Episode breakdown:

“The Damned Thing”

A rather routine, uninspired killer creature story by the one time horror master Tobe Hooper of “The Poltergiest” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” fame.

“The Family”

This John Landis directed film about a suburban serial killer wanting the perfect family is easily one of the best episodes on this set. George Wendt gives a tour-de-force performance as the psychotic killer.

“The V Word”

A bland tale about teens breaking into a mortuary only to become terrorized by a vampire. The episode is only made watchable by famed actor Michael Ironside who plays the main vamp. 

“Sounds Like”

This is a superb little film about a telephone call monitor whose hearing abilities become more sensitive after his son passes away. This use of sound in this episode is particularly impressive as it really adds to the story. A must watch.

“Pro-Life”

I am a big John Carpenter fan, but this is simply the worst film he has ever made. The badly mishandled story about a young woman wanting to get her demonic child aborted is flat out tripe. Not even actor Ron Perlman can save this one.

“Pelts”

This Dario Argento anti-fur horror tale is a revolting episode that focuses more on grossing viewers out instead of attempting to make a statement.

‘The Screwfly Solution”

I’m a big fan of post-apocalyptic stories, but this tale about the male population being driven to kill the female population never quite takes advantage of the intriguing premise. A true waste of potential, especially since underrated director Joe Dante was at the helm.

“Valerie On The Stairs”

A rather directionless story about a writer who encounters a ghostly woman. Clive Barker fans may enjoy this episode, but I felt the episode completely fell apart in the second half.

“Right To Die”

This anti-euthanasia themed episode is fantastic. Not only does the story have something to say, but it’s also an unnerving and downright icky story to boot.

“We All Scream For Ice Cream”

A clown ice cream truck driver seeks revenge on a group of adults who killed him. Aside from a wickedly delightful performance by William Forsythe as Buster, there is no reason to watch this “It” wannabe.

“The Black Cat”

It doesn’t get better than this fictional Stuart Gordon directed episode about how Edgar Allan Poe came up with ideas for his classic story “The Black Cat”. Criminally underrated actor Jeffrey Combs is absolutely marvelous as Poe. You really see and believe his character’s transformation.

“The Washingtonians”

A story about George Washington as a cannibal? Sounds like a bloody good time, right? I wish that were the case. Rather than focus on that particular idea, the episode instead focuses on a yawn-worthy plot about a modern day cult preserving George Washington’s horrifying secret.

“Dream Cruise”

A “Knife In The Water” esque Japanese horror flick about infidelity The episode doesn’t offer anything new, but the direction by Norio Tsuruta is stylish and atmospheric.

Summary: While not all of the episodes are winners, this DVD box set is still worth picking up. It certainly makes for great viewing for October/Halloween.

Note: The second season comes in a neat little skull set. The only problem is the discs come without cases and can easily be scratched when putting them into the slots.