PopHorror Let's Get Scared
When I was a kid, I remembered seeing Tobe Hooper’s (Poltergeist) Salem’s Lot on TV. and it scaring the absolute shit outta me! Seriously, the first thought in my pre-adolescent brain was “they can’t do stuff this scary on TV., can they?!?”. Surprising, to well…probably nobody, Hooper’s take on the Stephen King classic holds up extremely well today. I was more than happy to revisit the sleepy Maine town in the form of a newly restored 4K version from Arrow Video.
Synopsis
A novelist and a young horror fan attempt to save a small New England town which has been invaded by vampires.
I doubt anyone reading this has never seen this, deservedly, revered entry into the varied catalog of King adaptations at least once in their lifetimes, so I’ll go with the condensed version. Troubled author Ben Mears (David Soul; Starsky & Hutch) returns to his childhood home, set on writing a new novel inspired by the looming, spooky local ruin, the Marsten House. Said house, however, isn’t as vacant as expected with the arrival of mysterious antique dealers Richard Straker (James Mason; Lolita) and the perpetually absent Mr. Barlow (Reggie Nalder; Mark of the Devil).
Teaming up with the comely Susan Norton (Bonnie Bedelia; Needful Things), English teacher Jason Burke (Lew Ayers; Battle for the Planet of the Apes), Sue’s father (Ed Flanders; The Exorcist III) and horror nerd Mark Petrie (Lance Kerwin; Enemy Mine), Ben attempts to get to the bottom of why this sleepy little hamlet is getting sleepier by the minute, and why the recently dead have gone missing!
Originally airing as a two part t.v. miniseries, Salem’s Lot, while deviating from the source material in key parts, retained all of the small town, rural Maine charm of King’s vision, probably due in no small part to the fact that writer Paul Monash was well versed in small town Americana, having written Peyton Place. However, what makes Salem’s Lot so effective, even to this day, it Hooper’s deft approach to the “less is more” trope he used so effectively in the (almost) gore-less Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Of course, great cinematography, an excellent score, and an ensemble cast of familiar faces (Geoffrey Lewis; The Devil’s Rejects, Fred Willard & Julie Cobb and a plethora of others who were all over your television and movie screens for 30 years or so…) are also a large part of why this made-for-TV flick still hits this hard in 2026.
But, is it worth the upgrade from the 2016 Warner Bros. Blu? Yes. A Thousand times yes! Featuring 2 different cuts of the film, the OG mini-series (with the option to view as a continuous film) and the overseas theatrical cut, all presented in 4K that looks ridiculously impressive on a QLED set! Usually, releases like this are comprised of a 4K Ultra blu and a standard blu, not this one! Both discs, loaded with extras, are 4K format. And wow, there’s a TON of new, and interesting, new extras!
Obviously, Hooper’s commentary is the archival version, but there’s new tracks from film critics Bill Ackerman & Amanda Reyes, commentary from Chris Alexander (former editor of Fangoria), and 6 featurettes on the film, including: a tour of the filming locations, critical appreciations, and an awesome piece with frequent King collaborator Mick Garris (The Mist). Packaging features the expected heavy, card stock box, a reversible fold out poster, reversible box art, a nice booklet featuring critical analysis of the film and interviews with Hooper, Kerwin & Cobb, and a really cool Salem’s Lot town sign sticker.
But, is it worth the “double dip”? Absolutely yes! Salem’s Lot has never looked better, and this set has enough extras to take an afternoon deep dive into the lore! Sharp, precise, and much like Barlow’s teeth, looking as deadly as ever, Arrow hit it out of the park with this LE release! Open the window and welcome it in!
Arrow Video’s LE 4K Ultra release of Salem’s Lot streets on 3/31/2026 and is available to pre-order now from fine retailers.
