Guest Author - Andy Boxall

Following on from a look at some of the forthcoming horror DVD releases for 2007, I thought it may be worthwhile looking at some of the standout 2006 DVD releases that any horror fan would be sensible to seek out if they haven’t purchased them already. While I hesitate to call this a ‘best’ list, mainly due to the reason I haven’t had the good fortune to see every horror DVD release of the last year, this should be seen as an Editor recommended list. Oh, it’s not in any particular order either…

1: Texas Chainsaw Massacre – Ultimate Edition
Dark Sky Films have proved themselves to be quite an addition to the horror DVD scene and this was their stand out release of the year. A film that needs no introduction to anyone familiar with horror movies, this steelbook packaged edition has a beautifully restored version of the movie and tons of new extra’s over the old versions available. Consider this release absolutely indispensable.

2: Event Horizon – Limited Edition Packaging
Paul Anderson’s sci-fi/horror, forever referred to as ‘The Shining in space’, is a guilty pleasure of mine. Not that it’s a bad movie, just not that fabulous a script, where it excels though is the awesome set design and its overall look and feel. I love the gothic architecture, frightening visions of hell and Sam Neil, Lawrence Fishbourne and Sean Pertwee classing up the cast. Forget the standard packaging and seek out the region 2 version housed inside a unique cast of the front of the Event Horizon ship itself. Oh, and there are plenty of extras and one of the finest DTS soundtracks I have ever heard!

3: Masters of Horror – Region 2 Season 1, Part 1.
I picked the Region 2 version due to the attractive packaging, bargain price and convenience of having the episodes all in one place. For a TV show, Masters of Horror is actually quite strong stuff in places, and while every episode may not be perfect, none fall below an above average rating. Masters of Horror is great not only for dipping into the shows, but for the wealth of extras too.

4: Street Trash – Meltdown Edition.
This edition had been promised for ages, but when it did finally appear, the wait was truly worthwhile as Synapse did an astounding job on making this oddity look and sound the best it could. Not for everyone, Street Trash is an offensive, gory unpleasant look at life as a bum when some bottles of bad liquor cause the body to melt as it’s consumed. Bonking mad set-pieces, a beautifully restored picture and an engrossing 2 hour documentary, make Synapse’s definitive release one of 2006’s standouts.

5: Slither/The Hills Have Eyes – Extended Cut.
It was a difficult choice for the fifth best DVD of 2006, so I cheated and made it a draw. James Gunn’s Slither is fabulous, as is Alexandre Aja’s remake of Wes Craven’s The Hills Have Eyes, both movies should be must-owns without the impressive DVD extras. Slither benefits from the endlessly amusing Nathan Fillion and James Gunn’s input, making you wish the small featurette’s were longer. The Hills Have Eyes has an excellent commentary from Wes Craven and Peter Locke, who discuss this and there versions in their typically friendly way. Hills also has a very bassy and well produced Dolby 5.1 soundtrack.