News
24.09.2026 • SILENT HILL: TOWNFALL
The highly anticipated »Silent Hill: Townfall« celebrates its release today, launching on PlayStation 5 and PC. A version for Xbox Series X|S is set to follow next year. In contrast to previous installments, you play entirely from a first-person perspective this time. The gameplay focuses on stealth and puzzle-solving. Furthermore, grueling combat and an acute shortage of ammunition await you. In true »Silent Hill« fashion, the trailer promises a horror that will take a toll on your psyche and a story that will hopefully get under your skin:
https://youtu.be/RALnTmNg_ss
The year is 1996. Simon Ordell wakes up at the dock of the deserted island of St. Amelia with no memories and an IV needle in his arm. Out of nowhere, he hears the voice of nurse Zoe and that of a man named Richard through a portable CRT television. Their instructions guide Simon deeper into the town, supposedly to put things right. While exploring empty streets and dark alleys, he discovers protest signs and memorials of a tragedy. But as Simon begins to understand, reality literally turns into a nightmare from which there seems to be no escape.
Initial reviews for »Silent Hill: Townfall« praise, above all, the eerie atmosphere on the Scottish coastal island, which is said to feel incredibly tangible due to the first-person perspective. Critics are also just as enthusiastic about the story. It convinces with shifting perspectives between the characters and emotional depth. On the other hand, according to the reviews, the stealth sections, the sluggish melee combat system, and puzzles that halt the flow of the game due to cryptic search work are frustrating. Nevertheless, fans of psychological horror are bound to get their money's worth.
Of course, this legendary franchise must not be missing from our shop! That is why we have, for example, the 1/6 Scale Bubble Head Nurse from »Silent Hill 2« by Iconiq Studios or the 1/7 Scale Abstract Daddy Oshi Works PVC Statue by Kotobukiya in stock for you. Feel free to take a look around here for more creepy collectibles from the fog:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Games/Silent-Hill:::4684_5110.html?language=en
Are you nervously ready for »Silent Hill: Townfall«?
https://youtu.be/RALnTmNg_ss
The year is 1996. Simon Ordell wakes up at the dock of the deserted island of St. Amelia with no memories and an IV needle in his arm. Out of nowhere, he hears the voice of nurse Zoe and that of a man named Richard through a portable CRT television. Their instructions guide Simon deeper into the town, supposedly to put things right. While exploring empty streets and dark alleys, he discovers protest signs and memorials of a tragedy. But as Simon begins to understand, reality literally turns into a nightmare from which there seems to be no escape.
Initial reviews for »Silent Hill: Townfall« praise, above all, the eerie atmosphere on the Scottish coastal island, which is said to feel incredibly tangible due to the first-person perspective. Critics are also just as enthusiastic about the story. It convinces with shifting perspectives between the characters and emotional depth. On the other hand, according to the reviews, the stealth sections, the sluggish melee combat system, and puzzles that halt the flow of the game due to cryptic search work are frustrating. Nevertheless, fans of psychological horror are bound to get their money's worth.
Of course, this legendary franchise must not be missing from our shop! That is why we have, for example, the 1/6 Scale Bubble Head Nurse from »Silent Hill 2« by Iconiq Studios or the 1/7 Scale Abstract Daddy Oshi Works PVC Statue by Kotobukiya in stock for you. Feel free to take a look around here for more creepy collectibles from the fog:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Games/Silent-Hill:::4684_5110.html?language=en
Are you nervously ready for »Silent Hill: Townfall«?
22.09.2026 • THE ART OF TELLING STORIES – A PILGRIMAGE FOR STAR WARS AND MOVIE FANS
Today, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles opens its doors to the public for the first time. Through nearly two decades of work, George Lucas and his wife, businesswoman Mellody Hobson, have created a space where classical art and pop culture converge.
The museum defines itself as an institution dedicated to narrative art – art that tells stories visually. This encompasses not only paintings and sculptures but also illustrations, comic books, film props, and concept art. A deliberate focus is placed on works that are not typically regarded as "high art" and often find no place in most museums. Yet, these are precisely the works we encounter most frequently in our daily lives, shaping our culture and our collective memory. The exhibits are drawn in part from Lucas's own collection, most notably featuring numerous objects from his own films, such as »Indiana Jones« and, of course, »Star Wars«!
One of the museum's highlights is the »Star Wars in Motion« exhibition, featuring a wealth of illustrations, props, and life-sized models of Yoda, Princess Leia, R2-D2, and many other characters from a galaxy far, far away. Concept art reveals the evolution of character designs, tracing the journey from initial ideas to the versions we recognize from the big screen – or perhaps even have in our own collection at home. According to Hobson, however, »Star Wars« items account for only about 7% of the exhibits. Yet, with a total of over 40,000 works, that still amounts to a significant number.
A visit to the futuristic Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Exposition Park is sure to be a highlight of any trip to L.A. – not just for »Star Wars« devotees, but for all film buffs, comic book readers, collectors, and pop culture enthusiasts! Check out the official museum website in advance:
https://lucasmuseum.org
The museum defines itself as an institution dedicated to narrative art – art that tells stories visually. This encompasses not only paintings and sculptures but also illustrations, comic books, film props, and concept art. A deliberate focus is placed on works that are not typically regarded as "high art" and often find no place in most museums. Yet, these are precisely the works we encounter most frequently in our daily lives, shaping our culture and our collective memory. The exhibits are drawn in part from Lucas's own collection, most notably featuring numerous objects from his own films, such as »Indiana Jones« and, of course, »Star Wars«!
One of the museum's highlights is the »Star Wars in Motion« exhibition, featuring a wealth of illustrations, props, and life-sized models of Yoda, Princess Leia, R2-D2, and many other characters from a galaxy far, far away. Concept art reveals the evolution of character designs, tracing the journey from initial ideas to the versions we recognize from the big screen – or perhaps even have in our own collection at home. According to Hobson, however, »Star Wars« items account for only about 7% of the exhibits. Yet, with a total of over 40,000 works, that still amounts to a significant number.
A visit to the futuristic Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Exposition Park is sure to be a highlight of any trip to L.A. – not just for »Star Wars« devotees, but for all film buffs, comic book readers, collectors, and pop culture enthusiasts! Check out the official museum website in advance:
https://lucasmuseum.org
21.09.2026 • PRIME 1 NEXT LEVEL SHOWCASE XIX
Just in time for the weekend, the 19th edition of Prime 1's Next Level Showcase went live. We're giving you an overview of the impressive new statues from the video – let's start with Anime and Manga:
The first statue revealed was a 1/4 Scale Yoko from »Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann« in the Premium Masterline series. If quarter scale feels too small, things get significantly bigger: Shiro from »No Game No Life« and Marin Kitagawa from »My Dress-Up Darling« are joining the Life Scale Masterline as life-sized statues. Marin stands 164 cm tall, while the seated Shiro measures 82 cm in height. At this scale, we're practically talking about roommates rather than just statues.
The N/DOLL 1/2 Scale Statue from »Flower Imitation.« was also unveiled in the Concept Masterline. A real feast for the eyes is the 1/5 Scale Nue Statue, based on an original illustration by artist Taiki; this piece is part of »The Legend of Beauty and the Beast« series.
For »Cyberpunk: Edgerunners«, three 1/5 Scale Statues were revealed: Lucy, Rebecca, and David. These three are part of the Concept Masterline and were designed by Studio TRIGGER, which produced the anime.
Film themes took a bit of a back seat in this showcase, with only the »Jurassic Park« franchise represented by two new statues. But these are absolute behemoths! The T-Rex in San Diego Statue from »The Lost World: Jurassic Park« (1/15 scale) joins the Legacy Museum Collection, recreating the dinosaur in a diorama measuring 38 cm in height and 95 cm in width, based on an iconic scene from the film. The 1/6 Scale Spinosaurus from »Jurassic Park III« truly tops everything, however, standing 95 cm tall and spanning 134 cm in width. What a monster!
Next up were two statues dedicated to DC Comics characters. The 1:3 Scale Mr. Freeze Heart of Ice Statue, part of the Real Elite Masterline and based on a design by Carlos D'Anda, highlights the character's tragedy and emotional depth. In the Ultimate Premium Masterline, Batman faces off against Clayface in an epic 1/4 scale battle scene, resulting in an impressive height of 89 cm.
A 69 cm tall, non-scale Megazord, designed by Josh Nizzi for the Ultimate Diorama Masterline, was also unveiled for »Mighty Morphin Power Rangers«.
The second half of the showcase turned to the world of video games. Nina Williams, featured as a 1:4 Scale Statue from »Tekken 8« in the Real Elite Masterline, was a standout thanks to her sultry, sexy outfit.
For the game »Ninja Gaiden 4«, the 1:4 Scale Statues of Yakumo and his antagonist, Ryu Hayabusa, can be combined to create an expansive Ultimate Premium Masterline battle scene.
Combat is also the theme for »Halo: Campaign Evolved«, featuring 1:4 Scale Statues of Master Chief and the Elite Zealot & Grunt Minor: Covenant Assault duo facing off against one another. Prime 1 Studio has already listed both of these for pre-order.
You can find the Next Level Showcase XIX here:
https://youtu.be/4iBuKvdYBzg
What are your highlights from the showcase? Our pick this time is the dinosaurs. However, we were a bit disappointed that there were no additional movie statues.
The first statue revealed was a 1/4 Scale Yoko from »Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann« in the Premium Masterline series. If quarter scale feels too small, things get significantly bigger: Shiro from »No Game No Life« and Marin Kitagawa from »My Dress-Up Darling« are joining the Life Scale Masterline as life-sized statues. Marin stands 164 cm tall, while the seated Shiro measures 82 cm in height. At this scale, we're practically talking about roommates rather than just statues.
The N/DOLL 1/2 Scale Statue from »Flower Imitation.« was also unveiled in the Concept Masterline. A real feast for the eyes is the 1/5 Scale Nue Statue, based on an original illustration by artist Taiki; this piece is part of »The Legend of Beauty and the Beast« series.
