Masters Of Horror: Series 1 Volume 2 (6 Discs)

The second instalment of 'Masters of Horror: Series 1' is less consistent than what's on offer in Volume 1. Dario Argento kicks off the set this time around and it's not nearly as powerful or shocking an opening, but that may be an unfair comparison considering the strength of John Carpenter's 'Cigarette Burns', and this is one of the better segments in Volume 2. Tobe Hooper's 'Dance of the Dead' is a big disappointment, a potentially great story about the end of days falls by the wayside with some misguided attempts at the blend of horror and social commentary that made George A. Romero a filmmaking legend. Takashi Miike's segment is typically sick (so much so that Showtime, the network behind the series, declined to air it, instead making its debut here on DVD). The pick of the litter is Larry Cohen's 'Pick Me Up' (although more a comedy with a horror theme than anything else) as two serial killers argue over who gets to kill a hitcher. 'The Fair Haired Child' is a so-so addition and John McNaughton's 'Haeckel's Tale' wraps things up. It's a supposed taboo breaker when it's actually nothing we haven't seen before, but it's still got Jon Polito and enough entertainment value to make it a decent close to the first series. As before the extras are plush and it's a must have for any horror collector.

If you loved the first volume of 'Masters of Horror' you're sure to enjoy this collection of 6 more horror stories from Anchor Bay. Top of the pile this time round would have to be Takashi Miike's suitably bizarre 'Imprint' and Tobe Hoopers apocalyptic 'Dance of the Dead'. Again the extras are extensive (more so than some movie releases) and the boxset offers outstanding value for money. My only complaint...it's debatable whether some of the featured director's are true 'masters of horror'. Where on earth are your Wes Craven and David Cronenberg for instance. Too busy I expect...well, maybe next time, eh?

Theres some great directors on here and some creepy stories but for me takashi mikes "imprint"is the standout.a gruesome tale of torture and abortions,so graphic that as its already been pointed out didnt get a network showing.a really disturbing piece of television.