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Pod 366: A Weird Movies Podcast

POD 366: EPISODE 18, NICK GATSBY & SKYE ARMENTA RAP ABOUT “ZAPPER!”

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Audio only link (Soundcloud download)

Quick links/Discussed in this episode:

Zapper! on Tubi

The Dreams of Rene Sendam (2022): A poetry student loses himself in a dream world. A scrappy indie that went directly to DVD/Blu-ray/VOD. Buy The Dreams of Rene Sendam. The Dreams of Rene Sendam official site.

Giving Birth to a Butterfly (2021): Read Gregory J. Smalley’s review. A poetic dramedy with a dreamlike conclusion, Butterfly gets a very limited theatrical release before flying off for exclusive Fandor streaming. Giving Birth to a Butterfly official site.

https://youtu.be/Q2g-GGNQFow

Nekrocosm (in development): After a five-year break from feature filmmaking, will return to the big screen with a “phantasmagorical fantasy nightmare” (plot details under wraps, and the script probably isn’t even completed yet). A24 will distribute, which is a big vote of Cosmatos confidence. The Hollywood Reporter has the deets.

Return to Silent Hill (in development): After a disappointing 2012 sequel, wants to take back the reins for another shot at Silent Hill (which has remained a popular video game franchise). IGN article on Return to Silent Hill.

What Happens at Night (in development): Studiocanal has acquired the rights to the dreamlike horror novel “What Happens at Night,” which is frequently compared to The Shining due to its deserted hotel setting. The director hasn’t been named, but will produce.  Deadline broke the news.

Wings of Desire (1987): Read Gregory J. Smalley’s review. ‘ poetic classic about angels longing to be human gets the 4K UHD treatment from the . Special features remain the same as on the previous DVD/Blu-ray releases (and a Blu-ray copy is included). Buy Wings of Desire.

WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE:

We don’t have a guest scheduled for next week’s Pod 366, but we’ll still be there giving you the rundown on the latest news in weird movies.

In written reviews, Shane Wilson considers another one that Came from the Reader-Suggested Queue in Dr. Otto and the Riddle of the Gloom Beam (1985) (which is actually a disguised “Ernest” movie); Giles Edwards covers Belgium’s artsploitation-y Memento Mori (2018); and revisits the surreal high school anime Night Is Short, Walk on Girl (2017) (you know what that means).

Also, we will be hosting more Weird Watch Parties this week! You can always see the schedule in the sidebar, but we’ll reiterate here:

Friday, May 5 (tonight!) at 9:00 PM ET: Maniac (1934) on Tubi via Discord (free for all)

Sunday, May 7 at 2:00 PM ET: A Field in England (2013) on Hulu (subscription required)

Thursday, May 11 at 8:00 PM ET: La Grande Bouffe (1973) on Tubi via Discord (free for all)

Saturday, May 13 at Noon ET: Tromeo & Juliet (1996) on Tubi via Discord (free for all)

Onward and weirdward!

Pod 366: A Weird Movies Podcast

POD 366, EP. 17: GOREGIRL AND ACIDEMIC’S ERICH KUERSTEN ON JEAN ROLLIN

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Audio only link (Soundcloud download)

Erich Kuersten’s Acidemic

Goregirl on Twitter / Goregirl on YouTube

Quick links/Discussed in this episode:

Freaks vs. the Reich [AKA Freaks Out] (2021): Discussion begins here. Read Giles Edwards’ festival mini-review. It’s circus freaks vs. Nazis in an Italian spectacle that can probably be described as “X-Men meets Inglorious Basterds” (and probably has been). Not sure where it’s playing, though we found one date in Glendale, CA; fortunately, you can also catch it on VOD. Freaks Out Cineuropa listing.

Acción Mutante (1993): Discussion begins here. A squad of disfigured men go terrorist and kidnap a beautiful heiress in ‘s provocative and gory debut film. Rrestored via Severin Films on a 4K UHD disc (+ Blu-ray) with a horde of special features including a commentary track from the director and crew, numerous interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and more. Buy Acción Mutante.

