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Severin Films

posted 4 years ago by zephyr_cape (2979)
26 replies | jump to latest

Very cool distro!

https://severin-films.com/catalogue

Specializing in deluxe editions of cult horror, grindhouse, exploitation flicks and stuff like that. They've put out a fair number of titles I haven't seen or heard of, so I'm gradually making my way through everything. Started with a revisit of Buio Omega, (great greasy 70s Joe D'Amato Italian horror with a fantastic Goblin score,) Escapes, (a very bad anthology weird tales film with Vincent Price that I enjoyed quite a bit,) and Death Warmed Up, (a very interesting, weird and stylish kiwi horror from the mid-80s).

Anyone on top of this stuff? What should I check out next? Y'ever go all in on a label like this? What are your favorites?

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

i won't claim to be on top of anything...but having glanced through that catalogue, the following jump out to me...

'viy' is a really neat 1967 russian film that was supposedly the first horror film produced behind the iron curtain. it plods a bit in the first half, but it has a very cool, weird ending that struck me as being a bit revolutionary for a film from that era. it's streaming on shudder, at least in my region. absolutely worth a look.

turkey shoot is fun no budget ozploitation - some truly bizarre moments as i recall. that's on tubitv, i believe.

bag boy, lover boy is extremely weird, even for me. brought to mind some elements of gummo, maybe. a bit too worried about being self-consciously odd , but it made me uncomfortable at times in a way i mostly enjoyed.

i know i've seen a few of the other titles, but those are the three that stood out to me off the top of my head...

[–] Mrmojo4700 (20441) 4 years ago

I did see Turkey Shoot for the first time recently. Your right about the bizarre moments.

[–] zephyr_cape (2979) 4 years ago

Viy is an all time favorite of mine!

I checked out Turkey Shoot... It's been on my watchlist for a long time, and wow, I was not at all expecting it to be so kooky, goofy and surreal! As you guys said, definitely has some great insane images. Really enjoyed that!

bag boy, lover boy is extremely weird, even for me

Say no more, I'm sold. 😎

[–] tcrum (29684) 4 years ago

Wow you're so deep into it i'm wondering if you were running the horror review sites I used to read.

[–] tcrum (29684) 4 years ago

Are you the Bloody Disgusting site guy:) That would be cool.

[–] Mrmojo4700 (20441) 4 years ago

Ahhh.. let me take a look. 😎

[–] Mrmojo4700 (20441) 4 years ago

Ok when scrolling through the first standout is Combat Shock (1986). What a weird one! Ultra low budget, synth scored, gritty, depressing and DISTURBING. I can’t even think of another movie to compare this one to. I honestly can’t believe it’s offered on DVD.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

that's streaming on tubitv. unknown to me, but with a recommendation like that, it's got to be right up my alley. will give it a watch this week. thanks.

[–] Mrmojo4700 (20441) 4 years ago

It’s about a vet returned from Nam living in an inner city hell hole trying to get by and fighting insanity.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

i just watched it.

holy fucking shit, this is quite a movie.
not what i expected. certainly not from something that had a troma label on it.

[–] Mrmojo4700 (20441) 4 years ago

Crazy isn’t it?

[–] zephyr_cape (2979) 4 years ago

This looks awesome! And I mean, it has this: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090866/mediaviewer/rm3202389761

Definitely checking this one out next. ✅

[–] Mrmojo4700 (20441) 4 years ago

I told you it is weird! Wait until you hear what that baby sounds like.

[–] zephyr_cape (2979) 4 years ago

Haha oh man, that just got me even so much more pumped.

[–] Mrmojo4700 (20441) 4 years ago

Wait.. I don’t want to be responsible for these sights and sounds being stuck in you head for a week! I already know your going to love the synth theme that’s played over and over during the film but that baby’s sounds give me nightmares.

[–] zephyr_cape (2979) 4 years ago

I HAVE to know how the baby sounds Mrmojo!!

