COMPANEROS

Fate brought them together... Greed made them inseparable... Violence made them COMPANEROS!
Yodlaf Peterson (Franco Nero of KEOMA) is a suave Swedish arms dealer with a love for fast money. Vasco (Tomas Milian of TRAFFIC) is a trigger-happy Mexican bandit with a hate for suave Swedish arms dealers. But when the two team up to kidnap a professor who holds the key to a fortune in gold, they find themselves hunted by the American army, stalked by a marijuana-crazed sadist (Academy Award winner Jack Palance) and trapped in the middle of a revolution about to explode. Can these two enemies blast their way across Mexico together without killing each other first?

Written and directed by the legendary Sergio Corbucci (DJANGO), COMPANEROS is a once-in-a-lifetime teaming of the two greatest European stars in 'Spaghetti Western' history. Fernando Rey (THE FRENCH CONNECTION) co-stars in this action-packed comedy classic that also features a remarkable score by Ennio Morricone (THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY).

There isn't anything quite like watching Jack Palance blazing joints during gun fights. Ya know? An awful lot of joints. In fact, he is given a leather wallet full of doobies as a down payment to go kill the hero's of this classic western. So, roach clip in hand, with his trusty falcon "Marcia", who once saved his life in Cuba, he hunts for Vasco and The Penguin. Confused yet? Its really not that convoluted. You see, Vasco is recruited by a revolutionary 'General' who claims to have his eyes on the presidency of Mexico. Vasco sets out as a fanatical soldado for the cause on a mission to Yuma to bust another, competing, candidate for the top spot. Along with a Swedish arms dealer, they dodge the real army, both Mexicano and Americano, the group of stoner led assassins, and often each other, AND the young idealists who follow the man they are going to get. With the help of a band of whores they are able to bust this man out of the fort where he is held captive and flee back to Mexico. Along the way Vasco realizes he's pretty much been a douche bag the whole movie and slowly changes his stripe to be a follower of the 'Professor' whom he has just busted out of jail. The Swede is just in it for the money, and he is ambivalent as to who pays, so its all good to him. Meanwhile the gorgeous Lola (Iris Berben) leads the followers of the Professor and captures Vasco's heart. Well, as you can imagine madness ensues when they return to San Bernardino, that includes a wicked machine gun scene, machetes, a wedding, a bank vault full of symbolism, and the theft of a church relic. Oh yeah. And more doobies being smoked. Cause Jack's not done yet! They never played this one on TV when i was a kid. And you gotta give props to Jack Palance for actually looking stoned during his scenes. Franco and Tomas are always superlative character & lead actors, and they nail this movie shut like the coffin they used to slip the prof past the border guards in. When the smoke all clears, pun intended, I have to say this one was pretty darn good. It's not often you see this level of creativity in a western. Certainly not these days! ADIOS!

EMANUELLE IN AMERICA

The Sex & Violence Classic From Director Joe D'Amato... Now Totally Uncut And Uncensored!
The stunning Laura Gemser stars as Emanuelle, the fearless fashion photographer and investigative photojournalist whose thirst for adventure is matched only by her insatiable erotic hunger. But when Emanuelle uncovers shocking evidence of an international snuff film conspiracy, she is plunged into an odyssey of forbidden passion, depraved desires and unspeakable human brutality. From the lust-filled streets of New York City to the corrupt corridors of Washington D.C. and beyond, one of the most controversial sex and gore epics in exploitation history has finally come home: This is EMANUELLE IN AMERICA!

Everything you've ever heard about this jaw-dropping cult classic is true: graphic sex, harrowing violence, a horse named Pedro and much, much more. Directed by the notorious Joe D'Amato (BEYOND THE DARKNESS), EMANUELLE IN AMERICA has been newly mastered from pristine vault materials and is now presented completely uncut for the first time ever!

