VHS Vault: Christine (1983)

 "You can't beat her... nobody can."

Step into the garage of obsession with Christine (1983), John Carpenter's adaptation of Stephen King's novel about a killer 1958 Plymouth Fury with a mind and murder of her own. This isn't just a car. Christine is jealous, possessive, and deadly, and she'll eliminate anyone who comes between her and her owner.

Nerdy high school student Arnie Cunningham is a walking target for bullies until he spots a dilapidated red-and-white Plymouth Fury and falls instantly in love. Against his parents' wishes and his best friend Dennis's warnings, Arnie buys Christine and begins restoring her. 

As the car comes back to life, Arnie transforms, becoming confident, aggressive, and dangerously obsessed. Christine isn't just a car; she's a supernatural force that regenerates herself, eliminates Arnie's enemies, and won't tolerate anyone threatening their bond, especially Arnie's girlfriend Leigh.

John Carpenter brings his signature style to Stephen King's story, crafting a film that's equal parts teen drama, supernatural horror, and automotive nightmare. The practical effects of Christine repairing herself are still stunning, and the film's exploration of obsession and possession gives it emotional weight beyond the killer car premise. George Thorogood's "Bad to the Bone" becomes Christine's theme song, perfectly capturing her menacing personality.

Perfect for fans of Stephen King adaptations, John Carpenter films, and '80s horror with style. Watch Christine on Amazon and witness one of cinema's most unforgettable vehicles of terror.

🎞️ Vault Fact File

Title: Christine
Year: 1983
Director: John Carpenter
Runtime: 110 minutes
Rating: R
Tagline(s): "Body by Plymouth. Soul by Satan."
Studio / Distribution: Columbia Pictures
Cast: Keith Gordon, John Stockwell, Alexandra Paul, Robert Prosky, Harry Dean Stanton

Fun Fact: Over 20 Plymouth Furys were used during production to create Christine's various states of repair and destruction. The self-repair scenes were achieved through meticulous reverse photography and practical effects, with no CGI involved.

Extra Trivia: John Carpenter composed the film's synthesizer score, but the soundtrack heavily features 1950s rock and roll—including "Bad to the Bone" by George Thorogood, which wasn't actually from the '50s but became inseparable from Christine's image.

Legacy: Christine remains one of the most beloved Stephen King adaptations and showcases Carpenter at his stylish best. The film has become a cult classic, celebrated for its practical effects, strong performances, and the unforgettable image of a demonic car prowling the streets. It's a reminder that in the right hands, even a car can be terrifying.

⏪ Rewind or ⏩ Fast Forward?

Rewind: Essential viewing for Stephen King fans, John Carpenter enthusiasts, and anyone who loves practical effects-driven '80s horror. This is killer car cinema at its absolute best.

⚡ Watch It

She's a beauty... and a beast. Stream or buy Christine on Amazon and experience the ride of terror.

Official Christine Trailer

Back to the Vault

Love Stephen King horror? Check out VHS Vault: Pet Sematary (1989) or keep exploring the VHS Vault for retro horror treasures.

Reel Horror News Victim Spotlight: Face Slashed, Body Found at Bottom of Stairs in Shocking Murder

Counselors Face Slashed: The Brutal Murder Of Mark Jarvis

By Staff Reporter | April 13, 1984 | Local Gazette

Packanack County — A young counselor-in-training was found brutally murdered late Saturday evening on the grounds of Packanack Lodge, his body discovered at the bottom of an exterior stairway in what authorities are calling a vicious and unprovoked attack.

Mark Jarvis, 22, had volunteered along with several others to attend Paul Holt's counselor training center at the remote lakeside facility. What was meant to be a weekend of preparation for summer camp work turned into a scene of unimaginable horror.

According to investigators, Jarvis was last seen alone on the lodge's upper deck around 11:30 p.m. Approximately thirty minutes later, fellow trainees heard a disturbance and discovered his wheelchair overturned at the top of the stairs, with a trail of blood leading down to where his body lay.

"The victim sustained a catastrophic facial wound consistent with a large bladed weapon, possibly a machete or similar tool," stated Detective William Reynolds. "The nature of the attack suggests extreme violence. This was no accident."

