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The Ultimate Biker Flick returns to Northville for a DVD Premiere

posted 17 years ago by vcient_11333
4 replies | jump to latest

October 31, 2006 marked not only the release of Northville Cemetery Massacre to DVD, but also helped celebrate the 30th Anniversary of this international cult phenomenon. Northville Cemetery Massacre achieved international cult recognition. Influenced by the tall pages of Hunter S. Thompson, Dennis Hopper’s “Easy Rider” and Sam Peckinpah’s “The Wild Bunch” and reflecting the spirit of the times, these independent filmmakers chose a biker theme and freedom of the open road.
VCI Entertainment and director Tom Van Dyke, hosted the event to over 500 plus bikers and fans with the help of Genitti’s Hole in the Wall. To celebrate, bikers from across the state and beyond gathered at Genitti's Hole in the Wall in Northville on Halloween night. Some of the members of the Detroit motorcycle club the Scorpions, who starred in the movie, also attended this all-star event – with red carpet included.
The town of Northville was greeted (and some would say startled) by the thunderous sounds of hundreds of motorcycles roaring in the quiet town on a cold fall night. The main street into Northville was sectioned off for the bikers to have front row parking during the “Cult” event. Once inside the stars of the movie and the director were welcomed by devoted members of the Scorpions and fans of the films.Christopher Rowe, PR Director for VCI, was at the event for a first hand experience. “Imagine being a biker living by your own rules, and getting used to people looking at you with fear and contempt anywhere you rode. Then all of the sudden you are walking down a red carpet, into a building were hundreds of fans and friends are yelling and congratulating you for just being who you are!” Rowe also stated “Some of the bikers were not even fazed by their “Cult” status, but you could see a few that had a bit of mist in their eyes seeing the respect they so righteously deserved. But you won’t get any of them to admit to that!”
Rowe added that the event was a huge success for VCI Entertainment as well; with 1500 DVD’s being sold at the Premiere. Tom Van Dyke spoke on behalf of himself and his co-director William Dear (who wasn’t able to show due to a filming commitment). Tom stood on the stage of the theatre and thanked the fans for their loyalty and the Scorpions for their help in the film. There were three showings that night (6, 8, and 10) and each show was completely packed. You could hear the bikers and friends yelling at the screen reliving moments as if they were yesterday.

You can get your copy at www.vcient.com!

Here is the link: http://www.vcientertainment.com/browse.php?item=2001

[–] TamarGirl 17 years ago

Thanks for the link. I haven't seen the film, but was onsite at the cemetary for part of the shoot in 1971 or 1972. I know the review on the IMBD site says it was shot in 74 and 75, but it must have been earlier because at the time I was going out with one of the cameramen, Bugsy, and I was 18 or 19, which makes it 71 or 72 also I left the U.S. for Australia in Aug 72. One of my dad's favourite photos of me was taken unposed in the cemetary by Bugsy while I was wearing his purple ZigZag t-shirt and fringed suede jacket!

I remember that I had a look at some of the rushes at the time and was intrigued by the blood packs made, as suggested, with bits of foam and pigs' blood. I thought the effect was rather spectacular and, as a young and immpressionable 19 year old, thought the whole thing was fascinating. Some of the bikers, though, were pretty scary to me. Having spent all my teen years in the white ghetto of Garden City, their culture was totally alien to me. One guy in particular made no secret of the fact that he hugely enjoyed sex with boys which in my innocence was really shocking!

Anyway, the reason I looked it up tonight is because, for some reason the working title of the film came into my head (Freedom RIP) and I know that they were having trouble with the finances and so was wondering if it was ever completed. Did a Google search and ended up here. So good to know that it was finished and that the guys went on to success. Now all I have to do is order it and relive a bit of personal history.

Jude
Tasmania

[–] dcfixx 17 years ago

Many critics disagreed, but after seeing it, I definitely agree w/the makers of this film as being "The Ultimate Biker Flick"!

"It's a Dog-Eat-Dog world & from where I sit, there just ain't enough damn dogs!"

[–] loungelizard5000 15 years ago

Thanx for the info. i had a copy on VHS but lost it over the last couple of moves I guess. I'm from Garden City also!

[–] zakrocz 15 years ago

Thanks for the info. I saw this when I was a kid in the late 70s early 80s around my older brothers and I absolutely loved it being the little hooligan I was :D Gonna have to see if I can get hold of the DVD in 2009

Cheers