Vinegar Syndrome in September

I think he got the point.

I'm really excited for September's Vinegar Syndrome lineup, because I've only seen one of the five films debuting next month. There's something for everyone in September: a new AGFA release, some late 80s Charles Band craziness, an Italian gore fest, a "murder every camper" direct-to-video slasher, and an oft-overlooked Mexican Satanic horror flick. Let's dive in, knives out!

The releases from the American Genre Film Archive have been killing it this year, and September brings a queer exploitation film I've only ever seen the trailer for. "Sometimes Aunt Martha Does Dreadful Things" looks like a mix of "Pink Flamingos", "Dog Day Afternoon", and the original "My Bloody Valentine". Limited to 1,500 units, "Sometimes..." has received a 2K restoration from the only 35mm print in existence. Additionally, the little-seen documentary "The Drag Queen's Ball" has been added to this package, along with a pair of gay-themed short films. Everything about this release reads like a time capsule from the years immediately following Stonewall. For me, it's a must have.

My first exposure to Adam Ant wasn't via a music video, or one of the awesome/terrible Adam and the Ants records from the early 80s. I discovered Adam Ant from the poster to 1991's "Spellcaster". Today, it's known as the final Empire Pictures film released, a full three years after completion of the film. Directed by B-movie auteur Rafal Zielinski, this is the tale of an evil treasure hunt, starring Ant as the villain and Gail O'Grady as an aspiring VJ. There is no doubt in my mind that this is not a good movie. But it DOES look like a fun movie, so I'm buying a copy. The additional hook is the packaging on this, the eighth release in the Vinegar Syndrome Archive series. The releases in this series were mainstays on late 80s/early 90s late night TV, are hand numbered, and feature a specially designed, bottom loading VHS inspired slipcase, while also including a double-sided poster. "Spellcaster" is limited to 4,000 pieces, and the sold out releases in the VSA series go for crazy money on the secondary market.

When I saw "Killing Birds" in the early 90s, I thought it was SO dumb. Did the birds kill? Nope; they just blinded Robert Vaughn. But I remember it being gory and having a cool cover, and isn't THAT what really matters when you're 13 and looking for horror movies at the video store? VS issuing this in North America on Blu-ray for the first time under the title "Zombie 5: Killing Birds". That should clear some things up when you judge this film by its cover. Along with a 2K scan and restoration, the happy new owner of "Killing Birds" gets interviews with credited director Claudio Lattanzi (who apparently fronted for Joe D'Amato here) and long-time grindhouse vet Larry Revene. The bonus that stands out for me is the new commentary track by critic Samm Deighan, whose recent book in the Devil's Advocates series, "M", is pretty outstanding.

Summer may be over, but there's never a bad time to watch a direct-to-video camp slasher movie. I've yet to see "Memorial Day Massacre", but the plot looks like it's right in my wheelhouse. This has it all: an evil real estate magnate, a heroic forest ranger, bikers, white trash, a caveman, gratuitous nipples, and so many mullets. Just listing these makes me want to watch it NOW! It stars John Kerry, the only person to appear in both "Dolemite" and "Black Dynamite", and was directed by Robert Hughes, whose 1986 feature "Hunter's Blood" is absolutely worth tracking down if you're into hixploitation. VS has ponied up a 4K scan and restoration from the 35mm negative, along with interviews with Hughes and Kerry, and fresh artwork. Are you ready for an axin' packed adventure? Damn right, you are!

Finally, September brings a region-free Blu-ray release of 1988's "Ladrones de Tumbas" ("Grave Robbers"). What is this film about, you may ask? Why, it's about teenage grave robbers who awaken the sleeping body of a 300-year-old satanic priest. The maniac immediately sets out to complete his mission to spawn the Son of Satan. Bloodshed ensues. It sounds like a hell of a time! (I'll show myself out)

Now, I was sucked in by a great slipcover from Richard Hilliard, but I'm excited to give this a wag based on the description that this parallels the later "Friday the 13th" films. And I have very little experience with the 80s Mexican horror scene, so this seems like as good a place to start as anywhere. The gang at The Hysteria Continues provides commentary, and we also get an interview with director Rubén Galindo Jr., along with a 4K scan and restoration.

Someone has a weird idea of "romance"...not to kink shame!

The trade off for five releases in a month is that we sadly get no smut in September. However, each release gets a now-customary limited edition slipcover when you order via www.vinegarsyndrome.com. If you're looking to snag all three Vinegar Syndrome releases in September, you can save $35 ordering the VS September package. OR you can tack on "Spellcaster", and save a whopping $53 by ordering the VS + VSA September package. That's a good ass price!