Saturn's Core

David "The Rock" Nelson Collection: Volume 1

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This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!

Details

This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Matt Yar) was limited to 1,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.

Saturn's Core Audio & Video is a New Jersey based home video label devoted to releasing underground oddities and shot on video cinema on VHS, and now, blu-ray discs! In partnership with OCN Distribution, Saturn's Core will exhume forgotten or under-seen genre cinema from the 80s and 90s, with an emphasis on SOV horror features. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!

Dubbed “The Ed Wood of the 21st Century”, Des Plaines, Illinois based former marine and Golden Gloves boxer turned gonzo filmmaker David “The Rock” Nelson has been churning out his bizarre and mesmerizing brand of backyard monster movies for over 30 years. Often playing multiple onscreen roles simultaneously while utilizing local friends, his parents, and his girlfriend Janet Okulanis as his co-stars, “The Rock” has amassed a robust SOV filmography and persevered undaunted in the face nonexistent funds, unfavorable reviews, and outdated video equipment. Nelson’s work represents a singular viewing experience like no other: landing somewhere between the earnest monster romps of Paul Naschy and the eccentric video diaries of George Kuchar; where the filmmakers’ real life day to day activities and interactions sometimes outweigh the forwarding of the narrative. Equipped with dime store rubber fright masks and his camcorder, David “The Rock” Nelson has unapologetically crafted a legacy that remains an inspirational testament to the spirit of fulfilling your cinematic dreams at any cost.

In 1994, the same year that Tim Burton unleashed his Academy Award winning Ed Wood biopic, underground filmmaker David “The Rock” Nelson traveled to Baltimore to direct one of Wood’s chief collaborators Conrad Brooks (Plan 9 from Outer Space, Glen or Glenda, The Sinister Urge) in a backyard epic for the ages. When the local graveyard’s mild-mannered caretaker (Nelson) transforms into a werewolf in broad daylight, it’s up to Conrad and his real life, geriatric brothers Henry & Ted Brooks to vanquish the beast using plastic uzis, fisticuffs, and a Hyundai Excel! Saturn’s Core is proud to present its first (of several) David “The Rock” Nelson collections highlighting the ‘90s fanzine staple Conrad Brooks vs. Werewolf accompanied by Son of Werewolf & Adventures of Janet (two additional brain-smashing, monstercentric shorts hand picked by The Rock), a 28-page booklet, and nearly 4 stinkin’ hours of Rock related special features!

directed by: David "The Rock" Nelson
starring: David "The Rock" Nelson, Conrad Brooks, Janet Okulanis, Ted Brooks, Henry Bederski, Greg Ozimek
1993, 1994 / 81 min / 1.33:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0

Additional info:

  • Region Free Blu-ray
  • Conrad Brooks vs. Werewolf (1994) feature with optional 44 minute intro by director David “The Rock” Nelson!
  • “Son of Werewolf” short (1993)
  • “Adventures of Janet” short (1993) 
  • “The Brooks Brothers” -vintage 1994 documentary featuring David “The Rock” Nelson interviewing brothers Ted, Henry, & Conrad Brooks 
  • “Conrad Brooks vs. Werewolf” bloopers & outtakes (42 min.)
  • “The Brooks Family” -behind the scenes at Conrad’s family ranch in Hagerstown, MD
  • “The Rock: Ed Wood of the 21st Century” -2010 documentary directed by Strephon Taylor (66 min.)
  • “Pumpkinman Lives” -2023 sequel to the David “The Rock” Nelson classic directed by Brewce Longo 
  • TV news clip 
  • “The Deadbeat Drive-In” ad
  • Trailers 
  • English SDH subtitles 
  • “Strange Tapes: The Rock edition” 
  • 28 page mini-issue compiled by Strange Tapes editor Scott Miller featuring writing by authors Joe Ziemba (Bleeding Skull), Vincent Albarano (Aesthetic Deviations), Richard Mogg (Analog Nightmares), & Taylor Heider (Mondo Videos); plus legendary filmmaker Fred Olen Ray (Evil Toons, Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers) & WGN-TV news anchor Larry Potash! 

