Equinox (1970) - The Criterion Collection

Synopsis

Before he took you to a galaxy far, far away, before he brought you face-to-face with living, breathing prehistoric beasts, Dennis Muren, the future nine-time Oscar-winning visual-effects artist (Star Wars, Jurassic Park), joined forces with a group of talented young filmmakers to create an homage to the creature features of yore in the eerie monster mash Equinox. Deep within the woods and canyons of California, four teenagers happen upon an ancient book containing the secrets of a strange, malevolent world that coexists with that of mankind. This $6,500-budget wonder (originally called The Equinox . . . A Journey into the Supernatural) was picked up for distribution by producer Jack H. Harris (The Blob), who shot new footage for the film with writer-director Jack Woods and released it in 1970 as Equinox. Since then, the film has gained a passionate cult following and inspired succeeding generations of horror/fantasy filmmakers.

Cast

David Fielding	Edward Connell
Susan Turner	Barbara Hewitt
Jim Hudson	Frank Boers Jr.
Vicki	Robin Christopher
Asmodeus	Jack Woods
Reporter Sloan	Jim Phillips
Dr. Arthur Watermann	Fritz Leiber
Green Giant	Jim Duron

Credits

Director	Jack Woods
Screenplay	Jack Woods
Producer	Jack H. Harris
Cinematography	Mike Hoover
Special photographic effects	David Allen, Jim Danforth and Dennis Muren
Associate producer	Dennis Muren
Assistant camera	Ed Begley and Jr.
Music supervisor	John Caper
Based on a story by	Mark Thomas McGee

Disc Features

SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE-DISC SET:

New, restored high-definition digital transfer of the 1970 theatrical release
For the first time on DVD, the original 1967 version of the film, The Equinox . . . A Journey into the Supernatural
Two audio commentaries: One by writer-director Jack Woods and producer Jack H. Harris, on the 1970 release. And one by effects photographer, producer, and director Dennis Muren; writer-codirector Mark McGee; and matte artist, cel animator, and 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 Equinox effects master David Allen
Acclaimed “Kong” Volkswagen commercial by Allen, including test footage
Zorgon: The H-Bomb Beast from Hell (1972), a short film featuring Equinox crew
Extensive gallery featuring rare stills, promotional material, and more
Trailer and radio spots for the 1970 theatrical release
English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
PLUS: A booklet featuring tributes from George Lucas and Ray Harryhausen and a new essay by Brock DeShane

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