Lair
Of The White Worm (1988) + Parents (1989/Vestron
Collector's Series/Lionsgate Blu-rays)
Picture:
B Sound: B Extras: B Films: B
Lair
of the White Worm
One
of the reasons that I'm a avid fan of the new Vestron Collector's
Series label from Lionsgate, is that it has introduced me to several
films that I hadn't seen since the VHS days of childhood - namely
Lair of the White Worm (1988) - a slightly dated, yet highly
bizarre film that I would suggest to fans of Vampire films and fans
of the 1977 Japanese film, House (which if you haven't seen
it, it is available from the Criterion Collection). Here's hoping
that this lost '80s gem will find a new audience now thanks to this
great new Blu-ray release.
James
D'Ampton (Grant) is from a family of wealth and returns to his
country castle in England. Legend has it that James' distant
ancestor destroyed a monstrous white dragon-like worm with that fed
on the blood and flesh of young virgins. The young Lord dismisses
the legend as folklore, until archaeology student, Angus Flint,
unearths a massive reptilian skull and the ancient worship site of a
pagan snake god on James' property. When James' virtuous girlfriend,
Eve (Oxenburg), encounters a crucifix sprayed with snake venom, acts
oddly and suddenly disappears. This leads a manhunt to not only find
her but to find out if all of these coincidences have a common
thread.
Though
it centers around half human/half snake people, the idea of vampirism
is a heavy theme throughout The Lair of the White Worm with
the creatures seducing their prey, biting them, and turning them into
one of their own. Directed by Ken Russell, the film stars Amanda
Donohoe (Liar Liar), Hugh Grant (in one of his early roles),
Catherine Oxenberg, Peter Capaldi, and Sammi Davis.
Presented
in sharp 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of
1.85:1 and remastered transfer the film looks magnificent on Blu-ray
disc, in some cases so well that it makes the primitive digital
effects look worse. This doesn't take away from the film's charm,
however, and an excellent audio track assists the image in lossless
DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) 2.0 Stereo that doesn't fail to deliver,
even for its age. All in all, the remastering job done here is most
impressive with a film of this age.
Special
Features:
Two
Audio Commentaries: Director Ken Russell, Lisi Russell, in
conversation with Film Historian Matthew Melia
'Worm
Food: The Effects of The Lair of the White Worm' featurette
'Cutting
for Ken' an Interview with Editor Peter Davies
'Mary,
Mary' an interview with Actress Sammi Davis
'Trailers
from Hell' featuring Producer Dan Ireland
Theatrical
Trailers
Still
Gallery
A
great film and a great disc - this is definitely one that horror fans
won't want to pass up.
Parents
Director
Bob Balaban's Parents (1989) is almost a modern day take on
Sweeney Todd that twists the formula a bit to tell the story
of a young boy whose parents just so happen to be cannibals and are
trying to feed him cooked human meat for every meal. At times
disgusting and other times hilarious, this '80s horror comedy is
always a fun film to watch on movie night and features Randy Quaid
and Mary Beth Hurt as two parents who will grow to fear. Upgraded to
his packed Vestron Collector's Series release, the film has never
looked or sounded better in decades and has some great extras that
fans certainly won't want to miss.
Michael
Laemie (Brian Madorsky) is a young boy living in a typical 1950's
suburbanite home... except for his bizarre and horrific nightmares,
and continued unease around his parents that make his life a living
hell. Cannibals to the core, his parents are trying to unknowingly
convert Michael to their new appetite to which he slowly starts to
catch on. When he tries convincing those around him of this, Michael
soon finds that he has to face the solution himself - to either give
in or become free of his threatening family by force.
Presented
in 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of 1.85:1,
the film looks crystal clear with impeccable detail on characters and
the disgusting meals that they serve. The DTS-HD MA (Master Audio)
lossless 2.0 Stereo mix restores the original stereo soundtrack to
better than original glory, making this a solid remastering of the
film all around.
Special
Features...
Audio
Commentary with Director Bob Balaban and Producer Bonnie Palef
Isolated
Score Selections/Audio Interview with Composer Jonathan Elias
Four
Featurettes:
Leftovers
To Be with Screenwriter Christopher Hawthorne
Mother's
Day with Actress Mary Beth Hurt
Inside
Out with Director of Photography Robin Vidgeon
Vintage
Tastes with Decorative Consultant Yolando Cuomo
Original
Theatrical Trailer
Radio
Spots
Still
Gallery
This
movie is really fun and definitely one you want to check out if you
haven't seen it.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
