one way to be free of this curse. Kill the head vampire and the curse will be lifted. But you just know it ain’t gonna be that easy… and you just know Alice is gonna pop back up at some point, too.

Suck is a lot of fun. It’s smartly directly, has a great script, and a really cool rock vibe about it. Rob Stefaniuk did a terrific job balancing the humor and horror elements in Suck. This is only the second feature Rob Stefaniuk has directed, the first being a 2004 comedy called Phil the Alien which he also wrote and starred in. The cast all do a really good job, and Rob seems to have a real handle on the dual chores writing and directing, which I can imagine isn't necessarily an easy thing.

I find the theme of the band becoming undead in order to bring their career to life interesting. While living the Winners were losers, but in death they found new life. Talk about a rock and roll reincarnation!

The music The Winners play is really good, but a bit poppy for my taste. Writer/Director Rob Stefaniuk actually wrote and performed a good chunk of the music in this one, including all the songs the band does. There are also tracks by Dmitri Coats' band Burning Brides, David Bowe, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, The Rolling Stones and of course Alice Cooper.

One of the cooler segments in the film happens in the scene at Queeny’s place where he breaks out into song as the camera whirls about the room and we see Jennifer’s physical reactions to being turned into an undead. This plays out like a music video, rather than a musical, and works really well.

Suck is a smart film full of odes to Rock n' Roll, such as this shot of the band wrapped in the British Flag (The Who - The Kids are Alright) and the shot of the band crossing single file across the street (The Beatles - Abbey Road).

It's obvious Rob is a Rock and Roll fan and this is his love letter to the genre. Suck is a fun movie that never takes itself too seriously – and I think that is the main thing that keeps this from living up to its name. You make a movie called Suck you better darn well make sure it doesn’t – this is definitely a film worth seeing – now available on Netflix.

Gene Simmons at Fright Night Film Fest

2013-04-17T13:53:00.003-05:00

So have you guys heard who's coming to Fright Night this year? None other than the one and only Demon himself, Gene Simmons of KISS. He'll be joining Stan Lee, William Shatner, Gillian Anderson and many more! July 26-28, 2013 in Louisville, KY!

New Episode of 6ftplus - NOW WEEKLY

2013-04-12T08:52:00.001-05:00

Everyone's favorite podcast of Spooky Music and more hosted by the one and only Strange Jason goes weekly starting this episode, and in addition to all the usual fun (spooky music, Monstermatt minute, etc.) it now features my Recommended Movie of the Week as well. That is a series originally done for youtube where I recommended one of my favorite films. It's basically not a review so much as a suggestion - I like this movie and think you will too. You can check out the latest episode of 6 ft plus here:

http://6ftplus.gravediggerslocal.com/2013/04/episode-55-visiting-the-fright-gallery/

You'll have more fun than a zombie at a brain buffet!!

RONDOS - Congratulations Count Gore DeVol & Svengoolie

2013-04-11T13:43:00.000-05:00

The Rondo Awards winners have been announced and I'd like to give a big congrats to fellow horror host Count Gore DeVol (Dick Dyszel) for being elected to the Rondo Award Hall of Fame, and to fellow host Svengoolie (Rich Coz) for winning Favorite Horror Host for last year! Sven's show is on the scare-waves Nationally now on MeTV, and Count Gore recently celebrated his 40th anniversary as a host. Well done, fellas!! Keep up the Ghoul work!!

11th Annual Rondo Awards!!

2013-04-02T08:33:00.003-05:00

The 11th annual Rondo Awards voting ends Sunday! If you haven't voted yet, get crackin! Here is the ballot, copied from the Rondo award page www.rondoaward.com. To vote, simply send your selections to taraco@aol.com. It's that simple. Vote in as few categories as you like - But do it quick, and be sure to add your name in the email for it to count!!

Dr. Gangrene is nominated for category 15 Best Magazine Column, 18 Best Website, category 22 Favorite Horror Host.

HERE IS THE BALLOT FOR THE

ELEVENTH ANNUAL

RONDO HATTON CLASSIC HORROR AWARDS

This year's awards are dedicated to the memory of Ray Bradbury.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. BEST MOVIE OF 2012 (Pick one)

-- AVENGERS
-- BURKE & HARE (Landis version)
-- CABIN IN THE WOODS
-- DARK KNIGHT RISES
-- DARK SHADOWS
-- FRANKENWEENIE
-- HITCHCOCK
-- THE HOBBIT: THE UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
-- THE HUNGER GAMES
-- INNKEEPERS
-- JOHN CARTER
-- LOOPER
-- MEN IN BLACK III
-- PARANORMAN
-- THE POSSESSION
-- PROMETHEUS
-- THE RAVEN
-- SILENT HILL: REVELATION
-- TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN (Part 2)
-- WEREWOLF: THE BEAST AMONG US
-- WOMAN IN BLACK

-- Or write in another choice:

2. BEST TELEVISION PRESENTATION

-- AMERICAN HORROR STORY: ASYLUM, 'I Am Anne Frank (Parts 1 and 2)' 11.7.12-11.14.12, The identity of Bloody Mask is revealed. 'You can begin by kissing her cold lips. Don't worry, she won't bite. I took her teeth.'

-- THE BIG BANG THEORY, 'The Transporter Malfunction,' CBS, 3.29.12. Leonard Nimoy shows up in the apartment as a Spock action figure. 'My Mr. Spock doll came to me in a dream and forced me to open it.'

-- CAROL FOR ANOTHER CHRISTMAS, TCM, Rebroadcast of long lost 1964 Rod Serling TV special about a Cold War yuletide. 'How can you sit there and eat like that, when these people are starving?'

-- DOCTOR WHO, 'The Angels Take Manhattan,' BBC, 9.29.12. The future intrudes on the time travelers in 1930s New York. 'Statues, the man said. Living statues that moved in the dark.'

-- FRINGE, 'Transilience Thought Unifier,' Fox, 9.28.12. The final season shifts to 2036 as the Fringers search for former allies. 'Nobody wants to find Olivia more than I do, but you're going to need some pants, Walter.'

-- GRIMM, 'Last Grimm Standing,' NBC, 2.24.12. Murder investigation leads to an underground all-monsters fight club. 'The beasts were loosed into the arena, and among them, a beast of huge bulk and ferocious aspect. Then the slave was cast in.'

-- MOCKINGBIRD LANE, Halloween special, NBC, 10.26.12. A new cast of Munsters move into the neighborhood in this reboot directed by Bryan Singer. 'You were never a Munster until I made you a Munster. Eddie was born one.'

-- ONCE UPON A TIME, 'The Doctor,' ABC, 10.28.12, Dr. Whale is revealed as another mad doctor in this surprise homage to Universal horrors. 'When they say I charge an arm and a leg, that's meant as a figure of speech.'

-- SUPERNATURAL, 'Party On, Garth,' The CW, 3.30.12. Hunter Garth needs help fighting a Japanese Shojo, only visible when the hunter is drunk. 'Can you even get drunk anymore? It's kind of like drinking a vitamin for you, right?'

-- TRUE BLOOD, 'Authority Always Wins,' HBO, 5.17.12. The undead Authority is revealed. 'I was in the ground. What's your excuse?'

