Review: 'Tales From The Darkside: The Movie' Is Good, Hellish Fun

Blondie's Deborah Harry appearing as a suburban witch? Rae Dawn Chong turning into a killer winged gargoyle? These are just two examples of what makes the new Blu-ray release "Tales from the Darkside: The Movie" campy and fun as hell.

The syndicated anthology TV show from the late '80s became a major motion picture in 1990. Garnering a cult following 30 years later, Shout Factory includes a slew of special features to go along with their new Collector's Edition Blu-ray.

Paying tribute to "Creepshow" and other anthology-related shows/movies, "Tales from the Darkside: The Movie" features three separate stories and a "wraparound" segment with Deborah Harry. Part of the film's charm is watching actors who became bigger stars after "Tales" release.

"Lot 249" features actors Steve Buscemi, Christian Slater, and – in her first major movie – Julianne Moore. "The Cat from Hell" has a hilarious appearance by David Johanssen from the cult band New York Dolls. The best and most memorable segment, "Lover's Vow," pairs up actors James Remar and Rae Dawn Chong as lovers where one harbors a deadly secret.

"Tales from the Darkside: The Movie" doesn't shy away from bloodshed, even though it's 1990 effects are somewhat tame.

A new six-part extensive documentary called "Tales Behind the Darkside: The Making of Four Ghoulish Fables" features cast, crew, actors, and "Lot 249" creature performer Michael Deak. Also part of the special features is behind-the-scenes footage and an audio commentary.

"Tales from the Darkside"
Blu-ray
$29.99
www.shoutfactory.com