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Blu-ray Review: Ravenous

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It’s no surprise that Ravenous didn’t land with audiences upon its initial release in 1999. Production was problematic from the beginning, with Fox 2000 executives reportedly micromanaging the project. Screenwriter Ted Griffin was constantly being asked to provide rewrites, while original director Milcho Manchevski was dropped three weeks into production. His proposed replacement, Raja Gosnell, was allegedly rejected by the cast and crew. Finally, Antonia Bird was brought in. Although not entirely satisfied with the experience, Bird completed the film as she was hired to do. Ultimately, the $12 million production flopped with a paltry $2 million at the domestic box office.

Even if Ravenous’ production had gone smoothly, it would still be a difficult film to sell. The eccentric effort is part gory horror movie, part period drama. Furthering the marketing nightmare, its disturbing subject matter is approached with a pitch-black sense of humor. Despite the odds stacked against it, however, Ravenous is a damn fine film. Audiences may have missed it on the big screen, but they have been discovering the hidden gem on home video over the last 15 years. With a Blu-ray release via Scream Factory, Ravenous is sure to gain even more fans in its corner.

ravenous-guy-pearce

Ravenous is a tale of cannibalism inspired by the real-life story of the Donner party. It takes place during the Mexican-American War of the 1840s. Guy Pearce (Prometheus, Memento) stars as John Boyd, an Army captain who is sent to Fort Spencer, an uneventful weigh station in California. While there, he and his fellow Army men discover an emaciated man by the name of Colqhoun (Robert Carlyle, 28 Weeks Later). The man tells of a savage Colonel Ives, who turned to cannibalism after his party was lost in the harsh winter.

It becomes apparent that Colqhoun enjoyed the cannibalistic tendencies more than he lead on. Although the plot up to this point could have been expanded into a feature on its own, it’s merely half of Ravenous. When the clever Colqhoun later becomes Boyd’s superior, Boyd must stop him from eating even more people. It’s no easy task, as – like the Wendigo myth warns – cannibalism possesses curative powers.

ravenous-robert-carlyle

I’m not sure Pearce has ever put on a poor performance, and Ravenous is only further proof of that. Like the film itself, his role runs the gamut from shock to drama to dark comedy. Carlyle is at the top of his game as well, bringing to mind the cunningness of Christoph Waltz. Jeffrey Jones (Beetlejuice) also provides a stand-out performance. David Arquette has a surprisingly small (considering the success of the Scream series at the same time) role as a stoner soldier. The excellent cast of character actors and recognizable faces also includes Jeremy Davies (Saving Private Ryan), John Spencer (The West Wing), Stephen Spinella (Rubber) and Neal McDonough (Minority Report).

The talent behind the camera is just as impressive as the actors. Ravenous marks Griffin’s screenwriting debut, paving the way for his later work on Ocean’s Eleven and Matchstick Men. Cinematographer Anthony B. Richmond’s (Candyman, Men of Honor) careful eye captures the striking imagery of vast, snowy landscapes (with Prauge standing in for 19th century California). Although there aren’t any particularly elaborate special makeup effects, the film is more gruesome than you might expect. And you can’t discuss Ravenous without mentioning its quirky, versatile score. The pairing of talented songwriter Damon Albarn (vocalist of Blur and Gorillaz) and minimalist composer Michael Nyman (The Piano) proved to be a winning combination.

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Believe it or not, Fox’s original DVD release of Ravenous (from 1999!) wasn’t too shabby in terms of extras: three separate commentary tracks (one with Bird and Albarn, one with Griffin and Jones, and another with Carlyle), deleted scenes with commentary by Bird, and galleries of costume design and production design. These features are ported over, along with the trailer and a TV spot. All three commentaries are worth listening to, offering a wide spectrum of perspectives on the film overcoming its troubled history.

In addition to the existing supplemental material, Scream tracked down Jones for a brand new, 20-minute interview. Despite being known for his comedic roles (including his turn in Ravenous), he gives a rather insightful, well-spoken take on the film and its themes. The new, high-definition transfer looks great as well, especially when compared to the non-anamorphic DVD we’ve been stuck with all these years.

Sadly, Bird passed away last year, but she lived long enough to see her effort be appreciated. Ravenous is a movie that isn’t brought up often, but when you come across another genre fan who has seen it, there’s a moment of glee. Thanks to Scream Factory’s new Blu-ray release, that cult following will grow exponentially as the film is put in front of more people who will understand, embrace and champion its unique tone.

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New Poster Reveal For Nicolas Cage’s Survival Creature Feature ‘Arcadian’ [Trailer]

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Nicolas Cage Arcadian

In the latest cinematic venture featuring Nicolas Cage, Arcadian emerges as a compelling creature feature, teeming with suspense, horror, and emotional depth. RLJE Films has recently released a series of new images and a captivating poster, offering audiences a glimpse into the eerie and thrilling world of “Arcadian”. Scheduled to hit theaters on April 12, 2024, the film will later be available on Shudder and AMC+, ensuring a wide audience can experience its gripping narrative.

