There have been so many film adaptations of Stephen King’s books that I don’t think I could list them from memory. Most are pretty good, while others are superlative. Occasionally, there are some that are simply dreadful. Part of the problem is that King is such an incredibly visual writer, and most directors have a hard time translating his words to the big screen. Even more difficult is the task of having to take one of his short stories and ‘flesh it out’ as it were in order to fill a 90+ minute movie. Based on the short story from the 1978 Stephen King collection, “Night Shift”, “Children of the Corn” tells a grisly tale of parenticide amongst the population of an ‘Amish’-like town. The original story was very good as well as deeply disturbing. The very thought of a town’s children turning on their own parents is quite chilling. The film, however, takes the story in a slightly different direction that for the most part still works, but ultimately loses itself in its attempt to explain the proceedings. The image of a supposed godlike creature wasn’t very well done and is probably the film’s greatest downfall.

I will stop short however, from completely knocking “Children of the Corn” because overall it’s still a fairly good movie. It stars Peter Horton and Linda Hamilton, the latter being an immediate saving grace for any film she made in the 80’s. I would also have to give kudos for actor Courtney Gains as his performance as Malachai is easily the best in the entire film. Gains has been in numerous films since his debut here, and I guarantee you’ll recognize the face if not the name, but has sadly never really become as well known as he deserved to be. I do remember seeing him recently in one of those hysterical Jack in the box commercials as a guy who doesn’t like their burgers. It was a “Cops” inspired commercial with ‘Jack’ showing up at his door and chasing him down and tackling him until he admitted to liking the burgers. It rarely aired, but it was a classic.

Part of the problem the film has today is that it has to live down the multitude of sequels that followed. Anytime anyone mentions “Children of the Corn”, it triggers the memories of all the horrible sequels, much like the first “Howling” sometimes gets a bad rap because of the hideous sequels that were made. (Not to say “Children of the Corn” is as good as “The Howling”, but it is a darn sight better than either set of sequels.)

Anchor Bay Entertainment is releasing “Children of the Corn” this week as part of its series of Divimax transferred features. They’ve done it previously with “Dawn of the Dead”, “Day of the Dead”, “Time Bandits” and “Halloween”, and it has been proven to deliver fantastic transfers of older films. This week they are also releasing “Creepshow 2” and both films look and sound better than they ever have.

And in order to make sure King fans get their money’s worth, Anchor Bay fills these releases with some really good special features. The new DVD of “Children of the Corn” offers up a commentary with director Fritz Kiersch, who is joined by producer Terrence Kirby and actors John Franklin (Isaac) and Gains. The tone of the commentary is fairly light, and there are a bunch of amusing anecdotes to be found. Even better though is an all-new documentary, “Harvesting Horror: Children of the Corn.” Running approximately 37 minutes, it’s an extremely well-produced feature, with tons of interview footage. I will warn you (and they do before the beginning of it), don’t watch it until after you’ve seen the movie. There is a lot of ‘spoiler’ material.

You’ll also find some of the storyboard art as well as a poster and stills gallery, and even some of the artwork for the original title sequence that wasn’t used. If you’re so inclined you can also pop the disc into a DVD-Rom player and access the original screenplay.

I have to hand it to Anchor Bay, they turn out some of the best DVD packages and don’t limit themselves only to blockbusters. Neither “Children of the Corn” nor “Creepshow 2” is a spectacular money-making film, but there is an audience for them out there. It’s really great that they take the time and effort to put together enough quality special features to make the purchase of these a DVDs worthwhile expense.

Directed by: Fritz Kiersch
Starring: Peter Horton, Linda Hamilton, R.G. Armstrong, John Franklin
Extras: Audio Commentary with Director Fritz Kiersch, Producer Terrence Kirby and actors John Franklin and Courtney Gains, “Harvesting Horror: Children of the Corn” Documentary, Storyboard Art, Original Title Sequence Art, Poster and Still Gallery, Original Screenplay
Specifications: Full Frame (1.33:1), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Surround 2.0.
Studio: Anchor Bay Entertainment
Release Date: 9/28/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating:
Website

We'll give Children of the Corn a C+.