If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for other columns, OR if you're interested in writing one, please contact us at info@sainteuphoria.com and let us know what you think!
A MESSAGE TO THE MIHMIVERSE
It is with a collectively heavy heart that we enter the sixth month of 2020. The world continues to reel from the ongoing viral pandemic and, due to a truly egregious incident which recently took place in Minneapolis, we here at "Mihmiverse central" struggle with the state of our home (we are based in the Twin Cities, which consists of Minneapolis and St. Paul) and the world at large. A deep vein of mistrust, anger, disbelief, and true horror runs through each and every person who has witnessed the unspeakably horrific events of the last week. Confusion, resentment, fear, rage, and sadness consume us all as we struggle to make sense of the senseless.

Despite all of the madness and through the darkness, we MUST continue to believe that hope and right will prevail. Sadly, we human beings are stubborn and it often takes tragedy to shake us out of complacence. And, when it's a complacence to something so entrenched in our society, it sometimes takes a tragedy of this scale to wake us to realities we have ignored for too long.

No one deserves to die for a minor infraction of any law. No one deserves to die simply because another person decided to abuse the powers that society has granted them. At the end of the day, we are all deserving of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. George Floyd is a man who should still be alive today. As a result of his untimely and sickeningly tragic death, lessons need to finally be learned and real, systemic changes need to be made. It will be painful at times, but going back is not an option. We cannot go back. We will not go back. Though it will take time, as the old adage goes, "The wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine."

Finally, the Mihmiverse has always been and will continue to be about community. We may not all be the same, nor come from the same places, believe the same things, or share the same political views. We're a diverse group of folks who, through our mutual love of cheesy monster movies, have found common ground and, if we can do so over distractions as frivolous as moon zombies and giant spiders, with empathy and compassion, we can on far more important subjects.

In the end, whether any of us likes it or not, we are in this life together, and that togetherness only makes us stronger. Please, take care of each other. Fight hate and injustice wherever and whenever you can. Spread love and joy, and ultimately, be good. Be respectful. Listen. Learn. It's really not that hard. You just need to be willing to try.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
— Philippians 2:3-4
CURRENT NEWS
As the world remains in a holding pattern, writer/director Christopher R. Mihm and the cast and crew continue to film the Mihmiverse "quarantine movie," "The Phantom Lake Kids in The Unseen Invasion." Because of the ease of scheduling that comes when everyone involved in the movie lives under the same roof, principal photography is ALMOST DONE! AND, with everything going on in the world, creating the film has served as a welcome distraction for the young cast as they try to attempt to maintain a small semblance of something resembling normalcy. (At least, what qualifies as "normalcy" when you're spending your free time making a movie about an invisible alien invasion!)

As filming creeps ever closer to the end, Mr. Mihm has provided us with a cool behind-the-scenes still taken this past month during a rather exciting filming session! We're not sure what's happening in this image, but it looks like a lot of chaos and fun!


With current events affecting several Mihmiverse events and productions, times are tough for the Mihmiverse crew. As a result, with "The Phantom Lake Kids in The Unseen Invasion" currently in active production, we encourage you to contribute to the production to help "keep the lights on" at Mihmiverse central!

In this all new Phantom Lake Kids adventure, Danny Johnson, his sisters Alice and Evelyn, and their wacky friends Butch, Chip, and Billy Blue find themselves stuck in the Johnson house during a government-mandated worldwide quarantine. When most of them inexplicably disappear in a flash of light, then reappear moments later, it becomes exceedingly clear this is no ordinary event! However, when Alice (Elizabeth Kaiser returning to a role she hasn't played since the character was introduced in 2009's "Terror from Beneath the Earth") doesn't return, the rest must meticulously (and hilariously) unravel the mystery behind her disappearance and the invisible forces behind it! Could it be...aliens?

For each $20.00 donation, all contributors will be entitled to having a single name* of their choosing listed in the contributors section of the closing credits of the film and a customized, frame-able document certifying their contribution! Copies of the film and/or world premiere tickets may be pre-ordered as "add-ons" with the purchase of at least one credit.

