Shudder Content Guide: October 2020
October promises to be fun across all of Shudder’s regions. The US is weeks-deep into the 61 Days of Halloween, but the other regions are not being left out. As we did last time, we’re making one spotlight selection per region, and then we’ll also share the full schedule of releases for each region.
So, let’s dive into the ghoulish glee you can expect this month.
US Selection: Joe Bob’s Halloween Hideaway
I am a huge Joe Bob Briggs fan, as is the rest of Haunted MTL, so if Joe Bob gets a special during October then his special becomes the highlight of October. That’s how it works. I do not write the rules. So, get ready for more fun at The Last Drive-In with Joe Bob Briggs!
As far as what movies are included for the double feature… that remains a tantalizing mystery. Regardless, we’re excited to see Joe Bob, Darcy, and the rest of the trailer park folks later this month.
Of course, that is not all going on for the second half of the 61 Days of Halloween. The US gets an embarrassment of riches this month.
Canada Selection: WNUF Halloween Special
My choice for the Canadian region’s selection is WNUF Halloween Special. This 2013 horror-comedy is played off as an off-air recording of a local channel’s Halloween special where things escalate. It evokes the BBC classic Ghostwatch in a number of ways. Absolutely dripping a 1980s style, this film comes off as an absurd artifact of the era and should be a great treat for audiences in Canada. Enjoy the collection of fake commercials included as well.
Check out the trailer below.
As for the rest of Canada’s offerings?
UK Selection: The Cleansing Hour
The UK doesn’t get as many treats in their bag like the US or Canada this month, but there is still fun to be had. My selection for this month is a curious exorcism film, and also a Shudder Original called The Cleansing Hour that should make for a nice companion piece to Shudder’s Zoom-themed horror Host. The Cleansing Hour follows a staged exorcism streaming online that grows far more interesting when a real demon shows up.
Check out the trailer below.
As for what else is in the UK this month?
Australia/New Zealand Selection: Suspiria
My selection for Australia/New Zealand doesn’t arrive until late in the month, but it is worth the wait: Dario Argento’s Suspiria adds a splash of candy-colored horror to any Halloween festivities. It may not be Argento’s best film but it is arguably his most iconic. Australia/New Zealand having a chance to enjoy it streaming on Shudder is definitely a highlight.
As for the rest of the films on offer?
Lastly, all regions get access to this year’s Ghoul Log. Here is some information about it from Shudder.
MICHAEL DOUGHERTY’S GHOUL LOG TRICK ‘R TREAT SAM O’LANTERN NOW STREAMING ON SHUDDER
Shudder Presents New 24/7 Streaming Jack-O’Lantern Inspired by Dougherty’s Iconic Halloween Anthology Film
NEW YORK, NY – October 2, 2020 – Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, has debuted this year’s “Ghoul Log,” a 24/7 streaming jack-o’lantern, created by Trick ‘r Treat director Michael Dougherty (Godzilla: King of the Monsters). The Ghoul Log Trick ‘r Treat Sam O’Lantern is inspired by his beloved film from Legendary Entertainment and its iconic star, Sam, the mischievous spirit of Halloween who enforces the holiday’s ancient traditions. It is available to stream on Shudder now, both on-demand and soon 24/7 via the in-app Shudder TV feed.
Log line: On a dark, autumnal street, the Sam O’Lantern blazes to life. While the pumpkin burns, keep your eyes peeled for the surprises it summons.
“Thanks to the ongoing dumpster fire that is 2020, Halloween is going to be yet another stay-at-home activity for a lot of people, so I hope the Sam O’Lantern brings a bit of light and magick to all those in need of some holiday spirit,“ said Michael Dougherty
“When we thought about what would get Shudder subscribers most excited for the 2020 version of our annual Ghoul Log, our wish-list idea was to team up with Michael Dougherty for something inspired by his iconic Halloween movie Trick ‘r Treat. When we reached out to Mike, we were delighted to find out that he was not only interested in the idea, but he already had an amazing concept in mind,” said Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager.
The Ghoul Log Trick ‘r Treat Sam O’Lantern is the third in Shudder’s annual Halloween series. The Ghoul Log premiered in 2018, doing for Halloween what the famed Yule Log has long done for Christmas. Its long, unbroken feed of a candle-lit jack-o’lantern accompanied by spooky night sounds was an immediate hit. 2019 saw Return of the Ghoul Log, an animated creation courtesy of famed horror director Larry Fessenden (Depraved) and animator Beck Underwood. This year’s Ghoul Log is the first to be directly inspired by an iconic horror film. Trick ‘r Treat, released in 2009, has amassed a ravenous cult following and the Sam character has become a perennial Halloween icon inspiring a still growing line of toys, comic books, costumes, holiday décor, and theme park attractions.
