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Exclusive: Expect To See New Releases On Shudder

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If you haven’t checked out Shudder yet, you’re missing out. For those who haven’t been following, Shudder is a new horror-only movie streaming service, which launched in beta last month. I was fortunate enough to get an early access invite ahead of the true launch to give it a test drive. I sent some questions Shudder’s way a while back, and while some of them have been answered with the launch itself, I did get additional responses courtesy of lead curator Colin Geddes.

Shudder

Asked to talk about how Shudder came to be, Geddes said:

On a dark and stormy night, a lightning bolt struck a TV antenna which was wired up to a strange creature stitched together from some of the best video store clerks and fanzine writers of all time, scavenged from moldy, dark graves. A horror super-service was born!

But seriously, Shudder is clearly an idea that’s long overdue: to provide horror film fans with a well thought out and curated selection of horror films, all at their fingertips. Some smart horror aficionados put their heads together and decided to put together the best horror “video store” on the internet. Whereas other services may offer a horror section, we offer a curated experience full of top quality cinema, not just “content”.

On the best way for users to know when titles have been added or removed:

We hope to continue adding new titles to the service on a regular, ongoing basis, so members will have a constantly growing library to choose from. We’ll be letting people know about what’s new by spotlighting recently added titles on the site, and also noting them on social media and in a members’ email bulletin.

When I first got my invite to Shudder, the first movie I watched was Asylum Blackout (which I recommend checking out if you haven’t seen it). I noticed about a week later that the title appeared to no longer be available. While it has since reappeared, I had asked about this and if other titles had been removed when I sent my questions in. While the question of this particular title is irrelevant now, Geddes’ response still provides some insight worth noting:

We are still in beta (aka, still reinforcing the stitching on our beautiful monster’s bodyparts), which means we’re continually refreshing artwork and adjusting copy to make the experience better. That said, if you go back into the service, you should be able to find Asylum Blackout once again.

Film rights are also a complex thing, and as with Netflix and other VOD services, films won’t necessarily stay on Shudder for eternity, as they may be available to us only for a specific period of time. However, you should get at least a year or two to enjoy a title before it disappears, so if something seems to be prematurely gone, email us!

I asked if Shudder has plans for original content or even syndicated serial content. Geddes said:

To keep reusing the metaphor … our monster is still a baby! We hope to add all kinds of things to its diet to make sure it grows into a big, scary beast! In other words, we’ve got lots of ideas in the works, but nothing to officially announce just yet.

Finally, a question that is probably on a lot of users’ minds: Can we expect to see new releases appear on Shudder? According to Geddes:

Yes. We’re hoping to get some cool exclusives for the service in the months to come. We will continue to offer a wide array of classics, and older titles, but we do want to keep our fans fed with a steady diet of fresh blood and guts!

It will be very interesting to see what kinds of deals Shudder can work out in this department. While the service is already a bargain for $5 a month (and already has 180 movies that aren’t on Netflix), the addition of new releases would significantly increase the value of a membership. Consider that new VOD rentals are typically more than that.

Geddes recently spoke with Modern Horrors further discussing his involvement and the service’s content strategy, so give that a read too. He talks about how filmmakers can try to get their films on the service, but notes that they won’t just take anything. In other words, there’s some quality control going on and of course rights negotiations.

Shudder has also been looking to add more curators, and has at least two new hires. Shock Till You Drop managing editor Samuel Zimmerman announced this past week that he’s leaving that site to take one of the spots. He had only taken on the Shock role in December after leaving a similar position at Fangoria where he had been since 2009. Shudder also added Sam Wunderl, who previously worked at Sony Pictures Classics, Advanced Alternative Media, and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

 

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The Top-Searched Free Horror/Action Movies on Tubi This Week

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The free streaming service Tubi is a great place to scroll when you’re unsure what to watch. They are not sponsored or affiliated with iHorror. Still, we really appreciate their library because it’s so robust and has many obscure horror movies so rare you can’t find them anywhere in the wild except, if you’re lucky, in a moist cardboard box at a yard sale. Other than Tubi, where else are you going to find Nightwish (1990), Spookies (1986), or The Power (1984)?

We take a look at the most searched horror titles on the platform this week, hopefully, to save you some time in your endeavor to find something free to watch on Tubi.

Interestingly at the top of the list is one of the most polarizing sequels ever made, the female-led Ghostbusters reboot from 2016. Perhaps viewers have seen the latest sequel Frozen Empire and are curious about this franchise anomaly. They will be happy to know it’s not as bad as some think and is genuinely funny in spots.

