Ssssss

In the disclaimer at the beginning of Shout Factory's new release "Sssssss," the filmmakers reveal that real snakes and cobras were used during filming. This was 1973, way before the invention of CGI or "Snakes on a Plane." So the reality of Shout's latest Blu-ray sinks in immediately, as the actors in "Sssssss" are acting opposite deadly animals and situations.

The title alone of "Sssssss" (originally titled "Sssssssnake") invokes chuckles but it really should be called "Zzzzzzz." This was the early 70s after all and the Dirk Benedict starring horror film moves at a snail's pace, where most of the action picks up long after the one hour mark.

Benedict plays David, a lab assistant who unknowingly becomes the subject of a madman's (Strother Martin) evil plans to use his expert knowledge of snakes to murder his enemies. David thinks he's getting injections to be immune to snake venom; in reality, his injections are those of an experimental serum which will eventually turn him into a slithering snake.

This realization takes up the bulk of the film's running time, and when David finally makes the dreaded transformation, the mystery and fun of "Sssssss" is over.

Scream Factory's Blu-ray should still be purchased, if only to view the early work of a quite young Dirk Benedict, seen shirtless in many scenes. He also appears in a hilarious interview segment called "My Reptilian Past" where he calls his character of David "a doofus." He also pokes fun at the inane script but recalls having a good experience on the film.

"The Herpetologist's Daughter" is actress Heather Menzies' special feature interview, recalling her fear of the snakes on set.

The usual and reliable trailers, photo galleries, and radio spots are also on hand to enjoy.

"Sssssss"
Blu-ray
$27.99
www.shoutfactory.com