Search - That Little Monster on DVD

My little Monsterpiece... Way to go, Elite!!

Paul Bunnell | BOObank, KARLOFFornia USA | 01/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just want to tell you all how thrilled I am with the DVD release of THAT LITTLE MONSTER. Elite has done another first-rate job on a hard-to-find independent horror-comedy (which up until now has only been available through Sinister Cinema on VHS).

Elite Entertainment was founded in 1993. The company is currently one of the leaders in the restoration and distribution of horror, science fiction and cult DVD titles, including EVIL DEAD, TOWER OF EVIL and I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE. Recent titles include POPCORN; a triple feature on the Masterworks of the German Horror Cinema, including the original silent films NOSFERATU, DER GOLEM and THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI; the popular DRIVE-IN DISCS series; and the Millennium Edition versions of two of the most classic horror films ever made, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and RE-ANIMATOR.

Elite's DVD release of THAT LITTLE MONSTER is far superior to the VHS version. Included for the first time is the original "Overture" theme music which was scored for the world premiere in 1994 and not heard since; a sharp new digital transfer from a fine grain print which really enhances the black & white photography; and clips of Bob Hope from his 1934 debut short film GOING SPANISH, inserted from a recently discovered 16mm print (something I wasn't able to do for the original release). As for Supplemental goodies, Elite includes an exclusive unedited Audio Commentary by Carl Mastromarino and myself -- a ten-minute interview clip from a Los Angeles cable show -- and THE VISITANT, a short film I shot on super 8mm for a cost of $500 when I was 17 years old. This film played on HBO in 1982 as a filler and has always been well received (considering its low budget) and remains a personal favorite of mine.

THAT LITTLE MONSTER features special appearances by sci-fi professor emeritus Forrest J Ackerman, PHANTASM star Reggie Bannister, and a very special surprise guest from Hollywood's golden era. And I'm delighted to have been able to personally supervise this special edition of THAT LITTLE MONSTER, which is why I gave this product an Amazon.com "five-star" rating and great big "thumbs up" to Elite. What more can I say?! I think my friend Angus Scrimm (PHANTASM's "Tall Man") said it best... "If you're having a horror film party some Saturday night, surprise your guests by screening THAT LITTLE MONSTER after the feature attraction. It's a devilish, strange, disquieting little chiller that will cap your evening with some most delicious shudders. Some of its images may stay on in your mind to become part of your film vocabulary.""

And now for something completely different....

Doobie ooblidoo | 09/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When a friend recommended this obscure monster movie to me I went in a bit apprehensively. I knew nothing of the film's makers or main cast. Boy oh boy, was I in for a surprise! Something completely different was about to fill my TV screen --- a snazzy little gem of a film which may very well take YOU by surprise too! I heard this was supposed to be some kind of homage to David Lynch's "Eraserhead," and I guess if you're gonna steal, why not steal from the best. Well, it's not.... not so much an homage to "Eraserhead" but rather a celebration of a dream -- or -- what you can do with very little money and a dream. Sure the film is unevenly paced in spots, slow on the draw at times, and a very simple storyline, but it never leaves you feeling like you wasted your time. The real story here is revealed in the dvd's Audio Commentary where the director tells about his passion to make a movie without the big bucks and with no studio backing. And did he succeed???? Don't expect a film classic here, but with a little fine tuning these guys will make it to the BIG screen for sure.I gave this dvd 5 out of 5 stars, not because the movie is a perfect gem, because it's not, but rather because the film makers really seemed to pour their heart and soul into this production which really shows in every single frame --- and also because the black & white photography really grabs you and that's a hard thing to nail these days."

I'm the music composer

Sam Butte | 06/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The release of "That Little Monster" and "The Visitant" on DVD is memorable. The marriage of film to sound creates an inviting
environment that stirs the imagination, and leaves one wanting more."

Did you like Eraserhead?

Doobie ooblidoo | Lionspride, MS | 08/16/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is dark and bizarre. The plot is flat and predictable. The effects are laughable. It is a cross between Eraserhead and Attack of the Killer Tomatoes. It seems more like a high school film project.
I recommend seeing it just for laughs."