The nostalgia train continues to chug down the tracks with the release of two new Vestron Video Blu-rays from Lionsgate. Fans of delectably retro horror films will be thrilled to add both Parents and The Lair of the White Worm to their collector shelves. The movies are decidedly not kid-friendly, but horror-loving parents will have a chance to pick these cult classics when they release on January 31.
When you were a kid, did you ever think your parents were up to no good? Did you ever feel that your caretaker’s reassurances were just empty words? Did you ever sit around the dinner table and wonder what was in that meat loaf? If so, then you’ll probably enjoy the black comedy horror movie, Parents.
In the criminally underrated movie directed by Bob Balaban, not everything is wholesome in 1950’s suburbia. Dad may be bringing home the bacon, and mom may be serving leftovers, but there’s something disturbing about the meat on the plate. Like the rest of the Vestron Video Collector’s Series, the movies are enjoyable, but some of the real value is in the special features. In this release of Parents, viewers get commentary with the director and producer, along with featurettes with the cast and crew which include the clip below.
Along with the release of Parents, Lionsgate also brings us Ken Russell’s The Lair of the White Worm. Unlike Parents, I was previously unfamiliar with The Lair of the White Worm, but bearing the Vestron Video seal, I knew it was right up my alley. For the unfamiliar, here’s the synopsis:
James D’Ampton (Hugh Grant) returns to his country castle in England. Legend has it that James’ 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, unearths a massive reptilian skull and the ancient worship site of a pagan snake god on James’ property. When James’ virtuous girlfriend, Eve (Oxenburg), suddenly disappears, he and Angus set out to investigate the foreboding cavern said to be the worm’s lair where a centuries-old mystery begins to uncoil.
Features on this one include:
• 2 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
Like I said earlier, if you enjoy previous Vestron Video releases, then you’ll probably enjoy both movies. Parents and Lair of the White Worm are limited edition releases, are rated R, and are available from your favorite retailers on January 31, 2017.
Disclaimer: I received promotional copies of these movies. All opinions are my own.
I’d like to mention that _White Worm_ also features Peter Capaldi on bagpipes.