Arcadian Movie Trailer

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has given this film an “R” rating for its “bloody images,” hinting at the visceral and intense experience awaiting viewers. The film draws inspiration from acclaimed horror benchmarks like “A Quiet Place,” weaving a post-apocalyptic tale of a father and his two sons navigating a desolate world. Following a catastrophic event that depopulates the planet, the family faces the dual challenge of surviving their dystopian environment and eluding mysterious nocturnal creatures.

Joining Nicolas Cage in this harrowing journey are Jaeden Martell, known for his role in “IT” (2017), Maxwell Jenkins from “Lost in Space,” and Sadie Soverall, featured in “Fate: The Winx Saga.” Directed by Ben Brewer (“The Trust”) and penned by Mike Nilon (“Braven”), “Arcadian” promises a unique blend of poignant storytelling and electrifying survival horror.

Maxwell Jenkins, Nicolas Cage, and Jaeden Martell 

Critics have already begun to praise “Arcadian” for its imaginative monster designs and exhilarating action sequences, with one review from Bloody Disgusting highlighting the film’s balance between emotional coming-of-age elements and heart-pounding horror. Despite sharing thematic elements with similar genre films, “Arcadian” sets itself apart through its creative approach and action-driven plot, promising a cinematic experience filled with mystery, suspense, and relentless thrills.

Arcadian Official Movie Poster

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‘Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3’ Is a Go with Enhanced Budget and New Characters

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Winnie the Pooh 3

Wow, they’re churning things out fast! The upcoming sequel “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 3” is officially moving forward, promising an expanded narrative with a larger budget and the introduction of beloved characters from A.A. Milne’s original tales. As confirmed by Variety, the third installment in the horror franchise will welcome Rabbit, the heffalumps, and the woozles into its dark and twisted narrative.

This sequel is a part of an ambitious cinematic universe that reimagines children’s stories as horror tales. Alongside “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey” and its first sequel, the universe includes films such as “Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare”, “Bambi: The Reckoning,” and “Pinocchio Unstrung”. These movies are set to converge in the crossover event “Poohniverse: Monsters Assemble,” slated for a 2025 release.

Winnie the Pooh Poohniverse

The creation of these films was made possible when A.A. Milne’s 1926 children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” entered the public domain last year, allowing filmmakers to explore these cherished characters in unprecedented ways. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Jeffrey Chambers, of Jagged Edge Productions, have led the charge in this innovative endeavor.

The inclusion of Rabbit, heffalumps, and woozles in the upcoming sequel introduces a new layer to the franchise. In Milne’s original stories, heffalumps are imagined creatures resembling elephants, while woozles are known for their weasel-like characteristics and a penchant for stealing honey. Their roles in the narrative remain to be seen, but their addition promises to enrich the horror universe with deeper connections to the source material.

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How to Watch ‘Late Night with the Devil’ from Home: Dates and Platforms

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Late Night With The Devil

For fans eager to dive into one of this year’s most talked-about horror films from the comfort of their own home, “Late Night with the Devil” will be available for streaming exclusively on Shudder starting April 19, 2024. This announcement has been highly anticipated following the film’s successful theatrical release by IFC Films, which saw it earning rave reviews and a record-breaking opening weekend for the distributor.

“Late Night with the Devil” emerges as a standout horror film, captivating audiences and critics alike, with Stephen King himself offering high praise for the 1977-set film. Starring David Dastmalchian, the movie unfolds on Halloween night during a live late-night talk show broadcast that disastrously unleashes evil across the nation. This found footage-style film not only delivers scares but also authentically captures the aesthetic of the 1970s, drawing viewers into its nightmarish scenario.

David Dastmalchian in Late Night with the Devil

The film’s initial box office success, opening to $2.8 million in 1,034 theaters, underscores its wide appeal and marks the highest opening weekend for an IFC Films release. Critically acclaimed, “Late Night with the Devil” boasts a 96% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 135 reviews, with the consensus praising it for rejuvenating the possession horror genre and showcasing David Dastmalchian’s exceptional performance.

Rotten Tomatoes score as of 3/28/2024

Simon Rother of iHorror.com encapsulates the film’s allure, emphasizing its immersive quality that transports viewers back to the 1970s, making them feel as if they are part of the eerie “Night Owls” Halloween broadcast. Rother lauds the film for its meticulously crafted script and the emotional and shocking journey it takes viewers on, stating, “This whole experience will have viewers of the Cairnes brothers’ film glued to their screen… The script, from beginning to end, is neatly sewn together with an ending that’ll have jaws on the floor.” You can read the full review here.

Rother further encourages audiences to watch the film, highlighting its multifaceted appeal: “Whenever it is made available to you, you must attempt to view the Cairnes Brothers’ latest project as it will make you laugh, it will creep you out, it will amaze you, and it might even strike an emotional cord.”

Set to stream on Shudder on April 19, 2024, “Late Night with the Devil” offers a compelling blend of horror, history, and heart. This film is not just a must-watch for horror aficionados but for anyone looking to be thoroughly entertained and moved by a cinematic experience that redefines the boundaries of its genre.

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