Amazon.com

Director Ulli Lommell graduated from Rainer Werner Fassbinder's stock company to become a director in his own right, and his horror films have garnered something of a cult following. The Boogie Man, a slice of post-Halloween slasher gore, follows the legacy of a murder perpetrated by a young boy on his mother's sadistic lover. Decades later, the boy is mute, his sister haunted by memories of the fateful night, and the murdered man's evil spirit escapes from a shattered mirror to begin a reign of slaughter. Lommell's direction is plodding and sloppy and his writing stilted (it's not helped at all by his stiff cast), but he provides the gruesome payoffs: scissors in the neck, a skewer through the back of the head, a pitchfork through a torso. The Devonsville Terror again charts the legacy of evil, this time in a family cursed to repeat the vile acts of their witch-hunting ancestors. When three independent women move to a small Massachusetts town, the chauvinist family decides to put them in their place, but could one of them actually be the reincarnation of a vengeful victim? Lommell exhibits none of his mentor's subtlety or grace, but he manages to create a genuinely eerie and off-putting mood between scenes of violent and sadistic murders and casts two familiar horror icons in supporting roles (John Carradine in The Boogie Man and Donald Pleasance in The Devonsville Terror). While these flourishes may appeal to die-hard horror fans, others will prefer to stick with the classics. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A total waste of time
I will put it clearly: it is the worst piece of crap I have ever seen. I really love this kind of flicks, I always defend the worth of horror trash movies, but Boogeyman lacks of gore, imagination, and suspense. Don't waste your time.

The creepy worlds of Uli Lommel
To watch either of these Uli Lommel horror films is to enter a different world. One feels that if another director had tackled either of these films, they would have been nothing more than schlocky low budget horror. But there's an intangible creepiness to Lommel's horror that overcomes the silliness of some scenes (being killed by a swinging medicine chest mirror, for example). Perhaps the sheer oddness of scenes like that contribute to the eeriness. The stories in both of these films are something akin to a cinematic non sequitar. They somehow seem to be lacking your standard A plus B equals C logic of a script. And yet there is a strange continuity to the films, an odd, dreamlike logic to them. One does not easily forget either of these films. I first saw The Boogeyman many years ago and it was always a favorite of mine. After many years of not seeing it, I purchased the DVD. Watching it anew after all these years, I noticed for the first time its surreal quality. And then there's the Devonsville terror, which has no right to be as good as it is. It shouldn't be. It should be stupid and boring. But somehow it's not. I highly recommend these to open-minded horror fans and fans of weird cinema. These films are not easily forgotten.

Way Different than the Modern-Popular Horror Genre
Okay where do I even begin reviewing these movies? I had always heard about "dark" horror movies before but had never actually seen any until just yesterday. I knew that these movies were that kind and I wanted to see what they were like. Well they are FAR different from Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, etc., both for different reasons. I guess one reason is that they aren't exactly modernized. These aren't the slasher-type movies that are so popular today.

The Boogey Man: I never really even notice how clear the image is or anything, but the first thing I noticed on this side of the disc was how perfect the picture was! The movie started off with a bang and then went downhill a little bit, but stayed interesting throughout. To me it was at times hard to understand what exactly was going on. This is one of those movies that actually makes you think! Even with its sometimes confusing plot, this was a pretty good movie. There is something about it that you can't quite place that is very creepy...

The Devonsville Terror: Had one of the best openings in a movie I have ever seen in my life. I agree with those who say they will never be able to get some of those images out of their heads! The idea of witchcraft in early days was a great idea and I wish the whole movie would have been about that. I grew really bored with the movie when it got to the "300 years later" part. Some parts were extremely unrealistic. I expected it to be great because of Donald Pleasence. He did outstanding performances in the Halloween films, but in this movie he couldn't because the character was so vaguely portrayed.

Get the DVD for the Boogeyman and the beginning of The Devonsville Terror, but not if you ONLY like Scream-type horror movies.

Devonsville terror
Oh boy. Where do I begin with this movie? I first saw it when I was 9. Then I saw it a second time last summer,when I was 19. Certain images of the movie have been stuck on my mind for years, and some of the things that were said in the movie are still stuck on my mind. I still can't look at giant wheels without a certain image in my mind. I can't say what that is. If you haven't seen this movie, I won't spoil it for ya.

The Boogeyman: 'Halloween' meets 'Amityville horror'
I enjoyed this now dated cult horror classic. It was quite spooky and clever, with a lot of memorable scenes. In the U.K it is titled The Bogeyman although I can't understand the difference. And why oh why did the BBFC see fit to ban this film? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Caveat Emptor
I thought I was watching a special feature when I started this movie, and was surprised that it was the feature. This is not a sequel, this is one of the worst DVDs of all time. Thankfully, I only rented it and am only out the rental cost. Everybody, be warned, you barely see anything of the actual Boogeyman sequel, just scenes in fast motion. There should be some kind of law because this DVD is slickly packaged and is a complete and total rip-off. Everybody involved with the making of this DVD should feel ashamed. Those who bought it deserve their money back.

" YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED "
If i could give this a 0 i would, i'm not even going to review in full as everyone else has already done so.

All you need to know is that it is just a ripp off with old footage from the 1st movie.

DO NOT PURCHASE.

BOOGEYMAN 2 IS A RIP OFF!
I got all excited when I saw this DVD sitting on the shelf so I picked it up and read the back of it. I figured that since I had Part 1 that I would add this to my collection. What a rip off! All this movie is is Part 1 with the stupid director-in home video form-talking, trying to convince you that Part 1 was based on a true story. You can even see him smiling while he is trying to act serious. I think he knew that he probably screwed alot of people out of their money because when I tried to take this back for a refund I was told that since it was unwrapped that I could not return it. Well Ulli, or whatever the hell this so called directors name is, here some advice-read up on FALSE ADVERTISEMENT LAWS because I have a feeling that after this crappy stunt you might be getting into some trouble.

Confusing Mess
This is not the original Boogeyman 2, but rather a 'redux' version of the first Boogeyman. It is a very confusing 'Director's cut' that interjects scenes of the director being 'questioned' about the second film's murders. All of it is very confusing and for the most part it is only the original Boogeyman movie with fast motion gore scenes from part 2 put in. I loved the original Boogeyman2, and although blasted by fans as terrible(so okay, it was'nt all their)i thought it at least an interesting take. Mr. Lomell the director claimed he hates horror movies and is mostly an arthouse director. But their was gold in them horror films so the result was the cool 'Boogeyman', a great low budget horror. Boogeyman 2 he claims was forced on him by many who wanted a sequel. So the result was an odd quirky semi-autobiographical thing with the director playing himself(an Arthouse filmmaker) But Lomell seems to really want to bury Boogeman2, and it shows with this unbelievable dvd redux version. In it he is read his rights and questioned over part 2's bizarre murders. We see the original Boogeyman film play in it's entirity intercut with his being questioned by the authorities...but then also intercut are the gore scenes from Boogeyman2 in fast motion style. Honestly it's all very confusing and more strange then the original Boogeyman2. So if your like me and a diehard horror completist, then you might find interest in this. Or if you don't have a copy of the first Boogeyman, you might want to get it for that reason alone. BUT if your not into the experimental stuff or movies messed around with after the fact, then i really can't recommend this version at all. By the way i wonder if this whole dvd production is a joke in itself. Their are trailer/clips for future Boogeyman films that bogle the mind. For example Boogeyman 5 looks like an extreme cornpone version of 'Close encounters of the third kind'...go figure.

Boogeyman 2 is NOT Boogeyman II - Don't buy it
If you're buying this thinking that you are getting the sequel to Boogeyman, you're wrong!!! This is the original Boogeyman with scenes cut, the director's irrelevant babblings interjected between scenes and an occasional clip from Boogeyman II(in fast-forward mode). So, if you want to add Boogeyman II to you're cllection this not it. ... Read more

Description

Nightmares of the past haunt the beautiful, mysterious Olivia (Suzanna Love), a London resident who begins a passionate affair with American businessman Mike (Easy Rider's Robert Walker, Jr.). Trapped in a loveless marriage and traumatized by memories of her mother's brutal murder, Olivia hopes her lover will offer a chance at a new life. However, ghostly voices and brutal murders ignite a fiendish, twist-filled story of double identities, deception, and erotic terror. Before Basic Instinct and Fatal Attraction, this sexually charged thriller from the creator of The Boogeyman shocked audiences with its unflinching portrayal of female desire mingled with blood-chilling violence! Now presented newly remastered and uncensored from the original negative, this haunting exercise in suspense will leave you breathless! ... Read more

Amazon.com

More a curiosity than a meaningful artifact, Ulli Lommel's 1979 Blank Generation eschews pin-pierced cheeks and other mutilation clichés for a different look at New York's punk scene, one that more closely resembles, in all probability, the aspirations and mixed luck of a New York artist such as Richard Hell at the end of that decade. Hell (of Richard Hell and the Voidoids) plays an earnest and likable fellow named Billy, frontman for a band that's, hey, very much like the Voidoids and features the rudimentary sonic noodlings that got Hell kicked out of the now-legendary group he cofounded, Television.

