The Best R-Rated ’80s Horror Thriller Cult Classic Gets Long-Awaited Restoration And Gorgeous Release
The Hitcher is one of the most underrated R-rated horror films from the 1980s, and it’s finally getting a restored 4k UHD and Blu-ray re-release thanks to Second Sight Films. The Limited Edition release of the movie is packed with special features and is currently available for pre-order. It’ll be ready on September 30th, which is just in time for Fall and spooky season.
Hauer Horror In 4K
The Hitcher Limited Edition 4K UHD & Blu-ray is directed by Robert Harmon and stars Rutger Hauer, C. Thomas Howell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Hauer showed us he could be a charismatic villain as Roy Batty in Blade Runner, and this film lets him really dive into a chilling villainous role as a serial killer. The film follows a good Samaritan (C. Thomas Howell) who picks up a serial killer (Rutger Hauer) who frames him for a string of murders.
Fortunately, the man meets a kind waitress (Jennifer Jason Leigh) who flees with him from the police and the killer. The film was far from a big success when it was first released, getting lukewarm reviews and only grossing $5.8 million on a $7.9 million budget. However, The Hitcher has since grown quite a cult following, and this 4K UHD & Blu-ray edition will be a must for any fan of the film.
The Hitcher Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
Of course, if you’ve never seen the underrated The Hitcher, then the 4K restoration is going to be the best way to check it out. The film is violent and Hauer gives a great performance as the killer, so it’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of 80s horrors or Hauer in general. As mentioned, there are also plenty of special features that make this Limited Edition even more worthwhile.
Audio Commentary Elevates The Experience
According to Second Sight Films, The Hitcher Limited Edition release comes with both the 4K UHD and Blu-ray versions of the film. Dolby Atmos and original stereo audio mixes ensure great sound, and you can listen to different audio commentary tracks by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Robert Harmon, and writer Eric Red. There is also scene-specific audio commentary from Robert Harmon, Eric Red, executive producer Edward S. Feldman, composer Mark Isham, director of photography John Seale, Rutger Hauer, and C. Thomas Howell.
For The Die-Hard Collector
The Hitcher 4k restoration was also approved and supervised by Robert Harmon, and Second Sight Films restored it from the original camera negative of the film. On the discs, you’ll also find an episode of The Projection Booth podcast with Harmon and Hauer, along with scores of interviews with Harmon, Red, Howell, Seale, Isham, and Leigh Singer. Finally, the special bonus features are rounded out by a newly restored version of Robert Harmon’s short film China Lake, the short film Telephone by Eric Red, a featurette about the making of the film, and trailers.
Supplementary Content For Days
The Hitcher Limited Edition 4K UHD & Blu-ray will also look great on your shelf thanks to a slipcase with artwork by Adam Stothard. Those who really want to dive in will also love the 200-page book that comes with the limited edition that includes various interviews. Other physical bonus items include the original screenplay book by Eric Red and six collector cards.
Source: Second Sight Films