The Hourglass Sanatorium (1973): Discussion begins here. Read the Canonically Weird entry! The first official North American Blu-ray of ‘ Surrealist classic from behind the Iron Curtain comes courtesy of Yellow Veil. Currently copies can only be purchased via Vinegar Syndrome, presumably they will be opened to other retailers in the future (as is VS’ usual practice).

The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976): Discussion begins here. Read the Canonically Weird entry! This -fronted cult sci-fi has hardly been rare on physical media, with Lionsgate releasing it multiple times in between a brief stint with Criterion; this is a 4K UHD Steelbook presentation with a neat (if gimmicky) slipcase cover which allows you to change the color of Bowie’s eyes, and would be a fine starting place if you don’t already own it (and have a UHD player). Seems to currently be a Best Buy exclusive.

Shiver of the Vampires (1971): Discussion begins here. Read Gregory J. Smalley’s review. Amidst renewed interest in the oeuvre of , Britain’s Powerhouse films releases jam-packed Rollin limited edition Blu-rays, beginning with his third psychedelic vampire outing. (Also available on UHD) Buy Shiver of the Vampires.

Suicide Club (2002): Discussion begins here. Read Eric Young’s review. Surprisingly, ‘s breakthrough film about a (you guessed it) Japanese suicide club has never been issued on Blu-ray in the U.S. before. Diskotek corrects the oversight, though unfortunately with a bare-bones release. Buy Suicide Club.

Two Orphan Vampires (1997): Discussion begins here. Read Gregory J. Smalley’s review. Rollin’s final vampire movie is cheaper and less erotically charged (the vampire protagonists are underage) than his 70s and 80s installments. Like Shiver of the Vampires, Powerhouse offers you the choice of Blu-ray or UHD in an elaborate package. Buy Two Orphan Vampires.

WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE:

ZAPPER! director and actress/producer/cinematographer Skye Armenta will be the guests on next week’s Pod 366.

For written reviews, Shane Wilson takes a second look at ‘s ian murder meditation Buffet Froid; Giles Edwards assays the 2021 experimental art film Leda; and gives you the scoop on ‘s Netflix series “Copenhagen Cowboy.”

Also, we will be hosting more Weird Watch Parties this week! You can see the schedule in the sidebar, but we’ll reiterate here:

Tuesday, May 2 at 9:00 PM ET: The Beast of Yucca Flats (1961) on Plex via Discord (free for all)

Thursday, May 4 at 9:00 PM ET: Death Laid an Egg [La morte ha fatto l’uovo] (1968) on Tubi via Discord (free for all)

Friday, May 5 at 9:00 PM ET: Maniac (1934) on Tubi via Discord (free for all)

Onward and weirdward!

Pod 366: A Weird Movies Podcast

POD 366, EPISODE 16: G.B. HAJIM

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Audio only link (Soundcloud download)

Quick links/Discussed in this episode:

G.B. Hajim interview begins here

The Mermaid’s Lament official Facebook page

G.B. Hajim Instagram

Cannes Film Festival (May 16-27) selection. Discussion begins here.

Director’s Fortnight (May 17-26) selection

Beau Is Afraid (2023): Discussion begins here. An agoraphobic man ventures outside his house to visit his mother and finds a surrealistic nightmare. We’ve been highly anticipating ‘s black comedy starring ; it’s in theaters now (and will be reviewed here soon). Beau Is Afraid official site.

Evil Dead Rise (2023): Discussion begins here. A single mom with three kids and her sister find a copy of the Necronomicon, and soon enough their apartment is swarming with the evil dead. This loosely-connected horror sequel is unlikely to be categorized as a weird movie, but it’s getting great reviews, so fans of the series may want to check it out anyway. Evil Dead Rise official site.

For the Plasma (2014): Discussion begins here. A young woman learns to predict market shifts based on surveillance camera footage of the local forest. Vinegar Syndrome rescued this oddity from obscurity; even the trailer (where the music drowns out the dialogue) is a little bit weird. Available with a Fandor subscription, or on Blu-ray. Buy For the Plasma.

