Our weekly look at what’s weird in theaters, on hot-off-the-presses DVDs and Blu-rays (and hot off the server VODs), and on more distant horizons…
Trailers of new release movies are generally available at the official site links.
IN THEATERS (LIMITED RELEASE):
Dead Night (2017): A vacationing family finds a mysterious woman passed out in the snow and takes her back to their cabin; supernatural hijinks ensue. A bit of a weird long shot, but a couple of critics have independently mentioned its “strangeness.” In “select theaters” and simultaneously debuting on VOD (where you’re more likely to find it). Dead Night official site.
Good Manners [As Boas Maneiras] (2017): A poor nurse takes a job as nanny to a pregnant rich woman, but is there something strange about the unborn child? This Brazilian art-horror reportedly has werewolves, lesbianism, and musical numbers, which sounds like a solid mix. Good Manners official site.
NEW ON HOME VIDEO:
Beyond Re-animator (2003): Read our review. The prison-set and typically excessive third installment of the Re-animator franchise gets a Blu-ray upgrade from Vestron Video. Buy Beyond Re-Animator.
Dagon (2001): A boating accident finds a young couple stranded on an island of Dagon-worshiping villagers. An overlooked sibling of Stuart Gordon‘s H.P. Lovecraft adaptations (though better regarded than Castle Freak, at least). Another Vestron Blu-ray. Buy Dagon.
In the Mouth of Madness (1994): Read our review. Shout! Factory joins Vestron in the Lovecraftian Blu-ray re-release sweepstakes with John Carpenter‘s tale of a novelist whose books drive men mad. Restored, and with a new (and an old) Carpenter commentary and new (and old) featurettes. Buy In the Mouth of Madness.
CERTIFIED WEIRD (AND OTHER) REPERTORY SCREENINGS:
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975). We won’t list all the screenings of this audience-participation classic separately. You can use this page to find a screening near you.
- Boston, MA, 7/30 – Spirited Away (2001) (separate dubbed and subtitled screenings – check listings). At Coolidge Corner Theater.
- Chicago, IL, 7/27-7/28 – Yellow Submarine (1968). At Music Box Theater.
- New York City, NY, 7/27 (midnight) – Vampire’s Kiss (1988). At Videology Bar & Cinema.
- New York City, NY, 7/27-8/2 – Female Trouble (1974). At IFC Center.
- New York City, NY, 7/27-8/2 – Yellow Submarine (1968). At IFC Center.
- New York City, NY, 8/1 – Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004). At Film Society of Lincoln Center.
- Oakland, CA, 7/27-7/29, 7/31, 8/2 – Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) (screening in both dubbed and subtitled versions: check the calendar). At the New Parkway.
- Pittsburgh, PA, 7/27-8/2 – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) (part of the Pittsburgh International Children’s Film Festival). At Row House Cinema.
- Pittsburgh, PA, 7/28 (midnight) – El Topo (1970). At Row House Cinema.
- Silver Spring, MD, 7/27-8/1 – Persona (1966). At AFI Silver Theater.
- Tuscon, AZ, 7/28 – Spirited Away (2001) (free admission). At the Loft.
- Vancouver, BC, Canada, 7/29 – Hour of the Wolf [Vargtimmen] (1968). At the Rio.
- Vancouver, BC, Canada, 7/29 – Altered States (1980). At the Rio.
FREE MOVIES ON TUBI.TV:
Lifeforce (1985): Read our review. Astronauts discover a naked space vampire and wrecks London. This bizarro B-movie is an all-time favorite of 14-year old boys everywhere, and is listed as “leaving soon” on the service. Watch Lifeforce free on Tubi.tv.
What are you looking forward to? If you have any weird movie leads that I have overlooked, feel free to leave them in the COMMENTS section.