LIONS GATES VAMPIRIC ECSTACY
Variety reports that Taka Ichise, the producer behind many of Japans most notable recent fright films, is launching a six-movie package called J-HORROR THEATER, with Lions Gate handling distribution for all worldwide territories except Japan. The movies (titles and storylines to be announced) will be directed by a Whos Who of the countrys top terror talent, including Hideo (RINGU) Nakata, Takashi (JU-ON) Shimizu, Kiyoshi (PULSE) Kurosawa and, making his debut at the helm, RINGU series scripter Hiroshi Takahashi. The films will be shot in either Japanese or English, some using key talent from other countries. Lions Gate already has all four of Shimizus JU-ON movies for the U.S., with the first theatrical installment to begin regional release July 23 as JU-ON: THE GRUDGE. Look for an in-depth interview with Ichise in FANGORIA #235, on sale in July.
The trade also reports that Lions Gate has picked up U.S. rights to the vampire film IMMORTAL ECSTASY from Dream Entertainment (which was also behind the Gates October 12 video release MONSTER MAN). ECSTASY is about the landlord of a broken-down building who is attacked by a group of bloodsucking squatters there, then returns to his suburban home for his birthday party, where he spreads the curse to his assembled family. TV veteran Desi Scarpone directed the film and produced it with Susan Rodgers; the cast is headed by newcomers Janet Martin, Delpano Wills, Joe King and Megan Ubach.
Courtesy of Fangoria
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