A big draw at CBGB, Billy signs on with a manager to whom he eventually sells, in perpetuity, all rights to his songs and recordings for a measly $5,000. Why? Just to avoid a headache in the future, concentrate on his skills, and explore his mercurial relationship with a beautiful French journalist played by Carole Bouquet. The story has a meandering, unfocused, undisciplined movement to it, which actually furthers one's intuitive understanding of the manic-depressive cycle of Billy's romance, but finally makes Lommel look like he's squeezing out a movie instead of directing one. Hell has an unusually open aspect that runs contrary to his laconic character; it's a nice contrast, but he fares better with his ironic yelping on the title song, a punk classic. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (5)

worth it for the performances and Richard Hell
In no way is this movie great "Art" but it is entertaining. Bouchet may have been beautiful, but incredibly bland while Hell was simply great fun to watch. Enjoyable, not even an arthouse winner, but still amusing and the performances are just great.

see it just to see
blank generation is a little quirky but quite good. There are a resonable amount of performance scenes which makes the film worthwhile. If you like punk music you should see this movie. There's some great footage and great sound quality. Andy Warhol's brief apperance is interesting and its just a good movie to see. Not outstanding, but good enough.

This One's For Crow, Tom Servo & Joel
When Carole Bouquet was an aspiring young French actress she accepted the starring role in this film about an egotistical, abusive rock star creep (played by Richard Hell, who previously played an egotistical, abusive rock star creep in "Smithereens").
The only way this film should be viewed is with the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 gang seated front row center. I'm sure Crow, Tom Servo, Joel and Gypsy would have some prime zingers to shoot at this depressing, pretentious piece of New York trash.

mildly interesting
I basically bought/watched this video for 2 main reasons.

1) the cameo of Andy Warhol
2) I am a guitar player

My reaction was "eeh"---the movie is so-so. I'm not a huge fan of Punk Rock anyway...interesting to see a group where the Bass player is out front as lead singer. I guess I was expecting something with a little more edge...I didn't dislike the movie,
but it never really "grabbed me" either. Warhol got his own proverbial 15 minutes (ironic!) and that was that. The NY Jewish chick/filmmaker was cute--when she dropped the silly wig.
The French girlfriend, ah well...she was just as indecisive as the lead character. Like the other reviewer here, I would have liked to have seen more footage of the band and more music.

The Voidoids live!
Worth buying for the live performances alone. The only high quality video (or audio for that matter) footage of Richard Hell & the Voidoids available - outstanding! I only wish there was more band footage. ... Read more

Description

Kaylie Bedford has the perfect life: a nice home, a loving husband, and a healthy child. When a tragic car accident leaves her in a coma, all seems lost until Dr. Clavius (Tony Curtis) arrives with a radical new treatment. Neural signals of a recently deceased woman repair the damage to Kaylie's mind--but leave her with haunting visions of the murdered woman whose thoughts now control her life. Terrified by her discovery, Kaylie resolves to solve the crime--perhaps at the expense of her own life! Keir Dullea (2001: A Space Odyssey), Suzanna Love, and Vera Miles (Psycho) co-star in this Hitchcockian thriller loaded with twists, turns and hi-tech chills from the director of "The Boogeyman." From the shocking bathtub opening to the nail-biting climax, "Brainwaves" will keep you guessing and push you right to the edge of your seat! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Poor Video Quality
This looks like it was made from an old VHS, very poor video quality. If I could have given it zero stars I would have. ... Read more

Description

The exotic sights of South China conceal untold dangers for Gene McBride (Barry Hickey), the bumbling heir to a plantation on the remote island of Sunanow. With the aid of beautiful Kelly Scanlon ("Olivia's" Suzanna Love), he searches for the legendary Six Stars, a mystical group of rubies whose power still resonates throughout the island, and contends with the ghostly presence of his uncle, Duncan (screen legend Klaus Kinski), who has more than a few secrets of his own. Sexy assassins, killer vines, deadly spiders, and fiendish booby traps conspire to stop our intrepid heroes in this colorful, tongue in cheek tribute to pulp adventures of yesteryear. A sexy and witty twist on the "Raiders of the Lost Ark" formula, this visually lustrous escapade from director Ulli Lommel (The Boogeyman, Brainwaves) is presented in a brand new widescreen transfer and sparkles like a jewel! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The cinematic equivalent of a full diaper
My enjoyment of all things Klaus Kinski often leads me to wonderful cinematic experiences. Films like "Fitzcarraldo," "Cobra Verde," "The Great Silence," and even his later work in schlock like "Crawlspace" were experiences I found enlightening and entertaining. By all accounts, Kinski was not a pleasant person in real life. He womanized, he drank, he raged, and he abused everyone around him. Some saw these traits as the sign of a genius. Others, probably correctly, wrote it off to an oversized ego and contempt for his fellow man. Whatever and whoever Klaus Kinski was in his daily life, he is simply mesmerizing on the screen. Even in "Crawlspace," a movie in which Kinski practically sleepwalks through the role, he towers above the rest of the cast. With a look, a slight twitch of the face, or a movement this actor could express emotions other actors could never convey. The entertainer probably spent no more than five minutes on screen in Ulli Lommel's "Revenge of the Stolen Stars," yet he is by far the best part of the film. In fact, this movie is so atrocious, so hideously awful, that only the presence of Klaus Kinski prevents me from feeling embarrassed about reviewing it.

The plot is inanely simple. Duncan McBride (Kinski) owns a plantation on Sunanow Island in some fictional country in the South China Sea. The property's real value comes from the ruby mine located nearby, a mine that locals toil away on as long as special stones referred to as stars stay in their possession. As the movie opens, McBride and one of his associates play a game of chess. According to the plantation owner, this guy stole some of these special stones. Kinski's character wants them back so a curse won't fall on his head from the angry locals. Words soon turn to blows as the associate pulls a knife and McBride pulls a gun. Both expire because of the confrontation. Duncan's personal secretary Kelly Scanlon (Suzanna Love) and his lawyer Max (Ulli Lommel) hear the gunfire and investigate. Finding their boss slumped over a chessboard is a bit disconcerting, but fortunately a will exists naming McBride's nephew Gene (Barry Hickey) as heir to the estate. This guy lives in San Francisco, so it is off to the States to convince him to move over to the Philippines...whoops! I mean Sunanow Island, to claim his property. Scanlon and Max fill Gene in about the local lore and leave him to run the plantation. Doesn't sound so bad, does it? Wrong.

In the weirdest scenes in a weird movie, Gene encounters the ghost (!) of Duncan McBride in the house. The whole situation consists of Kinski vanishing and reappearing in a different spot of the room to tell his nephew what he must do to reclaim the stolen stars. It is utterly ridiculous, even more so when we realize this is the last time we see Kinski in the film. Yep, the man is gone not twenty minutes into the picture. Afterwards, with the assistance of Kelly and the occasional intervention of Max, Gene embarks on a series of quests to find the stolen gems. One of the first assignments requires Gene and Kelly to enter a house of ill repute where rumor says that the lady in charge of the place possesses one of the stones. Each mission is cheaper and cheesier than the proceeding one, making "Revenge of the Stolen Stars" an increasingly tedious exercise in banality. In an effort to ratchet up the sheer idiocy of the whole thing, Lommel places two dolts named Alex and Lupe into the picture as stock villains. Alex (or is it Lupe? I can't remember) is the most ridiculous of the two. He's this bald, German guy wearing a monocle. He looks like a dirt poor version of Daddy Warbucks. As the film grinds towards its conclusion, your limits will reach maximum overload as you wonder what in the heck you are doing wasting nearly ninety minutes of your life watching this dreck.

"Revenge of the Stolen Stars" contains a twist or two that helps the movie in no way whatsoever. The acting is feeble in a way not often seen outside of a Herschell Gordon Lewis production. The cast of an elementary school play looks like Royal Shakespeareans compared to the duds performing in this drivel. Even Kinski's brooding shtick cannot lift this movie out of the cesspool. Moreover, the set pieces, with a few exceptions, looked like it consisted of cast offs from a secondhand furniture store. And that script! All I want to know is who wrote it and why. I have heard more inspiring dialogue in an atrocity newsreel. Wait, there's more. The pacing moves like a seventy year old with gout, the editing looks like Lommel hacked the scenes together with a chainsaw, and the picture quality on the DVD is about as sharp as a rusty butter knife. Are you beginning to get a clear mental picture of this movie? It is bad, folks, about as bad as a low budget film can get.

Surprisingly, Ulli Lommel actually filmed an interview about this movie for inclusion on the disc. He claims he turned down the opportunity to direct "1984" to do this picture instead (yeah, right) and spends most of his time bashing Kinski's bad behavior. Lommel claims Kinski drank himself into a stupor on the set and began refusing to do his scenes. The director, fed up with his bad behavior, suggested turning Kinski's character into a ghost who would only appear at the beginning of the film. The star loved the idea, thus the vanishing and reappearing act we see in the scenes with Gene. Whatever. Ignore this film and look for something else to watch instead. You'll thank me later. ... Read more

Description

A shipment of cocaine ditched in the ocean triggers a rock 'n' roll escapade in this tune-filled counterculture cult film featuring Jack Palance (City Slickers) and the legendary Andy Warhol. Our oddball odyssey finds struggling rock singer Destn (Tom Sullivan), his manager (Palance), and his band contending with the mob after a drug-running assignment goes bad, leaving them stuck on an island running for their lives while finding the time for some chemical and musical recreation along the way. This delirious time capsule was filmed at Warhol's actual Long Island estate by director Ulli Lommel (The Boogeyman) and now makes its return to home video after a nearly twenty-year absence. It'll blow your mind! ... Read more