Near Dark

On the left is the new DVD and Blu-ray cover for the cult classic vampire film, Near Dark, directed by Katheryn Bigelow. On the right is the original theatrical release poster. If you're thinking to yourself that these look like two completely different films, you wouldn't be erroneous in that train of thought.

However, when you see that the new key art for the home release looks suspiciously like this poster for the unexpectedly successful teen vampire film Twilight, then the reason for this disparity becomes more clear. Hoping to ride the wave of Twilight's popularity, Lion's Gate is releasing Near Dark with a marketing image that aims to attract Twilight's audience. Fans of the film, myself included, know that Near Dark is one of the great vampire films of all time. A wholly unique take on the often used (abused) film monster, introducing a family of hillbilly, RV dwelling vampires who ruthlessly hunt the open plains of the American Midwest. And though there is a love story, it's the central theme of embracing one's feral nature or succumbing to one's darkness that juxtaposes against the choice of "love" and "light." There is no romanticism, no couple fawning over each other; in fact these vampires don't even have pale skin nor do they ever bear fangs and yellow eyes! It is a gritty, dark and violent romp through vampirism starring James Cameron regulars such as Lance Henriksen, Bill Paxton, and Janet Goldstein. The film was made at a low budget, but it has stood the test of time only to be prostituted by Lion's Gate in order to attract a demographic who will be in for quite a shock once they see that Twilight is no Near Dark.