Dreadful Dreary

The New Dark Shadows Film (A first look)

2012-01-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

The web has been buzzing about Burton's new film "Dark Shadows", especially about the fact that we now have Johnny Depp playing a vampire. The fangirls are all aflutter. For those that don't know Dark Shaodws was originally a television soap opera from the mid 1960s to the early 1970s. It was big back in the day and was a hit with the late comers of the baby boom generation. Just think of it as the Buffy, True Blood, Vampire Diaries, Being Human, etc. of its time, just with a better plot. The show itself has a bit of an impact on pop culture, but I'll get back on that in a latter post.

Plot Synopsis:

In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet-or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy...until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better, each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles. Written by Warner Bros. Pictures

The Entertainment Weekly website has more on the subject such as character descriptions and what not. http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/09/22/johnny-depps-true-dark-shadows-vampire/

I have yet to see a trailer, but at the moment I'm feeling a bit iffy on how the film is going to turn out. There is a certain atmosphere to Dark Shadows that doesn't seem present in the preview shots. Just look at the group image at the top of this post and the new group shot, there is a definite eerie feeling to the original that the new image doesn't seem to capture. I'm not afraid to say that I'm not a fan of Burton's more current films and I'm a bit worried about how the material is going to be treated. It seems to me that the film is going to focus more on the campy comical atmosphere of the show instead of the dramatic horror aspect of it. Of course it's still too early to tell, so I'm hoping for the best.

Can't touch this.

There is much noise about Johnny Depp's look in the film and well even though I think the make-up job in the pic above is a bit wonky looking, I'm not surprised that they are trying to stay close to how Johnathan Frid (Original Barnabus Collins) looked on the show.

Those that wish to learn more about the show can check out The Dark Shadows website or the Wikipedia page.

-Horrorwood Doll

Garments made from spider thread

2012-01-21T01:53:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right a whole robe and a scarf were completely woven from spider thread. Spiders from Madagascar to be exact. For the spooky darlings that are thinking of now having a closet full of spider woven garments, I have bad news for you in order to produce such a garment is quite a process and terribly expensive. The cloak shown above was made in four years with over a million spiders and done with a weaving technique that hasn't been used since the 1800s.

The Golden Orb spider is able to produce strands of golden colored threads and it takes 96 strands of thread to make a single fiber. The history of spider weaving is actually pretty remarkable and started back in 1710 with François Xavier Bon de Saint Hilaire. He discovered that one can actually spin spider threading to produce textiles. He was able to do this by boiling the cocoons and using the comb to separate the fibers. In the early 1800s Raimondo Maria de Termeyer discovered that one could extract the threads from the source itself and thus producing a higher-quality silk. A machine was made up around 1807 to perform such a task. In the late 1800s there was a short period of spider weaving popularity, but it sadly died out as soon as it came to be. Bedroom drapes were known to be produced during this time period, but no surviving specimens are known to exist.

The cloak and scarf that were produced are truly remarkable one of the amazing properties about the Golden Orb spider's thread is that the fibers are so light and delicate that one hardly notices them touching you. When one has their eyes closed and a portion of the cape is put into ones hand, that person is unable to tell that they are actually holding anything. Many are calling the garment a real life invisibility cloak due to how light it is.

This is a closeup of the intricate weaving woven into the cloak. Doesn't it remind you of the tale of Arachne?
The cloak itself is currently on display at the Victoria and Albert museum in London (A.K.A the Greatest museum of all time.)

A short video about the process.

Source:
http://apps.facebook.com/theguardian/fashion/2012/jan/15/spider-silk-weaving-cape-gossamer

-Horrorwood Doll

The Muppets (With Alice Cooper and Vincent Price)

2011-12-30T03:27:00.002-07:00

This holiday season The Muppets made their comeback in theaters. (By the way it's pretty awesome and makes me nostalgic for The Muppets.) Anyways back in the day The Muppet show was one of the biggest things to hit television back in the 1970s. Due to its popularity there was a never ending supply of celebrities who wanted to appear on the show. My personal favorite appearances were from Alice Cooper and Vincent Price. Today we are going to take a look at those episodes. Below is Part 1 from the Alice Cooper episode.

Yeah.... Weird things tend to happen when Alice is on The Muppets.....

Below are segments from the Vincent Price special. (Sadly the complete show isn't on youtube.)

Wasn't that just grand? If only we could combine the genius of Vincent Price and Alice Cooper and have them perform together with people dressed up in weird spider costumes.....wait....

Score!

-Horrorwood Doll

P.S. (You can own the episodes with Alice Cooper,Vincent Price, and Marty Feldman for the insane price of $35 on Amazon. A sad price considering I got mine for $1 at Goodwill. -_-)

Gifts for the Horror fan on your X-mas list (Vampires!)

2011-12-28T22:03:00.002-07:00

The holidays are upon us, which means it's time to shop and bust your brains out over what to get that special someone on your Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Festivus list. Each will be dedicated to a certain type of horror niche and should help you narrow down the search.

Is there no other popular monster in horror than the vampire. Face it even before the Twilight vampires dominated literature,film,comics, etc. It just seems that this horror classic will just never go out of style and why not after all vampires are not just the sexiest creature of the horror genre, but they are also the most fun.

For the Vampire Romantic

Nothing says I love you more than matching rings. If you are familiar with the show Buffy than you'll remember the Claddagh ring Angel gave to Buffy. Why not surprise your love one with a Claddagh ring of their very own or better yet get a set for the both of you. Is the person on your list into cosmetics? Get them something from Villainess.With soaps and perfumes named blood and bathory, how can you refuse? If that doesn't suit their taste perhaps you can find something at Black Pheonix Alchemy Lab. Are you and your sweetie far apart? Write them a letter with the Victoria Frances stationary set. Extra points if you can write a letter by quill. Of course there is no such thing as a vampire who doesn't drink vine....I mean wine. Check out the vampire vineyards and get yourself a bottle. I've been told that such a bottle is perfect for moonlight picnics in the park or cemetery. Depends on your preference. If you really want to splurge take a trip to Transylvania, the birthplace of the romantic vampire.

Average Price:$20

The Contemporary Vampire Fan

Nothing quite integrated vampires into pop culture quite like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Any pop culture vampire fan will enjoy having all eight witty seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on DVD. If they are a fan of the currently popular True Blood then they'll definitely get a kick or bite out of these bottles of True Blood. Anime vampire fans would love to have the day time school uniform T-shirt based off the anime Vampire Knight or a copy of the Vampire Hunter D manga. If you have a fashionista on your list get them this darling pair of cameo earrings from the show The Vampire Diaries.Do you know someone who plays Magic: The Gathering? Perhaps, you can get them next years vampire theme event deck. If all else fails nothing says contemporary vampire like a pair of sunglasses that you can wear by night. Add a leather jacket for the coolness factor.

Average Price $100

For the Classic Vampire Fan

If the person on your shopping list is a fan of the more classic literate vampires than you can't go wrong with getting that person on your wish list the Barnes and Noble Anne Rice Vampire Chronicles hardback edition or Bram Stocker's Dracula in hardback. If it so happens that they've already read Dracula get them the excised section from the original known as Dracula's Guest. A cross necklace is a nice throwback to classic vampire lore. Bring some coziness into their home with a custom made coffin couch. Nothing says Christmas quite like coffins, especially when the coffin is topped with a bow. Anyone with a playful side will enjoy Edward Gorey's Dracula die cut toy theater. Dont worry, we won't judge you. If that doesn't suit their needs get them the 75th anniversary of Bela Lugosi's Dracula or better yet the Universal Studios Dracula collection.

Average Price: $15

For The Vampire Fan with a sense of humor

As of late vampire have become sort of a joke mostly due to a certain book that shall not be made. If the one on your list is a former vampire lover and currently just needs something to get them back in the vampire spirit or they just have a sense of humor then get them this marvelous vampire poster that will remind them of all the amazing things that we have learned from vampires. Only from this poster will you get pearls of wisdom such as "Immortality is no excuse not to floss". Is the person on your list a reader? Then they will enjoy the adventures of Dick and Jane in Dick and Jane and Vampires. Jokesters everywhere will enjoy this humorous T-shirt. To let your vampire fan to get in touch with their sensual side get them Vampire perfume. Oh yes now they too can smell like the undead. Greatly recommended by Maven of Evantide.Hunting vampires has never been easier then in this fun game known simply as Vampire. Yes you too can be like Buffy and Blade except without any weapons. Who needs guns and stakes when you have cloves of garlic? :D

Average Price: $20

Yep! Vampire genocide at its finest.

-Horrorwood Doll

Yeah, I know the holidays are over, but just roll with it.

Next:Werewolves

How to Survive a Zombie Christmas

2011-12-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

Those at Team Unicorn want to make sure that you'll be able to survive the holidays. So remember to trim the tree, wrap the presents, put the freshly made gingerzombies in the oven and be sure to lock and load everyone. :D

-Horrorwood Doll

Gifts for the Horror fan on your X-mas list (ZOMBIES!!!!)

2011-12-16T01:31:00.000-07:00

The holidays are upon us, which means it's time to shop and bust your brains out over what to get that special someone on your Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Festivus list. Each will be dedicated to a certain type of horror niche and should help you narrow down the search.

Zombies seem to be in vogue at the moment and there is just no limit on the zombie merchandise that is available to the masses. Of course you have to filter through all the strange and useless curiosities that are currently available on the market, but this list should help you find the right gift for your zombie loving amigo.

For the Survivalist!
For the more practical person on your list or the extra paranoid, you can't go wrong with The Zombie Survival Guide, Z-SAT, and The Zombie Combat Manual. You can also pair those books with a first aid kit, some MRE'S and a crowbar. Be sure to add a nice little ribbon to the crowbar to give it that extra holiday flare. You can also add this snazzy bag to this mix as well.Not only are you making your loved one happy, but you now have someone to run off with when the zombie Apocalypse happens. It's the gift that keeps on giving! ^_^

Average Price: $8.00

The Zombie Extremist Fan!

It seems odd, but some people are just hardcore zombie fans. It seems they've seen every zombie film, know every type of zombie, and have read all the zombie survival books. Any zombie fan would love The Last Night on Earth- zombie board game and if they already have that get them the expansion packs. The game is just like a zombie flick, but in you're living room. You'll have tons of fun fighting off the undead hoards with grandma. A great little book for your zombie fan is How to be a Zombie. This book is just so jammed pack with zombie goodies; including an extensive zombie film list and zombie music guide. You're zombie extremist is sure to be satisfied. If that's not good enough for them get them the How to Speak Zombie Guide or their very own garden zombie.

Average Price: $40.00
For Your Zombie Sweetheart!

Who ever said vampires were the most romantic creatures of the night never met a zombie. If you are shopping for zombie fanatic sweetie or zombie lover there is just no end to how you can show how much you care. These zombie chocolates are sure to please any chocoholic. Perhaps read to your love one the romantic words of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies or write a poem using the zombie poetry kit. If your love one is familiar with Resident Evil get them these petunias that resemble the Umbrella Corp. logo.

Average Price: $9.99

The Trendy Zombie Fan

Zombies are very in right now so just about everyone is joining in on the fun. Get them the first season of The Walking Dead or better yet the graphic novel. Let them get in touch with their artsy side with this clever zombie poster or zombie coloring book. If they are the early undead type get them this flashy glow in the dark coffee mug. Nothing says flesh...I mean fresh like zombies, so get these zombie mints a try. They are sure to make excellent stocking stuffers, especially when the stocking still has a foot inside.

Average Price: $15.00

The Actual Zombie on your List!!!!!

Now this is a rare occurrence, but sometimes you'll fine that your loved one has become a zombie. You might feel that there now a bit of a gap between you and your undead counterpart, but never fear there are still things you can get to keep that special person in your life content. Eating people is not always a picnic so your zombie chum will appreciate some hot sauce to make the raw flesh a bit more appetising. Being undead corpse and all means you are likely to stink. There is hope though, just get your zombie friend some air fresheners. These lei car air fresheners not only look stylish, but smell great too. If they are new to the zombie thing get them So Now You're a Zombie: The Handbook for the Newly Undead.

Average Price: $4.99
Next: Vampires

-Horrorwood Doll

The 13 Nights of Halloween:Scariest Places on Earth

2011-10-17T00:33:00.000-06:00

Greetings. I know now is the season for horror and this is the time most horror blogs really like to strut their stuff. I have lifes little engagments along with other projects, that keep me from making this blog a priority. -sigh- maybe one day I'll have more time to focus on this little blog, but this is sadly not the time.

Well enough of my sorry excuses. Now, is the time reflect back on our most fond memories of our youth. If you were a child of the 90s/ early 2000s then you will remember Fox Family's 13 Nights of Halloween. For 13 nights, we had films and shows that were sure to frighten and excite young and old. During, the day many films and shows were shown that were for the whole family, but once night had come it was time for films and shows, that were made for a much older/braver audience.

These past few years, I've began to notice that the 13 Nights of Halloween are no longer, well horrorfying. Every single film show is family friendly and there is nothing for the more mature audience. The channel is now ABC Family (A Disney Owned Channel), so naturally you're just not going to get the frights that Fox Family used to dish out. Another reason why, we no longer have these shows is probably due to parent complaints. Don't parents know, that being freaked out by a scary movie/ show is a part of childhood. Goodness, as a child I was scared by many things, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

The show I missed most from 13 nights of Halloween line-up was a reality show called Scariest Places on Earth. In every episode they would dump a group of people in some of the most creepiest places in the world and have them wander around, while random things were rigged to spook the unwanted visitors. This was awesome and my favorite portion of the show was when the haunted history of each destination was talked about in detail. Add, Linda Blair as the hostess and the voice of Zelda Rubinstien from Poltrageist as the narrator and you had a show, that was sure to please any horror fan.

Now, keep in mind that quite a few of the things that happened in the showe were complete BS! There were times when things were fabricated and events were often staged. The show was just so darn entertaining, that you could not just resist. Being a small thing in the early 2000s, I often has a hard time getting to sleep after and episode. Hell, I still might have a hard time getting to sleep after an episode.

My personal favorite was the episode of Poveglia-The Italian Island of the Dead. For those who have seen the show, what was yours?

-Horrorwood Doll

Bizenghast: A Review

2011-09-15T22:46:00.003-06:00

Bizenghast is a tale set in the fictional New England town with the same name. That tale focuses on the a mentally ill fifteen-year-old name Dinah. Her past is a tragic one due to the car crash that left her orphaned at a very young age. The girl is sent to live with her aunt who resides in a haunted house. The house was originally a hospital and then boarding school and a satanic coven. (Okay, I made the last part up, but what are the chances of a house once being two of the things that almost guarantee a haunted house.) It turns out that are protagonist Dinah can see ghosts, which causes her aunt to believe that her darling little niece suffers from schizophrenia.

One, bright and shinning day, Dinah and her extremely loyal friend Vincent decide to take a walk to search for trinkets of his hodge podge of a garden. They come across a mysterious mausoleum in the middle of the woods. Being teenagers in a horror comic, they decide to investigate the sketchy mausoleum. Dinah comes across plaque with Dinah's name on it that turns out to be some contract. For some odd reason Dinah signs it and binds herself to the contract that requires her to come to the mausoleum every night and free the ghosts. If she succeeds she will win her freedom and some unknown reward. If she fails she will die and linger inside the cursed mausoleum as a corpse.

For the longest time I've heard all kinds of things about the comic series Bizenghast and being a fan of its creator M. Alice Legrow, I found it was time to check the series out. The first volume pretty much follows the plot listed above and a few ghost encounters. Every night when Dinah and Vincent enter the mausoleum they much enter a special world that the ghost resides in and free them from that world and get them to enter the fate that waits for them in the afterlife. The strange ghostly worlds is where a great deal of the horror in the comic comes from. The horror in the comic is more psychological or eerie, instead of grotesque, but there is enough horrorific elements present in the comic to keep many horror fans content.

The art in the comic is well done for the most part and can even be quite stunning from time to time, but there does seem to be a few rushed and sloppy panels seen from time to time. Each chapter has a beautifully done tarot inspired chapter card, which almost makes the comic worth-a-look to just see each chapter card, alone. Each ghost world was captivating in its own right and was rich with detail. There is a wonderful range of detailed backgrounds and costumes. The artist seemed to take quite a bit of time to make sure tha the comic had its own unique look and feel.

Now, after all that praise I feel that it is time to talk about the comics cons. The comics characters are one note and dull. The antagonist, Dinah seems to do nothing, but whine, which is fine with me in small amounts, but the amount of whinnying that the main character does is ridiculous. Vincent hardly exhibits any sort of personality and seems to only follow Dinah and get her to stop whinnying. The comic relief character introduced at the end of vol. 1 is neither funny or witty. The characters seem to be lifeless in the story that they're in, which makes it terribly hard for the reader to make any true connections with the characters themselves.

The plot in Bizenghast is interesting, but badly executed. The creator seemed to take more time crafting and creating details for the story of Bizenghast rather then creating a solid narrative. The plot seems rushed during the first half of the tale and seems to slow to a crawl during the second half. This made it terribly hard for me to get through and spent time wishing that the creator had took the time to focus on the plot rather then all the pointless costume changes that was given to Dinnah.