For »Cyberpunk: Edgerunners«, three 1/5 Scale Statues were revealed: Lucy, Rebecca, and David. These three are part of the Concept Masterline and were designed by Studio TRIGGER, which produced the anime.
Film themes took a bit of a back seat in this showcase, with only the »Jurassic Park« franchise represented by two new statues. But these are absolute behemoths! The T-Rex in San Diego Statue from »The Lost World: Jurassic Park« (1/15 scale) joins the Legacy Museum Collection, recreating the dinosaur in a diorama measuring 38 cm in height and 95 cm in width, based on an iconic scene from the film. The 1/6 Scale Spinosaurus from »Jurassic Park III« truly tops everything, however, standing 95 cm tall and spanning 134 cm in width. What a monster!
Next up were two statues dedicated to DC Comics characters. The 1:3 Scale Mr. Freeze Heart of Ice Statue, part of the Real Elite Masterline and based on a design by Carlos D'Anda, highlights the character's tragedy and emotional depth. In the Ultimate Premium Masterline, Batman faces off against Clayface in an epic 1/4 scale battle scene, resulting in an impressive height of 89 cm.
A 69 cm tall, non-scale Megazord, designed by Josh Nizzi for the Ultimate Diorama Masterline, was also unveiled for »Mighty Morphin Power Rangers«.
The second half of the showcase turned to the world of video games. Nina Williams, featured as a 1:4 Scale Statue from »Tekken 8« in the Real Elite Masterline, was a standout thanks to her sultry, sexy outfit.
For the game »Ninja Gaiden 4«, the 1:4 Scale Statues of Yakumo and his antagonist, Ryu Hayabusa, can be combined to create an expansive Ultimate Premium Masterline battle scene.
Combat is also the theme for »Halo: Campaign Evolved«, featuring 1:4 Scale Statues of Master Chief and the Elite Zealot & Grunt Minor: Covenant Assault duo facing off against one another. Prime 1 Studio has already listed both of these for pre-order.
You can find the Next Level Showcase XIX here:
https://youtu.be/4iBuKvdYBzg
What are your highlights from the showcase? Our pick this time is the dinosaurs. However, we were a bit disappointed that there were no additional movie statues.
18.09.2026 • ON THE ROAD TO TOYPLOSION
We've just wrapped up a long and exhausting, but fantastic weekend! Toyplosion opened its doors for the fourth time, and it was a pleasure to be there once again with our own booth. 😃
Couldn't make it to the »Most Powerful Retro Toy Show«, or just want to relive the Toyplosion weekend with us? No problem – of course, we brought our camera along for the ride!
In 🚘 On the Road 🚘, we take you on a quick tour of our booth and show off tons of cool collectibles, from MOTU, Bloodsport, and M.A.S.K. to many other nostalgic highlights. We also featured fantastic action figures from Four Horsemen, Harvinger Studios, and Icon Collectibles by Frazetta Girls. On top of that, our outlet section was packed with action figures from NECA, Super7, Mattel, and McFarlane Toys at amazing special prices. We were especially proud to present the brand-new Drevarthi Sentinel from the Savage Crucible line, as well as the first prototype of Dejah Thoris from Frazetta Girls – a world premiere! 🥳
Naturally, we also roamed the exhibition halls to capture some great impressions for you. We even had the chance to interview Stéphane from the Vintage Toys of the Universe Convention as well as Spielzeugjäger. Plus, we filmed a cool live unboxing at our booth with Dominik.
So get comfortable, click play, and enjoy our recap of Toyplosion 2026 – now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/1FW7QKWLwuM
Couldn't make it to the »Most Powerful Retro Toy Show«, or just want to relive the Toyplosion weekend with us? No problem – of course, we brought our camera along for the ride!
In 🚘 On the Road 🚘, we take you on a quick tour of our booth and show off tons of cool collectibles, from MOTU, Bloodsport, and M.A.S.K. to many other nostalgic highlights. We also featured fantastic action figures from Four Horsemen, Harvinger Studios, and Icon Collectibles by Frazetta Girls. On top of that, our outlet section was packed with action figures from NECA, Super7, Mattel, and McFarlane Toys at amazing special prices. We were especially proud to present the brand-new Drevarthi Sentinel from the Savage Crucible line, as well as the first prototype of Dejah Thoris from Frazetta Girls – a world premiere! 🥳
Naturally, we also roamed the exhibition halls to capture some great impressions for you. We even had the chance to interview Stéphane from the Vintage Toys of the Universe Convention as well as Spielzeugjäger. Plus, we filmed a cool live unboxing at our booth with Dominik.
So get comfortable, click play, and enjoy our recap of Toyplosion 2026 – now on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/1FW7QKWLwuM
18.09.2026 • THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: OCARINA OF TIME REMAKE
On September 8, the big »The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct« took place. Among other things, the online event focused on the upcoming »The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time« Remake. Eiji Aonuma, the main producer of the »The Legend of Zelda« games, presented the unique graphics, modernized gameplay, a special Switch 2 hardware version in »The Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary« edition, and much more. You can watch the full Direct here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/A0WX-jsir94
Fittingly for the 40th anniversary in 2026, the remake will be released later this year on November 5, exclusively for the Switch 2. Many consider it a bold move to release it in the same month as »GTA 6« – but then again, that is typical of Nintendo's stubborn independence in the gaming industry. After all, the »Ocarina of Time« remake looks like it will be not just a nostalgic title, but a high-quality one that could perform well at The Game Awards against »GTA 6«, »Resident Evil Requiem«, »The Blood of Dawnwalker«, and others. In doing so, Nintendo is not just catering to the veterans who know the original from the 90s: The developers have rebuilt the game from the ground up and brought the controls up to modern standards to appeal to the younger generation as well.
The drastically improved graphics, featuring a style all their own, beautifully capture the game's atmosphere – from the fairytale-like feel of Kokiri Forest to the dark and oppressive vibe of the dungeons. Furthermore, the cutscenes have been expanded and now feature full voice acting. Only Link remains unvoiced to maintain the original's feel of a silent protagonist. The controls received a major upgrade to meet the standards of today's games. Link can now jump at the press of a button, the camera is fully controllable, and items can be swapped instantly via a quick-selection menu – features that did not exist in the original! Dungeons like the Water Temple, which used to require constantly pausing the game to adjust gear, become a much smoother experience as a result. Additionally, the remake features a quest log in the form of a tapestry that fills with details as the story unfolds, visually representing your progress. A special highlight is the microphone feature for the Ocarina. This allows players to hum, sing, or play melodies into the Switch 2 microphone to transfer them to the in-game instrument. There are, however, many more new features that Nintendo showcased during the Direct.
To build up some anticipation, feel free to browse our shop. We have a few treasures from »The Legend of Zelda« available. Take a look!
In any case, we are very excited to see how Link's newly reimagined classic adventure will play in »Ocarina of Time«. Will you step into the shoes of the Hero of Time to save Hyrule from darkness?
https://www.youtube.com/live/A0WX-jsir94
Fittingly for the 40th anniversary in 2026, the remake will be released later this year on November 5, exclusively for the Switch 2. Many consider it a bold move to release it in the same month as »GTA 6« – but then again, that is typical of Nintendo's stubborn independence in the gaming industry. After all, the »Ocarina of Time« remake looks like it will be not just a nostalgic title, but a high-quality one that could perform well at The Game Awards against »GTA 6«, »Resident Evil Requiem«, »The Blood of Dawnwalker«, and others. In doing so, Nintendo is not just catering to the veterans who know the original from the 90s: The developers have rebuilt the game from the ground up and brought the controls up to modern standards to appeal to the younger generation as well.
The drastically improved graphics, featuring a style all their own, beautifully capture the game's atmosphere – from the fairytale-like feel of Kokiri Forest to the dark and oppressive vibe of the dungeons. Furthermore, the cutscenes have been expanded and now feature full voice acting. Only Link remains unvoiced to maintain the original's feel of a silent protagonist. The controls received a major upgrade to meet the standards of today's games. Link can now jump at the press of a button, the camera is fully controllable, and items can be swapped instantly via a quick-selection menu – features that did not exist in the original! Dungeons like the Water Temple, which used to require constantly pausing the game to adjust gear, become a much smoother experience as a result. Additionally, the remake features a quest log in the form of a tapestry that fills with details as the story unfolds, visually representing your progress. A special highlight is the microphone feature for the Ocarina. This allows players to hum, sing, or play melodies into the Switch 2 microphone to transfer them to the in-game instrument. There are, however, many more new features that Nintendo showcased during the Direct.
To build up some anticipation, feel free to browse our shop. We have a few treasures from »The Legend of Zelda« available. Take a look!
In any case, we are very excited to see how Link's newly reimagined classic adventure will play in »Ocarina of Time«. Will you step into the shoes of the Hero of Time to save Hyrule from darkness?
17.09.2026 • PLAINTIVE COYOTES AND PURE HORROR
Today, two movies are hitting theaters that look like they will knock our socks off in one way or another. And that is despite the fact that one of them was never even supposed to be released!
COYOTE VS. ACME
This movie from the »Looney Tunes« universe has one of the most spectacular release stories to tell: it was already completed in 2022, only to wind up in the archives a year later as a tax write-off by Warner Bros. However, fans protested fiercely until Warner Bros. sold the rights to Ketchup Entertainment. This actually led to a comeback, and we can watch »Coyote vs. ACME« in theaters today. The story is about Wile E. Coyote, who wants to sue the ACME Corporation for product liability. Every time he uses their gadgets to hunt the Road Runner, they simply fail or explode. That is why Wile E. hires the luckless but quite ambitious attorney Kevin Avery (Will Forte) to go to court with him against the ruthless ACME lawyer Buddy Crane (John Cena).
Click here for the trailer:
https://youtu.be/H-43VeYGiPM
RESIDENT EVIL
This week has something in store for horror fans too: »Resident Evil« celebrates its theatrical release today! Anyone expecting the action-packed atmosphere of the previous live-action adaptations of the globally successful video game series is definitely in the wrong place. The story does not feature well-known characters like Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, but instead revolves around the medical courier driver Bryan (Austin Abrams). He accepts the job of delivering a biomedical package to the remote hospital in Raccoon City. Unfortunately, he arrives there just as a deadly mutagenic virus breaks out, plunging civilization into chaos. Bryan is trapped in the dilapidated building and, completely unprepared, has to face bloodthirsty creatures.
