The world of DVD-r businesses continues to change...
One bids adieu: SuperHappyFun.
Another returns from the ashes: Shocking Videos.

Although SuperHappyFun's demise was less dramatically abrupt than Mark Johnston's "hey-what-the-hell-happened-to-Shocking-Videos?" departure, Mike White's superb taste in offbeat 'n' arthouse cinema will be sorely missed. On the positive side, I've been told that most of their old titles will be available from Not Available on DVD (www.notavailableondvd.com). Be forewarned though, their site is much harder to navigate than SHF's.

Shocking Video's sudden disappearance back in March 2008 was a shock to the system for many SC readers and cult-film fanatics. But less than five months after their vanishing act, Shocking Videos (www.revengeismydestiny.com) is back!

Of course, I'm extremely happy about their return, but not totally surprised. Because when you're basically a one-man operation, sometimes your personal life gets in the way. I certainly know how that feels. Back in June 1989, I abruptly shut down my cult-film newsletter SLIMETIME, due to a few minor personal problems (i.e. I was Xeroxing the 'zine at my workplace and was ratted out by an ex-roommate -- who had a serious drinking problem, was jealous about my newest girlfriend and, soon afterward, murdered his own boss with a shotgun). I mailed out a notice to all of my subscribers and fellow zine-sters, informing them that I was done. Finito. I'm outta here, folks! I was burnt out, bummed out, (briefly) out of a job, and frankly, I preferred spending that summer in bed with the aforementioned, extremely kinky girlfriend.

Only six months later, I realized how much I missed publishing, got my shit together and mailed out my first issue of SHOCK CINEMA. One reaction was: "First you totally give up on zines, then you suddenly publish a full-blown mag. Please make up your fuckin' mind!" When 'Real Life' occasionally tosses a big, ugly pothole in your way, some will turn around and head home, but others -- who truly love the path they're on -- will figure out some way to sidestep those pesky roadblocks and continue on...

Welcome back, Mark.