Zaat
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Zaat is a 1971 American independent science fiction horror film produced and directed by Don Barton, and co-written by Barton, Lee O. Larew and Ron Kivett. Produced on a $50,000 budget, the film stars Marshall Grauer as a mad scientist who aims to transform himself into a fishman to seek revenge on those who spurned him. Critical reception has been predominantly negative, with criticism directed at the film's script, acting, and poor monster design. Cited as one of the worst films ever made, it gained significant exposure when it was used in an episode of the movie-mocking television series Mystery Science Theater 3000 in May 1999, under its alternate title Blood Waters of Dr. Z.
Zaat is a 1971 American independent science fiction horror film produced and directed by Don Barton, and co-written by Barton, Lee O. Larew and Ron Kivett. Produced on a $50,000 budget, the film stars Marshall Grauer as a mad scientist who aims to transform himself into a fishman to seek revenge on those who spurned him. Critical reception has been predominantly negative, with criticism directed at the film's script, acting, and poor monster design. Cited as one of the worst films ever made, it gained significant exposure when it was used in an episode of the movie-mocking television series Mystery Science Theater 3000 in May 1999, under its alternate title Blood Waters of Dr. Z.
Cast
Production
Jacksonville, Florida resident Don Barton serves as director, producer and co-writer, alongside Lee O. Larew and Ron Kivett. Filming took place over one month in 1970 on a $75,000 budget, $50,000 for production and $25,000 for film prints and advertising. Locations include various Florida locales, such as Rainbow Springs, Green Cove Springs and Marineland.
Release
The film was originally distributed by Horizon Films. It was shown in Jacksonville as well as in theaters in mostly southern states during its original theatrical release. It was also shown in a theater in Manhattan's 42nd Street through Aquarius Releasing, known for distributing exploitation films. It was shown in the theater for one day before being pulled, with the movie only making $200. In 1983, the movie was re-released by Capitol Productions. In 1985, it was released under the title Attack of the Swamp Creatures, which had new cast and production credits added to it. Zaat was originally released on video by ThrillerVideo under the Attack of the Swamp Creature title, with popular horror hostess Elvira hosting and spoofing the film throughout. In 2001, the film was released on video for its thirtieth anniversary under the Zaat title. Limited to five hundred copies, the videotapes were autographed by Don Barton and co-writer Ron Kivett. In February 2012, it was later issued on DVD and Blu-ray for the first time by Film Chest and HD Cinema Classics. Digitally restored in HD and transferred from original 35mm elements, the DVD/Blu-ray combo pack also contained a feature-length audio commentary by cast and crew, the original 35mm trailer, television spots, outtakes, a radio interview, a before-and-after restoration demo, and an original movie art postcard.
See also
List of American films of 1971 List of 20th century films considered the worst Creature from the Black Lagoon
References
Notes
Citations
Bibliography
MST3K version on ShoutFactoryTV
Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1359473414 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.