By Vol. 2 I had almost decided to give up on Bizenghast and consider it poorly done comic, with pretty artwork. For some reason or another I decided to check out the third volume at my library and give the series one more chance. To my surprise there was a complete turn around in the quality of the comic. The artwork all though well done from the start, was now exquisitely done in every panel instead of the occasional sloppy panel seen in the last two volumes. The main character was now competent and three-dimensional. In fact all the characters in Bizenghast seemed to have zest and personality. Characters now had their own objectives, and were now able to tell a compelling story. As a reader I now cared about the fate of each character and now felt a bit tense when characters were put into dangerous situations. The comic relief character in Bizenghast was no longer needlessly random and was actually humorus. There were actually a few times that I found my self laughing out loud, while I was reading. There seemed to be a complete turn around in the comics quality and all of a sudden I wanted to read on and find out what fate holds for the the characters of Bizenghast.

Even though I found the first two volumes of Bizenghast to be terribly boring and tedious, I was completely won over by the third volume. I can only hope that the quality of Bizenghast will continue to improve and not revert back to the quality seen in the first two volumes. Now, the comic is by no means a masterpiece by any means, but it's certainly worth a look and can most likely be found at your local library. There are eight volumes of Bizenghast in total, with the eighth due to be released this year.

-Horrorwood Doll

Check out the website:http://www.bizenghast.com/

The Velvet Ribbon

2011-09-13T18:28:00.001-06:00

When I was little I heard the tale of The Velvet Ribbon in a children's horror book called "In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories" The tale was simple and short, but for some reason the tale was just so darn memorable. The story itself is eerie and depending on the version you hear/read it might give you a nightmare or two. I find it interesting that in each version of the story, the husbands interest in the velvet ribbon becomes an obsession. We never find out why the wife is headless and much to the husbands dismay his wife's past is ambiguous in nature. The ribbon could symbolize the woman's past and the man's inability or ability to come to terms with the fact that no matter her past will remain a mystery till she deems him worthy enough to reveal it to him.

Version 1:

She was beautiful in a strange, mysterious way. Her hair and her deep bottomless eyes were as black as the velvet ribbon around her neck. He planned to marry her before the next full moon rose in the autumn sky.

On their wedding, he watched her walked towards him up the long aisle. She was dressed in a white gown, a white veil, and carried a bouquet of white flowers. Even her face was ivory white. But below it, around the ivory neck, was the black velvet ribbon. He remembered staring at that ribbon as the strains of the wedding march brought his bride nearer to him. He remembered the curious and shocked looks on the faces of the wedding guests. But then his eyes met hers, and he was drowning in their bottomless darkness.

He didn't think of the velvet ribbon during the rest of his wedding day. It was a joyous time, and if people thought his wife was a bit strange, they kept that to themselves. That night, when they were alone, he saw that the ribbon was still there, still circling her lovely neck.

"Don't you ever take that ribbon from around your neck?" he asked, hoping his question was a needless one.

You'll be sorry if I do," his wife answered, "so I won't."

Her answer disturbed him, but he did not question her further. There was plenty of time for her to change her ways.

Their life together fell into a pleasant pattern. They were happy, as most newly married couples are. He found her to be a perfect wife... well, nearly perfect. Although she had a great number of dresses and wore a different one every day, she never changed the black velvet ribbon. This ribbon began to be the test of their marriage. When he looked at her, his eyes would inevitably fall to her neck. When he kissed her, he could feel the ribbon tightening around his own throat.

"Won't you please take that ribbon from around your neck?" he asked her time and time again.

"You'll be sorry if I do, so I won't." This was always her answer. At first it teased him. Then it began to grate on his nerves. Now it was beginning to infuriate him.

"You'll be sorry if I do."

"You'll be sorry if I do."

One day he tried to pull the ribbon off after she had repeated her answer, like a mechanical doll. It wouldn't come loose from her neck. He realized then, for the first time, that the ribbon had no beginning and no end. It circled her neck like a band of steel. He had drawn back from her in disgust that day. Things weren't the same with them after that.

At the breakfast table, the black ribbon seemed to mock him as he drank his suddenly bitter coffee. In the afternoon, outisde, the ribbon made a funeral out of the sunlight. But it was at night when it bothered him the most. He knew he could live with it no longer.

"Either take that ribbon off, or I will," he said one night to his wife of only four weeks.

"You'll be sorry if I do, so I won't." She smiled at him, and then fell off to sleep.

But he did not sleep. He lay there, staring at the hated ribbon. He had meant what he said. If she would not take off the ribbon, he would.

As she lay sleeping and unsuspecting, he crept out of bed and over to her sewing box. He had seen a small, sharp scissors she kept there. It was thin enough, he knew, to slip between the velvet ribbon and her soft neck. Gripping the scissors in his trembling hands, he walked softly back to the bed. He came up to where she lay and stood over her. Her head was thrown back on the pillow, and her throat with the black velvet ribbon around it rose ever so slightly with her breathing.

He bent down, and with one swift movement, he forced the thin blade of the scissors under the ribbon. Then with a quick, triumphant snip, he severed the ribbon that had come between them.

The black velvet ribbon fell away from his wife's neck....her head rolled off the bed and landed on the floor with a thump. She was muttering, "You'll be sorry, you'll be sorry......."

The Green Ribbon by Laura Freeman

Version 2:

by Ann McGovern

Once there was a man who fell in love with a beautiful girl. And before
the next full moon rose in the sky, they were wed.
To please her husband, the young wife wore a different gown each night.
Sometimes she was dressed in yellow; other nights she wore red or blue
or white. And she always wore a black velvet ribbon around her slender
neck.
Day and night she wore that ribbon, and it was not long before her
husband's curiosity got the better of him.
"Why do you always wear that ribbon?" he asked.
She smiled a strange smile and said not a word.
At last her husband got angry. And one night he shouted at his bride.
"Take that ribbon off! I'm tired of looking at it."
You will be sorry if I do," she replied, "so I won't." Every morning at
breakfast, the husband ordered his wife to remove the black velvet
ribbon from around her neck. Every night at dinner he told her the same
thing.
But every morning at breakfast and every night at dinner, all his wife.
would say was, "You'll be sorry if I do. So I won't."
A week had passed. The husband no longer looked into his wife's eyes. He
could only stare at that black velvet ribbon around her neck.
One night as his wife lay sleeping, he tiptoed to her sewing basket. He
took out a pair of scissors.
Quickly and quietly, careful not to awaken her, he bent over his wife's
bed
and
SNIP! went the scissors, and the velvet ribbon fell to the floor
and
SNAP! off came her head. It rolled over the floor in the moonlight,
wailing tearfully:
"I...told...you...you'd...be...s-o-r-r-y!"

Version 3:

Yellow Ribbon

retold by S.E. Schlosser

Jane wore a yellow ribbon around her neck everyday. And I mean everyday, rain or shine, whether it matched her outfit or not. It annoyed her best friend Johnny after awhile. He was her next door neighbor and had known Jane since she was three. When he was young, he had barely noticed the yellow ribbon, but now they were in high school together, it bothered him.

“Why do you wear that yellow ribbon around your neck, Jane?” he’d ask her every day. But she wouldn’t tell him.

Still, in spite of this aggravation, Johnny thought she was cute. He asked her to the soda shoppe for an ice cream sundae. Then he asked her to watch him play in the football game. Then he started seeing her home. And come the spring, he asked her to the dance. Jane always said yes when he asked her out. And she always wore a yellow dress to match the ribbon around her neck.

It finally occurred to Johnny that he and Jane were going steady, and he still didn’t know why she wore the yellow ribbon around her neck. So he asked her about it yet again, and yet again she did not tell him. “Maybe someday I’ll tell you about it,” she’d reply. Someday! That answer annoyed Johnny, but he shrugged it off, because Jane was so cute and fun to be with.

Well, time flew past, as it has a habit of doing, and one day Johnny proposed to Jane and was accepted. They planned a big wedding, and Jane hinted that she might tell him about the yellow ribbon around her neck on their wedding day. But somehow, what with the preparations and his beautiful bride, and the lovely reception, Johnny never got around to asking Jane about it. And when he did remember, she got a bit teary-eyed, and said: “We are so happy together, what difference does it make?” And Johnny decided she was right.

Johnny and Jane raised a family of four, with the usual ups and downs, laughter and tears. When their golden anniversary rolled around, Johnny once again asked Jane about the yellow ribbon around her neck. It was the first time he’d brought it up since the week after their wedding. Whenever their children asked him about it, he’d always hushed them, and somehow none of the kids had dared ask their mother. Jane gave Johnny as sad look and said: “Johnny, you’ve waited this long. You can wait awhile longer.”

And Johnny agreed. It was not until Jane was on her death bed a year later that Johnny, seeing his last chance slip away, asked Jane one final time about the yellow ribbon she wore around her neck. She shook her head a bit at his persistence, and then said with a sad smile: “Okay Johnny, you can go ahead and untie it.”

With shaking hands, Johnny fumbled for the knot and untied the yellow ribbon around his wife’s neck.

And Jane’s head fell off.

Origins of the Tale

The origin of the tale is unknown, but many believe that the tale roots back to the French Revolution. The events and occurrences of the French Revolution are in fact nightmarish in their own right. After the "Reign of Terror" it became fashionable for the youth who had lost a personal family member to revolution to throw macabre soirees known as 'Les bals des victimes', or 'The victims’ balls'. It was at these parties where a series of strange and rebellious fashions began to make a scene. Women and men both cut their hair in the style of cheveux à la titus, a style used to commemorate the same cut that was given to the victims of the guillotine. This short hairstyle for men became terribly fashionable throughout Europe and really started the trend for men to have short hair.(The French Reveloution is responsible for quite a few of our modern day fashions, like pants.) The women had their own special fashion, red ribbons were worn across the upper back of dresses and most importantly women began to wear red ribbons around their neck to symbolize where the blade of the guillotine had cut the victims of the "Reign of Tower".

Perhaps, it was during this time period that the tale of "The Velvet Ribbon" was formed, but untill I can find solid information I can't really say for sure. All, that I know for a fact is that the tale will live on and many more versions will be seen in the future.

Sources:

http://www.blastmilk.com/decollete/guillotine/victims-ball.php

http://www.thevictimsball.com/TVB_Main.html

Image #1:http://www.paintingall.com/Italian-Genre-Portrait-Painter-Giovanni-Boldini-Princess-Catherine-Radziwill-with-a-red-ribbon-around-her-neck-Oil-Painting.html

-Horrorwood Doll

The Cat With Hands

2011-09-08T12:49:00.000-06:00

More posts soon to come, but today we share with you a most errie short film called The Cat With Hands.

You can purchase this film along with other short films via:http://www.robertmorganfilms.com/#/dvd/4551229943

-Horrorwood Doll

(P.S Have fun with the nightmare fuel. I'm sure someone will develop a fear of cats from this film.)

Black Sunday:A review

2011-08-18T14:38:00.002-06:00

Black Sunday also known as The Devil's Mask,Revenge of the Vampire Woman,House of Fright, and Mask of the Demon is an Italian horror film directed by Mario Bava and was the film debut of the beautiful Barbara Steele. There is much that can be said about this 1960 film, but luckily there are more positive things that can be said about it rather than negative.

The first three to four minutes of the film are without a doubt one of the greatest openings in classic horror or for horror films in general. In a dark moonlight grove we see a group of hooded men surrounding a beautiful woman who has been tied to a stake. We soon find out that this woman is Princess Asa who has been accused of witch craft and has been condemned by her brother to wear the spike-lined devil's mask, bringing her death, but before her fateful end she receipts a curse that lets her killers know that she will return one day and she will have her revenge. Two-hundred years later (1860) Princess Asa's body is disturbed by the descendants of her brother and is accidentally brought back to life. Thus, the plot of the witch's revenge is set in motion.

One of the strongest aspects of the film is without a doubt the cinematography. I'll be honest when it comes horror films and their over all look it just does not get better than this. Mario Bava was not afraid to use sweeping camera angles and moody settings in Black Sunday. In fact much of his camera work went on to inspire other filmmakers.For example Francis Ford Coppola recreated many scenes from Black Sunday in his 1992 film Dracula. Tim Burton also took a great deal of inspiration from the film when it came to his film Sleepy Hallow. One of my favorite camera angles in the film is when we go into first person mode and see the terror through the victims eyes.

The music is another thing that can be praised about this film. Unlike most horror films where the music seems to blend in the background, the music in Black Sunday seems to be a driving force in the film. Now, mind you there is no memorable theme song that you'd see in Psycho or Rosemary's Baby,but you'll be sure to enjoy it when it is present and might even remember certain scenes just because of how well the music adds to the film.

There is a very limited amount of gore shown within in the film, but the little bit of blood that is present was considered to be terribly radical in 1960. When the film was first released it was banned in the United Kingdom due to the gruesome opening scene where the witch is killed by a spiked mask. In all honesty the most violence you see in this film are at the very beginning and the rest of the film is pretty tame when it comes to any action present.

Plot-wise the film seems to suffer a bit, there is nothing that really stands out. In Black Sunday you have your standard 1930/40s horror fair such as a cursed supernatural that is after the damsel in distress, which the hero of the tale tries to save, but he fails so it's up to the angry mob with torches and pitchforks to save the day. The plot is not bad it was just terribly cliche by the time it came out.

Never send a man to a mob's job.

The acting is another drawback in the film. No one is exactly terrible, but no one is exactly good. Everyone's performances is just so-so and the only person in the film who even slightly stands out from the rest of the cast is Barbara Steel and that mostly due to her unique fascicle expressions. Throughout most of the film she either plays an evil madwoman or a feeble frightened female. It was reported that while shooting the actors never saw a completed script. Barbara Steele states "We were given the pages day to day. We had hardly any idea what was going down on that film. We had no idea of the end, or the beginning, either, not at all." This would of course make it terribly difficult for the actors in the film to really get into their roles.

This film is an absolute must for any horror film fan, especially for those who enjoy classic 1930s/1940s horror. It is a foreign Italian film, so you can either watch it in Italian or dubbed English. The dubbed version is a bit odd in some aspects, but the voices with the lip movements seem natural and even not noticeable in some scenes. I think even a few contemporary horror fans might be able to enjoy this film due to its rich cinematography. The first three to four minutes of the film is a must for anyone who appreciates cinema. You can watch the film for free on YouTube.

Film:

Rated: Not Rated (By modern standards it's probably around a PG.)

Time: 87 Minutes

Film Type: Silver Scream,

-Horrorwood Doll

Fashion Advice from the Vampires of True Blood

2011-08-05T12:02:00.002-06:00

True Blood is an odd little show and I'm still having a hard time trying to describe what it is exactly. It seems to be half soap-opera with fangs and half something I have yet to really describe. Lets put it this way the show is an experience. A delightful little experience that is extremly fashion forward, by the way. Yeah, for a show that is known for everyone being half-naked the show really seems to take the time to make sure their actressess and actors are exceptionally dressed. While other girls might look to other shows like Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, Etc., the rest know that the most fabulous fashions can be found True Blood.

You will notice that there is quite a bit of variety in how the characters dress. Even though the show features vampires, their attire is not restricted to black. One moment you'll see a character decked out in a skimpy black number and then next you'll see them in some pastel colored frock.

Edit: Check out what True Blood's costume designer has to say about the costumes of True Blood.

Here, we get some fashion tips from two of our favorite vamps on True Blood, Jessica and Pam.

Ah, how can you not love Pam. She is the only vampire who would tell an ancient mthological beast that it owes her a new pair of pumps.

Here is Jessica giving advice to all the vamps out there on how you can not appear undead.

You can now be just as fashionable as our undead gals with Tarte's True Blood makeup collection. Check out the site and you'll find tips on how you can capture the same look as some of your favorite characters along with entering a contest where you can win the complete collection, True Blood seasons 1 & 2 and a Glamour Me t-shirt.

-Horrorwood Doll

The Tattoo Art of Tye Harris

2011-08-02T16:59:00.000-06:00

For those of you where were left waiting with the lastposting about horror themed tattoos I made several months ago in which I said thatI would post about the tattoo work of various artists, I do apologize for thelong delay.

Surely, we all know that life happens.

That said: One of those happenings in my life just so happenedto be the Ink Life Tour; a tattoo and music convention that passed through mycity about a week and a half ago.

While I was there, I got a chance to look at portfolios of theartists who were invited to be a part of the tour. Naturally, the one thatcaught my attention the most was Tye Harris.

For those of you that pick up tattoo magazines, you may haveheard about him in issue 26 of Tattoo Society, and a recent publication ofInternational Tattoo Art.

Tye hails from Texas, and he specializes in black and greyrealism and portrait tattoos. His portfolio something to me admired, but I’ll let the art speak for itself:

Tye has been tattooing since 2006, and though he’s listed onFacebook as a self-employed artist, he has worked in No Surrender Studios, in San Marcos, Texas; beenfeatured as a guest artist for shops such as Illuminati tattoo in Huston,Texas, and Electric Soul Tattoo in Lancaster, California. Needless to say, theguy travels around quite a bit in his job, and Ink Life is not the only tattoo conventionhe’s been a part of.

He has more than 35 tattoo awards going for him, most ofthem ranking in first place.

