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Horror characters team up for epic crossovers, from Freddy vs. Jason to a potential Poohniverse with Winnie The Pooh and other classics. 1940s Universal Monsters led the way in crossovers, with Dracula, Frankenstein, and Wolfman uniting in iconic films for audiences to enjoy. Monster Squad transformed classic horror villains into superheroes for a younger audience, delivering fun costume designs and elaborate stage sets.

Bringing horror characters together for a frenzy-filled crossover has always been a time-honored staple of Hollywood productions. Just look at 2003’s Freddy vs Jason, which saw the Springwood slasher go up against the massive, hockey mask-wearing, machete-wielding maniac. Then there was the planned Dark Universe by Universal Pictures that, unfortunately, never saw past 2017’s The Mummy. Whether it was due to the fact that Tom Cruise’s involvement was wasted or because the action itself took precedence over the story, any future world-building turned into meaningless cameos and teases.

This spring, beware the Octaman, a 1971 creature feature rising from the radioactive depths to come out on Blu-ray and DVD from Kino Lorber.

From Kino Lorber: "Coming April 2017! On DVD and Blu-ray!

Kl Studio Classics in conjunction with MGM!

Octaman (1971) Special Edition

Starring Pier Angeli (Sodom and Gomorrah), Kerwin Matthews (Jack the Giant Killer), Jeff Morrow (This Island Earth) and Buck Kartalian (Planet of the Apes) – Shot by Robert Caramico (Eaten Alive) - Written, Directed and Produced by Harry Essex (Creature from the Black Lagoon, It Came from Outer Space)

Loaded with Extras! Bonus Features to be announced!"

Synopsis (via Blu-ray.com): "A scientific expedition to a remote Mexican fishing community discovers unhealthy amounts of radioactive waters. What they find is a seven foot tall mutant species of octopus with amazing strength and a lust for killing, and soon the expedition realizes that the monster is now on a bloody rampage.

Buck Kartalian, a former bodybuilder who went on to play Julius, the gorilla who harassed Charlton Heston's character in Planet of the Apes, died Tuesday, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 93. He died of natural causes at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, California, his son, Jason Kartalian, told the trade. Kartalian gained fame in 1968 when he was cast as Julius in the science-fiction film, the cigar-smoking gorilla in charge of security at the Research Complex for studying humans. He memorably uttered the line, "You know what they say: 'Human see, human do.' " He was...

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes," out in theaters today, promises a full-scale reboot to one of the most classic science fiction film franchises of all time. But it's not without some winks and nods to the past. Indeed, there's plenty of old school material for longtime "Apes" fans to go bananas over. Click the video below and read on for five Easter Eggs from the latest "Apes" adventure!

Lost In Space!

The original "Planet of the Apes" tells the story of an astronaut crew that crash lands on a world dominated by highly evolved apes. That's not the plot here, but perhaps it'll serve as a launch point for a sequel based on two separate shout-outs to the original film's story.

Seeking Liberty

Anyone who's even somewhat familiar with the "Apes" franchise can remember the iconic visual of the Statue of Liberty from the original films. We won't spoil the moment for you,...

I’m such an avid fan of the Planet Of The Apes films – even the TV Show and Animated Series. To me it’s the greatest franchise in movie history. Having seen Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, the film is truly a welcomed addition to the series and one of the best films of 2011!

You can imagine how thrilled I was to receive an email with an invitation to speak with screenwriters of Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Amanda Silver and Rick Jaffa. I had the great pleasure of talking to these two writers, producers (and married couple) and found to my giddy delight that we share a common love of animals and all things Apes!

The following is our conversation on the film, CGI apes, animal rights and spaceships.

Michelle: In many ways Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes is like the 1972 Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes.