I checked out the Blu-ray release of the 4K restoration of one of the most critically acclaimed horror films of the 21st Century, Alejandro Amenábar’s THE OTHERS. Starring Nicole Kidman (THE UNDOING, BIG LITTLE LIES, EYES WIDE SHUT, COLD MOUNTAIN), Christopher Eccleston (DOCTOR WHO, 28 DAYS LATER, THE LEFTOVERS) and Fionnula Flannagan (THE GUARD), the film opened to both critical and box office success upon original release, winning 8 Goya Awards including Best Film and Best Director, and has since been heralded as one of the best psychological horror films of all time.
The release features new artwork from graphic designer Jonathan Burton as well as a brand new feature-length documentary “Looking Back at The Others”, including new interviews with Alejandro Amenábar, producer Fernando Bovaira and stars Nicole Kidman and Christopher Eccleston. They look back on the film and its legacy, over 20 years since its original release.
The spooky horror that was originally released in cinemas in 2001 stars Academy Award® winner Nicole Kidman (Best Actress, The Hours, 2003) in this gothic supernatural thriller. In 1945, Grace (Kidman) and her two children wait for her husband’s return from the war, living an unusually isolated existence behind the locked doors and drawn curtains of a secluded mansion in Jersey. Three mysterious new servants arrive and it becomes chillingly clear that there is far more to this house than can be seen, and Grace finds herself in a terrifying fight to save her children and preserve her sanity.
I remember back in 2001 going to see The Others at the cinema and one thing that I picked up on was the sound which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention with subtle creepy sounds and the sounds of children running around on the rear speakers.
The 4K restoration is no expectation when it comes to the sound and this release even comes with a Dolby Atmos soundtrack that has so much clarity and bass that you really get the feeling that you are in the house that has a mystery twist that hits you hard.
The new 4K digital restoration, approved by director Alejandro Amenábar, looks great with so much clarity in the darker scenes as well and the slightly subdued colours look perfect for the period that The Others is set in.
The Others features a superb cast including Erik Sykes as one of the staff who come to the house to help Kindman’s character look after the house. If you’ve never seen The Others then the twist is a nice surprise that works so well, although if you delve deep into the film while watching there are subtle clues to what is happening.
If you love a release with plenty of features then the 4K restoration of The Others has some nice features that will take you more into the behind-the-scenes and more of the film.
BONUS FEATURES
- New Looking Back At The Others
- New The Music of The Others
- A Look Inside The Others
- Visual effects piece
- Xeroderma Pigmentosum: What Is It?
- An intimate look at director Alejandro Amenábar
- Stills Gallery
- Trailer
STUDIOCANAL has released the 4K Ultra HD™ Edition, Blu-ray and DVD and it’s out now.