its'a fantastic film and I think they've done a terrific job on the picture with the elements they had, really love my boxset of this... superb film...
They had the original negative so I'm afraid that's as good as it could ever look now unless someone somewhere has managed to store away an unfaded master print. I doubt that though. John.
I must tell you that sometimes even what I'm not interested in a particular title that is the topic, I still enjoy your videos. Your knowledge and enthusiasm for film always come through. Good stuff.
Thank you Timothy. I didn't much like this one but hopefully I'm still able to review a film without slagging it off or giving too much of the plot away. John.
One of my favourite movies of all time. Picture quality was always rough and it is such a singular film. It was a film that I grew up with and I have evangelised about for over 40 years.
I expect it was the scene with Britt Ekland doing the provocative, naked dance that left an impression on you!!! I think that many adolescent males were captivated by that. Sadly, I've just seen it when I'm a couple of years past adolescence so it didn't have quite the same effect. John.
@@moviecollector5920 It's one of my absolute favourites too. I think it's one of the greatest films ever made but not just because it did something different, the atmosphere, acting, concept, music and finale are all stellar.
@@Mr.Goodkat It's possible it's one you have to see as an adolescent when the soft porn would have an effect. I might have enjoyed that side of it then but I'm not sure of the rest of it. It is the porn and the singing that put me off it now which was a shame as I was enjoying the mysterious nature of it all until then.
@@Mr.Goodkat I might find I like the musical sequences next time. Sometimes you have to know these things are coming because this time around, the first time, I found myself wondering what on earth was happening.
The Wicker Man was one of the first films I purchased on VHS circa 1980. It was the truncated 88 minute version. Since then, I have purchased all the various versions as they came available. It is, to say the least, a unique motion picture and one which I cherish. By the way, I love the Super 8 projector that you feature at the tag end of your videos: it reminds me of the Eumig S810 that I had back in the day. It was a wonderful, solid piece of machinery.
The projector at the end of the video is a Eumig 810D but that cartoon was created for me by Sky Shazad who contacted me to let me know he'd done it so I don't know exactly which model of 810 it is. What a nice chap. But I do have an 810D HQS which I have used for years for aerial image cine to video transfers and it's a great machine. By the way, it seems I was mistaken about a Super 8 release of The Wicker Man so despite being convinced I had the trailer tucked away somewhere I haven't been able to find it and I'm told a feature release was never issued. But Walton did issue a lot of 4x400ft slightly edited features around the time of The Wicker Man so perhaps I read something about a possible release somewhere but it never happened. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Watching your videos has re-whetted my appetite, John! I just re-acquired a Mark S810 from an eBay supplier. It appears to be in excellent condition. Since I discarded my admittedly small collection of Super 8mm films decades ago, it is going to take me awhile to rebuild.
I did not like it on my first viewing of it john but I watched it again for curio and very much enjoyed it. I could really see what a one off it was and never to be repeated. The Nic cage version was poor. It makes you realise how good this movie was in comparison. Christopher Lee said its his favorite movie he ever did. Thanks
I can't believe Christopher Lee preferred this to 'Night of the Big Heat' Justin!!! I also find it hard to believe anyone thought it would be a good idea to remake The Wicker Man. I expect they learned a lesson there though. John.
I love this film. I did buy the set which I regretted almost immediately after putting in the 4k because yes, the blu-ray is certainly good enough and is almost as good as the picture can be. I did a picture comparison video on my channel a long while back and it revealed that there was the smallest of minimal improvements on the 4k compared with the old 2013 blu-ray which was seemingly sourced from the same remaster. It is also a shame that this didn't get an alternative audio mix as well. Still I think the film is highly effective and pretty excellent.
Thank you for this. I'd just replied to another comment where your reply here is totally relevant and I'd got the answer wrong so I've updated that reply with a follow up. John.
Thanks for posting John. Great review. Its a film that grew on me over the years and largely because of Christopher Lee who is a bit of a hero figure to. I purchased the same 4k set at a similar price and its a worthy addition to any collection. Again thanks for posting and up to your usual very high standard. Regards Alan
You may have noticed this video wasn't anywhere near as long as usual Alan. I didn't think it would be very popular but it's already approaching the number of views I was hoping for over a week so I could have justifiably done more. Oh well, you just never know. John.
Thanks again John. In a weird way, parts of this film remind me of childhood holidays up North! Got this classic a while back. Some interesting labels on jars , viewable on the 4k! 😅
This is my favorite horror film of all time. The English folk music score is one of my favorite things about it too, having grown up on bands like Fairport Convention. I think there’s even a melody here that they used on their “Leige and Lief” album from two years before this. I find the clashing ideologies, Paganism vs Christianity to be the most fascinating aspect of the film. Both the islanders and the officer investigating cling to their beliefs in fascinating ways, and in the end it becomes a film on sacrifice. I must say when I first saw the theatrical version I thought it was nonsensical. The Final Cut however adds back in the thematic meat to me - it’s a shame the footage does not look as good as the rest of the film, but the original negative was destroyed. It looks great for what it is, having been shot on no money. Christopher Lee refused payment for his work, and there are other stories of the cast coming together out of passion for the material. It’s worth looking into the extras, I think, to learn more. This is a title I fell in love with in the ‘Final Cut’ iteration. As for its genre, I feel that it’s firmly a horror story. The final moments of this film terrify me to this day when I hear the animals screeching. That final shot of the sun haunts me forever. Just thinking of this film gives me warm fuzzy feelings. :-) PS I find the trigger warning fairly innocuous, and it’s better than editing films the way studios like Disney do (think of the recent debacle with “The French Connection.” I can live with it.
I think those of us who aren't brainwashed too much need to poke fun at things like the historical attitude warnings because we may then start to inform the wokesters that the constant need to placate them -and avoid the sort of abuse that can be meted out - can also offend us or get on our nerves. I've had enough comments complaining about those trigger warnings for me to feel the need to point them out. It could be that some would rather not spend their money on a video disc if a stupid caption is going to make them take the disc out and throw it across the room. They even put one on the start of Highlander of all films. I've had discussions with people about The Wicker Man not being a horror film but it's not really important. I think many consider The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to be a horror film too when I can't think that I've ever viewed it as such. I didn't find The Wicker Man scary or horrific. I was enjoying the mystery of it until the singing and nudity started and I think I was lost from then on. We watched another thriller last night, 'One False Move', which is more horrific to watch but there is no way that could ever be interpreted as a horror film either. The Wicker Man is a bunch of nutters who believe in a load of nonsense like some other cults in the world today. As a result they think their problems can be solved by justifiably burning a person alive. It is horrible but I found it all a little silly, probably because of the singing and nudity. Next time perhaps. John.
Good to see you too Brian. Shame the venue wasn't quite right for a film collector convention but Talking Pictures/Renown certainly got the people in and so it's going to help us put a proper BFCC on next year. We need to find an affordable, suitable venue outside of all the London road taxing issues around the western edge. Somewhere that will have enough space for a bespoke dealer room and a cinema that can contain the big screen. I think we'll have up to £1000 for all this so if you can think of anywhere please let me know. John.
Watched this many moons ago, and yeah it was weird, but bought it on 4K and hope I appreciate it more this time. My neighbour into vinyl has the film's soundtrack and loves it...
It may be one that you need to know first before you can enjoy it MuBai. That's certainly not the case for all of us but might be for some of us. John.
Good video, John! I first heard of The Wicker Man (and Get Carter) from a copy of NEON magazine way back in 1997. It was called "The 100 Films You Must See Before You Die", and it had JAWS on the cover. I found it to be a very cool and weird movie, with a great, bleak ending, ala the 1970s. And as a guy who grew up in the 80s, it was cool to see Edward Woodward in something other than The Equalizer.
