Monster movie fans will freak out over Equinox, the ingenious 1967 no-budget feature that has been minted with a two-disc Criterion edition (yes, Criterion!). Seen here in both its original glory and in a slightly longer 1970 version, Equinox is a bizarre tale of four unwitting teens who head out into the forest for a picnic. There, they come across a mysterious book, a creepy, meddlesome forest ranger and, before you know it, they’re being stalked, harassed, attacked and almost raped by a series of nutjobs and animated monsters.

It’s the f/x that have led this film to its landmark status. Watching this movie will give you that incredible sense of nostalgia for the good old days, for animated monsters that were scary even when they were awfully jittery, for a prehistoric time before digital f/x. The DVD includes accolades from George Lucas and Ray Harryhausen, as well as commentary from the original filmmakers, including special effects artist Dennis Muren, who would go on to win nine Oscars for his other breakthroughs. –Matthew Hays