The Haunting of Hill House, and The Best Haunted House Tales For A Creepy October

By AARON SAGERS

With the new horror series The Haunting of Hill House, viewers settling for some “Netflix and Chill” time may instead be in for “Netflix and chilled to the bone.”

The 10-episode series, which hit the streaming service last Friday, begins 26 years with the Crain family who encounter supernatural threats in an old mansion. As the story switches between 1992 and 2018, the show follows the Crain father and his five adult children (including the skeptical paranormal author son), and their younger selves. Over the course of the show, they dig up the past, face down specters, and their own personal ghosts.

Based on the 1959 classic of the same name by Shirley Jackson, the updated Haunting of Hill House varies quite a bit from the original, but is nonetheless a faithful adaptation in spirit. It is a downright scary longform horror show that puts character drama at the forefront. 

As much as you should check out the decidedly creepy show, the source material is a must-read, and remains the best haunted house stories of all time.

But it is certainly not the only good story for a literary adventure to catch your breath, and tingle your spine. 

With that in mind, read ahead for the best haunted house tales to keep you creeped out for the rest of October. 

The Haunting of Hill House (1959)

By Shirley Jackson

The old manse Hill House has a bad habit of killing off inhabitants – so, of course it seems like a good idea (very bad idea) for occultist and paranormal investigator Dr. Montague to bring some folks along for a stay. Although phenomena begin as merely unsettling occurrences, the house is feeding off Eleanor, the sensitive waif, and getting stronger. As much as I love The Shining, I think even Mr. King would allow me to say Hill House is better, and a work of genius. The Haunting, the 1963 film based on Jackson’s story, is also pretty great, but not near as exceptional as the novel.

Top 10 Scary Stories

BY KARL PFEIFFER

As I pull out books from the shelves, starting with Straub's American Fantastic Tales anthology and then Palahniuk's Haunted, it's quickly apparent I'll need an energy drink over a glass of wine for this one; I'll be up late tonight, and not solely because it will take a bit of time to reconnect with these old friends. See, before I began I even had to make a round through the house above me under the guise of grabbing my laundry to double check the doors and the windows. Just in case.

That's the thing about scary stories, see? They strike those deep-seated fears within all of us that register something as primal as love or joy. That's why we read horror stories, isn't it? To get in touch with that depth again. To wonder. The true scares, the ones that keep us up at night, question the very world around us and maybe even our own experience of it.

The tales that scare me the most are the ones that could be true.

Hellraiser Documentary "Leviathan" Releases First Trailer

More news from the world of Clive Barker! The upcoming documentary "Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser 2" has officially released its first trailer. The documentary details the making of and history behind the first two installments of the "Hellraiser" based off of Clive Barker's masterpiece, "The Hellbound Heart."

Here is the synopsis from the film's website:

"Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II" is a feature length documentary uncovering the history, making of and unknown details of the making of Clive Barker’s "Hellraiser" and "Hellbound: Hellraiser II" films. With interviews and testimonies from those most closely involved, we hope to bring a comprehensive insight to these classic cult films. Following the story of the films from their inception through production to release and the their subsequent lives and growing fan base, we aim to show fans and those less familiar with the films both the technical skills, the creative idea, the symbolism and the legacy of these movies. Delving deep into the director’s vision and ambitions for the project we’ll be exploring where he came from, where his career had taken him and the inspiration for the story and world he created. We’ll be telling the story of his journey of making them and how close they came to his vision at the time and how he feels about them over 25 years later. [...]Through a series of candid interviews, behind the scenes footage, stills and a look a promotional material from the time and the merchandise now available, we will create a truly engaging and informative piece, with a few laughs and a bit of gossip thrown in for good luck.

Lena Heady of "Game of Thrones" Joins Cast of Clive Barker's "Jacqueline Ess"

Courtesy Getty Images/Jason Merritt

"Game of Thrones" actress Lena Heady will be briefly hanging up her crown and stepping into the world of horror in the upcoming film "Jacqueline Ess." The story is based off of a short story by master of the macabre, Clive Barker. According to Variety, Raven Banner Entertainment and Seraphim Films are producing the feature, which will be going into production later this year after being sold at the Cannes Film Festival.

In addition to co-writing the script with Christian Francis, Jovanka Vuckovic is on board to direct, which will be her first time directing a feature length film. She will also serve as co-producer along with the films star, Lena Heady. Clive Barker and Seraphim's Mark Miller and Ben Meares will serve as executive producers.

"Jacqueline Ess" originally appeared in horror anthology, Books of Blood Volume 2, and is about "a beautiful woman with the ability to horrifically change people’s body shapes simply with her mind. Her ability gives her the power to grant men the ultimate sexual experience, albeit one that always proves fatal. It’s a story of sex, power, and the extremes that await us at the limits of desire."