IMPORTANT! Unlike previous Mihmiverse films, physical media copies of the finished film are NOT automatically included with a basic contribution. If you would like to receive a DVD or Blu-Ray of the film when it is released, you MUST order them separately!

Credits can even be given as gifts! Imagine the looks on the faces of your loved ones when they find out their names will be immortalized on the silver screen!

 
"The Phantom Lake Kids in The Unseen Invasion"
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR CREDITS
NUMBER OF CREDITS
*ON-SCREEN CREDIT(S)
Separate credits by commas, & or "and." 
DVDS (+$10 each)
BLU-RAYS (+$20 each)
WORLD PREMIERE TICKETS (+$10 each)
Is your mailing address outside of the U.S.?
(All non-U.S. mailing addresses will be charged a shipping premium for physical media.)

EXCLUSIVE CREDITS!

NOTE: If you purchase one of the following credits, writer/director Christopher R. Mihm will contact you shortly after to discuss your purchase!

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER — $500
Associate producers will earn IMBb and on-screen credits and will be allowed certain privileges of producership, including free, exclusive merchandise and other perks (TBD).
 
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER — $1000
Executive producers will earn IMBb and on-screen credits and will be allowed certain privileges of producership, including free, exclusive merchandise, set visits, and other perks (TBD).

*A single credit is defined as the name of one (1) person or corporate entity. Any credit requiring the word "and," an ampersand (&), and/or a comma (except when part of a legal company name) will constitute multiple credits and MUST BE paid for separately.

NOTE: The contributor program is an "equal exchange" program, which means specifically that those participating have NO SAY in the decisions or actions taken by anyone involved in the actual production of the film and are NOT entitled to ANY possible future profits earned by the film, derivative works, and/or merchandise created for or featuring elements from the film. Becoming an contributor does not entitle the participant to ANY ownership WHATSOEVER of the finished film or associated elements.
 

RETRO-STYLED MONSTER MOVIES MEET RETRO-STYLED VIDEO GAMES!

As announced in last month's issue of the Mihmiverse Monthly, writer/director Christopher R. Mihm persists in attempting to fulfill another of his lifelong dreams: to make a "real" video game—specifically a retro-styled one that combines his two creative loves: the Mihmiverse and old-school gaming!

This new game, tentatively entitled "Butch vs. Evil," is being designed and created solely by Mr. Mihm and will not only pay homage to three of the biggest and most well-known Nintendo franchises in history ("Super Mario Bros.," "Metroid," and "Mega Man"), but will take the character of Butch (originally introduced in "Danny Johnson Saves the World" and played by Mr. Mihm's youngest son, David) and send him through dozens of Mihmiverse-inspired levels of hardcore platforming action! Players can expect extreme, "wanna-throw-your-controller-at-the-TV" difficulty, collectible "Mihm Coins," Mihmiverse-inspired baddies, and boss battles with some of the most iconic monsters this side of Phantom Lake County!

Still early in the development phase, the game is progressing by leaps and bounds, with overall aesthetics and gameplay mechanics being refined with every passing day! As proof, we present the following video captured while testing one of the newly designed levels modeled after one of the most popular Mihmiverse films, 2011's "Attack of the Moon Zombies!" If you look closely, you'll even notice a nod to the moon zombie hand motions seen in the film!


As the project evolves, we promise to provide you with all details as they emerge! Stay tuned!

THE MONSTERS OF THE MIHMIVERSE PUZZLES ARE ALMOST GONE!

Now's your chance to own one of the first-ever Mihmiverse jigsaw puzzles!

This high-quality, 24" x 18" 500-piece puzzle features the official Monsters of the Mihmiverse promo photo and are available in EXTREMELY limited quantities!

We still have a handful in stock, but they are proving to be QUITE POPULAR and our inventory is quickly running out! If you would like to own one of these cool collectibles, we highly recommend ordering RIGHT NOW! Once we sell through this batch, we have absolutely NO plans to make more!

This item is currently available ONLY for U.S.-based customers. However, if you live outside the United States and would like to obtain one of these puzzles, please contact us through the contact page at SaintEuphoria.com to discuss your options!

