Our friends over at Vinegar Syndrome always make sure Black Friday is extra special, and this year’s sale is now live for Thanksgiving Weekend, through Monday, November 29th.
“Pretty much everything is 50% off” as part of the sale, Vinegar Syndrome notes, and previously announced new titles are available alongside just-announced secret titles.
Flesh for Frankenstein, Dario Argento’s Trauma, and Creature are now in stock, with other new titles including Prano Bailey-Bond’s Censor (my personal favorite horror movie of 2021) as well as Ebola Syndrome, TC 2000, Tiger Claws, Satanic Horror Nite, and Steel and Lace.
Here’s the full rundown of everything you need to know…
In the not too distant future, the crew of the spaceship Shenandoah make an unsettling discovery after landing at an archeological dig site on the Saturn moon Titan: another craft, of German origin, has already landed but its crew appears to have vanished save for hotheaded Captain Hans Hofner, who seems to be hiding something about the mysterious disappearances aboard the craft. But it’s not long before the truth is revealed, in the form of a giant, prehistoric alien which intends to eat, and absorb the essences of all humans…
A low-budget but very high ambition slice of mid-80s science-fiction/horror, William Malone’s (Scared to Death) CREATURE juxtaposes bloody alien killings with a madcap starring performance from the great Klaus Kinski (Nosferatu the Vampyre, Fitzcarraldo) alongside veteran TV actor Stan Ivar (TV’s Little House on the Prairie), Wendy Schaal (Innerspace), Lyman Ward (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), and Diane Salinger (Pee-wee’s Big Adventure). Featuring outstanding special effects work from genre legends Doug Beswick (Ticks) and Michael McCracken (Silver Bullet) and highly atmospheric cinematography by Harry Mathias (The Right Stuff), Vinegar Syndrome is proud to present the Blu-ray debut of CREATURE, newly restored in 4K from its original camera negative and presented in both its theatrical and TITAN FIND director’s cut.
VS-377UPC: 814456024127directed by: William Malonestarring: Klaus Kinski, Stan Ivar, Wendy Schaal, Lyman Ward, Diane Salinger1985 / 95min & 100min / 2.35:1 / English Stereo
Additional info:• Region A Blu-ray• CREATURE: newly scanned & restored in 4k from its 35mm original camera negative. TITAN FIND: newly scanned and restored in 2k from a 35mm archival print.• Alternate feature length TITAN FIND director’s cut• “Finding Titan: The Making of Creature” – an extended making-of documentary featuring: special effects artist Doug Beswick alongside actors Stan Ivar, Lyman Ward, Diane Salinger and Marie Laurin• “Space on a Budget” – an interview with director William Malone• Commentary track with The Hysteria Continues!• Reversible cover artwork• English SDH subtitles
After her attackers go free, Gaily Morton, the victim of a vicious assault, commits suicide. Her vengeful brother, brilliant robotics engineer and scientist, Dr. Albert Morton, decides to use his skills to exact vengeance, transplanting his sisters’s brain into a humanoid cyborg. With bone-crushing strength and an array of built-in torture devices, Albert begins sending Gaily on a series of missions to violently do away with the men who wronged her…
A twisted and original take on the rape and revenge genre, acclaimed effects artist Ernest Farino’s feature filmmaking debut, STEEL AND LACE, is an action and bloodshed packed early 90s, direct-to-video horror treasure. Starring Clare Wren (TV’s The Young Riders), Bruce Davison (Longtime Companion), along with genre film stars Stacy Haiduk (Luther the Geek) and David Naughton (An American Werewolf in London), Vinegar Syndrome is proud to present the Blu-ray debut of STEEL AND LACE, newly restored in 2K and featuring an extensive, new, making of documentary.