The trailer promises goosebumps:
https://youtu.be/mNd1gb19A-c
So, who feels like going to the theaters today?
COYOTE VS. ACME
This movie from the »Looney Tunes« universe has one of the most spectacular release stories to tell: it was already completed in 2022, only to wind up in the archives a year later as a tax write-off by Warner Bros. However, fans protested fiercely until Warner Bros. sold the rights to Ketchup Entertainment. This actually led to a comeback, and we can watch »Coyote vs. ACME« in theaters today. The story is about Wile E. Coyote, who wants to sue the ACME Corporation for product liability. Every time he uses their gadgets to hunt the Road Runner, they simply fail or explode. That is why Wile E. hires the luckless but quite ambitious attorney Kevin Avery (Will Forte) to go to court with him against the ruthless ACME lawyer Buddy Crane (John Cena).
Click here for the trailer:
https://youtu.be/H-43VeYGiPM
RESIDENT EVIL
This week has something in store for horror fans too: »Resident Evil« celebrates its theatrical release today! Anyone expecting the action-packed atmosphere of the previous live-action adaptations of the globally successful video game series is definitely in the wrong place. The story does not feature well-known characters like Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, but instead revolves around the medical courier driver Bryan (Austin Abrams). He accepts the job of delivering a biomedical package to the remote hospital in Raccoon City. Unfortunately, he arrives there just as a deadly mutagenic virus breaks out, plunging civilization into chaos. Bryan is trapped in the dilapidated building and, completely unprepared, has to face bloodthirsty creatures.
The trailer promises goosebumps:
https://youtu.be/mNd1gb19A-c
So, who feels like going to the theaters today?
16.09.2026 • SEVEN HAVENS AT CRYSTAL LAKE
Two highly popular yet vastly different franchises are soon expanding with new series, and trailers for both have just been released. We'd like to introduce them to you today:
Avatar: Seven Havens
Set 225 years after »The Legend of Korra« – which itself followed »Avatar: The Last Airbender« – this sequel takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where only seven cities remain safe for human habitation. The inhabitants of these titular "Seven Havens" blame Korra for the catastrophe that reduced their homeland to ruins. In this bleak reality, a young earthbender named Pavi must navigate her new life after discovering she is the next Avatar, following in the footsteps of her ancestor, Korra. While attempting to unravel the mystery of her origins alongside her long-lost twin sister, Nisha, she must evade those who view the Avatar as the destroyer of humanity and save civilization from a dark threat emerging from the Spirit World.
Watch the trailer here:
https://youtu.be/nhdh962_ee0
Visually, the series stands apart significantly from its two predecessors. The colorful, somewhat less detailed animation style has divided fan opinion so far, with some finding it too childish. However, we'll have to wait and see how it looks in the finished series. It will also be fascinating to see how »Avatar: Seven Havens« addresses the questions it raises following the conclusion of Korra. The series premieres on October 9 on Paramount+.
Crystal Lake
This new miniseries serves as a prequel to the »Friday the 13th« franchise. It centers on Pamela Voorhees (Linda Cardellini), a cook at a summer camp in the small town of Crystal Lake. Tragedy strikes when her son, Jason, drowns in the lake. Unable to come to terms with the loss, Pamela holds the negligent camp counselors responsible. When two strangers dig into her past a year after the tragedy, and human remains surface while a mysterious figure wreaks havoc in the woods of Crystal Lake, the townspeople begin to question who Pamela really is...
Get a taste of the slasher fest here:
https://youtu.be/Rs49eRHFD9c
The eight-part series is set to premiere in the US on October 15 on the streaming service Peacock. While there is no exact international release date confirmed yet, it is safe to assume we also will be able to see it soon, just in time for the Halloween season on HBO Max.
Which of these series will you be watching?
Avatar: Seven Havens
Set 225 years after »The Legend of Korra« – which itself followed »Avatar: The Last Airbender« – this sequel takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where only seven cities remain safe for human habitation. The inhabitants of these titular "Seven Havens" blame Korra for the catastrophe that reduced their homeland to ruins. In this bleak reality, a young earthbender named Pavi must navigate her new life after discovering she is the next Avatar, following in the footsteps of her ancestor, Korra. While attempting to unravel the mystery of her origins alongside her long-lost twin sister, Nisha, she must evade those who view the Avatar as the destroyer of humanity and save civilization from a dark threat emerging from the Spirit World.
Watch the trailer here:
https://youtu.be/nhdh962_ee0
Visually, the series stands apart significantly from its two predecessors. The colorful, somewhat less detailed animation style has divided fan opinion so far, with some finding it too childish. However, we'll have to wait and see how it looks in the finished series. It will also be fascinating to see how »Avatar: Seven Havens« addresses the questions it raises following the conclusion of Korra. The series premieres on October 9 on Paramount+.
Crystal Lake
This new miniseries serves as a prequel to the »Friday the 13th« franchise. It centers on Pamela Voorhees (Linda Cardellini), a cook at a summer camp in the small town of Crystal Lake. Tragedy strikes when her son, Jason, drowns in the lake. Unable to come to terms with the loss, Pamela holds the negligent camp counselors responsible. When two strangers dig into her past a year after the tragedy, and human remains surface while a mysterious figure wreaks havoc in the woods of Crystal Lake, the townspeople begin to question who Pamela really is...
Get a taste of the slasher fest here:
https://youtu.be/Rs49eRHFD9c
The eight-part series is set to premiere in the US on October 15 on the streaming service Peacock. While there is no exact international release date confirmed yet, it is safe to assume we also will be able to see it soon, just in time for the Halloween season on HBO Max.
Which of these series will you be watching?
15.09.2026 • MARVEL'S WOLVERINE
Insomniac Games has cooked once again, because today »Marvel's Wolverine« releases exclusively for the PlayStation 5. Due to the successful »Marvel's Spider-Man« installments, general expectations are quite high. But the launch trailer already shows that the developer wanted to take things to the next level:
https://youtu.be/G62QQ42Ewwg
Once more, this is not a classic origin story. Right from the start, you are thrown into the game as a battle-hardened James "Logan" Howlett. To your misfortune, mutants are being systematically hunted and abducted by a mercenary militia known as the Reavers, commanded by Bolivar Trask. Even though Logan has turned his back on his past, circumstances force him to work together with his former special ops unit, Team X. Along the way, he encounters familiar faces as well as old enemies like Sabretooth, Mystique, and Omega Red. On his mission, which takes him halfway across the globe, he is accompanied by the powerful telepath Jean Grey.
However, »Marvel's Wolverine« promises not only a suspenseful story with emotional depth, but also great graphics and gripping gameplay. The combat system is beautifully dynamic and quite often a bloody affair. Insomniac Games is not serving us a freely explorable open world this time, as the focus lies on a compact, yet cinematic and intense experience.
Just in time for the release of the action-adventure, you can now pre-order the 1/6 Scale Wolverine by Hot Toys in our shop – available in the regular and the Deluxe Version. As always, the manufacturer stays true to the game-accurate design and includes plenty of extras alongside a highly detailed figure. And those who prefer smaller collectibles can grab the 1/10 Scale Wolverine Statue by McFarlane Toys:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Games/Marvels-Wolverine:::4684_5680.html
Who among you will soon be diving into Marvel's superhero adventure?
https://youtu.be/G62QQ42Ewwg
Once more, this is not a classic origin story. Right from the start, you are thrown into the game as a battle-hardened James "Logan" Howlett. To your misfortune, mutants are being systematically hunted and abducted by a mercenary militia known as the Reavers, commanded by Bolivar Trask. Even though Logan has turned his back on his past, circumstances force him to work together with his former special ops unit, Team X. Along the way, he encounters familiar faces as well as old enemies like Sabretooth, Mystique, and Omega Red. On his mission, which takes him halfway across the globe, he is accompanied by the powerful telepath Jean Grey.
However, »Marvel's Wolverine« promises not only a suspenseful story with emotional depth, but also great graphics and gripping gameplay. The combat system is beautifully dynamic and quite often a bloody affair. Insomniac Games is not serving us a freely explorable open world this time, as the focus lies on a compact, yet cinematic and intense experience.
Just in time for the release of the action-adventure, you can now pre-order the 1/6 Scale Wolverine by Hot Toys in our shop – available in the regular and the Deluxe Version. As always, the manufacturer stays true to the game-accurate design and includes plenty of extras alongside a highly detailed figure. And those who prefer smaller collectibles can grab the 1/10 Scale Wolverine Statue by McFarlane Toys:
https://www.space-figuren.de/Games/Marvels-Wolverine:::4684_5680.html
Who among you will soon be diving into Marvel's superhero adventure?
14.09.2026 • THIS WAS TOYPLOSION 2026!
It's a wrap! We've just had a long and exhausting but wonderful weekend – the fourth Toyplosion was a huge success! 🥳🚀
We'd like to extend a huge thank you to all the customers who visited our booth, as well as the amazing colleagues and creators we had the pleasure of meeting. Of course, a big thank you also goes to the organizing team for a fantastic day at the Most Powerful Retro Toy Show – we're already looking forward to next year! September 25th, 2027 is marked red in the S.P.A.C.E calendar. 😀
But if you missed out on the fun, don't worry – you don't have to leave empty-handed. We brought our camera along and captured some great highlights, exciting conversations, a live unboxing, and, naturally, a cool tour of our booth. You can catch it all in our »On the Road« video on YouTube – coming soon!
We'd like to extend a huge thank you to all the customers who visited our booth, as well as the amazing colleagues and creators we had the pleasure of meeting. Of course, a big thank you also goes to the organizing team for a fantastic day at the Most Powerful Retro Toy Show – we're already looking forward to next year! September 25th, 2027 is marked red in the S.P.A.C.E calendar. 😀
But if you missed out on the fun, don't worry – you don't have to leave empty-handed. We brought our camera along and captured some great highlights, exciting conversations, a live unboxing, and, naturally, a cool tour of our booth. You can catch it all in our »On the Road« video on YouTube – coming soon!