I always think of Edward Woodward as Callan which was a hugely successful television series in the early 1970's I think. There was a film too and that was also issued by Walton Films. Had the same television sort of look as The Wicker Man so may have been the same production company. I didn't like The Wicker Man much but it's the oddness of it all that's generated its cult following and its reputation. Hence, the mention in films to see before you die. I can think of a thousand others I'd put ahead of it right now. John.
I saw Wicker Man for the first time last year. Knew of it for years but hadn't given it a try (I'm normally not a huge horror fan, but often like to give the originals a try). I was surprised how different this movie was. The "horror" in the film is the exposing Westerners/Christians to a starkly different culture/pagan religion that would be a shock to their system, just like the policeman's. It's certainly a unique and different kind of movie. It makes one feel uncomfortable or threatened than anything else. It challenges one's views on the world and how we ought to live. I more or less knew about the ending, so I wasn't surprised by it, but I can imagine how people probably felt in the 70s when this came out. I hate seeing characters forced into horrible situations, so it did make my stomach sink a bit. My favorite moment through was when the policeman first meets the Lord of the island and expresses his concern about the young ladies jumping over the fire with their clothes off and the Lord very passionately notes that it's dangerous to do that with clothes on. Almost sounds like a sarcastic remark, except he's dead serious. That got a good laugh out of me. That's not the response I was expecting. 😄
I think I lost interest when that orgy sequence appeared which I believe was just after all that singing in the pub. I really can't see how it can be classed as a horror movie though. It's potentially horrific at times but that doesn't make it a horror - or at least, I don't think it makes it a horror but it doesn't matter what I think. My suspicion is that marketing people thought they had a dead duck on their hands and came up with the idea of passing it off as a horror movie which would help generate some interest. I think it worked. John.
John, This is an absolute masterpiece, the seventies setting, the attention to detail, Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, the 4k transfer is beautiful. Maybe if you had seen this years ago you might have a different perspective, anyway all the best. Clive.
Morning Clive. I actually avoided it because I didn't like the look of it. I expect that now I'm older I'd get into the whole mystery and oddness of it all but alas, I'll have to try it again in a few years time. John.
I was working as Head Chef at “ Bucks Club “ in Londons Mayfair , I knew Christopher Lee was a long standing member and often used too come in and eat alone on the single large table called the “Cads Table “ where they could enjoy a meal with whoever was dinning alone at the club , the exit too the dinning room was next too the exit Hall where they used too collect their coats and next too the Porters Lodge , I often talked too the members as they left too ask them politely if they had enjoyed their lunch etc . What he didn’t know was I was an absolutely HUGE Wicker Man Fan , and I had a copy of the then Video tape in my chefs office , I should also mention Christopher Lee hated to be known for his Dracula’s Roles , he was a true thespian and had the most beautiful, loud Booming Voice , one day I heard he was in for his Wednesday Roast Beef Lunch , served very bloody of course , I made my way up too the porters lodge and just as he was leaving called out too him , “Mr.Lee , how did you enjoy your Roast Beef today ? “ Not Bloody enough for me , he announced ironically “ with that I seized the moment , “ now theirs a shock sir , can I say I loved your acting in …….Dddd Rrrr , The wicker Man ! “ . It was like the parting of the waves for Moses , he let out a booming “ My Dear Boy “ and as I asked him too sign my special addition, Wicker Man Video, he chatted to me for literally 30 minutes about it , he thought it was his finest acting film , how he helped finance it , how Rod Stewart nearly stopped his then Girlfriend Britt Ekland doing the nude scene , how it was meant to be Spring , but it was filmed in October and was freezing and so , so much more , as he finally left , Robert the long standing hall porter said , he never talks that much too anyone ! He must have liked you , I certainly liked him and he was a true British Gentleman, who incidentally served in the SAS , what a hero too .
What a wonderful memory to have Petrus. What a shame you didn't have the Walton Films Super 8 for him to sign because that would have been the ultimate Wicker Man collectible. Walton's have consistently held up to this day so I don't know what film stock they chose but it was low fade before low fade had been invented. I had the trailer and it must still be around somewhere but that's the reason I avoided The Wicker Man until I was older. Sadly, I'll have to wait a few years before I watch it again and hopefully enjoy it the way people like yourself do. Another comment told me that the Britt Ekland provocative, naked dancing sequence was a body double. What have you heard? John.
This sounds very interesting, John. Not sure if I wanna check it out or not. Last night I saw JFK at the Texas Theatre in Dallas, Texas. It wasn’t on film, unfortunately, but it was a 2K DCP. There was a Q&A with Oliver Stone after the film. It really was a great movie. If you haven’t seen it I definitely think you should, John. Be warned, it is about 3 hours for theatrical cut and 3 hours and 26 mins for the director’s cut which is the cut we saw at the theater. If you didn’t know the Texas Theatre is the same theater that Lee Harvey Oswald hid from the police in when they were tracking him down.
That must have been a great evening Sean. Sadly, I don't like the film JFK much at all. It's too much of a work of fiction for me but I have tried to like it several times. John.
One of the greatest! Got to see it again in Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺 last year on its 50 year anniversary! Loved it since my first watch as a 10 year old in Ireland on BBC.
@@moviecollector5920 personally I think it’s adds to the Pagan cult and bizarreness of the society he finds himself in . The inner Puritan in him was shocked and disgusted, which added to the overall suspense IMO.
John 1st time I saw this It left me somewhat cold but over the years came to value it and eventually love it I agree not the best film for 4k but needed to be restored for posterity. As far as the warnings go I find them condescending and irritating in equal measure. Collectors know the films they are buying. People tend to stream so a message could be inserted there. Seems to me that a few people are controlling the narrative on behalf of the many. The only Film which I feel really needed this was the scene in Holiday Inn sure you know what I am referring to.
I don't think I've ever seen Holiday Inn Mike. I may have but can't remember as I think it's a musical and they're rarely up my street. As for the stupid notice on this disc, it's a film from 1973. If you're a wokester surely you know that you can't watch anything from more than ten years ago for fear of a nervous or mental breakdown!!! Maybe our esteemed new government could pass a law in that regard. John.
@@moviecollector5920 John Holiday Inn introduced the song White Christmas to the world and is a companion to the later film of same name. Shot in black and white the controversy centers around the song "Abraham" sung by Crosby. Which has been cut from some physical and streaming versions Check Wikipedia The 4k version is uncut.
I did look up the box office take Cheekster but it was so low I didn't bother to mention it. It looks like hardly anyone saw it when originally released. John.
I saw Wicker Man for first time on a streaming service a few months ago, maybe Tubi, found it enjoyable watch, especially Britt Eckland:) Yea, the orgy scene rather tame, no big deal. The story line and arc well done, glad I watched. An odd movie for sure, but I'll pass on the 4k, may pick up a much cheaper blu-ray at some point. Thanks John!
Apparently the 2013 Blu-ray release came from the 4K too Pete so that may well be the more sensible option as there was barely any perceptible difference at ten feet wide in here. Another comment has told me the Blu-ray is almost as good. John.
Perhaps now that I know it's a bit of an oddball film and certainly not a horror film I'll be better prepared the next time around. The initial mystery had me hooked but then the singing and nudity started and I started to question what I was watching and how much longer I had to get through. John.
