Dubbed “The Ed Wood of the 21st Century”, Des Plaines, Illinois based former marine and Golden Gloves boxer turned gonzo filmmaker David “The Rock” Nelson has been churning out his bizarre and mesmerizing brand of backyard monster movies for over 30 years. Often playing multiple onscreen roles simultaneously while utilizing local friends, his parents, and his girlfriend Janet Okulanis as his co-stars, “The Rock” has amassed a robust SOV filmography and persevered undaunted in the face nonexistent funds, unfavorable reviews, and outdated video equipment. Nelson’s work represents a singular viewing experience like no other: landing somewhere between the earnest monster romps of Paul Naschy and the eccentric video diaries of George Kuchar; where the filmmakers’ real life day to day activities and interactions sometimes outweigh the forwarding of the narrative. Equipped with dime store rubber fright masks and his camcorder, David “The Rock” Nelson has unapologetically crafted a legacy that remains an inspirational testament to the spirit of fulfilling your cinematic dreams at any cost.
In 1994, the same year that Tim Burton unleashed his Academy Award winning Ed Wood biopic, underground filmmaker David “The Rock” Nelson traveled to Baltimore to direct one of Wood’s chief collaborators Conrad Brooks (Plan 9 from Outer Space, Glen or Glenda, The Sinister Urge) in a backyard epic for the ages. When the local graveyard’s mild-mannered caretaker (Nelson) transforms into a werewolf in broad daylight, it’s up to Conrad and his real life, geriatric brothers Henry & Ted Brooks to vanquish the beast using plastic uzis, fisticuffs, and a Hyundai Excel! Saturn’s Core is proud to present its first (of several) David “The Rock” Nelson collections highlighting the ‘90s fanzine staple Conrad Brooks vs. Werewolf accompanied by Son of Werewolf & Adventures of Janet (two additional brain-smashing, monstercentric shorts hand picked by The Rock), a 28-page booklet, and nearly 4 stinkin’ hours of Rock related special features!
directed by: David "The Rock" Nelson
starring: David "The Rock" Nelson, Conrad Brooks, Janet Okulanis, Ted Brooks, Henry Bederski, Greg Ozimek
1993, 1994 / 81 min / 1.33:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0
Additional info:
- Region Free Blu-ray
- Conrad Brooks vs. Werewolf (1994) feature with optional 44 minute intro by director David “The Rock” Nelson!
- “Son of Werewolf” short (1993)
- “Adventures of Janet” short (1993)
- “The Brooks Brothers” -vintage 1994 documentary featuring David “The Rock” Nelson interviewing brothers Ted, Henry, & Conrad Brooks
- “Conrad Brooks vs. Werewolf” bloopers & outtakes (42 min.)
- “The Brooks Family” -behind the scenes at Conrad’s family ranch in Hagerstown, MD
- “The Rock: Ed Wood of the 21st Century” -2010 documentary directed by Strephon Taylor (66 min.)
- “Pumpkinman Lives” -2023 sequel to the David “The Rock” Nelson classic directed by Brewce Longo
- TV news clip
- “The Deadbeat Drive-In” ad
- Trailers
- English SDH subtitles
- “Strange Tapes: The Rock edition”
- 28 page mini-issue compiled by Strange Tapes editor Scott Miller featuring writing by authors Joe Ziemba (Bleeding Skull), Vincent Albarano (Aesthetic Deviations), Richard Mogg (Analog Nightmares), & Taylor Heider (Mondo Videos); plus legendary filmmaker Fred Olen Ray (Evil Toons, Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers) & WGN-TV news anchor Larry Potash!
