Blood, Boobs & Beast

This was a documentary that I found after watching something on Tubi. It would have been another one about something in the horror genre and it was recommended to me. Since I like to watch docs at work and treat them like a podcast, learning about this filmmaker, Don Dohler, seemed interesting.

At this time, I've not seen any of his works. There are a couple that are on my list that I learned about. What was interesting is that he was a pioneer in low budget filmmaking. He was a regional filmmaker just without the success of George A. Romero or John Waters. I'd put him on the level of a Fred Olen Ray or Bill Rebane. What I didn't realize until watching this, Dohler helped create a magazine that taught people the tricks they used to create monsters. People like J. J. Abrams and Tom Savini give credit here. There is even Lloyd Kaufman who gives praise.

What I like here is that we get to see the trials and tribulations to make a film. We see how his fans seem to prefer his way of making movies before he leaned into the 3 Bs - Blood, Boobs and Beasts. It is interesting to see that line of needing to make films how you want to versus what will sell. Hearing behind the scenes things or what goes into making a movie, this was a good touch for sure.

I'd also say that this is well-made. It isn't working with the biggest budget, but no offense to Dohler or his crew, but there aren't a large number of people who know who he is. Now that I've seen this, I got to know more about him. This was touching at the end as well as just learning how good of a guy he is. I'd recommend it to fans of filmmakers like this or if you know who this director is.

My Rating: 7.5 out of 10.

I've watched this countless times already. Big thanks to Troma for releasing it officially on YouTube for free. This is a wonderful documentary. I'll admit I didn't know Don Dohler before this but now I'll never forget him. I think he's a fantastic role model and champion of independent film. We only have so much time in this world so get out there and do what you love like Don did! Seeing J.J. talk about him was a real treat too. Don had no ego. You have to admire that and the way he obviously loved his fans. He had a dream and he made it come true no matter what. Here is a humble, down to earth guy everyone can look up to. This documentary does a good job editing everything together, showing clips from his films, and keeping it all interesting especially with the behind the scenes drama that is so common on every film set (indie or otherwise).

For any budding young film-makers desperately trying to scrape together funding and willing actors to make a low budget horror/sci-fi film, then there is one rule they must follow. The film must contains the three B's - blood, boobs, and a beast. These elements are what audiences think they want, and ultimately go for, especially in the straight-to-video market. It is also what television companies look for when buying late night cheapies to show to the drunken and the stoned. Cult film-maker Don Dohler has followed these rules, and although it hasn't exactly brought him financial success, he has enjoyed a steady output since 1978's The Alien Factor.

Blood, Boobs & Beast is a love-letter to low-budget film-making, and its arguable that as much love and determination goes into these (usually very bad) films as any of the mainstream output. It briefly traces Dohler from his days working on an underground comic called WILD (a sort of MAD homage that had contributors from the likes of Jay Lynch and Art Spiegelman) to his work on the hugely influential Cinemagic Magazine, that gave guidelines on how to make home-made special effects and monster costumes (read by the likes of Tom Savini and J.J. Abrams).

While its a relatively poorly made documentary, it has plenty of heart, much like the work of Dohler. Director John Paul Kinhart clearly has a lot of love for his director, and its hard not to be moved as Dohler describes how the internet made him realise he has a dedicated fan-base. I just wish they hadn't included the two very annoying film geeks who think it's funny to recite lines from The Alien Factor while drinking beer. So, a must-see for B-movie fans, and an eye-opener to just how difficult it is to make a movie (it takes us throughout the development of Dead Hunt (2006)). The ending is extremely moving, as Dohler sadly developed cancer and passed away during the making of the film. I will certainly try and track down some of his films, however bad they look.

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I was very excited to see the documentary, having been a life-long fan of Don Dohler and his wonderfully entertaining low budget films. Blood Boobs and Beasts is a very well done film that captures the man and his films in a informing and entertaining way. I highly recommend this film for any fan of the low budget horror/sci-fi genres or any one else who just likes a good entertaining film. I very much hope they can get the distribution they need so more people can see this film. I have been telling everyone I know to look for it. Kudos to John Kinhart for putting this together, great to see a Harford County local do so well. I for one will be waiting for the DVD to come out so I can see it again.