Rick Baker
Biography: Richard A. Baker (born December 8, 1950) is a retired American special make-up effects creator and actor, mostly known for his creature effects and designs. Baker won the Academy Award for Best Makeup a record seven times from a record eleven nominations, beginning when he won the inaugural award for the 1981 film An American Werewolf in London. As a teen, Baker began creating artificial body parts in his own kitchen. He also appeared briefly in the fan production The Night Turkey, a one-hour, black-and-white video parody of The Night Stalker directed by William Malone. Baker's first professional job was as an assistant to prosthetic makeup effects veteran Dick Smith on the 1973 film The Exorcist. While working on The Exorcist, Baker was hired by director Larry Cohen to design and create a mutant infant for Cohen's 1974 film It's Alive. Baker received the inaugural Academy Award for Best Makeup for his work on An American Werewolf in London. He also created the werewolf creature Michael Jackson transforms into in the music video Thriller. Subsequently, Baker has been nominated for the Best Makeup Oscar ten more times, winning on seven occasions, both records in his field. Baker claims that his work on Harry and the Hendersons is one of his proudest achievements.[8] On October 3, 2009, he received the Jack Pierce – Lifetime Achievement Award title of the Chiller-Eyegore Awards.[9] He was awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Academy of Art University San Francisco in 2008. He also contributes commentaries to the web series Trailers from Hell for trailers about horror and science fiction films. Baker received the 2485th star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 30, 2012. The star is located in front of the Guinness World Records Museum. Baker announced his retirement on May 28, 2015: "First of all, the CG stuff definitely took away the animatronics part of what I do. It's also starting to take away the makeup part. The time is right, I am 64 years old, and the business is crazy right now. I like to do things right, and they wanted cheap and fast. That is not what I want to do, so I just decided it is basically time to get out. I would consider designing and consulting on something, but I don't think I will have a huge working studio anymore."
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: December 08, 1950
Deathday: N/A
Popularity:
Known For
Men in Black II
2002-07-03
Men in Black II
Overview: Kay and Jay reunite to provide our best, last and only line of defense against a sinister seductress who levels the toughest challenge yet to the MIB's untarnished mission statement – protecting Earth from the scum of the universe. It's been four years since the alien-seeking agents averted an intergalactic disaster of epic proportions. Now it's a race against the clock as Jay must convince Kay – who not only has absolutely no memory of his time spent with the MIB, but is also the only living person left with the expertise to save the galaxy – to reunite with the MIB before the earth submits to ultimate destruction.
Genres: Action Comedy Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-07-03
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The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
2002-11-01
The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
Overview: The history of Frankenstein's journey from novel to stage to screen to icon.
Genres: Documentary Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-11-01
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She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'
1999-01-01
She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'
Overview: Documentary about the making of 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein."
Genres: Documentary Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-01-01
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It's Alive: The True Story of Frankenstein
1994-10-25
It's Alive: The True Story of Frankenstein
Overview: Mary Shelley created a monster in 1818, and writers, actors and filmmakers haven't been able to get enough of it ever since. The history of the creature on and off the screen includes clips from Thomas Edison's 1910 filmization to Kenneth Branagh's 1994 treatment, plus interviews with Robert De Niro, Mel Brooks, Roger Corman and others. Hosted by Roger Moore; narrated by Eli Wallach.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-10-25
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Into the Night
1985-02-22
Into the Night
Overview: Ed Okin used to have a boring life. He used to have trouble getting to sleep. Then one night, he met Diana. Now, Ed's having trouble staying alive.
Genres: Thriller Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1985-02-22
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Cult of Terror
2017-10-14
Cult of Terror
Overview: A journey of years through many countries and film festivals; a nostalgic, adrenaline-fueled and rock-spirited immersion into the universe of cinephilia, in search of genre specialists, fans and filmmakers who speak of their shared passion for fantastic cinema; a whole international spiritual community united under the cathartic shadow of horror.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: es
Release Date: 2017-10-14
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The Thing with Two Heads
1972-07-19
The Thing with Two Heads
Overview: A rich but racist man is dying and hatches an elaborate scheme for transplanting his head onto another man's body. His health deteriorates rapidly, and doctors are forced to transplant his head onto the only available candidate: a black man from death row.
Genres: Comedy Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1972-07-19
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The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth
2010-02-02
The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth
Overview: A documentary produced for Universal about their early Wolf Man film(s)
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2010-02-02
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Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed
2000-08-29
Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed
Overview: Documentary featured on the Classic Monster Collection and Monster Legacy Collection for The Mummy (1932).
