VAMPYR RISES FROM ITS GRAVE

Criterion Collection announced this week that it will release a new special edition two disc set of Dreyer's 1932 classic VAMPYR. Though sometimes hard to follow the film Carl Theodor Dreyer created is one no true fan of the horror classics should miss. The plot focuses on a student of the occult who finds himself involved in the supernatural mysteries surrounding an inn outside Paris. The narrative and imagery is truly like a dream, not always making sense but interesting to watch. The available prints so far have been low quality so I look forward to seeing this hi-def transfer of the restored film. The special features include a new English-text version, audio commentary by scholar Tony Rayns, a documentary by Jörgen Roos chronicling Dreyer's career, visual essay by scholar Casper Tybjerg on Dreyer's influences in creating Vampyr, the 1958 radio broadcast of Dreyer reading an essay about filmmaking, a new and improved English subtitle translation and a booklet featuring new essays by Mark Le Fanu and Kim Newman, Martin Koerber on the restoration, and an archival interview with producer and star Nicolas de Gunzburg, as well as a book featuring Dreyer and Christen Jul's original screenplay and Sheridan Le Fanu 1871 story "Carmilla," a source for the film. Stay tuned for the release date.

WOLFMAN RELEASE DATE

Bloody-Disgusting.com has learned that THE WOLFMAN will now be released April 3, 2009. This is two months later than it's original February date. I suspect the sudden Director change added to the delay. If you haven't seen the original 1941 WOLFMAN in a while take another look. It is one of the most tragic horror tales and a true classic.

MEET THE WOLFMAN

For those who did not find these exclusive Entertainment Weekly photos I present the link. I am so excited and happy to see that they have returned to the more "wolfman" style as opposed to the "werewolf" style that is now the norm. Rick Baker has created an amazing look and has let Benicio Del Toro still shine through. Enjoy!

Silent Scream Diversifies

The Silent Scream will now be devoted to classic horror films. My new blog, The Film Fatale, will hold information on modern films.

Joe Johnston Named New WOLFMAN Director

WOLFMAN has a new director, Joe Johnston. Though this may not have been the most exciting of the contenders it really came down to finding a director who's ego would allow them to step into a film that already has a concept and direction of another director. Joe Johnston started out as an art director on among other things-EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and RETURN OF THE JEDI. His direction credits include HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS, THE ROCKETEER, JUMANJI, OCTOBER SKY, JURASSIC PARK III and HIDALGO. He really loves the old Universal Horror Films and most importantly he has a cast in place that really need no director, so I still think this will be a great movie. Visit timkanebooks.com for more vampire and horror fiction

WOLFMAN film update: the search for a new director

Update on THE WOLF MAN. Right now it seems Brett Ratner is out, while The Hollywood Reporter and Ain't It Cool News have listed the directors currently playing hot potato with the wolfs bane. In no particular order they are: Bill Condon, although he most recently directed DREAMGIRLS, not too long ago he made the brilliant tribute to the greatest of the original Universal monster directors James Whale, GODS AND MONSTERS. Joe Johnston who directed JURASSIC PARK III. There's James Mangold from WALK THE LINE and 3:10 TO YUMA. Frank Darabont who just delivered THE MIST. From the rumor mill also comes the names Neil Marshall who did a new take on the werewolf in DOG SOLDIERS, Martin Campbell of CASINO ROYALE. Guillermo Del Toro of Hellboy, though If he is the lock they say he is for the two HOBBIT pictures I don't know where he'd have the time. And last but not least in a rumor sure to bring geek squeals of hope, John Landis of American Werewolf In London. Any guess on who will show the mark of the pentagram?

Universal's WOLFMAN Looses Director

The upcoming Universal remake of THE WOLFMAN is on track with cast and preproduction in place and is scheduled to begin filming in about three weeks. The problem is the attached director, Mark Romanek (One Hour Photo), has walked. Now Universal begins the mad scramble to find a director available and willing to step in on such short notice. Rumors are flying in Brett Ratner's direction much to the dismay of online geekdom, who seem to hate him with a passion. Who would you like to see in the directors chair?