The medical examiner confirmed that Jarvis died from the initial blow to his face before his wheelchair rolled backward down the stairs. The weapon has not been recovered, and no suspects have been identified.

"We heard something, a crash, maybe a scream, but by the time we got outside, it was too late," said one traumatized trainee who wished to remain anonymous. "There was blood everywhere. Mark never had a chance."

Friends described Jarvis as independent, determined, and excited about the opportunity to work with children. His death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.

Paul Holt, director of the training program, was visibly shaken. "Mark was loved by everyone here. The thought that someone did this to him here, in what should have been a safe place, is beyond comprehension."

Authorities have expanded their search to include the surrounding woods and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The training program has been indefinitely suspended, and several trainees have already left the area, citing fear for their safety.

"We're treating this as an active homicide investigation," Detective Reynolds added. "Until we apprehend the person responsible, we're advising extreme caution for anyone in the vicinity of Packanack Lodge."

Filed under: Reel Horror News "When the blood hits the headlines."

👁️🗨️ Based on Friday the 13th Part 2

7 Essential Horror Sequels from the 80s and 90s

The '80s and early '90s were the golden age of horror sequels. While Hollywood churned out countless follow-ups hoping to cash in on successful franchises, some sequels transcended their origins and became classics in their own right. These weren't just retreads; they expanded universes, deepened mythology, and sometimes even outdid their predecessors.

Here are seven essential horror sequels that defined an era and proved that sometimes, the second (or third) time's the charm.

Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)

The original Friday the 13th introduced Camp Crystal Lake, but Part 2 gave us Jason Voorhees as the killer. Sure, he's wearing a burlap sack instead of the iconic hockey mask, but this is where the legend truly begins. 

Director Steve Miner delivers a tighter, more suspenseful slasher that learns from the first film's blueprint and improves on it.

What makes Part 2 special is its focus on atmosphere and tension. The counselor-in-training setup gives us a cast worth caring about, and the cat-and-mouse finale with Ginny is genuinely intense. 

Jason is a physical, brutal presence, less supernatural force, more backwoods psycho. The reveal of his ramshackle shrine to his mother is still one of the franchise's creepiest moments.

This sequel set the template for everything that followed and remains one of the strongest entries in the entire Friday franchise.

Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)

Jason Voorhees begins his reign of terror at Camp Crystal Lake.

Buy/Stream on Amazon

Halloween II (1981)

Picking up immediately where John Carpenter's masterpiece left off, Halloween II follows Laurie Strode to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital on the same fateful night. Michael Myers isn't finished, and the body count is about to get much higher. 

What could have been a cheap cash-grab instead became a worthy continuation that deepens the mythology and delivers genuine scares.

Director Rick Rosenthal (with Carpenter's heavy involvement) cranks up the gore while maintaining the original's eerie atmosphere. The hospital setting is brilliantly claustrophobic with empty hallways, flickering lights, and the constant threat lurking around every corner. 

The introduction of Laurie and Michael's family connection adds a tragic dimension that the franchise would explore for decades.

While it's gorier than Carpenter's original, Halloween II never loses sight of what made the first film work: dread, suspense, and the unstoppable presence of Michael Myers.

Halloween II (1981)

Michael Myers continues his hunt at Haddonfield Memorial Hospital.

Buy/Stream on Amazon

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)

After the darker, more serious tone of Freddy's Revenge, Dream Warriors brought back the creativity and fun while still delivering genuine scares. This is where the Nightmare franchise found its perfect balance: inventive dream sequences, dark humor, and Freddy Krueger at his most entertaining yet still terrifying.

The premise is brilliant: a group of institutionalized teenagers discover they have special abilities in their dreams and team up to fight Freddy. Nancy Thompson returns (along with John Saxon's Lt. Thompson), connecting this sequel directly to the original. 

Director Chuck Russell and co-writer Frank Darabont craft elaborate, surreal dreamscapes that showcase what made the franchise special: anything can happen when you're asleep.

The kills are imaginative and memorable (the puppet scene, the TV death), Robert Englund's Freddy is in top form, and the ensemble cast makes you actually care about the victims. 