The Ghoul Log Trick ‘r Treat Sam O’Lantern was conceived, designed and executive produced by Dougherty and directed by Evan Gorski and Michael Babyak. It was produced by Ava Yazdani and features special effects by AtmosFX (AtmosFX.com). Trick ‘r Treat © Legendary 2007. All rights reserved.
It is great that everyone can partake in the particular joy that is the Ghoul Log this year. Don’t forget the Halloween Hotline operating this month as well.
As always, you can follow the individual Twitter accounts for Shudder in various regions for more details. Do you have a favorite selection in your region you think I should have shared? Let me know.
Good news to my nonbinary pals – we no longer exist!
“But Brannyk,” you may be thinking, “what am I supposed to do now that I am no longer a real being? How shall I spend my days?”
Unfortunately, the government has not released a handbook for this occasion, so I thought we could brainstorm together.
BECOME A GHOST
There are some benefits to being a ghost, for sure.
No rent or insurance payment. No corporate job, no cleaning cat litter, no AT&T trying to sell you another line after repeatedly telling them that you just want to make sure that your autopayment is on, but they’re all like, ‘Why would you pass up such a bargain on a second line? Are you an idiot? Why wouldn’t you need another phone line?‘ and so you have to tell them, “Because I’M DIVORCED, ASSHOLE, THANKS FOR REMINDING ME OF THAT!”
Ahem. I digress.
Yeah, you may not be able to venture out, much like Adam and Barbara in Beetlejuice. You may need to put up with someone else crashing your place and moving around all of your shit. Or Ryan Reynolds trying to sell you Mint Mobile. Or some toxic couple taking your creepy doll that you spent years on trying to possess.
Or, my absolute biggest pet peeve, when you’re practicing for the ghost speed chair-stacking championship and the normies just don’t appreciate your cool skills.
But the advantages are that you get to stay home, watch tv, stack your chairs and hope whoever buys your house/visits your creepy woods/gentrifies your neighborhood is a cool person, too.
(2 / 5)
It’s a good choice, but has a lot of drawbacks.
BECOME A CREATURE
Look, if you’re not going to exist, go big or go home, I’d say.
Monsters are cool. They play by their own rules. Sometimes they cause havoc. Sometimes they come around and help people. Sometimes they work alone. And other times, they have a lot of friends. Sometimes they just need some affirmation. And sometimes they’re…in high school, apparently?
The cool thing is that they come in all shapes and sizes.
Monsters are generally misunderstood. Some have their fans. Others are hated.
So basically, just like people, except with more tentacles.
The only downsides are that you might be too big or too “ick” for some people (these can also be pluses), you may have a taste for human flesh (no judgement), or the biggest issue – there are too many choices.
You could get stuck trying to figure out what kind of monster you are. If you’re not into labels, it’s an absolute nightmare. Or if you’re like me, it’ll be like standing in Subway for 15 minutes trying to figure out what toppings and dressings you want while the “sandwich artist” is openly judging you.
(4 / 5)
I like the customization, but it can be a bit too overwhelming.
BECOME A CRYPTID
Hear me out. I know it seems a lot like the monster category, but it’s not quite.
Cryptids are weird and mysterious. They keep to themselves. They have people who are fascinated by them and post on Reddit about them. Some have people making documentaries about them.
They’re like monsters’ quieter cousin who reads books in the corner at family gatherings. They collect shiny things they find by the side of the road. Sometimes they’ll steal a peanut butter sandwich or two.
Ever so often, they might scare a human just by existing or by politely asking for their stuff back.
Each one kinda has their own goals and priorities. Their own hangouts and interests. But unlike monsters, they’re not looking to rock any boats-
Never mind, I stand corrected.
(5 / 5)
I like the freedoms of being a cryptid and also dig the cottage-core vibe I get from them.
CONCLUSION: LET’S BE REAL FOR A SECOND…
I know it’s hard right now. It’s going to be hard. You may not exist to some assholes, but you are real. You have real feelings and thoughts and dreams. You have a real future. You have real decisions. Real actions that affect this world.
You have the real ability to wake up tomorrow and choose to exist. And for whatever reason you choose. Use it. Ghosts and monsters and cryptids are powerful, just like you are, even when you don’t feel like it. They have a place in our human world, just like you do. You make this world interesting and important.
