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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€

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

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...

Narshty wrote: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.

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

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!

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!

>>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.!

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"

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.

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.

"A story that DEFIES LOGIC!"

Wonderful - my anticipation couldn't be higher.

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

oh wait NOT MIZOGUCHI/OZU/NARUSE

I'm already in line!

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.

Narshty wrote:"A story that DEFIES LOGIC!"

Wonderful - my anticipation couldn't be higher.

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

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

Those Volkwagon Squarebacks are nice.

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.

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.

djali999 wrote: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.

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.

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

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

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!