Monsters of the Mihmiverse 500-Piece Puzzle
$29.99 (+$9.99 shipping & handling!)
 

PRE-ORDER "THE BEAST WALKS AMONG US" TODAY!

When a local man is suspected of having been transformed into a hideous monster, it's up to a scrappy gang of local kids (Danny & Evelyn Johnson, Butch, Chip, and their friend Billy Blue) to uncover the truth and save Phantom Lake County—and everyone in it—from certain doom in writer/director Christopher R. Mihm's tribute to the creature-features of the 1950s, the history of the Mihmiverse, and "Scooby Doo!"

The disc contains a high quality digital transfer of the film and several exclusive special features, including a blooper reel, two photo galleries, feature-length commentary with writer/director Christopher R. Mihm, English subtitles, Esperanto audio & subtitles and much more!

Feature Run Time: 1 hour, 19 minutes. Black & White, Widescreen, NOT RATED.

IMPORTANT! This item is pre-order only. All orders will ship on or around the premiere date!

$9.99 (DVD) / $19.99 (Blu-Ray)
(+$3.99 shipping & handling)
format: 

Check here if the shipping address is outside of the U.S.
Check here to include writer/director Christopher R. Mihm's autograph
NOTE: Autographs require removal of a disc's protective plastic wrap.
By selecting this option, you agree to allow us to do this!

MONSTERS RULE...AND ALSO DROOL!

You can now own a copy of the newly-commissioned, official Mihmiverse promotional photo taken by Christi Jean Williams (Mrs. Davis in "Queen of Snakes") of Grinkie Photography!


Every 8x10 photo will personally be signed by writer/director Christopher R. Mihm! Order NOW!

Signed Mihmiverse Monsters 8" x 10" Photo
$9.99 (FREE shipping & handling!)
STREAM THE MIHMIVERSE!
In addition to many of the films of writer/director Christopher R. Mihm available on Amazon Prime, there are now OTHER options to stream the Mihmiverse!

First, the Mihmiverse catalog (INCLUDING "The Monster of Phantom Lake: The Musical!") is now being offered for on-demand streaming and digital download at Vimeo! Every film accessible through the Mihmiverse Vimeo page is of the highest quality transfer available to both rent and/or own! PLUS, every movie you purchase includes a blooper reel!



Second, the Mihmiverse now has its own Roku channel: Drive-in Monsters!

Drive-in Monsters is the place to find all the films of writer/director Christopher R. Mihm AND a curated collection of special features! We plan to add some really cool, exclusive content over time, so we encourage you to add the channel to your Roku lineup. To find the Drive-in Monsters channel, simply search for it through your Roku service!

To make sure we never have to charge a premium for the channel, we are currently collecting subscribers and star ratings so we can convert the channel to "advertiser-supported" (as opposed to a subscriber-based service). The more stars and ratings we receive, the better we are able to approach higher quality advertisers. The higher the "quality" of our advertisers, the more money the channel earns. The more money the channel earns, the more Mihmiverse content we make! It's a win-win for everyone!

SO, make sure that once you've installed the channel, you GIVE IT A STAR RATING—the higher the better! Then, be sure to tell everyone you know to install the channel and do the same! With your help, we'll be able to continue to bring you the best Mihmiverse-related content for years to come!


Lastly and most sadly, the films of Christopher R. Mihm are slowly being removed from Amazon Prime. The company has taken an openly "hostile stance" toward independent films on its service. Films of a particularly lower-budget stripe are continuing to be pulled in an attempt by the company to "clean up" its movie selection.

Recently "It Came From Another World!" joined "Destination: Outer Space" in being inexplicably pulled from the service. Unfortunately, now that they've been removed, neither can be resubmitted and will NEVER be reconsidered by the service. There continues to be no explanation beyond vague boilerplate language about "customer quality standards."

So, unfortunately, it appears the Mihmiverse's days on Amazon Prime are numbered. As such, we encourage you to enjoy them through their service while they last. Just make sure if you START a movie, FINISH it! We've learned that can be a factor in the removal of films because the implication is that if a movie is started but not completed, it may not be of sufficient "quality" to be on its service!