Clive Barker expressed his excitement on the development earlier by saying “Lena Headey is a marvelous performer with an incredible presence,[...] As far as I’m concerned, there is no better choice of actress for the role of Jacqueline. Her beauty and authority will carry the day.”

-Nowal Massari

UK Production Wraps on Hellraiser Documentary "Leviathan"

"Leviathan," the behind the scenes documentary on the first two "Hellraiser" films has officially wrapped up filming in the UK. This portion of filming included interviews from Rupert Ryle-Hodges, the third assistant director on the original film, as well as some exciting details from FX make-up artists Simon Sayce and Beverly Pond-Jones.

Sayce is responsible for designing the films iconic puzzle box, the "Lament configuration." In the documentary he shares some never before seen images of the boxes original design and gives some insight on the hidden meanings of the design. To sweeten the sound of razors through flesh, or just get fans of the franchise more excited, a bevy of behind the scenes stories and rare images will also be included.

With the UK portion finished, the crew will now make their way stateside, where they will interview Tony Randel, director of "Hellbound: Hellraiser II," and the man under the pins himself, Doug Bradley.

Clive Barker's 'Nightbreed' to Become a Comic

Cover by Riley Rossmo courtesy MV Comics

After a fair bit of speculation, Clive Barker has revealed on his Facebook page that his underground classic, "Nightbreed" will be made into a comic series. In an exclusive with Multiversity Comics, Piotr Kowalski and Marc Andreyko discuss their upcoming adaptation.

The pair have teamed up to breathe new life into the underrated story of Midian and the monsters that reside within. According to the synopsis, "The Nightbreed is a secret society of monsters and misfits that hide away from humans, but have been a part of this world since time immemorial. Explore both the past and the present of this clandestine tribe, unleashing new secrets and horrors as they fight to coexist with mankind."

Nightbreed panel by Piotr Kowalski courtesy MV Comics

What if you've never watched the film or read the novella "Cabal," on which it's based? Fear not. Andreyko reveals that "I’m writing the book to be both fully accessible to new readers and hit the spot for long-time fans of the property. The pitch: Monsters are real and they live in our world. Some in plain sight, others find refuge in the ancient city of Midian. “Nightbreed” will chronicle tales—past and present—of these creatures and how they survive in a world that hates, fears, and wants to destroy them. From ancient Greece to colonial America to the world of today, there be monsters here."

Kowalski provides some of the panel art in addition to cover art for the first issue, and will be joined in the future by artists such as Mike Mignola, Riley Rossmo and Christopher Mitten. The first issue is 32 pages of fully colored, nightmarish beauty and will available for $3.99 in May. For more information, check out the full interview over at Multiversity Comics!

-Nowal Massari

Raven Banner to Bring Clive Barker's 'Jacqueline Ess' to the Big Screen

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Canada's Raven Banner Entertainment has just announced that they have optioned "Jacqueline Ess: Her Will and Testament," a short story from master of the macabre, Clive Barker.

The story, originally appearing in horror anthology, Books of Blood Volume 2, is about "a beautiful woman with the ability to horrifically change people’s body shapes simply with her mind. Her ability gives her the power to grant men the ultimate sexual experience, albeit one that always proves fatal. It’s a story of sex, power, and the extremes that await us at the limits of desire."

Managing partner of Raven Banner, Andrew Hunt, released a statement on Wednesday stating, "All of us at Raven Banner have been huge fans of Clive’s for years[...]And I personally have always loved the story of Jacqueline Ess. It has all the qualities one wants in a modern horror film, so I’m excited to see it finally being brought to life on film."

Barker's own Seraphim Films will be executive producing the project, with Seraphim VP Mark Miller sharing his excitement and saying “We love what Raven Banner is doing for horror,[...]We are excited to be collaborating with them.”

The deal was negotiated by Noor Ahmed of Reder & Feig LLP on behalf of Seraphim and Raven Banner associates Andrew Hunt, James Fler and Michael Paszt. The film has a projected budget of $3 million, and while there is currently no word on who will be penning the script, it is in development. The movie will be shopped in Berlin at the European Film Market, with Raven Banner tentatively planning production to begin in the fall of 2014.

-Nowal Massari

'Hellraiser' Documentary Begins Filming

Good news, "Hellraiser" fanatics! A new behind-the-scenes documentary has just gone into production. Bloody Disgusting reported that film maker, K. John McDonagh, is working on "Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II."

The documentary will provide a special look at the first two films and feature interviews from Barbie Wilde, Simon Bamford, Oliver Parker, Nicholas Vince Mark Coulier and more.

