LATEST NEWS (7/25/02):

     Well, a month has passed since MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #14 hit the streets, and the response has been fantastic! We're so encouraged by the feedback we've received that we're already hard at work on our follow-up issue. We hope to have MFTV #15 out in time for Halloween, and we'll have the cover image and contents posted on our site soon. The feature article of the issue is Steve Kronenberg's and Tom Weaver's chapter excerpt from their forthcoming McFarland book, UNIVERSAL HORRORS 2. The book takes up where the first one left off and works its way through Universal's wonderful output in the 1950s. So what better chapter to excerpt? The Creature from the Black Lagoon, of course!
     Speaking of the Creature, Sideshow Toy has just released photos of their upcoming 12" Universal Monster figures (click on images for larger views), the title character from The Creature Walks Among Us, and Boris Karloff all wrapped up from The Mummy. As with their previous figures, these two new additions are sure to have fans chomping at the bit. Both figures are scheduled for release at the end of the year. So preorder yours now at www.sideshowtoy.com.
     Those of you who were lucky enough to attend the first Monster Bash Convention in 1997 surely remember the premiere of Gary Don Rhodes' Bela Lugosi documentary, Lugosi: Hollywood's Dracula. The documentary, written, produced (with Alex Wells), and directed by Gary, provides us with a wonderful account of Lugosi's life and his rise to fame (and cult status) in Hollywood. It is narrated by Robert Clarke (who worked with Lugosi on The Body Snatcher) and has tons of rare stills and footage. Since its premiere in 1997, the film has only been available as a limited edition VHS from Creepy Classics Video. That's all about to change, as Gary will be releasing a Special Two-Disc Collector's Set on DVD in August. In addition to the documentary, the DVD contains 30 minutes of previously cut footage, a Hope Lugosi-filmed interview, a Richard Sheffield-filmed interview, a 1932 Lugosi interview, a 1949 TV show excerpt, a 1919 film fragment, and over 75 minutes of rare Lugosi radio performances (audio only) from the 1940s. Anyone who's a fan of Lugosi and who has read McFarland's LUGOSI book by Gary knows that his knowledge of this wonderful actor is unsurpassed (he's truly the King), and with the DVD release of this wonderful documentary, he's in no danger of being dethroned. To learn more about this DVD (and its availability) visit www.lugosidvd.com.
     While on the subject of Lugosi, the first two DVDs in the new "Bela Lugosi Presents" line (from Bela Jr.) are now available (Bowery at Midnight and The Devil Bat). While an intro by Bela Lugosi Jr. claims that all prints in the series are from the finest materials, one look will have you in total disagreement. While the print used for The Devil Bat is much better than that for Bowery, it's still no comparison to Englewood Entertainment's VHS of a couple of years ago (which, hopefully, Image will release soon as part of their Wade Williams Collection). Lugosi Jr. also states that they'll concentrate on little-seen features, many that are not available on VHS or DVD. Well, The Devil Bat is already available on DVD (by no less than five labels), and Bowery at Midnight is available from three labels already. While the prints are far from perfect, each disc features some wonder extras: commentary by Lugosi Jr. and Ted Newsom, wonderful poster and still galleries, and rare radio performances by Lugosi. These items alone are enough to recommend the discs. Lugosi Jr. also promises rare home movies (some in color) and interviews with future releases. It would have been nice to show some of that (other than a brief clip with no audio) on the first releases; however, it gives us something to look forward to. The artwork for the boxes (along with the artwork for Gary Don Rhodes' Lugosi: Hollywood's Dracula) was created by the very talented Kerry Gammill, whose wonderful "Monsterkid" Webzine has a sneak peak of the third issue on-line now. You can check it out by clicking on the Abbott and Costello meets The Creature from the Black Lagoon photo to your right. Featured is a new interview with Ben Chapman conducted at the recent Monster Bash Convention. So show your support for this wonderful site and pay them a visit. Don't forget to sign the guest book, and tell them MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT sent you!
     Finally, while on the subject of conventions, our next road trip (a very short one) will be to Gary and Sue Svehla's 16th edition of FANEX (click on the banner below for more info), to be held August 16-18, 2002 in Timonium, Maryland (at the Days Inn). With this year's show, Gary and Sue are returning to their roots and are providing fans with tons of great (and rare) films and panel discussions. Also on hand will be actors John Saxon, Carol Lynley, and Suzanna Leigh. So come on out and visit the MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT table, and say hi to our staff. It should be a fantastic weekend for film fans from everywhere. And for a little added nostalgia, FANEX moves to the wonderful Bengies Drive-In Theatre on Saturday night for a special screening (tentatively, the uncut Curse of the Demon). Well, enough from me---make sure you check out our newest updates of our site, "MFTV Road Trips" and the "Web Exclusive Article." Until next time, may all your nights be filled with fright!