Many fans consider this the best sequel in the series, and it's hard to argue.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)

Freddy Krueger faces teens with special dream powers in this fan-favorite sequel.

Buy/Stream on Amazon

Child's Play 2 (1990)

The terror returns in Child's Play 2, where everyone's favorite killer doll is back, and this time, he's not playing around. After the events of the first film, young Andy Barclay thought his Chucky nightmare was over. But when the Good Guy doll is rebuilt and reactivated, the pint-sized terror tracks Andy down to his new foster home, determined to possess his body once and for all.

What makes this sequel so special is how it perfects the formula: bigger scares, darker humor, and more inventive kills. Director John Lafia cranks up the tension while never losing sight of what made Chucky such a phenomenon—that twisted mix of childhood innocence corrupted by pure evil. Brad Dourif's voice work is even more manic and menacing.

The climactic showdown in a Good Guy doll factory is slasher gold; a perfect setting that allows for creative carnage and visual spectacle. This sequel proved that Chucky wasn't just a one-hit wonder.

Child's Play 2 (1990)

Chucky returns to terrorize Andy in this killer doll sequel perfection.

Buy/Stream on Amazon

Phantasm II (1988)

Nine years after the surreal original, Phantasm II brought The Tall Man back with a bigger budget and even more nightmare fuel. Mike Pearson is released from a psychiatric hospital, teams up with his friend Reggie, and hits the road to stop the interdimensional mortician from stealing more souls. What follows is a fever dream road trip through small-town America where death is just the beginning.

Director Don Coscarelli got the budget to fully realize his bizarre vision, and it shows. The action is bigger, the gore is more elaborate, and the mythology deepens. Angus Scrimm's Tall Man is even more menacing, the deadly silver spheres get more screen time, and the body horror is ramped up considerably. This is the most accessible entry in the Phantasm series while still maintaining that signature weirdness.

The dynamic between Reggie (now the franchise's unlikely hero) and Mike gives the film heart, and the apocalyptic finale delivers nightmare imagery that sticks with you long after the credits roll.

Phantasm II (1988)

The Tall Man returns with bigger budget nightmare fuel and deadly silver spheres.

Buy/Stream on Amazon

Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers (1988)

Five years after the shocking original, Sleepaway Camp II takes the franchise in a wildly different direction—and somehow it works. Angela is back at summer camp (now calling herself Angela Johnson and played by Pamela Springsteen, Bruce's sister), working as a counselor. But old habits die hard, and soon campers are disappearing in creative and brutal ways.

Unlike the slow-burn dread of the original, this sequel embraces dark comedy and self-aware humor. Angela is now the star, wisecracking her way through kills while maintaining a sweet, wholesome exterior. It's campy, trashy fun that knows exactly what it is. Director Michael A. Simpson delivers a body count that would make Jason jealous, all with a tongue firmly in cheek.

The sequel spawned Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland (shot back-to-back), but this second entry remains the most entertaining of the follow-ups. It's the perfect example of an '80s slasher that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers (1988)

Angela returns as a counselor bringing dark comedy and creative kills to summer camp.

Buy/Stream on Amazon

Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987)

Forget everything about the original Prom Night. This sequel is a complete departure and all the better for it. Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II is a supernatural revenge thriller that plays like Carrie meets A Nightmare on Elm Street, and it's gloriously unhinged.

In 1957, prom queen Mary Lou Maloney dies in a prank gone wrong. Thirty years later, her vengeful spirit possesses sweet Vicki Carpenter and begins wreaking havoc on Hamilton High School. What follows is a wild ride of possession, body horror, and over-the-top kills that embrace the absurdity while still delivering genuine scares.

Director Bruce Pittman crafts a stylish, inventive horror film with memorable set pieces (the locker room scene, the rocking horse attack) and a scenery-chewing performance from Lisa Schrage as the evil Mary Lou. It's a hidden gem of '80s horror that deserves far more recognition. The fact that it's barely connected to the first film doesn't matter; this sequel stands proudly on its own twisted merits.

Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987)

A vengeful prom queen's spirit possesses a high schooler in this supernatural gem.