From the official website:

“Leviathan: The Story of Hellraiser and Hellbound: Hellraiser II" is a feature length documentary uncovering the history, making of and unknown details of the making of Clive Barker’s "Hellraiser" and "Hellbound: Hellraiser II" films. With interviews and testimonies from those most closely involved, we hope to bring a comprehensive insight to these classic cult films. Following the story of the films from their inception through production to release and the their subsequent lives and growing fan base, we aim to show fans and those less familiar with the films both the technical skills, the creative idea, the symbolism and the legacy of these movies. Delving deep into the director’s vision and ambitions for the project we’ll be exploring where he came from, where his career had taken him and the inspiration for the story and world he created. We’ll be telling the story of his journey of making them and how close they came to his vision at the time and how he feels about them over 25 years later. We want to hear how the cast and crew feel now and felt at the time about the idea, the production and the final film when it was completed as well as how they were influenced by the production and Clive and how the films have contributed to their futures. Through a series of candid interviews, behind the scenes footage, stills and a look a promotional material from the time and the merchandise now available, we will create a truly engaging and informative piece, with a few laughs and a bit of gossip thrown in for good luck.

With the recent news of a Clive Barker penned "Hellraiser" reboot, this documentary is as sweet as the sound of razors through flesh. Here's a little preview to peak your curiosity...just be prepared for the consequences. 

-Nowal Massari

Clive Barker to Pen 'Hellraiser' Remake?

Courtesy IMDB

Fans of "Hellraiser", prepare to experience pleasure beyond what you've ever known. Clive Barker took to his official Facebook today to announce that he is working on a remake of the first "Hellraiser" film. Barker has pitched the idea to Dimension Pictures, who eagerly accepted the idea of a darker (that's possible?) take on the 1987 classic. He has been officially invited to pen the script as of October 24, and promises to go light on the CGI. Here is the full statement from his Facebook:

HOT FROM HELL! My friends, I have some news which may be of interest to you. A few weeks ago I had a very productive meeting with Bob Weinstein of Dimension Pictures, in the course of which I pitched a remake of the first "Hellraiser" film. The idea of my coming back to the original film and telling the story with a fresh intensity-honoring the structure and the designs from the first incarnation but hopefully creating an even darker and richer film-was attractive to Dimension. Today I have officially been invited to write the script based upon that pitch. What can I tell you about it? Well, it will not be a film awash with CGI. I remain as passionate about the power of practical make-up effects as I was when I wrote and directed the first "Hellraiser." Of course the best make-up in the world loses force if not inhabited by a first-rate actor. I told the Dimension team that in my opinion there could never be a Pinhead without Doug Bradley, and much to my delight Bob Weinstein agreed. So once the papers are signed, I will open a Lemarchand Configuration, dip my quill in its contents and start writing. I promise that there will be nowhere on the Internet where the news of my progress will be more reliable than here, because the only author of these reports will be Your Infernal Corespondent, me. 
My very best wishes to you all, my friends.
Clive

'Nightbreed: The Cabal Cut' Coming Soon to Blu-ray

We're happy to report on another cool announcement out of San Diego Comic-Con.

Scream Factory's Cliff MacMillan and Mark Miller, along with Michael G. Plumides Jr., officially announced that they would be releasing Nightbreed: The Cabal Cut on Blu-ray. Thank you, Baphomet!

Nightbreed, a macabre faitytale that only Clive Barker could dream up, was doomed by its studio, Morgan Creek, when was originally released in 1990. The production company didn't understand Barker's original vision, and massacred the film by cutting scenes, forcing re-shoots and re-editing the living hell out of it ... all in the name of a more marketable (profitable) horror movie. As evidenced by the monetary flop that was the theatrical release, their revisions were in vain.

With the help of friends, Barker was able to obtain original, pre-edited VHS copies of the film, and now fans will finally be able to see all 144 minutes of what should have been.

While an official release date has yet to be announced, children of Midian can expect to have this underrated gem in their hands in the near future. According to Barker's official web site, "Clive also plans to attend a screening of the Cabal Cut of Nightbreed at Beyond Fest 26 October 2013 - ticketing and details to follow..."

-Nowal Massari

New Comics: May 29, 2013

BY DAVID BERCK

This is an awesome week! There are plenty of different flavors of comics being released, covering horror, sci-fi, super heroes, alternative genres, and even a good ol' heist-related story. Lots to read and so little time to do it, so let's get to it!

AMIGO COMICS
Westwood Witches #1 (Of 4)
So there’s this guy who writes paranormal romance novels about witches. It’s a lucrative market right now, after all. Problems begin to happen when Jack Kurtzberg develops writer’s block and decides to move back to his hometown. That doesn’t sound so bad, right? The real problem is that his new neighbors are witches of the not-so-nice demon worshipping variety. Hilarity Chaos ensues. The cover is occulty and bloody. This bears checking out.