Ryan Lambie Oct 17, 2017
This year's The Mummy reboot shares a surprising amount with the 1985 sci-fi horror classic, Lifeforce...
Nb: The following contains spoilers for 2017's The Mummy and 1985's Lifeforce.
See related The Snowman review
When Universal Studios made The Mummy back in 1932, it was in the wake of Tut-mania: the fascination with Ancient Egypt following the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb a decade earlier. As Egyptian-inspired symbols and designs began to appear on everything from jewellery to cigarette ads, stories began to circulate that the pharoah's tomb was cursed - and thus The Mummy, about a group of archaeologists who provoke the wrath of a long-dead Imhotep (Boris Karloff, hypnotic as always) emerged.
The Mummy's success was such that it became a long-running franchise: Universal made four direct sequels between 1940 and 1944, with a comedy spin-off, Abbott And Costello Meet The Mummy, joining them in 1955. The UK's Hammer Film...
This year's The Mummy reboot shares a surprising amount with the 1985 sci-fi horror classic, Lifeforce...
Nb: The following contains spoilers for 2017's The Mummy and 1985's Lifeforce.
See related The Snowman review
When Universal Studios made The Mummy back in 1932, it was in the wake of Tut-mania: the fascination with Ancient Egypt following the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb a decade earlier. As Egyptian-inspired symbols and designs began to appear on everything from jewellery to cigarette ads, stories began to circulate that the pharoah's tomb was cursed - and thus The Mummy, about a group of archaeologists who provoke the wrath of a long-dead Imhotep (Boris Karloff, hypnotic as always) emerged.
The Mummy's success was such that it became a long-running franchise: Universal made four direct sequels between 1940 and 1944, with a comedy spin-off, Abbott And Costello Meet The Mummy, joining them in 1955. The UK's Hammer Film...
- 10/16/2017
- Den of Geek
Tobe Hooper, who died over the weekend at 74, was a leader in the Vietnam-era boom in independent, ultra-violent horror films. His 1974 “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” is considered the last in a trio of low-budget horror breakouts that included George Romero’s 1968 “Night of the Living Dead” and Wes Craven’s 1972 “Last House on the Left.”
Though grosses for these films were unreliably reported, “Texas” appears to have done the best. Its reported $30 million domestic take (adjusted, around $140 million today) was at least 100 times its budget (also a guess, though some reports have it as high as $300,000 in 1974 value). Producers recouped costs and little else from distributor Bryanston (best known for the Andy Warhol and Paul Morrissey’s “Frankenstein” and “Dracula” movies, as well as taking over distribution of “Deep Throat”).
Like Romero and Craven, the hit boosted Hooper’s career. But unlike his peers, Hooper struggled to establish his brand after “Texas.
Though grosses for these films were unreliably reported, “Texas” appears to have done the best. Its reported $30 million domestic take (adjusted, around $140 million today) was at least 100 times its budget (also a guess, though some reports have it as high as $300,000 in 1974 value). Producers recouped costs and little else from distributor Bryanston (best known for the Andy Warhol and Paul Morrissey’s “Frankenstein” and “Dracula” movies, as well as taking over distribution of “Deep Throat”).
Like Romero and Craven, the hit boosted Hooper’s career. But unlike his peers, Hooper struggled to establish his brand after “Texas.
- 8/29/2017
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
On the heels of Animal, its most-watched original movie to date – and the SXSW 2015 premiere of its original movie The Boy – Us horror channel Chiller have announced new original content for 2015 and 2016, including its first-ever original series, Slasher, and two new original movies, Lifeforce and Siren.
Says Dave Howe, President, Syfy & Chiller:
Chiller delivers a broad range of compelling horror programming, from classic edge-of-your-seat thrillers to thought-provoking psychological dramas. Given Chiller’s success in the original film space with Animal and The Boy, we’re thrilled to premiere our first-ever original series, Slasher, later this year.