09.09.2026 • TOYPLOSION 2026
Preparations at S.P.A.C.E Headquarters have been in full swing for weeks – and the big moment is almost here. On Friday, we're taking on the long journey to the Ruhr region once again, because this Saturday marks the fourth TOYPLOSION at the Europahalle and Stadthalle in Castrop-Rauxel. And, of course, we'll be at the Most Powerful Retro Toyshow once again!
You can find us in the Europahalle at the same booth we've had in previous years. As always, we've got a ton of awesome collectibles ready to transport you back to your childhood: MOTU, Turtles, M.A.S.K., Garfield, and many other cool themes will be featured at our booth. And for the bargain hunters among you, we've prepared something truly special: In our huge S.P.A.C.E Outlet section you'll find mass amounts of action figures by Mattel, Super7, NECA and McFarlane Toys starting at 10 ¤ a piece. Stop by and fill your bags!
However, the absolute highlight will undoubtedly be the brand-new action figures we're excited to showcase. We're not only bringing along the first four figures from Realm Toys' Brutal Realm line and the bloody savage Drevarthi Sentinel from Harvinger Studios' Savage Crucible line, we're also celebrating the world premiere of the 1/12 Scale Dejah Thoris figure from Icon Collectibles by Frazetta Girls!
Be sure to stop by our booth – we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at TOYPLOSION! By the way, for those deciding at the last minute, tickets will also be available at the door.
We ask everyone else for a little patience and understanding. Our office will be lightly staffed on Friday, and we'll be busy cleaning up and unpacking right after the show. As a result, there may be slight delays in communication and shipping for a few days starting Friday.
You can find us in the Europahalle at the same booth we've had in previous years. As always, we've got a ton of awesome collectibles ready to transport you back to your childhood: MOTU, Turtles, M.A.S.K., Garfield, and many other cool themes will be featured at our booth. And for the bargain hunters among you, we've prepared something truly special: In our huge S.P.A.C.E Outlet section you'll find mass amounts of action figures by Mattel, Super7, NECA and McFarlane Toys starting at 10 ¤ a piece. Stop by and fill your bags!
However, the absolute highlight will undoubtedly be the brand-new action figures we're excited to showcase. We're not only bringing along the first four figures from Realm Toys' Brutal Realm line and the bloody savage Drevarthi Sentinel from Harvinger Studios' Savage Crucible line, we're also celebrating the world premiere of the 1/12 Scale Dejah Thoris figure from Icon Collectibles by Frazetta Girls!
Be sure to stop by our booth – we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at TOYPLOSION! By the way, for those deciding at the last minute, tickets will also be available at the door.
We ask everyone else for a little patience and understanding. Our office will be lightly staffed on Friday, and we'll be busy cleaning up and unpacking right after the show. As a result, there may be slight delays in communication and shipping for a few days starting Friday.
08.09.2026 • 60 YEARS OF STAR TREK
Sixty years ago today, on September 8, 1966, the first episode of »Star Trek«, created by Gene Roddenberry, aired on the American network NBC. This marked the beginning of one of the most influential, enduring, and financially lucrative media franchises of all time. The "United Federation of Planets" multiverse now encompasses nine live-action series, several animated spin-offs, 13 feature films, a streaming movie, and a lavishly produced audio drama podcast.
These series and films shaped the science fiction genre, particularly the concept of utopian futures. Many elements of Star Trek became part of pop culture, and social progress was not merely depicted but actively explored – on the bridge of a starship, where, as early as 1966, things were a given that were still being fought for on the streets of the USA by the civil rights movement.
The 1960s and 1970s: A Slow Start and a Resurrection
Star Trek was far from an overnight success; it was saved from cancellation due to poor ratings only by an unprecedented letter-writing campaign from fans. The final episode of the original series aired on June 3, 1969, shortly before the Apollo 11 moon landing. That global event fueled public interest in space exploration and helped the series become a staple of television programming in the 1970s. Endless reruns fostered a unique subculture that pioneered phenomena such as fan conventions and the genre of fan fiction. In 1976, following a fan petition, NASA even named its Space Shuttle prototype "Enterprise".
The 1980s and 1990s: The Golden Era
Following a successful, Emmy-winning animated interlude, a new live-action series launched in 1987, marking the franchise's commercial breakthrough. »Star Trek: The Next Generation«, featuring Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart), placed greater emphasis on diplomatic negotiations and explored profound philosophical themes. In contrast, »Deep Space Nine« (premiering in 1993) attempted a more dramatic narrative approach. With »Star Trek: Voyager«, a woman took the lead role and command of a ship for the first time. This peak period came to an end in 2005 with »Enterprise«.
2009 to 2016: The Kelvin Compromise
J.J. Abrams' reboot turned Star Trek into a blockbuster franchise, trading some of its philosophical depth for stunts, spectacular effects, and a faster pace. While the films were immensely successful, they arguably had a far smaller cultural impact on society. However, this directly paved the way for a resurgence of the IP, because...
Since 2017: The Streaming Era
...»Discovery« continued the original timeline, combining modern production values with the philosophical inquiries of the early series. Paramount launched a real explosion of new franchise entries. Alongside »Discovery«, six new projects were initiated: »Picard«, »Lower Decks«, »Prodigy«, »Strange New Worlds«, and »Starfleet Academy«. It was perhaps too much and too chaotic; it is already becoming clear that we are heading toward the end of another Star Trek era.
Utopia as a Casting Choice: The Characters of the Star Trek Universe
Amidst the multitude of series and films, the greatest consistency lies in the choice of characters, all of whom symbolically embody the aspirations of a utopian, pluralistic society.
In 1966, Nyota Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) was a Black woman in a position of authority, at a time when roles for Black actors in the US were almost exclusively subservient. Hikaru Sulu (George Takei) was an officer of Asian descent, free of accents or stereotypes.
Spock is the blueprint for all Star Trek outsiders: caught between two cultures, fully at home in neither. Leonard Nimoy gave the character a signature gesture – the Vulcan salute – borrowed from a Jewish priestly blessing he remembered from childhood.
The lineage continues with Data, the machine seeking humanity and self-determination; Worf, the first Klingon Starfleet officer navigating the space between his heritage and his adopted home; and Geordi La Forge, whose blindness symbolized a progressive approach to disability. Seven of Nine was initially conceived as a sexualized "ratings grab" for the fourth season of »Voyager«, only to become the franchise's most precise study of trauma.
In 2017, Michael Burnham became the first Black woman to headline a Star Trek series; the actress who played her, Sonequa Martin-Green, became the target of a review-bombing campaign that demonstrated just how relevant the conflicts of 1966 remained sixty years later. Finally, in »Lower Decks«, Mariner and Boimler flipped the perspective: utopia looks very different from the bottom up, even if "the bottom" here simply refers to the night shift.
What now?
The verdict on the anniversary is mixed. Following the completion of the Skydance acquisition, Star Trek was declared the new corporate leadership's priority – the reality, however, looks different. »Starfleet Academy« is ending with its second season and »Strange New Worlds« with its fifth; for the first time in a decade, not a single new Star Trek series is in production or has been ordered. A new feature film has been announced, though it is an announcement fans have heard in various forms since 2016.
On top of that, there's the irony of a capitalist corporation selling a utopia of cooperation and a post-consumer society.
But Star Trek survived once before, back in 1969, because the audience was louder than the network. Who knows what that means for the future and the next 60 years?
For collectors, we highly recommend the fantastic 1/6 scale Star Trek figures from EXO-6, such as the Kobayashi Maru version of Captain Spock, which is currently available for pre-order.
These series and films shaped the science fiction genre, particularly the concept of utopian futures. Many elements of Star Trek became part of pop culture, and social progress was not merely depicted but actively explored – on the bridge of a starship, where, as early as 1966, things were a given that were still being fought for on the streets of the USA by the civil rights movement.
The 1960s and 1970s: A Slow Start and a Resurrection
Star Trek was far from an overnight success; it was saved from cancellation due to poor ratings only by an unprecedented letter-writing campaign from fans. The final episode of the original series aired on June 3, 1969, shortly before the Apollo 11 moon landing. That global event fueled public interest in space exploration and helped the series become a staple of television programming in the 1970s. Endless reruns fostered a unique subculture that pioneered phenomena such as fan conventions and the genre of fan fiction. In 1976, following a fan petition, NASA even named its Space Shuttle prototype "Enterprise".
The 1980s and 1990s: The Golden Era
Following a successful, Emmy-winning animated interlude, a new live-action series launched in 1987, marking the franchise's commercial breakthrough. »Star Trek: The Next Generation«, featuring Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart), placed greater emphasis on diplomatic negotiations and explored profound philosophical themes. In contrast, »Deep Space Nine« (premiering in 1993) attempted a more dramatic narrative approach. With »Star Trek: Voyager«, a woman took the lead role and command of a ship for the first time. This peak period came to an end in 2005 with »Enterprise«.
2009 to 2016: The Kelvin Compromise
J.J. Abrams' reboot turned Star Trek into a blockbuster franchise, trading some of its philosophical depth for stunts, spectacular effects, and a faster pace. While the films were immensely successful, they arguably had a far smaller cultural impact on society. However, this directly paved the way for a resurgence of the IP, because...
Since 2017: The Streaming Era
...»Discovery« continued the original timeline, combining modern production values with the philosophical inquiries of the early series. Paramount launched a real explosion of new franchise entries. Alongside »Discovery«, six new projects were initiated: »Picard«, »Lower Decks«, »Prodigy«, »Strange New Worlds«, and »Starfleet Academy«. It was perhaps too much and too chaotic; it is already becoming clear that we are heading toward the end of another Star Trek era.
Utopia as a Casting Choice: The Characters of the Star Trek Universe
Amidst the multitude of series and films, the greatest consistency lies in the choice of characters, all of whom symbolically embody the aspirations of a utopian, pluralistic society.
