It’s the most wonderful time of year! Not just because spooky season is upon us, but because of everything that comes along with it. AMC’s annual FearFest, Spirit Halloween stores are re-opened all around the country and, oh yes, there are lots of fantastic horror movies on sale. The folks at Shout! Studios and Scream Factory are in the midst of their annual Shocktober sale, which runs now through October 17. For anyone with a little extra cash, this is worth taking a look at.
The sale includes dozens of blu-rays, 4K releases and box sets that are discounted in some cases more than 65% from the retail price. For those who might feel a little overwhelmed by the whole thing, we’ve gone through the entirety of this year’s Shocktober sale to offer some highlights. Check it out and happy shopping.
Friday The 13th Collection Deluxe Edition
Originally released in 2020, Scream Factory’s Friday the 13th collection is, quite simply, one of the best box sets I have ever personally come across. Containing all 12 films from the original right through the ‘09 Friday the 13th remake across 16 discs, it’s completely comprehensive. The box art is killer. Each of the films looks as good as they’ve ever looked. Each disc is packed with bonus features. All of the cover art is great (and reversible). For any fan of Jason Voorhees, this is the pinnacle. It’s also half off right now. Normally retailing for $160, it’s currently going for $89.99.
“Jason is back in a new deluxe set of the long–running slasher series!
This set enshrines the most successful horror series in cinema history. Jason slashes his way from Crystal Lake to outer space and back to fight Freddy! This Deluxe Collection includes all of the previously released extras plus all-new bonus materials including new audio commentaries with cast and crew!”
Grab a copy of the Friday the 13th collection right here.
Halloween 4K Collector’s Edition
When making a list of the greatest horror films ever made, it would be a sin to leave out John Carpenter’s Halloween. That probably goes without saying to anyone reading this. That being the case, highlighting Scream Factory’s Halloween 4K collector’s edition is well worth doing. The three-disc release not only gives the legendary slasher film an Ultra HD upgrade, but it’s jam-packed with extras including the broadcast television cut of the film! For the sale, it’s going for $19.99, which is quite a bit below the $36.99 retail. Even for someone who might be sitting on a Blu-ray copy, this upgrade is well worth it for hardcore fans.
“The one. The only. The classic.
On a black and unholy Halloween night years ago, little Michael Myers brutally slaughtered his sister in cold blood. For the last fifteen years, the people of Haddonfield have rested easily, knowing that Michael was safely locked away in a mental hospital … until tonight. Michael has escaped and he will soon return to the same quiet neighborhood to relive his grisly murder again. For this is a night of evil. Tonight is Halloween.”
Grab a copy of the Halloween 4K collector’s edition right here.
Silver Bullet / The Dead Zone on 4K
There are so many adaptations of Stephen King’s work out there that more than a few of those have sort of slipped through the cracks over the years. Scream Factory recently gave a couple of underappreciated films, Silver Bullet and The Dead Zone, impressive 4K upgrades. And both of them are part of this year’s sale for $21.99, reduced from the $35.99 retail price. As an added bonus, the late, great Scott Wampler, co-host of The Kingcast and Fano contribute extraordinaire, contributed commentary tracks for both films alongside his co-host Eric Vespe. Those alone are worth the price.
“Stephen King's Masterful Werewolf Novelette Comes Alive!
In Stephen King's thrilling adaptation of his novelette, Cycle Of The Werewolf, a peaceful town is suddenly terrorized by a maniacal killer. The townsfolk think a madman is on the loose, but a wheelchair-bound 13-year-old (Corey Haim, The Lost Boys) knows the truth … a werewolf is on the hunt. With the help of his Uncle Red (Gary Busey, Lethal Weapon), young Marty Coslaw sets out to stop the half-man/half-beast before he sinks his teeth into another innocent victim. Now, time is ticking … and the full moon is about to rise.”
You can grab a copy of Silver Bullet on 4K right here.
“He can see the future. But can he escape it?
School teacher Johnny Smith (Christopher Walken) had a beautiful fiancée, a rewarding career and a fortunate life … until one tragic accident changed everything. After slamming into an 18-wheeler, Johnny is plunged into a five-year coma. When he awakens, he finds his true collision was with destiny – he now has the remarkable gift (or curse) of seeing into the future. From horror master Stephen King and director David Cronenberg (Scanners, Dead Ringers), this supernatural thriller turns an everyday guy into a reluctant hero … saving children in danger, helping the police and finding a serial killer. But Johnny's next vision may be his most terrifying yet …”
And you can grab a copy of The Dead Zone on 4K right here.