Buy/Stream on Amazon

These seven sequels prove that the '80s and early '90s knew how to deliver follow-ups that honored their predecessors while carving out their own identities. I argue that these are essential sequels that belong in every horror fan's collection.

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→ VHS Vault: The Toxic Avenger (1984)

→ Reel Horror News

VHS Vault: Child’s Play 2 (1990)

 

"Sorry, Jack. Chucky's back!"

The terror returns in Child's Play 2 (1990), where everyone's favorite killer doll is back—and this time, he's not playing around. After the events of the first film, young Andy Barclay thought his Chucky nightmare was over. But when the Good Guy doll is rebuilt and reactivated, the pint-sized terror tracks Andy down to his new foster home, determined to possess his body once and for all.

What makes Child's Play 2 so special is how it perfects the formula: bigger scares, darker humor, and more inventive kills. Director John Lafia cranks up the tension while never losing sight of what made Chucky such a phenomenon: that twisted mix of childhood innocence corrupted by pure evil. 

Brad Dourif's voice work is even more manic and menacing, and the climactic showdown in a Good Guy doll factory is movie gold.

This classic proved that Chucky wasn't just a one-hit wonder. It's a sequel that delivers on every front, blending genuine scares with that creepy doll charm that made fans scream and laugh at the same time. Don't just hear about it, grab your copy on Amazon and see Chucky come to life in your living room!

🎞️ Vault Fact File

Title: Child's Play 2
Year: 1990
Director: John Lafia
Runtime: 84 minutes
Rating: R
Tagline(s): "Sorry, Jack. Chucky's back!"
Studio / Distribution: Universal Pictures
Cast: Alex Vincent, Jenny Agutter, Gerrit Graham, Christine Elise, Brad Dourif (voice of Chucky)

Fun Fact: The Good Guy doll factory climax was filmed in an actual closed toy factory, giving the finale an authentic and eerie atmosphere. The production team built dozens of animatronic Chucky dolls for the increasingly elaborate kill scenes.

Extra Trivia: Alex Vincent returned to reprise his role as Andy, making him one of the few child actors to immediately return for a horror sequel. Christine Elise's character Kyle became a fan favorite and is considered one of the best final girls of the early '90s.

Legacy: Child's Play 2 solidified Chucky as a horror icon and spawned four more sequels throughout the '90s and 2000s, plus a TV series. The franchise became one of the longest-running in horror history, proving that good guys can definitely finish last.

⏪ Rewind or ⏩ Fast Forward?

Rewind: A must-watch for horror fans, Chucky enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a sequel that outdoes the original. This is VHS-era horror firing on all cylinders.

⚡ Watch It

He's back and badder than ever. Stream or buy Child's Play 2 on Amazon and relive the killer doll mayhem.

Official Child's Play 2 Trailer

Back to the Vault

Craving more killer toy terror? Check out Child's Play (1988) or keep exploring the VHS Vault for retro horror treasures.

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VHS Vault: Sleepaway Camp (1983)

"You'll go there on a bus...and come back in a bag!"

Step into the sun-drenched terror of summer camp horror with Sleepaway Camp (1983), a cult classic that delivers equal parts teenage angst, summer fun, and brutal slasher mayhem. But beneath the surface of typical camp hijinks lurks one of the most shocking twist endings in horror history.

Shy, awkward Angela is sent to Camp Arawak with her cousin Ricky for the summer. While Ricky tries to protect her from bullies and predatory counselors, a mysterious killer begins picking off campers and staff in increasingly creative and gruesome ways. Is Angela the next victim... or is there something darker at play?

What sets Sleepaway Camp apart from the Friday the 13th wannabes of the early '80s is its willingness to go darker and weirder. Director Robert Hiltzik crafted a slasher that feels genuinely unsettling, with uncomfortable undertones and a final reveal that left audiences stunned. But don't let the darkness fool you—this movie also has some of the funniest lines and wackiest characters of any horror flick. The low-budget charm, bizarre personalities, and that unforgettable ending make this a VHS legend that's as entertaining as it is unsettling.

Watch Sleepaway Camp on Amazon and discover why this summer camp nightmare became a VHS staple.