If you would like to see more of Tye’s portfolio, or wouldlike to get tattooed by him, you can follow the link at the bottom of this postto his facebook page. There you can view his portfolio, and/or send him a messageif you would like to get tattooed by this very talented and very friendly man.

(Yes, I did get tattooed by him at ink life. He is quite the friendly guy, and we had funand interesting conversation. And no, mytattoo is not posted here, as it’s not related to horror.)

But, before I depart, I leave you with a video I found on youtubeof Tye’s tattoo work in action (the facebook link is right below the video):

Link to Tye Harris’s facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000367142874&sk=info

-Bombshell hell-

Monster High at Comic Con

2011-07-29T19:45:00.002-06:00

As you all know Comic Con has come and gone and with it new Monster High Dolls were revealed. For the special event a special Ghoulia doll dressed as her favorite superhero Dead Fast was released.To my knowledge she was only available at Comic Con much like the special black and white Frankie doll from last year. If you want to get a hold of this darling you'll probably have to find her online. It is great to know that the Monster High dolls have seem to find a niche in the nerd scene and have since grown in popularity. When the Monster High dolls first came out I thought they would be a coming and passing fad that would surly never catch on. A line of dolls based off classic horror monsters was surly a ludicrous idea.

After all most little girls have little to no interest in anything that is ooky or spooky in nature, but here we are a whole year later with the line becoming more popular than ever. Who knows how long these line of dolls will last, but all I know that even though I'm past the age of actually playing with such fanciful things I'm quite glad they are around. For all I know these dolls have created an increase interest in classic horror films with the youth of today and that I am grateful for. As for the dolls themselves, I've never seen such diversity in appearance in a line of dolls, with defining personalities and quirks. It might go without saying, but these are certainly not just your average fashion doll. We no longer have a line of dolls that are completely cookie cutter perfect , but have a line of dolls that are cooky or quirky in nature and let girls go know it's okay to be a little strange because deep down we all are.Hopefully we'll see these dolls for many years to come, perhaps to the time when I have children of my very own or nieces, etc.

A nice little animated short for the event.

During Comic Con we saw the revelation to two new dolls that will be seen store shelves in the near future. Toralei Stripe is the daughter of the werecats (a reference to Val Lewton's Cat People perhaps?) Her name stems from the Tora, which is Tiger in Japanese. The next doll we have that is due to be out is Nefera de Nile the daughter of the mummy and sister of Cleo de Nile. Not much to say on the doll about the doll herself except I can't help notice the violet eyes they gave her that are strikingly similar to that of the late Elizabeth Taylor. (Note: The most well known portrayal of Cleopatra was done by Elizabeth Taylor who had violet colored eyes.)

(Left) Toralei (Right) Nefera

Along with the two dolls fans had a chance to vote from one of three dolls presented to become one of the news dolls for the 2012 series.

Daughter of Arachne

This is without a doubt the most daring doll Mattel has ever done. The doll is without a doubt creative, but is actually one of the first dolls that could actually be classified as scary in the Monster High Series. I have no doubt that many younger children would be a tad bit afraid of this doll. After all arachnephobia is one of the most common fears. The doll would be more suited for collectors rather than an actual play toy for children.

Scarah Screams

Out of all the dolls shown Scarah was the one that got my vote. She might not be all that interesting appearance wise, but she is the most stable out of the three dolls. I'm curious to see what her origin will be. Daughter of the Banshee, perhaps?

Headless Headmistress Blood Good

I'm a fan of Washington Irving's tale Sleepy Hallow, so I've always had a soft spot for the Headless Mistress in the cartoons. I can't see her being a big hit with children and parents. It's hard enough keeping a doll in one piece and with a doll that looses her head around a child, disaster is sure to happen. Her head must be attached by magnets, but even then she is better off as a limited collectors piece.

Along with new dolls new fashions are on the way. To continue with the Deadication series we have attire for Clawdeens business class and the most adorable outfit for Draculaura's school newspaper.
-Horrorwood Doll

Anne Rice: The Queen of Vampire Literature is back!

2011-07-28T18:20:00.000-06:00

Anne's New Werewolf Novel

Anne Rice the most renown writer of vampire and supernatural literature and is making her comeback with werewolf fiction. Mrs. Rice has just recently announced about her new werewolf novel " The Wolf Gift" at San Diego Comic Con.

It's about a young man who becomes a werewolf. It's my take on what that experience is like for that young man, to experience that transformation and how it works in his life and how he copes with it."- Anne Rice

To watch the actual interview please go to this link.

I don't think many will be against Mrs. Rice going back to her horror roots; for a time she denounced her vampire novels, but it seems she is ready to come back to writing supernatural writings. Anne Rice is one of the most important and influential writers for vampire fiction, right after Bram Stoker, so it'll be interesting to see what she can do for werewolf literature.

Anne at Comic Con

Hey, guys look its some videos of Anne Rice at Comic Con doing a signing for the graphic novelization of her book Servant of the Bones.

It's just so wonderful to see Anne Rice back in the swing of things and in such a jubilant mood. I really hope to see Anne Rice at more conventions and might I say that the woman looks spectacular for a woman who is close to the age of 70. -sigh- FYI I am forever envious of anyone who had a chance to go to Comic Con in San Diego.

Interview with the Vampire Graphic Novel

Those who are fans of The Vampire Chronicles will be pleased to know that a graphic novelization of Anne Rice's most famous work Interview with the Vampire. The graphic novel is set to be released in the fall of 2012 (-cough- -cough- A perfect present for ones 21st birthday.) and will be told from the point of view Claudia, the vampire child. Ashley Marie Witter will be responsible for illustrating the story. Mr. Rice had this to say on the current artwork of the story."I am looking at the drawings, they have such wonderful detail in the costumes, and in my work costumes are almost like a character," said Rice. "They are part of the work, and they got that. What I look for in a movie or a book like this is the essence—baroque detail, sensuality, luxurious hair, faces that are intriguing and deep—and they got it here."

You can learn a bit more on the upcoming graphic novel here.

I'm personally ecstatic about Rice writing another supernatural novel and I can't help, but jump for fangirl joy when I found that there will be a graphic novel done on one of my favorite pieces of literature. I adore the artwork that I've seen so far and I love that that Claudia will be the narrator of this piece.

What do you all think?

-Horrorwood Doll

The Dark Tales of Harry Potter: The Three Brothers/ The Warlocks Hairy Heart

2011-07-28T02:42:00.000-06:00

Harry Potter has become a well beloved series for many, J.K Rowling has certainly proven herself to be an excellent writer. You can say that the appeal of Harry Potter steams from the well developed characters, the much detailed plot, but I think the reason why the series has become so beloved is because of the world J.K. Rowling created for her Harry Potter series. The author did not just create a memorable story, she created an entire world that has become as well known as the story itself.

J.K Rowling added to the world of Harry Potter when she created a series of fables/fairy tales for her wizards. The Tales of Bettle the Bard is a collection of Grimmsesque tales that range from whimsical and sweet to dark and foreboding. Many fairy tales have an element of horror and Miss Rowling did not leave this one element out when creating her series of fairy tales. Today, I'm going to share with you all two tales from The realm of Beetle the Bard that surly make your blood cold and will perhaps leaving you wanting more.

THE THREE BROTHERS

I'm sure the majority of you are aware of the tale of The Three Brothers, since the tale makes its appearance in the Harry Potter film Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1. There is not much I can say about the story itself, the tale obviously has to do with the fear death and how greed leads to ones very own destruction.

An interesting observation I saw in the comment section of this video, which I later found out is a theory among Harry Potter fans. Three characters in the books are believed to represent the three brothers in the story.

Voldemort :: The one who died for power.
Snape (Some say Albus Dumbledore) :: The one who died for lost love.
Harry Potter :: The one that greeted Death like an old friend.

THE WARLOCK'S HAIRY HEART

A young Warlock was embarrassed to see his friends falling in love and considered the act foolish and weak. He decided that he never wanted to fall victim to love, and secretly used Dark magic to cut out his heart.
He lived on, seeming content with his lack of emotion, not even mourning when his parents passed away. After their deaths, he moved into their home and transferred his heart, his "greatest treasure," to the dungeon. Believing in the perfection of his solitude, he was shocked to overhear one of his servants pitying him, and another thinking it funny he didn't have a wife. He decided he would go out and find the most beautiful, talented, wealthy and all-around enviable young woman to be his bride.
The very next day, the young Warlock had the fortune of meeting the perfect woman. He began pursuing her, convincing all of his friends that he had changed. She was both "fascinated and repelled" by him, and agreed to attend a feast at his home. While at the feast, the maiden asked the Warlock for proof that he had a heart. He took her down into the dungeon and showed her the magic crystal casket that held his beating heart. The woman was horrified at the sight of it, as it had grown hairy and shrunken as a result of it's separation from the Warlock's body. She begged him to replace the heart within himself, so he sliced his chest open with his wand and placed his heart back into his chest. As the woman embraced him, his heart, which had grown blind and perverse, took savage action against the young woman and killed her.
When the rest of the guests went looking for the Warlock, they found him in the dungeon, crouched over maiden's lifeless body, caressing her heart. He attempted to take her heart for his own, but his heart was too strong and would not leave his body. Determined never to be mastered by his heart again, he cut it out of his chest, and fell over the maiden's body, dead.

Unlike the tale of The Three Brothers there is no bittersweet ending to this story. The story has to deal with love of course and what happens to those who have no love or kindness within their heart and how those without one become animalistic in nature. In the wizarding world when someone is referred to having a "hairy heart" it means that the person is unfeeling.

Read more tales from The Bettle the Bard by purchasing the book here.

-Horrorwood Doll.

Something Wicked This Way Comes!

2011-07-16T02:00:00.000-06:00

Got a chance to see the new Harry Potter film. A bit difficult to believe that its an end of an era. The film is a good, but those who have not read the books will be lost. More in depth Potter posts to come.

-Horrorwood Doll

Horrify your I-phone

2011-07-13T19:27:00.001-06:00

Free Wallpaper

Want to add a bit of horror flare to your I-phone? Well there are quite a few little features you can download onto your phone and the best part of all they're free.

Show off your horror cred by downloading one of these Classic Universal Studios Monsters wallpaper onto your phone or any portable mobile device.
http://theal.deviantart.com/gallery/24062552#/d2ayxvn

Free Reading

If you're in need for some light reading then feel free the download the Lite version of the Brain Eater's Bible.

“Freedom for zombies isn’t free,” says J.D. McGhoul, the app’s undead author, “but this free edition does democratize important information.” He goes on to explain that, “Brain Eater’s Bible Lite will at least guide the infected through the early stages of reanimation and help them understand why they crave human brains.”

You can download the brilliant lite zombie fiction here. You can also purchase the full version for the amazing price of $4.99 on i-tunes at this link and get yourself a hardcopy via Amazon.

Free Entertainment

Before the days of cable television and before wide release horror films, those who had a fondess for errie tales of the macabre had to get their horror fix somewhere else. Those at Relic Radio have brought back the days when all would gather all around and listen to a tale that would chill your senses. You can download this weekly podcast via I-tunes and bring the days horror radio on to your phone.

-Horrorwood Doll

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T19:32:00.000-06:00

-Horrorwood Doll

Carrie: The Musical

2011-06-13T21:27:00.003-06:00

I've heard of Dracula:The Musical, Frankenstein: The Musical,Dance of the Vampires: The Musical, Evil Dead:The Musical, but I've never heard of Carrie: The Musical. What a ludicrous notion. Who would be crazy enough to make a musical out of a horror film/book. Goodness when will they stop, we don't need another Shrek or Spiderman musical. Psh, lets see what we got in store for us.

Carrie Musical-Eve Was Weak with clips from the 1970s Carrie.

0.0 I honestly don't care if no one likes musicals, that's a quality song, right there. Heh, maybe this think won't be too bad after all. In fact a musical version of Carrie could really bring the story to life. This musical could easily be the next big horror musical like Sweeney Todd or Little Shop of Horrors.

A musical based off Stephen King's iconic book Carrie is returning to stage. The original Carrie musical made its debut in 1988, however the musical didn't last long, due to certain problems. The script was weak, along with some of the songs,pouring blood caused Linzi Hateley's (Carrie) microphone to malfunction, Barbara Cook (Margaret) was almost decapitated by a set piece opening night, and constant rewrites lead to the shows demise. The show received mixed reviews along with boos and cheers during each performance. There were only 16 previews and 5 performances before it was closed and cemented its place as "the most expensive quick flop in Broadway history."-New York Times.

Over the years there have been several small unofficial musical performances and it wasn't till 2009 was there a serious revive of the musical in the works. On November 20th a reading was held for the new production that showed a reworked script and new songs that were put in place of the less than stellar ones. It has been confirmed that the new Carrie musical will be shown at the Lucille Lortel Theatre by MCC Theater for the 2011/2012 off-Broadway season.

Sources: http://www.playbill.com/news/article/150284-MCC-Theater-Plans-Exploratory-Workshop-of-Carrie-Prior-to-Off-Broadway-Arrival?sms_ss=twitter&at_xt=4db893068aba3d4e,0

-Horrorwood Doll

The Art of Victoria Frances

2011-06-10T01:44:00.000-06:00

Victoria Frances is a hauntingly talented artist that has become one of the most well-known illustrators in Spain was born in Valencia,Spain on October 25 of 1982.

Her art is known for featuring vampires, witches, and the occasional ghost. Miss Victoria draws inspiration from Gothic literature, the mysterious old world European cities, and Galician Forests that she fondly grew up with.

Miss Frances attended the San Carlos University in Valencia, Spain where she studied Fine Art. She started off designing book covers and began working on her first illustrated book Favole, which became a hit 2004 Saló del Còmic in Barcelona. She has since then become a hit, especially in the goth/horror community.

Bathory

Paise de espectros

Aullidios

The Artist herself.

Here is an interview with Victoria Frances. It's in Spanish, so I haven't the faintest idea on what is exactly being said. Maybe this will motivate me to learn Spanish, well at least you all get to see some more pretty pictures.

Like, I said before Victoria published her first book Favole back in 2004 and then followed that up with Favole II and Favole III. You can purchase each book for under $20 a piece. Apparently, each book is a continuation of a story that is reminiscent to the work of Anne Rice. The books are nice because they hold the majority of Victoria's art, but I've been told that the writing is something less to be desired. Her artwork has been turned into paintings, puzzles, stationary, and she even has a tarot deck.

Her artwork seems to be fairly popular and is often liked by those who usually don't care for dark and semi-horrific artwork. In my opinion the artwork is beautiful and Victoria Frances is obviously a very talented artist, but I'm not nearly as fond of her as one would think. There is just something a bit off-putting about the majority of her artwork and even though I'm able to appreciate the overall workmanship and imagination Victoria has, I just can't bring myself to adore her as much as others have.

Felina

I'm sure those who are fans of romantic Gothic art will adore Victoria Frances,especially vampire lovers. Victoria Frances is sure early on in her career and has even come out with a new book called Arlene's Heart.

If you wish to see more of Victoria's artwork or learn more about the gifted Gothic artist feel free to check out her website.

-Horrorwood Doll

Zombie Mosh

2011-06-02T22:27:00.004-06:00

Anyone who has a Facebook knows about the irritating game known as FarmVille. If you don't know about the horrid thing
You have entered the relm of the lving dead and Death's daughter Darcy wants you to open mosh pit club that's like gotte be the most wicked , evil, and totally rockin mosh pit around.

Oh, Joy!

Darcy gleefully tells me that anytime I have a human in my club I that must take that little kipper and bury them so that they to can become a zombling. In other words We don't take kindly to humans around these parts.

Your missions get you on the track to undead fame and fortune. They are of course inside Darcy's diary. The missions range from making your club spiffy looking to mass murder.

I wasn't Kidding.

The game is pretty much exactly like farmville, but instead of planting seeds and growing produce; you're pretty much burying humans alive and producing zombies. YAY! Like farmville you have a variety on what kind plant life you wish to put in your garden and Zombie Mosh is the same:; the game allows you to bury and give way to all sorts of zomblings like a bridezilla, the grim reaper, and even the Easter Bunny.

Now, you're probably wondering at this point "what on earth do I do with all these zomblings I'm creating? Do I take them to market to sell?" Haha well my puzzled gentle viewer if this game was as lame or fun (Zombie Black Market Anyone?) as Farmville that would be the case, but in Zombie Mosh when one creates zombies you're goal is to mosh their little zombie brains out in hope that you'll find money and other treats inside. (Told ya this was a violent.)

Not much else can be said about Zombie Mosh, the game is pretty much just a darker twist on the Farmville phenomenon. You get a chance to decorate your property, purchase and grow undead fiends, and help out your neighbors and depend on help from your neighbors to complete tasks.

There is one thing that sets the game apart from other Farmville knockoffs and that's the music. Unlike other games where the same tuneless melody plays over and over; Zombie Mosh has the type of music one would hear in a rock/alternative club. The music simply kicks-ass in my opinion and I'm not ashamed to admit that I now have songs on my i-pod that I discovered through this game.