VS-380UPC: 814456024134directed by: Ernest Farinostarring: Clare Wren, Bruce Davison, Stacy Haiduk, David Naughton1991 / 94 min / 1.33:1 & 1.78:1 / English Stereo
Additional info:• Region A Blu-ray• Newly scanned & restored in 2k from its 35mm interpositive• Presented in both its intended 1.33:1 aspect ratio and its improper but more commonly seen 1.78:1 ratio• Commentary track with director Ernest Farino• “Iron, Carbon, Anger: The Elements of Steel and Lace” – an extended making-of documentary featuring: director Ernest Farino, producer John Schouweiler, co-writer Joseph Dougherty, co-writer Dave Edison, cinematographer Thomas Callaway, composer John Massari, casting director Ira Belgrade, editor Christopher Roth and special effects artist Roy Knyrim alongside actors Stacy Haiduk, David Naughton, John DeMita, Hank Garrett and Paul Lieber• Extensive behind-the-scenes photo gallery• Reversible cover artwork• English SDH subtitles
Deranged scientist, Baron von Frankenstein, with the help of his bizarre assistant, Otto, is determined to create a new master race, of which he will be the leader. To achieve his objective, he constructs two perfect ‘zombies’ from an assemblage of body parts, intending for them to mate. Meanwhile, complications ensue as Nicholas, a farm hand, begins an affair with the Baron’s sexually frustrated wife all while searching for his missing friend Sacha, whose head and brain have been used for Frankenstein’s male “zombie”!
A delectably gory and cynical social satire from acclaimed filmmaker Paul Morrissey (Mixed Blood), FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN is among the most original and transgressive interpretations of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. With an exceptional cast, led by Udo Kier (Suspiria, Mark of the Devil), in what might be his most iconic performance, Joe Dallesandro (Cry Baby), Monique van Vooren (Sugar Cookies), and Italian child star Nicoletta Elmi (Deep Red), and featuring a lush soundtrack by Claudio Gizzi (Blood for Dracula), FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN became an immediate midnight and cult movie sensation. Vinegar Syndrome proudly presents this true genre classic on 4K UHD for the first time, along with its never on home video original 3-D version, newly restored from its original negative!
VS-376UPC: 814456024141directed by: Paul Morrisseystarring: Udo Kier, Joe Dallesandro, Monique van Vooren, Dalila Di Lazzaro, Srdjan Zelenovic, Nicoletta Elmi, Liù Bosisio, Arno Jürging1973 / 95 min / 2.35:1 / English Mono
Additional info:• Region Free 4k Ultra HD / Blu-ray• 4k UHD presented in High-Dynamic-Range• Three viewing options: Digital 3-D (Blu-ray only, requires a 3-D capable TV and player), Anaglyph 3-D (Blu-ray only, works on all TVs with included 3-D glasses) and regular Flat 2-D.• Newly scanned & restored in 4k from its 35mm original camera negative• Audio commentary with film historians and authors Samm Deighan, Heather Drain and Kat Ellinger• “Trans – Human Flesh & Blood” – an archival interview with writer/director Paul Morrissey• “The Ecstasy of Frankenstein” – an interview with actor Udo Kier• “In the Flesh” – an interview with actor Joe Dallesandro• “Dimension in Fear” – an interview with Producer Andrew Braunsberg• “Andy’s Shadow” – an interview with film historian & author Stephen Thrower• “Building the World of Frankenstein” – an interview with art director Gianni Giovagnoni• “Don’t Say a Word” – an interview with actress Liù Bosisio• “Feed My Frankenstein” – an interview with assistant director Paolo Pietrangeli• Original theatrical trailer• Radio spots• Promotional still gallery• Audio Recollections with Paul Morrissey• Screen Test footage with Paul Morrissey• Raw Q&A footage from 2012 with Paul Morrissey• Reversible cover artwork• English SDH subtitles
Aura is a young Romanian who, while on the run from her parents, is rescued by journalist and recovering drug addict, David Parsons. After being returned to her home, Aura’s parents are murdered by a vicious serial killer known as The Headhunter, sending Aura back on the run, to David. With no one to turn to for help, the unlikely pair launch their own investigation into the killings, discovering shocking and long hidden revelations that connect the continuing murders ever closer to Aura and a terrifying secret from her past…
The first US lensed film from the master of Italian horror, Dario Argento (Suspiria, Opera), TRAUMA was his return to classical form giallo filmmaking, offering a twist filled, labyrinthine plot, brutal and creative murders, stunning scope cinematography, and a haunting score by Pino Donaggio (Piranha). Headlined by an all-star cast including three-time Oscar nominee Piper Laurie (Carrie), Oscar nominees Frederic Forrest (Apocalypse Now) and Brad Dourif (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), acclaimed actor James Russo (Django Unchained), and actress and director Asia Argento (The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things) in her first starring role. Vinegar Syndrome is thrilled to present TRAUMA on Blu-ray, newly restored in 4K and debut its longest and most complete version ever, with the complete English dialogue track totally intact for the very first time.