Candyman 4K Collector’s Edition
When we talk about the best horror movies of all time, Candyman might not get the credit it deserves for truly being near the top of the mountain. More than 30 years later, Bernard Rose’s inventive fantastical slasher looks better now than it ever has. Speaking of that, Scream Factory recently gave this one the 4K treatment and it’s on sale for just $19.99. Even better? If you don’t need a 4K copy the Blu-ray is on sale for just $8.99. That might be the best deal of this entire sale this year. Either way, this is a must-own for any horror fan, in my humble opinion. Don’t sleep on this one.
“This gut-wrenching thriller follows a graduate student whose research summons the spirit of the dead! When Helen Lyle hears about Candyman, a slave spirit with a hook hand who is said to haunt a notorious housing project, she thinks she has a new twist for her thesis. Braving the gang-ridden territory to visit the site, Helen arrogantly assumes Candyman can't really exist … until he appears, igniting a string of terrifying, grisly slayings. But the police don't believe in monsters, and charge Helen with the crimes. And the only one who can set her free is Candyman.”
Grab a copy of Candyman on 4K right here. Or, if you would prefer, grab Candyman on Blu-ray right here.
The Critters Collection
Speaking of things that probably don’t get the credit they deserve, the Critters films are truly little creature-feature delights. And let us not forget that Critters 3 represents Leonardo DiCaprio’s feature debut. It’s history, people! Scream Factory, doing what they do best, gave the first four films in the series a great box set with The Critters Collection several years back. These things are treated with the care of a Criterion release, yet they’re still just scrappy little monster movies. The box set is just $25.99 during the sale, a deep discount from the already reasonable $39.99 retail price. This one will look great on the shelf in addition to being lots of fun.
“They're back and ready to devour your Blu-ray player!
The terrifying and tiny menaces are out in full force with this four-film collection packed with enough Special Features to make any fan's mouth water!
In Critters, the terrified Brown family are trapped in a deadly nightmare and must fight for their lives against a litter of extraterrestrial, bloodthirsty monsters. But it's a losing battle until two intergalactic bounty hunters arrive, determined to blow the creatures off the planet! In Critters 2: The Main Course, some eggs have survived and are popping open, bringing another horde of the little creatures! Brad Brown (Scott Grimes) returns to fight them along with three bounty hunters. Critters 3 stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Josh, a beleaguered Angelino who must lead the fight against the little monsters as they invade an L.A. apartment building. In the final film, Critters 4, a super strain of genetically engineered monsters are designed to take over the universe. This time, Brad Dourif and Angela Bassett must battle the little bloodthirsty hairballs.”
Get a copy of the Critters collection right here.
Tales From the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight Collector’s Edition
There were two theatrically released Tales from the Crypt movies in the ‘90s. There was Bordello of Blood, which is perfectly fine. But then there’s Demon Knight, which is truly one of the best things to come about during the entirety of Tales from the Crypt’s long run. That makes the Tales From The Crypt Presents: Demon Knight collector’s edition Blu-ray one heck of a worthwhile purchase. The restoration is great. This is the first Scream Factory Blu-ray I purchased and it led to many more. It’s going for $14.99 during the sale, discounted from $22.99. Worth every penny, if I do say so myself.
“A mysterious drifter known as Brayker (William Sadler, Iron Man 3) possesses the last of seven ancient keys that hold the power to stop the forces of darkness and protect all humanity from ultimate evil. But the human race is safe only so long as Brayker can evade the demonic Collector (Billy Zane, Titanic) who has gathered the other six keys.
In his obsessive quest for the key, the Collector rallies an army of ghastly cadavers against Brayker and the inhabitants of a run-down hotel. Armed with automatic weapons, sacred blood and sadistic humor, Brayker and the strong-willed Jeryline (Jada Pinkett-Smith, Gotham) must lead the other guests in a gruesome battle against the Collector and his evil horde of ghouls.”
Grab a copy of Demon Knight right here.
Alligator 4K Collector’s Edition
Director Lewis Teague’s Alligator is a true gem of an ‘80s creature feature. For years, it was downright hard to find in any form. Scream Factory, doing what they do best, gave the film a 4K makeover in 2022, not only making it accessible, but it now looks better than ever. Whether you’ve never seen it or haven’t seen it in a long time, this is well worth adding to one’s physical media shelf. The restoration was done with care, it’s packed with bonus features and the box art rips. It goes for $20.99 during the sale, reduced from $31.99.
“It lives 50 feet beneath the city. It's 36 feet long. It weighs 2,000 pounds … and it's about to break out!