EXTRAS

Joe D'Amato and the Black Emanuelles - Interview with Director Joe D'Amato
Audio Interview with Star Laura Gemser
Poster & Still Gallery
The Unofficial Emmanuelle Phenomenon by David Flint
Talent Bios

TECH SPECS

Color
Dolby Digital Mono
English, French, Italian
1.85:1 / 16x9
1976
100 Mins
Not Rated - Contains scenes of a graphic sexual nature
Region Code: 0

Notes

"One Of The Most Notorious Exploitation Films Ever Made!"
-Bizarre Magazine


Ok! Let me start by sayiing that this movie is not for family viewing.
It starts off like you'd think, and moves along with the incredibly gorgeous
Laura Gemser going undercover under the covers, as it were, to get photos for use in her profession as a photo-journalist for a New York news magazine. She manages to defy an assassination attempt with an impromptu blowjob to show the would be killer that sex isnt so bad, and the sins of the world can be fun and worth trying out. He quickly agrees and flees with abig grin on his somewhat shocked face. Emanuelle knows a repressed man when she sees one! Campy antics get our sultry hedonistic investigator a position in the harem of a local wealthy bad guy who collects women according to the signs of the zodiac, where as "Virgo" she completes the set and meanders around snapping photos with a camera James Bond would be proud to have used.
Once she has her evidence, she makes good her escape, and finds herself in Venice in the casstle of an aristocrat who seems to be in the business of selling forged art works to other high end scum. Oh, and he throws one hell of a party. I gave a little start at this point as the films "graphic sexual content" began to make itself manifest in the most graphic ways possible! Soft core this is not! Well, Emanuelle gets wind of some other questionable shenanigans on the other side of the world and so must be off to get her photos! Ciao, Venice! And enter the blood and gore portion of this odd, disturbing, flick. Seems Emanuelle is after the producers of some snuff films. I got a bit skeezed out during this part, and found myself cringeing and looking away. For 1976, those are some realistic effects. There is more than one kind of impalement shown in this film. HA and there is a scene with a Horse named Pedro. I was pretty much "no way will they show...oh shit! They Do they do!" This one is unrated folks, but that doesnt mean you can get it at the local rental spot. 1976!

At any rate, this entire series is notorious for setting the standard internationally for exploitation films. And they were not above the "mash-up" with whatever was big at the time. Thus be prepared a unique experience when you go watch this gem in the crown of Laura Gemser and Joe D'Amato - EMANUELLE IN AMERICA
brought to you by the legendary Blue Underground.

THE STENDHAL SYNDROME

DARIO ARGENTO'S Masterpiece Of Terror - Completely Uncut And Uncensored!
When beautiful police detective Anna Manni (Asia Argento) follows the bloody trail of a sophisticated serial murderer/rapist through the streets of Italy, the young woman falls victim to the bizarre "Stendhal Syndrome" - a hallucinatory phenomenon which causes her to lose her mind and memory in the presence of powerful works of art. Trapped in this twilight realm, Anna plunges deeper and deeper into sexual psychosis, until she comes to know the killer's madness more intimately than she ever imagined.

Horror maestro Dario Argento (SUSPIRIA, OPERA) reaches new heights of florid fantasy and Grand Guignol with this warped work of art starring Maxim Magazine's "Sexiest Woman in the World" Asia Argento (LAND OF THE DEAD, XXX), Thomas Kretschmann (KING KONG, BLADE II) and Marco Leonardi (FROM DUSK TILL DAWN 3). Previously edited outside of Italy, THE STENDHAL SYNDROME is now presented here in stunning High Definition, transferred under the supervision of cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno (ALL THAT JAZZ, AMARCORD) from the original Italian 35mm interpositive, and loaded with exclusive Extras.

EXTRAS

Director: Dario Argento
Inspiration: Psychological Consultant Graziella Magherini
Special Effects: Sergio Stivaletti
Assistant Director: Luigi Cozzi
Production Designer: Massimo Antonello Geleng
Theatrical Trailer

TECH SPECS

Color
7.1 DTS-HD (English Only); 7.1 Dolby TrueHD (English Only); 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround EX
English, Italian
Optional English Subtitles
1.66:1
1996
119 Mins
Not Rated
Region Code: ALL

NOTES AND REVIEWS

"Argento's Most Disturbing Work To Date!"
-Eccentric Cinema

"A CLASSIC AND A MASTERPIECE... An Engaging Piece Of Filmmaking That Alternates Between The Harrowing And The Beautiful!"
-DVD Times

"A Somber, Brutal, And Nightmarish Film That Begs To Be Considered As A Serious Work Of Art!"
-Mondo Digital


