On Halloween, do let this happen to you.. (iStockphoto.com)
by Glenn McDonald
As the recent box office phenomenon Paranormal Activity ably demonstrates, great horror movies can be made very cheaply. And yet, if you just pay attention to the theatrically released U.S. movies that rotate onto home video, you might get the impression that only a handful of decent horror DVDs come out in any given year.
Well, there's a reason for that. For the most part, these days, the best horror on DVD can be found in reissues, compilations, independent movies and foreign films.
Now, I watch a lot of horror films. Sometimes I tell myself this pastime springs from intellectual curiosity regarding the sublimation of cultural anxieties, etc. etc. But actually, I think I just like scary movies.
So in anticipation of Halloween movie parties, here's a rundown of some of the best off-the-beaten-rental-shelf horror I've come across this year on DVD.
TV Compilations
The Twilight Zone pretty much perfected the most reliable TV horror template: anthology shows featuring self-contained stories by various writers and directors. But late-night TV viewers of a certain generation will also remember Tales from the Darkside, the George Romero-produced anthology show which ran in syndication from 1983-1988. The second season of Darkside is now on DVD, and while individual episodes vary in quality, Darkside overall maintains a nice balance of inventive ideas and black comedy. This is a good DVD set to keep by the TV -- pop in an episode or two before you go to sleep, and enjoy your subsequent dreams.
More TV, plus reissues, director compilations, foreign films, and how to freak yourself right out, after the jump.
Continue reading "Spend This Halloween Hiding Under The Bed: A DVD Guide To Scaring Yourself" >
categories: Home Video


The State: Even if you think you don't know these guys, you know these guys.
My Dinner With Andre: Are you finding it a little loud at the multiplex? A good conversation might be just the thing.
Lost: What it's worth to you in Blu-ray depends on how much you're all about looks.
Defiance: It's just one example of a movie that's richer when accompanied by a documentary you can also find on DVD. 
