Remember a few weeks back when we told you that the special feature that would accompany the original Halloween back to the big screen would be a 20-minute segment of fans talking about their love for the series? Well, either we were misinformed or those behind it listened to our cries and changed their minds; either way we win!

We’ve just learned that instead of fans, we’ll be getting interviews with the original stars like PJ Soles, Nancy Loomis, and Charles Cyphers as well as composers Alan Howarth and John Ottman, who will likely be discussing the influence Carpenter’s legendary soundtrack had on their works. I’m sure there are some other stars who got screen time as well, but we’ll have to wait for its limited re-release to know for sure.

As an extra bonus, we’ve also learned that the new featurette will end with a special message from Halloween "re-imagining" director Rob Zombie that I’m sure the fans will dig. Keep it here for more as we learn it!

8.31.06
Fangoria got the scoop on the discovery of 45,00 feet of unused film negatives from John Carpenter's Halloween that, of course, are nearly 30 years old, and were nearly destroyed.  There also may be footage from the shooting of additional footage for the television edit of the film shot in 1981.  The ultimate plan is to restore and preserve the footage.  You can almost see another Halloween DVD edition from Anchor Bay boasting new gag reels with alternate and deleted footage.  Here's an excerpt from their article:

Don May Jr. of Synapse Films gave Fango the exclusive news of an amazing discovery regarding John Carpenter’s HALLOWEEN: “What we’ve got is pretty much all the unused original camera negative from John Carpenter’s original HALLOWEEN,” he says (see another photo below). In conjunction with friend Billy Kirkus, Synapse was able to obtain these materials and save them from heading into a trash bin. “Luckily, Billy was able to find this material before it was destroyed,” May tells Fango. “The story on how we got the negative is a long one, but we’ll save it for when we’re able to showcase the materials in some way. Kirkus should be commended for pretty much saving the Holy Grail of horror films.

6.4.06
Bloody-Disgusting has received an official press release from Dimension Films stating that Rob Zombie will write, produce, and direct the next installment in the Halloween film franchise with an October 2007 release date.  Here's the first hafl of the press release.  The rest can be viewed at the B-D link above:

DIMENSION FILMS TO MAKE NEW “HALLOWEEN” FILM;
AUTEUR FILMMAKER ROB ZOMBIE TO WRITE AND DIRECT

Trancas International Films to Produce Along With Rob Zombie and Andy Gould

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (June 4, 2006) ? Dimension Films is proud to announce that they will make a new “Halloween” movie with Rob Zombie (The Devil's Rejects, House of 1000 Corpses) writing, directing and serving as a producer. Malek Akkad of Trancas International Films (Halloween H20: 20 Years Later) will produce the feature along with Andy Gould of Vision Entertainment Group (The Devil's Rejects, House of 1000 Corpses). Zombie will also serve as music supervisor on the film. Miramax Films will co-finance the development with Dimension Films. The announcement was made today by The Weinstein Company co-chairman, Bob Weinstein.

Zombie's vision of this film is an entirely new take on the legend and will satisfy fans of the classic "Halloween" legacy while beginning a new chapter in the Michael Myers saga. This new movie will not only appeal to horror fans, but to a wider movie-going audience as well. It will not be a copycat of any prior films in the "Halloween" franchise. The film is set for an October 2007 theatrical release.

Bob Weinstein stated, "Rob Zombie is a gifted musician and performer as well as a talented filmmaker. His vision for this new 'Halloween' is spectacular and I am thrilled to be collaborating with him and to work closely with Malek Akkad to continue the legacy built by his father, the late Moustapha Akkad."

Zombie said, "I have been a huge, huge fan of John Carpenter's original film since its release. So when Bob Weinstein approached me about this, I jumped at the chance to join forces with Dimension Films on this amazing project."

The "Halloween" story began with the 1978 release of "John Carpenter's Halloween," executive produced by the late Moustapha Akkad, founder of Trancas International Films and became the highest grossing independent film of the time. Moustapha Akkad's son, Malek, is now taking some of the reigns on this new "Halloween" project to continue the outstanding work begun by his father. Malek Akkad stated, "Trancas is very excited to be working with Rob Zombie and producing another 'Halloween' with Bob Weinstein and Dimension, the home of the franchise for the last three installments. It will be a fitting and worthy tribute to my late father."

"I am thrilled to be working again with Rob and with Dimension Films on such an iconic project that will reinvigorate 'Halloween' and Michael Myers in a truly terrifying new way," stated Andy Gould, Rob Zombie's long time manager and producer of Zombie's two previous films.