I remember this one played on cable a lot in the '80s. I was too young to really understand the ending, but the way they presented it was pretty frightening. Years later, rewatching it, I realized just how fun the movie is. The quirky dialogue, the oddball campers and counselors, and nutty scenes that still manage to shock. Very enjoyable from start to finish.

🎞️ Vault Fact File

Title: Sleepaway Camp
Year: 1983
Director: Robert Hiltzik
Runtime: 84 minutes
Rating: R
Tagline(s): "You won't be coming home!"
Studio / Distribution: American Eagle Films
Cast: Felissa Rose, Jonathan Tiersten, Karen Fields, Christopher Collet, Mike Kellin

Fun Fact: Felissa Rose was only 13 years old during filming, making her one of the youngest actors to lead a slasher film. The final scene was shot with a body double and careful camera work to achieve its shocking effect.

Extra Trivia: The film was shot at Camp Algonquin in New York over just eight weeks with a tiny budget of around $350,000. Many of the young actors were actual teenagers, giving the camp setting an authentic feel.

Legacy: Spawned two direct sequels (Sleepaway Camp II and III) and became a cult favorite on VHS. The controversial ending has been debated, analyzed, and celebrated for decades. A return to the franchise, Return to Sleepaway Camp, arrived in 2008.

⏪ Rewind or ⏩ Fast Forward?

Rewind: Essential viewing for slasher fans, cult horror collectors, and anyone who thinks they've seen every twist ending. This is VHS-era horror at its most audacious.

⚡ Watch It

Summer camp was never this deadly. Stream or buy it on Amazon and experience the twist that shocked a generation.

Official Sleepaway Camp Trailer

Back to the Vault

Hungry for more summer camp scares? Check out Friday the 13th Part 3 (1982) or keep exploring the VHS Vault for retro horror treasures.

VHS Vault: Candyman (1992)

"You don't have to believe... just beware."

Step into the shadows of 1990s horror with Candyman (1992), a chilling tale of urban legend, obsession, and unstoppable vengeance. Say his name five times in the mirror, and the hook-handed specter appears… bringing blood, fear, and legend to life.

Graduate student Helen Lyle believes she’s found the perfect thesis topic when she begins researching the myth of a killer haunting Chicago’s Cabrini-Green. But as she digs deeper, the line between fact and folklore blurs, and the nightmare becomes real.

Unlike the slashers of the ’80s, Candyman is haunting, elegant, and deeply unsettling. Bernard Rose’s eerie direction, Philip Glass’s haunting score, and Tony Todd’s unforgettable performance give this horror classic a tragic, unforgettable weight.

Perfect for fans of psychological horror, urban legends, and VHS-era chills. Watch Candyman on Amazon and relive one of the most iconic horror stories ever told.

I remember when this movie was the talk of the town. I first saw it on video at a Halloween night movie party in 1993, and that night, Candyman became a legend.

🎞️ Vault Fact File

Title: Candyman

Year: 1992

Director: Bernard Rose

Runtime: 99 minutes

Rating: R

Tagline(s): “Be careful what you wish for…”

Studio / Distribution: TriStar Pictures

Cast: Tony Todd, Virginia Madsen, Xander Berkeley, Kasi Lemmons

Fun Fact: Tony Todd’s performance as Candyman made him an iconic figure in 90s horror, and his deep voice added an unforgettable layer of dread.

Extra Trivia: The movie was shot in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing projects to give it an authentic urban atmosphere, adding to the legend’s realism.

Legacy: Spawned multiple sequels and a 2021 spiritual continuation. Candyman remains a standout example of 90s horror blending psychological terror with supernatural myth.

⏪ Rewind or ⏩ Fast Forward?

Rewind: Perfect for fans of creepy urban legends, VHS-era 90s horror, and suspenseful supernatural scares.

⚡ Watch It

Dark nights call for darker movies. Stream or buy it on Amazon and feel the fear again.

Official Candyman Trailer

Back to the Vault 

Hungry for more supernatural VHS chills? Check out Child’s Play (1988) or keep exploring the VHS Vault for retro horror treasures.