A Gritty Realness in Every Frame

Read Time:4 Minute, 9 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
August Underground
(adult content) –

Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2001, 2023 Unearthed Films Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 10m
Director(s): Fred Vogel
Writer(s): Allen Peters, Fred Vogel
Cast: AnnMarie Reveruzzi, Aaron LaBonte, Ben LaBonte, John A. Wisniewski, Alexa Iris
Where To Watch: available now from here www.unearthedfilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Get ready to experience a cinematic escapade like no other! AUGUST UNDERGROUND is not merely another addition to the horror genre; it's a visual tale that dances on the boundaries of your comfort zone. At the helm is Fred Vogel, who, besides being a jack-of-all-trades in filmmaking, challenges your conventional notion of 'nail-biting suspense.'

AUGUST UNDERGROUND doesn't serve you the clichéd horror cocktail of jump scares blended with hair-raising tunes. Instead, Vogel concocts an intriguing mix of chilling episodes, leading the audience down a labyrinth where every turn reveals a new shade of dread. The sequences, seemingly fragmented, manage to weave a storyline that is captivating and unsettling in equal measure. The film itself isn’t well made on any level, and that’s why it suffers from a low rating; however, its importance in the genre can’t be overlooked. This cult status is unmistakable like a handful of other films that have become more than what they are.

What truly amplifies the authenticity of AUGUST UNDERGROUND is Vogel’s unmistakable dedication. In a time where mega-budget films dominate the scene, Vogel’s artistry, paired with limited resources, shines like a beacon for indie cinema lovers. The result? A film that, while appearing raw and untamed, delivers the taste of a meticulously crafted narrative.

Fred Vogel doesn’t stop in just direction; he slips into the shoes of Peter, giving an unforgettable on-screen presence. This double-duty creates an undeniably immersive atmosphere. You aren’t just an onlooker but an integral part of this chilling universe, where even the most mundane activities carry a whiff of impending doom. You never quite know what's coming next, whether it's the gut-wrenching sight of a damsel in distress or the dark outcome awaiting an unsuspecting wanderer.

If you're venturing into the AUGUST UNDERGROUND realm for the first time or you’re someone who occasionally flirts with the horror genre, make sure you’re prepared for what this is; At the same time, I’ve seen more graphically violent films, this is something that has an uncomfortable realness to it. For those unfamiliar with the series' backdrop, every scene unravels like a page of a gripping novel, demanding to be understood and dissected.

At its heart, AUGUST UNDERGROUND defies the conventional and embarks on a mission to spook and stimulate the mind, urging viewers to reflect and ponder. It might not cater to all, but it promises a unique perspective in the vast expanse of horror cinema. Those brave enough to step into its enigmatic corridors are in for a treat that’s simultaneously eerie and enlightening. If you're looking for a cinematic experience that dares to deviate and captivate, AUGUST UNDERGROUND beckons!

BONUS MATERIALS:
– NEW! Audio commentary by Actor/Director Fred Vogel and Ulta Violent Magazine's Art Ettinger
– NEW! 10 Questions with Fred Vogel
– NEW! TOETAG Masterclass: From Storyboard To Screen
– NEW! Dave Parker Interviews Fred Vogel
– NEW! Revisiting Infamy! Severed Cinema interviews, Fred Vogel
– Audio Commentary By 'The Killer'
– Audio Commentary By Actor/Director Fred Vogel
– HAMMER TO THE HEAD: A Closer Look At August Underground
– August Underground On Location
– August Underground Behind The Brutality
– August Underground 'Too Real For Comfort' An Outsiders Perspective
– Photo Gallery
– Trailers
– An Introduction By Director Fred Vogel
– Audio Commentary By Fred Vogel With Actors Aaron LaBonte & Ben LaBonte

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[photo courtesy of MVD ENTERTAINMENT, UNEARTHED FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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