                    Overall rating: 4.6086955 / 5 from 115 reviews.

                    AI Generated Review Summary

                    David 'The Rock' Nelson Collection: Volume 1 is a unique Blu-ray release featuring a collection of bizarre and mesmerizing backyard monster movies by David 'The Rock' Nelson. Customers praise the collection for its entertaining extras, the filmmaker's unique style, and the overall quality of the release. It serves as a perfect introduction to Nelson's ultra micro-budget masterpieces.

                    Summary topics

                    • David 'The Rock' Nelson: 8%
                    • Film Quality: 10%
                    • Filmmaker Uniqueness: 10%
                    • Extras Quality: 5%
                    • Collection Appeal: 5%

                    Review topics: ["packaging","presentation","buy","work","release","film","filmmakers","rock","collection","movie","nelson","extras","schlock","introduction","title","horror","man","features","volume","slipcover","effects","documentary","crowd","passion","trash","making","shot","enjoyed","cinema","idea"].

                    Review highlights

                    • "David "The Rock" Nelson is an infamous DIY filmmaker whose work will challenge you in a way that no other filmmaker can!"Blair H.
                    • "A really great release giving a unique and eccentric filmmaker his due."Spencer D.
                    • "It's so exciting for his films to finally be receiving official releases."Blair H.

                    Reviews

                    Can't Stop the Rock!

                    "David "The Rock" Nelson is an acquired taste. If you're looking for movies with an actual budget beyond $5, then look elsewhere. But if you appreicate the idea of a "Monsta Kid" who grew up on Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, Dracula, and TV horror hosts making movies in his backyard SOLELY FOR THE LOVE OF IT, then you'll love David "The Rock" Nelson's brand of psychotronic cinema, Seriously, for some us there's something wonderful about a guy who just makes the monster movie he loves with $0 dollars, a lot of passion, and a metric crap ton of coffee (David is ALWAYS drinking coffee). I'd go so far as to say there's something punk rock about it all. CAN'T STOP THE ROCK!"

                    Joseph M. (5/5)

                    Saturns core!!

                    "Lots of fun characters for all of the family here. Insane these movies are getting this sort of presentation, what a time to be alive. I missed the slipcover on this one but, it’s fine."

                    Ben C. (4/5)

                    Solid as the Rock

                    "Either you're on the David The Rock Nelson train or you'd vastly prefer a different kind of ride. For me, this collection is an essential collection of truly eccentric, passionate work by a madman (complimentary)."

                    Erik P. (5/5)

                    Incredible release

                    "Amazing that these films have a home on blu ray. The transfers are excellent and the extras are plentiful. Thank you thank you thank you to Saturns core for putting this one out!"

                    Jon B. (5/5)

                    Not for everyone, but truly unlike anything else

                    "David “The Rock” Nelson is an artist who must be seen to be believed. Great contextual extras on this release, including the introduction and documentary. The world of film is better with artists like The Rock. Amen brother"

                    Alexander H. (4/5)

                    What a gem of an artist

                    "A great introduction package to one of the the most interesting voices in dov "horror""

                    Teun H. (5/5)

                    The rock

                    "It's amazing that we're getting shit like this on blu ray"

                    Gus T. (4/5)

                    Nelson Goes Boutique

                    "hard to articulate why these films fascinate, but they do!"

                    Kevin F. (5/5)

                    The most (in)competent man in film

                    "The only completely indescribable filmmaker in the history of movies. Nothing on here quite as good as the absolute masterpiece that is The Devil Ant, but they get close!!"

                    Greg M. (4/5)

                    Amazing!

                    "This is both amazing and also a little much. That said, I bought vol. 2, because apparently I couldn't get enough"

                    Alex C. (5/5)

                    Q&A

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