-- WALKING DEAD, 'Pretty Much Dead Already,' AMC, 10.27.12. The search for Sophia comes to a shocking conclusion. 'You and I have our differences, the way we look at walkers.'

-- WHITECHAPEL III, 'Episode 5,' BBC America, 2.27.12. A killer channels the ghost of Lon Chaney's vampire in London After Midnight. 'They needed counseling on account of what they saw.'

-- Or write in another choice

3. BEST CLASSIC DVD

-- ABBOTT & COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN (Blu-Ray)
-- DIAL M FOR MURDER (3D Blu-Ray)
-- GOJIRA/GODZILLA (Criterion)

-- HATCHET FOR THE HONEYMOON (Bava)
-- HOUSE/NIGHT OF DARK SHADOWS (separate releases)
-- ROSEMARY'S BABY (Criterion)
-- TALES THAT WITNESS MADNESS, 1973 (Olive)
-- TWINS OF EVIL (Synapse)
-- Or write in another choice:

4. BEST CLASSIC DVD COLLECTION

-- COMPLETE HAMMER HOUSE OF HORROR (Synapse). All 13 episodes of 1980s series.
-- DAIMAJIN (Mill Creek). Japanese trilogy from 1966 features giant statue of vengeance.
-- DARK SHADOWS: The Complete Original Series. All 1,225 episodes on 131 DVDs.

-- UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS: The Essential Collection. Nine restored films, from Dracula and Frankenstein to a 3-D Creature.
-- ALFRED HITCHCOCK: The Masterpiece Collection. Fifteen of his all-time films.
-- WHEN HORROR CAME TO SHOCHIKU (Criterion). X from Outer Space, Goke, Living Skeleton and Genocide.
-- Or write in another choice:

5. BEST RESTORATION

-- CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (3-D version). Included in Blu-Ray Universal set.
-- DRACULA (1931). Blu-Ray restoration of Lugosi classic, sound and image, is revelatory.
-- HALLOWEEN II: TV cut includes deleted scenes and different ending. (Shout)
-- INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (Olive): Superscope widescreen sparkles on Blu-Ray.
-- LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS: Includes the complete giant-monster plant finale.

-- MOST DANGEROUS GAME (Flicker Alley): Best it has looked; audio restored as well.
-- SHIVER OF THE VAMPIRES (Kino). One of six Rollin restorations, this one from original negative.
-- A TRIP TO THE MOON (Flicker Alley): Blu-Ray restores original colors from 1902 version.
-- ZAAT! (Film Chest): DVD/Blu-Ray restoration is eye-popping and head-shaking.
-- Or write in another choice:

6. BEST COMMENTARY

-- Michael Gingold, Chris Poggiali, Edwin Samuelson, 42ND STREET FOREVER (exploitation film trailers)
-- Rick Jewell, THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME (Flicker Alley)
-- David Kalat, Criterion's GOJIRA/GODZILLA
-- Tim Lucas, Mario Bava's HATCHET FOR THE HONEYMOON

-- Or write in another choice:

7. BEST DVD EXTRA

-- 'Gow, the Headhunter,' Exploition-era 1931 documentary included with MOST DANGEROUS GAME.
-- 'Ike, Adlai and Eli.' Eli Roth talks about the impact the film had on his career. MOTHER'S DAY
-- 'Incredible Mr. Lippert,' featurette from Ballyhoo on 1950s sci-fi producer Robert L. Lippert. MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATRE 3000 XXIII.

-- 'Mad Monster Party: Making of a Cult Classic,' featurette on Blu-Ray. MAD MONSTER PARTY.
-- 'The Original House of Horror,' 50-page booklet included with UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS set.
-- 'Remembering Rosemary's Baby,' ROSEMARY'S BABY
-- Or write in another choice:choice:

8. BEST INDEPENDENT FILM (Click on VIDEO LINKS to see clip or trailer)

-- AMERICAN MARY, directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska. The perfect body, taken to extremes. Video link
-- DEAD WEIGHT, directed by Adam Bartlett, John Pata. 'Minneapolis is under some kind of attack.' Video link
-- THE DEVIL'S CARNIVAL, directed by Darren Lynn Bousman. 'Repo' veterans reunite for a musical
journey to a carny hell. Video link
-- GRABBERS, directed by Jon Wright. Can binge drinking defeat tentacled monsters? Video link
-- HOUSE OF GHOSTS, directed by Christopher R. Mihm. Dinner party terrors in this tribute to William Castle. Video link

-- LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF ROSALIND LEIGH, directed by Rodrigo Gudino. The dark side of angel worship, including an old dark house. Video link
-- PLAY DEAD, directed by Shade Rupe. Teller's magic-filled spook show documented. Video link
-- SUICIDE SHOP, directed by Patrice LeConte. Animated musical from France about a shop that helps with ... well. like the title says. Video link

-- Or write in another choice:

9. BEST SHORT FILM (Click on VIDEO LINKS to see the film, a clip or trailer)

-- THE BEAST FROM TWENTY ZILLION YEARS AGO, directed by Ryan Lengyel. Shot in the shadow of Three Mile Island. Video link
-- EVEL KNIEVEL ON SKULL ISLAND: The Rescue of Ann Darrow, directed by Brian Nichols. Worlds collide. Video link
-- THE CAPTURED BIRD, directed by Jovanka Vuckovic. A day at the park reveals a dark shadowed secret. Video link.

-- THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, directed by Raul Garcia. Animated version narrated by Christopher Lee. Video link
-- HOWIE'S HAUNTED HALLOWEEN, created by Ethan Black. Animated short in the classic style. Video link
-- INCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 73, directed by Brian Thompson. Two men disappear in the desert on Christmas Eve. Video link.
-- JOE COMES TO LIFE, directed by Tom Woodruff Jr. The original armature of Mighty Joe Young is re-animated. Video link
-- NARRATIVE OF VICTOR KARLOCH, directed by Kevin McTurk. Puppets tell a Gothic ghost story. Video link.

-- NICKY, directed by Dom Portalla. The truth about a little brother's abduction.Video link
-- NUKA-SAURUS, directed by Dylan Druktenis. Recreating a horror from '1957,' in color. Video link
-- THE OTHER SIDE, directed by the Santoro Brothers. A nanny and an intruder spark horrors at a farmhouse. Video link
-- POSTHUMAN, directed by Cole Drumb. A hacker, a dog, and ESP. Video link

Or write in another choice:

10. BEST DOCUMENTARY (full length; Click on VIDEO LINKS to see the film, a clip or trailer)

-- THE AMERICAN SCREAM, directed by Michael Stephenson. Visits with a trio of Halloween-obsessed families. Video link
-- AMICUS: HOUSE OF HORRORS, directed by Derek Pykett. Two DVDs of history and interviews with Amicus alumni. Link
-- BEAST WISHES: THE FANTASTIC WORLD OF BOB & KATHY BURNS, directed by Frank Dietz and Trish Geiger. The history of fandom's 'goodwill ambassadors.' Video link

-- THE COMPLETE BOB WILKINS CREATURE FEATURES. The horror host's best work collected. Video link
-- CORMAN'S WORLD: EXPLOITS OF A HOLLYWOOD REBEL, directed by Alex Stapleton. Hollywood's biggest stars recall the low-budget king. Video link
-- THE FLESH AND THE FURY: X-POSING TWINS OF EVIL, directed by Daniel Griffith. In-depth look at the 'Karnstein' trilogy. Link

-- MEN IN SUITS, directed by Frank H. Woodward. The saga of the actors within the gorilla, alien and monster suits. Video link
-- MY AMITYVILLE HORROR, directed by Eric Walter. Thirty-five years later, the man who lived there in real life talks about the emotional scars to him and his family. Video link
-- THE SHARK IS STILL WORKING, directed by Erik Hollander. New interviews and background footage on the making of JAWS. Video link.
-- UNDER THE SCARES, directed by Steve Villeneuve. A look at the indie horror industry through the eyes of Kaufman, Rochon, Romero and others. Video link

-- Or write in another choice:

11. BOOK OF THE YEAR

-- AMERICAN SILENT HORROR, SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY FEATURE FILMS, 1913-1929, by John T. Soister, Henry Nicolella, Steve Joyce, William F. Chase and Harry Long (McFarland, 2 vols., softcover, 830 pages, $95). A comprehensive survey of the early films of silent imagination.

