Back in 2005 horror director and writer Mick Garris (SLEEPWALKERS, PSYCHO IV & THE SHINING mini series) brought some of horror biggest and influential icons together. The result was the wonderfully done MASTERS OF HORROR. Two seasons each episode a mini movie directed by a horror icon. The episodes are usually sixty minutes long. I am fortunate to own German released Blu-Rays of both seasons. After first being introduced to one of the greatest and biggest visions for a horror orientated tv show ever. I decided it was time for a revisit of this compelling masterclass in the macabre.
Here is a ranking of season one. All thirteen episodes are featured.
13. PICK ME UP (2006) Director: Larry Cohen
As it happens I don’t hate any episode, PICK ME UP is simply my least favourite. Two killers, One a drifter in a cowboy hat, the other a trucker, roam the open American highways preying on victims to slash. It’s a sick competition between the two murderers. The climax is hilarious in a dark way and a fitting end however I did find the film a little dull. The characters aren’t exactly top tier slasher material although both are acted very well. They’re just not crazy enough. The episode also stars THE CRAFT’S Fairuza Balk as the main protagonist.
12. THE FAIR HAIRED CHILD (2006) Director: William Malone
I wont give too much away as I want you to watch this epic series in it’s entirety. When a shy and timid teenager is kidnapped by an insane satanic ritual performing couple. Time is of the essence for both parties. Why has Tara been drugged and dumped in a huge dark basement inside a former music academy? Also who is that boy down there trying to hang himself? This episode is intriguing and has a few twists and turns resulting in a satisfying conclusion. There’s also an ugly crawling baby headed creature in the basement.
11. CHOCOLATE (2005) Director: Mick Garris
Hey it’s Henry Thomas the guy from THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR and other random stuff was my initial thought when I rewatched the episode. I forgot he was in it. Quite a hard one to explain without spoiling is CHOCOLATE. I’ll just say it’s very good and the concept is played effectively. Imagine temporarily seeing author persons POV.
10. DANCE OF THE DEAD (2005) Director Tone Hooper
In a post world war 3 apocalyptic America a young woman falls for a rugged, blood stealing outlaw. During a crazy drug filled night out with the guy and his gang she uncovers where her missing sister has been and what her overbearing mother has been hiding. Robert Englund also stars as an insane club host putting in another charismatic performance. It’s certainly quite a ride into a world that doesn’t stretch too far from imagination.
9. DEER WOMAN (2005) Director: John Landis
The director of An AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON & BLUES BROTHERS takes a folk legend of a half woman half deer and has her seduce men then trample them into bloody puddles. Yeah it’s awesome and as fun as it sounds.
8. HOMECOMING (2005) Director: Joe Dante
Imagine if dead soldiers rose from the grave to cast their vote. This film tackles that idea.
7. HAECKEL’S TALE (2006) Director: John McNaughton
A period piece filled with necrophilia and necromancy from the director of Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer.
6. DREAMS IN THE WITCH HOUSE (2005) Director: Stuart Gordon
The REanimator directors reimagining of HP Lovecraft’s classic tale to great effect. Watch out for Brown Jenkin.
5. JENNIFER (2005) Director: Dario Argento
A cop intercepts the murder of a young disfigured woman and begins to fall for her. Its gruesome and full of sex I enjoyed it. Argento did a good job here and it’s better than a lot of his later offerings. I don’t hate any Argento film, he is the maestro.
4. CIGARETTE BURNS (2005) Director: John Carpenter
A younger Norman Reedus (Daryl from THE WALKING DEAD) and legend Udo Kier hunt for a disturbing one of a kind film. One that drives the viewer insane. Exceptional episode! It’s interesting, nasty and gritty. With an explosive ending.
3. INCIDENT ON AND OFF A MOUNTAIN ROAD (2005) Director: Don Coscarelli
Don’t be fooled by the annoying song at the beginning. Episode 1 is a phenomenal start to MASTERS OF HORROR. It’s a blast and an absolute nightmare rolled into one with a humongous brooding killer and Angus The Tall Man Scrimm from PHANTASM playing an unhinged singing old man who has been exposed to too much lunacy. This episode also captures the essence of the final girl down to a tee.
2. IMPRINT (2006) Director: Takashi Miike
IMPRINT is a beautifully woven horrific masterpiece. There’s some difficult scenes and there’s dead fetuses being disregarded like yesterdays trash. It is haunting and has more bite than some feature length films.
1. SICK GIRL (2006) Director: Lucky McKee
SICK GIRL is unusual and quirky and is my favourite episode. The episode is relatively tongue in cheek and has a fun tone. There’s humour and cool special effects. Yep, I loved revisiting it and couldn’t get enough. Watch it.