In 1966, Nyota Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) was a Black woman in a position of authority, at a time when roles for Black actors in the US were almost exclusively subservient. Hikaru Sulu (George Takei) was an officer of Asian descent, free of accents or stereotypes.
Spock is the blueprint for all Star Trek outsiders: caught between two cultures, fully at home in neither. Leonard Nimoy gave the character a signature gesture – the Vulcan salute – borrowed from a Jewish priestly blessing he remembered from childhood.
The lineage continues with Data, the machine seeking humanity and self-determination; Worf, the first Klingon Starfleet officer navigating the space between his heritage and his adopted home; and Geordi La Forge, whose blindness symbolized a progressive approach to disability. Seven of Nine was initially conceived as a sexualized "ratings grab" for the fourth season of »Voyager«, only to become the franchise's most precise study of trauma.
In 2017, Michael Burnham became the first Black woman to headline a Star Trek series; the actress who played her, Sonequa Martin-Green, became the target of a review-bombing campaign that demonstrated just how relevant the conflicts of 1966 remained sixty years later. Finally, in »Lower Decks«, Mariner and Boimler flipped the perspective: utopia looks very different from the bottom up, even if "the bottom" here simply refers to the night shift.
What now?
The verdict on the anniversary is mixed. Following the completion of the Skydance acquisition, Star Trek was declared the new corporate leadership's priority – the reality, however, looks different. »Starfleet Academy« is ending with its second season and »Strange New Worlds« with its fifth; for the first time in a decade, not a single new Star Trek series is in production or has been ordered. A new feature film has been announced, though it is an announcement fans have heard in various forms since 2016.
On top of that, there's the irony of a capitalist corporation selling a utopia of cooperation and a post-consumer society.
But Star Trek survived once before, back in 1969, because the audience was louder than the network. Who knows what that means for the future and the next 60 years?
For collectors, we highly recommend the fantastic 1/6 scale Star Trek figures from EXO-6, such as the Kobayashi Maru version of Captain Spock, which is currently available for pre-order.
07.09.2026 • S.P.A.C.E POSTCARD COLLECTION SEPTEMBER 2025
The alarm goes off, the weekend is over, and your mood plummets to rock bottom. Our September postcard captures this exact feeling – featuring, of course, the master of Monday misery himself: Garfield! 🐱
Armed with a grumpy scowl and his "I HATE MONDAYS!" mug, he hits the nail on the head once again: Mondays just aren't for cats (or for us humans, if we're being honest). Marco captured the lazy feline for our card using an action figure from Boss Fight Studio. And he really went the extra mile for the presentation, draping the card right on top of (and inside of) a delicious, freshly cooked lasagna. That certainly makes the start of the week a little more bearable! 😋
So, together with Marco, we're sweetening up this Monday with our September postcard – included, as always, as a little freebie in every package we ship out to you this month.
📸 by @stan_qbrick
Armed with a grumpy scowl and his "I HATE MONDAYS!" mug, he hits the nail on the head once again: Mondays just aren't for cats (or for us humans, if we're being honest). Marco captured the lazy feline for our card using an action figure from Boss Fight Studio. And he really went the extra mile for the presentation, draping the card right on top of (and inside of) a delicious, freshly cooked lasagna. That certainly makes the start of the week a little more bearable! 😋
So, together with Marco, we're sweetening up this Monday with our September postcard – included, as always, as a little freebie in every package we ship out to you this month.
📸 by @stan_qbrick
04.09.2026 • TIPPETT STUDIO IN BERKELEY GOES BANKRUPT
We stand on the shoulders of giants
When a young Ray Harryhausen, aged 13, saw »King Kong« and Willis O'Brien's stop-motion animation for the first time, that trip to the cinema was a transformative experience; he knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life. Many years later, a seven-year-old boy watched »The 7th Voyage of Sinbad«, featuring Harryhausen's special effects. His name was Phil Tippett. He, too, would go on to leave his mark on film history...
Phil Tippett is inextricably linked to »Star Wars« and films such as »RoboCop« and »Starship Troopers«. In 1984, he won his first Oscar for Best Visual Effects for »Return of the Jedi«. He played a pivotal role in creating and animating creatures like Jabba the Hutt and the Rancor monster. He received his second Oscar as "Dinosaur Supervisor" for »Jurassic Park«.
The only constant is change
For »Jurassic Park«, Tippett was originally responsible for the dinosaur effects and developed elaborate Go-Motion models – mechanical dinosaur puppets that were moved during filming. However, during production, it became apparent that certain movements could be executed more convincingly and flexibly using digital technology. When Steven Spielberg saw the initial CGI tests from Industrial Light & Magic, he decided to create the large dinosaurs primarily using digital effects. Consequently, Tippett lost the central role in animation he had originally been slated for. Yet Spielberg also recognized that Tippett's decades of experience with dinosaur movement, anatomy, and animation were far from superfluous. Tippett and his team were integrated into the CGI production, helping the ILM animators make the digital dinosaurs move in a believable way. Although stop-motion never completely disappeared, ironically, a film about dinosaurs was the first to signal the looming threat of extinction for this filmmaking technique.
After nearly 40 years in the film industry, Phil Tippett announced last week that his studio in Berkeley, California, was closing due to insolvency proceedings. A massive clearance sale was held over the weekend. Props from classic films and franchises such as »Star Wars«, »Jurassic Park«, »RoboCop«, »Ghostbusters«, and »Starship Troopers«, as well as »Hellboy« and »The Mandalorian«, went under the hammer. It is a somewhat sad occasion, almost like a film museum closing its doors forever. There was a huge turnout of fans eager to secure a piece of cinematic history. You can view the list of items offered at the studio liquidation auction here:
https://estatesales.org/estate-sales/ca/berkeley/94710/oscar-winner-artist-master-animator-2458900/gallery?page=1
But this isn't the end. The studio announced that while the Berkeley location is closing, operations in Toronto, Canada, will continue, and the company itself is not shutting down. In an interview with Berkeleyside, Tippett explained that over the years he had to make "many painful decisions" for his company as practical effects became increasingly less significant in film production. Despite the sale, Tippett has no plans to retire. He told CBS News: "I will die with my sword in my hand," said Tippett. "We had almost a 40-year run. It was a good run."
We ourselves have experienced the magic of practical effects time and again during countless trips to the cinema. Giants like Willis O'Brien, Ray Harryhausen, and Phil Tippett taught us the meaning of wonder. And while we may be enthusiastic about many a digital effect, our hearts will always beat for handmade cinema.
Speaking of handmade: 2021 saw the release of »Mad God«, a stop-motion passion project that Phil Tippett had spent 30 years working on. The film was financed primarily through independent means, using personal funds and a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, and is available on DVD and Blu-ray.
When a young Ray Harryhausen, aged 13, saw »King Kong« and Willis O'Brien's stop-motion animation for the first time, that trip to the cinema was a transformative experience; he knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life. Many years later, a seven-year-old boy watched »The 7th Voyage of Sinbad«, featuring Harryhausen's special effects. His name was Phil Tippett. He, too, would go on to leave his mark on film history...
Phil Tippett is inextricably linked to »Star Wars« and films such as »RoboCop« and »Starship Troopers«. In 1984, he won his first Oscar for Best Visual Effects for »Return of the Jedi«. He played a pivotal role in creating and animating creatures like Jabba the Hutt and the Rancor monster. He received his second Oscar as "Dinosaur Supervisor" for »Jurassic Park«.
The only constant is change
For »Jurassic Park«, Tippett was originally responsible for the dinosaur effects and developed elaborate Go-Motion models – mechanical dinosaur puppets that were moved during filming. However, during production, it became apparent that certain movements could be executed more convincingly and flexibly using digital technology. When Steven Spielberg saw the initial CGI tests from Industrial Light & Magic, he decided to create the large dinosaurs primarily using digital effects. Consequently, Tippett lost the central role in animation he had originally been slated for. Yet Spielberg also recognized that Tippett's decades of experience with dinosaur movement, anatomy, and animation were far from superfluous. Tippett and his team were integrated into the CGI production, helping the ILM animators make the digital dinosaurs move in a believable way. Although stop-motion never completely disappeared, ironically, a film about dinosaurs was the first to signal the looming threat of extinction for this filmmaking technique.
After nearly 40 years in the film industry, Phil Tippett announced last week that his studio in Berkeley, California, was closing due to insolvency proceedings. A massive clearance sale was held over the weekend. Props from classic films and franchises such as »Star Wars«, »Jurassic Park«, »RoboCop«, »Ghostbusters«, and »Starship Troopers«, as well as »Hellboy« and »The Mandalorian«, went under the hammer. It is a somewhat sad occasion, almost like a film museum closing its doors forever. There was a huge turnout of fans eager to secure a piece of cinematic history. You can view the list of items offered at the studio liquidation auction here:
https://estatesales.org/estate-sales/ca/berkeley/94710/oscar-winner-artist-master-animator-2458900/gallery?page=1
But this isn't the end. The studio announced that while the Berkeley location is closing, operations in Toronto, Canada, will continue, and the company itself is not shutting down. In an interview with Berkeleyside, Tippett explained that over the years he had to make "many painful decisions" for his company as practical effects became increasingly less significant in film production. Despite the sale, Tippett has no plans to retire. He told CBS News: "I will die with my sword in my hand," said Tippett. "We had almost a 40-year run. It was a good run."
We ourselves have experienced the magic of practical effects time and again during countless trips to the cinema. Giants like Willis O'Brien, Ray Harryhausen, and Phil Tippett taught us the meaning of wonder. And while we may be enthusiastic about many a digital effect, our hearts will always beat for handmade cinema.
Speaking of handmade: 2021 saw the release of »Mad God«, a stop-motion passion project that Phil Tippett had spent 30 years working on. The film was financed primarily through independent means, using personal funds and a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign, and is available on DVD and Blu-ray.
