Fans of Filmation’s 1985 animated space actioner, Starchaser: The Legend of Orin, can now own the Star Wars-inspired toon on DVD with today’s long-awaited release by MGM Home Entertainment. The PG-rated pic was originally exhibited theatrically in 3-D but hove viewers will have to settle for a flattened version.
The film tells the story of Orin, a Luke Skywalker-esque slave working in a crystal mine when he learns that there is a world above. Having dug his way up to this new realm, Orin teams up with a rough-around-the-edges gem smuggler, a female android and a beautiful young woman to battle the evil Zygon in a bid to free his enslaved people. There are even some fight scenes involving glowing swords that resemble light sabers.
Produced in South Korea by Daewoo Ent, Dr. Movie, Filmation Associates, Mehan Films and Young Sung Production Co., Starchaser: The Legend of Orin features the voices of Les Tremayne, Noelle North, Anthony Delongis, Joe Colligan and Carmen Argenziano. The DVD lists for $14.95.
Making its home video debut today is director Wes Craven’s latest teen screamer, Cursed. Written by Kevin Williamson (the Scream series) the film stars Christina Ricci, Shannon Elizabeth and Portia de Rossi in a tale that has teenagers going through even worse changes than puberty after being attacked by a werewolf. Contributing to the monster mayhem are the vfx houses Sony Pictures Imageworks, FX Cartel, Rez-Illusion, Klon Films, Luma Pictures and FOGstudio. The Buena Vista Home Video release is available in both rated and unrated versions. The filmmaker commentary should be interesting given the production’s troubled history. Horror aficionados can pick it up for the suggested retail price of $29.99.
Another DVD release worth mentioning is Loch Ness, a 1996 made-for-TV movie starring Ted Danson, Ian Holm and Joely Richardson. The film employs CG animation sparingly to tell the story of an American scientist’s quest to unlock the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster, despite opposition from the locals. Originally intended for theatrical release, the pic was made for $12 million, making it one of the most expensive telepics. Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and Peerless Camera Company helped bring the legend alive through state-of-the-art visual effects, but the story focuses more on the dilemmas faced by its human characters. One of the best of its genre, Loch Ness lists for $14.95.
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