malcomforbes

MPI Home Video issued this 1985 film to video in the 80s. Directed by Linda Laias and Damon Santostefano (and also known as FRIGHT SHOW), this is a funny compilation of lighthearted kids horror and sci-fi. The first segment (DR. DOBERMIND) is about a little girl touring a taxidermy museum and being haunted by the creepy tour-guide; the second takes place in outer space and is a parody of Alien (ILLEGAL ALIEN); the third is about a little boy who joins a big kids horror club and is haunted by visions of a monster but no one will believe him (NIGHTFRIGHT); and the last story is about some poker-playing geeks who get a meteor through their house that carries an unfriendly visitor. (THE THING IN THE BASEMENT). In between each of these films is in-studio cable-access-styled commentary by two dorks who work for "Starlog" Magazine. All four science fiction films were winners in the CINEMAGIC magazine contest way back in the early 80's. The full title is "CINEMAGIC: A JOURNEY INTO THE BIZARRE WORLD OF HORROR AND SCI-FI"

This compilation of brilliant and flawless animated and live action short films made by effects genius Mike Jittlov is a true masterpiece. It was nominated for an Oscar in 1979 for best animated short. It won many, many, other awards also. It includes Time Tripper, The Interview, and Fashionation. The third is my favorite. It consists of clever animation of hand drawn cels combined with cutouts set to a Petula Clark song to create a unique experience. It also features a brief cameo by the maker in stop motion form. What's also entertaining is that the lyrics in her song match what the animation is illustrating. Go to youtube.com and you will find this. Otherwise, you will never, ever find it. I can't stress that enough! Highly recommended though.

This independent short film by special effects GENIUS Mike Jittlov could quite easily be the greatest short film ever made. It is about the adventures of a green robed wizard through Los Angeles and beyond. The first half is packed with spectacular special effects work as he runs at Mach 5 around California. He then slips on a banana peel, which causes him to soar into the air, crash landing on an empty soundstage. Then, using the most AMAZING special effects ever, the studio comes to life with dancing tripods, and cascading film cans everywhere. He then sings an explanatory song as to who he is. The song is very catchy, and you will find yourself humming it from time to time upon repeated viewing. The half that takes place in the studio truly demonstrates Mike Jittlov's ingenuity. TO be able to sing whilst surrounded by animated things, he animated his lips frame by frame in synch with music he recorded earlier.