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CURRENT NEWS

As the ongoing worldwide Coronavirus pandemic rages on, we here at Mihmiverse central continue to adapt to the "new normal" by keeping ourselves busy trying to come up with ideas on how to expand the 'verse!

First and foremost, the Mihm family is hard at work filming a NEW Phantom Lake Kids movie, "The Phantom Lake Kids in The Unseen Invasion!" Billed as the "quarantine movie," the abundance of free time (and a "captive" cast), writer/director Christopher R. Mihm and crew are ALREADY almost halfway done filming the new feature! For proof, check out the first still from the film below!


From what we can tell, the image shows Evelyn Johnson (Alice Mihm in a role which she originated in 2015's "Danny Johnson Saves the World") confronting something rather unsettling and...dare we say it...unseen! We can't wait until we see the finished film and find out what EXACTLY that might be!


With current events affecting not only the release of "The Phantom Lake Kids in The Beast Walks Among Us" (which was supposed to be released just days prior to publication of this newsletter), but several other events and Mihmiverse 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 Saint Euphoria 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!

Before Christopher R. Mihm became known as the writer and director of a series of loosely-connected 1950s-style B-movies, he was a professional computer programmer (and avid gamer). Like most of us, he's lately found himself with more downtime than normal. Not one to let spare time go to waste, he has officially embarked on a mission to fulfill another of his lifelong dreams: to make a "real" video game—specifically something retro-styled that would be just like the ones he grew up playing on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in the 1980s! AND, what better way to combine his two creative loves (the Mihmiverse and old-school gaming) than to create the very first Mihmiverse platform game!

This new game (which currently lacks an official title) 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!

As of right now, the game is still in the early stages of being built. However, Mr. Mihm has put together what he's calling a "proof of concept" video showing where the game is at, which you can check out below! Once you give it a watch, you'll agree that the game seems farther along than the "proof of concept" stage! Regardless, we here at the Mihmiverse Monthly are quite impressed and would love to take the game for a spin! Also...are those "spider frogs" attacking little Butch!?


According to the man creating it, we can expect to hear more about this project over the next few months, so stay tuned!

THE MONSTERS OF THE MIHMIVERSE PUZZLES HAVE ARRIVED!


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 have received our initial shipment and are ready to ship them out!

IMPORTANT! Because of the large number of pre-orders we received for this item, our inventory is ALREADY running low! If you would like to own one of these cool collectibles, we highly recommend ordering RIGHT NOW! Once we sell through this batch, there are absolutely NO guarantees we will EVER have any more made!

This item is currently ONLY available for U.S.-based customers. However, if you live outside of 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 laments his attempts at positivity, updates listeners on the status of "The Phantom Lake Kids in The Unseen Invasion," and discusses contributions by members of the greater Mihmiverse community!

Also included: "The Kansas City Crypt" with Monster Movie Kid Rich Chamberlain.

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 Shane Stone!

Introduce yourself to the Mihmiverse!
My name is Shane Stone. I'm originally from a really, really small town in Ohio, and have lived in the Philadelphia area for approximately 25 years now. I've been a monster movie fan for as long as I can remember. My dad worked second shift and would get home around 11pm. Every Friday night, he would let me stay up and watch the classics with host "Fritz The Night Owl." "Frankenstein" was a favorite! My mom would also rent them on 8mm (maybe 16mm?) from the library and play them on the living room wall. I still have the projector. I was a kid in the '70s, and my dad would take me to gimmicky movies like "Sssssss," the screening of which included a bunch of live snakes on display in the lobby. They gave out "survival kits" at the drive-in for "Slithis." I wish I still had that! All of those types of movies and movie-going experiences left a big impression on me.

When and how did you discover the films of Christopher R. Mihm?
I discovered the films of Christopher Mihm at BlobFest and they play straight to my heart. I was never much of a slasher fan and, after "Halloween," they all just kept remaking the same formula. The monsters are where it's at for me! I love Mr. Mihm's work because you can tell they come from a sincere person. Whether it be aliens, ghosts, giant bugs or monsters, he knocks it out of the park every time. Very original!

Tell us more about BlobFest!
BlobFest is an annual event celebrating 1958's monster movie masterpiece "The Blob" held in Phoenixville, PA at The Colonial Theatre—the ACTUAL THEATRE featured in the movie! It's a three-day weekend of good ol' monster movie Americana that's fun for all ages. I've been working with the event for 17 years (gasp!). In addition to playing the bumbling mad scientist, Dr. Frank N. Stone, I design the T-shirts, posters and other merchandise. I am also on the planning committee. We're the gang that comes up with the theme, movies and shenanigans each year.