Genres: Documentary Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-08-29
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MonsterKids: The Impact of Things That Go Bump In The Night
2017-09-01
MonsterKids: The Impact of Things That Go Bump In The Night
Overview: A documentary that explores the positive fascination with Classic Monsters.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2017-09-01
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The Sci-Fi Boys
2006-04-27
The Sci-Fi Boys
Overview: Legendary all-stars of cinema bring to life the evolution of science-fiction and special effects films from the wild and funny days of B-movies to blockbusters that have captured the world's imagination. This is the story of the Sci-Fi Boys, who started out as kids making amateur movies inspired by Forrest J Ackerman's FAMOUS MONSTERS magazine and grew up to take Hollywood by storm, inventing the art and technology for filming anything the mind can dream.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2006-04-27
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RKO Production 601: The Making of 'Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World'
2005-11-22
RKO Production 601: The Making of 'Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World'
Overview: An in-depth look at the genesis, production, and legacy of King Kong, one of the most influential films ever made.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2005-11-22
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Beware the Moon: Remembering 'An American Werewolf in London'
2009-09-14
Beware the Moon: Remembering 'An American Werewolf in London'
Overview: Host Paul Davis takes a trip through some of the iconic backdrops of John Landis' 1981 werewolf classic An American Werewolf In London. The original cast and crew tell the story of how the film was made over a quarter of a century ago featuring rare footage and never before seen photos.
Genres: Documentary Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-09-14
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Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist
2024-03-26
Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist
Overview: A intimate reflection at the making of and cultural phenomenon of one of the most popular and profitable horror films ever made, The Exorcist (1973).
Genres: Documentary Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2024-03-26
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Making Michael Jackson's Thriller
1983-12-15
Making Michael Jackson's Thriller
Overview: Featuring interviews with director John Landis, make-up artist Rick Baker, and the King of Pop himself, Making Michael Jackson's Thriller takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey from pre-production to shooting on the ghoulish graveyard set of Michael Jackson's legendary music video and short film.
Genres: Documentary Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1983-12-15
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Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man'
1999-01-01
Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man'
Overview: Starting with "The Wolf Man" (in 1941), Universal Studios made five movies featuring The Wolf Man, a character portrayed by Lon Chaney, Jr. Monster by Moonlight! explores these movies. Rick Baker explains how the make-up was done on Chaney's character. Screenwriter Curtis Siodmak took very little from earlier werewolf legends, providing his own story for some of the films. This documentary displays clips from several other movies, including "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948) and "House of Dracula" (1945).
Genres: Documentary Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-01-01
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Tales Beyond Madness
2019-07-30
Tales Beyond Madness
Overview: An omnibus of tales of horror and adventure by the master of suspense Damon Packard
Genres: Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-07-30
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Monsterland
2009-03-29
Monsterland
Overview: A journey through time and history of diverse monster types, from the latex monster in devastated postwar Japan to aliens and serial murderers.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: de
Release Date: 2009-03-29
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Planet of the Apes
2001-07-25
Planet of the Apes
Overview: After a spectacular crash-landing on an uncharted planet, brash astronaut Leo Davidson finds himself trapped in a savage world where talking apes dominate the human race. Desperate to find a way home, Leo must evade the invincible gorilla army led by Ruthless General Thade.
Genres: Thriller Science Fiction Action Adventure
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2001-07-25
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The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz
2005-10-25
The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz
Overview: "The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz" - a featurette narrated by Sydney Pollack.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2005-10-25
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He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
2008-07-09
He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
Overview: Tribute to Universal make-up artist Jack Pierce who created some of the studio's most famous works including Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolf Man, the Mummy and countless other creatures. Rick Baker, Tom Savini, Howard Berger, Bob Burns, Scott Essman, Kim Newman, Gregory Nicotero and others discuss the work of Pierce and his enduring legacy.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-07-09
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The Road to 'Dracula'
1999-12-21
The Road to 'Dracula'
Overview: A documentary from Universal about the movie "Dracula" (1931) starring Bela Lugosi.
Genres: Documentary Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-12-21
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Old Time Radio: Your Move
2023-10-28
Old Time Radio: Your Move
Overview: Riktus Grim and his half-brother, Edward Mise, have once again managed to climb their way out of their graves and make their way up to the ancestral home for a simple game of chess. What could go wrong...?
Genres: Comedy Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2023-10-28
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Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.
2010-02-02
Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.