Greetings from Santiago de Chile. They said that time to time good things happen to chumps like me, and, the owner of the store where I buy my movies struck an interesting deal and.. he will import 4k and Blu-ray from UK. Finally, I could get titles from Arrow and other british labels at a reasonable price. Something that surprise me is that many editions of recent titles are US$10 cheaper than the US ones. I don't know how is this possible, but as we say here in Chile "Se dice el milagro no el santo" (You reveal the miracle but not the saint it provide it). Fingers cross that his contacts bring us more alternatives because the US price tittles are really high. Adiós, amigo.
Wonderful Gaspar. It might end up cheaper for people in the USA and Canada to import British titles from Chile so maybe we should give your local shop a little plug on here when this all starts. Do they have a web site? John.
I think the negative stock used had a bit of a boring look to it. Some shots did look very good though (when it was sunny) so being shot in Scotland means it was probably the light wasn't favourable to getting the best out of it. John.
Hi John , The Wicker Man was never released by Walton Films on super 8mm in any length , abridged feature or digest . Do you mean Witchfinder General ?
I had the trailer from Walton so perhaps that's what confused me. Thanks for the correction Murray. It would have been a good seller if they had have got it out because of the nudity which so many collectors loved back then. John.
Hi John! Glad to hear the film event went well. I have only seen bits of this film on television as it comes on time to time. I think if you suggest the blu ray is good enough I may add it some day or this 4k version you have reviewed here but like you mentioned the box set asking price seems way too high. Some of the prices for 4ks are thru the roof. Not sure if i'd do a blind buy without seeing the film again all the way thru. Hope all is well and have a great weekend! Cheers D!!
It's a strange film Dave and I struggled after the early musical sequence and then the nudity. I didn't like any of that and I suppose I was lost afterwards and wanted it to get to the ending as quickly as possible. I might be better prepared next time because it's the oddness of this film that generates the cult appeal it enjoys. I've had a report that the Blu-ray from 2013 is almost as good as this 4K set. Apparently both are taken from the same 4K master so I would give the Blu-ray a chance if you do ever fancy purchasing it as it's sure cost a bit less. John.
Great review, John. I was wondering how good is the new remaster as I have the older blu-ray release with all 3 cuts and the soundtrack on cd. There is a 4 disc 4K collectors boxset of (Don't Look Now) which looks better than the old Blu-ray, plus I also have the 4 disc 4K release(The Brother of the Wolf) but only the Directors cut is only on 4K.
This was the first time I'd seen The Wicker Man Andrew and the Blu-rays look just about as good as the 4K discs to me. But the 4K is a little dull for the most part. That appears to be down to the negative stock and nothing to do with the mastering. If your Blu-ray pack was taken from the same 4K then there won't be much difference but I don't expect that it was. If you really like this film then it's in the 2 for £30 deal at the moment so it's worth considering. John.
I've just got to a comment a few in front of yours which is relevant: @tjdw5251 • 9 hours ago I love this film. I did buy the set which I regretted almost immediately after putting in the 4k because yes, the blu-ray is certainly good enough and is almost as good as the picture can be. I did a picture comparison video on my channel a long while back and it revealed that there was the smallest of minimal improvements on the 4k compared with the old 2013 blu-ray which was seemingly sourced from the same remaster.
One of the few films that I bought the soundtrack on cd. A film I have always enjoyed but not one I would watch frequently. I did buy the 4K when it first came out. I’m fed up with the historical warnings - there seems to be so little tolerance here days for just about anything.
The warnings are ridiculous Stephen. Surely if you're of that state of mind and susceptible to being offended then you shouldn't be watching anything more than ten years old or perhaps a little less. John.
Hello John, There's an interview with Britt Ekland on one of the extras where she's very miffed that they used a body double with a fat arse for the dancing scene.I think she was more upset that viewers would think that it was her that had the plump posterior
Thanks for that. I'll stick to my bluray release. I am a fan of the film but as there's no big improvement in image quality there seems no point in buying the 4k version.
Judging by information that came in on here earlier, that's the right decision Keith. Here's the comment that appears to confirm it: @tjdw5251 • 9 hours ago I love this film. I did buy the set which I regretted almost immediately after putting in the 4k because yes, the blu-ray is certainly good enough and is almost as good as the picture can be. I did a picture comparison video on my channel a long while back and it revealed that there was the smallest of minimal improvements on the 4k compared with the old 2013 blu-ray which was seemingly sourced from the same remaster.
Oh wow, I knew theses pathetic trigger warnings are common on TV & streaming platforms when watching older movies that may not conform 100% with current day ideology but I had no idea they had also started putting them on the physical media we buy as well. Give me strength 😑
@@moviecollector5920 Well who'd have thought the mainstream consensus of people 30 to 50 years ago may differ from present day!?🤔 At least all the ideologues of today can rest assured that everyone in human history was wrong & that they are 100% correct today 🙄
Thanks John, I agree that the 4k Mastered Blu looks just as good as the 4k.Also Think the 4k Mastered Blu of Highlander is just as good as the actual 4k.I guess with some movies the Scanner can only do so much 👍 Or failing that just ask James Cameron if you can have your Print ran through his AI software.
To be fair to James Cameron, I think he's feeling that some may find his highly regarded films of the past a little disappointing given the work Christopher Nolan has been turning out and for that reason he's trying to make them look more like the Nolan sort of quality. No chance of that of course but that's my theory. The Blu-ray of Highlander wasn't so good on my system but that was because the colours were wrong if I recall correctly. That didn't to be so much the case with The Wicker Man and because I didn't enjoy the film much that helped my opinion that spending less on just a Blu-ray pack would be a better bet. John.
@@tjdw5251 I saw a sequence from The Abyss and that looked very good. It looked very good in the cinema and Super 8 too though so probably not so much tinkering was required for that one. I think True Lies had many soft focus shots and they caused most of the concern with that one. John.
I can only imagine the really stupid notice that will be provided when Gone With The Wind arrives in 4K. The Wicker Man is just not my cup of tea; but another great video nonetheless.
@@TheTerryGene The world is hovering over some sort of cross roads right now Terry and if nothing changes soon then I fear that films with storylines like Gone With The Wind may well disappear forever. Let's all hope for the best. John.
I watched this when it aired on tv in the late 70's or possibly very early 80's and thougjt it was great especially Britt Eckland in the buff for this 15 year old at the time😂😂😂. I agree, it is not horror but a mystery/thriller with songs😅!!
It was a bit raunchy to say the least Dark. Quite surprising that Britt's erotic dancing made it to a broadcast. I'd have thought that would have been snipped straight out. John.
Are the extras newly produced for this edition? There was a special edition DVD that came in a wooden box (I think from Anchor Bay) that had a lot of bonus material and I wondered if they're the same thing.
Hello John Believe it or not when that was released in UK cinemas it was the support feature to "Don't Look Now". I watched Don't Look..... First and about half way through "The Wicker Man" I'd had enough and walked out Like you say it is laughable in parts. I've seen it since to make sure of my original view of it and it's alright but not a cult movie for me. All rather odd goings on. Would have been good to attend your latest get together but I'm too far away. Maybe one of your future meetings if I'm in the UK. Cheers Graham.
Evening Graham. Hope all is well over there. I think I saw the trailer to The Wicker Man on Super 8 years ago (pretty sure I had a copy actually) and that's why I never saw it until now. I might think more highly of it with a second watch but that will be some years off I think. As for the BFCC LITE last Sunday, it was a bit of a mess. I wasn't wanted for the organization of that one and I'll never let that happen again. Experience usually counts. John.
Good night John Yes you get in on the organising next meet.... I'm sure you'll do a spot on job that's what it's all about perfection. All is well this side hope it's the same for you. Cheers. Graham.
