He Came From The Swamp: The William Grefé Collection


Reviewed By Jason Lockard

In the 1960s teenagers loved the Drive-in. The movies at the drive-in's were cheesy horror and sci-fi that almost seem laughable in this generation. But kids in that generation couldn't get enough of the films.

William Grefé was a maverick filmmaker who made a name fr himself with these kind of drive-in films. Arrow Video has released a Blu-ray collection of seven of his outlandish feature in one blu-ray set. Let's take a look at what is included in this set.

Rating System:
****=Don’t Miss it!
***=Worth a look.
**=An Ok way to spend an evening.
*=You haven’t missed anything.


Disc One

Sting of Death (1966) A group of college students travel south to Florida on spring break with their friend Karen (Valerie Hawkins), whose father, Dr. Richardson, is a marine biologist currently studying jellyfish. At the party, Karen's friends. **

Death Curse of Tartu (1966) Archaeology students flee from an Everglades witch doctor (Doug Hobart) who can turn into a shark, snake, alligator or zombie. **

Bonus Features on this disc include:

  • Brand new introductions to the films by director William Grefé
  • Archival audio commentaries for both films with William Grefé and filmmaker Frank Henenlotter
  • Sting of Death: Beyond the Movie Monsters a-Go Go! a look into the history of rock 'n' roll monster movies with author/historian C. Courtney Joyner
  • The Curious Case of Dr. Traboh: Spook Show Extraordinaire a ghoulish look into the early spook show days with monster maker Doug Hobart
  • Original Trailers
  • Still and Promotion Gallery


  • Disc Two


    The Hooked Generation (1968) About a gang of dope peddlers who sail out to meet a Cuban boat. The trouble starts when they are forced to throw their narcotics overboard and are seen by a young couple. **

    The Psychedelic Priest (1971) A priest sheds his habit, tunes in, turns on and drops out for a road trip that will change his life and bring him sorrow.  **


    Bonus Feature on This Disc Include:

  • Archival audio commentaries for both films with director William Grefé and filmmaker Frank Henenlotter
  • Hooked Generation behind-the-scenes footage
  • Hooked Generation Original Trailer
  • Still and Promotion Gallery


  • Disc Three:

    The Naked Zoo (1971) A seductive matron lives in Miami with her wheelchair-bound, wealthy husband. Frustrated, she beds a young author. The gravy train abruptly derails when her husband finds out, and murder ensues. **

    Mako: Jaws of Death (1976) A man accidentally learns that he has a mystical connection with sharks, and is given a strange medallion by a shaman. Becoming more and more alienated from normal society, he develops an ability to communicate with sharks telepathically, setting out to destroy anybody who harms sharks. **

    Bonus Features on this disc include:

  • William Grefé s original Director s Cut of Naked Zoo
  • Alternate Barry Mahon re-release cut of Naked Zoo
  • Original Mako: Jaws of Death Trailer and Promo
  • Still and Promotion Gallery

  • Disc Four:

    Whiskey Mountain (1977) Four motorcyclists who arrived at Whiskey Mountain for a treasure hunt, are terrorized in the woods by a gang of murderous hillbilly drug dealers. **

    Bonus Features on this Disc Include:

  • Whiskey Mountain Original Trailer
  • Still and Promotion Gallery
  • They Came from the Swamp: The Films of William Grefé the definitive documentary presented for the first in High-Definition and in a brand new, extended cut

  • Arrow Video did a tremendous job in bringing these cheesy films to Blu-ray. All films are presented in High Definition 1080p with Original uncompressed mono audio and English Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. They look pretty impressive for films made on a ultra small budget.

    It is good to note these are not films for everyone. These are films that are more for fans of those off the wall horror and sci-fi films. The kidn of films who enjoy laughing at the crazy antics. That's who this collection is for. But those that love those kind of films are going to be ecstatic for this collection.


    So if this set seems like something you would like to add to your collection. You can pick up a copy of this blu-ray set by heading over to Amazon.com or MVDShop.com.



    Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Arrow Video's The William Grefé Collection receives....



    Post a Comment

    0 Comments