-- CAROLINE MUNRO: First Lady of Fantasy, by Robert Michael 'Bobb' Cotter (McFarland, hardcover, 172 pages, $45). All her films and TV appearances compiled in detail, with analysis and career notes.

-- CLAWS AND SAUCERS: Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Film, 1902-1982, by David Elroy Goldweber (Lulu, softcover, 680 pages, $47.95). Obsessively complete reviews and ratings of more than 1,500 movies.

-- THE FORREST J ACKERMAN OEUVRE, compiled by Christopher M, O'Brien (McFarland, hardcover, 242 pages, $45). Lists more than 3,000 works in all media by Golden Age sci-fi fan and editor of Famous Monsters.

-- FRIGHT NIGHT ON CHANNEL 9: Saturday Night horror films on New York's WOR-TV 1973-1987, by James Arena (McFarland, softcover, 216 pages, $35). Remembering the glory days of monster movie television.

-- FXRH COLLECTION, by Ernest Farino and Sam Calvin (Archive Editions, softcover, 330 pages, $49.95). The first four issues of influential Harryhausen fanzine collected, plus substantial supplemental material.

-- LON CHANEY AS THE MAN WHO LAUGHS, by Philip Riley (BearManor Media, softcover, 272 pages, $24.95). Alternate film history, includes Chaney bio by Adela St. Johns.

-- MASSACRED BY MOTHER NATURE, by Lee Gambin (Midnight Marquee Press, softcover, 222 pages, $25). Films where nature strikes back.

-- MUSIQUE FANTASTIQUE: 100 Years of Fantasy, Science Fiction & Horror Film Music, Book One, by Randall D. Larson (Creature Features, $29.95 ). With cover art by Bill Nelson, this first volume (1900-1959), updates a classic examination of the music behind the screams.

-- NO TRAVELER RETURNS: The Lost Years of Bela Lugosi, by Gary D. Rhodes and Bill Kaffenberger (BearManor Media, softcover, 346 pages, $26.95). Bela's struggles from 1945-1951 reveal a proud actor finding steady work -- and sometimes applause.

-- RAY HARRYHAUSEN'S FANTASY SCRAPBOOK, by Harryhausen and Tony Dalton (Aurum Press, softcover, 192 pages, $55). Secrets of the master's stop-motion magic revealed in archival detail.

-- REEL TERROR: The Scary, Bloody, Gory Hundred-Year History of Classic Horror Films, by David Konow (St. Martin's Griffin, softcover, 608 pages, $18.99). A sure-footed survey of horrors from silents to today's paranormal.

-- REGIONAL HORROR FILMS, 1959-1990: A state-by-state guide with interviews, by Brian Albright. (McFarland, softcover, 345 pages, $45). The locales and makings on indie horror films.

-- SHOCK THEATRE, CHICAGO STYLE: WBKB-TV's Late Night Horror Showcase, 1957-1959, by Donald F. Glut (McFarland, softcover, 204 pages, $35). The second city was second to none when it came to television frights.

-- 6 REELS UNDER, by David Del Valle (BearManor Media, softcover, 252 pages, $19.95). Close encounters with Ackerman, Price, Steele and Gough (among many others), from a Hollywood insider.

-- THE SPACESUIT FILMS: A History, 1918-1969, by Gary Westfahl (McFarland, softcover, 371 pages, $50). Tracing the history of Hollywood and foreign movie adventures into space.

-- STANDING IN THE SPIRIT AT YOUR ELBOW: A History of Dickens' Christmas Carol as Radio/Audio Drama, by Craig Wichman (BearManor Media, softcover, 238 pages, $19.95). Tracing the aural tradition from 1905 to today.

-- STUDIES IN TERROR: Landmarks of Horror Cinema, by Jonathan Rigby (Signum, hardcover, 304 pages, $25.95). Exploring 130 moments that changed the genre, from Nosferatu to Let the Right One In.

-- TOO MUCH HORROR BUSINESS: The Kirk Hammett Collection. (Abrams, hardcover, 216 pages, $29.95) Metallica's monster kid offers a sumptuous tour of his monster collection.

-- URBAN TERRORS: New British Horror Cinema, by MJ Simpson (Hemlock, softcover, 296 pages, $20). A look at the revival of British horror films.

-- X-CERT: The British Independent Horror Film, 1951-1970, by John Hamilton (Hemlock edition, softcover, 252 pages, $23.27). Reviews, rare photos, commentary and production details about a hard-to-find era.

-- THE Z FILES: Treasures from Zacherley's Archives, by Richard Scrivani with Tom Weaver (BearManor Media, softcover, 238 pages, $19.95). An archaeological dig through the amazing memorabilia saved by the Coolest Ghoul of all.

-- Or write in another choice:

12. BEST MAGAZINE OF 2012

-- Cinema Retro
-- Diabolique
-- Famous Monsters of Filmland

-- Fangoria
-- Filmfax
-- Freaky Monsters
-- G-Fan

-- Girls and Corpses
-- Horror Hound

-- Little Shoppe of Horrors-- Mad Monster
-- Mad Scientist

-- Midnight Marquee

-- Monster Bash

-- Mondo Cult

-- Monsters from the Vault

-- Paracinema
-- Phantom of the Movies Videoscope
-- Poe Forevermore
-- Rue Morgue
-- Scarlet
-- Scary Monsters
-- Screem

-- Shadowland

-- Shock

-- Stiff

-- Undying Monsters
-- Video Watchdog

-- Or write in another choice:

13. BEST ARTICLE (Please choose TWO; one will win)

-- 'All Shall Listen When The Bat Whispers,' by Frank Warden, SHADOWLAND #3. Why the proto-crime thriller 'The Bat Whispers' (1930), deserves more respect.

-- 'Black Zoo: A study in Animal Magnetism,' by Jessie Lilley, MONDO CULT #3. The hidden message of abuse in a Herman Cohen B-classic.

-- 'Charles Darwin and the Suppressed Science of Dr. Mirakle,' by Robert Guffey, VIDEO WATCHDOG #166. How the 1930s debate over evolution motivated Lugosi's experiments in 'Murder in the Rue Morgue.'

-- 'Christopher Lee: A Career Retrospective,' by Aaron Christensen, HORRORHOUND #34. Tracing the performances through 61 of his films.