I did a video called 'The Super 8 Gauge' about four years ago which will answer how long I've been into films (from the age of 2 or 3). Favourite film is Alien but there are a lot of reasons for that and you'll have to watch my Alien video from about four years ago to find out all the nuances of that. I can't remember the first film I watched but I vaguely remember seeing the 1960's Batman film in the cinema. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Original Alien is a very top tier all time film for me too and a prized 4k disc in my little collection; I've watched your Alien video about 3x:). I liked AlienS a lot but decided to pass on the recent 4k and instead go for Romulus 4k when price goes below $30 however long that may take.
It's certainly a strange film but I can't understand why anyone ever considered it to be a horror movie. Perhaps that was some marketing people trying to generate a little more interest back in 1973 or 1974. John.
@moviecollector5920 Indeed John, the only horror element was the ending,the rest was a murder mystery, enjoyed seeing Christopher Lee doing something out there....I do love my steelbook edition 😀
@@MadMartysMovieReviews-gv6hk I still can't see the ending as horror Marty. It's a bunch of nutters burning someone alive which still goes on quite a lot in certain parts of the world. Nothing supernatural or anything horror related about it. Just some poor victim being murdered. John.
@moviecollector5920 It doesn't need to be supernatural to be horror, burning someone alive is horror and as you said it still happens in certain parts of the world...now that is scary
@@MadMartysMovieReviews-gv6hk I suppose The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is considered a horror movie when there's no real horror in it. Just a bunch of psychopathic nutters.
Sorry, I don't like Titanic much. I like the sinking of the ship (I would have cut out the nonsense of the two leads being chased through it and shot at though) but right from early on I found I didn't like any of the characters and hoped they all drowned in the end. Not Cameron's worst though as I think that honour goes to Avatar... or perhaps the Avatar sequel as I haven't seen that and possibly never will. But he made some great films, some of the most entertaining in cinematic history perhaps. John.
I watched this on UA-cam before it was released on disc and decided not to bother getting it when it was released on disc. Britt Ekland had a double for her late night dancing scene. Thanks for your honest opinion.
I didn't know our Britt had used a body double Daniel. It was a stupid sequence that I could have done without. That, the singing and the orgy scene turned me off the film. John.
I think The Final Cut is the version that had that dodgy video sequence I mentioned. That and any other video sequences would probably have been best removed really. John.
@@moviecollector5920 I think that was actually The Directors Cut. By the way for future reference The Final Cut is the best version of the film. It is the directors original intended version before the distributors cut it to shreds.
@@moviecollector5920 it's not perfect, but it's edited better, the title music scene, seemed better than the original, but I will compare the 3 versions again, to be sure. I got the purpley steelbook, as the art has a sort of sunset nature theme to it too.
@@tjdw5251 Thank you for clarifying that. I was dipping in and out of the three versions on both 4K and Blu-ray by then so easy to lose where you're up to. John.
A couple of other comments have mentioned that he was the star of a remake. Amazing to think anyone would consider it worthwhile to try remaking it but there's no accounting for how daft some people are. John.
@@xix94 I did just answer this on another comment but in case that wasn't from you, Alien is my favourite but I don't think it's the best film ever made. Opening 35mm clips are teaser trailers: Anna and the King and The Beach with maybe another one of two but I can't recall. John.
@@moviecollector5920If you want another recommendation for a unique and unusual film, check out Nothing But Trouble (1991) starring Chevy Chase, Dan Akyroyd, John Candy, and Demi Moore.
The woke virtual signaling to today's imagined "modern audience" ia a slight irritation a bit like the FBI warnings and the "you wouldn't steal a car" messages on DVDs. I bought the limited edition with the pop ups etc because The Wicker Man, sorry to disagree with you, is the greatest British Horror film of all time 😁
I haven't had anyone successfully explain to me how The Wicker Man is a horror film though. I am aware that many consider The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to be a horror film too but I suspect we're mixing up 'horrific' for 'horror'. I consider The Wicker Man to be more of a musical!!! Okay, I'm having fun with that last sentence. John.
It’s funny; you probably just sold a lot of copies after mentioning that it’s full of gratuitous nudity. Guess I should have included a trigger warning for that inconvenient truth. LOL!
I suspect that's a big reason for its popularity. Britt Ekland does a quite provocative naked dance early on. I found it all a little silly but I expect many saw this as young lads and it stayed with them. John.
It's the mastering that's important because the cine to video transfers are no longer aerial image with skilled technicians monitoring and correcting everything where necessary, they are handled by automated scanners. It's the work that goes in after the automated process that's important so everyone needs to get away from labelling everything 'the transfer'. There's nothing wrong with the mastering of The Wicker Man. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Just got Cliffhanger US import by Sony pictures. It's leagues ahead colour wise to the UK remastered Studio Canal version. Why they add the green tint is beyond me. The black aren't black they dark green? It's very odd. Cheers.
Sorry John, this film has never interested me - even the edited highlights in 8mm from Walton put me to sleep… I guess l’m going to get flamed for this post (nod to the film intended)… thanks for the review though.
I think it generates mixed reactions Stephen and it seems you and I feel similarly about it. Others have reported along the same lines too so I think you'll be alright. It's only a film so it's not very important what any individual thinks of it. John.
its'a fantastic film and I think they've done a terrific job on the picture with the elements they had, really love my boxset of this... superb film...
They had the original negative so I'm afraid that's as good as it could ever look now unless someone somewhere has managed to store away an unfaded master print. I doubt that though.
John.
I must tell you that sometimes even what I'm not interested in a particular title that is the topic, I still enjoy your videos. Your knowledge and enthusiasm for film always come through. Good stuff.
Thank you Timothy. I didn't much like this one but hopefully I'm still able to review a film without slagging it off or giving too much of the plot away.
John.
@moviecollector5920 you're welcome. I've been rewatching some of your old videos and really enjoying them too.
One of my favourite movies of all time. Picture quality was always rough and it is such a singular film. It was a film that I grew up with and I have evangelised about for over 40 years.
I expect it was the scene with Britt Ekland doing the provocative, naked dance that left an impression on you!!! I think that many adolescent males were captivated by that. Sadly, I've just seen it when I'm a couple of years past adolescence so it didn't have quite the same effect.
John.
I'm 57 and The Wicker Man is my all time favourite film
I never thought I'd be reading that from anyone. It probably illustrates the value of doing something different on film. John.
@@moviecollector5920 It's one of my absolute favourites too. I think it's one of the greatest films ever made but not just because it did something different, the atmosphere, acting, concept, music and finale are all stellar.
@@Mr.Goodkat It's possible it's one you have to see as an adolescent when the soft porn would have an effect. I might have enjoyed that side of it then but I'm not sure of the rest of it. It is the porn and the singing that put me off it now which was a shame as I was enjoying the mysterious nature of it all until then.
@@moviecollector5920 Yeah things are very subjective especially music, I loved the songs myself.
@@Mr.Goodkat I might find I like the musical sequences next time. Sometimes you have to know these things are coming because this time around, the first time, I found myself wondering what on earth was happening.
The Wicker Man was one of the first films I purchased on VHS circa 1980. It was the truncated 88 minute version. Since then, I have purchased all the various versions as they came available. It is, to say the least, a unique motion picture and one which I cherish. By the way, I love the Super 8 projector that you feature at the tag end of your videos: it reminds me of the Eumig S810 that I had back in the day. It was a wonderful, solid piece of machinery.
