This is slightly off topic and may get buried quickly, but with so many horror aficionados in one place, I thought here is maybe the best place to ask.
Any recommendations for good horror podcasts, books (not novels, but books detailing the history of horror movies), web sites, or other media where I can learn more about the genre, sfx, the various subgenres, etc? Please note that I live in Japan so I don't have easy access to monthly magazines like Fangoria and stuff like that.
Thanks a ton for any and all recommendations!
I'm not a big cover-to-cover reader these days, but here's a couple of books I like to flip though. I have no idea of these are still in print though, so your luck may vary.
All I Need To Know About FILMMAKING I Learned From THE TOXIC AVENGER: The Shocking True Story of Troma Studios by by Lloyd Kaufman and Guardians of the Galaxy's James Gunn.
This is the only one of these books I've read all the way through. Don't let the bizarre title fool you, it's really a history of Kaufman's past in the film industry and starting Troma, mostly covering his early days with plenty of hilarious stories which may or may not be true. This is hands down the funniest book I've ever read. I had to stop reading constantly so I could laugh out loud. Highly recommended if you're into Troma and Lloyd's sense of humor. It also includes a selected filmography with brief descriptions of Troma films that Lloyd doesn't think are complete crap, so it's a good reference if you're digging deeper into their library.
Book of the Dead: The Complete History of Zombie Cinema by Jamie Russell
I really got heavy into horror when I started collecting zombie movies years ago, so this book is a fantastic reference to flip though. It covers every major movement in the sub-genre starting with voodoo zombies, to post Romero. Big series like the Blind Dead and Fulci's trilogy have their own sections as well. It also has a massive filmography with bios and summaries, though my edition is from 2006 so it's a little out of date.
The Complete History of The Return of the Living Dead by Christian Sellers and Gary Smart
This book, man! Now, I've only read the sections on Night of the Living Dead, RotLD1 and RotLD2 (it also covers RotLD 3-5) but if you're a fan of the series, this is a must read. RotLD1's troubled production is fascinating and there's so many great stories about Dan O'Bannon. He really was a character. It also has tons of rare production art and full colour on-set photos. If you're interested in the series, also check out the documentary More Brains! for even more crazy Dan O'Bannon stories.
Rue Morgue Magazine's:
200 Alternative Horror Films You Need to See and
Horror Movie Heroes - The first two books in Rue Morgue's Library series.
200 Alternative Horror Films is a great selection of films you may have overlooked including films like The Devil's Backbone, Dead & Buried, Cemetery Man, Father's Day, May, Night of the Creeps, etc. It also includes sub-lists like "10 Frightfests You and Your Family Need to See", "10 Foreign Zombie Films You Need to See" and more. A great reference book.
I've just flipped though the Horror Movie Heroes book so far, but it's got interviews with a lot of big names like Cronenberg, Stan Winston, Lloyd Kaufman and even some actors like Barbara Crampton and Adrienne Barbeau.
Dr. AC Presents Hidden Horror edited by Aaron Christensen
I haven't actually read any of this one yet and I have no idea who Dr. AC is, but I recently picked this one up. Looking at the index it covers gems like Blood for Dracula, Brain Damage, The Living Dead At Manchester Morgue and Pieces, so I think it'll be a good read.
Movie 2 - I Spit on Your Grave (2010)
Finally (on day 1 haha), my first actual remake. I hear this version is more tame than the original... if that's the case I don't know if I could handle the original.
This movie was really disturbing during well the big scene. I just felt so uncomfortable while watching it.
And the revenge stuff was some Saw-level gore.
Fine movie. Accomplish it's task well... but don't think ever watching again.
The original has a worse, more grueling-to-sit-through initial attack on the female lead, but less showy revenge kills (with the exception of one that was NIGHTMARE inducing). Basically the original and remake flip the extremes. I don't think I've ever squirmed in my seat watching a movie as much as I did the original.
There's also 2 sequels to the remake, one of which I believe comes out this month.
