Greetings, Boils & Ghouls...
...welcome to 'Day Thirty' of "Awesome Horror Streams for Hallowe'en Screams on Roku" in which I will suggest my top picks of the fright flicks from the carefully curated catalogue of macabre movies available via the 'Shudder UK' streaming service - any of which can then be streamed to your television using the magic of Roku player - so, let's dim the lights... and prepare for some frights! :-O
If you read my Hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - published on 30th September, then you will know that I plan to post one Hallowe'en / Horror related article every day, throughout the month of October, each featuring one horror movie from the current 'Shudder UK' content library. With recommendations for thirty-one of the best fright flicks I can find, by the end of the month, this means you should have plenty of great choices for your macabre movie viewing as we count down the days to Hallowe'en... as well as ensuring some top-notch cinematic scares come October 31st! ;-)
If you read my Hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - published on 30th September, then you will know that I plan to post one Hallowe'en / Horror related article every day, throughout the month of October, each featuring one horror movie from the current 'Shudder UK' content library. With recommendations for thirty-one of the best fright flicks I can find, by the end of the month, this means you should have plenty of great choices for your macabre movie viewing as we count down the days to Hallowe'en... as well as ensuring some top-notch cinematic scares come October 31st! ;-)
She's Got The Curse... They Don't Call It "The Curse" For Nothing!
Katharine Isabelle in "Ginger Snaps" (2000) - PHOTO CREDIT: Morbidly Beautiful
For my thirtieth and penultimate instalment in this series of posts I'm going to suggest another feature-length movie from Canada but, this time, directed by John Fawcett and first released in 2000 under the original title of "Ginger Snaps"... which also describes what happens to the titular character, 'Ginger Fitzgerald' at regular intervals throughout the film - then again, the same can be said for most of us, right!?! Anyway, the screenplay was written by Karen Walton and based on a story conceived by both Walton and John Fawcett. Think of it as a modern werewolf tale, only with a bit more edge to it... sort of like "The Craft" meets "The Howling", in which two teenage girls - the Fitzgerald sisters - namely, 'Brigitte' (Emily Perkins) and 'Ginger' (Katharine Isabelle), are both best friends as well as a couple of social outcasts. While plagued by the adolescent woes of biology, high school, dating and their parents, they constantly strive for something to stir-up their otherwise mundane existence and, for amusement, they also share an obsession with death. However, they get more than they bargained for one night... because, while pulling an evil prank on one of their obnoxious classmates in the woods on the edge of their suburb, 'Ginger' gets savagely attacked by a rabid beast. Somehow she is able to survive the ordeal and the vicious wounds, inflicted by the wild creature, miraculously heal. Something is different, though, and the experience generates a tremendous "change" in 'Ginger' who becomes wildly irritable... yet, remains in denial about what is happening to her. As 'Ginger' turns into a ferocious "She-Wolf" who is out for blood, 'Brigitte' is convinced that the insatiable cravings her sister is experiencing can mean only one thing... something unspeakably evil and monstrous! So while the terrifying force takes hold of her sister's body and mind, threatening to destroy their special bond (together with those around them), 'Brigitte' must race to devise a potion that will rid her sister of her personal demons... but time is short, so who will triumph in this life & death struggle!?! :-O
If you haven't seen the film before, here is a brief taster in the shape of a trailer for this cult fantasy horror thriller, courtesy of a video uploaded by 'Horror Lover' through their 'YouTube' channel:-
If you'd like to know more about this teen werewolf drama... there's a full list of the cast & credits on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) listing for "Ginger Snaps" (2000), FOUND HERE, which also includes a full storyline / plot summary as well as box office stats, technical specs & much more. For die-hard fans, there's even more info to be had from the Wikipedia Page for "Ginger Snaps" (2000) which is available VIA THIS LINK, and may help to fuel your appetite for (yet) another screening. Although if you're as much a fan of the film as I am, and enjoy this type of fantasy horror interwoven with social commentary, it probably won't take much persuading for you to watch this film again! ;-)
Emily Perkins as 'Brigitte' in "Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Movie Still]
PHOTO CREDIT: IMDb.com
If you haven't seen the film before, here is a brief taster in the shape of a trailer for this cult fantasy horror thriller, courtesy of a video uploaded by 'Horror Lover' through their 'YouTube' channel:-