The projector at the end of the video is a Eumig 810D but that cartoon was created for me by Sky Shazad who contacted me to let me know he'd done it so I don't know exactly which model of 810 it is. What a nice chap. But I do have an 810D HQS which I have used for years for aerial image cine to video transfers and it's a great machine.
By the way, it seems I was mistaken about a Super 8 release of The Wicker Man so despite being convinced I had the trailer tucked away somewhere I haven't been able to find it and I'm told a feature release was never issued. But Walton did issue a lot of 4x400ft slightly edited features around the time of The Wicker Man so perhaps I read something about a possible release somewhere but it never happened.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 Watching your videos has re-whetted my appetite, John! I just re-acquired a Mark S810 from an eBay supplier. It appears to be in excellent condition. Since I discarded my admittedly small collection of Super 8mm films decades ago, it is going to take me awhile to rebuild.
I did not like it on my first viewing of it john but I watched it again for curio and very much enjoyed it. I could really see what a one off it was and never to be repeated. The Nic cage version was poor. It makes you realise how good this movie was in comparison. Christopher Lee said its his favorite movie he ever did. Thanks
I can't believe Christopher Lee preferred this to 'Night of the Big Heat' Justin!!! I also find it hard to believe anyone thought it would be a good idea to remake The Wicker Man. I expect they learned a lesson there though.
John.
I love this film. I did buy the set which I regretted almost immediately after putting in the 4k because yes, the blu-ray is certainly good enough and is almost as good as the picture can be. I did a picture comparison video on my channel a long while back and it revealed that there was the smallest of minimal improvements on the 4k compared with the old 2013 blu-ray which was seemingly sourced from the same remaster.
It is also a shame that this didn't get an alternative audio mix as well. Still I think the film is highly effective and pretty excellent.
Thank you for this. I'd just replied to another comment where your reply here is totally relevant and I'd got the answer wrong so I've updated that reply with a follow up.
John.
Thanks for posting John. Great review. Its a film that grew on me over the years and largely because of Christopher Lee who is a bit of a hero figure to. I purchased the same 4k set at a similar price and its a worthy addition to any collection. Again thanks for posting and up to your usual very high standard. Regards Alan
You may have noticed this video wasn't anywhere near as long as usual Alan. I didn't think it would be very popular but it's already approaching the number of views I was hoping for over a week so I could have justifiably done more. Oh well, you just never know.
John.
Thanks for the review. Think I'll stick with my 3 disc set Final Cut Bluray for now. Doesn't seem like there's much more to the 4K release...
I don't think there is. But it is only £15 right now if you find a second 4K to purchase. John.
Saw the film, rode the rollercoaster. Enjoyed both.
Many people seem to like this film a lot Daniel so you're not alone. John.
Thanks again John. In a weird way, parts of this film remind me of childhood holidays up North!
Got this classic a while back. Some interesting labels on jars , viewable on the 4k! 😅
I'll have to look more closely at those jars Doug now that you've mentioned them. John.
This is my favorite horror film of all time. The English folk music score is one of my favorite things about it too, having grown up on bands like Fairport Convention. I think there’s even a melody here that they used on their “Leige and Lief” album from two years before this.
I find the clashing ideologies, Paganism vs Christianity to be the most fascinating aspect of the film. Both the islanders and the officer investigating cling to their beliefs in fascinating ways, and in the end it becomes a film on sacrifice.
I must say when I first saw the theatrical version I thought it was nonsensical. The Final Cut however adds back in the thematic meat to me - it’s a shame the footage does not look as good as the rest of the film, but the original negative was destroyed. It looks great for what it is, having been shot on no money. Christopher Lee refused payment for his work, and there are other stories of the cast coming together out of passion for the material.
It’s worth looking into the extras, I think, to learn more. This is a title I fell in love with in the ‘Final Cut’ iteration.
As for its genre, I feel that it’s firmly a horror story. The final moments of this film terrify me to this day when I hear the animals screeching. That final shot of the sun haunts me forever. Just thinking of this film gives me warm fuzzy feelings. :-)
PS I find the trigger warning fairly innocuous, and it’s better than editing films the way studios like Disney do (think of the recent debacle with “The French Connection.” I can live with it.
I think those of us who aren't brainwashed too much need to poke fun at things like the historical attitude warnings because we may then start to inform the wokesters that the constant need to placate them -and avoid the sort of abuse that can be meted out - can also offend us or get on our nerves. I've had enough comments complaining about those trigger warnings for me to feel the need to point them out. It could be that some would rather not spend their money on a video disc if a stupid caption is going to make them take the disc out and throw it across the room. They even put one on the start of Highlander of all films.
I've had discussions with people about The Wicker Man not being a horror film but it's not really important. I think many consider The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to be a horror film too when I can't think that I've ever viewed it as such. I didn't find The Wicker Man scary or horrific. I was enjoying the mystery of it until the singing and nudity started and I think I was lost from then on. We watched another thriller last night, 'One False Move', which is more horrific to watch but there is no way that could ever be interpreted as a horror film either. The Wicker Man is a bunch of nutters who believe in a load of nonsense like some other cults in the world today. As a result they think their problems can be solved by justifiably burning a person alive. It is horrible but I found it all a little silly, probably because of the singing and nudity. Next time perhaps.
John.
Good to see you at St Albans. I like the film a lot, Brit Ekland (and body double) too.
Good to see you too Brian. Shame the venue wasn't quite right for a film collector convention but Talking Pictures/Renown certainly got the people in and so it's going to help us put a proper BFCC on next year. We need to find an affordable, suitable venue outside of all the London road taxing issues around the western edge. Somewhere that will have enough space for a bespoke dealer room and a cinema that can contain the big screen. I think we'll have up to £1000 for all this so if you can think of anywhere please let me know.
John.
Watched this many moons ago, and yeah it was weird, but bought it on 4K and hope I appreciate it more this time. My neighbour into vinyl has the film's soundtrack and loves it...
It may be one that you need to know first before you can enjoy it MuBai. That's certainly not the case for all of us but might be for some of us.
John.
Good video, John!
I first heard of The Wicker Man (and Get Carter) from a copy of NEON magazine way back in 1997.
It was called "The 100 Films You Must See Before You Die", and it had JAWS on the cover.
I found it to be a very cool and weird movie, with a great, bleak ending, ala the 1970s. And as a guy who grew up in the 80s, it was cool to see Edward Woodward in something other than The Equalizer.
I always think of Edward Woodward as Callan which was a hugely successful television series in the early 1970's I think. There was a film too and that was also issued by Walton Films. Had the same television sort of look as The Wicker Man so may have been the same production company.
I didn't like The Wicker Man much but it's the oddness of it all that's generated its cult following and its reputation. Hence, the mention in films to see before you die. I can think of a thousand others I'd put ahead of it right now.
John.
I saw Wicker Man for the first time last year. Knew of it for years but hadn't given it a try (I'm normally not a huge horror fan, but often like to give the originals a try). I was surprised how different this movie was. The "horror" in the film is the exposing Westerners/Christians to a starkly different culture/pagan religion that would be a shock to their system, just like the policeman's. It's certainly a unique and different kind of movie. It makes one feel uncomfortable or threatened than anything else. It challenges one's views on the world and how we ought to live. I more or less knew about the ending, so I wasn't surprised by it, but I can imagine how people probably felt in the 70s when this came out. I hate seeing characters forced into horrible situations, so it did make my stomach sink a bit. My favorite moment through was when the policeman first meets the Lord of the island and expresses his concern about the young ladies jumping over the fire with their clothes off and the Lord very passionately notes that it's dangerous to do that with clothes on. Almost sounds like a sarcastic remark, except he's dead serious. That got a good laugh out of me. That's not the response I was expecting. 😄
I think I lost interest when that orgy sequence appeared which I believe was just after all that singing in the pub. I really can't see how it can be classed as a horror movie though. It's potentially horrific at times but that doesn't make it a horror - or at least, I don't think it makes it a horror but it doesn't matter what I think. My suspicion is that marketing people thought they had a dead duck on their hands and came up with the idea of passing it off as a horror movie which would help generate some interest. I think it worked.
