On DVD: Salem's Lot (1979) (TV Mini-Series)

I remember when this 183 minute mini series came to television. It was hailed then, and is still now, as the ultimate in terror. I don't know about that nowadays, but I remember being an eight year old child who wasn't allowed to watch it because of how frightening it was. I hadn't thought about it until recently when I was doing some vampire research. I read the book and then it became time to see this classic horror film.

On it's own, it's pretty good but dated. It would be shot down in a second by reviewers. It lacks the punch that today's films have. Of course, this was a made for TV mini-series, so the caliber of the actors and special effects, especially for the 70's would be below the bar we're used to today.

In comparison to the book, the theme is there, but there are a few departures from king's writings. Better? Worse? Well, it didn't hurt this film, but I don't think the tale was improved either.

My final gripe, while Steven King wrote a fairly serious vampire story in his 'Salem's Lot, this mini- series adaptation just brought it back to the typical cliche tale of horror. It was definitely fun to watch, but it's like so much mediocre vampire genre flicks out there.

That said, I would still call this worth watching. It's one of King's first books converted to film. In it's day it might've been scary, but not by today's standards. Still worth checking out.

More on IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079844/