Bands Featured in Zombie Mosh

Bands Under Two Sheds Music
:http://www.twoshedsmusic.com/index.html

Hot Young Priest
Sharks and Minnows
Fairburn Royals
The Yum Yum Tree
Jupitar Watts
Nillah
Silent Kids

Branded with Fear:http://www.brandedwithfear.net/
Altered:http://www.myspace.com/therealalteredband
Ultrababyfat:http://www.ultrababyfat.com/mainContainer.htm

If you are looking for a Farmville alternative, a place to discover some new tunes, or you're just looking for a way to kill some time, than this facebook app is for you.Check it out here: http://apps.facebook.com/zombiemosh/?ref=bookmarks&count=0

-Horrorwood Doll

True Blood Season 4

2011-05-31T23:29:00.001-06:00

I don't quite understand why I have come to like True Blood so darn much. Admittedly, the show has quite a few issues when it comes to the whole writing and character development department. The show does in fact seem to be getting better with each passing season and the more the show separates itself from the books the better off it will be. I'm terribly excited for this next upcoming season because the show seems to be putting more and more focus on how vampires are treated like some kind of race/minority in the human world. I'm also excited to see to see that Godric and Alcide are returning to the show. Season 4 will start on June 26th.

Due to the fact that there was in fact an interview with Charlaine Harris in Boulder Weekly, which is a newspaper that I'm able to pick up at my college. Pretty interesting even though I'm not really fan of the book, but it's interesting to here what opinion the author has on the show itself. I'll post some of the highlights on here, but those who are interested in the books themselves can check the rest of the article out here.

BW: Do you watch True Blood?

CH: I do. They are nice enough to send me — almost always — an early screener, so I get to see it before it’s on TV.

BW: Lucky you! Do you find it strange to see characters that came from your head on the television screen being developed in ways that didn’t come from you?

CH: At first it was, but I think I’m used to it now. It seems like every season — we did just finish the third season — it seems like with every season the two paths diverge a little more, so it’s really not like watching my story so much.

And that’s OK. I knew that was going to happen. Alan [Ball, who created True Blood based on Harris’ books] discussed that with me before he even started filming, and actually I’m content with that, because if they were just filming the books, that would be boring for me. This way, I don’t really know what’s going to happen, and I find it quite exciting.

BW: I asked for questions from Sookie Stackhouse fans on Facebook and Twitter, and this question comes from LisaRenee1234: “Has the HBO series made it harder for you to write these books?”

CH: Not really. At first I was scared there was going to be a conflict, but I’m so far ahead in the story that it really hasn’t turned out to be a problem. They’re filming book four, and I’m writing book 12.

BW: There are some significant differences between the series and the books. For one, Lafayette dies early in the series, but HBO and fans loved Nelsan Ellis’ performance, and so he’s alive in True Blood. I’m really happy about that, because I adore his character.

CH: Me too. Nelsan is just great.

He is really fabulous, and he owes his survival to his talent.

BW: Do you think it’s easier for people to read the books and then watch the series or watch the series and then read the books? Either way, they develop expectations.

CH: I don’t know, because I’ve never been in the position of just watching the series and then trying to read the books. I did get a lot of readers from the series, and I like to think the series got a lot of watchers from the book. So I think from that point of view it’s been a very successful cross pollination. And there are people who would never read the books anyway, and likewise some of my readers just don’t watch television, so I think it’s been as good a cross-pollination as we could get.

BW: The message of the books seems to be, “Be yourself, and be tolerant of others,” with the vampire community’s struggle for acceptance seeming to parallel the civil rights and gay rights movements. In fact, both the books and the HBO series have a strong gay theme. Was that intentional?

CH: Sure. I mean, I’d have to pretty dumb not to realize what I was writing. That was a conscious decision.

-Horrorwood Doll

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (A review of two films)

2011-05-26T22:11:00.001-06:00

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) is regarded as one of the most horrific films to hit theaters and is without a doubt one of the defining films of the slasher horror genre. Like many films of the era a handful of teenagers/college students are involved. In this version the group of young adults are on their way to visit an old house that belonged to two of the youths grandfather. On there way to the old abandoned home they pick up a hitch-hiker who is crazy and ends up slicing up the hand of one of the young travelers. This of course ends with the crazy hitch-hiker getting his ass thrown on the road (and the reason why no one picks up hitch-hikers anymore.) The kids stop by a small gas station that has no gas, but has some delicious barbecue. The kids decide to keep moving along with their journey to grandpa's old abandoned house. Once they make it to the house the characters begin to venture towards a nearby and stupidly walk in uninvited where they get picked off one by one.

The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a semi-intelligent film that seems to play around with certain concepts that are never fully explored. At the beginning of there is talk of animal killings in slaughterhouses and ones destiny of sorts. Is ones life/day planned out by fate? What happens when one loses purpose? Are human-beings more animalistic in nature then what we want to believe? Again, these concepts are not ever really explored in the film and I really am probably looking far into things that aren't really. It really is the conversations that are had by the characters at the beginning of the film that really make the events that happen later on in the film that much more interesting.

The series of characters are slightly more developed than the type of characters you would see in the majority of slasher films, but they still aren't developed enough for one to really care about once they meet their demise. The conversations at the beginning of the film is what gives the characters more depth, however their actions don't follow through to what a normal human being would do.

This film has been regarded as one of the most violent and brutal films of all time and was even banned in certain countries. In reality very little blood is seen in the film, but the film gains its horrific tone from its atmosphere and onscreen deaths. The films most memorable deaths actually don't stem from the chainsaw that the film is so known for. The film is most remembered for the slaughterhouse setup with a guy being knocked against the head like that of cattle and a girl being hung onto a meat-hook. During these scenes is when we really see just how brutal the killer really is and the horrific imagery of a human slaughterhouse.

"In Kim Newman's view, Hooper's presentation of the Sawyer family during the dinner scene parodies a typical American sitcom family: the gas station owner is the bread-winning father figure; the killer Leatherface is depicted as a bourgeois housewife; the hitchhiker acts as the rebellious teenager."-http://www.filmreference.com/Films-Str-Th/The-Texas-Chainsaw-Massacre.html

When the young adults stumble onto the cannibalistic family's house on the outside we see nothing that would indicate just how terrorfying things are on the inside. On the outside we see a beautiful white house surronded by sunflowers that looks like the type of thing Mr. and Mrs. Kent would proudly call home. When the characters we see decaying animals, furniture built from human remains, and a slaughterhouse set up. By 1975 the American dream was perceived dead by most and the cold war and social upheaval had lead American soceity to become cannibalistic.

As a slasher film it is certainly a classic and does do quite a few interesting things that keep the audience interested. The film still remains to be an affective horror film even to this day, but the film is not without its problems. The ending of the film seems to be rushed and a bit of a let down. The film would of been more affective if it had ended a few minutes earlier or a more ambigious ending.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is not based on a real event like many beleive, but is in fact based on the infamous serial killer Ed Gein. Psycho is another film that takes inspiration from Ed Geins and it's surprising to see that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was only released less than ten years after Psycho and already had the horror genre changed to a dizzingly degree. When Psycho came out we still have a film that has elegance and class that was in the golden age of Universal Monster film. In ten years time the horror genre had completley changed, we now had brutal,gritty films and films that oozed with violence and sex.

Today's slasher audience might find the film to be a bit slow in the beginning, but the film provides enough interesting on scene kills that keeps the audience intrigued. This film is also a cult classic and has defined the slasher genre and lead us to having great slasher films like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm St. and of course Halloween.

Random Facts:

The farmhouse that was used in the film is now a restaurant in Kingsland, TX, with delicious food that is of the non-human variety. Check them out here:http://www.junction-house.com/

The actress whose character was hung up on a meat hook was actually held up by a nylon cord that went between her legs, causing a great deal of pain.

The human skeleton in the house at the end of the movie was a real human skeleton. They used a real one because a human skeleton from India is far cheaper then a fake plastic skeleton.

Film:
Rated: R
Time: 83 min.

Film Type: Midnight Slasher,

During this day and age the majority of films released are remakes or sequals.This is nothing new for the horror genre, but the 2000s seems to be big on remaking the horror classics for later decades so it was no big surprise that The Texas Chainsaw Massacre got a remake in 2003. This time the group of youths are traveling towards some kind of music festival that encounter when they encountered a traumatized woman on the side of the road that they decide to pick up and help. The woman while in the car shoots herself in the head and cause the young adults to flock to a town known as Travis County in order to find help. One by one the group is picked off untill there is only one left.

Less time is focused on th group of characters themselves and more focus is put upon the plot itself. The actions of the characters in the film seem to be a bit more understandable, but still seem to fall into same flaw most slasher films have with characters never really questioning their surroundings.

In the orginal the house and looks to be a plesant farmhouse on the outside and macabre horror on the inside. The reamake however shows no difference between the inside or outside and should have tipped off the travelers first hand that something is not right in Tavis County. Certain aspects of the original are not included in the film such as the big dinner scene or any mention of the family being cannibalistic.

In all honesty this remake is a couple steps above most horror remakes,but fails to live up to the original. If the 1974 Texas Massacre a semi-intelligent gory milestone, the remake is a mindless,but enjoyable popcorn flick. Even though the violence is amped a few notches, the death scenes seem to be a bit less memorable and this might be due to the fact that the film lack the grittiness of the original and had a cast of characters that weren't as likable as the orginal cast.This film is action packed from the very beginning and a bit more violent than the orginal,so today's slasher fans might find this version a bit more enjoyable.

Film:
Rated: R
Time: 83 min.

Film Type: Midnight Slasher,

-Horrorwood Doll

The Zombie Apacalypse: A how to for survival

2011-05-23T13:35:00.001-06:00

We here at Dreadful Dreary all know that the zombie apacalypse is upon us and that any day it could happen. Hell, even the Center for Disease and Control know that the apacalypse is upon us and has started to educate the public on how to prepare for the catustraphic event. READ IT HERE !

The article is a good place to start when forming your zombie plan, but it will not tell you everything you need to know about how to survive the survive the zombie apacalypse. And don't think watching your extensive collection of zombie movies will help you with forming a coherent and effective zombie plan, all those movies will teach is what not to do during a zombie outbreak.

When it comes to forming your zombie plan a bit of reading is needed. Now, one can not go wrong by reading the well renowned The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks. The book is filled with loads of info and will teach mot just regular survival basics, but the best and most effective ways one can overcome the zombie apacalypse.

Another piece of great reading material is to visit the The Zombie Apacalypse Preperation facebook page. Every day information is posted on the well that informs you how to survive the impending zombie apacalypse. I highly reccomend this over any other material because not only will you get the genreal survival/zombie survival info, but you'll get the information in a more real world approach. Those who run the site will often discuss zombie plans in general and the weak points of your plan. Sense, this is a facebook page it's much more interactive then a book and you have a chance to interact with other readers and the contributers themselves. The content is also quite humorus and comes from an average Joe/Jane perspective. The facebook team is also working on creating a book, so hopefully in the future everything you will need to know about surviving the zombie apacalypse will be in convenient book form.

Of course if your unable access such reading material then you can't go wrong with general survival books. Amazon has created a list of 10-must-have survival books. Try and see if there's any military/army survival books lying around and load up on any information they have to offer. Some other great choices for reading material is any Girl Scout/Boy Scout manuals. I don't think these books will teach you everything you need to know about survival, but they're a start. If you can't find any of these reading materials on hand maybe try rummaging througuh your younger brother/sister/childrens book case for any of those Daring book for Girls/Dangerous book for Boys book. Those books are filled with tons of practical information and the books are sure to keep one entertained as well during the apacalypse.

For more extensive survival how-tos check out the Survival Cache website. The site provides on extensuve amount of information to survive about any situatuion. If you live near an REI, I highly suggest you check out the classes/programs they have to offer. Classes offered at the REI are more often then not free and even then the classes usually don't cost more than $30.

-Horrorwood Doll

Poll Results "Which supernatural being is the coolest?"

2011-05-20T23:43:00.001-06:00

We just finished our first poll on the blog and the question was "Which supernatural being is the coolest?". The results are in and the majority of you chose vampires.

Art by Victoria Frances

Results out of 18

Vampires: 10

Zombies: 2

**Werewolves: 0 *Awww no love for the wolves. :(**

Aliens 1

Spirits 3

Witches 2

Horrorwood Doll: I can't say I blame the majority for picking vampires. If we are going with the modern/ideological idea of vampires then I would certainly pick vampires myself. The fact that I would now have the time to get through my reading/movie/travel list would be a huge plus. :D My second choice would be witches because with enough work they have the power to do anything. -Edit- If you've seen Pirates of the Carribean 4 then you'll know that mermaids are now badass. If I had the choice I would totally be a mermaid of vampiery doom.

Note: You'll be seeing more of these things in the future and they will become more interactive. Stay tuned for the next poll.

New Elvira DVDs

2011-05-17T17:16:00.000-06:00

This June we'll be seeing more dvds from the Mistress of the Dark. Each dvd will be a double feature that will contain two episodes from Elvira's most rescent season. The first dvd will be a a zombie double feature with I Eat Your Skin and George Romero's Night of the Living Dead. Elvira follows up here zombie fest with back to back Hammer horror films The Satanic Rites of Dracula and The Werewolf of Washington. Future dvds will feature great horror icons such as Bela Lugosi in Scared to Death paired with Manster and Boris Karloff in The Terror with Jack Nicholson in Eagah! If you've ever wanted a way to spice up your horror dvd collectionor you just wanted someone to add snarky comments with you, while you watch these ghoulishly terrible flicks, then these dvds are for you.

No news yet on where you can get these treasures,but I'm betting you'll be able to find them here.

-Horrorwood Doll

New Dark Shadows Film

2011-05-15T09:24:00.001-06:00

Johnny Depp fangirls can now rejoice becaue there is now going to be a film where Johnny Depp is a vampire. If you haven't heared the new Tim Burton is directing a film adaption to the 1960s supernatural soap opera Dark Shadows. The film is set to debut May 11th, 2012 and is supposed to follow the life of the vampire Barnabus Collins. It has been known that it's been Johnny Depp's lifelong dream to play Barnabus Collins. Beleive it or not the show Dark Shadows was a huge thing for the children of th 60s and 70s. The show also left a huge impact and you'd be pretty surprise by how much it has influenced the horror genre or the world in general. (Probably, should do a post on this.) Anyways in an interview for Entertainment Weekly Johnny, states "I do remember, very vividly, practically sprinting home from school in the afternoon to see Jonathan Frid play Barnabas Collins. Even then, at that age, I knew – this has got to be weird. I loved it. I loved the show,” he says. “This soap opera with gothic vampires. I knew, ‘This is not All My Children.’”

Mock poster source:http://darkshadowsnews.blogspot.com/2011/03/coming-soon.html

In another article Johnny Depp talks about his approach to the vampire.

"My approach to Barnabas will be on the flaws and insecurities of a vampire,” he revealed. “Having been in a coffin for 200 years, he experiences the absurdity of a world that he’s just entered, where macramé owls hanging on a wall or fake fruits on a dish are widely accepted. From where he comes, in the 18th century, it would have been ludicrous. I want to see a vampire who’s 200 years old or more, experience television for the first time.”

The film has been cast and it's been reported that the filming process is currently happening. Here is the current known cast list. A bit dissapointing to see that a few of my favorite characters will not be included in the film,but what do you expect whenthe film is limited to a 2-hour time restraint.

Cast

Johnny Depp- Barnabus Collins (Great actor, but will probably differ from Johnathin Frid's version.)
Helena Bohman Cater-Dr. Julia Hoffman (Freakin called it.)
Chloe Moretz- Carolyn Stoddard
Eva Green-Angelique Bouchard (Angelique is my fav. character. I'm not sure how I feel about Eva Green in the role because I haven't seen much of her work.)
Michelle Pfeiffer-Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (In my opinion Michelle should have been Angelique. No one plays delightfully crazy like she does. Not to mention she actually resembles the orginal actress a bit more apperance wise.)
Thomas McDonnel-Young Barnabus Collins (Not surprising since he has been described as looking like a young Johnny Depp.)
Jackie Earle Halie-Willie Loomis (Perfect casting here.)
Bella Heathcote-Victoria Winters
Gulliver McGrath-David Collins

-Horrorwood Doll

How to Celebrate Friday the 13th

2011-05-13T22:54:00.002-06:00

It's Friday the 13th a day that comes, well it comes anytime the first of the month is on a Sunday. In a way this day has become a holiday of sorts.We here at Dreadful Dreary beleive that one should not spend the day being a shut-in, but a day of celebration. Here, is a list of ways you can celebrate the most unluckiest day of the year. ;)

*Watch the Friday the 13th movies. (This is kind of a given.)
*Check to see if any bulding you're in has a 13th floor or room. You'll be pretty surprised how many buildings refrain from having a 13th anything.(This is mostly true in America.)
*Adopt a black kitty or any kitty from the pound. (Just, keep in mind that adoption is for life. Quite, a few shelters waver the adoption fee for cats on Friday the 13th.)
*Bake blood spattered cupcakes or even a cake.
*Wear a hockey mask throughout your day and see what reactions await. (Pass out blood spattered cupcakes to make the experience more interesting. Please, be seinsible if you try and do this.)
*Break the rules of luck. In other words, walk under ladders,step on cracks, break any mirrors, etc.
*Visit somewhere fun like Zombie Manor,The Haunted Mansion, Disney's Tower of Terror, a murder mystery party/dinner show, an abandoned house or even a graveyard.
*Throw a Friday the 13th party and invite enough people over so there is 13 guests total.