2020 marks the 21st annual BlobFest. Every year, we strive to make sure even the youngest in attendance have a good time. We don't run gory/slasher films. Just "The Blob" (of course) and sci-fi/monster movies from the 1950s and '60s. The event includes a street fair with hot rods, rock-a-billy bands, monster artists, short films, contests, and much more! I'm personally a big fan of William Castle, so I try to work in a gimmick every year. We ran "The Tingler" and would sneak up on people and "buzz" their shoulder with hand massagers. Some years we hide a small version of The Blob under seats. When fans find it, they're ushered out to be "decontaminated."

Friday night is a vaudeville-style show that culminates in a re-enactment of the "theatre run-out" scene in the movie. We also try to include special celebrity guests who line up with the theme. We've had Ricou Browning ("Creature from the Black Lagoon"), Kyra Schon ("Night of the Living Dead"), Tom Savini, and the coolest by far: writer/director Christopher R. Mihm!

If you had to pick just ONE, which of the Mihmiverse films would be your favorite?
It's hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to it'd be "The Giant Spider." I loved all those "giant everything" movies back in the day, so it was great to see an homage to them. I was about to say something like "this one has something for everyone!" But, to be honest, all of Mr. Mihm's films DO! Super fun stuff!

Tell us how you, in particular, show your "Mihmiverse pride!"
I'm a walking advertisement for his stuff! I really need to get some gear, but you'll definitely hear me talking up his movies: "Ya gotta see this! You'll LOVE IT!" So far, I haven't been wrong. Also, as part of BlobFest, I advocate to invite Mr. Mihm as a special guest whenever possible. His stuff fits right into our event!

Where would you like to see the Mihmiverse go in the future?
HA! I'm really the wrong person to ask where to head in the future! I love all of the Mihmiverse stuff and, like I said earlier, it's hard to pick a favorite. I just know I tend to like wherever he takes us! When he's a guest at BlobFest, his films are always a hit. People really love them, and I'm glad I was there to be introduced to the Mihmiverse. Maybe we should all steer him towards the bank with our contributions so he can make some deposits more often! The guy deserves to be at the top!
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
Five Million Years to Earth (1957)
Directed by Roy Ward Baker
Starring Andrew Keir and Barbara Shelley

Known as "Quatermass and the Pit" in its native England, "Five Million Years to Earth" is actually the third theatrical release to feature Professor Bernard Quatermass, an English "hero scientist" character who has also appeared in many influential BBC serials. In this adventure, Professor Quatermass is called in after authorities find a strange metallic object in the London Underground. The object is believed to be an unexploded bomb—albeit one surrounded by unusual ape-like skeletons. Quatermass, along with the paleontologist assigned to the dig site and his assistant, look further into the unusual object, and uncover a long history of dark supernatural occurrences in the surrounding areas. As they delve ever deeper, they realize the object is extraterrestrial in origin, with a powerful and frightening telepathic force connected to it. Eventually, all hell breaks loose, and it's up to our trio of protagonists to save the world! Plain and simple, this film is excellent. It's tense, well plotted and paced, and masterfully executed. The story unfolds in such a way as to always keep you guessing, and the big reveal, though somewhat cheesy, is very memorable! Admittedly, some of the special effects are dated but, for a film made in 1967, it holds up very well. If you've never experienced a Quatermass film before, this is definitely a good one! Highly recommended.
— Christopher R. Mihm
THE TRIVIA CORNER
May Monkey Madness!

In the history of cheesy cinema, there have been dozens of horror and sci-fi films centered around gorillas and other scary hairy apes—many of them with titles that include the words "Kong" or "Planet of the..."

On the other hand, there are several lesser known films of the "primate genre," and that's what we're dealing with this month.

Below are 5 titles and 5 plot lines. You know the drill. Match 'em up and see if you're a Champ, Chimp, or Chump!

1. (1940) "The Ape"
2. (1944) "Nabonga"
3. (1944) "Crazy Knights"
4. (1945) "White Pongo"
5. (1954) "Gorilla at Large"

A. While looking for the remains of a downed airplane in the jungles of Africa, a treasure hunter (Buster Crabbe) finds the daughter of one of the deceased passengers—fully grown and protected by a gorilla.
B. Boris Karloff stars as a mad scientist who kills a circus gorilla, skins him, and then wears the skin to wander around town looking for a cure for polio.
C. Cameron Mitchell, Anne Bancroft and Perry Mason—I mean Raymond Burr—star in a tale of "murder by gorilla," or maybe by someone wearing a gorilla suit.
D. Goofballs, Ghosts and a Gorilla, all in a haunted house. Shemp Howard stars without any of the other Stooges.
E. Hunters and scientists, including a murder suspect and an undercover cop, join an African safari looking for a gorilla that might be the "missing link" between man and ape.
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-B, 2-A, 3-D, 4-E, 5-C

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