The Lair of the White Worm

Starring:Amanda Donohoe, Hugh Grant, Catherine Oxenberg, Peter Capaldi, Sammi Davis, Stratford Johns, Paul Brooke, Imogen Claire, Chris Pitt, Gina McKee, Christopher Gable, Lloyd Peters, Miranda Coe, Linzi Drew, Caron Anne Kelly, Fiona O'Connor, Caroline Pope, Elisha Scott, Tina Shaw, Paul Easom
Director: Ken Russell
Studio: Lions Gate
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Product Description
Hugh Grant, Amanda Donohoe and Catherine Oxenberg star in this mix of heart-stopping horror and campy humor. James D'Ampton (Grant) returns to his country castle in England. Legend has it that James' distant ancestor once slayed the local dragon-a monstrous white worm with a fondness for the sweet flesh of virgins.

The young Lord dismisses the legend as folklore, until archaeology student, Angus Flint, unearths a massive reptilian skull and the ancient worship site of a pagan snake god on James' property.

When James' virtuous girlfriend, Eve (Oxenburg), suddenly disappears, he and Angus set out to investigate the foreboding cavern said to be the worm's lair, where a centuries-old mystery begins to uncoil.
Features:

WIdeScreen version

2.0 Dolby Stereo Surround

Scene Access

Interactive Menus

System Requirements:

Run Time: 93 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE
Amazon.com
Wittily updated from one of Dracula author Bram Stoker's lesser-known horror novels, The Lair of the White Worm is a camp classic that only Ken Russell could have delivered. It's got all the perversity one expects from the bombastic director of Tommy and Altered States: sensible plotting, intelligent dialogue laced with double entendre, graphic imagery with Boschian intensity, and a mischievous disregard for good taste and decorum. In other words, it's heretically hilarious, especially when skeptical Lord D'Ampton (fresh-faced Hugh Grant, in one of his earliest films) begins to suspect that seductive neighbor Sylvia (Amanda Donohoe, game for anything) is connected to the local legend of a monstrous serpent that feeds on sacrificial virgins. Evidence mounts with the help of a local archaeologist (Peter Capaldi) and two endangered sisters (Catherine Oxenberg, Sammi Davis), and Russell infuses Stoker's grisly plot with his inimitable brand of blasphemy, including a gouged eyeball, a venom-splattered crucifix, Roman soldiers raping nuns (in a delirious hallucination sequence), and some of the funniest one-liners since Young Frankenstein. Prudes beware; everyone elseenjoy! --Jeff Shannon

Average customer rating:

Guilty pleasure
Can we stop for a bite?
no *'s
Not a bad movie, but not really scary
Surprisingly delightful

The Lair of the White Worm
Starring: Amanda Donohoe , Hugh Grant , Catherine Oxenberg , Peter Capaldi , and Sammi Davis
Director: Ken Russell
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

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DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

Gothic
Crimes of Passion
The Hunger
Women in Love
Altered States

ASIN: B00009YXHG
Release Date: 2003-08-19

Product Description

Hugh Grant, Amanda Donohoe and Catherine Oxenberg star in this mix of heart-stopping horror and campy humor. James D'Ampton (Grant) returns to his country castle in England. Legend has it that James' distant ancestor once slayed the local dragon-a monstrous white worm with a fondness for the sweet flesh of virgins.

The young Lord dismisses the legend as folklore, until archaeology student, Angus Flint, unearths a massive reptilian skull and the ancient worship site of a pagan snake god on James' property.

When James' virtuous girlfriend, Eve (Oxenburg), suddenly disappears, he and Angus set out to investigate the foreboding cavern said to be the worm's lair, where a centuries-old mystery begins to uncoil.
Features:

WIdeScreen version

2.0 Dolby Stereo Surround

Scene Access

Interactive Menus

System Requirements:

Run Time: 93 Min

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

Wittily updated from one of Dracula author Bram Stoker's lesser-known horror novels, The Lair of the White Worm is a camp classic that only Ken Russell could have delivered. It's got all the perversity one expects from the bombastic director of Tommy and Altered States: sensible plotting, intelligent dialogue laced with double entendre, graphic imagery with Boschian intensity, and a mischievous disregard for good taste and decorum. In other words, it's heretically hilarious, especially when skeptical Lord D'Ampton (fresh-faced Hugh Grant, in one of his earliest films) begins to suspect that seductive neighbor Sylvia (Amanda Donohoe, game for anything) is connected to the local legend of a monstrous serpent that feeds on sacrificial virgins. Evidence mounts with the help of a local archaeologist (Peter Capaldi) and two endangered sisters (Catherine Oxenberg, Sammi Davis), and Russell infuses Stoker's grisly plot with his inimitable brand of blasphemy, including a gouged eyeball, a venom-splattered crucifix, Roman soldiers raping nuns (in a delirious hallucination sequence), and some of the funniest one-liners since Young Frankenstein. Prudes beware; everyone else…enjoy! --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Guilty pleasure.......2007-06-14

