On DVD: Salem's Lot (2004) (TV Movie)

This is a more recent movie adaptation of the King book "Salem's Lot." It's a made for TV movie, but with a great cast.

In some ways this movie is more true to the original story than the mini-series from the 70s, and in other ways it has greater departures. The important thing, is that it works.

The skinny: the tale has been updated to modern politically correct times: single moms, gay guy, minorities, etc. None of which were in the 70s adaptation. It seemed more real with a more diverse population. The casting was brilliant, and the actors do a good job. Rob Lowe is a bit brooding for Ben Mears, but good. Donald Sutherland pulls off the over-the-top vampire-minion, Richard Straker, superbly. By far the greatest choice was Rutger Hauer as Kurt Barlow. He oozes evil.

This cleaned up modernized version keeps largely true to the original story. The additions are iffy, but work. The beginning and the ending with the priest came out from left field but works in the context of this adaptation. It's obviously higher budget definitely pays off and makes this worthwhile to see. You can score it on DVD on ebay relatively cheaply. Check it out.

More here on IMDB:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0355987/