A fun film with a bit of an identity crisis.
Official Synopsis:
“Hugh Grant, Amanda Donohoe, and Catherine Oxenberg star in the 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 disappear, James and Angus set out to investigate the foreboding cavern said to be the worm’s lair, where a centuries-old mystery begins to unfold.”
The Lair of the White Worm is one of the next films in the Vestron Video Collector’s Series that continues to bring obscure and lesser-known films to a new generation.
The film opens as one of the main characters unearths a skull belonging to a creature unknown to science. Is this a dragon, a dinosaur, or a worm, as the local lore foretells? This confusion permeates throughout the film, as the viewer doesn’t know just quite how to take everything that is happening on screen. On the surface, the story is very similar to that of a vampire tale, especially given the fact it is based on a story by Bram Stoker. However, there are many inconsistencies that indicate that this is something different. Not vampires, who live immortal lives through the consumption of human blood, but snakes, who are also living immortal lives based on the same thing? With elongated fangs, acid spray, and the ability to be charmed by music, there isn’t a clear sense on what the hell is going on, honestly. You just have to accept that someone with big-ass teeth is after the main characters.
Unfortunately, the confusion felt throughout the film is prominent over any scene that may be interesting technically, as we see flashbacks of Roman times that I can only describe as frightening from any horror film standard. Lair of the White Worm focuses on a lot of back story, but not a lot of explanation of what is happening to the characters in front of us. There is a very surreal feel to many scenes, told in an almost dream-like state as reality takes a back seat to this giant worm and its disciple who demands a human sacrifice.
Despite this confusion that hinders the film so vehemently, there are some strong points to it that make it stand out beyond the typical monster movie. Great performances around, especially a young Hugh Grant elevate the film above the B-Horror films of the time, as do the shocking religious scenes that will make people of any faith cringe. Finding something so shocking that it makes you uncomfortable is rare, but Lair of the White Worm succeeds in surpassing that comfort level as several lines are crossed, as the film explores sexual deviancy in several forms.
The Lair of the White Worm is definitely unique, and as such is an interesting view for any fan of the genre. There is so much here to sift through, which may require multiple viewings to fully appreciate everything that the viewer is being subjected to.
Video
The video is presented in 1080p High Definition Widescreen 1.78:1. The transfer looks good, with few defects noticed. There is a softness to some of the flashback scenes that is very noticeable, but fortunately those are short-lived, and the majority of the scenes look good.
Audio
The audio is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The track sounds fine, with good levels throughout the film. Particularly interesting is the soundtrack, featuring some great music which makes a fun companion to the film, giving it a light-hearted feel.
Special Features
Some great special features on this set. Although I would’ve liked to hear Hugh Grant’s take on the film now, the commentary by the director is particularly interesting given some of his decisions in the film. On this set you’ll see:
- Audio Commentaries by Director Ken Russell, and Lisi Russell, in conversation with Film Historian Matthew Melia.
- Featurette: Worm Food: The Effects of The Lair of the White Worm.
- Interviews: “Cutting for Ken” with Editor Peter Davies, “Mary Mary” with Actress Sammi Davis.
- Trailers & Galleries: “Trailers from Hell” featuring Producer Dan Ireland.
- Theatrical Trailers
- Still Gallery
Vestron Video continues to bring some very unique films to light that would otherwise be unseen by a new format. Although The Lair of the White Worm has a few identity problems, there are some great scenes that set this apart from many horror films of this day and age.