-Horrorwood Doll

Do you like Scooby movies?-Scooby-doo Scream commercials

2011-05-11T12:14:00.002-06:00

For those of you who watched Cartoon Network back in the 90s you might remember these commercials that aired for the Scooby movies that used to play. It's pretty interesting to see that Cartoon Network got away with refrencing a horror film like Scream, then again if I remember right back in grade school the most popular costume was in fact ghost face.

I must say that the animation in this trailer is really good, even better than the majority of animation that is used for most cartoons these days.

Random fact: Did you know Mathew Lillird who played Stuart in the first Scream is now the voice of Shaggy in Scooby-Doo cartoons?

-Horrorwood Doll

P.S. I do in fact like popcorn with my Scooby movies.

Joss Whedon's Cabin in the Woods

2011-05-09T23:59:00.001-06:00

Finally, some good news for Joss Whedon, his horror film The Cabin in the Woods is to finally be released and distributed by Lionsgate. The film is set to be released by October 28th and will be in 3-D. (YAY! A Halloween horror release that is not a sequel)

Joss's film was completed back in 2009 under MGM and was directed by Drew Goddard who also directed Cloverfield. Those who are familiar with Joss Whedon's work will see Amy Acker who starred in Angel as Fred/Illyria and Dollhouse as Dr. Claire Saunders/Whisky and Fran Kranz who starred in Dollhouse as Topher Brink.

Honestly, what is up with the film industry pushing back release dates of any descent horror films. First, we had Trick r' Treat, which got pushed back so much that it hardly had a chance to show in theaters. We have the highly anticipated Don't be Afraid of the Dark and we of course The Cabin in the Woods. You wanna know what all three of these films have in common? They've all received positive test screenings. Hollywood is just hates horror that's all there is to it.

Being that this is a Joss Whedon project there will be no shortage of humor. Here is some terrible device from the man himself on what you should do if you're at a cabin in the woods.(May I also add that if you find a strange book in a cabin in the woods, that it's probably best not to read it.

Check out the website .http://thecabininthewoodsmovie.com/

-Horrorwood Doll

Scream Queen (Yvette Vickers) Found Mummified

2011-05-02T23:04:00.000-06:00

Just happened to stumble upon this and thought I would share.

"Former Playboy pinup and B-movie actress Yvette Vickers died at the age of 82. But it wasn't until a year later—last Wednesday—that her mummified body was found in her Beverly Hills home.
Neighbor Susan Savage found the Attack of the 50 Foot Woman star lying on the floor of an upstairs room, after pushing open a barricaded front gate, "scaling a hillside", climbing through a broken window and pushing through stacks of "clothes, junk mail and letters" to reach her, according to the Los Angeles Times .
MORE: Five Mysterious Hollywood Deaths
Although Vickers generally kept to herself in the neighborhood, Savage decided to check on her after seeing cobwebs and old letters in her mailbox.
"The letters seemed untouched and were starting to yellow," Savage said. "I just had a bad feeling."
Vickers' body, which was lying on the floor that entire time, was so decomposed that it was unrecognizable.
"We've all been crying about this," Savage said. "Nobody should be left alone like that."
In spite of the circumstances, police suspect no sign of foul play, and the cause of death has yet to be determined by the Los Angeles county coroner's office.
During her career, Vickers starred in horror flicks like Attack of the Leeches and What's the Matter With Helen? and earned a bachelor's degree in theater arts from UCLA. She quickly rose to fame after playing Honey Parker, mistress of Allison Hayes (the titular giantess)' husband in Attack of the 50 Foot Woman."

Source: http://xfinity.comcast.net/articles/entertainment-eonline/20110503/b239774/

That is just so terribly sad. :( A whole year and no one bothered to check on her. I know she was never a huge star or anything, but its sad to see someone to be forgotten like that. In a way this is a case where fact is certainly stranger than fiction.

Films she is known for:
Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (You can watch the whole film here.)
Attack of the Giant Leeches (You can watch the whole film here.)
What's the Matter with Helen?
The Dead Don't Die
Evil Spirits

-Horrorwood Doll

A new Buffy film without Joss Wheadon

2011-05-02T16:09:00.001-06:00

This is old news, but I might as well post it here anyways. In 2012 there will be a new Buffy film (most likely in 3-d.) that will be and written by Whit Anderson whose a long time fan of the original show.
The producer will be Charles Roven (Produced Batman Begins) and Steve Alexander will produce the feature film alongside Doug Davison and Roy Lee of Vertigo Entertainment. The film is supposed to feature an older and possibly darker Buffy, which will have no relation to the show. The film will not feature anyone from the original show and of course the biggest uproar against this is there will be no Joss Wheadon involved.

If you have not heard of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" do a damn google search and look it up on wikipedia. To give you an idea you an idea how big the show is was voted by TV Guide as one of the top cult shows of all time. Empire magazine voted it No.2 as one of the best shows of all time. There was also a Buffy film back in 1992, but it's pale in comparison to the show. Did I mention it was a show about vampires before there was half a dozen of them like there is now?

When Joss Whedon found out about the news he released this statement to E-news.

"Kristin, I'm glad you asked for my thoughts on the announcement of Buffy the cinema film. This is a sad, sad reflection on our times, when people must feed off the carcasses of beloved stories from their youths -- just because they can't think of an original idea of their own, like I did with my Avengers idea that I made up myself.

Obviously I have strong, mixed emotions about something like this. My first reaction upon hearing who was writing it was, 'Whit Stillman AND Wes Anderson? This is gonna be the most sardonically adorable movie EVER.' Apparently I was misinformed. Then I thought, 'I'll make a mint! This is worth more than all my Toy Story residuals combined!' Apparently I am seldom informed of anything. And possibly a little slow. But seriously, are vampires even popular any more?

I always hoped that Buffy would live on even after my death. But, you know, AFTER. I don't love the idea of my creation in other hands, but I'm also well aware that many more hands than mine went into making that show what it was. And there is no legal grounds for doing anything other than sighing audibly. I can't wish people who are passionate about my little myth ill. I can, however, take this time to announce that I'm making a Batman movie. Because there's a franchise that truly needs updating. So look for The Dark Knight Rises Way Earlier Than That Other One And Also More Cheaply And In Toronto, rebooting into a theater near you.

Leave me to my pain! Sincerely, Joss Whedon."

I am of course a huge Buffy fan and the fact that they are making a film without Joss Whedon who gave the concept any depth annoys me. (Seriously, have you seen the orginal film? It sucks.) I find it odd that those behind this film feel that Buffy needs an update because when you go back and look at the show itself the writing and issues dealt within the show was slightly ahead of its time. The cynic in me beleives that this will be a pointless Twilight cash in or another mindless fail of a girl power flick. I will give the film a chance till I see the first trailer. The good thing this is an actual fan who is behind this and for all I know the film might be darker and take Buffy in a new direction, similar to how the Christopher Nolan films took batman in a new direction. However, those behind the film have failed to respect the actual creators wishes and for me that is the biggest no, no when it comes to this film.

Oh yes and if you want to give yourself a heart attack read this.....It's a joke of course.

What do you all think about this?

-Horrorwood Doll

Happy Easter from Sam of Trick r Treat

2011-04-23T11:56:00.001-06:00

You know Easter is actually my second favorite holiday right after Halloween, of course, many don't seem to realize that the two holidays have more in common than people realize. I can find a few reasons on how these holidays are similar and thanks to our little friend Sam from Trick r' Treat I have a reason to do so.

1. Sugar High children are Abound

Easter is the day when children wake their sleepy heads from bed and tip down stairs to see a basket filled with sugary goodness. There is no other holiday besides Halloween where children have access to the fantastical amount of candies and sweets. Now, some would point out that children have to earn the candy on Halloween, while Easter it's all a free hand out; this is not entirely true because these days, kids have to have to work for their candy by doing easter egg hunts. There is even a stronger connection between the holidays as night time flashlight Easter egg hunts become more and more popular, making candy gathering a night time activity.

2. The Celebration of the Dead
Halloween is a time where one takes the time to celebrate and remember death. Easter is the time when Christianity takes the time to celebrate and remember that their savior died and rose from the grave in zombie or vampire style. Either, way both holidays have to deal with the celebration of death in some form.

3.Animal Mascots
Quite a few holidays have only one animal mascot like Christmas or Thanksgiving. (Heck,some holidays have only one mascot, regardless.) Halloween and Easter seem to both have a plethora of animal mascots, its just one holiday has mascots that have been deemed cuddlier. Which is better? Bunnies,duckies,chicks,and butterflies or bats,cats,rats, and spiders?

4.Pagen Roots
From those who have seen Halloween, the holiday originated from a pagen holiday known as Samahain, which had to do with the end of Summer and had its links to remembering the dead. Easter takes its roots from the possible celebrations and feasts that were held in honor for the Great Mother Godess of the Saxons, Eostre. (That bunny laying eggs is actually a representation on fertility and isn't just some creepy holiday mascot.)

5. Acceptable to Wear a Bunnysuit
Easter is the only other day in the year, where one can dress up in a bunnysuit and not look like a complete lunatic. If you walked down the street any other day you would get pulled over by the cops,but on Easter and Halloween it is suddenly acceptable.

And yes we are half way through the year to Halloween. (By the way these comparisons are meant to be humorous and should not be taken seriously.)

-Horrorwood Doll

Barnes and Nobel's Leatherbound Classics

2011-04-19T10:09:00.000-06:00

If you are like me and have a life ambition of creating a fantastical library filled with beautiful books, then you'll love the Barnes and Nobel's Leatherbound Classics Collection. Surprisingly, horror literature seems to be a huge staple of their collection, which means that now you can own that edition of Dracula that will make your friends,family, and neighbors envious because they are stuck with some crappy paperback version.

Originally, each book of their collection was a compilation if an artist's work. For example one book might have the complete works of Edgar Allen Poe or the most notable works of an author like Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles.

I can not praise the overall look of these books enough. They are simply gorgeous with their specially designed cover,gilded pages, and ribbon bookmarks. These books are not just pretty, they're well made as well. I can tell you from personal experience that these books were built to last and are so well made that you'll most likely be able to pass it down for future generations.

The only drawback to these books is that they can be pretty hefty, especially if the book happens to be three books in one. You can pick up each book up for around $20 or so, which is a phenomenal price considering the quality you are getting. The books are often on sale, especially during the holiday season or you can purchase one of the bundles or the boxed sets for a fraction of the price. It aslso seems that new books are added every so often so be sure to check out the Barnes and Nobel website or the nearest store location ever so often.

Just recently, Barnes and Noble came out with single leatherbound novels, which you can purchase for around $14.

You can view and purchase the rest of the leatherbound collection on the Barnes and Nobel website. If you want to see more beautifuly crafted books, check out the Penguin's Hardcover Classics Collection. They are just as good visually, but the overall value and quality of the books just don't seem to match up to B&N's classics. Each book is around $20 and unlike Leatherbound Collection being a compilation of works, the Penguin classics are divided up to a single novel.

-Horrorwood Doll

Monster High Wave 3 Preview

2011-04-16T03:43:00.007-06:00

It has come to my attention that the majority of viewings of this blog is due to a Monster High post I did awhile back. At this point that post has had 3,804 views and it's probably all due to one bloody image. Oh, well I suppose it could be worse, there are signs that people actually look at the content of my blog. :D

I suppose that if this blog is mostly known for one little post then I guess there is no harm in giving the buggers a little more of what they want. Today, we will be taking a quick peak at what Mattel has in store for The Monster High franchise this summer.

Basic Line:

*Abbey Bominable (Daughter of the Abominable Snowman)
*Spectra Vondergeist (Daughter of the ghost)
*Clawd Wolf (Son of the wolfman and brother of Clawdeen.) (Could also only be available in the gift pack)

As of right now Spectra Von Hauntington's doll is the only one to be seen. Oh boy, does she resemble Bombshell Hell. (The other contributor on this blog.) I know you guys have no idea what she looks like, but trust me if she would dye her hair purple again the resemblance would almost be uncanny. People have pointed out that no writing can be seen on her diary and the theory is that you need her little animal friend (possibly a ferret) to read it.

(Edit)

A crappy pic of Abbey Bominable. She is adorable,but not as adorable as Spectra Von Hauntington though.

Dawn of the Dance

Lagoona Blue
Ghoulia Yelps
Deuce Gorgon

The rest of the Monster High cast was felling left out when it came to the dancing scene. It looks like this summer we will be seeing Ghoulia, Lagoona, and Deuce on store shelves. It also looks like each doll will come with a nifty little dance CD, with the Monster High Fright Song on it, most likely. It's surprising that Draculaura doesn't make an appearance during the summer. Maybe, they want to do an exclusive Draculaura and Clawd Wolf couple pack for the next comic con?

Plushies(No pics as of yet. -tear-)

Ghoulia Yelps
Abbey Bominable
Spectra Vondergeist

Draculaura and Clawd Wolf Gift Pack

Looks like Clawd and Laura hookup and do they not make an adorable little couple. Box caption "A forbidden romance blooms under a full moon." The whole forbidden romance angle has been really popular since the whole Twilight craze, even though the whole forbidden romance thing has been around much longer than that. (I mean the whole plot of Underworld:Rise of the Lycans is between a forbidden romance between a werewolf and a vampire.) Not much else to say here,but these two will probably fly off the shelves quicker than the Cleo de Nile and Deuce Gorgon set.

Classroom Doll Assortment

Frankie Stein
Ghoulia Yelps
Blue Lagoona

Home Ick:

Mad Science

Physical Deadication

School's Out Assortment

Frankie Stein
Clawdeen Wolf
Cleo de Nile

Dead Tired Doll Assortment

Ghoulia comes with bloody popcorn.

Fashion Gift Set

The giftset comes with gift for their fried Clawdeen. How cute. ^_^

Playsets

Clawdeen Wolf's Bed

(No ide why her midriff is showing.)

Lagoona Blue's Hydration Station

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There is talk of there being a Phantom inspired doll called Operetta. I am terribly excited by this because Lon Chaney's Phantom of the Opera is my second favorite of the Universal Studio's monsters. It is apparent that Mattel is running out of ideas, when it comes to new dolls. What else could they do? They are limited to doing the more traditional monsters because I doubt that parents would be overjoyed seeing their 8-year-old daughter playing with a Fred Kruger inspired doll.

I wonder what other dolls they will make in the future? Bigfoot?, Witch? Spider Baby? or perhaps an Alien? Those bastards have become quite popular a of late.

-Horrorwood Doll

The Scream Post with Trivia

2011-04-15T23:53:00.001-06:00

Today Scream 4 makes its debut in theaters. It's interesting to see how much horror has changed in this past decade or so. The original Scream was a break through when it came to horror films because for the first time the characters in the film were aware of the rules of horror. Sense the first Scream horror films have become much more self aware, seven-year-olds still dress up as Ghost Face(Even though many don't know what movie he is from.) and the rules of horror films have certainly changed. It was time for a sequel that would put Scream back on the map again. After all Scream was one of the most innovative and scariest films of its time. Today's post is a quick look back at the original Scream in honor of it making its way back to theaters.

The opening scene in the original Scream has become iconic and faced what seems like hundreds of parodies right after its release. Lets face it, the original opening is pretty freakin scary, unlike the face-palm opening of Scream 2.

You can of course watch the first Scream on youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA3fv9ND8bc

Random Scream Trivia:

*Drew Barrymore was originally cast in the lead role of Sidney Prescott, but her schedule changed unexpectedly and she wasn't able to film the whole movie. It was her idea to take the role of Casey Becker, a less time-consuming but ultimately iconic role.

*Dewey Riley wasn't intended to live through the first movie. In the script, Dewey didn't survive his injuries. Wes Craven also filmed an alternate ending where Dewey survived, and when test audiences said they liked Arquette's performance the movie was re-edited and Dewey lived to appear in all four scream films.

*Kevin Williamson's script for the first film was originally titled "Scary Movie," and it wasn't until late in the shooting that executive producers Bob and Harvey Weinstein insisted on changing the title to "Scream."

The scary voice on the phone that taunts the victims before they're attacked is done by Roger L. Jackson. The same guy who does the voice of Mojo Jojo from the Power Puff Girls.

*From the beginning Wes Craven had Jackson on the set to actually talk to the actors over the phone. In order to heighten the realism the actor's were never allowed to see Jackson face to face.

*He nearly turned down the option to direct the hit Scream (1996/I) because the first scene with Drew Barrymore reminded him too vividly of the climax sequence of The Last House on the Left (1972), his first film.

*To keep Drew Barrymore looking scared and crying, director Wes Craven kept telling her real life stories about animal cruelty.
*The infamous Ghost Face Mask was found by Wes Craven in a store while location-scouting in California.

* In the first Scream when the killer smashes his head through a window and Casey hits him in the face with the phone, Wes Craven is actually wearing the costume and was really hit in the face.