03.09.2026 • THE BLOOD OF DAWNWALKER
Creatures of the night, your time has come: Today is the release of »The Blood of Dawnwalker«! With this extensive dark fantasy action RPG powered by Unreal Engine 5, Polish studio Rebel Wolves celebrates its debut. Graphics, combat system, open world, and story look more than promising. The Corruption system as well as the day-night cycle bring unique mechanics into the game. The immersive single-player experience is expected to offer about 50 to 70 hours of gameplay. The launch trailer provides you with breathtaking insights into an indescribably grim world:
https://youtu.be/FC_bDk-I7F4
You step into the shoes of 19-year-old Coen. His family suffers under the tyranny of the ancient vampire lord Brencis. During a blood mass in his home village, Coen is involuntarily turned into a so-called Dawnwalker. Brencis imprisons his family and will sacrifice them after 30 days and nights at his coronation ceremony. Coen has that much time to grow stronger and find allies in order to save his family. As a half-vampire, he has the advantage of not burning to ash during the day, instead regaining his human form, but at night his vampiric instincts and powers awaken. Whether he turns into a monster and ascends to become a dark ruler, or holds onto his humanity and finds an honorable path to achieve his goal, is entirely the player's choice.
Which path would you choose in »The Blood of Dawnwalker«?
https://youtu.be/FC_bDk-I7F4
You step into the shoes of 19-year-old Coen. His family suffers under the tyranny of the ancient vampire lord Brencis. During a blood mass in his home village, Coen is involuntarily turned into a so-called Dawnwalker. Brencis imprisons his family and will sacrifice them after 30 days and nights at his coronation ceremony. Coen has that much time to grow stronger and find allies in order to save his family. As a half-vampire, he has the advantage of not burning to ash during the day, instead regaining his human form, but at night his vampiric instincts and powers awaken. Whether he turns into a monster and ascends to become a dark ruler, or holds onto his humanity and finds an honorable path to achieve his goal, is entirely the player's choice.
Which path would you choose in »The Blood of Dawnwalker«?
03.09.2026 • CHRISTMAS WILL BE MAGICAL
The countdown to the Christmas season is kicking off not just in supermarkets, with the arrival of the first gingerbread, but on HBO Max as well. The Harry Potter series reboot is set to launch there this Christmas, and a new, magical teaser trailer was released yesterday:
https://youtu.be/1RnyZgfN-JY
We are excited for this first season, which brings the story from the book »Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone« back to our home screens – complete with additional details and scenes, as the trailers have already revealed! A second season, intended to adapt »The Chamber of Secrets«, has already been ordered.
https://youtu.be/1RnyZgfN-JY
We are excited for this first season, which brings the story from the book »Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone« back to our home screens – complete with additional details and scenes, as the trailers have already revealed! A second season, intended to adapt »The Chamber of Secrets«, has already been ordered.
02.09.2026 • THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU ON DISNEY+
This May, we got to see one of our favorite Star Wars duos on the big screen for the first time in »The Mandalorian and Grogu«. In the film, Din Djarin and his young charge hunt down Imperial war criminals for the New Republic. If you missed the film back then, you can catch up on Disney+ starting today. So grab a snack, kick back on the couch, and treat yourself to »The Mandalorian and Grogu«!
To go along with it, you'll find plenty of fitting collectibles in our shop – ranging from the adorable statues in Iron Studios' »Grogu Collection« to various high-quality 1/6 scale figures from Hot Toys. Be sure to check out the movie category in our shop!
To go along with it, you'll find plenty of fitting collectibles in our shop – ranging from the adorable statues in Iron Studios' »Grogu Collection« to various high-quality 1/6 scale figures from Hot Toys. Be sure to check out the movie category in our shop!
02.09.2026 • 25 YEARS OF THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE
Twenty-five years ago this week, from August 31 to September 3, 2001, »The Devil's Backbone« screened at the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, introduced by the director in person. It was the North American premiere; Guillermo del Toro's third feature had already been playing in Spanish theaters since April. A box-office hit it was not, and it was no great festival sensation either. Interest simply kept growing quietly, among insiders, year after year. Real attention arrived only five years later, on the back of its spiritual successor »Pan's Labyrinth«, and today the film counts as a key work in del Toro's career and as one of the most beautiful ghost stories ever put on screen.
The road there was bitter. After his acclaimed debut »Cronos« (1993), del Toro's Hollywood excursion »Mimic« (1997) collapsed into a battle with the Weinsteins over the final cut. Shortly afterward his father was kidnapped in Guadalajara and held hostage for weeks; James Cameron helped out with the ransom money. Del Toro left Mexico with his parents and siblings shortly after. What rescued the passion project he had been carrying around since film school, »The Devil's Backbone«, was Spain: El Deseo, the production company of Pedro and Agustín Almodóvar, brought him to Madrid. Joining the cast was Marisa Paredes, an icon of Spanish cinema and for decades Pedro Almodóvar's most important actress.
The next part contains a few spoilers, so go and watch the movie before reading further!
Spain, 1939, the last year of the civil war. Young Carlos (Fernando Tielve) is dropped off at the remote Santa Lucía orphanage. An aerial bomb sits in the courtyard, undetonated, upright like a headstone. The children insist you can still hear it ticking. The headmistress Carmen (Paredes) and Dr. Casares (Federico Luppi) are keeping Republican gold out of the hands of Franco's men, which the ill-tempered caretaker Jacinto (Eduardo Noriega) is after as well. And at night something whispers in the hallways. "The One Who Sighs," the boys call it.
Santi's ghost is no jump-scare machine but an image of painful beauty: the drowned child's split skull trailing blood that curls through the water like smoke, guiding us through the story. This is where del Toro lays the foundation of his idea of horror. The ghost is victim, witness, warning. Evil, by contrast, is human and real. That inversion runs through his entire body of work, right up to »Crimson Peak«, where the dead protect the heroine and the living want her gone. Del Toro has said many times that he despises authority and doctrine, and it shows in his sense of good and evil. The war itself is a lead character in the film. It never appears on screen directly and is everywhere all the same: in the bomb, in the supplies that stop arriving, in Jacinto's brutalization. A very real fear, against which the supernatural feels almost consoling.
All of it is carried by an ensemble that brings an unusual tenderness to horror. Fernando Tielve as Carlos and Íñigo Garcés as Jaime play without a trace of child-actor cuteness, with an aloofness you rarely expect from kids. Above all, though, Federico Luppi and Marisa Paredes stand out as the two who run the orphanage: aging people with an unspoken love between them, keeping a house full of other people's children with a warmth that simply does not occur in horror films. Luppi's Casares is tired, gentle and powerless in a war already lost for his side, and he is given what may be the finest prologue in the genre: "What is a ghost? A tragedy condemned to repeat itself over and over?"
Both actors have since died, Luppi in 2017, Paredes in December 2024. Their scenes together, and above all the strangely heroic way they go out, now play like an obituary filmed some twenty years too early.
Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro bathes the days in dusty amber and the nights in a cold, watery green, a stylized contrast that would come to mark much of the work the two men did together. Javier Navarrete's score forgoes tension-loaded string stabs and reaches instead for dreamy, almost lullaby-like motifs that instill a sad calm rather than jump scares. Five years later he carried that tone over into »Pan's Labyrinth«, all the way to an Oscar nomination. Tielve, Garcés and Luppi turned up in the labyrinth as well, the two boys as unnamed maquis who do not survive the war – a fate that could easily have awaited the boys of the orphanage after the credits. Del Toro himself calls the two films siblings: here the war, there its aftermath under Franco. On October 11, »Pan's Labyrinth« turns twenty. We cannot think of a better excuse for a double feature.
»The Devil's Backbone« is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Germany, and anyone with a public library card can watch it for free on Filmfriend. It belongs on the shelf anyway. Wicked Vision has released the film here in several editions, and StudioCanal's new 4K restoration, out in April to mark the 25th anniversary, finally gives Navarro's colors their full due.
For collectors, the beautiful but sold out Santi figure from the Guillermo del Toro Signature Collection by NECA, is of course also very interesting.
The road there was bitter. After his acclaimed debut »Cronos« (1993), del Toro's Hollywood excursion »Mimic« (1997) collapsed into a battle with the Weinsteins over the final cut. Shortly afterward his father was kidnapped in Guadalajara and held hostage for weeks; James Cameron helped out with the ransom money. Del Toro left Mexico with his parents and siblings shortly after. What rescued the passion project he had been carrying around since film school, »The Devil's Backbone«, was Spain: El Deseo, the production company of Pedro and Agustín Almodóvar, brought him to Madrid. Joining the cast was Marisa Paredes, an icon of Spanish cinema and for decades Pedro Almodóvar's most important actress.
The next part contains a few spoilers, so go and watch the movie before reading further!
Spain, 1939, the last year of the civil war. Young Carlos (Fernando Tielve) is dropped off at the remote Santa Lucía orphanage. An aerial bomb sits in the courtyard, undetonated, upright like a headstone. The children insist you can still hear it ticking. The headmistress Carmen (Paredes) and Dr. Casares (Federico Luppi) are keeping Republican gold out of the hands of Franco's men, which the ill-tempered caretaker Jacinto (Eduardo Noriega) is after as well. And at night something whispers in the hallways. "The One Who Sighs," the boys call it.
Santi's ghost is no jump-scare machine but an image of painful beauty: the drowned child's split skull trailing blood that curls through the water like smoke, guiding us through the story. This is where del Toro lays the foundation of his idea of horror. The ghost is victim, witness, warning. Evil, by contrast, is human and real. That inversion runs through his entire body of work, right up to »Crimson Peak«, where the dead protect the heroine and the living want her gone. Del Toro has said many times that he despises authority and doctrine, and it shows in his sense of good and evil. The war itself is a lead character in the film. It never appears on screen directly and is everywhere all the same: in the bomb, in the supplies that stop arriving, in Jacinto's brutalization. A very real fear, against which the supernatural feels almost consoling.