The Seventh Seal (1957): Discussion begins here. Read Gregory J. Smalley’s review. The Criterion Collection updates ‘s death-haunted masterpiece into a 4K UHD (standard Blu-ray also included). Buy The Seventh Seal.

Spirited Away Live on Stage (2022): Discussion begins here. A filmed performance of the Tokyo stage play version of ‘s canonically weird fantasy, screening in theaters on four different nights (with two alternate leads): April 23, 25, 27, and May 2. We’re not sure if these will be offered again, so if you’re interested check GKIDS official site for details.

WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE:

Next week’s Pod 366 will feature 366’s own Terri McSorley (AKA Goregirl) and Acidemic‘s Erich Kuersten. We’ll have a special focus on the films of .

On the written review front, Shane Wilson covers another movie that Came from the Reader-Suggested Queue in the Argentinian shot-on-video obscurity Charly, Dias de Sangre (1990), while is afraid he’ll have to be the one to give you the (late-ish) scoop on Beau Is Afraid (see above).

Upcoming Watch Parties can always be found in the sidebar, but we’ll reiterate below:

Sunday, Apr. 23 at 12:00 (noon) ET: Greaser’s Palace (1972) on Tubi via Discord (free)

Thursday, Apr. 27 at 8:00 PM ET: Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (1997) on Netflix (subscription required)

Onward and weirdward!

Pod 366: A Weird Movies Podcast

POD 366, EP. 15: JASON TROST 4EVZ

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366 Weird Movies may earn commissions from purchases made through product links.

Audio only link (Soundcloud download)

Quick links/Discussed in this episode:

Jason Trost’s linktree, where you can find his social media accounts and links to FP-related stuff. Jason Trost interview begins here.

Panic Film Festival home page. Discussion begins here.

AmnesiA (2001): Discussion begins here. Described as a “surreal, stylized psychological drama”—with a lot of skin. From Cult Epics on two Blu-rays, with two rare Dutch TV movies on the second disc: Suzy Q (1999), described as portraying a “bizarre family in the 60s,” and Dark Light (1997), a thriller. Buy AmnesiA.

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman (2022): Discussion begins here. A salesman, a giant toad, a cat, and a schizophrenic accountant seek to save Tokyo from an earthquake. Although set in Japan, adapted from works by Haruki Murakamia, and done in an anime style, this is a French production. Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman U.S. distributor site.

The Fisher King (1991): Discussion begins here. Read Gregory J. Smalley’s review. The ‘s fantasy about believing he’s a medieval knight in New York City is now available from the Criterion Collection in a 4K UHD/Blu-ray combo pack. Buy The Fisher King.

House of 1000 Corpses (2003): Discussion begins here. Read Gregory J. Smalley’s review. This lavish 20th Anniversary box from Lionsgate includes new bonus features, a poster, a sixty-page illustrated booklet, and six art cards among its grisly treasures. Buy House of 1000 Corpses.

Infinity Pool (2023): Discussion begins here. Read Gregory J. Smalley’s Apocrypha Candidate review. third sci-fi/horror, an exploration of depravity, privilege, and cloning, arrives on Blu-ray this week (no special features advertised). Buy Infinity Pool.

Leda (2021): Discussion begins here. A wordless, black and white, 3D optional retelling of the Greek myth of Leda (of swan fame). This independently produced effort did well at the few festivals it played, but slipped under our radar; now it’s out on VOD, DVD, or Blu-ray (in 3D, if your player and TV have that capacity). Leda official site. Buy Leda.

Tommy Guns [Nação Valente] (2022): Discussion begins here. A genre-hopping film set at the close of the Angolan war for independence in 1974. It includes serious war drama, an interracial romance, and, reportedly, zombies. Opening in theaters  this week in New York with more dates to follow. Tommy Guns official site.

WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE:

On the Watch Party front, join us tonight at 8:30 PM ET for Reality (2014) on Tubi via Discord (free). We’ll also host a noon matinee of Horrors of Spider Island [Ein Toter hing im Netz] (1960) on Discord this Sunday, April 16. Tuesday night (April 18) is Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) on Netflix at 8 PM ET (sorry, Netflix subscription required, but this is the last month to see it there), while on Wednesday we’ll celebrate Bicycle Day at 8 PM with a free screening of Skidoo (1968) on our Discord channel. As always, the schedule is in the sidebar.