*The use of caller ID increased more than threefold after the release of this film.
*The killer was based on a Florida serial killer, the "Gainesville Ripper."
* Wes Craven makes a cameo in the film as janitor called Fred who is dressed in a similar manner as Fred Kruger from A Nightmare on Elm St.

Sources: http://movies.yahoo.com/photos/collections/gallery/3346/#photo0

-Horrorwood Doll

The Woman in Black (2011)

2011-04-12T02:23:00.000-06:00

Just a few months after the final Harry Potter installment, Daniel Radcliff (Harry Potter) is set to make a debut in a horror film called "The Woman in Black.". The film is set to be released in the UK on October 28th. (No word as of yet on if and when it will be released in the U.S) The film seems to be a remake of the 1989 made for TV film as well as a movie adaption to the book that was written by Susan Hill. You can now watch the teaser trailer, which is posted below.

"A young lawyer travels to a remote village to organize a recently deceased client's papers, where he discovers the ghost of a scorned woman set on vengeance."-Synopsis of the film.

The synopsis is a bit vague as well as the trailer, but it looks promising. I am curious to see if this film will start off Daniel Radcliff's career as an actor that is known besides his role as "The boy who lived".

If you wish to see the 1989 television film, you can catch it on youtube here. (I have yet to watch it myself,but one I get the chance. I will most likely post a review of it on here.)

You can purchase the book that inspired both film on Amazon here. You can most likely find it at your local library as well.

Note: For a horror blog there has definitely been a lack of horror film review material. I apologize. I'm trying to make a horror review system that will separate us from other horror blogs. Also to note the real world seems to keep me rather busy, but you will begin to see more horror film material either this or next month.

-Horrorwood Doll

The Only Ghost I Ever Saw

2011-04-09T02:00:00.000-06:00

The only Ghost I ever saw
By Emily Dickinson

The only Ghost I ever saw
Was dressed in Mechlin - so -
He wore no sandal on his foot -
And stepped like flakes of snow -

His Gait - was soundless, like the Bird -
But rapid - like the Roe -
His fashions, quaint, Mosaic -
Or haply, Mistletoe -

His conversation - seldom -
His laughter, like the Breeze -
That dies away in Dimples
Among the pensive Trees -

Our interview - was transient -
Of me, himself was shy --
And God forbid I look behind -
Since that appalling Day!

Shag' s Haunted Mansion 40th Anniversary Artwork

2011-04-07T09:57:00.004-06:00

Disney's Haunted Mansion has been around for quite awhile now. It's hard to believe that the ride is over 40 years old now, since the ride itself just seem so timeless. (Of course that might be because it's always getting updates.) In 2009 The Haunted Mansion had its 40th anniversary and in honor of the big birthday Disney got the popular artist SHAG (Josh Agle) to create a series of images of The Haunted Mansion in his style. (and like I said in my Black Widow Bride game review, I would do a post on SHAG's Haunted Mansion artwork.) The big event took place on August 9th in Disneyland with the original artwork selling from $6,000 to $16,000.

Of course Disney being the merchandise marketing machines they are couldn't resist putting all the artwork on a range of merchandise. You can check out and see all the merchandise that was available for the event here.

Unfortunately, the majority of the merchandise that was available for the event has sky rocketed,but check out Ebay and you might find a great deal.

There was a Mickey Mouse Haunted Mansion SHAG hat.

Hurry back, hurry back........don't forget to bring your DEATH certificate!!

-Horrorwood Doll

(P.S. I'm making it my priority to be there for the Haunted Mansion' 50th birthday.)

The Delightfully Chilling Children's Books of Denna Molinaro

2011-04-07T03:28:00.002-06:00

I am not ashamed to admit that I'm a fan of children books. I just find their simple stories and illustrations to be delightful. More often than not writer's get the idea to make horrific little books for children and because children seem to have fascination with getting scared they always seem to leave an impact. Deena Molinaro writes and illustrates children books as a hobby and currently has them all on her website for your viewing pleasure. If you have a little squishy (cute child) in your life or just like demented little childrens tales check it out. http://www.deannamolinaro.com/Stuff_That_I_Made/Books/BookTitles.html (If you plan on reading these to your own child, I suggest you read them before hand. Some of these tales might be to grim for some children.)

My favorites That Story about the Rabbit and As an Alligator (Even though it's not strictly horror) If you really like her books check out her online shop and purchase one of her books. http://www.deannamolinaro.com/GeneralStore.html

-Horrorwood Doll

Mainstream Horror films for 2011

2011-04-01T11:35:00.005-06:00

Horror season is upon us. The majority of horror films come during the spring and summer, with usually one horror film during October. (Yeah, I don't get it either.) Let's take a look at what the upcoming year holds for us when it comes to Hollywood Horror.

Holy crap Hollywood, What is it with you and evil children? I'll be honest the film doesn't look to bad and seems to be what " A Haunting in Connecticut" should have been. The film has some promising attributes like the fact that the makers if the two most popular franchises of the past decade are involved. It does seem to follow the typical "My house is haunted,but I'm to much of a dumbass to get the hell out" type of film, even if it's the kid that is haunted. It could be good or ir could be bad, but it will most likely be mediocre.

It's interesting to see how horror films have changed in the past decade. Let's face it horror is a genre that is always evolving and I'm curious to see what the next decade will bring. I can say that actually like the first Scream when it came to terms with the whole rules of horror film. I think Screm 4 won't be as good as the original,but it will be better than Scream 2 and Scream 3.

Upcoming Mainstream Horror Films for 2011

-Dylan Dog:Dead of Night (April 29) (Looks kind of bad and not in so bad it's good kind of way. The movie also didn't get the memo that Aliens are the new werewolves,zombies, and vampires.)

-Priest (May 13, Fiday the 13) (Based on a Tokyopop manga. It looks nice,but that's about it.)

-Super 8 (June 2) (I actually have no idea if this will fit into the horror genre,but the looks pretty cool.)
-Cowboys and Aliens (July 29) (Again,not sure if it's horror,but it is a spectacular throwback to the type of plot that would be in 1950s B-movies, but this time it has a huge budget like Grindhouse.)
-The Darkest Hour (August 5) (Looks to be pretty scary. Aliens seem to be the new horror trend.)
-Don't be Afraid of the Dark (August 13) (Already made a post on this and well I gave out the incorrect date of its release. The film is sure to be fantastic and will probably be the best horror film of the year.)
-Fright Night (August 19) (Brought to you by the wonderful world of Disney, with the Tenth Doctor as Peter Vincent.)
-Final Destination 5 (August 29) ( There are far too many of these films.)
-Paranormal Activity 3(October 21) (Yep, # 2 made money. Lets make another one.)
-Piranha 3DD (November 23) (No idea what that extra D is for.)

Aliens= The new werewolves,zombie, and vampire.

I have no idea what is with the new Alien trend. Maybe it's because of Avatar or Doctor Who.(Doubtful) People are probably just tired of vamps,werewolves, and zombies. Anyways, this years horror list is just kind of average. A few sequels, a few bad films, one or two really great films, and the rest are just mediocre. At least this years remake is not one of the greats like Halloween or Nightmare on Elm Street.

-Horrorwood Doll

Elvira's Movie Macabre

2011-03-30T01:20:00.001-06:00

I'm honestly surprised by how many people have not heared about Elvira. I mean she is the queen of f*#@$ing Halloween. I can't exactly say that I grew up watching her movie macabre, but I did grow up watching her movies. -sigh- it seems such a shame that I did not get the chance to view Elvira's Movie Macabre first hand. Oh, but wait....

Elvira: The Mistress of the Dark is back and has proclaimed her spot on public television. You now can catch Elvira hosting the chessiest of horror films every Friday,Saturday, or Sunday night. (Check your local listings to find out when Movie Macabre is playing for you.) I can now know what it was like for the children of the 80s by watching Elvira's Movie Macabre every Saturday night at 10 p.m. :D

This is the intro for Elvira's Movie Macabre. I can honestly say that I love the theme song "What Can I do" by the Black Belles. I would love a chance to go that theatre. :D

Why not take Elvira home with you? You can now purcahse a double feature of Elvira's Movie Macabre and have your own personal Elvira movie nights when ever you want. And best thing yet none of those darn commercials. You can now take home classsics such as Frankenstein's Castle of Freaks, The Devil's Wedding Night, They Came from Beyond Space, The Werewolf of Washington, and more delightful movie classics that you will come to love and cherish forevers and forevers. Purchase these timeless classics here.

Or better yet you can catch five of the original Movie Macabre for free on youtube here. (I'm guessing it's the original show from the 80s.)

If you didn't know about Elvira before, now is your chance to get aquainted with the Mistress of the Dark. (She'll most likely get mentioned on this blog from time to time, so it's for the best that you know who we are talking about.)

-Horrorwood Doll

Salvidor Dali Museum

2011-03-23T14:41:00.001-06:00

I'm currently in Florida for a wedding and now seems like the perfect time do the blogs first travel log. Today I got the chance to go to the Salvidor Dali museum in St.Petersburg,Florida. (I know I happen to do a lot of art posts. It just turns out like that. -_-) Anyways, I know Mr. Dali isn't directly linked to horror, but his work has inspired quite a few horror films, etc.

He had a pet ocelot and ocelots are cool.

He was mostly known for his paintings, especially The Persistance of Memory. His work is often filed under surrealism and more often than not his pieces were a bit macabre. Today I'm going to show off some of his morbid pieces.

The Face of War 1940-41

Ballerine En Tete De Mort

Self Portrait

The Sickly Skull of Venereal Disease

"In the 1940’s, Salvador Dali painted this masterful poster for the armed forces to warn soldiers against the dangers of fornicating with loose foreign hussies and contracting venereal disease. The composition of the sickly green skull from the pert-breasted prostitutes is just breathtaking, especially the way their milky upper thighs, exposed above garters, form the front teeth." -Link

photograph by Philippe Halsman (Yeah, probably one of the only times you'll see nudity on this blog.)

He also had his hand in photography. His most notable work is the skull that was formed out of seven women, which inspired the cover design for the horror film The Descent. It also appears on that darn moth on the Silence of the Lambs poster. You have to look real close to see,but it's the same image. The image seems to pop up in other places as well,but I'm currently limited on time, so you all are going to be happy with that. (Goodness those women must be uncomfortable.)

You can check out more of Dali's work and earn more about him at the Dali museum in St.Petersburg, Florida. http://thedali.org/ Even if you're not a Dali fan (like me) the museum is still pretty cool. Also check out the cool gift shop online. You can find a lot spiffy trinkets for everyone you know like the tarot card set and the melting clock wristwatch.

If you have the time check out the 1929 film Mr. Dali wrote called Un Chien Andalou.(I had a chance to see it at the museum) Yeah, I know it doesn't quite fit into the horror genre, but there are enough elements in the film that allows me the chance to put it on the blog. A woman's eye is split open at the two-minute mark. In reality it is actually a cow's eye,but still a bit freaky to watch. It's a sixteen minute film and as far as silent films go it's interesting enough to keep modern movie goers interested. Damn kids, need to appreciate silent films.

-Horrorwood Doll (I honestly do too many art posts -_-)

Note: I'll make another Florida related post in the next few days.

American Mcgee's: Alice Madness Returns

2011-03-16T22:37:00.001-06:00

She's back! Miss Alice is not well because her Wonderland has gone back to hell. The long awaited sequel to American Mcgee's Alice is finally here after eleven long years. This time Alice must come back to Wonderland after eleven years and save it from the evil that resides within it and her. You can come and play with Alice on June 14th, 2011 on PS3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows.

Before its release a few horrific teaser trailers have found a way onto the inter-webs. One thing is sure the game is bound to be bloody good fun.

There have been talks about a film adaption for awhile now, many seem to think Tim Burton is the man for the job. I on the other hand can't help, but think of Zack Snyder. Have you seen the trailer for Sucker Punch? It looks quite similar to the overall game's style. Not to mention the quote "This is Madness! This is WONDERLAND!" will likely make an appearance.

(Note: I can't help but be amazed by all the lovely outfits Alice has been given. I can almost guarantee that a future Halloween costume shall be inspired by one of them.)

The original Alice was released in 2000 and was highly acclaimed for it's graphics and complexity. It was released by EA games and was their first game even given the Mature rating. The game is highly sought after and copies have been known to be $50-100 sometimes more. For years there have been rumors about a movie in the making. Rumors have involved Wes Craven and Sarah Michelle Gellar owning rights to the film. To better understand the new game, why not check out the original? The original opening scene of the game can be seen below.

-Horrorwood Doll

The King of Shock Rock Given his Dues

2011-03-15T23:19:00.000-06:00

Glorious news! Alice Cooper the King of Shock Rock has finally been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.( About F@*%&ing time. I've been bitching about this for a few years now. ABBA and Madonna was in the Hall of fame before Alice!) It happened last night (03/14/2011) at The Waldorf-Astoria on Monday in New York City. He was presented by Rob Zombie(Who has yet to be inducted himself) Anyways, Alice accepted the award with a snake around his neck. (Of course) From what I've read there was a stellar speeches and performances to be had at the show. You can watch Alice get his award on the Fuse, on the 20th (Sunday) at 9 pm/8c.

Of course there was a snake.

Which, I would love to see except during that day and time I'll be at a wedding. -_-

Here is a real conversation I had after I found out he had finally going to be inducted.

Me: -Squee- (Dancing around, while cat glares at me. Mom is weirded out and asks. What I'm so excited about.) Alice Cooper finally got inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame. :D I can't wait to watch the show on the Fuse.

Mom: You do realize that's the same night as your cousin's wedding

Me: Mother F#@&%er! (Okay, didn't quite say that, but close) Wait, Rachel as in the cousin who was somewhat obsessed with Alice Cooper so much, that everyone started calling her "The Bride of Alice Cooper" is getting married?

Mom: Yes!

Me: Do you think she'll watch it with me?

Anyways, my goal is to find a way to at least catch Alice's performance on the show during the wedding reception. Wish me luck!

Also, besides airing The Rock Hall of Fame Fuse is also have two television specials on Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie on their Mad Genius segment. http://www.fusemusic.com/mad-genius/

Alice's victory dance.

Rolling Stone had an interview with him about when he finally heard the news. Read it here:http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/alice-cooper-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-inductee-was-elated-when-he-got-the-news-20101214

Interview highlights

"Are you thinking of playing in more shows with the original band in the near future?"

"I think it is inevitable. We have kind of been looking for an excuse to do that anyway. Why not do 4 or 5 major cities, Detroit especially since that's where we broke out of. Los Angelos, New York, London, Toronto. Those were like the five cities where we got our biggest push. We might do that in the spring."

"I've read that you're cutting a new album with Bob Ezrin. "

"Yeah. It's like the Beatles doing another album with George Martin. We are doing Welcome To Me Nightmare Part II. We decided, why not give Alice another nightmare? All of the songs are written at this point. I can't see it coming out until spring of next year."

Hell yes! I need my debit card, damn it! Must purchase tickets! Please come to Denver. We are a rock state damn it! There is also going to be a new album. ;D You have unleashed the dawn of a 1,000 squees! -SQUEEEEEEEEEE!-

Another article on the ceremony itself.http://www.usmagazine.com/moviestvmusic/news/2011-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-induction-speeches-as-good-as-the-performances-2011153

Even though the Alice Cooper band is mostly known for "School's Out for Summer" that is far from their greatest song. Everyone has their favorite it could be the rebellious "I'm Eighteen", the provocative "Feed my Frankenstein" or the madness that is known as "The Black Widow" My personal favorite would have to be "Second Coming" which is in my opinion highly underrated. Listen below.

Now, that Alice is where he belongs, I need something new to bitch about. Hey, Rock Hall of Fame, Why the hell is Joan Jett not been inducted yet? Goodness, someone is a slacker.

On an interesting note, who do you think from this current time will be inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame?

My votes would be:

The Killers
My Chemical Romance (They started a music trend. Shut up and deal with it.)
Muse (It's a possibility)
Evanescene
Paramore
Jet
Lady Gaga (Woman has already made a huge musical impact in such a short time.)
Avenged Sevenfold
Green Day (Mostly for American Idiot)

-Horrorwood Doll

The Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Tragedy

2011-03-14T12:30:00.000-06:00

Artist: Takato Yamamoto A.k.A the picture I will have at least one complaint about.
If you haven't heard Japan was hit with an earthquake that was an 8.9 on the richter scale and soon after a massive tsunami hit parts of Japan and a cluster of islands that make up Samoa. The current death toll in certain areas of Japan has been estimated to be around 10,000 (Most likely more), severe economic damage is incontrovertible, the property damage is inconceivable,and one of their nuclear reactors might face a total meltdown. This is of course quite dismal and it is important to help out those in need during times of crisis. Here is a link to 7 ways you can help with the calamity.

http://mashable.com/2011/03/13/japan-earthquake-tsunami-help-donate/

More updates on the way shortly.

-Team Dreadful Dreary

Horror Themed Tattoos

2011-03-10T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so you guys probably know by now that this is mostlyHorrorwood Doll’s horror blog. She posts in it far more often than I do, andgets far more ideas for posts. That being said, I do have ideas of my own, andthis is one that’s close to my heart: tattoos.