All of it is carried by an ensemble that brings an unusual tenderness to horror. Fernando Tielve as Carlos and Íñigo Garcés as Jaime play without a trace of child-actor cuteness, with an aloofness you rarely expect from kids. Above all, though, Federico Luppi and Marisa Paredes stand out as the two who run the orphanage: aging people with an unspoken love between them, keeping a house full of other people's children with a warmth that simply does not occur in horror films. Luppi's Casares is tired, gentle and powerless in a war already lost for his side, and he is given what may be the finest prologue in the genre: "What is a ghost? A tragedy condemned to repeat itself over and over?"
Both actors have since died, Luppi in 2017, Paredes in December 2024. Their scenes together, and above all the strangely heroic way they go out, now play like an obituary filmed some twenty years too early.
Cinematographer Guillermo Navarro bathes the days in dusty amber and the nights in a cold, watery green, a stylized contrast that would come to mark much of the work the two men did together. Javier Navarrete's score forgoes tension-loaded string stabs and reaches instead for dreamy, almost lullaby-like motifs that instill a sad calm rather than jump scares. Five years later he carried that tone over into »Pan's Labyrinth«, all the way to an Oscar nomination. Tielve, Garcés and Luppi turned up in the labyrinth as well, the two boys as unnamed maquis who do not survive the war – a fate that could easily have awaited the boys of the orphanage after the credits. Del Toro himself calls the two films siblings: here the war, there its aftermath under Franco. On October 11, »Pan's Labyrinth« turns twenty. We cannot think of a better excuse for a double feature.
»The Devil's Backbone« is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Germany, and anyone with a public library card can watch it for free on Filmfriend. It belongs on the shelf anyway. Wicked Vision has released the film here in several editions, and StudioCanal's new 4K restoration, out in April to mark the 25th anniversary, finally gives Navarro's colors their full due.
For collectors, the beautiful but sold out Santi figure from the Guillermo del Toro Signature Collection by NECA, is of course also very interesting.
01.09.2026 • PRODUCT OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER 2026
With our 💥 Product of the Month 💥 for September 2026, we aim to celebrate an action figure in the popular 1:12 scale while simultaneously paying tribute to the fantasy genre and the legendary Frank Frazetta. We have chosen Darkwolf – Version 2, a figure from ICON Collectibles by Frazetta Girls, based on the animated film »Fire and Ice«:
https://bit.ly/sf_pdm_sep26
Frank Frazetta (1928–2010) is considered one of the most influential fantasy and science fiction illustrators, holding immense significance for fantasy and popular culture. His standing within established art history is also increasingly being recognized.
His images have played a pivotal role in shaping how pop culture envisions Conan, barbarians, monsters, warriors, witches, and fantastical worlds. Consequently, his impact extends far beyond the original function of his images as book covers.
»Fire and Ice« is a fantasy animated film from 1983, directed by Ralph Bakshi with the involvement of Frank Frazetta. As he had done with his animated »Lord of the Rings« film, Bakshi employed the elaborate rotoscoping technique, in which live actors are filmed and then traced over frame by frame. Many of the characters, including Darkwolf, were created by Frank Frazetta.
At the time, the work was a financial failure. While critics praised the dynamic animation, the flick fell short in terms of the story. The screenplay was criticized for relying on shallow fantasy stereotypes and for being as banal as it was predictable.
Perhaps expectations for a movie involving Frank Frazetta were simply too high. His images stir our imagination and transport us to fantastical worlds; unfortunately, the film itself failed to capture that same depth. And today, more than 40 years later, the animated film – judged by modern standards – has clearly aged.
Just as Frazetta's images fire our imagination, so do action figures. On their long journey from mere toys to collectibles, they transport us into a world of magic and adventure.
In recent years, the 1:12 scale and similar formats have become a popular choice for fantasy figure lines such as Mattel and Mondo's »Masters of the Universe«, Harvinger Studios' »Savage Crucible«, Four Horsemen's »Mythic Legions« (slightly larger than 1:12), and, of course, ICON Collectibles. The latter is the official collectibles line from Frazetta Girls, the family-run business dedicated to preserving the fantasy artist's legacy. Frazetta Girls was founded in 2013 by Frazetta's daughter Holly and his granddaughter Sara; today, the company is led by Sara Frazetta and Joe Weber.
Launched in 2023, ICON Collectibles is a relatively new player in the collectibles market. The crucial difference is that this is not a manufacturer simply purchasing a Frazetta license. ICON is developed and overseen directly by the Frazetta family – specifically, the Frazetta Estate. Beyond Frazetta's own characters, Frazetta Girls also collaborates with the rights holders for Conan, John Carter, Vampirella, and others.
The »Fire and Ice« figures are particularly interesting because they do not merely represent generic Frazetta characters; instead, they are based on the world designed by Frazetta and made famous by Ralph Bakshi's animated film. In addition to Darkwolf, figures of Teegra and Nekron have also been released.
Our Product of the Month, Darkwolf, appears as a muscular, primal fantasy warrior with a bare, bronzed torso. Particularly striking features include the black wolf-head headdress, the long fur mane, the bone necklace, and the fur and leather attire. A wide, studded leather belt with a prominent metal plaque and a fur loincloth complete the barbaric, prehistoric look.
Darkwolf is armed with his signature large double-bladed axe as well as a bow and arrow. It was the very first ICON Collectibles release, produced three years ago in a relatively small run, and consequently sold out quickly. In addition to the masked head, which comes with three interchangeable lower face parts featuring different expressions, the current V2 reissue includes an unmasked head, inspired by Frank Frazetta's original design. The intricate fur, leather, and metal textures create a level of detail that is remarkable for such a relatively small scale. Pair him with Teegra or recreate the battle against Nekron!
https://bit.ly/sf_pdm_sep26
Frank Frazetta (1928–2010) is considered one of the most influential fantasy and science fiction illustrators, holding immense significance for fantasy and popular culture. His standing within established art history is also increasingly being recognized.
His images have played a pivotal role in shaping how pop culture envisions Conan, barbarians, monsters, warriors, witches, and fantastical worlds. Consequently, his impact extends far beyond the original function of his images as book covers.
»Fire and Ice« is a fantasy animated film from 1983, directed by Ralph Bakshi with the involvement of Frank Frazetta. As he had done with his animated »Lord of the Rings« film, Bakshi employed the elaborate rotoscoping technique, in which live actors are filmed and then traced over frame by frame. Many of the characters, including Darkwolf, were created by Frank Frazetta.
At the time, the work was a financial failure. While critics praised the dynamic animation, the flick fell short in terms of the story. The screenplay was criticized for relying on shallow fantasy stereotypes and for being as banal as it was predictable.
Perhaps expectations for a movie involving Frank Frazetta were simply too high. His images stir our imagination and transport us to fantastical worlds; unfortunately, the film itself failed to capture that same depth. And today, more than 40 years later, the animated film – judged by modern standards – has clearly aged.
Just as Frazetta's images fire our imagination, so do action figures. On their long journey from mere toys to collectibles, they transport us into a world of magic and adventure.
In recent years, the 1:12 scale and similar formats have become a popular choice for fantasy figure lines such as Mattel and Mondo's »Masters of the Universe«, Harvinger Studios' »Savage Crucible«, Four Horsemen's »Mythic Legions« (slightly larger than 1:12), and, of course, ICON Collectibles. The latter is the official collectibles line from Frazetta Girls, the family-run business dedicated to preserving the fantasy artist's legacy. Frazetta Girls was founded in 2013 by Frazetta's daughter Holly and his granddaughter Sara; today, the company is led by Sara Frazetta and Joe Weber.
Launched in 2023, ICON Collectibles is a relatively new player in the collectibles market. The crucial difference is that this is not a manufacturer simply purchasing a Frazetta license. ICON is developed and overseen directly by the Frazetta family – specifically, the Frazetta Estate. Beyond Frazetta's own characters, Frazetta Girls also collaborates with the rights holders for Conan, John Carter, Vampirella, and others.
The »Fire and Ice« figures are particularly interesting because they do not merely represent generic Frazetta characters; instead, they are based on the world designed by Frazetta and made famous by Ralph Bakshi's animated film. In addition to Darkwolf, figures of Teegra and Nekron have also been released.
Our Product of the Month, Darkwolf, appears as a muscular, primal fantasy warrior with a bare, bronzed torso. Particularly striking features include the black wolf-head headdress, the long fur mane, the bone necklace, and the fur and leather attire. A wide, studded leather belt with a prominent metal plaque and a fur loincloth complete the barbaric, prehistoric look.
Darkwolf is armed with his signature large double-bladed axe as well as a bow and arrow. It was the very first ICON Collectibles release, produced three years ago in a relatively small run, and consequently sold out quickly. In addition to the masked head, which comes with three interchangeable lower face parts featuring different expressions, the current V2 reissue includes an unmasked head, inspired by Frank Frazetta's original design. The intricate fur, leather, and metal textures create a level of detail that is remarkable for such a relatively small scale. Pair him with Teegra or recreate the battle against Nekron!
31.08.2026 • THE HIGHLIGHTS OF GAMESCOM AND GTA VI
The gaming world has been turned upside down and the hype is enormous, because after 13 years the next installment of one of the best-known game series is finally in the starting blocks. Whether that's warranted or not is definitely up for debate, but there's simply no getting around the whole »Grand Theft Auto« topic:
On Thursday, at the same time as Gamescom, an extended look special running about 26 minutes was shown on Netflix, presenting gameplay and story of »GTA VI«, which is set to finally be released on November 19, as in-game footage captured on the PlayStation 5. It looks spectacular, of course, and alongside the open-world action stories it's also clear that the RPG aspects have been expanded considerably compared to the previous game – you have direct influence on the relationship dynamic between the two protagonists, for example:
https://youtu.be/tJbzMqJGH4k
That news naturally overshadowed the many other announcements and presentations from the expo, even though Rockstar Games didn't have a booth there – so here's a quick run-through of what we think were some of the most exciting Gamescom highlights:
»The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered« and »Songs of the Past«
Eleven years after the original release, CD Projekt RED is surprising us with a remaster, that's supposed to be released on September 29 and free for everyone who already owns the game, plus a completely new, large story expansion, which will come out next year:
https://youtu.be/G3kuMWediSQ
»Fable«
A gorgeous reboot of the beloved fantasy action-RPG series, with life-sim elements, which will be released on February 23:
https://youtu.be/vjQNvjTF56o
»Tides of Annihilation«
A very dark action-adventure based on the legends surrounding the Knights of the Round Table, with a gorgeous art style:
https://youtu.be/FEUjBGWiUa4
An official release date is yet to be announced.
