To be perfectly frank, most of my favorite childhood memories somehow involved horror films. I used to collect Todd McFarlane's Movie Maniacs action figures and a buddy of mine and I would use them to stage elaborate battles. Freddy Vs. Jason, Jason Vs. Wishmaster, WISHMASTER VS. PINHEAD would have been so sweet! But I digress...

I mention this because while watching “Cabin In The Woods”, The new horror comedy from Joss Whedon (Buffy, The Avengers) and Drew Goddard (Cloverfield), I felt like I was 12 years old again: placing bets on not just how these insipid but attractive teenagers would die, but how and by whom. Waiting for the obligatory tit shot thrown in simply because being 12 years old in the 90's, that was as close as you could get to soft-core porn. Laughing your ass off when your friend next to you jumps but you don't. These are the things true horror fans live for. And “Cabin” delivers.

I do truly think that it is impossible to avoid spoilers reviewing this film, but I will try. After the first scene in which you might question whether you are watching the right movie, we are introduced to our typical slasher movie fodder kids played by Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth (of Thor fame. thankfully with shorter hair), Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, and Jesse Williams. Each of them seem normal at first but after a while start to embody the characteristics of the virgin, the whore, the jock, the fool, and the nerd respectively. But why? Figuring that out is one of the films many humorous surprises. They are heading for GASP, a cabin in the woods. But not before stopping and receiving an ominous warning from GASP, an eerie gas station attendant. Feel like you know where this is going? If so, I pity you.

To reveal too much more of the plot would serve to spoil what is arguably the best genre film in recent years. Without saying too much, the film is full of entertaining surprises and scares with tongue placed firmly in cheek. Scenes such as a gleeful homage to the “Ju-on” films of Takashi Shimizu, Hutchison making out with a stuffed wolf, Hemsworth clothes-lining a little girl zombie and then later pulling off what I can only describe as a motorcycle jump that would have Evel Knievel pissing his pants with laughter serve to entertain those with a vast knowledge of horror movie trappings and cliches. That isn't to say that people who are new to the genre will be put off. But, like most horror films, you will need a strong stomach to endure the relentless orgy of gore towards the end of the film which will cause multiple gore-gasms among slasher movie fans.

Whedon and Goddard know their stuff. This is a near perfect love letter to horror films of old and a wonderful satire of torture porn and zombie films. The supporting cast which features such genre veterans as Richard Jenkins (Let Me In), Jodelle Ferland (Silent Hill, Case 39) and even Sigourney Weaver in a neat cameo. If you love the genre, you can't afford to miss it. If you are new to horror, you can't afford to miss it. It is that simple. And yes, I know what you're thinking: “But when will they ever have a slasher movie with a Mer-man?”. Don't worry... Whedon and Goddard have you covered.

Onto the DVD features: We get a full length commentary with Whedon and Goddard in which they discuss such feats as writing the script together over the course of only three days and having to share a few of the sets simultaneously with the filming of the “Twilight” films (Which also feature Ferland). They truly love what they do and their enthusiasm more than makes up for the somewhat one-note tone. Unfortunately all they are doing after a while is congratulating each-other to the point of subtle arrogance.

Also we are treated to four behind the scenes featurettes. “We Are Not Who We Are: Making The Cabin In The Woods.” focuses on the writing and casting of the film with fun little comments by the cast and crew, Particularly Jenkins and Bradley Whitford. “An Army Of Nightmares: Make-up and Animatronic Effects” centers on the monster-making and flipping awesome zombie make-up designs featured in the film, mostly in the third act. “Primal Terror: Visual Effects” is (you guessed it) about the various CG tricks and digital effects although fan will appreciate the emphasis on practical effects over digital effects. “The Secret Secret Stash” is my favorite, in which Joss Whedon gives us a tour through the cabin and Fran Kranz teaches us the finer points of smoking fake pot through a coffee thermos bong. Also a recording of the Wonder-con Q&A session with Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard. Also a Theatrical Trailer for the film, which is pretty standard for a Lionsgate release. All in all a fully stocked DVD for a truly inventive and absolutely hilarious film. Don't rent it. Buy it.

Tags: Drew Goddard, horror-comedy, Joss Whedon, Sigourney Weaver, Chris Hemsworth, Horror-Fix Review, The Cabin in the Woods

Here at Horror-Fix we love us some The Cabin in the Woods. We love it so much we would be willing to name our firstborn son Cabin and hook him up with a girl whose last name is Woods, just so we could ask them with a smirk how many times there's been a Cabin in the Woods. THAT is how much we love this film. Though, don't take my word for it. See for yourself: The Cabin in the Woods Review.

With all of that said, you can only imagine how much childlike glee it gives us to announce that the woods will be coming to your cabin on Blu-ray and DVD in just a few short months!

The ingenius brainchild of Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard will be available for Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand and Pay-per-view on September 18th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment! If it wasn't awesome enough to have quite possibly the best horror film of the year for home viewing, the Blu-ray and DVD are pumped full of juicy bonus material!

Check out the full list of goodies after a quick synopsis:

“A rambunctious group of five college friends steal away for a weekend of debauchery in an isolated country cabin, only to be attacked by horrific supernatural creatures in a night of endless terror and bloodshed. Sound familiar? Just wait. As the teens begin to exhibit standard horror movie behavior, a group of technicians in a control room are scrutinizing, and sometimes even controlling, every move the terrified kids make. With their efforts continually thwarted by the all-powerful eye in the sky, do they have any chance of escape?”

Blu-ray/DVD Features

-Audio commentary with Writer/Director Drew Goddard and Writer/Producer Joss Whedon
-”We Are Not Who We Are: Making The Cabin in the Woods” – “making of” documentary
-”The Secret Secret Stash” featurette
-Marty’s Stash
-Hi, My name is Joss and I’ll be your guide
-Wonder-Con Q&A with Joss and Drew (Digital Download)
-”An Army of Nightmares: Make-Up & Animatronic Effects” featurette
-”Primal Terror: Visual Effects” featurette

Blu-ray Exclusive

-”It’s Not What You Think: The Cabin in the Woods” Bonus View Mode

Both the Blu-ray and DVD versions of the film are set to be accompanied with a digital copy of the film for when you're on the go or simply don't feel like losing the extra 5 calories it takes to get your BD/DVD disc.

The Cabin in the Woods stars: Kristen Connolly (The Happening), Chris Hemsworth (Thor, The Avengers), Anna Hutchison (Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior), Fran Kranz (The Village), Jesse Williams (Grey’s Anatomy), Richard Jenkins (The Visitor) and Bradley Whitford (The West Wing).

Tags: Drew Goddard, Joss Whedon, The Cabin in the Woods

Some movies are easier to review than others, naturally. Reviewing a bad movie can come effortlessly at times, while reviewing a movie that has disappointed or even left me undecided can be a labor. The Cabin in the Woods is a dificult film to review for many reasons. I'll start by saying that you probably haven't seen anything like it. If you think you have, then I would love a ticket to the mythical place that you wake up in each morning where cows milk themselves into chocolate goblets and girlfriends, instead of complaining, shit video games, malt liquor and logic. Quite simply, in a world where very little is new, Cabin manages to be crisp and refreshing while using the same conventions that have characterized the genre industry for decades. Its hard to review something that creates its own categories, and, in essence redefines those that it once might have personified.

Tags: Drew Goddard, Joss Whedon, The Cabin in the Woods