Director: Dennis Vincent, Cortlandt Hull
Cast: John Zacherle, James Bama, Ray Meyers
Production Company: Dennis Vincent / Cortlandt Hull
Runtime: 104 minutes
If you’re a true horror fan, your interests probably go further than just the movies. You probably also buy toys, posters, magazines and other collectibles. Aurora model kits have long been a favourite of monster lovers the world over. How did they come to be?
The Aurora Monsters: The Model Craze That Gripped the World (2010) aims to fill in all the historic details. This documentary focuses on everything from the decision to create these kits to their unfortunate downfall and eventual resurgence.
The film is presented in the fun-filled horror host format. Veteran television presenter Zacherley and his puppet co-host Gorgo do a fine job of keeping the festivities light and lively. He’s as important to the genre as the models he’s presenting on screen.
There are a bunch of relevant interviews that will keep you interested too. This first is with original box cover artist James Bama, which really sets the tone for the whole documentary. He’s a very talented man and a fountain of extraordinary information.
Sculptor Ray Meyers also has an exclusive interview in the film. It’s great to hear him talk about each of the models he worked on and the process he used for them. You’ll learn a lot about acetate plastic and how resilient it is for this kind of work.
Andrew Yanchus of Aurora Monster Scenes – The Most Controversial Toys of a Generation, Daniel Roebuck from Phantasm: Ravager (2016), and Jeff Yagher from Big Bad Mama II (1987) each have wonderful segments. There are plenty of other interviews too…
It’s wonderful to see all the materials that were brought together for our enjoyment. There are ads, rare pictures, sketches, blueprints, prototypes, and even more awaiting your loving gaze. The peeks at Dave Cockrum’s concept art is worth the price of admission alone.
The Aurora Monsters: The Model Craze That Gripped the World is informative and entertaining. It’s just what a monster fan really needs…
– John Migliore
For more information on the film, check out the links below…
Indie Horror Online 