We’ve all seen them; you might even have one or a few, butthe tattoo industry is riddled with darkly themed ink. Horror tattoos most commonly represent anappreciation for horror movies or novels of a certain theme, a character, timeperiod or just a love of horror in general.

These are, as stated before, the most commonly seen tats ofthe horror persuasion, but the horror theme is not limited to the appreciationof movies and literature.

As much as I adore the artwork and detail that go into thosetattoos, the ones that intrigue me the most are the tattoos that represent one’spersonal horrors.

These are not necessarily of any specific character, book ormovie; They may not even be instantly recognized as a horror tattoo. They can carry a personal, heavy meaning, like the loss of a loved one, or a personal obstacle that was overcome, or just be a show of appreciationfor darkly themed artwork. Artists whotattoo evil looking ink are entirely skilled in their craft, and turn outamazing works of art.

The horror themed tattoo is a main stay in tattoo society; whether the artwork is of a movie or character, a dark spin on something innocent, or a depiction worthy of hell.

(Expect posts on tattoos by specific artists in the future.)

-Bombshell Hell

The Art of Sylvia Ji

2011-03-06T15:53:00.000-07:00

The Art of Sylvia Ji can be described as haunting,provocative, mortifying, elegant, alluring, and darkly sensual. To say the least her work is simply one of a kind and has been gaining popularity since she first came into the art scene.

Catrina in Stripes

Miss Silvia was was born in 1982 in San Fransisco and grew up in a very artistic household. She graduated from Academy of Art University of San Francisco in 2005, with a BFA in traditional illustration. In her final year the she was able to showcase her wonderful works in a solo show.

Native

"Some of her paintings are symbolic reflections of herself, portraits of people she knows and some are just nameless faces set in a landscape of fleeting and decaying beauty." She also seems to draw a lot of inspiration from worldly cultures and their folklore.

Santa Muerte

Even though she has been around for a limited time, she has already made quite an impact in the art scene. There is already quite an industry in marketing, tattoos, dolls, makeup, etc. based upon her style. During Dia de los Muertos more and more ladies are inclined to make themselves up to look like one Sylvia Ji's paintings.

Love Struck

I of course love and adore Sylvia Ji's work. (Note: You'll be seeing Sylvia Ji's work pop up from time to time on this blog, especially from yours truly.) Unfortunately her work can cost a pretty penny, but you can find prints of her work for $100- $200 or so. You can currently find some unique Sylvia Ji items on ClickforArt.

Sister Ray

There is no denying that Sylvia Ji's has a strong technique when it comes to her work. She seems to straddle the lines between indie and high brow art. Years from now her work could end up in the Louvre itself or she could end up becoming one of the great under appreciated artists in history. You can check out the majority of Sylvia's work and learn more on her website. http://www.sylviaji.com/

Thunderbird

The artist herself

An interview about one of her shows.

Watch the girl work.

Sources:

http://www.sylviaji.com/
http://www.dailyartfixx.com/2010/09/09/sylvia-ji-painting/
-Horrorwood Doll

Horror at the Oscars (History/Tribute)

2011-02-28T01:18:00.000-07:00

Horror has a known history of being shunned at the Oscars for whatever reason. Probably because the genre is typecasted as being all about blood, guts, and over sexualized screaming teenagers. Even when an insightful horror film comes along and decides to contend with the big boys at the Oscars it still gets overlooked even though most horror films are far more intelligent then people give them credit for.

I suppose it would be interesting to take a look back at the over all history that the Horror genre has had with the Oscars. Has it really been as left out as many say?

In 1932 horror makes an appearance when the classic"Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde" picked up nominations for Best Cinematography, and Best Writing, Adaption. Surprisingly Fredric March wins Best Actor for his portrayal of the mad doctor in the film.

In 1936 Universal's crown jewel of horror classics "The Bride of Frankenstein" is nominated for Best, sound recording. (Not much, but hey at least it got a nomination for something."

In 1961 Alfred Hitchcock influential classic "Psycho" was nominated for Best Actress, Best Black/White Art Direction, Best Black/White Cinematography, and Best Director. Note: Alfred Hitchcock was nominated for best director only four times by the Oscars and he never won. The Oscars was nice enough to give him a memorial award though.

In 1963 "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane" took center stage by picking up nominations for Best Sound, Best Cinematography Black/White, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress for Bette Davis. It only won one award for Best Costume. Random Fact: Did you know that the Oscar supposedly got it's name from Bette Davis naming the award after her ex-husband , Harmon Oscar Nelson, Jr.

In 1969 the Roman Polanski was nominated for Best Adapted screenplay for "Rosemary's Baby". Ruth Gordon took home Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.

In 1974 "The Exorcist" was nominated for Best Picture, Director, Actress, Cinematography, Editing, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, and Art Direction. It won Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Sound.

In 1975 the horror inspired comedy "Young Frankenstein" is nominated for Best Screenplay and Best Sound.

In 1976 Jaws changed things up a bit by winning Best Editing, Best Film Score, (Rightfully so) , Best Sound, but unfortunately didn't win Best Picture when it lost to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. (At least it was nominated)

In 1977 Sissy Spacek was nominated for her role as Carrie in the Stephen King adapted film "Carrie". Piper Laurie was nominated for Best Supporting Role Actress.

In 1980 James Cameron's classic "Alien" won for Best Visual Effects. It was only nominated in one other category, which was Best Art Direction. The darn thing should of had nominations such as Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Film. Darn it, Oscar's if Disney found Alien important enough to feature on its great movie ride you could have least given it proper recognition at the Oscars. -sigh- Another example of some good old horror snubbing. That same year The Amittyville Horror was nominated for best musical score.

In 1982 An American Werewolf in London won for Best Makeup.

In 1983 Poltergeist was nominated for Best Visual Effect, Best Sound Editing, and Best Score.

In 1987 "Aliens" won Best Sound Effects and Best Visual Effects. It was nominated for Best Sound,Best Original Score, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction and Sigourney Weaver was nominated for Best Actress. (She should have won though. -_-) That same year " The Fly" wins for Best Makeup.

In 1989 the Tim Burton horrorish comedy Bettlejuice won for Best Visual Effects.

In1991 Horror makes a splash in the scene by having Kathy Bates taking home an award for Best Actress in the film "Misery"

In 1992 an amazing thing happened "The Silence of the Lambs" swept the Oscars winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay.It was also nominated for Best Sound and Best Editing.(Yeah, I know people bitch about it being more of a thriller than a horror, but many thriller films branch out from horror and "The Silence of the Lambs is one of them.) The Adams family was nominated for Best Costume Design that year. (The first film I ever saw by the way.)

In 1993 Francis Ford Coppola's "Dracula" won Best Costume, Sound Effects Editing, and Makeup. It was also nominated for Best Art Direction. The horror comedy "Death Becomes Her" wins Visual Effects. Oddly Alien 3 was nominated in the same category.

In 1995 Neil Jordan's "Interview with the Vampire" was nominated for Best Art Direction and Best Musical Score. Tim Burton's horror related film "Ed Wood" won Best Supporting Actor and Makeup, Kenneth Branagh's 'Frankenstein' was also nominated in that same category.

In 1996 David Fincher's "Se7en" was oddly only nominated for one Oscar Nomination, which was Best Film Editing. I honestly wonder about the Oscars sometimes. I mean if the Oscars loved 'The Silence of the Lambs" they should also love "Se7en".

In 2000 the now highly controversial M. Night Shymalan's "The Sixth Sense" earned six nominations including Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hallow" was nominated for Cinematography, Costumes, and won an award for Art Direction.

In 2001 Three horror films were nominated for Best Makeup these were "Shadow of the Vampire", "Hallow Man" and "The Cell".

In 2007 Guillermo Del Toro's horror fantasy "Pan's Labryinth" was nominated for Best Original Screenplay, Best Score, and Best Foreign Film. Luckily the Oscars decided that the film did in fact deserve a few awards so the film won for Best Cinematography,Art Direction, and Makeup. (We are expecting great things from you Mr. Toro. Hopefully you can bring the Academy to truly appreciate the horror genre.)

In 2008 Tim Burton's delightful musical adaption of "Sweeney Todd" won for Best Actor, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Direction. (Homicidal barbers get to be well dressed and groomed.)

In 2010 the beautifully filmed "Black Swan" was nominated for five Best Picture, Best Director, Best Achievement in Editing, and Best Cinematography. Natalie Portman was able to take home the Best Actress award for her role in the film. Oh yeah "The Wolfman" remake was able to earn Best Makeup category.

Yeah, I suppose the Oscar snub of horror isn't too bad when you look at it. I mean at least it gets mentioned here and there, but would it kill the Academy to actually put more horror films in the top contending categories. After all chances are that horror film that is overlooked is far more likely to be remembered and beloved for years to come.

82nd Academy Award tried to appease us horror fans by doing a tribute to horror. Let us see how Successful they were.

-_- Besides the fact Twilight was involved at all I'd say the tribute was descent. There were quite a few films I wouldn't have expected in the tribute, but more variety in the films would have been nice. Eh maybe this means The Oscars will take more interest in horror; after all Black Swan was able to pick up quite a few nominations. Only time will tell.

-Horrorwood Doll

Monster High

2011-02-22T00:07:00.000-07:00

Mattel (the makers of Barbie and Hot Wheels) came out with a delightful little product line known as Monster High during the Summer of 2010. The concept on the doll line is to have teenagers of popular horror monsters.(Namely Universal) The whole line is probably in existence due to the whole vampire/werewolf/zombie craze, but honestly who cares? I would have loved to have a zombie or vampire dolly to play with when I was a little girl.

Here we have (From left to right) Clawdeen Wolf (Daughter of Frankenstein) Lagoona Blue (Daughter of the Creature from the Black Lagoon a.k.a Gill Man) Cleo de Nile (Daughter of The Mummy) Deuce Gordon (Son of Medusa) Frankie Stein (Daughter of Frankenstein's monster) Draculaura (Daughter of Dracula) Ghoulia Yelps (Daughter of some random zombies) Jackson Jekyll/Holt Hyde (Son of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde)

When you put into thought on how on earth did Frankenstein's monster or the Creature from the Black Lagoon have a daughter, the possible explanation can be a bit disturbing. I honestly don't know how that happened, but there are Monster High books currently out so maybe they can explain it. http://www.amazon.com/Monster-High-Lisi-Harrison/dp/031609918X

There are also some adorable little plushie versions of the monsters that you can take home and make them your own. You can purcahse these Monster High cuties at Target, Walmart, Toys R' Us and of course Amazon. The price for a doll ranges from $15- $25. Those who love the classic horror films and have a girly side will simply adore these little dollies.

I currently own Frankie Stein, but have yet to open her up. She is just to nifty to mess with at the moment. As much as I adore my little Frankie she just can't compete with the Monster High black and white doll that was released at Comic Con. Only 5,000 were ever made and those who own one are lucky little duckies. :P

Which one is your favorite?

-Horrorwood Doll

Haunted Mansion: Black Widow Bride Game

2011-02-17T23:26:00.001-07:00

I'm not much of a gamer. I just don't seem to have the patience or attention span to really stick with anything. I pretty much just play a game online once awhile. I recently came across the most adorable Haunted Mansion game on Disney.

The game revolves around the three hitchhiker ghosts freeing all 999 ghosts and five grooms from the clutches from the Black Widow Bride. I suppose it's a basic walk through level type of game and gamers who are much more action oriented will probably tire of the game quickly.

The games greatest strength is that all of the game's animation is based on the artwork Shag did for Haunted Mansion's 40th anniversary. I shall do a post in the future dedicated to the awesomeness that is Shag.

The game tries to keep things a little bit more interesting by adding certain tasks to each level. Here you can see one of the Hitchhiker ghosts putting together the Haunted Mansion's iconic portraits.

Each level of the game is based on a certain section of the ride. The game itself might not be that interesting, but fans of the ride will keep playing just so they can see what the next level beholds. The game takes about two hours to complete and is hardly difficult.

Proof I finished. You can play the game by clicking on the link below.
http://disney.go.com/games/play3/?content=379301#/games/play3/&content=379301

For those of you who haven't heard Guillermo del Toro is in charge of a new Haunted Mansion film. It's supposed to revolve around the hat box ghost. If the movie does good it will probably mean that Disney will finally put him on the ride.
http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/guillermo-del-toro-direct-new-haunted-mansion-ap

-Horrorwood Doll

Buffy Vs. True Blood

2011-02-11T12:17:00.001-07:00

Art by Kinkei

True Blood is a show that has been often compared to Buffy as of late, but how similar are they? Which show is the superior? I took the time analyze both shows on the things that really count to see which one of these shows is the superior vampire drama.

Opening Theme:

Buffy: The music in Buffy begins with the organ music of old and is then quickly shot down by the upbeat guitar riff of today. The theme by Nerf Herder really does a great job summarizing what the show is all about. The ways of the past are no longer relevant and new era has stepped forward. The young woman who goes into the alleyway is no longer the victim; she is now the hero. The overall theme is fairly simple, the main cast of characters have clips shown from past and the current seasons. The opening has a ton of energy and is fast paced to reflect the current generation.The music is clearly what made the intro so memorable.

True Blood: I have to admit True Blood's theme makes me a tad bit uncomfortable and at first I didn't even like it. The more I had a chance to view the opening I began to really appreciate the imagery and the moody music by Jace Everett. The opening theme shows off religious imagery along with imagery of human sexuality. The point of showing off these two contradictory themes is to show how excessive religious vigor and human sexual energy and lead to corruption in the human soul. The opening sequence in True Blood is art in its own right and manages to still stay relevant to the show.

Victor: True Blood

Main Character:

Buffy: "Into every generation a Slayer is born: one girl in all the world, a chosen one. She alone will wield the strength and skill to fight the vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness; to stop the spread of their evil and the swell of their numbers. She is the Slayer." It just so happens that this slayer happens to be a blond valley girl cheerleader named Buffy. (Odd name, right?) It just so happens that Buffy has been given the power and ability to protect the world from the forces of evil. From the sound of it our main heroine doesn't look to promising, but you'd be wrong. Joss Whedon had to rebuild his creation after the 1992 film with the same name destroyed the vision he was trying to create. She was ahead of her time when it came to having strongly written heroines for television. Buffy was strong, but she could also be vulnerable and like many other young adults was unsure about the world around her. Like many many of the characters on the show Buffy grew as a person and matured. I don't think many forms of media at the time had a character quite like Buffy and because of that she has become a real pop icon.

True Blood: Sookie is a waitress in Bon Temps and has the gift of telepathy. So a vampire walks into a bar. (Sounds like the beginning of a joke doesn't it?) Sookie has never met a vampire before and finds out that she is unable to read his mind and thus the plot is put into motion after this single meeting. Sookie i a sweet southern girl, who everyone seems to love. Hell, I even like her and find her character endearing like everyone else. During the first season she is fairly well developed and I honestly have to give the girl props for being proactive in life and danger situations without the aid of super strength and agility. However Sookie's character seems to get pushed to the side during the second season and seems to no longer develop. It really is sad to see that the main character is no longer the shows main interest and any character development quickly begins to diminish.

Victor: Buffy (True Blood wins in the odd name category. Sookie is just so much fun to say.)

Supporting Cast:

Buffy: There is quite a range of characters on Buffy and everyone has their favorite. The characters in Buffy might be equipped with supernatural abilities, but they seem like real people. One of the strongest aspects to Buffy is the character development. The characters on the show evolve and change over time. The character you see in the first season is not the character you see in sixth season. This character development is never forced and makes sense as the story goes on. The character investment on Buffy really pays off because the viewer comes to really know the character and really cares about what happens to them.

True Blood: True Blood also has a cast of characters and are equally as likable. The problem with True Blood is that the majority of True Blood's characters fail to progress and evolve like the characters of Buffy. More often than not a character on the show is used for a plot device and nothing else. It becomes really hard for the viewer to care about a character when the other characters on the show barley blink an eye when someone they love dies.

Victor: Buffy

Humor:

Buffy: Lets face it Buffy is a pretty funny show. The reason why Buffy is so beloved is because it never took it self too seriously and was able to convey any message the show had in a fun manner. The show was often quite serious, but there were probably more humorous moments in one episode of Buffy than one episode of True Blood. At times the show can be pretty campy, but it's intentional and the viewer is laughing with the show and not at it.

True Blood: Much of the humor seen in True Blood is mostly due to actors overacting (Namely Stephen Moyor) words and sentences that normally wouldn't be funny are now down right hilarious. The humor in the show is a bit spaced out and in the end tries to put up a more seasoned mature front. The show can be quite humorous at times,but the humor depends on the more comic relief characters, while each character in Buffy shared the comic relief responsibility.

Victor: Buffy

Vampires:
Buffy: The vampires in Buffy are apparently so bad that a teen girl must be called upon to fight them. In my honest opinion the vamps in Buffy never seemed to be all that threatening especially the normal everyday vamps. I have a problem being intimidated by something that can't even regularly bathe. The vamps on the show don't seem to be very well organized and figure out the fact that if they joined together a slayer would be little to no problem at all. They also don't have a very impressive kill count and seem to be quite careless when it comes to their actions.