Overview: A short documentary about the classic Universal Monster actor, Lon Chaney, Jr.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2010-02-02
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King Kong! The Living Legend
1986-06-01
King Kong! The Living Legend
Overview: Documentary special to promote the release of King Kong Lives, the grand opening of the King Kong attraction at Universal theme park, as well as a look back at the history of King Kong in the movies.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1986-06-01
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The Making of Captain EO
1986-09-12
The Making of Captain EO
Overview: Documentary of the making of Michael Jackson's Captain EO film for the Disney theme parks.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1986-09-12
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Videodrome: Forging the New Flesh
2004-08-27
Videodrome: Forging the New Flesh
Overview: Through the use of interviews (both vintage and new) with various cast and crew members, including Rick Baker, Bill Sturgeon, David Cronenberg, James Woods among others, as well as behind-the-scenes footage, this tells the story of how the special effects in the film were created.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2004-08-27
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Creature Designers: The Frankenstein Complex
2015-11-18
Creature Designers: The Frankenstein Complex
Overview: The Frankenstein Complex takes a historical as well as a creative perspective, with a mix of fascinating scenes behind the camera, film clips, and dozens of interviews with all the big names in the industry. In addition to the many wonderful anecdotes, the film also offers a wealth of beautiful test material, while along the way showing how the art of filmmaking has changed over the years. An affectionate ode to monster makers throughout history.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: fr
Release Date: 2015-11-18
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The Kentucky Fried Movie
1977-08-10
The Kentucky Fried Movie
Overview: A series of loosely connected skits that spoof news programs, commercials, porno films, kung-fu films, disaster films, blaxploitation films, spy films, mafia films, and the fear that somebody is watching you on the other side of the TV.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1977-08-10
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The Scanners Way: Creating the Special Effects in 'Scanners'
2014-07-15
The Scanners Way: Creating the Special Effects in 'Scanners'
Overview: This Documentary goes over how the special effects in the 1981 film "Scanners" were done.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2014-07-15
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Charlie Gemora: Uncredited
2016-04-15
Charlie Gemora: Uncredited
Overview: A portrait of painter, sculptor, makeup artist, set designer and inventor Charlie Gemora.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2016-04-15
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Teddy Scares
2006-06-28
Teddy Scares
Overview: Cyrus annoys all his companions with his new friend Toasty the toaster, so they decide to get rid of it.
Genres: Horror Animation Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2006-06-28
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I Walked with a Werewolf
2009-09-15
I Walked with a Werewolf
Overview: Academy Award winning make-up artist Rick Baker reflects on An American Werewolf In London and The Wolfman.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-09-15
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Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film
2019-01-30
Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film
Overview: Fifty years after its release, the special effects makeup team behind Planet of the Apes reflect on making the iconic film.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-01-30
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King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen
2018-07-07
King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen
Overview: A feature-length documentary focusing on the acclaimed work and eclectic career of maverick filmmaker Larry Cohen, writer-director of "Black Caesar," "It's Alive," "God Told Me To," "Q," "The Stuff," and many more.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2018-07-07
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Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors
1986-01-01
Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors
Overview: Actors, directors and special effects technicians are interviewed at a horror-film convention.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1986-01-01
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Metamorphosis of 'Men in Black'
2000-09-05
Metamorphosis of 'Men in Black'
Overview: An in-depth look into the creation of the special effects for the film Men in Black (1997). Various interviews with the cast and filmmakers and a look at the pre-rendered SFX from ILM and Rick Baker. Also a look at storyboards and information about the change of the script during production.
Genres: Documentary Comedy Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-09-05
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King Kong
1976-09-08
King Kong
Overview: An oil company expedition disturbs the peace of a giant ape and brings him back to New York to exploit him.
Genres: Adventure Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1976-09-08
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Michael Jackson's Thriller
1983-11-14
Michael Jackson's Thriller
Overview: A night at the movies turns into a nightmare when Michael and his date are attacked by a horde of bloody-thirsty zombies. On top of the success of the Thriller album and Michael Jackson's electrifying performance at Motown 25, the short film/music video for "Thriller" established Jackson as an international superstar and global phenomenon. Thriller is credited for transforming music videos into a serious art form, breaking down racial barriers in popular entertainment, popularizing the making-of documentary format and creating a home video market. The success transformed Jackson into a dominant force in global pop culture. In 2009, it became the first music video inducted into the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant". "Thriller" was also Jackson's seventh and final U.S. Hot 100 Top 10 hit from the Thriller album. It was the first album in history to have seven U.S. Top 10s.
Genres: Horror Music Mystery
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1983-11-14
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The Beast Inside: Creating 'Wolf'
2017-11-20
The Beast Inside: Creating 'Wolf'
Overview: Featuring brand new interviews with producer Douglas Wick, screenwriter Wesley Strick, and special effects artist Rick Baker, THE BEAST INSIDE: CREATING »WOLF« examines the making of Mike Nichols’ WOLF (1994) in all its stages from original idea to final appearance.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2017-11-20
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Birth Pains
2015-10-16
Birth Pains
Overview: Fun thirty-three minute documentary about the making of David Cronenberg's THE BROOD features interviews with star Samantha Eggar, executive producer Pierre David, special effects artists Rick Baker and Joe Blasco as well as assistant director John Board.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2015-10-16
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The Incredible Shrinking Woman
1981-01-30
The Incredible Shrinking Woman
Overview: After being exposed to a bizarre mixture of household chemicals, Pat Kramer begins to shrink. This baffles scientists, makes parenting difficult, warms the hearts of Americans, and captures the attention of a group of people who want to take over the world. This evil group plots to kidnap Pat and perform experiments on her so that they can eventually shrink everyone.