If you'd like to know more about this teen werewolf drama... there's a full list of the cast & credits on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) listing for "Ginger Snaps" (2000), FOUND HERE, which also includes a full storyline / plot summary as well as box office stats, technical specs & much more. For die-hard fans, there's even more info to be had from the Wikipedia Page for "Ginger Snaps" (2000) which is available VIA THIS LINK, and may help to fuel your appetite for (yet) another screening. Although if you're as much a fan of the film as I am, and enjoy this type of fantasy horror interwoven with social commentary, it probably won't take much persuading for you to watch this film again! ;-)
Katharine Isabelle as 'Ginger' in "Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Movie Still]
PHOTO CREDIT: Gruesome
Anyway... you probably guessed already but, if not, this film (like the others from this series of posts) is also available via the 'Shudder' streaming service and can be easily viewed on any Roku device via their dedicated channel (app) for these streaming media players. There are no other opportunities for UK Roku users to watch "Ginger Snaps" (2000) so, if you don't already subscribe to 'Shudder', now might be a good time to take advantage of their FREE TRIAL offer - although, if you've already done so before, I'd suggest taking a look at some possible free alternatives instead, because (unless they're trying to tempt you back again) these promotions are usually reserved for "new blood" only! And, you never know, there may be some free sources available online that are compatible with Roku and which can be used to stream "Ginger Snaps" (2000). However, as my original idea for this month-long blogathon was to suggest thirty-one of the best Hallowe'en / Horror themed movies from the fang-tastic 'Shudder UK' service, I'm going to recommend that you stream it there - if possible! ;-)
If you haven't already added it to your channel selection, you will find "Shudder" listed among the "Film & TV" channels in the "Official" Roku UK Channel Store. You can easily install it on your Roku by navigating to the built-in 'Channel Store' (accessed via "Streaming Channels" from the home screen on your Roku device) and scrolling through the options until you see the channel icon (pictured above). It's completely FREE-TO-ADD so, once you've located it in the list of channels, just click the "OK" button on your Roku remote to select it and then click "OK" again where it says 'Add channel' to install it on your Roku player(s). Having done that, it's simply a case of launching the channel via the 'Go to channel' option and navigating the on-screen menu to log-in (if you already have an account, but haven't yet done so) or start your free trial (if you are new to the service) and, once you see 'Shudder TV' playing on the screen, just push the "DOWN" arrow on your Roku remote to get to the main menu... from where you can "Search" for "Ginger Snaps", then press "OK" on your remote to select and 'Play' this cult werewolf comedy horror which, for the record, runs to 1h 48mins.
Unfortunately for Roku users in the USA and Canada, it appears this film is not (currently) available for streaming via the 'Shudder' service in either country... although, there are options for streamers in the U.S. to rent the film via both 'Amazon Video' plus 'Google Play Movies & TV' (which can then be watched on Roku via their respective channels). The current cost of renting "Ginger Snaps" (2000) via 'Amazon Video' in the United States is USD $2.99 (SD) or USD $3.99 (HD). Although, strangely the "Buy & Keep" pricing for this film is USD $7.99 for either 'SD' or 'HD' quality - it's the same, either way. Unfortunately, while the prices for 'SD' quality from 'Google Play Movies & TV' match those of 'Amazon Video' - whether renting or buying - there is no option for 'HD' quality streams of this film via the 'Google Play' store. As for Canadians, options for this movie are (once again) few and far between, at least as far as enjoying the film on Roku is concerned. That said, as suggested in other posts from this series, there could well be one or two free streaming resources for you to use, so it might be best to check for any alternative sources you can use to watch this. As always, if you get stuck finding a stream, message me via Twitter: @ukrokuchannels and I'll sort you out a link! ;-) :-)
Meanwhile, for that full cinema experience, here's a few of the film posters which movie-goers in 2000 (and more recently) would have encountered depending on their location around the world:
If you haven't already added it to your channel selection, you will find "Shudder" listed among the "Film & TV" channels in the "Official" Roku UK Channel Store. You can easily install it on your Roku by navigating to the built-in 'Channel Store' (accessed via "Streaming Channels" from the home screen on your Roku device) and scrolling through the options until you see the channel icon (pictured above). It's completely FREE-TO-ADD so, once you've located it in the list of channels, just click the "OK" button on your Roku remote to select it and then click "OK" again where it says 'Add channel' to install it on your Roku player(s). Having done that, it's simply a case of launching the channel via the 'Go to channel' option and navigating the on-screen menu to log-in (if you already have an account, but haven't yet done so) or start your free trial (if you are new to the service) and, once you see 'Shudder TV' playing on the screen, just push the "DOWN" arrow on your Roku remote to get to the main menu... from where you can "Search" for "Ginger Snaps", then press "OK" on your remote to select and 'Play' this cult werewolf comedy horror which, for the record, runs to 1h 48mins.
