The best Tom Savini’s documentary movies
If you love cinema, you will share this ranking of the best Tom Savini’s movies, although you may have ordered them differently. In any case, we hope you love it and with a little luck discovering a movie that you still don’t know about Tom Savini.
Crystal Lake Memories: The Complete History of Friday the 13th
8.5/10
Taking inspiration from Peter M. Bracke's definitive book of the same name, this seven-hour documentary dives into the making of all twelve Friday the 13th films, with all-new interviews from the cast and the crew.
His Name Was Jason: 30 Years of Friday the 13th
6.9/10
A retrospective documentary about the groundbreaking horror series, Friday the 13th, featuring interviews with cast and crew from the twelve films spanning 3 decades.
In Search of Darkness: Part II
7.9/10
The ultimate ‘80s Horror retrospective just got BIGGER. In Search of Darkness: Part II is a four-hour-plus sequel to the Rondo Hatton-nominated In Search of Darkness, adding 15 new interviewees and 40+ returning favorites for the biggest and most comprehensive ‘80s Horror documentary cast ever assembled.
Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film
7.2/10
This historical and critical look at slasher films, which includes dozens of clips, begins with Halloween, Friday the 13th, and Prom Night. The films' directors, writers, producers, and special effects creators comment on the films' making and success. During the Reagan years, the films get gorier, budgets get smaller, and their appeal wanes. Then, Nightmare on Elm Street revives the genre. Jump to the late 90s, when Scream brings humor and TV stars into the mix.
In Search of Darkness: Part III
7.9/10
The epic conclusion to the In Search of Darkness trilogy. In this epic final chapter, our focus turns to the straight-to-video horror classics that populated the bottom shelves at the video rental store. Imaginative, gory, experimental - but always entertaining - these hidden gems are ripe for rediscovery.
Clapboard Jungle
6.5/10
Following five years in the life and career of independent filmmaker Justin McConnell, this documentary explores the struggles of financing, attracting the right talent, working with practical effects and selling the finished product in the hope of turning a profit. Featuring interviews with a range of industry luminaries, not only are technical aspects and interpersonal skills discussed but also the emotional stamina and little-known tips needed to survive in the low budget film industry.
The American Nightmare
7.2/10
An examination into the nature of 1960's-70's horror films, the involved artists, and how they reflected contemporary society.
The Shark Is Still Working: The Impact & Legacy of Jaws
7.6/10
After three decades, Jaws continues to intrigue, thrill and frighten viewers. This documentary focuses on the many ways Jaws has helped to shape common elements of pop culture.
Nightmare Factory
7.3/10
The story of how one Pittsburgh boy’s fascination with monsters drove him to the very top of the Hollywood food chain. In 1989, Greg Nicotero, much to his parents’ chagrin, quit medical school and headed for Hollywood to pursue a dream of making monsters. Together with gore masters Howard Berger and Robert Kurtzman, Nicotero went on to create KNB EFX Group, one of the most prolific makeup effects studios in the world. After twenty years as the “go to guy” for the world’s most successful horror/sci-fi films, Greg Nicotero is the first one directors like Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez call.
Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini
7.3/10
Tom Savini is one of the greatest special effects legends in the history of cinema, but little is known about his personal life until now. For the first time ever a feature length film has covered not only Tom's amazing career spanning over four decades, but his personal life as well.
Cult of Terror
6.8/10
A nostalgic journey to the universe of cinephilia and the passion for fantasy, told by its specialists, fans and world stars.
Dario Argento's World of Horror
6.5/10
Documentary on horror/mystery film maker Dario Argento. Features an in-depth interview with Argento and covers his work from 1969 to 1985.
Fantastic Flesh: The Art of Make-Up EFX
7.4/10
This documentary delves into the art of make-up effects with industry legends Dick Smith, Rob Bottin, Tom Savini, John Landis, Frank Darabont, Joe Dante and many others with a strong focus on Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger of KNB Make-Up EFX. Written by Kevin VanHook
Just Desserts: The Making of 'Creepshow'
7.4/10
Details the making of Stephen King & George A. Romero's 1982 horror anthology classic, from conception through to completion.
Il museo degli orrori di Dario Argento
5.6/10
Another biographical video of Dario Argento, the Italian film director. Many special effects are covered along with interviews with associates and various film clips.
Doc of the Dead
6.4/10
The definitive zombie culture documentary, brought to the screen by the makers of THE PEOPLE vs. GEORGE LUCAS.
Zombiemania
6.8/10
The evolution of the zombie from its roots in Haitian voodoo to its coveted role as the world's most popular monster: from being a clumsy corpse to becoming a cannibal killer and the main agent of every infectious pandemic, the zombie has come a long way in seventy years. A look at the rising tide of zombie culture examining why something so dead has so much life in viewers' nightmares and at the box office.
The Friday the 13th Chronicles
6.8/10
2004 documentary of the Friday the 13th franchise for the 5-disc DVD boxset From Crystal Lake to Manhattan.
Dario Argento: An Eye for Horror
6.8/10
Documentary that explores Argento's film career.
He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
7.2/10
Tribute to Universal make-up artist Jack Pierce who created some of the studio's most famous works including Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolf Man, the Mummy and countless other creatures. Rick Baker, Tom Savini, Howard Berger, Bob Burns, Scott Essman, Kim Newman, Gregory Nicotero and others discuss the work of Pierce and his enduring legacy.