VS-378UPC: 814456024158directed by: Dario Argentostarring: Asia Argento, James Russo, Piper Laurie, Frederic Forrest, Brad Dourif1993 / 109 min / 2.35:1 / English Stereo
Additional info:• Region Free Blu-ray• Newly scanned & restored in 4k from its 35mm interpositive• “Beheaded” – an interview with writer/director Dario Argento• “Heads Above the Rest” – an interview with special effects artist Tom Savini• “Female Hamlet” – an interview with writer Franco Ferrini• “Ruby Rain” – an interview with composer Pino Donaggio• “When the Lightning Strikes” – an interview with cinematographer Raffaele Mertes• Interview with actress Sharon Barr• Interview with actor / casting director Ira Belgrade• Interview with actor James Russo• Interview with actress Piper Laurie• Interview with first assistant director Rod Smith• Audio commentary with The Hysteria Continues!• Audio commentary with film historian and author Alexandra Heller-Nicholas• “On Set with Tom Savini” – an archival featurette with behind-the-scenes footage• Archival electronic press kit with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew• Video workprint featuring several extended scenes• Multiple trailers• Reversible cover artwork• English SDH subtitles
Kai is a violent fugitive on the run from the law. Making his way from Hong Kong to South Africa, he begins a new life working at a small Chinese restaurant. When he joins his boss on a work trip through the African savanna, he encounters a remote African tribe afflicted with the Ebola virus. After attacking a young woman from the tribe, he contracts the virus, but to his surprise, he discovers that he’s immune to the deadly disease. His ruthlessness emboldened, Kai returns to Hong Kong, thus setting into motion a blood spewing and bodily fluids oozing nightmare!
One of the most shocking and notorious Category III films, Herman Yau’s (The Untold Story) EBOLA SYNDROME is a delectably grotesque and darkly comedic splatter film masterwork and stars Hong Kong cult film superstar, Anthony Wong (Hard Boiled), in one of his most outrageous performances. For years almost impossible to find in its uncut form, Vinegar Syndrome is delighted to present the worldwide UHD debut of EBOLA SYNDROME, newly scanned and restored in 4K from its original 35mm camera negative and finally fully uncut for the first time on English friendly home video.
VS-379UPC: 814456024226directed by: Herman Yaustarring: Anthony Wong, Yeung-Ming Wan, Fui-On Shing, Meng Lo, Miu-Ying Chan, Tsui-Ling Wong1996 / 100 min / 1.85:1 / Cantonese Mono with English subtitles
Additional info:• Region Free 4K Ultra HD / Blu-ray Set• 4K UHD presented in High-Dynamic-Range• Newly scanned & restored in 4k from its 35mm original camera negative• Brand new introduction by director Herman Yau• Brand new interview with Herman Yau• “Cantonese with Dr. Yau” – a brand new featurette with Herman Yau on the difficulties of translating Cantonese into English• Archival interview with Herman Yau and actor Anthony Wong• Archival commentary track with Herman Yau and Anthony Wong• Brand new commentary track with film historian and author Samm Deighan• Reversible cover artwork• Newly translated English subtitles
Produced by actor and martial artist Jalal Merhi, the Tiger Claws series has become a staple for the straight to video martial arts movies of the 90s. Complete with gun fights, fist fights and the occasional car explosion, what sets the Tiger Claws series apart from other action films of the era, are their appreciation for the martial arts and their focus on mysticism. Featuring strong performances from the always kick-ass Cynthia Rothrock (Martial Law, China O’Brien) as well as genre favorites Bolo Yeung (Bloodsport), Carter Wong (Big Trouble in Little China), and Harry Mok (The Vineyard), Vinegar Syndrome Archive is proud to present the Tiger Claws series on Blu-ray for the first time ever, scanned in 4k from their original camera negatives.