Richard Saperstein, president of production, Matthew Stein, senior vice president of production and Alex Franklin, director of development and production will oversee the project on behalf of Dimension. Bret McCartney of Trancas International will oversee production on behalf of Trancas.

Andrew Kramer, executive vice president of business and legal affairs, and Lumumba Mosquera, senior vice president of business and legal affairs, negotiated on behalf of Dimension Films. Attorneys David Fox and Jeffrey Light of Myman Abell Fineman Greenspan & Light negotiated on behalf of Rob Zombie. Attorney Wayne Kazan of Weissmann Wolff Bergman Coleman & Silverman negotiated on behalf of Akkad. Rob Zombie is represented by Paradigm. 

Personally, as anyone has read my review of Zombie's second film The Devil's Rejects, I don't like Rob Zombie as a filmmaker.  I think he has a terribly long way to go before being a coherent and high quality filmmaker.  Yes, he makes brutal and unflinching films, but his storytelling is very inconsistent and unrefined.  His editing style is no better or different than that utilized in his music videos, and his excessive use of 70s film homages cheapens the quality of his films to the lazy level of plagarism.  If Zombie carries all this over into a Halloween film, I fear it'll be the worst entry, yet.

5.29.06
DavisDVD reports that Anchor Bay Entertainment will release new special edition DVDs of Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers & Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers - both with brand new DiviMax transfers from new high-definition masters in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen and Dobly Digital 5.1 tracks. Halloween 4 will include recycled extras "Halloween 4: Final Cut" featurette and trailers, but will include a new audio commentary from stars Ellie Cornell & Danielle Harris.  Halloween 5 will have an "On the Set of HALLOWEEN 5" (which is unknown if it is different from the previous "Inside Halloween 5" featurette), trailers, and a new audio commentary from director Dominique Othenin-Girard, Danielle Harris and Jeffrey Landman.  Both are due for release on July 25th with a retail price of $19.98 each.

7.21.04
DVDAnswers reports that Anchor Bay UK is set to release the eight disc Complete Halloween DVD Collection on Setpember 20th.  Complete details can be found at Anchor Bay UK's website.  In a surprise, there's audio commentary on Halloween II & III, but not from anyone involved in the film (a horror expert & film critic are featured).  Other than that, there currently are no new features on any of the films (at least, not from the prespective of the Region 1 DVD releases).

10.6.03
Tomorrow, Universal Home Video will release their DVD edition of "HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH".  The film is presented, for the first time, in anamorphic widescreen, dolby 2.0 stereo, and includes the film's original theatrical trailer.  And for the John Carpenter and Donald Pleasance fans, Universal will also release a new edition of John Carpenter's "PRINCE OF DARKNESS".  The specs are the same as the H3 disc (yes, Carpenter did record a commentary for the overseas discs, but Universal has chosen to ignore as much).  Also re-issued via Universal HV was Carpenter's "THEY LIVE", starring Roddy Piper & Keith David.  That disc has everything the ther two have, except its theatrical trailer.  Happy shopping!

9.29.03
Halloweenmovies.com has the latest news on the next chapter in the stalking adventures of Michael Myers.  The final report on the Myers vs. Pinhead poll read with 55% expressing that they DO NOT want the two to clash, and 45% saying they would.

"The Myers Vs. Pinhead poll results are in! The producers wish to thank all of the 80,000+ fans who took time to vote and email your comments and suggestions to us. This information will be reviewed by the producers and we will be sure to post news on Halloween 9 as soon as it's available."

9.19.03
Some comforting rumor killers from Moviehole on this day concerning the rumored "HALLOWEEN" remake.  The short version?  It's NOT gonna happen:

The last week or so there’s been a god awful rumour floating about that Dimension are preparing to remake the first “Halloween”, in turn starting the series from scratch re-introducing [not to mention re-casting] the characters of Dr Loomis, Laurie Strode and of course, Michael Myers. Moviehole heard from one of the studio’s decision makers today who says that there’s no such plan. “There are no plans to remake Halloween that rumour was incorrect”, he tells. Instead, the studio is pushing forward with the latest “Halloween” instalment, possibly ? and you can vote on the idea over at Halloweenmovies.com ? Michael vs. Pinhead. Michael won’t be back on screen for quite a while we’re told, but when he does, it’ll be in the form of some sort of sequel not a remake. Phew! At least we’re saved from one rework.

