"The Life After Death Project" 2xDVD (director: Paul Davids)

Curious documentary for supernatural and Famous Monsters fans...

With the main feature here focusing predominantly on the great Forrest J. Ackerman (of "Famous Monsters Of Filmland" magazine fame, and the undeniably greatest collector of classic sci-fi and horror memorabilia of all-time), this full-length documentary examines the man's post-mortem legacy. That is to say, this is full of testimonials and evidence that "Forry" (as he was lovingly called) still maintains contact with his friends and loved ones.

As well, other famous horror writers and personalities (including Richard Matheson and Whitley Strieber) reveal their own personal "ghost stories". It's a compelling watch, with an array of literate, intelligent, and scientific folks detailing their paranormal experiences first-hand. Sometimes these experiences are Forry-related, other times not. Nonetheless, the vast archive of Ackerman-related photos and films is priceless.

The second disc is an entirely different documentary, also by Paul Davids. Subtitled "Personal Encounters", this film is a collection of paranormal experiences related by many other people. Apparently, Davids did some extensive traveling to compile this exhaustive and rich selection of "ghost stories".

Some fascinating viewing here, for anyone intrigued by the possibilities. And a must-see for Forrest Ackerman admirers.

Yellow Hat Productions

Life After Death Project site (with Forry links)

"All American Horror: Gateways To Hell" DVD

This collection of American ghost stories/legends features supposed interviews with eyewitnesses and historians, as well as dramatic recreations. The catch here is that it all seems somehow rehearsed and scripted. So, as a documentary, this one gets low ratings.

Even the packaging comes across as pure exploitation, not-so-vaguely referencing the popular TV drama, "American Horror Story". And the "documentary" itself, with a plethora of night-vision cameras, EVP meters, and EMF readers, seems a shallow cash-in on the success of the "Ghost Hunters" and "Ghost Adventures" TV shows. On the positive side, there are some fine locations (like the great Waverly Hills Sanitarium in Louisville, KY), but that's all I can say.

"All American Horror" is a thoroughly dodgy production, and should be of interest only to the most die-hard ghost watching fans. Steer clear.

Reality Entertainment

"Haunted Changi" DVD (director: Andrew Lau)

This film blurs the lines between reality and fiction and does so fairly well. Like a Singaporean cross between "The Blair Witch Project" and "Ghost Adventures", "Haunted Changi" purports itself to be a documentary, as a small crew of young filmmakers set out in Singapore's infamous haunted Old Changi Hospital to capture apparitions and ghostly presences.

The amateur hand cam style is rough, gritty, and realistic, though there are some rather professional edits and effects in some spots that belittle the "indie" credibility somewhat. The young actors are fine, with "producer" Sheena Chung being a standout. And the numerous shots of the run-down, dilapidated hospital are eerie and well worth a look. This is, after all, a seriously well-documented hotspot for paranormal activity. Kudos to the crew for choosing the actual Old Changi Hospital as their setting. Tension is fairly high, though actual "jump" moments are few and far between. Overall, an enjoyable ghost-hunting experience, not without a few problems, but nonetheless, I liked this one. (MVD Visual)

Haunted Changi website

"Unexplained Explained: Ghostly Paranormal Activity" DVD

English filmmaker Paul Wookey here collaborates with psychic Diane Howe and a small film crew to attempt to document some paranormal activity in the historic Anchor Pub in Dales, England. It succeeds, mostly.

The large part of this 75-minute documentary is Wookey interviewing eyewitnesses and historians about the area and it's dark history. The conclusion is a Ouija-style seance where some rather seedy spirits make their presence known.

This is a rather amateurish affair, to be sure, and it skirts the lines between believability and skepticism. Still, with the great atmospheres of the dingy old English pub, I found myself drawn in to the ceremony and mood. A fun, if unessential piece for fans of "Ghost Hunters" or "Ghost Adventures". (World Wide Multi Media via MVD Visual)