Fantastic Fest 2008

Please note that tickets are available to the general public for the SPINE TINGLER/THE TINGLER double feature - just click on the "Buy Tickets" link below to attend even if you do not have a badge.

Brief Description:
William Castle’s masterpiece, an electrifying celebration of tactile horror that culminates in a shocking climax from which audience members may never recover.

Full Description:
Master showman William Castle is synonymous with gimmicks - the "fright break" to give scared patrons a chance to vacate the theater; Emergo aka "giant inflatable skeleton hovers over theatergoers"; the "Punishment Poll" to determine whether the villain lives or dies and many more. But his greatest accomplishment, and the ultimate barrier-breaker - short of actually murdering audience members - was Percepto, in which an electrical device embedded in the theater seats emits a small shock at the crucial point of the film. It's a genius idea, and it would probably work well even with a badly constructed horror movie but the Tingler is anything but. The way Castle, an excellent and intelligent filmmaker, builds the suspense through surprising plot twists and pinpoint timing is, well, electric. In the lead, as a blithely mad scientist plagued by a hussy wife, Vincent Price is just the ticket - bringing just the right mix of arched-eyebrow humor to the role without tipping the coffin over. This is a film that has been read about and discussed endlessly; some of you may have even seen it. But how many people have actually seen it in the miracle of Percepto? This year, wear rubber pants, and don't get too attached to any of the hair on your ass-cheeks - because we're going to hook up a generator, hire a non-union electrician to wire select seats, and watch the fireworks. We will require all audience members to sign a waiver to attend this show. (Lars Nilsen)

Special thanks to Brooks Coleman of The Robot Group for developing his special brand of percepto technology for this performance. Note, a block of seats to THE TINGLER will also be open to the general public. Seating will be limited, so if you are interested in attending, please book early. Castle enthusiasts should also check out SPINE TINGLER!: THE WILLIAM CASTLE STORY, the definitive documentary on the unparalleled American showman, screening at this years Fantastic Fest.