Once you've finished watching something, give it a star rating...but only if your star rating is AT LEAST three. Anything below three stars negatively affects the film and potentially drags it toward the "removal threshold." If you feel so inclined, give it a review, but be honest! Tell the world what you think and maybe even let others know that there are MORE Mihmiverse films available to watch on the service! THEN, encourage everyone you know to do the same! The more streaming minutes the 'verse gets, the longer the films will remain—so feel free to view (and rate!) what's left of the collection!

Thank you for your help!
THE MIHMIVERSE MONTHLY AUDIOCAST
The latest episode of the Mihmiverse Monthly Audiocast has arrived!

This month, host writer/director Christopher R. Mihm has a few things to say. Be advised that foul language is used. Extensively. You have been warned.

To download an .mp3 of the audiocast, click HERE, visit archive.org where the file is stored or download it free from Apple Podcasts!

Otherwise, if you'd like to listen to the episode right from this browser window, click the play button on the player below!

The Mihmiverse Monthly Audiocast is hosted by writer/director Christopher R. Mihm and is focused specifically on what's going on RIGHT NOW in the Mihmiverse. In addition, Mr. Mihm will discuss the monster movie-making process, touch briefly on the future of the 'verse, pontificate on random subjects, and be joined by guests from within and without the Mihmiverse. PLUS, each episode will include something unique you won't find anywhere else!

MIHMIVERSE FAN FOCUS
Welcome to the Mihmiverse Monthly feature where we talk to YOU, the fans! Every month, we choose a random Mihmivite and ask them a few Mihmiverse-related questions in an attempt to get to know them better and find out what they REALLY think about the films of Christopher R. Mihm!

This month, we interview Brandis Martin!

Introduce yourself to the Mihmiverse!
Greetings to all in the Mihmiverse!!! I..Steve...ahem...My name is Brandis Martin and I am an Intake Specialist for a local mental health facility. I work a pretty hectic schedule, and so does my husband, Mark, whom works in IT, but we keep each other pretty grounded by laughing as much as we can, trying to stay sane and safe during this pandemic and watching lots of fun movies. That's where the Mihmiverse comes in...

When and how did you discover the films of Christopher R. Mihm?
We were at Cinema Wasteland in Strongsville, Ohio a few years back when "Weresquito: Nazi Hunter" caught my eye. The title was wild. I bought it immediately. When we got home, I showed it to my husband and, looking at the box, he said, "Holy crap! This is a Christopher R. Mihm movie!" I looked puzzled and he got the happiest look on his face. Then out came the DVD case for "The Giant Spider!" The rest is history. I've been a Mihmiverse fan ever since.

If you had to pick just ONE, which of the Mihmiverse films would be your favorite?
I love all of the Mihmiverse movies for different reasons from the sci-fi, to the spaghetti western and original horror. I also love all of the different references and homages that, unless you've lived it, seen it, or know it, you wouldn't get it—yet it's so subtle. I love that so much! The thing I love most is that Mr. Mihm involves his entire family in his projects. He's making art, yet still getting to spend time and make memories with his family. That just makes my heart happy and at and, at a time like this, we need happy!

If I have to pick just one movie, I have to go with "Danny Johnson Saves the World." The first time Mark and I saw it we were dying laughing. It was just so much fun and, even after multiple viewings, it has staying power. I laugh even harder because I know it's coming. And Steve just kills me! I love him to pieces!

Tell us how you, in particular, show your "Mihmiverse pride!"
I have the Mihmiverse calendar, which I love and display with pride at work. During movie nights, we try to make as many new Mihmiverse converts as we can along the way. Also, we recently took some new "family photos." Bams, the cat, was a little reluctant getting close to our new family member, but I'm sure she'll get used to him.

