The latest titles to emerge from the recently revived Vestron Video are Bob Balaban‘s demented horror comedy Parents and Ken Russell‘s psychedelic horror film The Lair of the White Worm, each landing on shelves on January 31st, 2017.
Parents stars Randy Quaid and Mary Beth Hurt as a quaint suburban couple, though their children suspect something might just be…well, off. I haven’t seen the film in years and eager to revisit the movie on a glossy, pristine Blu-ray. As we’ve seen from the other releases from Vestron Video like Blood Diner and Chopping Mall, these sets are giving these cult classics a lot of love.
The other film being released by Vestron, The Lair of the White Worm, is another film I’m eager to revist. Ken Russell made movies unlike anyone else out there, and this early ’90s piece of horror, as far as I can recall, featured brazenly bizarre imagery in its tales of vamprism. Another reason that this edition would be worth seeking out is the audio commentary by Ken Russell, who passed away five years ago.
More details on each of these releases can be found below and be sure to look for them when they hit stores on January 31st, 2017.
The official synopsis for Parents:
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!
The special features for Parents Blu-ray:
Audio Commentary with Director Bob Balaban and Producer Bonnie Palef
Isolated Score Selections/Audio Interview with Composer Jonathan Elias
Featurettes:
“Leftovers to Be” with Screenwriter Christopher Hawthorne
“Mother’s Day” with Actress Mary Beth Hurt
“Inside Out” with Director of Photography Robin Vidgeon
“Vintage Tastes” with Decorative Consultant Yolando Cuomo
Theatrical Trailer
Radio Spots
Still Gallery
The official synopsis for The Lair of the White Worm:
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.
The special features for The Lair of the White Worm Blu-ray:
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
