A horror story with many twists, The Mortuary Collection has a lot of chills and surprises as it weaves its tale of terror. Somewhat a kick-back to the days of the classics like the Elvira tales, each horrifying tale is introduced before leading you into a sordid mystery of death. The acting and direction have to be pin point perfect to pull off this big fan based genre, and this one makes the grade.
The collection of films starts with a bicycle ride by a paperboy showing the small town and making the final delivery at the Raven’s End Mortuary. How apropos as I got the feeling I was in an Edgar Alan Poe short story with dark tales evolving in front of my eyes. Director Ryan Spindell even hangs a sign under the mailbox with help wanted, a very ominous indication of what may come.
From here on out until the final tantalizing ending we are treated to the mortician Montgomery Dark’s (Clancy Brown) sick stories of horror that include Nice and Neat, Liquid Courage, Don’t Touch Anything, It’s a Surprise, A Vile and Tragic Place, and a final touch This is Over. The subjects get more heinous as the chapters play. Opening with a funeral where the director sees off the guests just as Samantha “Sam” (Caitlin Custer), a young adult arrives applying for a job. But Dark won’t hire her until he tells her some stories about the mortuary. One by one it’s the how and why each of the characters died in a sick and twisted way.
Bonus features on the DVD and Blu-ray include:
“Director’s Commentary”
“14 Extensive Behind-the-Scenes Segments” Featuring the Cinematography, Costumes, Art Department, Locations, Props, Hair & Make-Up, Special Effects, Sound, Stunts, and Visual Effects of THE MORTUARY COLLECTION
“In-Depth Conversations” with Director and Writer Ryan Spindell, the Actors, and Crew of THE MORTUARY COLLECTION
“Deleted Scenes”
The Mortuary Collection has not been rated by the MPAA, but contains sexual innuendos, violence, gore, language, and grotesque images. The film is well made with extremely good acting all around, excellent special effects/makeup including prosthetics and proficiently directed by Ryan Spindell. If you like horror movies with some savory twists and turns, by all means seek this one out at your local video sales store. It’s now on DVD and Blu-ray for the first time. I rank this one 4 out of 5 Stars for the target audience.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Clancy Brown, Caitlin Custer, Christine Kilmer, Brennan Murray, Ema Horvath, Jacob Elordi, Michael Bow, Jennifer Irwin, James Bachman, Mike C. Nelson, Barak Hardley, Sara Hay
Directed and written by: Ryan Spindell
Genre: Fantasy, Horror
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, contains violence, gore, language, grotesque images
Running Time: 1 hr. 48 min.
Video Release Date: April 20, 2021
Original Theatrical Release Date:
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Subtitles: English SDH, French, Spanish
Distributed by: RLJE Entertainment
Released on: DVD, Blu-ray, VOD, Digital HD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