True Blood: The strongest aspect of True Blood is having vampires being a treated as a race separate from humans. I love their whole vampire rights movement and I think the show accurately portrays what would happen if vampires came out of the coffin and admitted to the world that they actually exist. The world would flip its shit that is what wold happen. Some people would love vamp while other would come to tolerate them. There is of course the humans who would right out fear the creatures and them to be an abomination to god. Those who fear them have a right to be because the vamps on True Blood can start some shit up. The vamps on the show are organized and can honestly cause a lot of harm to the world around them. The vamps on True Blood are truly terrifying.

Victor: True Blood (I would honestly love to see how Buffy could hold out against a True Blood vamp.)

World:

Buffy: The world of Buffy is filled with vamps, witches, werewolves, demons and other supernatural folk. They all seem to be drawn to supernatural hot spots such as Sunnydale and are supposed to keep a low profile. I however find it hard to believe that the majority of the human race is not aware with what is going on around them. The supernatural beings on Buffy do a terrible job of keeping their existence a secret. I understand that there are forces trying to keep things under wraps, but they can only do so much. Also the world seems to be facing an apocalypse every Sunday. What did the planet do when Buffy wasn't around?

True Blood: I mentioned before that the vampires on True Blood are organized. They have a set of rules to protect themselves and to keep attention off of them. Like humans they have a source of authority and when certain rules are broken the correct actions take place. The supernatural beings on True Blood also seem to be just as low key as the vamps and try their best to keep their identity. The supernatural beings on True Blood are much more believable, but they are also more dangerous. The world also seems to not to be also facing a complete apocalypse every week.

Victor: True Blood

Plot/Theme:

Buffy: Buffy is a show known for its memorable storylines and complex themes. At face value Buffy at times seems to be a supernatural show with a lot of fluff, but it's quite the opposite actually. I don't think any show dealt with the human condition the way Buffy did. Joss Whedon decided to make a teen show that took many of the issues teens face and turn them into an allegory of some kind. The series of course progressed over time and the issues that only affect teens began to become a thing of the past. The show evolved and grew along with its audience and began to focus on issues that have to do with human beings in general. Joss Wheadon was brilliant when it came to creating story arcs. There were many times when a plot point was referenced two seasons prior to its debut. The show is still remembered to this day for being innovative and cutting edge for the time. To fully understand the show you honestly have to watch it. (Just ask and I will direct you to some terrific episodes.)

True Blood: True Blood is a show that has its fair share of admirable storytelling however the plot seems to be pushed to the background and the show's only focus at times is to just pair off characters just so they can sex each other up. The series can be brilliant at times when it's dealing with the vampire rights conflict or tangoing with a supernatural beings whose only goal is to meet her god. The majority of flaws seen on the series mostly has to do with the source material and only seems to really shine when the writers of the show decide to do their own thing. Once the series decides to do away with following the story arcs of the books; the better off the show will be.

Victor: Buffy

The Count

Buffy: 4

True Blood: 3

Legacy: True Blood is a good show in its own right, but Buffy is still the superior show even after all these years. The show was able to deal with complex themes and create memorable characters.The show was often times lighthearted, but it never talked down to its audience and wasn't afraid to bring up issues that were often overlooked by television at the time. The lasting impact of Buffy is enormous and the popularity of the show has launched the Buffyverse. Buffy has been used in college courses across the country in psychology, women studies classes, etc. The show has given birth to a spin off series called Angel and has produced several spin offs in other medians. The legacy of Buffy is continued on in comic form and she might see a new film in the future. The old girl has even been mentioned once or twice in the show True Blood. Buffy has proven time and time again that she is going no where and she will be going on strong for many years to come putting fear in the undead hearts of vampires everywhere.

-Horrorwood Doll

The Art of Jessica Harrison

2011-02-11T11:26:00.000-07:00

The art of Jessica Harrison is simply Goregeous. (Hehe get the pun?) The majority of her work seems to involve in the human anatomy. In other words picture what the world would be like if the Mutter museum infiltrated the art world. I didn't know a thing about her till recently when I came across her current collection.

Just look at these lovely ladies. This what would happen if the porcelain figures in your grandmother's knickknack cabinet got invaded by a horror film. They remind me of my beloved porcelain Dresden dolls to tell you the truth.

I can't help, but think that there is some kind of context on how women acted and were treated in the 19th century. Of course I could be wrong and Jessica could have just wanted to create beauty with horrific imagery. Goodness knows, I would love to own one of these lovely ladies, but alas the workmanship that went into these must be immense as well as the price.

To see more of Jessica's work check out her site here.

-Horrorwood Doll

Vintage Shrunken Head Kit Ad

2011-02-01T22:23:00.000-07:00

Children had the most interesting toys back in the 60s. You know I always needed a shrunken head for those special ocassions. You know shrunken heads are not all that hard to back and the process to make them is actually quite simple. Well, you see all you need is AHEM! I'm done talking now. -_-

-Horrorwood Doll

Re: Your Brains - Jonathan Coulton

2011-01-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

One of my supervisors was playing this on the overhead speakers at work today.
It's had me giggling and singing along with it, and serves as another piece of proof that humor and horror couple together pretty well (That however is a post for another day).

The lyrics are posted with the video, so now I shall leave you to it.
(Yes, the lyrics do have misspellings and typos, but I was not the one who made it. )

-Bombshell Hell

Dexter (TV show)

2011-01-27T01:18:00.000-07:00

Dexter is a show that I'v been watching for awhile now, but for the longest time it just flew past my radar. There is just something so intruiging about a serial killer who kills other serial killers. I finally had the chance to view the show from season 1 to season 4 and all I can say is that the show is brilliant. I honestly love it and personally think that it is one of the best shows to air the waves of television.

Quick Synopsis: "A likable Miami police forensics expert moonlights as a serial killer of criminals whom he believes have escaped justice."

There is quite a lot of blood on the show. ( Those of you who enjoy films like Saw and Hostel should be jumping for joy) Due to the fact the show often potrays murder in a realistic manner; I've had no choice but to turn my head away from the screen due to some of the more grotesque moments.
(I'm a wimp like that. -_-)

Dexter and his eternal psychological struggle is where the show really shines. He really is an interesting character and it's his complex character that keeps the viewers wanting more. Dexter has a code that his father taught him and that is to never kill an innocent human being. Since Dexter has an eternal need to kill the code his father ,Harry taught him is what has saved Dexter from being caught by the authorities.

The first season of Dexter was adapted from a novel by Jeff Lindsay. The series of books and the show differ greatly after their first installment.

The show has been nominated for many awards including the Golden Globes, Emmys and the Scream Awards.

Check out the first episode on YouTube

(Not for squemish viewers and those underaged definantly need parental guidence)

If you have any spare time play the Dexter detective investigation interactive video youtube game.

Those of you who are fans of CSI, Law & Order, Bones, Without a Trace and those other crime dramas should adore this show. The scary thing about this show is that it has inspired several individuals to go out and copy certain actions that Dexter performs. The show is often quite gorey and brutal at times, but this show can not make an individual do some of the things that are depicted on the show. In my honest opinion this show should never be shown to someone who is currently of unstable mind or anyone under a mature age. (In other words do not show this show to a nine year old. I don't care how mature you think they are a show of this nature is not good for them.)

You can catch the show on Shotime even though it is currently on it's off season, but luckily the show has been renued for its 6th season.

"Needless to say I have some unusual habits, yet all these socially acceptable people can't wait to pick up hammers and smash their food to bits. Normal people are so hostile. " -Dexter

(Artwork by Ty Mattson)

-Horrorwood Doll

Organ Trail:Zombie Style

2011-01-17T00:37:00.000-07:00

All is lost! The zombie epidemic has finally came to be and there is no turning back. The United States capital of Washington D.C. has been issued under termination status by the government. The survivors have no other alternative, but to flee and head west in hope of a better and zombie-free way of life.

Organ Trail is a new spin on the classic game. Instead of hitting the Oregon trail and heading west in chances of a new plentiful life, you are now heading west to the safe zone in hope that you'll be out of reach from the undead fiends. The game is pretty basic and mostly resembles the earlier versions of the westward game.

Like the original game you have to find ways to obtain food, keep your party healthy, and keep your chosen transportation in tip top shape. There are a few things you have to account for though and that is that every step you take on this journey is zombie filled.

Don't take the candy this guy gives you.

The game is fairly simple, but a little bit of strategy is needed to succeed.

*TIPS* (Ignore if you want to just figure everything out on your own.)

If you pick the hardest level that leaves you to get your supplies in hours divide your time collecting these items.

*6 hours to gather gas (You can't win or go anywhere in the game without this)

*1 hour for bullets (Don't bother gathering food. Gather your food outside the main city instead and you should have all the bullets you need for the whole game.)

* 1 hour spend on medical kit or money.

Make sure you leave in early morning and it's best to travel by night.

If you spot a tombstone by the road don't investigate. Of course if you're really curious go right on ahead.

Use your medical kits only when a member of your party has passed out. The medical kits can not cure illness so rest is your only hope.

The game takes a hour on average to play and can be found at hatsproductions.com or by clicking on this link. I wish there were more obstacles in the game to make things a bit more interesting, but it really is a work in progress. The game is always getting updates so be sure to check back. If you are a fan of the classic Oregon Trail you'll most definitely like this game.

-Horrorwood Doll

Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror

2011-01-13T00:39:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to rent Universal Studios Monsters:A Legacy of Horror from the library. I thought it would be a great resource of inspiration for my classic horror theme Halloween/birthday party. (Yes, I plan my Halloween party a year ahead of time.)

The book covers the early years of Hollywood and how Universal Studios got started and what led them to do the Horror films we know and love to this very day. Universal's main horror films get their own special section and even some lesser known horror films get a chance to be in the limelight. The book provides many facts and trivia that the everyday horror fan might not know, but they should. For example the actress Gloria Stuart the actress who played the old Rose in Titanic got her start in Universal Horror film?

There are many gorgeous pictures featured within the book, which really is the best part of the book. You'll also get a chance to learn a little more about your favorite horror actors such as Bela Lugosi and Barlos Karloff. My only complaint with the book is the synopsis that is given for each movie, but I suppose if you have yet to see some of the films it can help you to become interested in the films and go out and seek them.

This book would be perfect for the coffee table or it can make a great gift for an upcoming horror fan.

-Horrorwood Doll

Black Swan:A review of Sorts

2011-01-07T01:05:00.000-07:00

    I finally got a chance to see the highly sensationalized Black Swan. There is much debate if this film constitutes as a horror film, but I think dark/foreboding imagery and how the film deals with the subject content would mean that this film can be labeled under the horror genre. The film starts off quite calmly and is your average everyday art film, but as the film goes momentum builds and becomes a psychological horror thriller.

The films overall imagery is fantastic and is used to help tell the story in an effective manner. The camera direction is what really needs kudos. The camera spins and moves with the dancers and really makes the audience feel like they are part of the performances in the film.

    Everyone is efficient in their given roles. Natalie Portman plays the role of the sheltered, obsessive,sexually repressed, and schizophrenic ballerina perfectly. Everyone else is pretty good in their roles too, especially Barbra Hershey and Wiona Ryder.

   The music used in the film is mostly from Swan Lake. Well Clint Mansell has combined the original Swan Lake score with his own. I guess you could look at it as the music for a ballet gone wrong.

Now, for the important stuff. For the horror fans who want their films filled with blood and guts this film isn't for you. There is a bit of blood seen in the film and definitely some moments that make you cringe, but this film isn't like the modern day horror fare. The film is definantly more of a psychological thriller then anything else. If you want a dark film with twists and turns then this is the film for you.

The real cool thing about the film is that it's a horror film that is getting noticed by the bigger film awards such as the Golden Globes and most likely The Oscars. This is quite rare because most horror films no matter how well written or how complex they are seem to be looked down upon, but this film seems to be the exception.

Will this film join the ranks of other great horror films such as Rosemary's Baby, Suspiria, The Exorcist,etc.? Only time will tell, but from what I've seen so far it looks like horror has a bright future this coming decade.

Film Type: Psychological Chiller

-Horrorwood Doll

Don't be Afraid of the Dark

2011-01-02T15:06:00.003-07:00

Don't be Afraid of the Dark

This movie had me at Guillermo del Toro. The film is a remake of a made for TV horror film and while other horror remakes are doomed from the very start this film seems to be the exception. Guillermo del Toror seems to be a busy little scamp when it comes to moviemaking. He is currently working on a Frankenstein remake and an adventure horror film called At the Mountains of Madness. There is also talk of him producing a Haunted Mansion movie based off the popular Disney theme park ride. Unlike the terrible excuse of a comedy that starred Eddie Murphy del Toror is planning on doing a fantasy historical piece that will probably be similar to the first Pirates of the Carribean film.

I almost want to call this the perfect horror trailer. The trailer only hints at the plot without giving anything away and knows to show just enough to get us wanting more. If this film is half as good del Toro's oprevious work I'll say we are in for a treat.

The director is Troy Nixey and is a newcomer to the directors chair. If the movie is like anything I have seen in the trailer then I can safely say that this director has a bright future.

P.S. The trailer reminds of this lovely picture by Selina Fenech. Called Stolen in her Sleep.

Note: Don't be Afraid of the Dark's release date is set to be August 13.

-Horrorwood Doll

2010-12-28T19:16:00.001-07:00

If you're a fan of Avenged Sevenfold, You will know that this day, December 28th, 2010, is the anniversary of Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan's death.

So in honor of The Rev, this is a review of the album (and single of the same name) released in honor of, and dedicated to, the beloved Drummer: Nightmare.

   Despite what many believe, the track is not directly about the Rev's passing. Nightmare, the album, was originally meant to be a concept album, much like Queensryche's Operation: Mindcrime. Only two songs from the concept remain on the album: Nightmare and Danger Line. They still exist on this album because Jimmy loved them.

   The rest of the album is about The Rev's life and the pain of his passing, and features a very dark sound, even for A7X's standards. (And Tracks such as "Fiction", which features a voice recording of The Rev, have a heightened eerie sound.)

   The Album was written in a time when emotions were raw and the memories were fresh in their minds. The pain of losing a best friend can be heard in every note played and every word sung. It makes the album painful to listen to for the fans as well.

   The video for the single is riddled with themes of psychological horror, from M. Shadows being carted through the demented hospital, to Synyster Gates, strapped in a straitjacket, banging his bloody head against the wall to Zacky V. dancing with a skeleton and Johnny crawling along the ceiling.

   The horror and madness that lurk in one's own mind is always the most frightening.

   That all being said, even if you've listened to the album and seen the video, You haven't seen anything until you've seen it live: (Hint: around the minute mark)

-foREVer-

-Bombshell Hell

Merry X-Mas and New Year

2010-12-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas from Dreadful Dreary. Hope its a wonderful one.

P.S I was a good girl this year and because of that I got the Val Lewton collection.

-Horrorwood Doll

Supernatural: The Anime?

2010-12-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

Many fans of horror are drawn to the show Supernatural. The show has great music, a cool car, witty dialogue, supernatural beings, and hot people galore. What's not to love about a show where every episode is a horror film. Well there might be a new way to embark on adventures with the Winchester brother duo. Coming in 2011 a Supernatural anime is due to be released. The anime will be released in Japan this January an American version is due to come out later that year.

The anime studio MADHOUSE is in charge of producing 22 episodes for Warner Brother. Considering that MADHOUSE is the same company responsible for giving us anime classics such as Death Note, Vampire Hunter D, and Paprika; I think it's same to say the show is in good hands. A teaser trailer is currently available for viewing on the website or better yet right below.

Dude, I'm sold. :D

HorrorWood Doll

Review: Rihanna in Disturbia (music video, not the movie...)

2010-12-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

Hello friends ^_^ I think it's time for a review on here to get this horror blog going. I chose this song and video because it is unusual, for any artist who doesn't immerse themselves in the horror genre regularly to do something like this. It's not particularly new, but I thought it was something worth mentioning. Mostly for the fact that she is stepping out of comfort zone with this song. In it, we see her addressing the idea of paranoia, hallucination and the feeling of insanity. Essentially, through this, she is exploring the darkness of the human mind. Going through a bad part of your life you will experience these very same feelings. The video has a freak show/ imprisonment feeling to it, personifying it in this imagery. By doing this she exposes a certain vulnerability to us, showing us that we all go through weak times in our lives like a loss of self-control or ourselves.
So I thank Rihanna for showing her fans that it's OK to have a freak in our closets.

Buffy Fans rejoice :D

2010-12-19T17:37:00.001-07:00

Two of my favorite things in the world have been combined. That's right Jones Soda and Buffy have joined forces and the result is nothing less than brilliant. The soda comes in six flavors Buffy’s Blue Bubblegum, Xander’s Strawberry Lime Elixir, Willow’s Green Apple Witches Brew and Giles’ Grape Potion. You can purchase a 6-pack for $12.99 or a 12 -pack for $21.99.

In honor of the Buffy season 8 motion graphic novel Jones soda has been giving a way a 6-pack of Jones Soda daily from December 15 to January 10th. Enter your chance to win by clicking this link.

-Horrorwood Doll

And a Friendly Hello

2010-12-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Dreadful Dreary a blog dedicated to all things horror. Here you will find reviews,articles,news,travel logs, and other ooky spooky tidbits.

From Dr. Mabuse: The Gambaler