John.
John, This is an absolute masterpiece, the seventies setting, the attention to detail, Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, the 4k transfer is beautiful. Maybe if you had seen this years ago you might have a different perspective, anyway all the best. Clive.
Morning Clive. I actually avoided it because I didn't like the look of it. I expect that now I'm older I'd get into the whole mystery and oddness of it all but alas, I'll have to try it again in a few years time.
John.
I was working as Head Chef at “ Bucks Club “ in Londons Mayfair , I knew Christopher Lee was a long standing member and often used too come in and eat alone on the single large table called the “Cads Table “ where they could enjoy a meal with whoever was dinning alone at the club , the exit too the dinning room was next too the exit Hall where they used too collect their coats and next too the Porters Lodge , I often talked too the members as they left too ask them politely if they had enjoyed their lunch etc .
What he didn’t know was I was an absolutely HUGE Wicker Man Fan , and I had a copy of the then Video tape in my chefs office , I should also mention Christopher Lee hated to be known for his Dracula’s Roles , he was a true thespian and had the most beautiful, loud Booming Voice , one day I heard he was in for his Wednesday Roast Beef Lunch , served very bloody of course , I made my way up too the porters lodge and just as he was leaving called out too him , “Mr.Lee , how did you enjoy your Roast Beef today ? “ Not Bloody enough for me , he announced ironically “ with that I seized the moment , “ now theirs a shock sir , can I say I loved your acting in …….Dddd Rrrr , The wicker Man ! “ .
It was like the parting of the waves for Moses , he let out a booming “ My Dear Boy “ and as I asked him too sign my special addition, Wicker Man Video, he chatted to me for literally 30 minutes about it , he thought it was his finest acting film , how he helped finance it , how Rod Stewart nearly stopped his then Girlfriend Britt Ekland doing the nude scene , how it was meant to be Spring , but it was filmed in October and was freezing and so , so much more , as he finally left , Robert the long standing hall porter said , he never talks that much too anyone ! He must have liked you , I certainly liked him and he was a true British Gentleman, who incidentally served in the SAS , what a hero too .
What a wonderful memory to have Petrus. What a shame you didn't have the Walton Films Super 8 for him to sign because that would have been the ultimate Wicker Man collectible. Walton's have consistently held up to this day so I don't know what film stock they chose but it was low fade before low fade had been invented. I had the trailer and it must still be around somewhere but that's the reason I avoided The Wicker Man until I was older. Sadly, I'll have to wait a few years before I watch it again and hopefully enjoy it the way people like yourself do.
Another comment told me that the Britt Ekland provocative, naked dancing sequence was a body double. What have you heard?
John.
I'm really pleased with this release. Classic film.
Certainly an impressive pack. Just not quite my cup of tea... yet. John.
This sounds very interesting, John. Not sure if I wanna check it out or not.
Last night I saw JFK at the Texas Theatre in Dallas, Texas. It wasn’t on film, unfortunately, but it was a 2K DCP. There was a Q&A with Oliver Stone after the film. It really was a great movie. If you haven’t seen it I definitely think you should, John. Be warned, it is about 3 hours for theatrical cut and 3 hours and 26 mins for the director’s cut which is the cut we saw at the theater. If you didn’t know the Texas Theatre is the same theater that Lee Harvey Oswald hid from the police in when they were tracking him down.
That must have been a great evening Sean. Sadly, I don't like the film JFK much at all. It's too much of a work of fiction for me but I have tried to like it several times.
John.
One of the greatest! Got to see it again in Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺 last year on its 50 year anniversary! Loved it since my first watch as a 10 year old in Ireland on BBC.
I expect it was cut when the PPC broadcast it, assuming that was many years ago. It might have played better with some of the nudity removed.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 personally I think it’s adds to the Pagan cult and bizarreness of the society he finds himself in . The inner Puritan in him was shocked and disgusted, which added to the overall suspense IMO.
@@cgray8267 I expect I'll appreciate it all next time around. Sometimes you do have to know a film before you can enjoy it fully.
@@moviecollector5920 I agree ! Thanks for your upload & content 🫡
John 1st time I saw this It left me somewhat cold but over the years came to value it and eventually love it
I agree not the best film for 4k but needed to be restored for posterity. As far as the warnings go I find them condescending and irritating in equal measure. Collectors know the films they are buying. People tend to stream so a message could be inserted there. Seems to me that a few people are controlling the narrative on behalf of the many. The only Film which I feel really needed this was the scene in Holiday Inn sure you know what I am referring to.
I don't think I've ever seen Holiday Inn Mike. I may have but can't remember as I think it's a musical and they're rarely up my street. As for the stupid notice on this disc, it's a film from 1973. If you're a wokester surely you know that you can't watch anything from more than ten years ago for fear of a nervous or mental breakdown!!! Maybe our esteemed new government could pass a law in that regard.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 John Holiday Inn introduced the song White Christmas to the world and is a companion to the later film of same name. Shot in black and white the controversy centers around the song "Abraham" sung by Crosby. Which has been cut from some physical and streaming versions
Check Wikipedia The 4k version is uncut.
Nice work John..... Always been interested in seeing this film....Il pick it up when on sale myself.👍
I think I needed to be more prepared for a weird or strange film prior to sitting down to watch it Roy. Next time should be better.
John.
salut et merci pour cette bonne vidèo comme toujour
Merci comme toujours Alain. John.
Personally, wasn’t a fan of this movie but I’m sure anyone who saw it back when it was originally released may have felt different.
Thank you John.
I did look up the box office take Cheekster but it was so low I didn't bother to mention it. It looks like hardly anyone saw it when originally released.
John.
I saw Wicker Man for first time on a streaming service a few months ago, maybe Tubi, found it enjoyable watch, especially Britt Eckland:) Yea, the orgy scene rather tame, no big deal. The story line and arc well done, glad I watched. An odd movie for sure, but I'll pass on the 4k, may pick up a much cheaper blu-ray at some point. Thanks John!
Apparently the 2013 Blu-ray release came from the 4K too Pete so that may well be the more sensible option as there was barely any perceptible difference at ten feet wide in here. Another comment has told me the Blu-ray is almost as good.
John.
I saw this one last year for the first time, had a good time watching it but I can see why some people might find it a difficult watch.
Perhaps now that I know it's a bit of an oddball film and certainly not a horror film I'll be better prepared the next time around. The initial mystery had me hooked but then the singing and nudity started and I started to question what I was watching and how much longer I had to get through.
John.
Greetings from Santiago de Chile. They said that time to time good things happen to chumps like me, and, the owner of the store where I buy my movies struck an interesting deal and.. he will import 4k and Blu-ray from UK. Finally, I could get titles from Arrow and other british labels at a reasonable price. Something that surprise me is that many editions of recent titles are US$10 cheaper than the US ones. I don't know how is this possible, but as we say here in Chile "Se dice el milagro no el santo" (You reveal the miracle but not the saint it provide it). Fingers cross that his contacts bring us more alternatives because the US price tittles are really high. Adiós, amigo.