Simply put, this movie is a must have. If you are a fan of Dario, or Asia Argento and you haven't added this one to your collection, then you, my friend, are being deeply remiss. These two cult icons should need no introductions to anyone reading these humble reviews, and yet, I can't pass up the opportunity to lavish praise on this stunning effort byt eh legendary family Argento. Chills? oh yes. Hallucinations? Oh yes. Asia getting sliced with razor blades whilst strapped to a filthy mattress? But of course! And lets not forget the art. This movie will have (and probably has HAD) art students quietly, slipping off to libraries to look up the Stendhal Syndrome to see how they too can get IT. Not that you'd reallllly want to have it, but some of us art students really get a kick out of shit like that.
We DO try to influence people after a fashion after all. But i digress.

The Stendhal Syndrome has received the most loving attention to detail by Blue Underground, to bring you the definitive Blu Ray. Viola. Wait no longer.

Look over Asia's shoulder as she hunts up and down Italy for a rapist, who quickly flips the table's and begins hunting up and down Italy for HER. Does he find her? oh yes. Is he victorious? Is she? What, in fact, happens? Well, facts can be tricky when you are under the influence of THE STENDHAL SYNDROME. So I'm not telling. BUT I will say this. If you are having a Blue Underground nite and decide to watch this one, and you happen to know me, and called to say "hey, come over Im gonna watch Stendhal." I'd be on the way before you could say "bring Munchies."

It's sexy, it's tricky, its Argento.

BABA YAGA

The Psychedelic Shocker Based On The Erotic Comics Of Guido Crepax...
Legendary sex symbol Carroll Baker (BABY DOLL, THE SWEET BODY OF DEBORAH) stars as a mysterious sorceress with an undying hunger for sensual ecstasy and unspeakable torture. But when she casts a spell over a beautiful young fashion photographer (the gorgeous Isabelle De Funes), Milan's most luscious models are sucked into a nightmare world of lesbian seduction and shocking sadism. Are these carnal crimes the result of one woman's forbidden fantasies or is this the depraved curse of the devil witch known as BABA YAGA?

George Eastman (THE GRIM REAPER) co-stars in this provocative EuroShocker (also know as DEVIL WITCH and KISS ME KILL ME) written and directed by Corrado Farina and based on the notorious S&M comic Valentina by Guido Crepax. Blue Underground is now proud to present BABA YAGA restored from pristine vault materials and packed with eye-popping Extras, including never-before-seen erotic outtakes from the Italian Censor's archives as well as the director's own private collection.


DVD EXTRAS

Farina and Valentina - Interview with Director Corrado Farina
Freud in Color - Guido Crepax Documentary
Deleted and Censored Scenes
Theatrical Trailer
Poster & Still Gallery
Comic Book-to-Film Comparison (DVD-ROM)

Tech Specs

Color
Dolby Digital Mono
English
1.85:1 / 16x9
1973
83 Mins
Not Rated
Region Code: 0

Oh to be a milanese fashion photographer! What a life this film describes.
Our Heroine saves a dog from being hit by a car, while walking home, and the driver of the vehicle insists that she be allowed to take our photographer the rest of the way home. The mysterious driver is of the opinion that it is fate, that has brought the pair together, and handles one of the photographers cameras. Hmm. Seems like just another random wacko right? Well, thats what our fashion starlet thinks as well. UNTIL every click of the shutter of that damn camera, has the subjects dropping in their tracks! As though it sapped them of all their energy and left them near death with one click of the shutter. And now, the mystery lady wants the photographer over to her home for a visit!. Of course, she goes. and what follows, is best left unsaid, in as much as I dont want to give it away! Baba Yaga! This is what happens when a witch/demoness/just a random chain of events(?) gets a hold of you! So watch out! and watch the movie!

MANNAJA: A MAN CALLED BLADE

ONE OF THE LAST GREAT 'SPAGHETTI WESTERNS' - NOW TOTALLY UNCUT AND UNCENSORED!
Maurizio Merli (the iconic star of the 70s Italian cop movies) stars as a hatchet-wielding bounty hunter with a dark past and an even more desperate future. But when he disrupts the balance of power in a corrupt mining town, he unleashes a firestorm of brutality, betrayal and cold-blooded murder. Now, one man stalks a savage land where justice walks a razor and no bullets slice deeper than vengeance. He is A MAN CALLED BLADE.