Chiller’s first original series, Slasher, follows the plight of a young woman who returns to the small town where she was born, only to find herself the centerpiece in a series of horrifying copycat murders – based on the widely-known, grisly killings of her parents. The eight-part season serves as the first instalment of an anthology series,...
Says Dave Howe, President, Syfy & Chiller:
Chiller delivers a broad range of compelling horror programming, from classic edge-of-your-seat thrillers to thought-provoking psychological dramas. Given Chiller’s success in the original film space with Animal and The Boy, we’re thrilled to premiere our first-ever original series, Slasher, later this year.
Chiller’s first original series, Slasher, follows the plight of a young woman who returns to the small town where she was born, only to find herself the centerpiece in a series of horrifying copycat murders – based on the widely-known, grisly killings of her parents. The eight-part season serves as the first instalment of an anthology series,...
- 5/5/2015
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Chiller has original and reimagined onscreen scares lined up for this year and the next, as they've just announced that their first original series, Slasher (directed by Todd & The Book of Pure Evil’s Craig David Wallace), will premiere late this year, along with a reimagining of Tobe Hooper's 1985 space vampire flick, Lifeforce. Also in development at Chiller (and slated for a 2016 debut) is Siren, a full-length film adaptation of David Bruckner's highly regarded V/H/S segment, Amateur Night, which gave viewers a chilling new perspective on the line, "I like you."
Press Release (via The Futon Critic) -- "New York - May 5, 2015 - On the heels of its most-watched original movie to date (Animal) and the SXSW 2015 premiere of its original movie The Boy, Chiller announces new original content for 2015 and 2016, including its first-ever original series, Slasher, and two new original movies, Lifeforce and Siren.
"Chiller...
Press Release (via The Futon Critic) -- "New York - May 5, 2015 - On the heels of its most-watched original movie to date (Animal) and the SXSW 2015 premiere of its original movie The Boy, Chiller announces new original content for 2015 and 2016, including its first-ever original series, Slasher, and two new original movies, Lifeforce and Siren.
"Chiller...
- 5/5/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Chiller has announced its new original content for 2015 and 2016, including the channel's first-ever original series, Slasher, and two new original movies, once of which is a re-imaging of Tobe Hooper's oddball scifi/horror/apocalyptic 1985 film Lifeforce.
Lifeforce is, of course, based on the Colin Wilson books "The Space Vampires." It follows a group of astronauts who encounter a derelict alien spacecraft hiding an ancient secret. At the vessel, the explorers discover three perfect humanoids who are returned to Earth... and unleash a terrible plague upon the planet.
The original film stared Steve Railsback, Patrick Stewart and Mathilda May.
Steve B. Harris (Friday the 13th, Amityville: The Awakening) will produce for Diversion3 (www.diversion3.com) along w [Continued ...]...
Lifeforce is, of course, based on the Colin Wilson books "The Space Vampires." It follows a group of astronauts who encounter a derelict alien spacecraft hiding an ancient secret. At the vessel, the explorers discover three perfect humanoids who are returned to Earth... and unleash a terrible plague upon the planet.
The original film stared Steve Railsback, Patrick Stewart and Mathilda May.
Steve B. Harris (Friday the 13th, Amityville: The Awakening) will produce for Diversion3 (www.diversion3.com) along w [Continued ...]...
- 5/5/2015
- QuietEarth.us
Throughout the 80s and 90s, the horror genre was all about sequels. In the 2000s, it’s been all about remakes. But something interesting has been happening in the last couple years, a movement that looks to be replacing those nonstop remakes with something a little bit different.
I’m of course talking about TV adaptations of popular horror movies, and recent shows like Bates Motel and Hannibal have proven that the small screen is a terrific way to reboot popular properties, while at the same time not angering or alienating the diehard fans of those properties. True, the move from the big screen to the small screen is nothing new in the world of horror, but the results have never been as successful or impressive as they have been in recent years.
