Dark Shadows Trailer/Other Tim Burton Trailers

Oh my goodness it's finally here. The trailer for the film that I've waited a couple of years to see. Lets take a look.

...........Yeah um that's not very Dark Shadowy at all. I know the show was known for its cheesiness, but come on some of the things shown here are a tad ridiculous. Even if the show was a little hooky it still had some class to it and did have a bit of a horror aspect to it even if it wasn't exactly scary. Well maybe its just a bad trailer perhaps the poster will be better.

Well someone discovered the paint overlay option on adobe illustrator.

Next we have the new trailer for Burton's new movie Frankenweenie

This film is a remake of one of Burton's earlier short films. Back in the day the Disney Channel would air the short around Halloween time. It looks really great. Not only does the stop motion look amazing, but it looks like they've improved on the original story a little bit. I can understand why Burton would want to remake this. The original was low budget in comparison and he was probably never able to make the film to his vision.

Now for a historical piece.

The film is produced by Burton and is based off a book written by Seth Grahame-Smith, the writer of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

 Looks like a busy year for Burton with Zombies, undead dogs, and badass monster fighting presidents. Now we have to wait to see which films will excel and which ones will bomb.

-Horrorwood Doll

Elle Horror Inspired Shoot with Glee Stars

 

 Kate Mara - Carrie

 Dianna Agron - Attack of the 50 Foot Woman

 Naya River - Suspiria

 Connie Britton - The Omen

 Jayma Mays - The Birds

 Taissa Farmiga - When a Stranger Calls

 Heather Morris - Repulsion

 Sarah Paulson - Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?

Lea Michele - Creature From the Black Lagoon

This fantastic photo shoot done for Elle online magazine was done by Ryan Murphy. The Co-creator of shows such as Glee and American Horror Story. The shots are done with Stars from Glee and some stars from Murphy's other shows. It's great to  see that someone has taken a notice in the classic and timeless looks featured in many horror films. Murphy was also kind enough to share his personal feelings on many of these classic films. You can read it here.

Complex: 25 Hottest Women on Horror TV Show

Complex has just released their list on the 25 hottest horror women on the small screen. You can check it out here.http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/02/the-25-hottest-women-on-horror-tv-shows#1

It's a solid list, but the rankings are off in my opinion and way too many deserving actresses are left off the list in place of ones that not many have heard about. I just find it a little odd that Lara Parker didn't make the cut as Angelique in the television show Dark Shadows.

Seriously, Lara Parker out babes most modern day scream queens.

-Horrorwood Doll

The New Dark Shadows Film (A first look)

 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

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)

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!)

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

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!!!!)

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

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