-- 'Discovering the Censored Scenes from Dracula,' by Simon Rowson and Stuart Hall, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #28. Following the trail to Japan, a determined scholar rescues deleted scenes from the 1958 Hammer classic.

-- 'Dracula, Frankenstein,' by Tim Lucas. VIDEO WATCHDOG #171. A review, a reverie, a rediscovery of the restored versions of the Universal classics.

-- 'Ghosts of Horror Past: 25 Films That Have Been Lost to the Sands of Time,' by Kelly Robinson, RUE MORGUE #124. Tracing the mystery of missing Golems, Jekylls, Creeping Cats and more.

-- 'Godzilla: Just Say Noh,' by John E. Petty, G-FAN #99. How Toho's giant monster film plays also as classical Japanese noh drama.

-- 'Government Horror Film Oversight During WW2,' by Gary D. Rhodes, FILMFAX #132. Documents and interviews reveal how government watchdogs and critics monitored wartime portrayals and propaganda.

-- 'How They Made The Hunchback of Notre Dame,' by Ray Ferry. FREAKY MONSTERS #9. Behind-the scenes, with rare stills, of the 1923 classic.

-- 'The Horrors of Republic,' by Kenny Strong, SCARLET #9. Monsters, vampires, phantoms, a Catman and more.

-- 'I Sing Bradbury Electric,' by Steve Vertlieb, FILM MUSIC REVIEW. A remembrance of the author of the fantastic.

-- 'The Kind of Fiend Who Wins -- The Making of The Abominable Dr. Phibes,' by Justin Humphreys, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #29. The definitive exploration of the Vincent Price classic.

-- 'Ladies of the Shadows,' by David-Elijah Nahmod, FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #261. A reminiscence of Dark Shadows.

-- 'Nostalgic Fear for Your Ears,' by Ed Gannon. UNDYING MONSTERS #4. A survey of the haunted audio records of the 1960s and beyond.

-- 'The Notebooks of Frankenstein,' by Mark C. Glassy. SCARY MONSTERS #84. An obsessive recounting of Dr. Frankenstein's various notebooks and notes found throughout the Universal films.

-- '100 Memorable Moments from Toho Fantasy Films,' by Martin Arlt, G-FAN #100. From Godzilla's first appearance destroying a fishing boat to a Final Wars battle.

-- 'PG Horror,' by Kenneth Nelson with Nathan Hanneman and Matt Moore, HORRORHOUND #37. How filmmakers pulled off shocks while staying within the Hollywood lines.

-- 'Ray Bradbury's Earliest Influences,' by Terry Pace, MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #30. In a career-spanning remembrance, the storyteller tells how early fantasy films, and especially Lon Chaney, inspired his craft.

-- 'The Sexy Side of Silent Horror Cinema,' by Lianne Spiderbaby, FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #261. Conrad Veidt and Mary Fuller brought more than emoting to the early films of the fanatstic.

-- 'Those Prehistoric Cliches,' by Debbie Painter, SCARY MONSTERS #83. The truth about those 'monsters' we loved.

-- 'Thrills, Chills and Double Bills,' by David Konow and Chris Poggiali, RUE MORGUE #121. The anything-goes history of Crown International Pictures.

-- '2012 Horror Host Hall of Fame: A Ghoul's Gala,' by Dave Fuentes, SCARY MONSTERS #84. A loving look at the 13 hosts inducted this year at the HorrorHound Convention.

-- 'Unearthing Stoker's Lost Journal,' by Elizabeth Miller, DIABOLIQUE #10. Insights into the father of Dracula from his lost Dublin journal.

-- 'Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection,' by Greg Mank, SCREEM #25. The horror historian finds nuggets, insights and surprises in Universal's high-definition versions.

-- 'The Unmaking of Exorcist II: The Heretic,' by Paul Talbot. VIDEO WATCHDOG #171. Revealing the missteps that ruined the devil-crossed sequel.

-- Or write in another choice:

(Please vote for TWO of the articles above; one will win)

14. BEST INTERVIEW
(Award goes to the interviewer)

-- Michael Culhane: Interview with five cast members of classic Dark Shadows, including Jonathan Frid. FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #261.

-- Terry & Tiffany DuFoe: Interview with Mamie Van Doren on Elvis and Night Monsters. VIDEOSCOPE #83.

-- Jessica Dwyer: Interview with cast of 'The Walking Dead' previewing Season 3. HORRORHOUND #37

-- Tony Earnshaw: Interview with Sara Karloff about her father's work ethic, Lugosi and more. DIABOLIQUE #12.

-- Brett Homenick: Interview with Paul Mason, who Americanized 'King Kong vs. Godzilla,' G-FAN #99.

-- David Krzisnik: Interview with Tippi Hedren about 'The Birds' and her treatment by Hitchcock. SCREEM #25

-- Rod Labbe: Interview with Dark Shadows actress Marie Wallace, FANGORIA #313.

-- Tim Lucas: Interview with Daliah Lavi, Israeli-born star of Bava and spy films. VIDEO WATCHDOG #170.

-- David J. Moore: Interview with James J. Sullos Jr., president of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc., FILMFAX #132

-- Christopher M. O'Brien: Interview with EC Comics' Al Feldstein, MAD SCIENTIST #25.

-- John O'Dowd: Interviews from mid-2000s with the late Yvette Vickers. FILMFAX #130-131.

-- Gary D. Rhodes: Interview with Gerald Schnitzer, 94, Monogram screenwriter for Lugosi in 1940s.. FILMFAX #129

-- Susan Svehla: Interviews with Hammer's Veronica Carlson and Virginia Wetherell, FANGORIA #318.

-- Don Vaughan: Interview with NASA movie consultant Bert Ulrich. VIDEOSCOPE #85.

-- Tom Weaver: Interview with Michael A. Hoey about Dr. Goldfoot. MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #30.

-- Or write in another choice:

15. BEST MAGAZINE COLUMN

-- Audio Watchdog, by Douglas E. Winter. VIDEO WATCHDOG

-- Diary of the Deb, by Debbie Rochon, FANGORIA.

-- The Doctor Is In-Sane, by Dr. Gangrene, SCARY MONSTERS

-- In My Write Mind, Richard Schellbach, FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND

-- It Came from Bowen's Basement, by John W. Bowen. RUE MORGUE

-- The Phantom Speaks, by The Phantom (Joe Kane). VIDEOSCOPE

-- Ramsey's Rambles, by Ramsey Campbell. VIDEO WATCHDOG

-- Scare-News, by John Skerchock, SCARY MONSTERS and MONSTER MEMORIES

-- They Came from the Krypt, by Jon Kitley. HORRORHOUND

16. BEST THEMED ISSUE OF 2012

-- DIABOLIQUE #10 (Bram Stoker issue)

-- FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND #264 (Kevin Burns on The Munsters)

-- FILMFAX #131 (Bradbury/Burroughs remembrances)

-- G-FAN #100 (G-sized centennial issue)

-- HORRORHOUND #35 (Ultimate Alien Collectors Guide)

-- LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #29 (Dr. Phibes theme issue)

-- MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #30 (Vincent Price remembrances)

-- RUE MORGUE #127 (15th Anniversary issue; Universal monsters)

-- VIDEO WATCHDOG #169 (Dark Shadows remembrances)

-- Or write in another selection.