9.14.03
Creature-Corner reports that Dimension Films is working towards the goal of REMAKING the original HALLOWEEN, and they want John Carpenter to write and direct it.  It seems to make no sense for Carpenter to remake his own classic film that he has never expressed any interest in changing in the twenty five years since it was theatrically released.  The following is an excerpt from the Corner's report, but as they have stated we'd like to treat this as a rumor.  Although, UNlike them, despite how close their sources are to Dimension, I WILL treat it as such.  And if the reports of the past few weeks about 'HalloweeN 9', 'Myers vs. Pinhead, 'Freddy vs. Myers', and now this, have all been true, then it seems as if Dimension grasping at straws and changing their minds on a weekly basis.  I'll wait another week.....

Dimension is seeking to have Carpenter draft and direct a Halloween update rather than further the new stream of continuity built in H20 and carried on into Halloween: Resurrection. They want to start from scratch. Re-introduce Laurie Strode, Dr. Loomis, and Michael Myers to a new generation of audiences apparently believed to be (by the studio execs) "video store deprived."

Essentially the same mentality that made the 2003 remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre a reality.

Whether Carpenter will take the bait or not is still to be determined, but at least you know, dear readers, that Dimension is working towards this goal. They're putting the energy into the idea.

7.9.03
Got the FULL specs for the upcoming "HALLOWEEN 25th Anniversary DVD" directly from Anchor Bay.  Mostly its recycled features from past releases (the audio commentary is from the old Laserdisc, the same old trailers and T.V. spots from the Limited Edition DVD, and so on).  Two new documentaries, but what more can be said more this film that hasn't already been explained again and again?!  Anyway, the film has been digitally remastered using DiViMax, "a High Definition (HD) film transfer process that provides state-of-the-art picture quality, and can be viewed on any home entertainment system."

Halloween 25th Anniversary: Feature Presentation (Disc One)
• Widescreen Presentation enhanced for 16x9 TVs
• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director John Carpenter, Actress Jamie Lee Curtis, and Producer Debra Hill

Halloween 25th Anniversary: Bonus Materials (Disc Two)
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spots
• Radio Spots
• Talent Bios
• Poster And Still Gallery
• Halloween - A Cut Above The Rest: An all-new 87 minute documentary featuring interviews with Writer/Director John Carpenter, Actors Jamie Lee Curtis, P.J. Soles, Nick Castle, Charles Cyphers, Producer Debra Hill, Director of Photography Dean Cundey, Editor & Production Designer Tommy Lee Wallace, Executive Producers Irwin Yablans, Moustapha Akkad and others!
• On Location - 25 Years Later: An all-new 10 minute featurette with Actress P.J. Soles and Producer Debra Hill revisiting the original Michael Myers house
• DVD-ROM: Original Screenplay
• DVD-ROM: Screen Savers

The 2-disc set will also include a 16-page collectors' booklet.  Suggested Retail Price is $29.95, and will be released on August 5th, 2003.  You can view the DVD cover art right here.

2.22.03
We've got rumor killers once again on this film.  It comes by way of Bloody Disgusting, and here's their report:

"My buddy Clint over at Moviehole dropped me an email regarding the Halloween 9 status, "The plot rumour mentioned by What DVD for HALLOWEEN 9 isn't going to be used apparently.  I heard from a spokesperson for the film who've asked me to report that it's nothing of the sort.  They haven't even hired a writer yet, so are still unsure what story angle they'll do - but there's a lot of ways they could go.  Still, they're aiming for a Summer 04 release."

That's all good to hear because that plot idea was horribly bad, and everyone has been bad-mouthing it.  Let's hope they take their time to stir up a good story, and for my money, I'd LOVE to see Rick Rosenthal return once again to direct.  I, along with many others, have stated much praise for Rosenthal's direction in "HalloweeN: Ressurection".  I would be VERY enthused if he were brought back for this next installment in the classic horror film series.

2.19.03
Right now, I'm thinking that "HalloweeN 4" prequel idea is better than what is currently being considered for the next Myers' outing.  We've got a host of credits here, so hold on.  Moviehole, WhatDVD Magazine, and Bloody Disgusting report that a ninth film in the "HalloweeN" film franchise has been greenlit for a Summer, 2004 THEATRICAL release.  Miramax states it has no desire to see this series go direct-to-video, and so, they're gonna squeeze every SHIT idea out until people quit filling the theatres to see them.  Well, if this following synopsis is anything close to the final product, you may be seeing theatres that look like ghost towns:

"It will be set two years after Resurrection and involve the old 'movie within a movie' plot," says the WhatDVD Magazine. "A director makes a film based on Mike Myers' bloody activities, but Mr Halloween himself - who has escaped from the morgue - is none too pleased about it and decides to chop up those responsible (everyone's a critic). According to the mag, they're aiming for the Freddy vs Jason style outing."