You are part of this world, you are real, and you are not alone.
The horror community is one of acceptance, diversity, creativity and passion. In these times, it needs to be. We need to rely on each other. We need to cultivate and protect each other, as much as we need to protect ourselves.
And it looks like I’ll be coming out of my own cryptid hovel I’ve spent the past few years in to remind you that. My job isn’t done. Not by a longshot. And neither is yours.
You exist to me. Today, tomorrow, and forever.
Be safe out there, friends.
Breaking News
Joe Bob’s Christmas Carnage: A Bloody Good Holiday Special Fri. December 13th – 9pm ET!
Hey there, fright fiends! 👻 Are you ready to sink your fangs into some spine-tingling Black Friday deals? We’ve scoured the darkest corners of Amazon to bring you a blood-curdling collection of horror goodies that’ll make your wallet scream with joy! From classic monsters to modern nightmares, we’ve got something to haunt every horror fan’s dreams. Let’s dive into the madness!
Before we go further – we are an amazon affiliate and if you click these links we may get money for Amazon. With that said, we won’t put up things we don’t suggest so here is the curated list as it sits for Black Friday Week 2024.
🎥 Monstrous Movie Mayhem
Bram Stoker’s Dracula 4K
Sink your teeth into Francis Ford Coppola’s visually stunning adaptation of the classic vampire tale. Watch Gary Oldman’s mesmerizing performance as the Count in glorious 4K resolution!
Christine 4K
Rev up your engines for John Carpenter’s killer car classic! This 4K edition will have you gripping your steering wheel in terror as the demonic Plymouth Fury wreaks havoc.
Akira Blu-ray
Experience the mind-bending anime masterpiece that redefined the genre. Prepare for a psychedelic journey through Neo-Tokyo that’ll leave you questioning reality!
Underworld Ultimate Collection Blu-ray
Dive into the eternal war between vampires and lycans with this action-packed collection. Kate Beckinsale’s leather-clad Selene will have you howling for more!
Resident Evil Steelbook
For the true RE fanatics, this gorgeous steelbook edition is a must-have for your collection. It’s so shiny, you can see the T-virus reflected in it!
Doctor Who Complete David Tennant Blu-ray
Okay, it’s not strictly horror, but who can resist the Weeping Angels? Join the Tenth Doctor on his time-traveling adventures and prepare for some serious sci-fi scares!
Evil Dead Blu-ray
Groovy, baby! Sam Raimi’s cult classic will have you laughing and screaming in equal measure. Remember, this is your boom stick!
Scream (2022) Steelbook
The slasher franchise that knows the rules is back with a vengeance! This meta-horror masterpiece will have you guessing who’s behind the Ghostface mask.
Leviathan 4K UHD Blu-ray
Dive deep into aquatic terror with this underrated gem from the golden age of practical effects. It’s like “The Thing” meets “The Abyss”!
📚 Bone-Chilling Books and Comics
Terrifier 2 BOOK by Tim Waggoner
Can’t get enough of Art the Clown? This novelization of the splatter sensation will paint vivid, gory pictures in your mind. Sleep tight!
The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Ominous Omnibus Vol. 3
D’oh-n’t miss out on this collection of spooky Simpsons stories! It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween in Springfield all year round.
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
Dive into one of King’s classic tales of psychic abilities and political intrigue. Johnny Smith’s visions will keep you on the edge of your seat!
🎮 Ghoulish Games and Collectibles
Halloween and Ash vs Evil Dead PS5
Double the horror, double the fun! Face off against Michael Myers and the Deadites in this terrifying two-pack of asymmetrical multiplayer games.
Alone in the Dark Xbox Series X
Return to Derceto Manor in this reimagining of the survival horror classic. Just remember, in the dark, you’re never truly alone…
Chucky Funko Pop
Add everyone’s favorite Good Guy doll to your collection! Just don’t turn your back on him, or you might regret it…
Harry Potter LEGO Hogwarts
Who can resist the allure of a magical and/or haunted castle? Build your own magical world and watch out for those Dementors!
🎬 The Final Cut
There you have it, horror hounds! These Black Friday deals are so good, it’s scary. Whether you’re into classic monsters, modern slashers, or cosmic horrors, Amazon’s got something to make your dark heart skip a beat.
But hurry! Like a vampire at sunrise, these deals won’t last forever. If you want to do a general search on your own, feel free to use our link here.
Remember, in the world of horror, the only thing scarier than missing out on these deals is paying full price! Happy haunting, and may your Black Friday be filled with delightful frights! 🎃👻🔪
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