17. BEST MAGAZINE COVER

BELIEVER 2012 by Charles Burns	FAMOUS MONSTERS #259 By Rick Baker
FANGORIA #317 by Ama Lea	FILMFAX #131 by Ken Kelly
G-FAN #100 by Matt Frank, Tommy Shelton and Jae Hoffman	HORRORHOUND #36 by Jason Edmiston
LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #29 by Jeff Preston	MAD SCIENTIST #25 by Mark Maddox
MONDO CULT #3 by L.J. Dopp	MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #30 by Daniel Horne
POE FOREVERMORE #1 by Cortney Skinner	RUE MORGUE #127 by Justin Erickson
SCARY MONSTERS #82 by Terry Beatty	SCREEM #25 by Mark Maddox
VIDEOSCOPE #85 Design by Kevin Hein	VIDEO WATCHDOG #166 By Charlie Largent
	Or write in another choice:

18. BEST WEBSITE
(The Classic Horror Film Board, sponsor of the Rondos, is not eligible)

-- Chiller Cinema Home of Dr. Gangrene's Web Lab.
-- Classic Horror Campaign Continuing effort to keep British horror alive.
-- Count Gore de Vol's Creature Features Films, interviews and horror host news updated weekly.
-- Creepy Classics Home of Monster Bash, and classic and rare monster releases.
-- Dread Central Latest news, insider info from the horror industry.
-- Eccentric-cinema One of the earliest of the cult sites.

-- Famous Monsters of Filmland Version 3.0 of the first monster magazine.

-- Film Noir Foundation Keeping suspense and shadows alive.

-- Godzilla Monster Music. Soundtracks and reviews from Big G's music legacy.

-- Horrorhost Graveyard Clips, show listings and more.

-- Horror Society A voice for independent horrors.
-- Latarnia: Fantastique International All things Euro; an outspoken Forum, too.
-- Masters of Horror Classic news and updates from a true horrorhead.
-- Mondo Cult Online The world of genre and music, plus a message board.

-- MovieScreams Horror Show. Showcases short horror and sci-fi films.

-- Planet Fury Furious film news with discussions you won't find elsewhere.
-- The Screamatorium Unique collection of classic scenes and sounds.
-- Thethunderchild.com Interviews, analysis of sci-fi and horror.
-- Trailers from Hell Joe Dante and top talents offer commentaries on vintage trailers.
-- Universal Monster Army The friendly and knowlegeable headquarters of monster toy talk.

-- WGN Creature Features Remembering Chicago's monster era.
-- Witch's Dungeon Multimedia home for Hollywood monsters, history and preservation
-- Or write in another choice:

19. BEST BLOG OF 2012

-- Blood Curdling Blog of Monster Masks. A peek behind decades of masks.

-- Cinema Suicide A celebration of cheap thrills
-- Cinema Dave A journal of horror and film.

-- Classic Movie Monsters Photos, art and covers from the past.

-- Collinsport Historical Society All the comings and goings in Barnabas' home town.
-- Cyberschizoid Latest monster magazines and cult updates.
-- Day of the Woman 'A blog for the feminne side of fear.'

-- Dollar Bin Horror For monster fans on a budget.

-- Fascination with Fear Horror from a female point of view.
-- Final Girl Stacie Ponder survives to have the last, bloody but often essential word.

-- First Person Monster Blog Shannon Shea takes a personal approach to movies, models and monsters.

-- Four-Color Shadows Horror, thrills, mystery from comic pages of the past.

-- Frankensteinia Fun, smart and essential as it keeps the Monster alive.

-- Freddy in Space Edgy horror but with a sense of fun.
-- From Midnight, With Love A cult movie reverie with an edge.
-- The Good, the Bad and the Godzilla August Ragone's G-blog is wise among giant monsters.

-- Gorilla Men Honoring the men in the suits.

-- Gravedigger's Local 16 Even ghouls need a union label.

-- Groovy Age of Horror Fearless and unexpected.

-- Hayes Hudson's House of Horror A friendly and smart mix of horrors old and new.
-- The Horrors of it All When horror corrupted more than the comics.

-- Igor's Lab Podcasts, trailers, interviews, all with a touch of strange. What hump?

-- Kindertrauma Your childhood ends (or starts), here.

-- Monster Magazine World A digital home for monster magazines past, present and hopefully future.

-- Monstermoviemusic The soundtracks of our horror lives.

-- Pause. Rewind. Obsess. The 2012 screening diary of Video Watchdog editor Tim Lucas.

-- Radiation-Scarred Reviews Bill Adcock takes on the mutants of film, no matter the era.

-- Secret Fun Blog All about the stuff that really mattered.-- Sicko-Psychotic Smarter than it sounds, from silents to today.

-- Terror from Beyond the Daves An essential, home of the weekend horror host report.

-- Unimonster's Crypt Musings on the status of monstrous media.

-- Vampire Over London: The Bela Lugosi Blog. Andi Brooks' journal of the undead includes Frank dello Stritto's research.
-- Zombos Closet All manners of horrors pour out.
-- Or write in another choice:

20. BEST CONVENTION OF 2012

-- Blob Fest (Phoenixville, Pa.)
-- Chiller (Parsippany)
-- Cinema Wasteland (Cleveland)

-- Days of the Dead (Indianapolis)
-- Dragon Con (Atlanta)
-- Fright Night Film Fest (Louisville)
-- G-Fest (Chicago)
-- Horror-Find (Baltimore)
-- Horror Hound weekend (Indianapolis)

-- Horror Realm (Pittsburgh)

-- Mad Monster Party (Charlotte)

-- Monster Bash (Butler, Pa.)
-- Monster Fest (Chesapeake, Va.)
-- Monster-Mania (Cherry Hill, N.J.)
-- Monsterpalooza (Burbank)
-- Rue Morgue's Festival of Fear (Toronto)

-- Scare Fest (Lexington, Ky.)
-- Spooky Empire (Orlando)
-- Texas Frightmare (Dallas)
-- Wonderfest (Louisville)

-- Or write in another choice:

21. BEST FAN EVENT OF 2012

-- Blob panic re-enactment. Held at actual theater in Phoenixville, Pa., where movie was filmed (Blobfest)

-- Dragon*Con Parade. More than 3,000 participated in this annual Atlanta cosplay and float tradition.

-- Frankenstein vs. Wolf Man: The Presidential Debate. Dr. Shocker, Perry Shields and others debated the monstrous issues in Glendale, including Monster and Wolf Man commercials.

-- Fix the Chapel. Efforts at several conventions and online to save the Evans City Chapel seen in Night of the Living Dead.

-- Horror Host Hall of Fame Inductions. Elvira, Dr. Cadavarino, Chilly Billy among 13 new inductees. HorrorHound Convention, Columbus, Ohio.

-- Poe Forevermore. John Astin headlines fundraiser for the Poe House and Museum in Baltimore.

-- Rick Baker Gets Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fans turn out to see make-up master honored.

-- Women in Horror Month. Websites and events in February again honor women in all aspects of horror.

