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[DVD Review] ‘Ghost Hunters International: Season Two, Part One’

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12 years ago

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In 2008, SyFy show Ghost Hunters went international. Longtime “hosts” Jay and Grant left the franchise in the hands of Rob Demarest, an old time friend. In 2010, Demarest was let go from the franchise – but not before putting in two solid seasons. One night on Facebook, Demarest went down in a blaze of glory – ranting about his firing. In this explosive episode, he went off the deep end, solidifying Syfy’s decision to not have him return to the show – going as far as to insult fans (I was lucky enough to be called “dumbie” – yes, that was the spelling). Even still, Ghost Hunters International is by far the most intriguing of the series. Within this Season Two: Part 1 set is an interesting episode titled Gates of Hell. The team travels to the Czech Republic to Houska Castle. A castle built with no fortifications, near no water, had no kitchen, and there was no one to live in it when it was built. Supposedly, it was built over a hole in the ground that was a gateway to Hell. Hitler and his buddies took over the castle during WWII and performed occult type activities inside its walls. About 75% of this episode consists of the team sitting around on night vision asking “Is das Furher here?” which is translated each time – Is the Furher here? Other than that, as with most every episode of the series, they more or less find nothing.

The ghost hunters themselves are what make the show entertaining – even when nothing is going on. Barry Fitzgerald’s Irish accent is always a hit. Demarest appears uneasy throughout the season – like he’s not sure of his scripted dialogue – which makes it all the more entertaining. Dustin Pari is ridiculous with his spiky hair and visor. But the greatest member of the GHI team is Joe Chin. The robust little man is the most entertaining in night vision. He always appears startled, as if being caught in a lewd act. He even has a cult following online of people who are chinterested in him. Yes, everything is a play on his last name.

The DVDs don’t come loaded with bells and whistles. Each episode appears to be the same quality as broadcast. Special features include clips from the editing room floor… and that’s pretty much it. The packaging makes the set look a bit fancier than what you get when you open the box. A shiny slip cover covers a DVD box with the same artwork, and inside four discs sit stacked on a single spindle. Scratch heaven! However, despite these mellow packaging means, if you are a diehard fan, the set is sure to be a nice addition to any collection.

Score: 7/10

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‘Mute Witness’ – Watch the Trailer for Arrow Video’s 4K Restoration of the 1995 Horror Movie [Exclusive]

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4 days ago

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April 12, 2024

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The 1995 horror movie Mute Witness has found a whole new audience here in 2024, with Shudder finally bringing the cat-and-mouse thriller to streaming earlier this month.

Additionally, Arrow Video is bringing Mute Witness to 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray for the very first time on June 11, and we’ve scored the trailer for their brand new restoration.

Watch the trailer below and read on for everything you need to know!

Director Anthony Waller (The Piper, An American Werewolf in Paris) combines cat-and-mouse suspense with classic intrigue in Mute Witness, an updated take on the Hitchcockian thriller in which the only witness to a brutal crime can neither speak nor cry out in terror.

Limited Edition Bonus Features include:

  • 4K restoration approved by director Anthony Waller
  • 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in HDR10
  • Restored original lossless stereo soundtrack
  • Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • Brand new audio commentary by writer/director Anthony Waller
  • Brand new audio commentary with production designer Matthias Kammermeier and composer Wilbert Hirsch, moderated by critic Lee Gambin
  • The Silent Death, brand new visual essay by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, examining Mute Witness and its relationship with snuff films
  • The Wizard Behind the Curtain, brand new visual essay by author and critic Chris Alexander, exploring the phenomenon of the film-within-a-film
  • Original “Snuff Movie” presentation, produced to generate interest from investors and distributors, featuring interviews with Anthony Waller and members of the creative team
  • Original location scouting footage
  • Original footage with Alec Guinness, filmed a decade prior to the rest of Mute Witness
  • Teaser trailer
  • Trailer
  • Image gallery
  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Adam Rabalais
  • Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Adam Rabalais
  • Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Michelle Kisner

In the film, Billy Hughes (Marina Zudina) is a mute special effects artist working on a low budget American slasher movie being shot in Russia. Accidentally locked in the studio late one night, she stumbles upon two men shooting what appears to be a snuff film. Having borne witness to their victim’s final moments, Billy desperately flees – but this is only the start of a protracted night of terror, drawing her and her friends into a tangled web of intrigue, involving the KGB, the Moscow police… and a mysterious crime kingpin known as “The Reaper.”

Arrow Video previews the new release, “Filmed on location in Moscow and co-starring Fay Ripley (Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein) and Evan Richards (Society), Mute Witness is an unpredictable, nerve-shreddingly tense viewing experience. Now fully restored in 4K and presented alongside a host of new and recently unearthed bonus materials, there has never been a better opportunity to discover – or rediscover – this gem of 90s thriller cinema.”

You can pre-order your copy from Diabolik today.

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