From director Lewis Teague (Cujo) and screenwriter John Sayles (The Howling) comes an unstoppable thriller with bite. A family returning from Florida decides their pet baby alligator is too much to handle and flushes him down the toilet. Meanwhile, Slade Laboratories is conducting secret experiments with animals and disposing of them in the sewer. The alligator, fending for itself, begins to feed on the dead animals, and grows. Now, twelve years later, after several mysterious murders, David Madison (Robert Forster, Jackie Brown) is on the case to find out who … or what … is killing people.”
Grab a copy of Alligator on 4K right here.
They Live Limited Edition Steelbook + Poster + Enamel Pin Set
Halloween will always be John Carpenter’s singular masterpiece. That said, the man didn’t earn the nickname the Horror Master over one film. They Live is unquestionably right up there near the top of his filmography, right alongside other masterworks such as The Thing and Escape from New York. Scream Factory had done releases for all of the above but the steelbook they did for They Live is one of those things that just looks too good not to have on the shelf. As part of this sale, they not only have the steelbook, but they also have the full collector’s set deeply discounted, which includes a poster and enamel pin set. It’s currently going for $45.99, as opposed to the $93.99 retail. The steelbook itself is going for $20.99. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
“They influence our decisions without us knowing it. They numb our senses without us feeling it. They control our lives without us realizing it. They Live.
Horror master John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) directs this heart-pounding thriller in which aliens are systematically gaining control of the Earth by masquerading as humans and lulling the public into submission. Humanity's last chance lies with a lone drifter who stumbles upon a harrowing discovery — a unique pair of sunglasses that reveals the terrifying and deadly truth.”
Grab the full They Live collector’s set right here. Or, for those who just want the steelback, grab that right here.
The Exorcist III Collector’s Edition
William Friedkin’s The Exorcist has earned its reputation as arguably the most respected horror movie ever made, with good reason. The initiated will tell you that The Exorcist III deserves more respect as one of the best horror sequels ever made. The folks at Scream Factory have it covered as The Exorcist III was given a 4K upgrade last year, with lots of bells and whistles. For those content with a Blu-ray, they have a great collector’s edition as well. The 4K is going for $21.99 during the sale, while the Blu-ray is priced at just $12.99. Either way, a bargain.
“Experience William Peter Blatty's original vision of his novel Legion with this director's cut of The Exorcist III.
For more than fifteen years, Police Lieutenant Kinderman (George C. Scott) has been haunted by the death of his friend Father Damien Karras. Now, on the 15th anniversary of the exorcism that claimed the priest's life, Kinderman's world is once again shattered when a boy is found decapitated and savagely crucified. It's just the beginning of a nightmare series of bizarre religious murders.
When a psychopath claiming to be the infamous Gemini Killer admits responsibility for all the murders, Kinderman is confronted with a horrifying truth that he cannot begin to explain … the man does know intimate details that only the true killer could possibly know. There's only one problem … the Gemini Killer died in the electric chair fifteen years ago!”
Grab The Exorcist III on 4K right here or for those who are content with the Blu-ray, grab a copy right here.
Pumpkinhead 4K Collector’s Edition
As more time passes, Stan Winston’s Pumpkinhead earns its reputation as one of the truly great, wildly underrated horror films ever produced. An inventive story with impeccable creature design, the film holds up like nobody’s business. Well, Scream Factory has not one but three different versions to choose from as part of this sale. There’s a full collector’s set which includes lobby cards and enamel pins and more, which goes for $69.99, reduced from $139.99. The standalone 4K is going for $20.99, reduced from $35.99. As for the Blu-ray? It might be the best deal of the sale, going for just $9.99, reduced from $15.99.
“When a group of teenagers inadvertently kill his only son, Ed Harley (Lance Henriksen, Aliens) seeks the powers of a backwoods witch to bring the child back to life. But instead, she invokes ‘the pumpkinhead’ – a monstrously clawed demon which, once reborn, answers only to Ed's bloodlust. But as the creature wreaks its slow, unspeakable tortures on the teens, Ed confronts a horrifying secret about his connection to the beast – and realizes that he must find a way to stop its deadly mission before he becomes one with the creature forever. Also starring Jeff East (Deadly Blessing), Joel Hoffman (Slumber Party Massacre II) and Kerry Remsen (A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge), this ‘atmospheric, moralistic tale’ (TV Guide) delivers demonic horror at its blood-drenched best.”
Grab the full Pumpkinhead collector’s set here, get a hold of a copy of the film on 4K right here, or pick up the ridiculously cheap Blu-ray right here.
