TheArchive: Reviewing the Rare, Retro, and Restored

There’s something uniquely terrifying about horror movies that draw from real-life events. While masked killers and supernatural slashers have their place, the idea that the story on screen really happened is what really changes. Over the years, some of the scariest movies of all time have taken inspiration from true crime cases.  Slashers are always frightening , but those based on true events leave a lingering fear after the movie is over. They remind us that evil doesn’t always come with a mask or a supernatural force; it can be a neighbor, a co-worker, or a stranger.  Here are some horror films based on real stories that will terrify you this Halloween!  The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) Perhaps the most infamous “true crime” slasher, Tobe Hooper’s masterpiece was loosely inspired by Ed Gein, a murderer and grave robber in Wisconsin who was known for crafting household items and clothing from human remains. While Gein’s crimes weren’t actually done with a chainsaw...

Halloween brings the annual flood of terrifying movies ; in this blog, we want to highlight some great horror movies, new and old. TheArchive offers some uniquely disturbing selections, including what was once considered among the scariest films of its time. Whether you’re watching the classics or discovering new nightmare fuel in modern releases, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the thrills and chills of horror than on Halloween night.   Mark of the Devil Adrian Hoven and Michael Armstrong’s Mark of the Devil was famously dubbed “positively the most horrifying film ever made” upon its release, showcasing graphic intensity. Cool Ass Cinema calls it “one of the signature examples of 1970s exploitation at its most grueling.” Over 40 years later, Mark of the Devil still manages to leave modern viewers shifting uncomfortably in their seats.  Count Christian von Meruh ( Udo Kier ) is a witch hunter apprentice to Lord Cumberland. He believes strongly in his mentor a...

MORE HORROR CLASSICS THAN YOU CAN STREAM Freaks, maniacs, monsters, and more. Grab that Halloween candy and stream til you scream. A whole list of recommendations below so keep reading. Our Sunday Night Pick: In part 1, we started with horror's beginnings, Dracula and Frankenstein films, early celluloid ghosts and witches.  Now we move through through the back half of the list to unearth more freaks, maniacs, and monsters. So grab the candy you were going to give to the trick or treaters next week and let's get watching: Freaks : Horror film portrayals of physical deformity, including the Hunchback of Notre Dame. These pictures often featured actors with real deformities or disabilities - the fear of someone different. Scream Queens : Jamie Lee Curtis and Fay Wray, mostly known for their iconic screams on camera, these actresses and others discuss their experience on set and the challenges that they faced when having to maintain fear and terror on set. Girl Ghouls : Femal...