The ‘70s represented some of horror’s most creative and exciting developments. Criterion Channel is taking the month of October to delve into this influential decade’s fright-filled contributions with their newest collection—‘70s Horror. Whether you’re a newbie to Romero or a devotee of De Palma, this trip through time promises grindhouse meets art house on an epic scale.
While every entry represents its own peek into a decade welcoming decadence, sexual expression, and gore galore; there are some choices that are must-watch titles for fans. David Cronenberg’s films “Shivers” and “Rabid” delve into the auteur’s penchant for exploring the body as well as its grisly sensualities. One of horror’s masters, George A. Romero, shows his sense of keen social commentary with “The Crazies”. He’s not alone in highlighting social and sociopathic nature—” The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” from Tobe Hooper exhibits a “slice” of rural idyllic life’s very real nightmares. Also, take note of Bill Gunn’s groundbreaking “Ganja & Hess”; the film represents an important cinematic contribution as it features a Black filmmaker, writer, and cast. Lead actor Duane Jones gives a performance that overshadows his already impressive work in “Night of the Living Dead.”
70’s Horror Films Available During October 2020 on the Criterion Channel:
Trog, Freddie Francis, 1970
The Vampire Lovers, Roy Ward Baker, 1970
Daughters of Darkness, Harry Kümel, 1971
Let’s Scare Jessica to Death, John D. Hancock, 1971
The Nightcomers, Michael Winner, 1971
Dracula A.D. 1972, Alan Gibson, 1972
Images, Robert Altman, 1972
Death Line, Gary Sherman, 1972
Season of the Witch, George A. Romero, 1972
The Crazies, George A. Romero, 1973
Don’t Look Now, Nicolas Roeg, 1973
Ganja & Hess, Bill Gunn, 1973
Sisters, Brian De Palma, 1973
Theater of Blood, Douglas Hickox, 1973
The Wicker Man, Robin Hardy, 1973
Black Christmas, Bob Clark, 1974
Deathdream, Bob Clark, 1974
It’s Alive, Larry Cohen, 1974
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Tobe Hooper, 1974
Shivers, David Cronenberg, 1975
The Tenant, Roman Polanski, 1976 (Arrives November 1)
The Witch Who Came from the Sea, Matt Cimber, 1976
The Hills Have Eyes, Wes Craven, 1977
Rabid, David Cronenberg, 1977
Coma, Michael Crichton, 1978
Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Philip Kaufman, 1978
Long Weekend, Colin Eggleston, 1978
The Brood, David Cronenberg, 1979
The Driller Killer, Abel Ferrara, 1979
Watch the trailer for Criterion Channel’s new ‘70s Horror Collection. The titles shown are available throughout the month of October. Roman Polanski’s “The Tenant” arrives on November 1st.