Over the past few months I've been writing about the sequential releases of Showtime's "Masters of Horror" series. As opposed to releasing them in a full season set, Anchor Bay instead has been putting them out as individual DVDs. Normally I would balk at this, but the overall quality of each release in terms of the transfer and the treasure trove of extra features justify their position. If they were to release it as a set, the price would have to be very high to cover the costs of putting them together. Sold separately this way, each release gives the consumer his money's worth, and you have the ability to pick and choose the ones you want, after all, it is an anthology series so none of the episodes are related to the other. In essence, they are mini-movies directed by the 'best of the best' from the world of horror directors.

The first of this month's outing is "Dance of the Dead", directed by Tobe Hooper. Horror aficionados will recognize the name behind the original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "Toolbox Muders", "Poltergeist" and "Salem's Lot." Needless to say the guy has got the right eye for horror. This particular piece is based on a story by the great Richard Matheson and was actually adapted by his son, Richard Christian Matheson. It's a rather twisted tale of the after effects of a nuclear holocaust where not everyone dies… not even those who did. You see… the poor unfortunates who did pass away return as zombies. Unfortunately for them, they become the play toys for some of the living.

In "Dance of the Dead", we are introduced to a bizarre nightclub known as the Doom Room, where the dead are made to dance for a sick, but appreciative crowd. On this night, one of he crowd happens to be a rebellious young woman (Jessica Lowndes) who has the bad habit of falling for the wrong kind of guys. This time it's a druggie by the name of Jak (Jonathan Tucker), who draws her into the world of the Doom Room and its unholy master of ceremonies (Robert Englund).

While it can’t be considered the best of the "Masters of Horror" series, it still has a lot going for it. I was a bit annoyed by some of the camera work, but the performances by the lead actors were solid. Englund went especially over the top in his portrayal of The MC, but I've come to expect no less from him.

As is the case in all DVD releases from Anchor Bay, "Dance of the Dead" is chock full of extra features. There are interviews with Tobe Hooper, Richard Matheson, Jessica Lowndes and Robert Englund as well as a featurette that focuses on Hooper's career. In "Working with the Master" we hear from a lengthy list of actors and directors who have worked with Hooper, and they have a lot to say. There are also two commentaries, the first by Hooper and the second by Richard Christian Matheson. Of these I recommend Hooper's. I was also very impressed by the lengthy 'Making of' Featurette that went into great detail with the behind the scenes footage. You'll also DVD-Rom content that includes the script and a screensaver.

The "Masters of Horror" series has been offering noted directors an opportunity to do what they do best, and even though there is a bit of a rollercoaster in quality from film to film, there has yet to be a real disappointment in the bunch.

Directed by: Tobe Hooper
Starring: Jonathan Tucker, Robert Englund
Extras: Interview with Tobe Hooper, Interview with Richard Matheson, working with e Master - Tobe Hooper, Interview with Jessica Lowndes, Interview with Robert Englund, The Making of Dance of the Dead, Commentary by Tobe Hooper, Commentary by Author Richard Christian Matheson, Trailers, Still Gallery, Tobe Hooper Bio, DVD-Rom - Screenplay, Screensaver
Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Sound
Studio: Anchor Bay
Release Date: 9/12/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
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We'll give Masters of Horror: Dance of the Dead a B.