Matt Helm #1: Death of a Citizen by Donald Hamilton

As discussed in a recent video, I've decided to start reading and collecting Donald Hamilton's "Matt Helm" book series. Hamilton wrote 27 novels in the series (plus one more that was never published) between 1960 and 1993, all focused on the exploits of an American counter-espionage agent. The novels are written from first-person perspective, and allow us to get inside the head of our hardened hero...or anti-hero, as it may be. They were originally published by Fawcett Publications under the Gold Medal label. In this inaugural entry, we're digging into the very first Matt Helm novel, 1960's Death of a Citizen.

A Spy-tastic Surprise From Lee!

It's time for another unboxing video! IThis package comes to the channel courtesy of Lee! This one's for fans of spies, British television, and out of print DVDs!

DIY Cheap and Easy Media Shelves

In this video, we're building cheap and easy media shelves! These shelves are great for those who want to keep costs low and are looking for storage solutions for larger media collections. They maximize function and efficiency. These shelves are ideal for DVDs, Blu-rays, even books. the stronger the wood chosen for the project, the more durable the shelves will be. You could even paint them if you wanted a more polished look.

Baywatch Is Now on Amazon Prime Video!

"I'm always ready, I won't let you out of my sight!"

This is huge news for me. Believe it or not, I'm actually quite a fan of the show Baywatch. Reason number 1: David Hasselhoff, star of one of my all-time favorite shows, Knight Rider. Then there's the setting: every episode featured beautiful lifeguards placed against the backdrop of sun, sand, and the Pacific Ocean. I know Baywatch has been a punchline on Friends and I know that it deserves some of the jokes that have been thrown its way, but at the end of the day, Baywatch is not all that different from the American International Pictures "beach movies" that I love so much. No, it's not high art and it didn't have award winning scripts, but it was fun, and it ultimately had an uplifting message that I think we could use a little bit more of today. Plus, it featured quite a few stars, or actors that soon would be: Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, Nicole Eggert, Yasmine Bleeth, Mila Kunis, and some guy named Jason Momoa. The tone of the show is not entirely easy to replicate, as evidenced by my movie review of the 2017 feature film starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Zac Efron.

Thrift Store 13: Symmetry

In the most symmetrical thrift store video to date, we continue our excavation into the pop culture of the past by way of VHS tapes, records, and shiny discs for your ears and eyes! What gems will come to those who seek the forbidden knowledge of the past? All shall be revealed!

Secret Agent Matt Helm: Better Than Bond?!

Is Matt Helm the manliest fictional character ever created? First published between 1960 and 1993, author Donald Hamilton's protagonist is a secret agent who makes other tough guys look weak by comparison! In this video, we dig into the books themselves, the Dean Martin spin-off movies, and even compare Helm to James Bond! There's also the small matter of a yacht captain's hat.

Mego Update: Wave 4 and Wider Availability!

It's time for another Mego update! There are big things brewing in the world of 8 inch action figures, and we're going to cover it all. From wave 4 (and beyond), wholesale availability to retailers outside of Target, and even some cool new retro horror figures, there's a lot of developing in the Mego marketplace!

Elvis at a Crossroads: G.I. Blues and Flaming Star

1960 was a pivotal year in the career of Elvis Presley. Fresh out of the army after a two-year stint in the service, the 25-year-old immediately returned to the life he'd left behind, arguably an even bigger star than when he'd left.  That year saw the release of two studio albums, Elvis Is Back! and the gospel LP His Hand in Mine, both of which were hits. But Hollywood was also calling, and Elvis was eager to answer.

January Movie Collection Update (DVD and Blu-ray)

In this collection update, we cover a lot of ground! Anime, classic television, documentaries, Oscar winners, Elvis and Kubrick, and even an out-of-print steal of a deal, there's a lot of DVD and Blu-ray action packed into this video!

GB20 Teaser Trailer (Ghostbusters)

Just hours ago, Jason Reitman (the son of Ghostbusters-I-and-II director Ivan Reitman and an established filmmaker in his own right) quietly dropped this teaser trailer for a new Ghostbusters movie that he's directing. We don't know much, other than it will take place in the same timeline as the first two classic films and that it's being released summer of 2020. I have been very skeptical of Sony's attempt to resurrect this beloved eighties franchise, but I have to say this teaser trailer gave me goosebumps. The music, the lighting, even the font of the text just feels like Ghostbusters. What do you guys think? #GB20

C@M Gets Its Wings At the Southern Museum of Flight

Cereal At Midnight visits the Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham, Alabama for a look at aviation history! The museum serves as the home for 100 aircraft, not to mention all the other cool exhibits and pieces of history on display. Do you feel that? It's the need for speed! Grab your flight suit, because we're going into the danger zone!

C@M Patreon Announcement!

My friends, Cereal At Midnight is now on Patreon! There are many exciting things on the horizon, and your support will make them a reality! In this video, I explain about the four price tiers and the benefits/perks of each of them. You can view Cereal At Midnight on Patreon using the link below:

Cereal At Midnight Patreon

I appreciate you guys so much, and I can't ever say this enough: Cereal At Midnight would not exist without you.

Deal Alert: Genre Blu-rays At Hamilton Book!

It's time I let you guys in on a little secret of mine. There's an online media retailer called Hamilton Book (HamiltonBook.com) that I've been using for a while now to find incredible deals on some obscure releases. In addition to fantastic deals on books, they have started running some astonishingly-low prices on hard-to-find Blu-rays from the boutique labels such as Kino Lorber and Severin Films, and they even have discs from companies like Code Red and Scorpion Releasing that are reported as being out-of-print.

Opening A "Communal" Mystery Package From Eric M.

It's time for another mail call! This mystery package comes from Eric M., aka Kunider!  Thanks to Eric for this extremely-generous gift.

"Robin Hood Origins" DVD Review

With "Robin Hood Origins," Mill Creek Entertainment presents five classic Robin Hood films for the price of one.

Thrift Store 12: Superman and Spice Girls

This thrift store video has it all! Movies! Music! Comics! Even autographed merchandise?! This is a long, goofy trip through other people's junk, but there are treasures to be found.

Bubba Ho-Tep and the Cosmic Blood-Suckers #5 Non-Spoiler Review

The final issue of Bubba Ho-Tep and the Cosmic Blood-Suckers leaves us wanting more.

Happy Birthday, Elvis Presley

Happy Birthday to the Hillbilly Cat. All these years later, and still the King. Here's his version of "Polk Salad Annie" taken from the live concert film That's The Way It Is." Playful, powerful, in the best shape of his life, this is Elvis at the peak of his powers. This is Elvis the icon and legend.

Churros for Breakfast?!

New from the folks at General Mills, Cinnamon Toast Crunch CHURROS promises all the delightful cinnamon, sugar, and crunch of regular Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but with the added nonstop fun of a churro! In this video, we pour up a bowl and take these cylinders of cinnamon for a test drive!

Ga Ga for La La Land

 I am smitten by La La Land.

A Bewitching Box and a Battle Axe!

In this video, we open a package sent to the channel by our pal Eric Griggs! Many thanks to Eric for sending such a cool surprise our way and also to you for watching!

Favorite Blu-rays of 2018 (Collecting Physical Media)

In this video, we're looking back at some of the coolest Blu-rays of 2018! These physical media releases highlight just what a great year 2018 was for movie fans and collectors, and they have us very excited about the year to come!