Oct 26 2008
Horror on Cable!
Less than a week to go. We will be finished covering our list of atmospheric movies and compilations for our Halloween marathon over the course of the week. But now, me must begin to assess the state of horror television as it currently exists…..
There was once a time where a horror fan would have to wait for a specific time of the week (or even read through the television listings guide) in order to catch their favorite movie. No VCRs, no DVD players, no video-on-demand, no streaming movies via Internet…..and NO HORROR CHANNELS.
In an era where all of these modern-day conveniences (all that were pretty much science fiction ideas in-and-of themselves) are all around us, horror fans are always clamoring for more. When we’re not getting the latest news on the web about the newest DVD releases, focusing on becoming the highest-bidder on that rare VHS version of Frankenstein ‘80 (or elusive Japanese LaserDisc set The Encyclopedia of Horror) or even watching a clip of George Romero or John Carpenter in an interview at some horror convention, we’ll be either watching a horror/science fiction movie on DVD or trying to get our fix with television.
What is a fan to do when they want 24 hours of horror, seven days a week? Let us explore the players in the field of channels that specialize in horror.
Depending on where you live, what cable/satellite/fiber-optic carrier you use or what opportunities you have to use the web, there are several outlets for 24-hour horror/science fiction. Sci-Fi Channel, Chiller, Monsters HD, FearNET, Zone Horror, Scream, ThrillerMax, OuterMax, Showtime Beyond, The Horror Channel…..there are many choices, but which ones stand out from their competition?
Next (in a series exploring the state of horror on television): Monsters HD