Due to the success of the aforementioned shows, and horror on TV in general, it was a...
I’m of course talking about TV adaptations of popular horror movies, and recent shows like Bates Motel and Hannibal have proven that the small screen is a terrific way to reboot popular properties, while at the same time not angering or alienating the diehard fans of those properties. True, the move from the big screen to the small screen is nothing new in the world of horror, but the results have never been as successful or impressive as they have been in recent years.
Due to the success of the aforementioned shows, and horror on TV in general, it was a...
- 1/13/2014
- by John Squires
- FEARnet
A totally overlooked film is Tobe Hopper’s Lifeforce, Scream Factory recently gave it some love with a kick ass special edition Blu-ray release but it seems there is still a large contingent that is unaware of the film. Even fewer realize that it is based on a 1976 novel written by Colin Wilson titled The Space Vampires.
News broke today that Ringleader Studios is moving forward with a TV show based on the same novel. … Continue reading →
Horrornews.net...
News broke today that Ringleader Studios is moving forward with a TV show based on the same novel. … Continue reading →
Horrornews.net...
- 11/22/2013
- by Dave Dreher
- Horror News
Many folks are unaware of the fact that Tobe Hooper’s 1985 classic Lifeforce, starring Steve Railsback, Patrick Stewart, and Mathilda May, was actually an adaptation of Colin Wilson’s 1976 novel The Space Vampires. Fans of horror on TV are about to be reminded.
Deadline is reporting that Beverly Hills-based Ringleader Studios (The Amityville Horror: The Lost Tapes) has acquired rights to adapt Wilson’s novel for television. Ringleader is plotting a small-screen episodic series, also titled Lifeforce, as well as a graphic novel, video game, and additional media tie-ins.
The plot follows a group of astronauts who discover a derelict spaceship and return to Earth with three humanoid aliens that unleash a life-sucking plague upon humanity. Ex-Electronic Gaming Monthly editor and Ringleader Studios founder Steve Harris will exec produce. Al Zuckerman of Writers House negotiated the deal on behalf of Colin and Joy Wilson.
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Deadline is reporting that Beverly Hills-based Ringleader Studios (The Amityville Horror: The Lost Tapes) has acquired rights to adapt Wilson’s novel for television. Ringleader is plotting a small-screen episodic series, also titled Lifeforce, as well as a graphic novel, video game, and additional media tie-ins.
The plot follows a group of astronauts who discover a derelict spaceship and return to Earth with three humanoid aliens that unleash a life-sucking plague upon humanity. Ex-Electronic Gaming Monthly editor and Ringleader Studios founder Steve Harris will exec produce. Al Zuckerman of Writers House negotiated the deal on behalf of Colin and Joy Wilson.
Visit The Evilshop @ Amazon!
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- 11/21/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Lifeforce turned into TV series. Colin Wilson’s The Space Vampires must be some book. It was first adapted into a theatrical film in 1985 called Lifeforce, a movie directed by Toby Hooper. There is no word yet were the TV series will land but CBS or TNT would [...]
Continue reading: Lifeforce: Colin Wilson’s ‘The Space Vampires’ Turned into a TV Series...
Continue reading: Lifeforce: Colin Wilson’s ‘The Space Vampires’ Turned into a TV Series...
- 11/21/2013
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
Ringleader Studios has acquired the rights to produce a television series adaptation of Colin Wilson's 1976 novel "The Space Vampires".
The story follows a group of astronauts who discover a derelict spaceship and return to Earth with three humanoid aliens that unleash a life-sucking plague upon humanity.
Ringleader is planning a small-screen episodic series along with a graphic novel, video game, and other media tie-ins.
The property was previously adapted by Tobe Hooper into the 1985 cult film "Lifeforce" starring Steve Railsback, Patrick Stewart, and Mathilda May.
Source: Deadline...
The story follows a group of astronauts who discover a derelict spaceship and return to Earth with three humanoid aliens that unleash a life-sucking plague upon humanity.