John Steiner (SALON KITTY, CALIGULA) and Donal OBrien (RUN MAN RUN, KEOMA) co-star in this muddy, bloody and extreme Spaghetti Western that is truly a cut above the rest. Co-written and directed by the notorious Sergio Martino (TORSO, MOUNTAIN OF THE CANNIBAL GOD), MANNAJA: A MAN CALLED BLADE has been fully restored from original Italian vault materials including its infamous eyeball torture scenes.

DVD Extras

A Man Called Sergio - Interview with Director Sergio Martino
Theatrical Trailer
Poster & Still Gallery
Sergio Martino Bio

Tech Specs

Color
Dolby Digital Mono
English, Italian
Optional English Subtitles
2.35:1 / 16x9
1977
96 Mins
Not Rated
Region Code: 0

Note -

"VIOLENT AND SURREAL... A TRUE CLASSIC OF THE GENRE!"
-Westerns All'Italiana



A man returns to gain vengeance on the man who killed his father. Unknown in the town, he quickly gets into trouble, and secures himself a reputation as a tough guy. A bounty hunter, he has a man in shackles, whom he uses as stakes in a game of high card. He wins. He is forced to take his money the hard way, as the others in the room were not inclined to allow this muddy stranger to walk off with the straw boss's 5k. These men all die. Like so many others who attempt to double cross the man called blade. Of course, his behaviour has earned him the enmity of these guys, who happen to work for the guy who offed his old man. But wait! Can even the guy he came to kill trust these guys? And his daughter looks to be a little devious herself. Throw in a travelling burlesque show, and a bunch of stone age tomahawks and you've got yourself quite a western!

THE TOOLBOX MURDERS

BIT BY BIT BY BIT... HE CARVED A NIGHTMARE!
In a quiet apartment complex in Los Angeles, a deranged handyman goes on a killing spree, savagely murdering 'immoral' women with the tools of his trade - claw-hammers, screwdrivers, power drills and even a deadly nail gun! But these gruesome massacres are just the beginning of this landmark epic of violence and depravity that was vilified by critics, banned by censors, and treasured by splatter fans worldwide. This is... THE TOOLBOX MURDERS!

Cameron Mitchell (BLOOD AND BLACK LACE), Wesley Eure (LAND OF THE LOST), Aneta Corseaut (THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW), Marianne Walter (adult film star Kelly Nichols) and former child actress Pamelyn Ferdin (CHARLOTTE'S WEB) star in this notorious sickie. Now experience one of the most shocking exploitation films of all time at its bloody best, as THE TOOLBOX MURDERS is presented here uncut, uncensored, and newly remastered in blood-curdling High Definition from its original negative!

BLUE RAY EXTRAS

Audio Commentary with Producer Tony DiDio, Directory of Photography Gary Graver and Star Pamelyn Ferdin
I Got Nailed In THE TOOLBOX MURDERS - Interview with Star Marianne Walter
Theatrical Trailer
TV Spot
Radio Spots

Tech Specs-

Color
7.1 DTS-HD; 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround EX; Original Mono
English
Optional Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
1.66:1
1978
94 Mins
Not Rated
Region Code: ALL

Reviews and Notes -

"The Ultimate Exploitation Sickie!"
-The Psychotronic Encyclopedia of Film

"Generates Some Genuinely Scary Moments!"
-Stephen King

"A Sleazy Masterpiece Of Cinematic Horrors... Sickly Disturbing And Creepy As Hell!"
-Monsters At Play

"A Pleasantly Unsettling Cult Item That Rises Above Its Scurrilous Reputation!"
-Sex Gore Mutants



Oh. My. God. What a supremely twisted flick! Slain women, baffled cops, family on the edge. AND they serve it up with a WICKED twist. The transfer looks like it was shot yesterday in crystal HD. I couldnt be happier, or to put it a different way, more skeezed out by this movie at all. Gore. Incest. Grief. Insanity. This "True Story" rivals the most heinous of crime sprees. I bet you will be spooked. My doors are now locked! jeez! Heebie Jeebies all around.