Wonderful Gaspar. It might end up cheaper for people in the USA and Canada to import British titles from Chile so maybe we should give your local shop a little plug on here when this all starts. Do they have a web site?
John.
I love the wicker man and picked this up. The imaging is much better than it was but yeah cinematography was never its main selling point.
I think the negative stock used had a bit of a boring look to it. Some shots did look very good though (when it was sunny) so being shot in Scotland means it was probably the light wasn't favourable to getting the best out of it.
John.
Hi John , The Wicker Man was never released by Walton Films on super 8mm in any length , abridged feature or digest . Do you mean Witchfinder General ?
I had the trailer from Walton so perhaps that's what confused me. Thanks for the correction Murray. It would have been a good seller if they had have got it out because of the nudity which so many collectors loved back then.
John.
Thanks John , never seen this film.
I hadn't either Craig. Right now I almost wish I hadn't but at least I'll be prepared for next time.
John.
Hi John! Glad to hear the film event went well. I have only seen bits of this film on television as it comes on time to time. I think if you suggest the blu ray is good enough I may add it some day or this 4k version you have reviewed here but like you mentioned the box set asking price seems way too high. Some of the prices for 4ks are thru the roof. Not sure if i'd do a blind buy without seeing the film again all the way thru. Hope all is well and have a great weekend! Cheers D!!
It's a strange film Dave and I struggled after the early musical sequence and then the nudity. I didn't like any of that and I suppose I was lost afterwards and wanted it to get to the ending as quickly as possible. I might be better prepared next time because it's the oddness of this film that generates the cult appeal it enjoys. I've had a report that the Blu-ray from 2013 is almost as good as this 4K set. Apparently both are taken from the same 4K master so I would give the Blu-ray a chance if you do ever fancy purchasing it as it's sure cost a bit less.
John.
Great review, John.
I was wondering how good is the new remaster as I have the older blu-ray release with all 3 cuts and the soundtrack on cd. There is a 4 disc 4K collectors boxset of (Don't Look Now) which looks better than the old Blu-ray, plus I also have the 4 disc 4K release(The Brother of the Wolf) but only the Directors cut is only on 4K.
This was the first time I'd seen The Wicker Man Andrew and the Blu-rays look just about as good as the 4K discs to me. But the 4K is a little dull for the most part. That appears to be down to the negative stock and nothing to do with the mastering. If your Blu-ray pack was taken from the same 4K then there won't be much difference but I don't expect that it was. If you really like this film then it's in the 2 for £30 deal at the moment so it's worth considering.
John.
I've just got to a comment a few in front of yours which is relevant:
@tjdw5251 • 9 hours ago
I love this film. I did buy the set which I regretted almost immediately after putting in the 4k because yes, the blu-ray is certainly good enough and is almost as good as the picture can be. I did a picture comparison video on my channel a long while back and it revealed that there was the smallest of minimal improvements on the 4k compared with the old 2013 blu-ray which was seemingly sourced from the same remaster.
One of the few films that I bought the soundtrack on cd. A film I have always enjoyed but not one I would watch frequently. I did buy the 4K when it first came out. I’m fed up with the historical warnings - there seems to be so little tolerance here days for just about anything.
The warnings are ridiculous Stephen. Surely if you're of that state of mind and susceptible to being offended then you shouldn't be watching anything more than ten years old or perhaps a little less.
John.
Hello John, There's an interview with Britt Ekland on one of the extras where she's very miffed that they used a body double with a fat arse for the dancing scene.I think she was more upset that viewers would think that it was her that had the plump posterior
I did think it was a bit too much of a handfull Bonzo.
Thanks for that. I'll stick to my bluray release. I am a fan of the film but as there's no big improvement in image quality there seems no point in buying the 4k version.
Judging by information that came in on here earlier, that's the right decision Keith. Here's the comment that appears to confirm it:
@tjdw5251 • 9 hours ago
I love this film. I did buy the set which I regretted almost immediately after putting in the 4k because yes, the blu-ray is certainly good enough and is almost as good as the picture can be. I did a picture comparison video on my channel a long while back and it revealed that there was the smallest of minimal improvements on the 4k compared with the old 2013 blu-ray which was seemingly sourced from the same remaster.
Oh wow, I knew theses pathetic trigger warnings are common on TV & streaming platforms when watching older movies that may not conform 100% with current day ideology but I had no idea they had also started putting them on the physical media we buy as well. Give me strength 😑
A similar warning was on the Highlander 4K disc. I'm not kidding you. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Well who'd have thought the mainstream consensus of people 30 to 50 years ago may differ from present day!?🤔
At least all the ideologues of today can rest assured that everyone in human history was wrong & that they are 100% correct today 🙄
It’s so so tiring, man
@northeastcorals Present Day stupidity you mean?
@@FadriqueFM Yup, I'd SERIOUSLY rather not have them invading my every space.
Thanks John, I agree that the 4k Mastered Blu looks just as good as the 4k.Also Think the 4k Mastered Blu of Highlander is just as good as the actual 4k.I guess with some movies the Scanner can only do so much 👍 Or failing that just ask James Cameron if you can have your Print ran through his AI software.
To be fair to James Cameron, I think he's feeling that some may find his highly regarded films of the past a little disappointing given the work Christopher Nolan has been turning out and for that reason he's trying to make them look more like the Nolan sort of quality. No chance of that of course but that's my theory.
The Blu-ray of Highlander wasn't so good on my system but that was because the colours were wrong if I recall correctly. That didn't to be so much the case with The Wicker Man and because I didn't enjoy the film much that helped my opinion that spending less on just a Blu-ray pack would be a better bet.
John.
🤮
Lets keep James in the basement away from transfers and technology haha
@@tjdw5251 I saw a sequence from The Abyss and that looked very good. It looked very good in the cinema and Super 8 too though so probably not so much tinkering was required for that one. I think True Lies had many soft focus shots and they caused most of the concern with that one.
John.
I can only imagine the really stupid notice that will be provided when Gone With The Wind arrives in 4K. The Wicker Man is just not my cup of tea; but another great video nonetheless.
I don't think anyone would dare to issue Gone With The Wind today Henri. I think there'd be a meltdown across swathes of the western world!
@@moviecollector5920I agree but I hope you are wrong. It would be insanity to not give the most popular film of all time a 4K release.
@@TheTerryGene The world is hovering over some sort of cross roads right now Terry and if nothing changes soon then I fear that films with storylines like Gone With The Wind may well disappear forever. Let's all hope for the best. John.
@@moviecollector5920 Cheers, mate. Keep up the good work!
I watched this when it aired on tv in the late 70's or possibly very early 80's and thougjt it was great especially Britt Eckland in the buff for this 15 year old at the time😂😂😂. I agree, it is not horror but a mystery/thriller with songs😅!!
It was a bit raunchy to say the least Dark. Quite surprising that Britt's erotic dancing made it to a broadcast. I'd have thought that would have been snipped straight out.
John.
Are the extras newly produced for this edition? There was a special edition DVD that came in a wooden box (I think from Anchor Bay) that had a lot of bonus material and I wondered if they're the same thing.
I did look at a couple of them but can't remember a thing about them right now. Sorry. John.
Hello John
Believe it or not when that was released in UK cinemas it was the support feature to "Don't Look Now".
I watched Don't Look..... First and about half way through "The Wicker Man" I'd had enough and walked out
Like you say it is laughable in parts. I've seen it since to make sure of my original view of it and it's alright but not a cult movie for me. All rather odd goings on.
Would have been good to attend your latest get together but I'm too far away. Maybe one of your future meetings if I'm in the UK.
Cheers
Graham.