Ringleader is planning a small-screen episodic series along with a graphic novel, video game, and other media tie-ins.
The property was previously adapted by Tobe Hooper into the 1985 cult film "Lifeforce" starring Steve Railsback, Patrick Stewart, and Mathilda May.
Source: Deadline...
- 11/21/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: Beverly Hills-based Ringleader Studios (The Amityville Horror: The Lost Tapes) has acquired rights to adapt Colin Wilson’s 1976 novel The Space Vampires for television. The intergalactic sci-fi tale previously got the feature film treatment in Tobe Hooper’s 1985 pic Lifeforce, starring Steve Railsback, Patrick Stewart, and Mathilda May. Ringleader is plotting a small-screen episodic series, also titled Lifeforce, as well as a graphic novel, video game, and additional media tie-ins. Plot follows a group of astronauts who discover a derelict spaceship and return to Earth with three humanoid aliens that unleash a life-sucking plague upon humanity. Ex-Electronic Gaming Monthly editor and Ringleader Studios founder Steve Harris will exec produce. Al Zuckerman of Writers House negotiated the deal on behalf of Colin and Joy Wilson.
- 11/21/2013
- by JEN YAMATO
- Deadline TV
Ringleader Studios has plans to bring Lifeforce to the small screen. Deadline reports that they have secured the rights to re-adapt the 1976 Colin Wilson novel, "The Space Vampires," and will be using the title of Tobe Hooper's 1985 cult classic for an ongoing series and other related media tie-ins including a video game and a graphic novel. Set in the late 21st century, "The Space Vampires" follows an Earth spacecraft, the Hermes, that uncovers a massive derelict craft filled with bat creatures and three humanoids in suspended animation. When the Hermes' crew brings the bodies back to Earth, they accidentally awaken an evil force intent on stealing the life-force energy of the entire planet. The original film starred Steve Railsback and Mathilda May and,...
- 11/20/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Stars: Steve Railsback, Mathilda May, Peter Firth, Frank Finlay, Patrick Stewart, Michael Gothard | Written by Dan O’Bannon | Directed by Tobe Hooper
Based on a book by Colin Wilson known as Space Vampires and adapted by Dan O’Bannon for the silver screen Lifeforce is one of the most unique versions of the vampire legend ever put to screen. Featuring enough nudity to keep any eighties teenage boy happy Tobe Hooper created an epic sci-fi horror that not only pays homage to Hammer but also creates a truly unique experience. Much loved by the fans who have discovered it and looked back on with fondness by the people who starred in it and worked on it behind the scenes, Lifeforce is one of the treasures of the horror world that should be truly loved.
Arrow Video have paid respect to Lifeforce in the best way, giving it a re-mastering that...
Based on a book by Colin Wilson known as Space Vampires and adapted by Dan O’Bannon for the silver screen Lifeforce is one of the most unique versions of the vampire legend ever put to screen. Featuring enough nudity to keep any eighties teenage boy happy Tobe Hooper created an epic sci-fi horror that not only pays homage to Hammer but also creates a truly unique experience. Much loved by the fans who have discovered it and looked back on with fondness by the people who starred in it and worked on it behind the scenes, Lifeforce is one of the treasures of the horror world that should be truly loved.
Arrow Video have paid respect to Lifeforce in the best way, giving it a re-mastering that...
- 11/17/2013
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
★★☆☆☆ Lifeforce (1985), director Tobe Hooper's foray into space-based terror, is very much a product of its time. Starring Steve Railsback, Peter Firth, Mathilda May and Frank Finlay (as well as a brief surprise appearance by future Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Patrick Stewart), Lifeforce is one of those films with an unmistakable 1980s air which stands up surprisingly well after nearly thirty years - well, almost. Whilst exploring the farthest reaches of space, the crew of the space shuttle Churchill discover a massive 150 mile-long alien spaceship hidden within the corona of Halley's Comet and decide to board.
