Equinox
Directed by Jack Woods

2 DVDs

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.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• 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
• 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 hard of hearing
• PLUS: Tributes from George Lucas and Ray Harryhausen and a new essay by Brock DeShane

New cover illustration by Tavis Coburn, design by Jesse Reyes