Anyone who is a fan of horror or science fiction knows who Forry Ackerman was. He gave more to the industry than anyone else. He coined the term sci-fi and inspired the likes of Stephen King, John Landis, Steven Spielberg, and many others. He was the editor of Famous Monsters Of Filmland and held the largest collection of movie memorabilia anywhere in his famed Ackermuseum.
I’ve been lucky enough to have counted Uncle Forry as a friend since 1991, when I first visited the Ackermuseum. I’ve spent many hours and meals with him and miss him greatly.
I was invited to write and perform an original song tribute to Forry in January of 2000. It was my honor to perform the piece in front of a room of invited guests with Forry by my side. I was told that the plaque, containing the lyrics, remained one of his prized processions until the day he died, long after most of his collection had been sold.
In honor of Forry, Upcomingdiscs will present our award for the best that horror home video had to offer from one Halloween to the next. I call them 4E based on a keychain Forry once gave me that said “4E 4E remember me with every key”. Upcomingdiscs will remember Forry each and every Halloween with the annual 4E Awards.
This year the selections were made from among the staff here at Upcomingdiscs.
And now … the Second Annual 4E Awards. (click continue to see our selections).
Best Release: Friday The 13th The Ultimate Collection.
You have to love the little mini hockey mask and the fact that all of the Paramount films are finally in one set.
Runner up: Twilight Zone The Complete 5th Season on Blu-ray.
Again it’s Image that gets the kudos from us this year. The extras on this set are outstanding.
Best Horror Film: Insidious.
James Wan continues to show that he understands what is scary at the very core.
Runner Up: Let Me In.
Maybe this film wasn’t as good as the original, but it was one of the creepiest films I’ve ever seen.
Best Director: James Wan for Insidious
You’ve got to give this guy credit for creating one hell of an atmospheric film.
Runner Up: Alexandre Aja’ for Piranha 3D.
I don’t often like remakes, but this one is tons better than any of the schlock we saw with the title to date. It’s one of the bloodiest movies ever. Who doesn’t like boobs and blood in a fun summer film?
Best Story: [REC]2.
As sequels go this one is one of the best. The American sequel sucked in comparison.
Runner Up: Wake-Wood
I know the idea might not be terribly original, but it’s tight and well written just the same.
Best Actor: Rutger Hauer in Hobo With A Shotgun.
One of the best grindhouse roles of all time.
Runner Up: Ian Somerhalder in The Vampire Diaries.
This guy can say more with a look than most actors can in hours of trying. This is the face of evil. I know he was runner up last year. So sue us.
Best Actress: Rose Byrne in Insidious
She gets the best stuff to do here as she confronts some scary crap.
Runner Up: Eva Birthistle in Wake Wood.
Pretty solid stuff.
Best Music: Michael Convertino for Wake Wood.
The touch of Celtic and modern is my favorite blend.
Runner Up: The Crow
Just released on Blu-ray, so we’ve slipped this one in.
Best Make-Up: The Walking Dead Season 1.
Greg Nicotero and the guys at KNB have really given us film zombies on a television budget.
Runner Up: [REC]2
Shaky camera work doesn’t dilute the phenomenal creature/disease effects.
Well … that’s what we think. Feel free to leave your own comments and your own choices.
Happy Halloween … until next year when you’ll experience another 31 Nights Of Terror