I watched it. I liked it. I felt guilty watching it and loving it. I had to buy it. Hugh Grant was okay. Catherine Oxenburg was gorgeous. Sammi Davis was lovable. Amanda Donahoe was outrageous as she stole the show. I agree with those who say this film is not for everyone. I can see where many might be offended by this movie. There is some sacreligious elements to this and some slightly sick scenes (specifically in the cave), but if you're willing and you have a sense of humor, this is a great version of vampirism. The song "Dunston Worm" is awesome when it is performed in public. If you can sacrifice good taste for a good time, this film might be for you.

Can we stop for a bite?.......2007-01-16

Angus Flint (Peter Capaldi), archaeologist is rooting around an old convent when he finds a rather toothy skull of a supposedly unrecorded beastie. He may have uncovered a lot more.

Some times legend is based on more than facts. And what you don't know may bite you.

I have to admit I did not read the book. I have seen other Ken Russell movies; but I do not recognize his style. However wyrmen works as well if not better than bats in that part of the world. This movie has everything that makes up a good horror film. There are victims, unaware good guys and even a few "stay in the car" scenes. There is even a song and a tune to go with the story.

As with most good DVD's the goodies are almost as good as the film is.

no *'s.......2006-10-17

"Hey lets put Hugh Grant on the cover and maybe people will buy it." Well I didnt buy it for Hugh however, I did buy it because Fangoria holds it up pretty high. My curiosity got the best of me and, I wanted to know why they liked it so much. I still wanna know! The movie was plain boring! The script introduces one annoying character after the next. Its a huge mess, with bogus effects and, a major lack of suspense or terror! I wanted to find something good I may be able to say about this movie but, the only thing that comes to mind is that atleast it ends. Obviously there are those that get it and those that dont.. I am proud to say... I dont.

Not a bad movie, but not really scary.......2006-10-11

It was more english kind of humor. A very young Hugh Grant playing the snotty land owner, before he came to America to make his fortune playing snotty characters here. It was ok.

Surprisingly delightful.......2006-09-17

Although it's a B movie, Hugh Grant, Amanda Donohoe and Catherine Oxenberg are a hilarious triangle. Cheesy effects, yet Amanda Donohoe is as sinister a temptress as you could hope for and Hugh Grant (or perhaps just his character) is just as clueless as can be.

I love this movie and I was so tempted to give it 5 stars, but I know it's an acquired taste. This is one movie I haven't been able to force my friends to watch because it's never on. It's now on my wish list so I can look forward to, um, enlightening them.

Average customer rating:

Guilty pleasure
Can we stop for a bite?
no *'s
Not a bad movie, but not really scary
Surprisingly delightful

The Lair of the White Worm
Starring: Amanda Donohoe , Hugh Grant , Catherine Oxenberg , Peter Capaldi , and Sammi Davis
Director: Ken Russell
Manufacturer: Geneon [Pioneer]
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Horror | Genres | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Gothic
Crimes of Passion
The Hunger
Women in Love
Altered States

ASIN: B00000IBSL
Release Date: 1999-10-19

Amazon.com

Description

In a remote corner of England's lavish Peak district, a young archaeologist, Angus Flint, unearths a mysterious skull. When Angus escorts Eve and Mary to "holiday" festivities at Lord James' castle, the sensuous and snakelike Lady Sylvia Marsh seizes the moment - and the skull. Lady Sylvia brings the skull down into the dank recesses of her gothic mansion where she engages in the erotic worship of her pagan god, the White Worm. Since the worm hungers for the sweet taste of virginal flesh, Lady Sylvia uses her unique charms on Eve - the town's closest offering - and prepares her for the ultimate sacrifice as the snake writhes in anticipation. Features: Audio commentary with Director Ken Russell, Behind the scenes footage and photographs, Props, Blue screen and special effects dailies, Theatrical trailers, Scene access. Hugh Grant, Amanda Donohoe

Customer Reviews:

Guilty pleasure.......2007-06-14

Can we stop for a bite?.......2007-01-16

no *'s.......2006-10-17

Not a bad movie, but not really scary.......2006-10-11

It was more english kind of humor. A very young Hugh Grant playing the snotty land owner, before he came to America to make his fortune playing snotty characters here. It was ok.

Surprisingly delightful.......2006-09-17

Average customer rating:

Lair of the White Worm
Starring: Lair of the White Worm
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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