338 Equinox

[Narshty]

Slightly more detailed specs are now reappearing on Criterion's site.

- New, restored high-definition digital transfers
- Two audio commentaries: writer-director Jack Woods and producer Jack H. Harris on the 1970 release, and effects photographer–producer–director Dennis Muren, writer-codirector Mark Thomas McGee, and matte artist–cel animator–effects technician Jim Danforth on the 1967 version
- Video introduction by Forrest J. Ackerman
- Interviews with Muren and actors Frank Bonner, Barbara Hewitt, and James Duron
- Deleted scenes and outtakes from the 1967 version
- Archival stop-motion test footage
- The Magic Treasure, a rare animated fairy tale by David Allen
- Acclaimed “Kongâ€

[cafeman]

The specs make it sound like one of the best Criterion packages in recent memory. I might get it just for all the wealth.

[keeproductions]

Interviews with Muren and actors Frank Bonner, Barbara Hewitt, and James Duron

Frank Bonner? FRANK BONNER??? WKRP's Herb Tarlek? Now THAT's a Criterion Coup.

Sarcasm aside, I am VERY excited for this release...

[Faux Hulot]

Slightly more detailed specs are now reappearing on Criterion's site.

"Slightly" is definitely the operative word in the "about the transfer" section:

These new high-definition digital transfers were created on a XXX from a XXX struck from the XXX.

The heart quickens!

Seriously, when I first saw the cover art I figured it was from another fakery thread, and thought "Damn... wish that was a real release!" The fact this it's not a joke makes this middle-aged one-time Cinemagic reader downright giddy.

[Nihonophile]

Where did the listing for the complete original version of the film go?

[Narshty]

I've just noticed something from the original pre-revision transfer info.

This new high-definition digital transfer of Equinox was created on a Spirit Datacine from a 35mm color negative and a 35mm optical track negative from the Academy-restored original 16mm blow-up of the film.

So, the people responsible for the Oscars picked this movie for a full-blown restoration and preservation? Gold stars all round for those concerned!

[keeproductions]

So, the people responsible for the Oscars picked this movie for a full-blown restoration and preservation? Gold stars all round for those concerned!

Well, with Frank Bonner involved how could they ignore it any longer!

[ByMarkClark.com]

>>Frank Bonner? FRANK BONNER??? <<

Yep, Frank Bonner. You'll never look at Herb Tarlek the same way again.

And here's another shocker: The DP on EQUINOX was none other than Ed Begley Jr.!

[Mr Pixies]

from Video Hound's Cult Flicks and Trash Pics;

"Threadbare but surprisingly influential 16mm. feature in which young archaeologists uncover horrors in a state forest, the result of a scientist (famed author Fritz Leiber in a wordless cameo) experimenting with an ancient book of spells. Protagonists are threatened by low-budget but nicely realized visual effects, including winged beasts, simian giants, and Satan. Names behind the scenes of this amateur film have gone on to Hollywood prominence, like f/x artists Dennis Muren (who produced) and David Allen, and assistant-cameraman-turned actor Ed Begley Jr. Sitcom fans will of course notice WKRP in Cincinnati- regular Frank Bonner amidst the performers. Despite obvious flaws, it is deemed a minor classic; impressive in its way but ragged enough to tell Hollywood aspirants, "This is cool-but you can do better!" The Hound can well imagine Sam Raimi watching Equinox before embarking upon Evil Dead. Also on tape as the Beast. "
"2 1/2 out of 4"

[Schkura]

Thanks to my newfound and inexplicable affinity for YouTube, I ran across this this morning. So... the evil forces of hell on earth can be held at bay by a dreamcatcher?

Skyrockets soar towards outer space, imagine yourself in an infinite place.

[gubbelsj]

What a great trailer. This movie looks fantastic, if cult sci-fi's your thing. The only way Criterion could improve upon this release would be to add a third commentary track by Mike Nelson, Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot.

[Narshty]

"A story that DEFIES LOGIC!"

Wonderful - my anticipation couldn't be higher.

[portnoy]

honestly, how could someone not be psyched about this release after reading those specs and seeing that trailer

oh wait NOT MIZOGUCHI/OZU/NARUSE

[cdnchris]

I'm already in line!

[djali999]

having seen the movie, that's a pretty good sample of it. utter nonsense, but I can't wait to wallow in it utterly without regard to Misters Mizoguchi, Naruse, or even Ozu. I hope the transfer is better than I expect, even from Criterion. After Arkadin this is #1 on my hit list this year so far.

[Fletch F. Fletch]

"A story that DEFIES LOGIC!"

Wonderful - my anticipation couldn't be higher.

Don't forget, "In Supernatural Color"! YES!

[Donald Trampoline]

The trailer is 10,000 times better than the piece-of-crap movie.

[oldsheperd]

Those Volkwagon Squarebacks are nice.

[Dylan]

God, what a hilarious trailer. If you love that get a case of beer ready when you get around to the Harris version because there's a lot more where it came from (the Harris version is where all of the bad camp is: the dreamcatcher, the ring, everything that doesn't make any sense to whatever story is going on).

Stay sober for Muren's version though, it's better and far more comprehensible.

[daniel p]

The trailer is 10,000 times better than the piece-of-crap movie.

I'm now on the fence, in regards to blind-buying this one. After reading through these messages, and watching the trailer, I have half an interest, but posts like this that make me think twice.

[Nihonophile]

having seen the movie, that's a pretty good sample of it. utter nonsense, but I can't wait to wallow in it utterly without regard to Misters Mizoguchi, Naruse, or even Ozu. I hope the transfer is better than I expect, even from Criterion. After Arkadin this is #1 on my hit list this year so far.

Djali you should consider redirecting your regard toward masters Mizoguchi, Naruse, and especially Ozu. Speaking as the Nihonophile, I must remind you that Ozu is more important because as old white guys often state, he is the most Japanese of all directors. More Japanese means more deserving of a Criterion. Also, lets not forget that noted scholar of all things japanese, Whim Whenders will be included on Criterion's next Ozu release. I thought I would remind you of this since you seem lost in the world of Equinox and forgetful of Japanese cinema.

[pemmican]

Yeah, I dunno about buying this. I remember enjoying it at age 15, when I was a regular FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND reader -- though I thought the ending was really creepy/depressing, at the time (!). My cinematic horizons have broadened a little since, tho'. I'll probably rent it -- I doubt very much that seeing it again will prompt me to want to own it.

A.

[daniel p]

the beaver chimes in

[What A Disgrace]

Has windowboxing been killed, and the guy responsible, sacked?

Here's hoping. I may pick this disc up on principle.

[Narshty]

Neither exclamation marks or smilies, no, nor the biggest of capital letters could do justice to my delight over this not being windowboxed. Equinox itself looks absolutely stunning. Outstanding!