DARK DOCUMENTARIES

This tape is a must have for any Halloween fanatic. On October 31, when pint-sized ghouls and goblins knock on doors, they're actually carrying on a tradition that goes back thousands of years to the Celtic tribes of northern Europe. For centuries this night has celebrated mystery and chaos, a time between summer and winter, a time between life and death. Host Harry Smith leads this 3,000 year old tour through the history of the quintessentially pagan holiday which has survived to become one of America's most popular holidays.

Explore Hollywood's enduring fascination with Mary Shelley's legendary creation. From Boris Karloff's monster to Kenneth Branagh's controversial interpretation, see why Frankenstein has always fascinated filmmakers. With extensive clips from almost every version of the story ever filmed,  this comprehensive look brings the monster to life over and over again! And in revealing interviews, Brooks, Branagh, Robert DeNiro, and Sara Karloff (Boris's daughter), reflect on the monster's undiminished popularity.

Incredible interviews with priests who performed a 1949 exorcism on a 14-year-old Maryland boy tell the story of their battle to free his soul. Trace the history of exorcism from the Middle Ages to today. Ancient texts and accounts reveal the secrets of the Catholic ritual of exorcism, while religious scholars explore the evidence of exorcisms in other cultures. See how many examples of "possession" are cured by modern psychiatric counseling, and meet debunkers who claim that mental illness is at the root of all such cases.

The number 13. Explore theories of its origin, including the widely held view that 13 is cursed because it is the number of people who were present at The Last Supper. See ancient examples of the superstition in Norse myths, the Arthurian legends and classical texts. And examine compelling stories of tragedy that have perpetuated the superstition, from the suicide of underground artist Ray Johnson to the ill-fated Apollo 13 moon mission. It's a gripping inquiry into the enigmatic world of belief.

Could there be any real-life basis for zombies? Incredible as it may seem, there are many who say "yes." ZOMBIES examines the sacred rites of Voodoo, which includes zombies as an essential part of its belief system, and talks with Max Beauvoir, a Voodoo priest and zombie expert whose testimony will surprise you. In other interviews, a biochemical researcher reveals the scientific basis for re-animation, Haitian experts explore the importance of zombies in Voodoo lore and Haitian culture, astonishing "true" stories of zombies.