Though the ship initially seems devoid of life the Churchill's crew soon find out what inhabited it, with potentially devastating results for not only them but the entire human race. Lifeforce falls into a group of films that everyone remembers, but which no-one can be sure they actually saw. Made in the wake of...
Though the ship initially seems devoid of life the Churchill's crew soon find out what inhabited it, with potentially devastating results for not only them but the entire human race. Lifeforce falls into a group of films that everyone remembers, but which no-one can be sure they actually saw. Made in the wake of...
- 10/15/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Despite a career of ups and downs, a number of Tobe Hooper’s films have stood the test of time as firm cult favourites. “Lifeforce” is certainly one of these, a big budget curiosity that wasn’t particularly well received on its original release back in 1985, but which some fans have come to look on with a growing affection. His next outing after his 1982 Spielberg collaboration “Poltergeist”, the film saw Hooper choosing to adapt Colin Wilson’s novel “The Space Vampires”, and was an undeniably ambitious affair, mixing science fiction and horror to apocalyptic effect, with a script co-written by Dan O’Bannon of “Alien” and “Return of the Living Dead”. The film has been given a new lease of life by Arrow Video, and is available now in region 2 Blu Ray and special Steelbook editions with a brand new restoration of the print supervised by Hooper himself. Including both...
- 10/9/2013
- by James Mudge
- Beyond Hollywood
Director: Tobe Hooper. Review: Adam Wing. I'm ashamed to admit this, but I'd never even heard of Lifeforce before it dropped through my letterbox. Quite how this 80's favourite passed me by remains a mystery, but thanks to Arrow Video, I can now enjoy the fully-restored deluxe Blu-ray edition in the comfort of my own home. Originally released back in 1986, Lifeforce was directed by American horror maestro Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) hot off the heels of Poltergeist. Known for pushing the envelope, for his 1986 release, Lifeforce, Hooper decided to adapt Colin Wilson's novel The Space Vampires and in doing so, created a horror/sci-fi with a massive cult following. Who else feels a little silly now? That'll be just me then. The opening act borrows heavily from Ridley Scott's sci-fi masterpiece - both films were written by Dan O'Bannon - but with Hooper at the...
- 10/3/2013
- 24framespersecond.net
Fans of classic (and perhaps more than a tiny bit camp) horror sci-fi rejoice, Arrow Video has announce the highly anticipated deluxe Blu-ray & SteelBook editions of Tobe Hooper’s cult sci-fi classic Lifeforce. The restored Blu-ray discs will be released in the UK on 14th October marking the first time that the movie will be available on this format in the UK. The carefully restored Blu-ray will also feature an extensive amount of extra features and boasts a restoration of the movie that was overseen by director Tobe Hooper himself. Originally released back in 1986, Lifeforce was directed by American horror maestro Tobe Hooper (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) hot off the heels of his previous horror hit, Poltergeist. Known for pushing the envelope, for his 1986 release, Lifeforce, Hooper decided to adapt Colin Wilson's edgy novel The Space Vampires and in doing so, created a horror/sci-fi epic with a devoted cult following.
- 9/20/2013
- 24framespersecond.net
Director Tobe Hooper made quite a name for himself in the 70′s and 80′s with horror films like The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Funhouse, Salem’s Lot and Poltergeist. I’m sure he surprised many fans following up a “family friendly” blockbuster like Poltergeist with a sci-fi film that was anything but. Based on the novel The Space Vampires by Colin Wilson, Lifeforce is a strange tale of intergalactic visitors who seduce and destroy everything in their path.
On a voyage to study Haley’s Comet, a space crew headed by Colonel Tom Carlsen (Steve Railsback) discover a space vessel inhabited by giant bat-like creatures and decide to take a specimen back to Earth. When a shuttle is sent from Earth to retrieve the team, they discover the crew is missing and the shuttle they were in is burned to a crisp. The rescue team stumbles upon the source...
