Bookworm Wednesday - Terror on Tape (1994)

While perusing the entertainment book section at Barnes & Noble circa 1999, I chanced upon a book which would become my "go to" book over the years when referencing most horror movies. I wasn't searching for anything in particular that day which I'm glad of or else my sights would have been on something else and I may have missed out on this amazing guide to countless horror videos. The book - Terror on Tape. Its title completes with the description "A Complete Guide to Over 2,000 Horror Movies on Video".

As you can see here, my copy has a curled, peeling tail and is pretty...used.

Over 2,000 titles, conveniently in alphabetical order for easy reference if you're in dire need of a quick search. Like most guide books, this one comes complete with its own star rating system; four stars are the most, colored-in stars indicate a full star, and outlines of stars indicate a half star. Basically, the ratings go in this order: excellent, very good, good, average, fair, poor, very poor, and the worst. You can do the math from there. 

As for the content itself, it is pretty much opinion-based and often inflated, but the reviews are useful and entertaining just the same, and you'll find yourself valuing what is being stated whether you agree or not. The book is impressive not only in that aspect but also, there are shadow boxes which appear throughout with information and filmography notes on scream queens, movie directors, leading and character actors, and legendary horror icons who do it all in the industry. I'll share some images from the book below and maybe you can spot the shadow boxes as well as selected images from movies featured in the book. The reviews are not too long and not too short, very informative, and there is also information on alternate titles and certain cuts which were released through certain companies and distributors. 

 Seen here, text from the book and an image from Alfred Hitchcock's Frenzy 

 Dr. Terror's House of Horrors getting some rare love. I have stars drawn near movies that I own but I stopped doing this almost ten years ago so I have some updating to do, ha!

 If you notice, on the side of the pages there is much wear and tear. Like I said, this was, is, and will always be one of my absolute favorite books to read

Those said shadow boxes can be seen here in this pic as well as more dirty finger smudges on the fore edge. 

As I previously stated, there are times where the opinions are thick but they're not overpowering and annoying. Actually, some of the reviews you may find you wish were a little longer, but I think the book is pretty perfect the way it is. Keep in mind, these films are ones which were released on video cassette tape (hence the name of the book). You will find some TV movies in here such as Bad Ronald, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, Don't Go to Sleep, How Awful About Allan, and many more, but again, these were titles which were eventually released on video so this is why they make the cut. Of course you can imagine the range of movies covered in this book is pretty incredible. Put into consideration that this guide spans over 75 years of movies which were committed to a video cartridge - then dive into this book with the intent on learning and having some fun. You have mainstream horrors such as Silence of the Lambs, Misery, and of course the Universal Monsters catalog, to sleazy, low-budget exploitation fare such as I Dismember Mama, Bloodsucking Freaks, and Nightmare City. I can't go on listing movies because there's simply too many. Over 2,000, remember?! So if you are in need of a book that serves as a bible/dictionary then pick this one up. It may not be the definitive book, but it certainly holds a special place on my book shelf. 

Easy to find on Amazon, new and used. BUY THE DAMN THING!