You know, it’s very lucky that it’s sunny over here in the UK right now, because this week sees the release of a very spooky movie, that you do not want to watch in the dark. The movie is 1980’s The Changeling, which today receives a special home video release, courtesy of physical media wizards, Second Sight Films.
Similar to the excellent Texas Chain Saw Massacre box set which I reviewed back in April, classic horror movie, The Changeling, is receiving an all-bells-and-whistles home video release, which is bursting with special features and supplementary material. The Changeling 4K UHD/Blu-ray Limited Edition Collector’s Set (to give it its proper name) is on sale now, and includes three discs, a book, some art cards, and a whole lot more.
Directed by Peter Medak, The Changeling stars George C. Scott, Trish Van Devere, and Melvyn Douglas. The film is a mystery-horror film, which follows the story of a bereaved composer, who relocates following the death of his family, only to discover something supernatural in his new home.
The movie opens on November 27th 1980, along a stretch of snow-covered road in upstate New York. Composer John Russell, his wife and child have been travelling along the road in their car, when they suffer a breakdown and are forced to push the vehicle to a nearby phone box.
As John enters the phone box to make a call, his wife and child remain by the car. Unfortunately, while John is on the telephone, a traffic accident occurs, killing his family instantly while he watches on.
Four months later, John moves to Seattle to try and work through his grief. He rents a mansion, which has been vacant for 12 years, then attempts to restart his life as best as possible.
But shortly after moving in to his new home, John begins to experience some strange phenomena which suggests the house is haunted. As he attempts to get to the truth of this haunting, he uncovers some troubling information about the past.
If you’ve never watched The Changeling before, then you really are missing out. It is a classic horror which sometimes gets overlooked, but it is a superb picture from yesteryear. George C. Scott gives a magnificent performance in the lead role, while director Peter Medak brings the right level of chills and suspense to this picture.
Of course, many horror fans out there will know this already, and will be pleading me to stop waffling, and instead explain what makes this limited edition release of The Changeling so special. Well, don’t worry, I’m getting to it, but first let me say The Changeling is a superb horror film, which is suitably atmospheric, and certainly worth your time if you’ve not caught it previously.
The movie is on par with iconic titles such as Don’t Look Now, The Wicker Man, and The Omen, and is a film I often like to revisit during the spooky season, in the run-up to Halloween. The supernatural elements of the film always send a shiver down my spine, but it is the central mystery that keeps me hooked.
OK, onto the special features on this release. I know that’s what you really want me to highlight.
The Changeling 4K UHD/Blu-ray Limited Edition Collector’s Set is a three-disc set (1 UHD disc, 1 Blu-ray, and 1 CD), which includes a commentary, multiple featurettes, and some bonus extras. I’ll start with the film and the special features first, which include:
- A new 4K scan and restoration copy of the film presented on UHD in HDR
- A Blu-ray copy of the film
- Audio commentary with director Peter Medak and producer Joel B. Michaels
- Interview with Peter Medak by filmmaker Adrián García Bogliano at Mórbido Fest 2019
- Exile on Curzon St. featurette – Peter Medak on his early years in swinging London
- The House on Cheesman Park – The Haunting True Story of The Changeling
- The Music of The Changeling – An interview with music arranger Kenneth Wannberg
- Building the House of Horror – An interview with art director Reuben Freed
- The Psychotronic Tourist featurette
- Master of Horror Mick Garris on The Changeling
In terms of the movie, as noted above, the discs do feature a 4K scan, but you will notice it is quite grainy. There are only so many things you can do when upgrading some old films, so be aware the picture isn’t crystal clear.
Personally, this doesn’t bother me, as I believe it adds to the Gothic atmosphere of the film, however, I am pointing this out for those who expect the movie to look a certain way.
And now onto the additional content, which makes this release ‘limited edition’. As well as everything listed above, this limited-edition set also includes:
- A chunky slipcase featuring Changeling artwork
- A 108-page book with new essays by Martyn Conterio, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Rich Johnson, Mikel J. Koven, Meagan Navarro, Rachel Reeves, Shelagh Rowan-Legg, and Heather Wixson, plus an archive interview with Peter Medak
- 1 x original CD soundtrack
- Five collector’s art cards
In terms of the cost, The Changeling 4K UHD/Blu-ray Limited Edition Collector’s Set is retailing for around £40. It is available from all major UK home video retailers, including HMV, Amazon UK, and directly from Second Sight Films.
I should add, standard edition copies of The Changeling are also available on Blu-ray and on 4K. Both formats contain all of the same special features as this release, but the film comes in a standard box, and does not include the book, the art cards, the soundtrack CD, or the delightful packaging.
As with all Special Edition releases from Second Sight Films this box set is designed with collectors in mind. The company have a knack for seeking out cult and/or classic titles, and giving them the physical media release they deserve, and The Changeling is no exception.
If you’ve picked up one of these limited edition sets from Second Sight Films before, you’ll know it all comes in a neat little package, which looks ruddy gorgeous on your shelf. You’ll also know that between the film, the special features, the CD soundtrack, and the book, there is hours of content here to keep you occupied for quite some time.
So for me, this is a no-brainer purchase for those who adore the film, and certainly one to pick up if you love horror and have a thing for physical media. There’s much to like in the movie, and all the extras and supplementary material only adds to this.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this review on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.
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