-- Or write in another choice:

22. FAVORITE HORROR HOST OF 2012
(If your favorite is missing -- there are far too many to list here -- please write them in)

-- A. GHASTLEE GHOUL (Ohio)
-- THE BONE JANGLER (Illinois)
-- KARLOS BORLOFF (Monster Madhouse, Washington, DC)

-- COUNT GORE DE VOL (Creature Features)

-- COUNT GREGULA (Count Gregula's Crypt)
-- DR. GANGRENE (Nashville)
-- Dr. MADBLOOD (Virginia Beach)
-- DR. SARCOFIGUY (Spooky Movie Television)

-- GHOUL A GO-GO (NYC)

-- LATE DR. LADY
-- MR. LOBO (Cinema Insomnia, California)

-- NIGEL HONEYBONE (Australia)
-- ORMON GRIMSBY (N.C.)
-- PENNY DREADFUL (Shilling Shockers, New England)

-- REMO D (California)

-- SAMMY TERRY (Indiana)
-- SON OF GHOUL (Ohio)
-- SVENGOOLIE (Chicago)
-- WOLFMAN MAC (Chiller Drive-In, Michigan)
-- ZOMBOO (House of Horrors, Reno)

-- Or write in another choice:

23. BEST HORROR COMIC

-- BELA LUGOSI'S TALES FROM THE GRAVE #2 (Monsterverse). Bela introduces and stars in a blood-funny anthology.

-- EDGAR ALLAN POE'S THE CONQUEROR WORM (Dark Horse), by Richard Corben. The master, interpreted.

-- FLESH AND BLOOD: BOOK TWO (Monsterverse). The Hammer film that never was becomes a monster rally, by Robert Tinnell and Neil Vokes.

-- FRANKENSTEIN ALIVE, ALIVE by Steve Niles and Bernie Wrightson. A return to the Wrightson Monster.

-- GRANDVILLE BETE NOIR (Dark Horse), by Bryan Talbot. A steam-era mystery brings Inspector Lebrock to Paris.

-- HAUNTED HORROR (IDW). Comics archivist Craig Yoe selects the best of lost 50s horror tales.

-- HELLBLAZER (Vertigo). Is this final run before the end?

-- THE LOVECRAFT ANTHOLOGY VOL. 2 (SelfMadeHero/Abrams). Nine classic tales in graphic novel format.

-- PENNY DREADFUL'S CAULDRON OF TERROR (Comic Book Divas). Poetic tales of the New England horror host.

-- 30 DAYS OF NIGHT (IDW). Steve Niles and Sam Kieth revive the true world of vampires.

-- THE WALKING DEAD (Image) Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard go far beyond the TV series.

-- Or write in another choice:

24. BEST HORROR MULTIMEDIA (AUDIO OR VIDEOCAST)

-- BLOODY GOOD HORROR Reviews of the monstrous.
-- BLOODY PIT OF ROD Home of the Naschycasts.
-- B-MOVIE CAST Talk and horror history in this podcast.
-- CULT RADIO A GO-GO! Pioneer of horror talk and music stations.
-- DEADPIT RADIO Hillbilly horror from the hills of Kentucky.

-- FRIGHT BYTES Video reviews and interviews.

-- HORROR RISES FROM SPAIN. Podcast documentaries and more.

-- MAIL ORDER ZOMBIE A podcast for the undead.

-- THE MONSTER CHANNEL Horror's full-time video network.

-- THE MONSTER CLUB Podcast and vintage radio clips.

-- MOVIE MELTDOWN Podcasts feature caffeinated geek talk.

-- NEWS FROM THE CRYPT Grue and news from Bloody-Disgusting.

-- NITE OWL THEATRE Films hosted by Fritz the Nite Owl.

-- THE PROJECTION BOOTH Podcasts target genre films and more.

-- PSYCHOBILLY GARDEN PARTY Where horror has a subculture beat.
-- REALM OF THE WEIRD Audio (and sometimes video) bumps in the night.

-- RUE MORGUE PODCAST The Rue Crew returns for more interviews.

-- SCI FI JAPAN Video tributes and clips remember kaiju history.

-- SIX FOOT PLUS A biweekly podcast that finds a monstrous rhythm.

-- TOMB DRAGOMIR Video interviews and 'rue-full' reviews.

-- TRANSYLVANIA TV Retro monster comedy.

-- Or write in another choice:

25. BEST SOUNDTRACK OR HORROR CD

-- BLACK SABBATH (Intrada), Les Baxter extended score.

-- CREATURE FEATURE: It Was a Dark and Stormy Night (Villains and Vaudevillians). Gothic billy rock.

-- DARK ADVENTURE RADIO THEATRE: THE CALL OF CTHULHU (H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society). Packaging includes vintage documents.

-- ERASERHEAD (Sacred Bones Records). Vinyl soundtrack of Alan Splet's sound design for David Lynch film.

-- KING KONG (1976) Film Score Monthly; John Barry score.

-- KRONOS/THE COSMIC MAN, Monstrous Movie Music. Two-CD set of complete scores by Paul Sawtell and Bert Shefter.

-- MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (Quartet Records), David Lee score.

-- ROSEMARY'S BABY (La-La Land), Christopher Komeda score.

-- WINTER'S MAJESTY, Nox Arcana. Conclusion of winter trilogy.

-- Or write in another choice:

26. BEST TOY, MODEL OR COLLECTIBLE
Nominees developed with help from the Universal Monster Army!

Bride of Frankenstein by Moebius; sculpted by Jeff Yagher	Creature from the Black Lagoon Grave Walker by Rubie's Costumes
Frankenstein by Mezco (close-up)	2012 Godzilla Carlton Heirloom Ornament
Karen Cooper Bobblehead from Night of the Living Dead, by Drastic Plastic	Bob Burns as Kogar, by Moebius
Mad Monster Party figures by Diamond Select; sculpted by Tony Sipriano	The Munsters Action Figures by Diamond Select (Sculpted by Jean St. Jean)
The Presidential Monsters, includes Baracula, Zom-Bush, Wolf Bill and Lincolnstein. By Heroes in Action	The Walken Dead T-Shirt by tshirtbordello.com

WRITE-IN CATEGORIES

27. CLASSIC MOST IN NEED OF RESTORATION

Which classic horror film, either released or unreleased, do you think most deserves a restoration or video upgrade?

28. WRITER OF THE YEAR (for 2012)

29. REVIEWER OF THE YEAR (2012)

30. ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Pro)

Which professional artist did the best work in 2012?

31. LINDA MILLER FAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR (Fan)

Which amateur or fan artist did the best work in 2012? (Award named for late fan artist Linda Miller; last year's winner: Roger Koch)

32. HENRY ALVAREZ AWARD FOR ARTISTIC DESIGN

Which visionary artist (designer, illustrator, sculptor, modeler, photographer), should be recognized? (Award named for the late monster maker Henry Alvarez; last year's winner: Mike Hill).

33. INTERNATIONAL MONSTER FAN
Who is making a difference in the wide world of monsters? (Last year's winner: Peter Kollarik of Budapest)

34. 'MONSTER KID' OF THE YEAR

Help us choose this year's recipient: Who deserves to be named 'Monster Kid of the Year' for efforts beyond the call of duty to build a better world of gods and monsters? Send us your suggestion.

