Lionsgate's superb Vestron Video Collector's Series continues the upcoming January 2017 with classics from Ken Russell and Bob Balaban. We've previously reviewed their introductory titles, Blood Diner and Chopping Mall, and if those releases are anything like these new ones, we are in for a treat.
January will see the Blu-ray premiere of Ken Russell's bonkers folk horror film Lair of the White Worm starring Hugh Grant, Amanda Donohoe, and Catherine Oxenberg. This film was a VHS and cable staple throughout the '90s and along with Altered States was one of Russell's most culturally ubiquitous films in the US thanks to Vestron Video.
We will also see the Blu-ray premiere of Bob Balaban's classic cannibal spoof, Parents. This film features Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt as the ideal '50s couple whose son becomes convinced that they are cannibals after more than a few odd occurences around the dinner table.
Check out the gallery below for detailed specs, box art, and trailers. Both films are due on store shelves on January 31.
A terrifying English legend returns when the Vestron Video Collector’s Series brings the British horror classic The Lair of the White Worm to limited-edition Blu-ray™ on January 31 from Lionsgate. In a remote corner of England’s Peak District, a mysterious skull is unearthed, then quickly stolen for use in worshiping a pagan god, the White Worm. Based on the novel by Bram Stoker, and starring Hugh Grant, the restored and remastered The Lair of the White Worm Blu-ray has all-new special features, including an audio commentary with Director Ken Russell and Lisi Russell and an interview with actress Sammi Davis. The Lair of the White Worm limited-edition Blu-ray will be available for the suggested retail price of $34.97.
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS
Hugh Grant, Amanda Donohoe, and Catherine Oxenberg star in this mix of heart-stopping horror and campy humor. James D’Ampton (Grant) returns to his country castle in England. Legend has it that James’s distant ancestor once slayed the local dragon — a monstrous white worm with a fondness for the sweet flesh of virgins. The young lord dismisses the legend as folklore, until archaeology student Angus Flint explores James’s property and unearths a massive reptilian skull and a pagan snake god’s ancient site of worship. When James’s virtuous girlfriend, Eve Trent (Oxenberg), suddenly disappears, James and Angus set out to investigate the foreboding cavern said to be the worm’s lair, where a centuries-old mystery begins to uncoil.
BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
- Audio Commentary with Director Ken Russell
· Audio Commentary with 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 an introduction and commentary with Producer Dan Ireland
There’s a new name for terror when the Vestron Video Collector’s Series brings the family back together in Parents, coming to limited-edition Blu-ray on January 31 from Lionsgate. In this black-comedy horror classic, a young boy in 1950s suburbia suspects his parents are cannibalistic murderers. The Parents Blu-ray includes all-new special features, including an audio commentary with director Bob Balaban and producer Bonnie Palef and interviews with screenwriter Christopher Hawthorne and actress Mary Beth Hurt. This limited-edition Parents Blu-ray will be available for the suggested retail price of $34.97.
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS
Meet the Laemles. Dad’s got a great job, mom has all the modern conveniences a happy homemaker could ask for, and ten-year-old Michael has great new friends and two parents who kill him with kindness. They’re the all-American family . . . or are they? Michael can’t figure out why his family serves leftovers every night. “Leftovers? Well, what were they before they were leftovers?” questions young Michael. “Leftovers-to-be,” smiles dad. Dad’s bringing home the bacon . . . and a whole lot more! Michael’s parents are getting away with murder — making home where the horror is!
BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
· Audio Commentary with Director Bob Balaban and Producer Bonnie Palef
· Isolated Score Selections/Audio Interview with Composer Jonathan Elias
- Featurettes:
o “Leftovers to Be” with Screenwriter Christopher Hawthorne
o “Mother’s Day” with Actress Mary Beth Hurt
o “Inside Out” with Director of Photography Robin Vidgeon
o “Vintage Tastes” with Decorative Consultant Yolando Cuomo
- Theatrical Trailer
- Radio Spots
· Still Gallery