TIGER CLAWS: When the bodies of local martial arts masters keep turning up with mysterious claw marks in their skin, NYPD detective and martial arts enthusiast,Tarek Richards (Jalal Merhi) is put on the case. Tasked with trying to stop these killings, Richards is teamed up with a new partner, the no-nonsense Linda Masterson (Cynthia Rothrock) who is quite capable of defending herself in a fight. Together, they must track down this mysterious serial killer and uncover the secret behind an ancient martial arts technique known as “Tiger Claws.”
TIGER CLAWS II: Now a detective in San Francisco, Linda Masterson is surprised to discover a new victim with the “Tiger Claws” markings on his body. After contacting her old partner in NYC, Tarek Richards, Masterson soon learns that the killer they put away has escaped and more bodies have been turning up with similar markings. Richards and Masterson must team up again to stop these killings, but soon find themselves as part of an ancient underground martial arts tournament with mystical roots.
TIGER CLAWS III: When the spirits of three ancient martial arts masters are resurrected by a criminal named Stryker, it’s up to detectives Tarek Richards and Linda Masterson to stop them. But, when Masterson is quickly put out of commision, Richards must team up with Stryker’s former teacher, Master Jin (Carter Wong). Under the tutelage of Master Jin, Richards must unlock a secret ability that lives inside of him if he wants to defeat Stryker and his crew of mystical assassins.
VSA-018UPC: 814456024257directed by: Kelly Makin, J. Stephen Maunderstarring: Cynthia Rothrock, Jalal Merhi, Bolo Yeung, Harry Mok, Carter Wong1991-2000 / 275 min (combined) / 1.85:1 / English Stereo
• Region Free Blu-ray• Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative• Brand new commentary track with producer/actor Jalal Merhi for all three films• “Sharpening the Claws” – a making-of documentary on Tiger Claws with actress Cynthia Rothrock and Jalal Merhi• “Martial Art Porn” – a making-of documentary on Tiger Claws II with Cynthia Rothrock and Jalal Merhi• “Mystical Claws” – a making-of documentary on Tiger Claws III with Cynthia Rothrock and Jalal Merhi• Original video trailers for all three films• Double-sided poster• Limited edition of 5,000• Reversible cover artwork• English SDH subtitles
In the near future, a catastrophic environmental event has forced most people to live in underground facilities and only the poor are left to live on the surface, forming gangs in order to survive. Jason Storm (Billy Blanks) is part of an elite group of guards known as TCs (Tracker Communicators) that are tasked with protecting the underground. But, when a group of criminals led by Niki Picasso (Jalal Merhi) infiltrate the underground and attempt to kill Storm’s partner Zoey (Bobbie Phillips), Storm soon learns about an experimental program to turn the TCs into cyborgs. Teaming up with a freedom fighter from the surface named Master Sumai (Bolo Yeung) Storm must stop Picasso and uncover who is behind a conspiracy to wipe out all the remaining people living on the surface world.
A rare sci-fi martial arts film produced by action aficionado Jalal Merhi, TC-2000 is as impressive with it’s complex futuristic world building as it is with its action choreography. Featuring Billy Blanks (Bloodfist, The Last Boy Scout) in one of his early leading roles, along with strong performances and fight scenes from co-stars Bolo Yeung (Enter the Dragon), Jalal Merhi (Tiger Claws) and Matthias Hues (Dark Angel), Vinegar Syndrome Archive is proud to present this unique martial arts film for the first time on Blu-ray and scanned in 4k from its original camera negative.
VSA-019UPC: 814456024240directed by: T.J. Scottstarring: Billy Blanks, Bolo Yeung, Jalal Merhi, Harry Mok, Bobbie Phillips1993 / 95 min / 1.85:1 / English Stereo
• Region Free Blu-ray• Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative• Brand new commentary track with producer/actor Jalal Merhi and actor Billy Blanks• “An Orgy of Action” – an interview with Jalal Merhi• “Jason Takes the Underworld” – an interview with actor Billy Blanks• Archival Electronic Press Kit – Featurette• Archival Electronic Press Kit – Behind-the-scenes Footage• Double-sided poster• Limited edition of 5,000• Reversible cover artwork• English SDH subtitles
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