Depending on who you talk to, Criterion is either the king of making DVDs for important/notable films from around the world, or just another overrated hype machine. Personally, I think it all depends on what they can do with what they’re given. The stuff they did for VIDEODROME was awesome, right down to the packaging (the cover art for the DVD case a VHS cassette tape? Brilliant!). The stuff for ROBOCOP? Not as good, but considering MGM hasn’t been too kind to the series in general, it’s a wonder that we got the Verhoeven’s cut on the DVD intact.
Today, Fangoria got the word from Criterion that 1970’s EQUINOX will get a 2-disc treatment in June. For those unfamiliar with the Jack Woods-directed film, the film was originally a project by future Oscar-winning FX artist Dennis Muren and a group of young collaborators (including stop-motion wiz David Allen), and was eventually expanded into a feature by producer Jack H. Harris (THE BLOB, THE BLOB ’88 and the upcoming remake) and director Woods. The story, which some have cited as an inspiration for THE EVIL DEAD, follows a group of youths who discover an occult book in a California forest and accidentally unleash demonic creatures into our world.
You want extras? Here ya go:
- Includes both the theatrical cut (EQUINOX) and the never-before-seen original cut, THE EQUINOX: A JOURNEY INTO THE SUPERNATURAL
- presented in restored 1.33:1 transfer for both versions
- Audio commentaries by the makers of each version, including Woods and Muren
- New video interviews with Muren and cast members
- Deleted scenes, outtakes and animation tests
- Short films by EQUINOX’s creators: ZORGON: THE H-BOMB BEAST FROM HELL and THE MAGIC TREASURE
- Allen’s acclaimed KING KONG Volkswagen commercial
- Gallery of rare stills and promotional material
- Trailer and radio spots
- Video introduction by Forrest J Ackerman
- Booklet featuring tributes from George lucas and Ray Harryhausen and a new essay by Brock DeShane
Yeah, I think this qualifies as Criterion-level. Retail is $39.95
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