On a voyage to study Haley’s Comet, a space crew headed by Colonel Tom Carlsen (Steve Railsback) discover a space vessel inhabited by giant bat-like creatures and decide to take a specimen back to Earth. When a shuttle is sent from Earth to retrieve the team, they discover the crew is missing and the shuttle they were in is burned to a crisp. The rescue team stumbles upon the source...
- 6/20/2013
- by Derek Botelho
- DailyDead
Every horror-loving teenage boy in the ’80s remembers the first time they saw Mathilda May. It was director Tobe Hooper‘s name and some fantastic-looking gore and effects photos in Fangoria magazine that made Lifeforce a must-see, but by the time the end credits rolled all of that had been forgotten. The film was (and still is) goofy fun, but even today the most memorable aspect of the entire movie is Miss May, in the buff, for roughly 90% of her screen time. If that’s not enough of a reason to give the film a watch the actual plot involves space vampires (Buck Rogers shout out!), zombie-like victims, massive destruction and mayhem in the streets of London, and Patrick Stewart saying the word “naughty” as only he can. Keep reading to see what I learned from the commentary track for Tobe Hooper’s Lifeforce. Lifeforce (1985) Commentators: Tobe Hooper (director), Tim Sullivan (moderator) 1. Hooper’s longer cut of...
- 6/6/2013
- by Rob Hunter
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
While we’e been covering many of the Scream Factory releases for our Us readers, Arrow Video has been releasing horror classics in the UK for a while now and they recently announced their next set of Blu-ray releases. Take a look at release details, cover art, and bonus features for The Fall of the House of Usher, Lifeforce, Deranged, and Squirm. We’ve also included details for Motel Hell, which we covered earlier this week.
Motel Hell: “It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent fritters!” cackle the brother-and-sister team behind the finest smoked meats in the county. They also run the friendly Motel Hello (the ‘o’ in the neon sign sometimes goes on the blink), and no matter how many times you’ve seen Psycho or The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, you can be sure that everything will be perfectly above board here as Vincent...
Motel Hell: “It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent fritters!” cackle the brother-and-sister team behind the finest smoked meats in the county. They also run the friendly Motel Hello (the ‘o’ in the neon sign sometimes goes on the blink), and no matter how many times you’ve seen Psycho or The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, you can be sure that everything will be perfectly above board here as Vincent...
- 5/4/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Like Stanley G. Weinbaum, Henry Kuttner, Stan Winston and Dave Allen, Dan O’Bannon left our planet much too soon, leaving behind a world of saddened friends and fans. The sadness doesn’t linger, though, for Dan was a very funny man, and much beloved by those who knew him.
On February 9th, 2010, the New Beverly Cinema hosted the Grindhouse Film Fest’s tribute to Dan O’Bannon, with a double feature screening of “Lifeforce” and “Return of the Living Dead.” To experience Dan’s authentic adaptation of Colin Wilson’s seminal novel “The Space Vampires”, and his loopy, dead-on riff on zombie movies, in a Hollywood revival theater full of rabid fans, is to know what imaginative entertainment is all about.
In addition to such on-screen delights as an unveiled Matilda May, and demented lines such as “Send more cops!”, an informal RotLD cast reunion occurred.
Clu Galagher, James Karen,...
On February 9th, 2010, the New Beverly Cinema hosted the Grindhouse Film Fest’s tribute to Dan O’Bannon, with a double feature screening of “Lifeforce” and “Return of the Living Dead.” To experience Dan’s authentic adaptation of Colin Wilson’s seminal novel “The Space Vampires”, and his loopy, dead-on riff on zombie movies, in a Hollywood revival theater full of rabid fans, is to know what imaginative entertainment is all about.
In addition to such on-screen delights as an unveiled Matilda May, and demented lines such as “Send more cops!”, an informal RotLD cast reunion occurred.
Clu Galagher, James Karen,...
- 2/18/2010
- by Steve
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
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