35. And finally, help us again: Who do you think should be this year's inductees into the Monster Kid Hall of Fame?

ALREADY INDUCTED ARE: Bob and Kathy Burns, Forrest J Ackerman and James Warren, Zacherley and Vampira, Ray Harryhausen, Ray Bradbury, Alex and Richard Gordon, William K. Everson, Rick Baker, Basil Gogos, Roger Corman, Dick Klemensen, Gary and Sue Svehla, James Bama and Bobby 'Boris' Pickett, Paul and Jackie Blaisdell, Joe Dante, Don Glut, Jack Davis, German Robles and Frank Frazetta; Bernie Wrightson, Ben Chapman, Cortlandt Hull and Dennis Vincent, Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth, Archie Goodwin and Ghoulardi.Ken Kelly, Jim and Marian Clatterbaugh, Bob Wilkins, Calvin Beck, Paul Naschy, Lux Interior, Bob Lemon and Ray Meyers, Bill Warren, Dennis Druktenis, Sammy Terry and Frederick S. Clarke; Tim and Donna Lucas, William Stout, Ron Borst, George A. Romero, Tom Weaver and Verne Langdon. Last year: Julie Adams, David Skal, George Stover, Michael Stein, Morgus, Mark Frank.

Who should join them?

Tell us your suggestions. We'll pick six more.

Whew! That's it!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TO VOTE, e-mail taraco@aol.com and please

include your name for the vote to count!

AGAIN, TO VOTE simply copy this ballot and make your picks by highlighting your selection, putting an X by your selections, or by typing out your picks separately. Whatever is easiest. Then e-mail your picks to taraco@aol.com

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And remember, even the Creeper himself can't stop Rondo!

Want more information about the Rondos?

Email david colton at taraco@aol.com

Zach says vote!

"I have never listened to anyone who criticized my interest in space travel, gorillas and sideshows. When this happens, I pack up my dinosaurs and leave the room." -- Ray Bradbury (1920-2012)

Jack Pierce, Frankendesigner

2013-03-28T11:37:00.002-05:00

The article I wrote for Scary Monsters Magazine #85, JACK PIERCE, FRANKENDESIGNER is now available as an ebook on Kindle. If you didn't get a copy of Scary Monsters and would like to read it, head on over to THIS LINK to grab a copy.

An exploration of the truth behind who is responsible for the design
of Universal Studio's Frankenstein Monster makeup.

Horror Hound Weekend Report

2013-03-25T13:47:00.000-05:00

My son Luke and I went to the Horror Hound convention in Cincinnati this past weekend. I’d never been to Horror Hound before, so I was interested in checking it out. I contacted convention organizer Jason Hignite beforehand and he asked if I would speak at the Horror Host Hall of Fame induction ceremony. I of course agreed, and he told me the ceremony was planned for Saturday afternoon, which worked well for me, since I’d be arriving on Saturday morning..

We hit the road Friday afternoon after work and drove to my friend J Sorrells house where we stayed for the weekend. Sat morning we got up and drove to the convention, getting there around 10am. There was a huge line outside, which was just the first of many we’d encounter. I found out they were lined up to see Doug Bradley, so we made our way inside and quickly found Jason. He informed me that the Horror Host ceremony had been bumped up to 9am that morning, so I missed it! Jason apologized and said enjoy the show anyway, so we got wristbands and headed in.

Who were the guests there you ask? Doesn’t really matter, we couldn’t even get near them - they were all sequestered in a separate room with a hoard of people standing outside. AND, to make matters worse, you had to pass this room to get to the room where the panels were being held at the end of a hallway. We could not honestly make our way near that room either. Just too many people. So we said forget it, and just headed for the dealer’s room. (We were also told you had to have a VIP pass to get into the panels. Don’t know if that’s true, but I assumed it was. Very disappointing, as I was looking forward to a couple of these panels).

The dealer’s room was nice. Big room with tons of great booths and I caught up with a lot of friends of mine who had tables, which was good. One thing I really liked was the music piped into the dealer’s room – they played mostly music from the bands that were playing later in the evening (more on that in a bit). Good stuff. There were a handful of horror hosts at the show but they were separated from the rest of the dealer’s room in a side room, sort of an overflow room. Except for the Ghooligans, who were in the main room. Not sure why they had a table in the main room, but they’re one of the groups that had a panel, so maybe that was it. The Ghooligans are hosts that have elaborate makeups and are pretty visually striking. I’ve never seen their show but I hear good things about it.

Count Gore DeVol was there celebrating his 40^th anniversary as a horror host. 40 Years!! Quite an achievement! Another classic host was there also – Fritz the Night Owl. He looked great and was a funny and friendly guy. A. Ghastlee Ghoul was there, as was Halloween Jack, both friends of mine from way back. There were a half dozen or so other hosts there as well, newer hosts who all seemed to be enjoying themselves. I carried my labcoat in a backpack and planned to quick-change into character for the induction ceremony. Instead I only broke it out for a group shot with Gore and Halloween Jack. Otherwise I was really there to just enjoy the show.

We roamed the dealer’s room, making a few purchases and talking with a lot of people. The original CHRISTINE car from the Stephen King movie was at the show, which was really cool.

Around 5 we left for dinner. We walked to the hotel across the street but the service was so lousy we actually got up and left after being ignored at our table for over 10 minutes. We drove to a great barbecue place called Jim Dandy's just down the road, and have to admit this sign drew us in:

The food was great, btw, as was the service. Gotta love a bbq place that has their own catering ambulance! Afterwards I got directions to a nearby Starbucks. Caffeinated and full, all was happy again!

Back at the hotel it was time for the evening entertainment – bands!! This was the part of the show we were most interested in. They had 5 bands playing – THE BIG BAD, DEAD DICK HAMMER & THE TBA BAND, HARLEY POE, THE STELLAR CORPSES, & THE KOFFIN KATS. They were all really terrific. The lighting and sound was really top notch and the room was nice and big – unlike the convention there was plenty of room to accommodate the crowd. Afterwards I congratulated the sound guy on a terrific job.

SO – my overall thoughts on Horror Hound are this… They need a bigger venue. A place with halls and rooms off it is NOT conducive to that size crowd. They need to rent a larger space or at least a different portion of the convention center, and arrange it so you DON’T have to wade through the autograph lines to get to the panels. KEEP bringing in great musical guests. I came up pretty much only because the Koffin Kats, Stellar Corpses and Dead Dick Hammer were playing. I mentioned this to Ken Daniels, organizer of the Fright Night Convention (who also had a booth there) and he got a chuckle out of that, but it’s true! My son had been dying to see the Koffin Kats for a couple of years, but since there are no real all-ages places in Nashville any more this was his first opportunity to see them. They are SO GOOD! Definitely keep the bands and night time activities – although the acts between bands went waaay too long. Need to speed up the between band activities. But the bands were a good time and something more conventions need to do.

King Kong 80th Anniversary Screening!!

2013-03-21T10:27:00.001-05:00

WHO: 1933 RKO Classic KING KONG

WHAT: Not‐for‐Profit Film Screening and Event

WHEN: Sunday, March 24, 2013, 2pm

WHERE: Pomona Fox Theater, 301 South Garey Avenue, Pomona

COST: Adults $8 / Children $3

Additional Event Info:

* Lobby Exhibit of Rare Kong Memorabilia Open from 1pm –2pm

* Pose for Photos with Kong’s Giant Hand

* Onstage guest Panel of Experts to Discuss King Kong

* Screening of Kong’s Many Appearances Throughout Popular Culture

* Free New Collector's King Kong Program Book for all Guests

My March short story now free on Kindle

2013-03-19T10:27:00.000-05:00

Continuing my Thirteen for 13 series of short stories, my March story is now available free on Amazon Kindle from today March 19 through Saturday, March 23rd.

