Salem's Lot

Way back when television mini-series were big events, a popular Stephen King novel about vampirism in Maine was adapted for the small screen. "Salem's Lot" scared the wits out of American audiences in the late 1970s and somehow furthered actor David Soul's reputation as a chick magnet.

Coming out with little fanfare or promotion, "Salem's Lot" comes to Blu-ray for the first time. In fact, the title isn't even listed on Amazon.com or other websites. But here it is, ripe in time for Halloween horror season. The two-part series, seen here in high-definition and spliced together seamlessly, shows its age. But the low-budget shocker should be watched as a precursor to such recent TV fare like "True Blood" and "The Strain."

Just like the King novel of the same name, a writer (David Soul) returns to his hometown of Salem's Lot, Maine. He's been obsessed with the hilltop Marsten House since he was a child. It seems the residents of Salem's Lot are in peril after an antique dealer (James Mason) moves into the mysterious Marsten House with his unseen "partner."

Soon, Salem's Lot is under the spell of a deadly vampire. And the scenes where the undead scratch at the window of their victims can still make one's hair stand on ends.

Warner Brothers presents the uncut version here vs. the international theatrical cut, which was butchered by about a half hour. Director Tobe Hooper ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre") does a full-length audio commentary. He discusses the differences between the TV mini-series and the novel. The international theatrical trailer is also included on Warner Brothers quite affordable Blu-ray.

"Salem's Lot"
Blu-ray
$14.97
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