Salem's Lot - The Memorable TV DVD Review

Based on the master of horror Stephen King’s classic bestseller, Salem’s Lot: The Miniseries follows the story of journalist Ben Mears (Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Rob Lowe, The West Wing, Dr. Vegas) who returns to his hometown, Jerusalem’s Lot to work on a novel and to deal with a traumatic childhood incident, which took place in the eerie and oppressive Marsten house on the hill. His attempt to rent the house is thwarted by the arrival of two new residents Richard Straker (Emmy and Golden Globe winner Donald Sutherland, Cold Mountain , The Italian Job) and Kurt Barlow (Rutger Hauer, Merlin) who set up an antique shop and move into the home that has terrified generations of town folk. Soon the closely held secrets of small-town life turn into unimaginable terror.

SO IS IT ANY GOOD?

Shot in Australia, this new production of Stephen King's vampire novel Salem's Lot more than holds it own against the late 70's David Soul version.
Lowe turns in an excellent performance as and Rutger Hauer is his usual menacing self as the sinister Barlow. Donald Sutherland is also on hand to bring an extra bit of gravitas to the production.

This production is certainly a lot scarier than King's novel, it's always easier to downplay in your head menacing things in books but when they are on screen they tend to implant themselves in your brain, the production also does well at carrying off that undercurrent of uneasiness that is essential if the piece is to work. This 2 part mini-series first seen on the TNT network is well worth getting scared by.

ANY SPECIAL FEATURES?

No extras.

“Get the inside scoop on WB movie & DVD releases!”