October 25th, 1978. John Carpenter's Halloween is unleashed upon an unsuspecting public and, in no time, becomes a horror movie phenomenon. Made for only $320,000.00, the expertly crafted and terrifying film would eventually gross $70 million worldwide, and would not only create a solid formula that has been imitated endlessly since 1978, but would also spawn no less than nine sequels with a tenth due out this October. In his book Halloween: The Changing Shape of an Iconic Series, author Ernie Magnotta meticulously details exactly what made this entertaining and terrifying film the enduring classic that it is today. He then goes on to discuss how the sequels strayed further and further away from writer/director/composer John Carpenter's original vision until they became something almost entirely different.The author goes into detail about all aspects of the series including story, characters, acting, suspense/scares, cinematography, direction/composition, music, Michael Myers' ever-changing mask and much, much more!Packed with loads of information as well as almost 200 full-color photos, Halloween: The Changing Shape of an Iconic Series is a must have for fans of the classic franchise."A totally great read!" -P.J. Soles ("Lynda" 1978's Halloween) "Ernie definitely knows the Halloween series. This October 31st, I'll let him live." -Dick Warlock ("Michael Myers" 1981's Halloween II)"Ernie Magnotta has meticulously detailed the nuances of the Halloween franchise characters...I found his observations of Rachel Carruthers and Jamie Lloyd in H4 and H5 to be spot on." -Ellie Cornell ("Rachel Carruthers" Halloween 4 and 5)

Many years ago, in the town of Haddonfield, Illinois, a boy named Michael Myers murdered his sister with a knife. Later, he returned to town on Halloween night to kill again. The only ones who knew how to stop him were his doctor and a teenage girl. Now it is time for Michael Myers to return to Haddonfield once again. And this time, nobody can stop him.When Lori and her friends are asked to create a haunted house in the basement of Haddonfield'scivic center, they jump at the chance. But an old pro soon turns their little horror show intoa bloody death trap.Michael Myers has returned to Haddonfield--and it's a homecoming they won't soon forget.

Silver Shamrock. Thorn. White Horses. It's all in here. Join authors Dustin McNeill and Travis Mullins for a deep dive into the evolution of Halloween's vast mythology. Extensively researched, TAKING SHAPE is the ultimate guide to the first forty years of Haddonfield history. Featuring exclusive interviews with filmmakers from every installment, prepare to gain new insight into Halloween's iconic boogeyman. Oh, you don't believe in the boogeyman? You should. TAKING SHAPE includes: - Comprehensive story analysis on the entire series - A rundown of all deleted and alternate scenes - A look at what scholars got right (and wrong) about H1 - Exclusive details on Nigel Kneale's original H3 script - Comparisons of early scripts to the final theatrical films - A rare interview with H5 screenwriter Michael Jacobs - An exhaustive account of H6's troubled production - An examination of H20's roots as a direct-to-video sequel - A revealing look behind the grunge of the Rob Zombie era - Insight into how test audiences and execs shaped the films - In-depth dissection of the official novelizations

John Kenneth Muir is back! This time, the author of the acclaimed Horror Films of the 1970s turns his attention to 300 films from the 1980s. From horror franchises like Friday the 13th and Hellraiser to obscurities like The Children and The Boogens, Muir is our informative guide. Muir introduces the scope of the decade's horrors, and offers a history that draws parallels between current events and the nightmares unfolding on cinema screens. Each of the 300 films is discussed with detailed credits, a brief synopsis, a critical commentary, and where applicable, notes on the film's legacy beyond the 80s. Also included is the author's ranking of the 15 best horror films of the 80s.

Reviews of The Gorehound's Guide to Splatter Films of the 1960s and 1970s: "recommended"--Booklist; "exhaustive...useful"--ARBA; "a solid reference work"--Video Watchdog; "bursting with information, opinion and trivia...impeccably researched"--Film Review; "interesting and informative"--Rue Morgue; "detailed credits...entertaining"--Classic Images. Author Scott Aaron Stine is back again, this time with an exhaustive study of splatter films of the 1980s. Following a brief overview of the genre, the main part of the book is a filmography. Each entry includes extensive technical information; cast and production credits; release date; running time; alternate and foreign release titles; comments on the availability of the film on videocassette and DVD; a plot synopsis; commentary from the author; and reviews. Extensive cross-referencing is also included. Heavily illustrated.