Next week’s Pod 366 guest will be of Strange Frame: Love & Sax (2012) and the upcoming Mermaid’s Lament.

In a busy upcoming week of written reviews, Shane Wilson tackles another one that Came from the Reader-Suggested Queue with the moody Messiah of Evil (1973); El Rob Hubbard takes on Zu: Warriors from the Magic Mountain (1983); Giles Edwards examines the bizarrely-conceived pseudo-sequel Uncle Kent 2 (2015); and gets you up to speed on the Residents’ under-the-radar underground release Triple Trouble (2022). Onward and weirdward!

Pod 366: A Weird Movies Podcast

POD 366: KICK ME, GARY HUGGINS

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366 Weird Movies may earn commissions from purchases made through product links.

Audio only link (Soundcloud download)

Quick links/Discussed in this episode:

Our Kick Me Interview and discussion with Garry Huggins

Kick Me Facebook page

Kick Me interview with Filmmaker Magazine


Kick Me Trailer (mildly NSFW)

The Doom Generation director’s cut (1995): Discussion. Read Gregory J. Smalley’s review of the original. Director has remastered his nihilistic teen flick and restored a number of scenes that were cut (probably for being too offensive), but will it make a difference? Briefly screening in a few theaters (mostly Alamo Drafthouses), with a Blu-ray almost certain to follow. Indiewire article on the restoration.

Keane (2004): Discussion. Read Pamela de Graff’s List Candidate review. Keane is a gritty NYC-set return for t to the exploration of mentally illness that he mastered so well in Clean, Shaven (1993). Grasshopper restores and reissues it on Blu-ray. Buy Keane.

“Wings of Disaster: The Birdemic Trilogy”: Discussion. Read Alex Kittle’s Birdemic: Shock and Terror review. All three of ‘s Birdemic disasterpieces—full of animated gifs portraying deadly attack birds—are now available in one handy box from Severin (including 4.5 hours of exclusive bonus content). The latest, Birdemic 3: Sea Eagle, is also sold separately for Nguyen stans who already own the other two. Buy “Wings of Disaster: The Birdemic Trilogy.”

https://youtu.be/dduKXkNx83k

“100 Years of Warner Brothers: 25-film Blu-ray sets”:  Discussion. To celebrate a century of filmmaking, Warner Brothers is releasing four volumes of 25 Blu-rays each, themed as “Vol. 1: Awards Winners,” “Vol. 2: Comedies, Dramas and Musicals,” “Vol. 3: Fantasy, Action and Adventure,” and “Vol. 4: Thrillers, Sci-fi and Horror.” Of particular interest to us are Vol. 3 (which includes Pan’s Labyrinth) and especially Vol. 4 (which contains 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, and Natural Born Killers). The links above will allow you to both buy the set and, almost as importantly, see what films are contained within.

WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE:

Please join us tomorrow night for the  near-midnight, unofficial-but-authorized US Internet premiere of Plan 9 from Aliexpress (2022), an experimental “trash” feature from Russia boasting the tagline, “You Won’t Understand a Single Thing.” We begin at 10:15 PM ET on our Discord channel. You can always see our screening schedule in the sidebar, but as a reminder the next offering after that is Reality (2014) on Friday, Apr. 14 (‘s birthday!) at 8:30 PM ET.

Next week’s Pod 366 guest will be (of the FP series, and a new upcoming project he’ll be talking about). In written reviews, Amy Vaughn describes Q. Dupieux’s Power Rangers-ish lark, Smoking Causes Coughing (2022); Shane Wilson takes on another that Came from the Reader-Suggested Queue with The Mysterians (1957) (a vintage tokusatsu that would make a decent double feature with Coughing); Giles Edwards goes ahead with today’s pod subject, Kick Me, ahead of its Panic Fest date next week; and desperately pleads that you will read his Give Me Pity! (2022) review. Onward and weirdward!