TEMPE DVD BRINGS CULT APPEAL TO KC SALES WITH NEW PARTNERSHIP 


TEMPE DVD Launched in January 2002, Tempe DVD has become known as a leader in entertaining, value-added horror and cult releases among its many fans. Independent producer/director J.R. Bookwalter (THE DEAD NEXT DOOR, WITCHOUSE 2: BLOOD COVEN) chose to launch his own DVD label rather than licensing his work to outsiders and being at the mercy of their often-feeble marketing and distribution efforts. This “anti-distributor” approach has also become appealing to other like-minded producers seeking a home for work dismissed or misunderstood by traditional labels. 

The company’s flagship release — the fully-loaded DVD of Bookwalter’s own WITCHOUSE 3: DEMON FIRE — was praised highly by one reviewer as “easily among the most impressive special editions ever assembled for a horror movie…I can't recall a company of any size roaring out of the gates with a disc comparable to this.” Another critic touted the fledgling label as the “Criterion of direct-to-video features.”

In its sophomore year, Tempe DVD branched out with two new labels: Bad Movie Police, a home for admittedly cheesy movies that are given a riotous MST3K-esque treatment by two buxom cops whose mission is to stamp out “cine-terrorism,” and Splatter Rampage, devoted to in-your-face horror-comedies more concerned with body count than dramatic content. The Tempe catalog will reach 25 releases by the end of 2004, featuring aggressive SRPs starting at $9.99 and collectible multi-packs aimed at budget-conscious consumers.

This year’s lineup has thus far included a 10th Anniversary Special Edition of Bookwalter’s 1994 horror classic OZONE, an all-new documentary on ten B-movie actresses called SOMETHING TO SCREAM ABOUT and the home video debut of the 1992 drama EDDIE PRESLEY, which marked the company’s first 2-Disc Special Edition. The film boasts an impressive lineup of genre celebrities headlined by Duane Whitaker (PULP FICTION) as well as cameos from KILL BILL director Quentin Tarantino and BUBBA HO-TEP star Bruce Campbell.

Looking to further expand its horizons, Tempe has just inked an exclusive distribution agreement with Westlake Village, California-based KC Sales, likewise a fast-growing company that until now hasn’t been particularly active with horror and cult titles. Bookwalter looks forward to changing all that, and Tempe will shortly expand its reach to Canada as well.

Upcoming releases include the Canadian thriller THE BONESETTER (Aug. 31, prebook Aug. 6), the 1990 cult oddity GHOUL SCHOOL (Sept. 28, prebook Aug. 31) featuring early appearances by Ivan Sergei (TV’s JACK & JILL and CROSSING JORDAN) as well as former Howard Stern sidekick Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling and the zany BAD MOVIE POLICE CASE #3: HUMANOIDS FROM ATLANTIS (Oct. 26, prebook Sept. 28). Tempe is also ready with fresh acquisitions for 2005 including the epic ZOMBIE PLANET and will kick off the new year with a remastered Special Edition of Bookwalter’s 1996 sci-fi actioner POLYMORPH.

To commemorate the new partnership, J.R. Bookwalter will be on-hand at VSDA 2004 to represent Tempe DVD at the KC Sales suite #03-331. On Thursday from 3-4 p.m., Bookwalter will be joined by EDDIE PRESLEY writer/star Duane Whitaker & director Jeff Burr as well as BAD MOVIE POLICE star Ariauna Albright for an autograph session in the main VSDA press area. Video retailers and members of the media alike are encouraged to attend or to visit us during the show at the KC Sales suite. 

Posted: Mon - July 12, 2004 at 03:45 PM          

©