SQUIRM (1976)
Director: Jeff Lieberman
MGM

Young first-time director Jeff Lieberman (who went on to helm BLUE SUNSHINE and JUST BEFORE DAWN) gave us the first killer worm flick in SQUIRM, and its 1976 summer release proved to be the perfect spine-tingling drive-in fodder. The film's use of the slimy creepy crawlers attacking people in droves made this one of the best animal/nature strikes back flicks of the 70s, and the director's acceptance of budgetary restraints is carried through in its captivating tongue-in-cheek approach, as well as the classic monster pictures he lovingly played homage to. Now MGM has released SQUIRM on DVD with a flawlessly beautiful transfer and a terrific audio commentary, giving reason for horror fans to celebrate!

Before the opening credits, we learn that the backwoods town of Fly Creek, Georgia, is experiencing a fierce electrical storm, in which a tall power-line tower collapses, sending a surge of electricity circuits into the rain-soaked ground. This eventually causes vast numbers of biting, bloodthirsty worms to come up from the earth and prey on the town. The next morning, a young New York fellow named Mick (Don Scardino) comes to town on bus in the aftermath of the storm to visit his redheaded girlfriend Geri (Patricia Pearcy). At a drug store, Mick discovers a large worm in his egg cream, and doesn't exactly make friends with the typically redneck sheriff (Peter MacLean).

The old man next door sells bait worms, but 100,000 of them are missing from his truck, so he blames his dimwitted son Roger (R.A. Down). Geri and Mick feel guilty since they borrowed the truck, and they make amends by taking Roger fishing. Roger accidentally falls out of the boat, and a bunch of long worms eat into the skin of his face, causing him to run off in a mad fit. Meanwhile, the skeletons of some missing locals are discovered by the inquisitive youngsters, but the sheriff won't listen to them. During a meal with Mick (who has already figured out what's causing all the destruction), Geri, her widowed mom and her tomboy sister Alba, a tree comes crashing through the dining area, but everyone is left safe. The worst is yet to come, as it gets dark, the light-shunning creepy-crawlers come out in the thousands, and there's no electricity in town to boot. Mick uses his city-wised smarts to fight them off and protect Geri, but he is also menaced by the now mad Roger, infested with worm bites and looking and behaving monstrous.

SQUIRM was shot on location in Georgia, adding authenticity to the mucky backwoods atmosphere. The film uses professional actors in the leads, as well as locals for the supporting parts, and the cast blends together very colorfully. The worms are a combination of real ones shown in close-ups, and some not-convincing fake ones shown when they are seen in hordes, surrounding the floors of house, or falling out of a hall closet. The highlight is an effects shot that shows the worms digging under the skin of actor R.A. Dow. This innovative effect was done by a young Rick Baker, and is the only one of its type in the entire film. The rest of the show is still supplemented with plenty of creepiness, with the slithering thingies crawling out of shower heads, making their way into a drink, or eating their way through an old man's torso. The music by Robert Prince (GARGOYLES) is understated but effectively moody, and suits the film so well. Lieberman has mounted a fun drive-in horror thrill-ride, and it's one of the most memorable things that AIP released in the 70s.

MGM's DVD of SQUIRM is simply breathtaking, and anyone used to old video and TV versions will be in for a big surprise. The new director-approved transfer is blemish free, with all the colors being corrected and looking bolder than ever. Detail is very sharp, and scenes that were once too dark are now easily rendered clearly, and black levels are just right. The film is presented for the first time on video in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, with anamorphic enhancement. The mono audio track is more than satisfactory, with dialog, music and sound effects all being strong, and no noticeable imperfections. Note that this DVD of SQUIRM is at full strength, restoring some brief shower nudity and gore that was once trimmed down, making this fully uncut and the packaging now carries an "unrated" moniker (AIP once edited the film to play with a "PG" rating).

A real treat here is the hip audio commentary with director/writer Jeff Lieberman, and it's one of the best ever done for a horror film. Lieberman is never at a loss for words, and always has something interesting to say, revealing a lot of behind-the-scenes factoids and fun stories. He approaches the commentary with natural easiness and a sense of humor, and even ponders why a show like "MST 3000" would poke fun at something that was tongue-in-cheek to begin with? He starts off by telling how some opening footage was borrowed from OCEAN'S 11(!) and how Kim Bassinger, Sylvester Stallone and Martin Sheen all auditioned for the film. Starting off with tidbits like that, you know you're in for something good, and this never disappoints. Also included is the original trailer, as well as a TV spot (unusual for MGM to include, but welcomed nonetheless). (George R. Reis)

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