Evening Graham. Hope all is well over there. I think I saw the trailer to The Wicker Man on Super 8 years ago (pretty sure I had a copy actually) and that's why I never saw it until now. I might think more highly of it with a second watch but that will be some years off I think. As for the BFCC LITE last Sunday, it was a bit of a mess. I wasn't wanted for the organization of that one and I'll never let that happen again. Experience usually counts.
John.
Good night John
Yes you get in on the organising next meet.... I'm sure you'll do a spot on job that's what it's all about perfection. All is well this side hope it's the same for you. Cheers.
Graham.
How long have you been in to films
What is your favourite film
What was your first film you watched
I did a video called 'The Super 8 Gauge' about four years ago which will answer how long I've been into films (from the age of 2 or 3). Favourite film is Alien but there are a lot of reasons for that and you'll have to watch my Alien video from about four years ago to find out all the nuances of that. I can't remember the first film I watched but I vaguely remember seeing the 1960's Batman film in the cinema.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 Original Alien is a very top tier all time film for me too and a prized 4k disc in my little collection; I've watched your Alien video about 3x:). I liked AlienS a lot but decided to pass on the recent 4k and instead go for Romulus 4k when price goes below $30 however long that may take.
Yay for the wicker man!
Nobody can hold a candle to him!
Great vid John, the Wickerman is an unusual film,one i enjoyed though...it was third ever vid too 😊
It's certainly a strange film but I can't understand why anyone ever considered it to be a horror movie. Perhaps that was some marketing people trying to generate a little more interest back in 1973 or 1974.
John.
@moviecollector5920 Indeed John, the only horror element was the ending,the rest was a murder mystery, enjoyed seeing Christopher Lee doing something out there....I do love my steelbook edition 😀
@@MadMartysMovieReviews-gv6hk I still can't see the ending as horror Marty. It's a bunch of nutters burning someone alive which still goes on quite a lot in certain parts of the world. Nothing supernatural or anything horror related about it. Just some poor victim being murdered. John.
@moviecollector5920 It doesn't need to be supernatural to be horror, burning someone alive is horror and as you said it still happens in certain parts of the world...now that is scary
@@MadMartysMovieReviews-gv6hk I suppose The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is considered a horror movie when there's no real horror in it. Just a bunch of psychopathic nutters.
Would love to have you do a titanic review
My favourite film of all time
Sorry, I don't like Titanic much. I like the sinking of the ship (I would have cut out the nonsense of the two leads being chased through it and shot at though) but right from early on I found I didn't like any of the characters and hoped they all drowned in the end. Not Cameron's worst though as I think that honour goes to Avatar... or perhaps the Avatar sequel as I haven't seen that and possibly never will. But he made some great films, some of the most entertaining in cinematic history perhaps.
John.
I watched this on UA-cam before it was released on disc and decided not to bother getting it when it was released on disc. Britt Ekland had a double for her late night dancing scene. Thanks for your honest opinion.
I didn't know our Britt had used a body double Daniel. It was a stupid sequence that I could have done without. That, the singing and the orgy scene turned me off the film.
John.
What's the movie been shown on the projectors at the start of the video ?
Teaser trailers. Anna and the King is in there as well as The Beach. John.
the final cut, is the better quality, the others are interesting though.
I think The Final Cut is the version that had that dodgy video sequence I mentioned. That and any other video sequences would probably have been best removed really.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 I think that was actually The Directors Cut. By the way for future reference The Final Cut is the best version of the film. It is the directors original intended version before the distributors cut it to shreds.
@@moviecollector5920 it's not perfect, but it's edited better, the title music scene, seemed better than the original, but I will compare the 3 versions again, to be sure. I got the purpley steelbook, as the art has a sort of sunset nature theme to it too.
@@tjdw5251 Thank you for clarifying that. I was dipping in and out of the three versions on both 4K and Blu-ray by then so easy to lose where you're up to. John.
Great movie remember watching this on tv
Was Nicolas cage not in a movie with the same name The Wicker Man I think it was called
A couple of other comments have mentioned that he was the star of a remake. Amazing to think anyone would consider it worthwhile to try remaking it but there's no accounting for how daft some people are.
John.
The remake is so bad it's good... "not the bees!"
What's your favourite movie John
Also what's the movie playing on the projector at the start of the videos
@@xix94 I did just answer this on another comment but in case that wasn't from you, Alien is my favourite but I don't think it's the best film ever made. Opening 35mm clips are teaser trailers: Anna and the King and The Beach with maybe another one of two but I can't recall.
John.
I have been waiting so long for this video to come out because it’s one of my favorite movies.
Not one of mine yet I'm afraid Derek. But I can understand the cult status. John.
@@moviecollector5920If you want another recommendation for a unique and unusual film, check out Nothing But Trouble (1991) starring Chevy Chase, Dan Akyroyd, John Candy, and Demi Moore.
The woke virtual signaling to today's imagined "modern audience" ia a slight irritation a bit like the FBI warnings and the "you wouldn't steal a car" messages on DVDs. I bought the limited edition with the pop ups etc because The Wicker Man, sorry to disagree with you, is the greatest British Horror film of all time 😁
I haven't had anyone successfully explain to me how The Wicker Man is a horror film though. I am aware that many consider The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to be a horror film too but I suspect we're mixing up 'horrific' for 'horror'. I consider The Wicker Man to be more of a musical!!! Okay, I'm having fun with that last sentence.
John.
It’s funny; you probably just sold a lot of copies after mentioning that it’s full of gratuitous nudity. Guess I should have included a trigger warning for that inconvenient truth. LOL!
I suspect that's a big reason for its popularity. Britt Ekland does a quite provocative naked dance early on. I found it all a little silly but I expect many saw this as young lads and it stayed with them.
John.
I dont think it was Britt doing the naked dance and banging on the walls@@moviecollector5920
Not the bees! Not the bees! Aaaahhhh!
I can't remember that sequence Drakon. Perhaps it's in one of the longer versions and I didn't see it. I certainly remember the frog though.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 That is from the remake with Nicholas Cage. It’s a bad movie though.
@@derekgitzel6720 Fancy trying to remake The Wicker Man. Twits!
Wrong version... this is the original film, not the Nicholas Cage remake... ;)
@@SogoTX I know, but people don't forget.
Studio Canal = Terrible 4k transfers.
It's the mastering that's important because the cine to video transfers are no longer aerial image with skilled technicians monitoring and correcting everything where necessary, they are handled by automated scanners. It's the work that goes in after the automated process that's important so everyone needs to get away from labelling everything 'the transfer'. There's nothing wrong with the mastering of The Wicker Man.
John.
@@moviecollector5920 Just got Cliffhanger US import by Sony pictures. It's leagues ahead colour wise to the UK remastered Studio Canal version. Why they add the green tint is beyond me. The black aren't black they dark green? It's very odd. Cheers.
Sorry John, this film has never interested me - even the edited highlights in 8mm from Walton put me to sleep… I guess l’m going to get flamed for this post (nod to the film intended)… thanks for the review though.
I think it generates mixed reactions Stephen and it seems you and I feel similarly about it. Others have reported along the same lines too so I think you'll be alright. It's only a film so it's not very important what any individual thinks of it.
John.
Studio Canal's woke warnings make me cringe. Ridiculous 🙄
At least there were two 4K discs in this pack so I still have one that hasn't been thrown across the room. John.
It's ridiculous that a bit of text could trigger you this much.
@@wright96d It doesn't really but it means we can have a bit of fun at its expense.
@@wright96d Thin end of the wedge. First trigger warnings, then banning. Communist NWO. 😤