Samuel Love‘Tis the season to be jolly, and for some people, that comes in the form of homicidal maniacs, bloodthirsty zombies and psychological torment at the hands of a ventriloquist dummy. Thankfully, cult label Second Sight have all of this and more. Read on for a guide of some titles that will delight and horrify in equal measure this Christmas season…
Magic (Blu-ray)
“We’re gonna be a star!”
Directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Anthony Hopkins, Ann-Margret and Burgess Meredith, this underrated hidden gem of 1970s psychological horror is an absolute must for anyone with an interest in the genre. Billed as “a terrifying love story”, the film follows a ventriloquist who cannot control his psychotic, foul-mouthed dummy. Grisly and intense, the film is a masterclass in slow-building dread and horror, and boasts an incredible early performance from Hopkins as ventriloquist and dummy – but who is controlling who?
The Strangers: Limited Edition (Blu-ray)
“Why are you doing this to us?”
Nothing says Christmas cheer like The Strangers, a horrifying tale of home invasion and psychological torture. Inspired by countless true cases, the film follows one fateful night when a young couple are tormented by a trio of masked psychopaths at their isolated home. With genuinely terrifying sequences and an unparalleled feeling of dread throughout, The Strangers harks back to low-budget slasher fare of days gone by. While the film’s sequel went a little too hard with the craziness, this impactful little horror has lost none of its power in the 12 years since its release. This gorgeous Limited Edition from Second Sight presents the film in a stunning rigid slipcase with new artwork, a book of essays and a poster.
Dawn of the Dead: Limited Edition (Blu-ray/4K UHD Blu-ray)
“When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth.”
Here’s something that any self-respecting film fan will want under their tree this Christmas. Second Sight’s flawless Limited Edition release of George A. Romero’s legendary zombie horror Dawn of the Dead earned a perfect 5 stars from us back in October, and we would’ve given it more if we could. Perfect transfers of three cuts of the film and a wealth of new and archival special features in a beautiful presentation box with CD soundtracks and not one but two books, we called this “finest physical release in the history of home entertainment” and stand by our words. Christmas presents don’t get much better.
