Horror movies take new direction
The 2008 After Dark 8 Movies to Die For series is slated for a January release in select theaters. The Horrorfest series, since its inception in 2006 has had mixed reviews due the content and nature of the films presented. In 2006, over $15 million was invested to promote and show the movies. The investment proved a worthy investment as the ‘fest of 2006 netted over $50 million in ticket and DVD sales. Those numbers have risen in it’s sophomore venue and it expects to grow for its third. So, why are the Horrorfest movies so popular anyway?
Many of the movies in the horrorfest are either too graphic for theater release or the budgetary limits of the movies don’t make it a necessarily pleasing movie to watch, aesthetically speaking. Over half of the movies in the fest are independently made movies that have no major producers have taken, but has made waves with After Dark Productions founded by Courtney Solomon, who produced, wrote, and directed the 2000 film Dungeons & Dragons. Its popularity extends beyond the budgetary production limitations that are presented. In a society where big budget horror movies with “A” list actors and directors overwhelm the big screen independent movies are given the same recognition.
Its popularity has developed amongst younger viewers, allowing them a chance to see horror and science fiction from another perspective. The predominant age range of watchers of the After Dark Horrorfest is between the ages of 18-32. How influential is it?
Ghost House Pictures, a new movie label created by director Sam Raimi was created this year with eight movies on slate that are in the same vein as the After Dark movies. In 2009 Raimi will attempt to bring out eight more movies to compete with the success of the After Dark Films.
While independent horror films are far and few between, the inception of these movies are growing at an alarming rate. Soon, very soon, you will be able to see a wide range of horror movies that will test the proverbial MSRP ratings. While I do not condone or favor all the movies that are released through the After Dark or Ghost House series, I will, however, give them kudos for at least attempting to bring n a different, albeit sometimes strange twist to the genre. All movies can be purchased as a box set at your local video store.
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3 Responses to “Horror movies take new direction”
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I admit, the 2006 Horrorfest stunk and I was a huge fan of the horror genre, but the movies got better last year. You’re right writer that the influence is getting bigger and bigger, but really, I don’t the horrorfest series going too much longer. It’s a cool gimick, but really how far can you go. Thanks for your writing.
I admit, the first year of the fest wasn’t that good either; bad acting and terrible special effects, but you have to admire what these guys are doing. There definitely getting their name out there with a new twist on things. You are right in that they are getting better. I would anticipate a pretty good slate in ‘09, maybe not ‘08.
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