31 Days of Horror: Equinox
There was a famous quote about the Velvet Underground’s that I’m paraphrasing: Only a thousand people bought the Velvet Underground’s first album upon it’s initial release but every one of them started a band. A similar sentiment could be applied to Equinox a.k.a. Equinox…A Journey into the Supernatural. This film originally made in1967 but not released until 1970 has its influence felt in films like Evil Dead and Phantasm as well as inspiring special effects artists. Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead movies come close to being direct rip offs of Equinox. The makers of Equinox, Dennis Muren, David Allen, and Jim Danforth all went on to successful effects careers, with Muren being one of the most celebrated effects men since his idol Ray Harryhausen. Muren’s work can be seen in Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Terminator films just to name a few of his credits. The special effects are clearly inspired by Harryhausen’s work only a big scarier, and gorier.
The plot, such as it is, concerns a group of teenagers(including WKRP in Cincinnati co-star Frank Bonner) who venture out into the woods to meet up with one of their teachers. While in the woods they encounter a disappearing castle, several monsters, a giant cave man, and when they uncover a mysterious old book, they unleash the devil himself. The plot is just there to hang the special effects sequences on, but it still provides for some creepy moments and the film is so much fun you really don’t care if the plot makes much sense. Everything about Equinox is just a joy, if you really love older, creaky horror films and fairy tales you should be captivated.
“equinox1”
The film is out on DVD from Criterion, so you know you are getting it the best it can be presented. On this 2 disc set you get the original 1967 version: Equinox…A Journey into the Supernatural and the 1970 Equinox which was re cut with new footage by producer Jack Harris. Each version of the film comes complete with really involving audio commentaries and a full disc of other supplements.
“equinox2”
Equinox truly is a film that has to been seen to be believed. It works both as a low budget horror film, that makes no apologies for it’s naive charms and as a look at the formative years of some great special effects artists. If you are lucky enough to be caught in it’s spell you will not be disappointed.