LINK TO WATCH 'Ginger Snaps' (2000) VIA THE 'SHUDDER UK' WEBSITE
Unfortunately for Roku users in the USA and Canada, it appears this film is not (currently) available for streaming via the 'Shudder' service in either country... although, there are options for streamers in the U.S. to rent the film via both 'Amazon Video' plus 'Google Play Movies & TV' (which can then be watched on Roku via their respective channels). The current cost of renting "Ginger Snaps" (2000) via 'Amazon Video' in the United States is USD $2.99 (SD) or USD $3.99 (HD). Although, strangely the "Buy & Keep" pricing for this film is USD $7.99 for either 'SD' or 'HD' quality - it's the same, either way. Unfortunately, while the prices for 'SD' quality from 'Google Play Movies & TV' match those of 'Amazon Video' - whether renting or buying - there is no option for 'HD' quality streams of this film via the 'Google Play' store. As for Canadians, options for this movie are (once again) few and far between, at least as far as enjoying the film on Roku is concerned. That said, as suggested in other posts from this series, there could well be one or two free streaming resources for you to use, so it might be best to check for any alternative sources you can use to watch this. As always, if you get stuck finding a stream, message me via Twitter: @ukrokuchannels and I'll sort you out a link! ;-) :-)
Meanwhile, for that full cinema experience, here's a few of the film posters which movie-goers in 2000 (and more recently) would have encountered depending on their location around the world:
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Movie Poster #1]
PHOTO CREDIT: Checking The Gate
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Movie Poster #2]
PHOTO CREDIT: I Lack Focus
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Movie Poster #3]
PHOTO CREDIT: NetflixMovies
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Movie Poster #4]
PHOTO CREDIT: Wicked Horror
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [German DVD Poster]
PHOTO CREDIT: Ginger-Snaps
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Spanish Poster #1]
PHOTO CREDIT: Ginger-Snaps
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Spanish Poster #2]
PHOTO CREDIT: Ginger-Snaps
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Malaysian DVD - Front Cover]
PHOTO CREDIT: Ginger-Snaps
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [South Korean Poster]
PHOTO CREDIT: Ginger-Snaps
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Contemporary Poster]
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [USA Poster]
PHOTO CREDIT: Social Psychol
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [French DVD Poster]
PHOTO CREDIT: IMDb.com
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Hong Kong Poster]
PHOTO CREDIT: Raymond Yeung
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Brazilian VHS - Front Cover]
PHOTO CREDIT: Ginger-Snaps
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Greek Poster]
PHOTO CREDIT: IMDb.com
"Ginger Snaps" (2000) [Dutch DVD - Front Cover]
PHOTO CREDIT: IMDb.com
Finally, to round-off the thirtieth instalment in my month-long blogathon on 'Day Thirty' for this edition of 'Countdown To Halloween', here's more FRIGHTENINGLY FUN FILM FACTS... for example: did you know that the producers searched for six months to find the right actresses for the roles of 'Ginger' and 'Brigitte', but had no luck? Ironically, after such an elongated casting process, both Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins auditioned on the same day and landed the roles! Along with the strange coincidence of stars Katharine Isabelle and Emily Perkins auditioning on the same day, the two actresses were also born in the same hospital, attended the same pre-school, elementary school, and private school, plus they even sought work through the same talent agency! :-O :-)
Other interesting tidbits of trivia include how the director, John Fawcett, refused to have CGI Effects in the film... opting, instead, for all special creature effects to be done with prosthetics and makeup. This led to some long days, when shooting the film, with cosmetics for Katharine Isabelle's monster make-up alone taking three hours to apply and an additional 45 minutes to remove afterwards. For all their efforts, the film "Ginger Snaps" was banned from certain cinemas when it came to the UK, early in 2001, as it was seen as promoting violence among teenagers. However when the video of the film was eventually released, later that year, it was one of the fastest selling horror films of that time! :-O
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Still, that's all I've got time for today... but do remember to come back again tomorrow, for my last macabre movie recommendation from the 'Shudder UK' streaming library, when I will suggest a film for 'Day Thirty-One' of "Awesome Horror Streams for Hallowe'en Screams on Roku" right here on this blog. Meanwhile... please be sure to visit the Countdown To Hallowe'en website & show your support for this annual online Hallowe'en extravaganza PLUS don't forget to use the links you find there and check out all the other 'Cryptkeepers' taking part this year. I know they'll appreciate it, if you visit their blogs and share your thoughts on the contribution(s) they've made.
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ONE LAST THING, BEFORE I GO: Don't forget that, aside from the Hallowe'en / Horror-themed ghastliness going on around these parts for the next month, you can also keep up with the UK Roku action (as it happens) by following the companion Twitter Feed: @ukrokuchannels where you will find that up-to-the-minute info on all things Roku-related is posted on a daily basis (well, almost).
Until the next time, then...
That's all folks !!
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