Horror Countdown 2016: Martin (1977)

Martin (1977) dir. George Romero, Laurel Entertainment

And now we near the end my friends, but we have one more tale to keep us warm. We end the Horror Countdown this time with a vampire tale by George Romero and special effects by Tom Savini.

Horror Countdown 2016: Scanners (1981)

Scanners (1981) dir. David Cronenberg, Canadian Film Development Corporation/Filmplan/Victor Solnicki Productions

We're adding another director to the list this time. David Cronenberg, Canadian master of body horror, is a newcomer here and we picked Scanners as his first film to review.

Horror Countdown 2016: The Funhouse (1981)

The Funhouse (1981) dir. Tobe Hooper, Universal Pictures/Mace Neufield Productions

Tobe Hooper, when compared to the other directors on this list, didn't fare quite as well. He did Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but his follow up works didn't quite capture the public's imagination. Would the 1980's be kinder?

Horror Countdown 2016: Deadly Blessing (1981)

Deadly Blessing (1981) dir. Wes Craven, Polygram Pictures/Inter Planetary

By the 1980's Wes Craven's career was slowly changing. The 70's had seen him turn out some groundbreaking independent stuff and a few made for television flicks, but by now he was working for the major studios instead of the grindhouse circuit.

Horror Countdown 2016: Escape from New York (1981)

Escape from New York (1981) dir. John Carpenter, AVCO Embassy Pictures/International Film Investors/Goldcrest Films International

Maybe not a proper horror film, but Carpenter's 1981 thriller is just too good to ignore.  

Horror Countdown 2016: Gremlins (1984)

Gremlins (1984) dir. Joe Dante, Amblin Entertainment

One of the first films that I remember watching, sort of. Back in the day one could get records packaged with storybooks, with the film reenacted with either actors from the film or just some guy they grabbed. I listened to Gremlins a dozen times before I ever saw it.

Horror Countdown 2016: The Undead (1957)

The Undead (1957) dir. Roger Corman, American International Pictures/Balboa Productions

Moving into the realm of Roger Cormen, the Undead was the second film he made in 1957 and it only took six days. Maybe he should have taken a bit more time with this one.