Now, I, Nick, enjoyed H:R, but this plot idea has "FAILURE" written all OVER it!  I think Carpenter needs to phone these boys up and remind them what this series was all about.  Although, he wanted "HalloweeN II" to be the LAST outing for Michael Myers, and so, forget that.  Now, this isn't like "New Nightmare", this is just Michael waltzing onto a movie set, killing some people, and that's it.  For one, how would Michael hear of such a thing?  It's not like this guy reads the newspaper or watches television.  He kills, that's it.  He's a killer, and what is his motivation?  To eliminate every member of his family's bloodline (which has yet to be done, whether you follow H6 or H20/H:R).  Will some end this madness?  Ever since we lost Mr. Donald Pleasance, this series has taken a nose dive in every sense (aside from the box office).  Now, after H6, Tommy Doyle could've easily taken over the role of Dr. Loomis in the storyline, but Miramax had to be stupid & ignore the last three films & went with H20.  I'm tired now, I'm gone.

1.30.03
The Official HalloweeN Website has stated the following:

"As far as the rumors floating around on the Internet recently in regards to H9 storylines ... those rumors are false."

No prequels to "HALLOWEEN 4", and no "HALLOWEEN 9" planned, yet, either.  I believe that the "Cinemscape / Akkad" rumor could've been taken out-of-context from the interview, or is purely fabricated.  According to reports from various websites, there's no evidence of the Akkad interview at Cinescape Online.

1.28.03
Dark Universe reports that "HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION's" Shape himself, Brad Loree, said that "I hope to play Michael Myers in the next Halloween film.  I'm sure Moustapha has a great story lined up for us to work with."  Now, this doesn't mean he WILL return as "The Shape".  It merely means that he would like to.  Also, just for the uninformed, it wouldn't be the first time someone portrayed Michael more than once, as George P. Wilbur did it for both "HALLOWEEN 4" & "HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS".

1.22.03
Well, for those who think of "HALLOWEEN III" as the bane of the series (I, Nick, personally believe its 'H20'), Celluloid Shockers reports that "Moustapha Akkad was interviewed by Cinescape magazine last week where he confirmed that a new Halloween sequel is in the works. But not a Halloween 9, "A prequel to Halloween 4."  I have only ONE question: How can it POSSIBLY involve Michael Myers if he's in a coma from the end of "HALLOWEEN II" until the opening of "HALLOWEEN 4"?  What's it matter anyway?  Dimension Films & Moustapha Akkad have driven the continuity of this entire series DEEP into the ground!

"As for whats up with "HALLOWEEN 9"? He stated Also there are plans made to revive some old concepts and bring closure to them like Thorn and baby Steven (maybe fix the crap they started by stating it was all make believe?). Look out for the March issue of Cinescape, with more on Akkad and the real "HALLOWEEN III"."

1.09.03
Whatever news you've heard about "HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION" star Bianca Kajlich stating on an MTV New Year's Eve special that she's working on "HALLOWEEN 9", are FALSE!  She stated on her official site's message board that "I was in Seattle all through the holiday.  Laughing about being on MTV's "hot list" YEAH RIGHT! and as far as I know, lest my evil twin is now also an actress, I am not signed up for any upcoming Halloween projects."  The original story was reported via an email sent to the staff @ The Diabolical Dominion.  They have yet to retract the article.  My information comes courtesy of DarkHorizons.com.

Currently, no official word has come around in regards to another installment in the HalloweeN film franchise, but knowing Moustapha Akkad, he'll bleed it for every single cent he can squeeze out of it.  The only other thing to report on is Anchor Bay has been putting together a 25th Anniversary Special Edition of the original "HALLOWEEN".  They say it will contain ALL new features & content including audio commentaries, documentaries, photo galleries, and well, who knows what else.  Personally, I thought their "Limited Edition" release from 1999 would've been enough, but I guess not.  It's just a bit annoying that there's been like 5 or 6 different DVD releases for this film (don't make me list 'em, please).  No word on new releases for any of the other films in the series.  I guess that "HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS - PRODUCER'S CUT" DVD continues to be a pipe dream.

8.13.99
News from the official site tells us that the next HALLOWEEN sequel will be titled "HALLOWEEN: H2K - EVIL NEVER DIES", and thus, an obvious sequel to H20.  God help us all!

11.8.98
There are official Michael Myers dolls selling at Spencer's Gifts. Hurry, many are gone! There pricetag is currently $29.99! These dolls look official and I might have a picture of one soon posted on the site.

1.1.98
There is word going around about a new Halloween film. The fans seem to really want one, but is it true? Nobody knows, but I'm sure Moustapha Akkad would love another film to add to the series! We can hope!