STACK #228 October 2023

4K UHD HIGHLIGHTS

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Ladies and gents, boils and ghouls, it’s the spooky season! This Halloween sees a collection of ghastly treats resurrected and released onto 4K Ultra HD. Feast your eyes on these nasties.

The Wicker Man (1973) When it comes to folk-horror, The Wicker Man reigns over all others. Also turning 50 this month, the film has woven itself a place in popular culture, inspiring countless copycats, rock bands, and music festivals such as Burning Man in the US

The Exorcist (1973) An entire generation of moviegoers was left traumatised when William Friedkin’s The Exorcist assaulted their senses in 1973, and not since Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 smash Psycho had such tangible horror been delivered to the screen.

and Wickerman Festival in Scotland. Starring Edward Woodward, Britt Eckland and Christopher Lee, the story follows a police officer investigating the disappearance

of a young girl, who finds himself in a remote island township that has abandoned Christianity and practises its own form of Celtic paganism. This incredible anniversary release features two cuts of the film with commentaries, retrospective documentaries and so much more spread across two discs. Essential for all horror fiends. Out October 11

In today’s blood-soaked movie landscape, it’s hard to comprehend the impact that the film had on audiences. But legions of unsuspecting viewers were scarred by the horrors within it, and many reportedly fled the cinema during its original theatrical run. Based on William Peter Blatty’s best-selling 1971 novel – itself inspired by the real-life exorcism of Roland Doe in 1945 – the story chronicles the demonic possession of 12-year-old Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair), whose mother (Ellen Burstyn) turns to the church in a last-ditch effort to save her daughter’s life – and soul. The film’s terrifying final act remains one of the most profoundly chilling moments in cinema history, unlike anything seen before it. Co-starring Max von Sydow and Jason Miller, The Exorcist remains a seminal benchmark of the genre that spawned countless imitations.

Halloween H20 (1998) Long before the recent H40 trilogy redefined the storyline of Halloween series’ protagonist Laurie Strode, Jamie Lee Curtis reprised her iconic role in the 20th anniversary film Halloween H20 . The project was personally instigated by Curtis, and

Warner Bros. celebrates the 50th anniversary of the film with this stunning new release, boasting a native 4K restoration with HDR10, a newly mixed Dolby Atmos track, audio commentaries on the theatrical and director’s cuts, four documentaries, the film’s original ending, interviews and more. Out October 4

produced by Scream scribe Kevin Williamson. Presented as a direct sequel to the first two instalments, the story takes place at an exclusive private school where

Principal Laurie finds herself – and her teenage son – stalked by her murderous brother Michael Meyers, who was presumed dead. Co-starring Michelle Williams, Josh Hartnett, Josh Hartnett’s haircut, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, H20 is a must-have 4K release, which includes Dolby Vision / HDR10 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Out October 11

Beetlejuice (1988) “Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!” This classic slice of Tim Burton genius is finally heading to our Australian 4K Ultra HD collections this month. Yes, it’s

Possession (1981) Director Andrzej Zulawski’s 1981 cult classic is a twisted and nightmarish horror odyssey about a married couple whose lives descend into madness after the wife begins cheating with two lovers – and one of them isn't

showtime! The release has a native 4K transfer, with HDR10 enhancement and a bright and boisterous Dolby Atmos mix delivering Danny Elfman’s score and all the otherworldly fun – plus those top Harry Belafonte tunes. If you’re after extra stuff, a bonus standard Blu-ray includes

human! Starring Sam Neill and Isabelle Adjani, Possession is revered by horror fans and critics alike and is riddled with political and social subtext, and some of cinema’s most outrageous sights.

The new 4K release is packed with bonus content across two discs, including multiple audio commentaries, documentaries, a new video essay, interviews and more. Out October 25

episodes of the Beetlejuice cartoon series, a trailer, and a true highlight in a music-only audio track. Perfectly timed ahead of the upcoming sequel. Out October 25

32 OCTOBER 2023

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