[–] Mrmojo4700 (20441) 4 years ago

Emanuelle and the Last Cannibals (1977). Even if your not a fan of the Emanuelle movies, check this one out. This is my second favorite cannibal film and it is so classic Joe D’Amato sleaze! Etched in my mind forever is a nude Laura Gesmer firing a 12ga pump out of the back of a boat being chased by natives. Good stuff.

[–] zephyr_cape (2979) 4 years ago

Awooga! Queueueueue'd it up laddie. 😎

[–] FredBurroughs (19706) 4 years ago

These guys and Vinegar Syndrome have become my go-to for cult film restorations. Some of Severin's releases are absolutely breathtaking.

Some picks from my collection:

Hardware - Kind of a futuristic Mad Max-meets-Terminator with heavy cyberpunk influences.

The Stunt Man - Absolutely stellar character-based action movie.

Snuff Box - A fun offbeat British sketch show.

Things - Charmingly shoddy in a student film vein.

Santa Sangre - It's Jodorowsky, so you know it's certified insane.

Lost Soul - Fascinating documentary about the unbelievable antics surrounding the Marlon Brando Island of Dr. Moreau production.

What? - Polanski at his loosest.

Threads - Harrowing British film about a realistically-imagined nuclear cataclysm.

Masked Mutilator - Quite possibly the greatest tongue in cheek pro wrestling slasher flick of all time.

The Boys Next Door - Pretty solid '80s crime thriller starring a young Charlie Sheen.

Skinner - An all-time five bagger. Ted Raimi leads as a psychotic serial killer with one of the most random casts ever assembled, including Traci Lords, Ricki Lake and Richard Schiff. The remastering work on this release is nothing short of amazing and puts the original slapdash DVD release to shame. If you check out anything from this list, Skinner should be first in line.

[–] zephyr_cape (2979) 4 years ago

Yes Vinegar Syndrome is the shit! Are there more of these kind of boutiquey niche distros like this that you know of?

Flicks from this list I've seen:
Hardware - This is one of the coolest psycho robot movies all time and probs my favorite Richard Stanley joint that I've seen so far. Underappreciated and recommended.
Stunt Man - Such a fun one, and of genuine quality to boot. Very into it.
Things - LMAO you gone and done it Fred. Five bags FOR sure.
Santa Sangre - One of my all time fave movies. Obsessed w/ Jodorowsky.
Threads - Super disturbing!

I only recently saw the Stanley Dr. Moreau so I'm very curious to see Lost Soul. The rest I've added to the next in line! You're a trusted taste around these parts. Seeing as Skinner has received the coveted five bags of popcorn I will indeed situate it front and center at the top of the stack. Many thanx. 👍

[–] FredBurroughs (19706) 4 years ago

If you've already seen Stanley's Moreau, then learning about the behind the scenes shenanigans will provide some extra amusement.

As far as other labels that release quality prints, I find that Blue Underground, Synapse Films and Shout/Scream Factory have the highest ratio of unsung gems in their respective catalogues. Twilight Time and Kino Lorber often feature some rare finds as well, but they're mostly geared towards more mainline popcorn classics.

[–] Mrmojo4700 (20441) 4 years ago

The Wild Geese (1978)
I’m not sure why this one is included in Severin’s lineup as I’ve always thought it was more mainstream with a cast including Burton, Moore and Harris. Anyhow, this is one of my favorite films. A group of mercenaries sneak into a small African nation to rescue an imprisoned local leader. Congo mercenary Mad Mike Hoare was the technical advisor on this movie so firearm enthusiast will be in heaven. It also, in my opinion, has one of the best endings ever.

[–] zephyr_cape (2979) 4 years ago

Between your recommendation and the sincerity of Richard Burton's face in the promo pics, consider my ass enlisted. 👍

[–] Mrmojo4700 (20441) 4 years ago

Well, in my book it’s the ultimate men on a mission movie. War is frightening enough but mercenaries have no country backing so when things go wrong they are on their own. I don’t know. The movie can’t be that great or it wouldn’t be so obscure so don’t go in with big expectations. All I know is if I’m stranded on a desert island with 10 movies, I’m bringing this one.