News

Stars: Anthony Eisley, Thordis Brandt, Alvy Moore, Shelby Grant, Tony Benson, Robyn Millan, Warrene Ott, Helene Winston, Burt Mustin, Rudy Haydel | Written and Directed by William O. Brown

In the 1960s, horror films made a pivot from monsters and evil scientists to supernatural evil. The 60s saw witches and warlocks, satanic rituals and human sacrifices. This was a new decade and a more real threat. These films felt real. That neighbour down the street that you seemed to never see could be that threat.

Well, at the end of the decade in 1969, director William O. Brown brought the world The Naked Witch. But this film is also known under a bunch of other names as well, including The Witchmaker, Witchkill, The Legend of Witch Hollow or The Witchmaster. Rapidly approaching its 60th anniversary, the film has been restored and released on Blu-ray thanks to the good folks at Vci Entertainment and Mvd Visual.

There is something clearly uncomfortable about serial killer Tony Benson, the title character in director Gerard Johnson’s 2009 English film, “Tony.” From shot one we see Tony walking confusedly along litter-strewn streets, a look of bewilderment on his face as he seemingly tries to make sense of what’s around him. This is accentuated by the way Johnson and cinematographer David Higgs (Dp on Guy Ritchie’s “RocknRolla” and the 1983 segment of the wonderful “Red Riding” trilogy) shoot the film, infusing it with harsh and pointed lighting and cold colors that give the entire look of the picture an uneasiness. Additionally, Peter Ferdinando’s awkward and chilling portrayal of Tony is striking. Kept frequently in long to medium shots as he roams the streets, Tony and his relationship to his environment is regularly called to attention. Despite being surrounded, Tony is visibly alone, situated in isolation within the frame and...