Finally had a chance to sit down and watch the DVD of this last night. My previous viewing of the film was from many years ago, I believe that I caught it on late night cable.
The characters do not develop during the film, but you can quickly identify with them in some ways. A funny thing that my wife and I caught was how antagonistic it seems the relationships are between the men and women, especially the two who are boyfriend/girlfriend.
The primary reason to watch this movie is for the monsters. I wish we had seen a bit more of the strange land octopus demon, because that was something straight out of a Lovecraft story. The ape monster was also impressive, though woefully vulnerable to a teenager with a crude wooden spear. I was also surprised how many demons can be annoyed by being pelted with rocks.
Jim's encounter with Asmodeus was also a fun scene. I mean the first time they meet each other and Jim finally realizes that the forest ranger is more than he appears (when Asmodeus begins to demand the book).
I also liked the fact that you can put up giant crosses for defense against flying demons, just lilke they used barrage balloons in wars long past.
I think Sam Rami saw this movie...lots of it are reminisant of the EVIL DEAD.
I thought the primary reason to watch this movie was to see Herb Tarlek in a horror flick.
I LOVE EQUINOX! It is definitely one of the so-bad-its-good variety. Did you pick up the Criterion DVD with the original student film as well as the re-edited theatrical version with the Park Ranger/Asmodeus addition? I so want to pick up that DVD.
Why have I never heard of this? It sounds like gold.
-Ed
Gerry Wrote:
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> I LOVE EQUINOX! It is definitely one of the
> so-bad-its-good variety. Did you pick up the
> Criterion DVD with the original student film as
> well as the re-edited theatrical version with the
> Park Ranger/Asmodeus addition? I so want to pick
> up that DVD.
Gerry, I sure did and the movie looks pretty darn good. Some of the extras are amazingly tacked on, but it really is a great deal. I remember when you announced (I think it was you) that the movie was coming to DVD.
The addition of Asmodeus works pretty well. The movie could do without it, but it does not detract from the film.
RCMerchant, I agree, Raimi must have seen this prior to making "The Evil Dead." He made a dramatically different movie, but you can see some of the basic ideas and even scenes in "Equinox."
I like everyone on this board very much.
However, I really really really dislike this film.
I've listened to the justifications, etc., "oh, it was fans who wished to make a Harryhausen horror movie & homage" etc. etc. etc.
I hate it.
It just sucks on so many levels -- the sound is bad, the acting is nonexistant, the plot is also absent, the shot of the castle from a distance that is never referenced again is just plain dumb, the only scary part of the whole film is when the science-fiction author is drooling on the girl.
I have a friend who was sooo happy to get the Criterion double DVD of this, showing the original and the re-release of it & he made me sit down & watch it.
God, I was hoping that time -- I saw the second version when it first came out in the theaters, 1971 or so -- would have modified my view. Nope. This is swill, and time has not modified that opinion.
Really really hate it. Just a godawful piece of poo. Why bother?
peter johnson/denny crane
The only thing I remember about this movie is Frank Bonner (billed in Equinox by his real name Frank Boers).
My older brother (by 12 years) was sitting at the drive in watching this and exclaimed "Hell, that's ol' Frank Boers!" They had played together as children. I went to school with his cousins Celia and Donna.
(http://users4.ev1.net/~dormammu/equinox.jpg)
Raimi denies seeing this until after production of The Evil Dead (yeah, right). I have often picked it up, but the retail pricetag sticks in my throat.
How can ya NOT love this movie!? Giant monsters,demons,slobbering madmen,bizzare camera work...WOW! Useless info fact: Forry Ackerman supplies they voice on the tape recorder!