Genres: Comedy Family Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1981-01-30
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Keep the Gaslight Burning
2018-10-31
Keep the Gaslight Burning
Overview: Mrs Maxwell has killed her abusive husband but he won't stay dead and can only be kept at bay if she keeps the gaslight burning.
Genres: Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2018-10-31
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Men in Black 3
2012-05-23
Men in Black 3
Overview: Agents J and K are back...in time. J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner. But when K's life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him - secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K to save his partner, the agency, and the future of humankind.
Genres: Action Comedy Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2012-05-23
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The Making of David Cronenberg's Videodrome
1982-12-31
The Making of David Cronenberg's Videodrome
Overview: A featurette made in 1982 to promote the new film by David Cronenberg, including interviews with the cast and crew.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1982-12-31
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A Tribute to the Wizard of Oz
1999-01-01
A Tribute to the Wizard of Oz
Overview: A tribute to the characters and makeup artists from the Wizard of Oz, as performed and created by some of the top makeup people in Hollywood. On September 12, 1998, a group of top makeup artists gathered in Studio City, CA, to pay tribute to Jack Dawn and his team from the seminal 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-01-01
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House of Wax: Unlike Anything You've Seen Before!
2013-10-01
House of Wax: Unlike Anything You've Seen Before!
Overview: Documentary on the making and impact of "House of Wax".
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2013-10-01
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Ed Wood: Making Bela
2004-10-19
Ed Wood: Making Bela
Overview: Martin Landau talks about how he portrayed Bela Lugosi in the movie. He mentions the similarities between Lugosi and his own career, and how he worked on the Hungarian accent. Rick Baker, who won an Oscar for the make-up effects, discusses how he approached transforming Landau into Lugosi, and how much he wanted to do the project.
Genres: Documentary Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2004-10-19
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Rick Baker: Alien Maker
2002-11-26
Rick Baker: Alien Maker
Overview: The documentary looks at Rick Baker as he works on the alien design and creation for MIIB. Describing himself as part of 'the first generation that grew up in front of the TV' Rick explains how he carries out his work and how he has overcome the challenges of MIIB.
Genres: Documentary Science Fiction Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-11-26
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The Making of Men in Black
1997-11-04
The Making of Men in Black
Overview: Behind the scenes of Men in Black (1997)
Genres: Documentary Comedy Science Fiction
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1997-11-04
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AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE #1
2020-04-08
AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE #1
Overview: Unleashed from the video vaults of the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA), AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE #1 is a brand new compilation of the most electrifying found footage mayhem that you’ll see this week. For our kick-off tape, we’ve curated an hour-long joyride through the hallowed halls of “behind the scenes” horror. Our team has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support during these difficult times. So this is our way of saying thanks! The price is set at 99 cents, which is the lowest possible option that Vimeo offers. We want everyone to be able to enjoy this. But if you’re able to donate more to our non-profit mission, there’s also an option to pay what you want. Thank you for your continued support, and remember: “DIDN’T YOU USED TO BE SATAN?”
Genres: Horror Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2020-04-08
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Working with a Master: John Landis
2006-06-27
Working with a Master: John Landis
Overview: Short documentary about John Landis and his horror works.
Genres: Documentary Horror
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2006-06-27
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The Perfect Scary Movie
2005-10-29
The Perfect Scary Movie
Overview: A documentary looking at the various conventions and scare techniques of the horror genre.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2005-10-29
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas
2000-11-17
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Overview: The Grinch decides to rob Whoville of Christmas - but a dash of kindness from little Cindy Lou Who and her family may be enough to melt his heart...
Genres: Family Comedy Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-11-17
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Dance With Me
Dance With Me
Overview: During an evening of dancing and dining, two elderly Casanovas, well past their prime (and their lives for that matter) duel for the attention of Mildred, the fair lady they both have their eyes on.
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date:
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The Wolfman
2010-02-10
The Wolfman
Overview: Lawrence Talbot, an American man on a visit to Victorian London to make amends with his estranged father, gets bitten by a werewolf and, after a moonlight transformation, leaves him with a savage hunger for flesh.
Genres: Horror Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2010-02-10
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Masters of Illusion: The Wizards of Special Effects
1994-05-22
Masters of Illusion: The Wizards of Special Effects
Overview: Documentary focused on the creation of movie and television special effects, hosted by Roy Scheider and Jonathan Brandis, featuring behind the scenes look at how the visual effects were created for popular films of the era.
Genres: Documentary TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-05-22
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