Where would you like to see the Mihmiverse go in the future?
I would say as long you keep doing what you're doing and making movies that would be the absolute beans of coolness!!!
Want to be interviewed for a future edition of the Mihmiverse Fan Focus? Send an email to info@sainteuphoria.com and let us know! Maybe next month the subject will be YOU!
CLASSIC MOVIE OF THE MONTH
The Monster of Piedras Blancas (1959)
Directed by Irvin Berwick, starring Les Tremayne, Forrest Lewis and Jeanne Carmen

Something murderous is wandering the streets of the sleepy port town of Piedras Blancas and, judging by the title, it's a monster! At first, the local lighthouse owner attempts to keep the beast confined to its seaside cave by offering scraps of meat and food, but eventually the prehistoric beast craves something more substantial—HUMAN FLESH! This leads the title creature to start making trips into town to snack on the locals and generally create a panic. The film includes a half-hearted attempt at a love story involving the lighthouse keeper's somewhat estranged daughter (played by Jeanne Carmen in her only lead role) and the young actor best known as the swinging, singing lead in the 1959 film "The Giant Gila Monster," but it's ultimately pointless fluff. The creature costume was made up of a bunch of "leftovers" from other late-1950s B-movies, including the Metaluna Mutant's feet from 1955's "This Island Earth" and the title creatures' hands from 1956's "The Mole People." Surprisingly, the hodge-podge monster actually works and strikes an altogether unique profile! The story is more-or-less predictable, and the film itself is paced, acted, and directed like so many "cheapies" of the 1950s, but "The Monster of Piedras Blancas" stands out for both its effective use of its location AND its blatant and graphic depictions of violence—something many movies of the era usually avoided. Like so many films of the time, it takes a while to get going, but once it hits its stride, the film's exciting conclusion makes it all worthwhile! Highly recommended!
— Christopher R. Mihm
THE TRIVIA CORNER
Big Top Terror!

This month, we go to the circus for some Cheese on a Stick!

Below are 5 horror films that take place in or around a circus and 5 plot descriptions.

Your mission is to make 'em match, so step right up...and go for the juggler!

1. "Freaks" (1932)
2. "Circus of Horrors" (1960)
3. "She Freak" (1967)
4. "Berserk!" (1967)
5. "Vampire Circus" (1972)

A. In post-war 1947, a plastic surgeon buys a circus and turns his war-scarred female freaks into beautiful women. But when any of them try to leave the Big Top, they end up dead.
B. A waitress quits her job at the diner and joins a carnival. She quickly discovers she hates the sideshow performers, but they hate her even more. Things get gruesome.
C. (This one is even creepier right now.) In the middle of a pandemic, a mysterious circus visits a quarantined village, and children start to disappear.
D. A circus owner and ringmaster will stop at nothing to make a profit, and the bodies start piling up. Joan Crawford stars.
E. A beautiful trapeze artist agrees to marry a sideshow performer, but it gets ugly when the other performers suspect she's out for his inheritance.
Scroll to the bottom of the Mihmiverse Monthly for the answers.
— Mike Cook
THE MONSTER OF PHANTOM LAKE: THE MUSICAL!
Did you know that "The Monster of Phantom Lake: The Musical!" is now available to be performed by schools and theatre companies nationwide?!

We offer carefully prepared materials of similar (or higher) quality than what you would receive from one of the big Broadway theatrical licensing companies. However, our independent licensing model allows us offer individualized service catered to your organization. When you decide to license a show with us, the success of your production becomes our number-one priority! Heck, the authors might even fly out to see one of your shows!

Production packages include scripts, orchestra books, and conductor/accompanist scores (condensed and full score options), all professionally printed in a beautiful and clean format. We even include rehearsal backing tracks that fully match the music printed in the libretto and on the cast recording CD! This is a great option for productions where using a live orchestra isn't possible, for "black box" style theaters, or when your group doesn't have a rehearsal accompanist regularly available.

We also include free logos for use in your advertising materials, and we can offer personalized graphic design as well as transpositions of vocal and orchestra parts on demand. Visit monsterofphantomlake.com to hear songs from the show, learn more about the script, and request a quote, perusal script, or license agreement.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mihmiverse DVDs & Blu-Rays are now available at SaintEuphoria.com, the online home of the films of Christopher R. Mihm. In addition, exclusive movie posters, collectibles, and other merchandise are now in stock. Everything is available in extremely limited quantities, so get yours today before they run out!
The Trivia Corner answers: 1-E, 2-A, 3-B, 4-D, 5-C

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