If you like it please leave feedback there on the Kindle page. Thanks again for your support. This has been a fun project and creative outlet.

LINK

Rondo Award Nominations!

2013-02-27T08:47:00.000-06:00

The ballot for the eleventh annual Rondo Awards has been released, and I'm proud to announce I've been nominated in three categories!! The Rondo Awards are an annual award that recognizes the best in monster research, creativity and film preservation in the year 2012.

The categories I'm nominated in are:

Category 15. Best Magazine Column (The Doctor Is In-Sane, by Dr. Gangrene, SCARY MONSTERS)

Category 18. Best Website (Chiller Cinema, Home of Dr. Gangrene's Web Lab)

Category 22. Favorite Horror Host (Dr. Gangrene)

Go to: http://www.rondoaward.com/rondo/rondos.html and follow the directions there to vote for all your favorites, including yours ghouly in the above categories. You don't have to vote in every category - simply email the selections you wish to vote for to: taraco@aol.com - it's that simple. There are a ton of categories and great nominees listed, so go check it out, you'll be glad you did!!

Last Day for Free E-book

2013-02-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

Today is the last day to get my latest short story, Hiccup, free through Kindle. You can find it here:
http://www.amazon.com/Hiccup-Thirteen-for-13-ebook/dp/B00BE981J8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361285191&sr=1-1&keywords=hiccup

this is the second of my Thirteen for 13 - thirteen short stories released once a month (twice in october) during the year 21013.

Enjoy!! Leave me some feedback there if you like it!

New Free Kindle short story by Dr. Gangrene

2013-02-16T18:34:00.003-06:00

My latest short story is now available for free on Kindle for the next 4 days. It's called HICCUP and is available here:

"So let me get this straight," said Doug, firmly fixing Jefferson with the same gaze he usually gave his students just before springing an unexpected pop-quiz. "Your body has become a living time machine?”

Doug is a normal college professor dealing with the usual problems - lazy students, poor effort, and too much work. However his mundane routine is suddenly shattered when a friend from the past arrives unexpectedly with a tale too bizarre to believe. This is part of a series called Thirteen for 13 - thirteen short stories released during the year 2013, one a month.

If you enjoy it be sure to leave me some feedback on Kindle. Thanks and enjoy!!
~ Doc Gangrene

V/H/S is fuzzy

2013-01-16T09:38:00.000-06:00

I am a horror anthology nut. I LOVE the portmanteau films, the old Amicus stuff - TALES FROM THE CRYPT, DR. TERROR'S HOUSE OF HORRORS, THE HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD, etc. - probably my favorite genre of film. So it should come as no surprise that I was looking forward to seeing the new anthology film VHS. It's available on Netflix streaming now and in Redbox, too. I actually rented a DVD copy at my local Redbox and gave it a watch. And quickly wished I hadn't.

It is a series of four, or five, I forget now - stories, all shot on VHS. They are all done found footage style, and all tied together through a flimsy plot of a house with a bunch of TVs in one room and a tape, or tapes, with these stories on them that our characters watch.

Honestly, this film is a mess. The wrap-around segment makes no sense. The individual stories range from so-so to flat out horrible. The characters are all, pretty much without exception, a bunch of stupid kids that are just assholes, the kind of people you see in public and pretty much wish would drive off a cliff. Seriously, there isn't one character in this film you give two shits about. This is a lazy film, with no suspense, tension, hell, no basic thought given to scene composition or really anything other than what looks like a rushed, amateur "horror" film.

There are EIGHT directors listed for this movie, including Ti West, and TWELVE writers. Maybe it's a case of too many cooks but this film is ugly to watch, incoherent, and inept. Avoid at all costs.

Mama

2013-01-10T11:12:00.001-06:00

There's a new movie opening next weekend that I'm pretty jazzed about called MAMA. It is from director Andres Muschietti and Guillermo Del Toro is listed as executive Producer. I don't know much about any of the stars, and the director - judging by his IMDB credits - is a first-time director.
But I do know one thing.

This movie looks scary as shit.

It is rated PG13, which it seems some people on the Internet have a problem with. Apparently it can't be a horror movie if it isn't rated R. Which is just stupid, to be blunt. I suppose the filmmakers could have simply peppered the plot with profanity and maybe showed a boob or two, a quick nip slip and quickly gotten the rating up to an R, but if the script doesn't call for it then it's just dishonest. Fuck that, I'd rather see the filmmakers be true to the story. And this one doesn't call for all that:

Mama is about a pair of children who are found living in the woods alone in a dilapidated shack. Their parents died and they've lived alone for at least five years, yet somehow, inexplicably, they've survived. The children are returned to society and turned over to their uncle for care. That's when things begin to go wrong, and we learn the secret of how they survived... and that they weren't all alone after all.

I'm not sure how much input Del Toro had on this movie, but everything that guy touches turns to gold. I'm onboard. The trailer looks great. In theaters January 18th

Short Story on Kindle

2013-01-04T09:17:00.000-06:00

For the 2013 season I have decided to tackle a project I've always wanted to do more of, writing. I was talking with some fellow writers and we decided to do a challenge called 13 for 13 - we will write thirteen short stories for the year 2013, and publish them online. This may not sound overly ambitious to those of you who are writers, but it is a nice steady project for me, and one I've really been enjoying thus far.

I posted my first story on Kindle. I considered posting the stories here, but there is something satisfying about "officially" publishing them on Kindle, and they can potentially reach a wider audience this way. The first story is a short one, the next two are a bit longer. It is posted on kindle here:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATJURDC

And for the next 5 days it is available for free (Until January 7th), so start downloading!!

Happy New Years Everyone

2012-12-31T15:26:00.000-06:00

2012 was a very trying year for yours ghouly, personally speaking. Thank you all for your support here on this blog, however. I had record numbers of visitors last year and am over 100 followers now. Thank you all - I plan to post more regularly over the coming year. Happy and safe New Years to you all. I plan to settle in and watch this craptastic gem tonight.

See you all in 2013!

WEIRD TALES CLUB - 1941

2012-11-29T09:03:00.000-06:00

I was reading through an old Weird Tales Magazine the other night from November, 1941, and saw this ad in the back pages of the book and thought I'd share it here. It is for a Weird Tales Club.

Everyone who joind got a membership card - wonder how many of those still exist out there? I found a picture of one online here: http://www.radiotheatrenyc.com/HP-LOVECRAFT.html

And the following picture is an ad for the next issue of Weird Tales Magazing featuring a classic story by H.P. Lovecraft, The Shadow Over Innsmouth!

Weird Tales Magazine published from 9 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. So what was at 9 Rockefeller Plaza? Here's a shot of the building entrance then and now.

I'm a huge fan of Weird Tales Magazine. They produced the finest weird fiction from the greatest stable of writers ever... H.P. Lovecraft, Ray Bradbury, Henry Kuttner, Clark Ashton Smith, Robert Howard - the list goes on and on. Amazing stuff and you can pick up collections of these stories very reasonably on Amazon. Highly recommended, and highly addictive!!