101 Films Giving Cult Horror Tourist Trap Black Label Release
101 Films are set to release cult mannequin horror Tourist Trap (1979), in a limited-edition Blu-ray release as part of their Black Label range in June.
An early work from director David Schmoeller (Crawlspace, Puppet Master) the film was underseen and underappreciated upon its release in 1979, but it is now widely regarded as a fine work of genre cinema. An early example of a more surreal slasher, Tourist Trap goes against many of the tropes associated with the subgenre, relying more on its unsettling atmosphere and supernatural elements to build tension and create fear. Despite its depictions of violence and its macabre themes, the lack of outright blood and guts led to the film being granted a PG rating at the time of its release.
Originally released in the UK as ‘Nightmare of Terror’ to have John Carpenter direct. Jack Palace (Shane, Sudden Fear) and Gig Young (They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?) turning down the lead role, the producers pitched the idea to Chuck Connors who was keen to break free from the American Hero image he’d carried since starring in TV’s The Rifleman, and creating a chilling horror icon.
Title 044 on the 101 Films Black Label, our release is packed with additional content, including new interviews with Charles Band, Editor Ted Nicolaou, actress Jocelyn James and film critic Chris Alexander, along with archival extras including a commentary and interview with director David Schmoeller. Also packaged in a slipcase with iconic original poster artwork, accompanied by a booklet with new writing on the film…
A group of unsuspecting young travellers stumble upon “Slausen’s Lost Oasis,” an eerie, long-abandoned wax museum hidden deep in the countryside. What begins as an innocent detour soon turns into a nightmarish trap, as they discover the sinister secrets lurking within its crumbling walls. Presiding over this grotesque sideshow is the enigmatic Mr. Slausen, a seemingly harmless caretaker harbouring a terrifying obsession. As the night unfolds, the travellers are plunged into macabre and sordid chambers of horror where wax figures come to life, and escape is nothing more than an illusion.
Brand new extras:
• “Dolls, Toys, Mannequins!” – Interview with Full Moon founder Charles Band
• “Texas Tourist Trap!” – Interview with editor Ted Nicolaou
• “They’re Alive!” – Interview with actress Jocelyn Jones
• “Holiday Horror” – Interview with film critic Chris Alexander
• Limited edition booklet
Archive extras:
• Audio commentary with director David Schmoeller
• Interview with director David Schmoeller
• Original trailer
Tourist Trap will be released by 101 Films as Limited Edition Blu-ray from 23rd June.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