So take a look at the list below and tell us if you are interested in any of them this weekend.

1. Ghostbusters (2016)

Ghostbusters (2016)

An otherworldly invasion of New York City assembles a pair of proton-packed paranormal enthusiasts, a nuclear engineer and a subway worker for battle.An otherworldly invasion of New York City assembles a pair of proton-packed paranormal enthusiasts, a nuclear engineer and a subway worker for battle.

2. Rampage

When a group of animals becomes vicious after a genetic experiment goes awry, a primatologist must find an antidote to avert a global catastrophe.

3. The Conjuring The Devil Made Me Do It

Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren uncover an occult conspiracy as they help a defendant argue that a demon forced him to commit murder.

4. Terrifier 2

After being resurrected by a sinister entity, Art the Clown returns to Miles County, where his next victims, a teenage girl and her brother, await.

5. Don’t Breathe

A group of teens breaks into a blind man’s home, thinking they’ll get away with the perfect crime but get more than they bargained for once inside.

6. The Conjuring 2

In one of their most terrifying paranormal investigations, Lorraine and Ed Warren help a single mother of four in a house plagued by sinister spirits.

7. Child’s Play (1988)

A dying serial killer uses voodoo to transfer his soul into a Chucky doll which winds up in the hands of a boy who may be the doll’s next victim.

8. Jeepers Creepers 2

When their bus breaks down on a deserted road, a team of high school athletes discovers an opponent they cannot defeat and may not survive.

9. Jeepers Creepers

After making a horrific discovery in the basement of an old church, a pair of siblings find themselves the chosen prey of an indestructible force.

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Morticia & Wednesday Addams Join Monster High Skullector Series

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Believe it or not, Mattel’s Monster High doll brand has an immense following with both young and not-so-young collectors. 

In that same vein, the fan base for The Addams Family is also very large. Now, the two are collaborating to create a line of collectible dolls that celebrate both worlds and what they have created is a combination of fashion dolls and goth fantasy. Forget Barbie, these ladies know who they are.

The dolls are based on Morticia and Wednesday Addams from the 2019 Addams Family animated movie. 

As with any niche collectibles these aren’t cheap they bring with them a $90 price tag, but it’s an investment as a lot of these toys become more valuable over time. 

“There goes the neighborhood. Meet the Addams Family’s ghoulishly glamorous mother-daughter duo with a Monster High twist. Inspired by the animated movie and clad in spiderweb lace and skull prints, the Morticia and Wednesday Addams Skullector doll two-pack makes for a gift that’s so macabre, it’s downright pathological.”

If you want to pre-purchase this set check out The Monster High website.

Wednesday Addams Skullector doll
Wednesday Addams Skullector doll
Footwear for Wednesday Addams Skullector doll
Morticia Addams Skullector doll
Morticia Addams doll shoes
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1994’s ‘The Crow’ Coming Back to Theaters for A New Special Engagement

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The Crow

Cinemark recently announced that they will be bringing The Crow back from the dead once again. This announcement comes just in time for the film’s 30th anniversary. Cinemark will be playing The Crow in select theaters on May 29th and 30th.

For those unaware, The Crow is a fantastic film based on the gritty graphic novel by James O’Barr. Widely considered one of the best films of the 90s, The Crow’s lifespan was cut short when Brandon Lee died of an accidental on set shooting.

The official synapsis of the film is as follows. “The modern-gothic original that entranced audiences and critics alike, The Crow tells the tale of a young musician brutally murdered alongside his beloved fiancée, only to be risen from the grave by a mysterious crow. Seeking revenge, he battles a criminal underground that must answer for its crimes. Adapted from the comic book saga of the same name, this action-packed thriller from director Alex Proyas (Dark City) features hypnotic style, dazzling visuals, and a soulful performance by the late Brandon Lee.”

The Crow

The timing of this release couldn’t be better. As a new generation of fans eagerly awaits the release of The Crow remake, they can now see the classic film in all of its glory. As much as we love Bill Skarsgard (IT), there is something timeless in Brandon Lee’s performance in the film.

This theatrical release is part of the Scream Greats series. This is a collaboration between Paramount Scares and Fangoria to bring audiences some of the best classic horror films. So far, they are doing a fantastic job.

That’s all the information we have at this time. Make sure to check back here for more news and updates.

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