»Stuntman: Hollywood«
After 20 years, the »Stuntman« racing series is back – this time with real movie licenses like »Fast & Furious«, »Knight Rider«, »Back to the Future« and »Jurassic World«:
https://youtu.be/LEKt2lX4Xxs
No release date has been announced yet.
»Rainbow Six Tactics«
The new entry in the »Rainbow Six« series, which will be released next year, is the first pure single-player game in the franchise: turn-based, from a tactical top-down view, instead of a multiplayer first-person action shooter:
https://youtu.be/HoDIxvqQfxQ
»Orbitals«
A couch co-op game for two, with a gorgeous art style inspired by '80s and '90s anime like »Sailor Moon«, »Dragonball Z« and »Ghost in the Shell«:
https://youtu.be/IBqFf2mXV9Y
You can play »Orbitals« starting this thursday.
»1001 Threads of Mizan«
Hailed by many attendees as the surprise hit of the Gamescom: a co-op action-adventure based on »One Thousand and One Nights« that looks absolutely stunning:
https://youtu.be/9boclMow7JA
A release date is yet to be announced.
»Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons«
And last but not least, a game that wasn't actually presented at Gamescom, but still got its first proper trailer last week alongside the fair – and could well turn out to be a real highlight of next year:
https://youtu.be/pNw0sh481bA
Will you be playing »GTA VI«, and which of the new reveals are you looking forward to most?
On Thursday, at the same time as Gamescom, an extended look special running about 26 minutes was shown on Netflix, presenting gameplay and story of »GTA VI«, which is set to finally be released on November 19, as in-game footage captured on the PlayStation 5. It looks spectacular, of course, and alongside the open-world action stories it's also clear that the RPG aspects have been expanded considerably compared to the previous game – you have direct influence on the relationship dynamic between the two protagonists, for example:
https://youtu.be/tJbzMqJGH4k
That news naturally overshadowed the many other announcements and presentations from the expo, even though Rockstar Games didn't have a booth there – so here's a quick run-through of what we think were some of the most exciting Gamescom highlights:
»The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered« and »Songs of the Past«
Eleven years after the original release, CD Projekt RED is surprising us with a remaster, that's supposed to be released on September 29 and free for everyone who already owns the game, plus a completely new, large story expansion, which will come out next year:
https://youtu.be/G3kuMWediSQ
»Fable«
A gorgeous reboot of the beloved fantasy action-RPG series, with life-sim elements, which will be released on February 23:
https://youtu.be/vjQNvjTF56o
»Tides of Annihilation«
A very dark action-adventure based on the legends surrounding the Knights of the Round Table, with a gorgeous art style:
https://youtu.be/FEUjBGWiUa4
An official release date is yet to be announced.
»Stuntman: Hollywood«
After 20 years, the »Stuntman« racing series is back – this time with real movie licenses like »Fast & Furious«, »Knight Rider«, »Back to the Future« and »Jurassic World«:
https://youtu.be/LEKt2lX4Xxs
No release date has been announced yet.
»Rainbow Six Tactics«
The new entry in the »Rainbow Six« series, which will be released next year, is the first pure single-player game in the franchise: turn-based, from a tactical top-down view, instead of a multiplayer first-person action shooter:
https://youtu.be/HoDIxvqQfxQ
»Orbitals«
A couch co-op game for two, with a gorgeous art style inspired by '80s and '90s anime like »Sailor Moon«, »Dragonball Z« and »Ghost in the Shell«:
https://youtu.be/IBqFf2mXV9Y
You can play »Orbitals« starting this thursday.
»1001 Threads of Mizan«
Hailed by many attendees as the surprise hit of the Gamescom: a co-op action-adventure based on »One Thousand and One Nights« that looks absolutely stunning:
https://youtu.be/9boclMow7JA
A release date is yet to be announced.
»Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons«
And last but not least, a game that wasn't actually presented at Gamescom, but still got its first proper trailer last week alongside the fair – and could well turn out to be a real highlight of next year:
https://youtu.be/pNw0sh481bA
Will you be playing »GTA VI«, and which of the new reveals are you looking forward to most?
31.08.2026 • 40 YEARS OF BLUE VELVET
Yesterday marked exactly 40 years since David Lynch's »Blue Velvet« celebrated its world premiere at the Montréal World Film Festival in Canada. While the work received a largely positive critical reception, it also sparked some festival controversies. Initially, the critics' acclaim was not reflected at the box office. However, it gradually won over audiences; today, it is regarded as one of the great classics of the 1980s and a must-see movie.
One can simply experience »Blue Velvet« as a thriller, yet there is much more beneath the surface. A closer look reveals a story rich in dream logic and depth, inviting viewers to interpret its meaning or simply immerse themselves in a bizarre world.
The opening images immediately captivate us: blue velvet ... the soundtrack plays the song »Blue Velvet« sung by Bobby Vinton, accompanied by a deep blue sky, a brilliant white picket fence, and blood-red roses. It is no coincidence that these three colors also appear on the flag of the United States.
An old fire truck, with a friendly, waving firefighter, drives past in slow motion. It feels as though we have stepped into an idyllic Norman Rockwell painting. An overweight man is watering his lawn with a garden hose. Moments later, he collapses in pain. He lies helpless in the grass, the hose still in his hand. A toddler in the background and a small dog playing with the jet of water ensure that, despite the accident, the atmosphere retains that reassuring Rockwell-esque quality.
Then, the camera dives down into the grass and soil, and the frame is suddenly teeming with insects and black beetles. Close-ups make them look like monsters – a hidden underworld lurking beneath the idyllic surface. And a taste of the hell awaiting the protagonist, Jeffrey.
After his father (the man in the garden) suffers a spinal fracture, young Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) takes a leave of absence from college and returns to his hometown Lumberton, North Carolina, to visit his father in the hospital and help out with the family business.
On his way back from the hospital, he discovers a human ear in a vacant lot. He hands it over to Detective John Williams (George Dickerson), a police officer who lives in the neighborhood. The discovery piques Jeffrey's curiosity, and he begins to investigate on his own, aided by Sandy Williams (Laura Dern), the detective's daughter.
Through her, he is led to nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini). Shortly thereafter, he witnesses the psychopath Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper) raping Dorothy. Jeffrey learns that Frank has kidnapped Dorothy's husband and son and is holding them captive. The ear Jeffrey found belongs to Dorothy's husband ...
The story is rife with symbolism, Oedipal dynamics, sex, and violence – a nightmarish yin and yang of an idyllic surface and the underworld lurking beneath. The plot and its ambiguous imagery lend themselves to a multitude of interpretations, and one could spend hours attempting to decipher their possible meanings.
Kyle MacLachlan and Laura Dern turn in strong performances and are excellently cast, yet Isabella Rossellini, and even more so Dennis Hopper, completely dominate their scenes. Hopper portrays one of the most repulsive villains of 1980s cinema; the phrase "the man we love to hate" hardly does justice to his performance.
»Blue Velvet« is not currently available on streaming services. However, it is an essential addition to any well-curated film collection. Here's a preview:
https://youtu.be/k_BybDB_phY
One can simply experience »Blue Velvet« as a thriller, yet there is much more beneath the surface. A closer look reveals a story rich in dream logic and depth, inviting viewers to interpret its meaning or simply immerse themselves in a bizarre world.
The opening images immediately captivate us: blue velvet ... the soundtrack plays the song »Blue Velvet« sung by Bobby Vinton, accompanied by a deep blue sky, a brilliant white picket fence, and blood-red roses. It is no coincidence that these three colors also appear on the flag of the United States.
An old fire truck, with a friendly, waving firefighter, drives past in slow motion. It feels as though we have stepped into an idyllic Norman Rockwell painting. An overweight man is watering his lawn with a garden hose. Moments later, he collapses in pain. He lies helpless in the grass, the hose still in his hand. A toddler in the background and a small dog playing with the jet of water ensure that, despite the accident, the atmosphere retains that reassuring Rockwell-esque quality.
Then, the camera dives down into the grass and soil, and the frame is suddenly teeming with insects and black beetles. Close-ups make them look like monsters – a hidden underworld lurking beneath the idyllic surface. And a taste of the hell awaiting the protagonist, Jeffrey.
After his father (the man in the garden) suffers a spinal fracture, young Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) takes a leave of absence from college and returns to his hometown Lumberton, North Carolina, to visit his father in the hospital and help out with the family business.
On his way back from the hospital, he discovers a human ear in a vacant lot. He hands it over to Detective John Williams (George Dickerson), a police officer who lives in the neighborhood. The discovery piques Jeffrey's curiosity, and he begins to investigate on his own, aided by Sandy Williams (Laura Dern), the detective's daughter.
Through her, he is led to nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini). Shortly thereafter, he witnesses the psychopath Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper) raping Dorothy. Jeffrey learns that Frank has kidnapped Dorothy's husband and son and is holding them captive. The ear Jeffrey found belongs to Dorothy's husband ...
The story is rife with symbolism, Oedipal dynamics, sex, and violence – a nightmarish yin and yang of an idyllic surface and the underworld lurking beneath. The plot and its ambiguous imagery lend themselves to a multitude of interpretations, and one could spend hours attempting to decipher their possible meanings.
Kyle MacLachlan and Laura Dern turn in strong performances and are excellently cast, yet Isabella Rossellini, and even more so Dennis Hopper, completely dominate their scenes. Hopper portrays one of the most repulsive villains of 1980s cinema; the phrase "the man we love to hate" hardly does justice to his performance.
»Blue Velvet« is not currently available on streaming services. However, it is an essential addition to any well-curated film collection. Here's a preview:
https://youtu.be/k_BybDB_phY
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