After some turmoil about who was releasing it, where it was being released, and what editions there would be, we finally have the 1986 movie The Hitcher on a magnificent looking 4K UHD restoration in the United States and the United Kingdom, although from different distributors. Let’s break down this confusion and release strategy first and foremost.
This restoration was announced months ago by Second Sight who, outside of the odd release, has had worldwide rights to release the film. They teased and announced they were working on a restoration for The Hitcher a long time ago. Three months ago, it just quietly disappeared from their website and it was then announced that the release was only available in the U.K.. This initially disappointed a lot of fans. Warner Brothers has released the movie (the same transfer it seems) as Second Sight but in the U.S., leaving many still disappointed as the Second Sight edition has all of their usual goodies (slipbox, booklet, art cards, the works) and a slew of extra features that the Warner Bros.’s release does not have. We’ll get into that a little later, but this is a 100 gb 4K UHD disk which was supervised by director Robert Harmon and done in conjunction with Warner Archive and Second Sight to bring forth a version that is the absolute best this movie has ever looked.
The movie focuses on Jim Halsey (C. Thomas Howell) as he is on the road from Chicago to San Franciso to transport a luxury car. He has been waiting for a job like this as it would get him to California as he didn’t have the means to get there entirely on his own. While on his journey, he goes against his better judgement and everything he was, hopefully, taught and picks up a hitchhiker who certainly has seen better days as he’s been caught in some turbulent weather. The hitchhiker, John Ryder (Rutger Hauer), is certainly not your typical hitchhiker (or maybe he is as I have no personal experience with hitchhikers), but he’s certainly a dangerous man and it can be argued that he is even a complete psychotic killer whose been on the run. While Jim has no intention of dying on this faithful ride, John has other plans for him as the two struggle in a Terminator (1984)-esque battle for survival, the relentless killer determined to get his target.
Audience mileage may very based on what they’re hoping to get out of this psychological killer thriller, but one thing is for sure and that is the performances capture the essence of fear, determination, and a little killer’s edge to pack this tense thriller with everything it needs to work. Howell (The Outsiders), Hauer (Ladyhawke), and Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight) as Nash are truly great. Released in 1986, this movie was shot on 35 mm. As we know, with time, the quality of prints can deteriorate resulting in them looking aged and distorted. Finding a pristine copy of The Hitcher to watch in as close to its original 35 mm presentation would be nearly impossible. However, this restoration and 100 gb disk presentation certainly is the closest one could ever get to seeing this on an original run back in ‘86, another wonderful restoration from Warner Archive and Second Sight.
This is a sole 4K UHD release only. There is not an included Blu-ray and, since the disk is taking up the majority of the space for the film and presentation to be as pristine as possible, the features are certainly lacking. There are only three features that consist of an audio commentary, an interview with the director, and the theatrical trailer. So the ultimate question for the consumer comes down to whether you want to own The Hitcher on 4K UHD without a slip cover and with bareboned special features, or pony up and find a way to import the deluxe edition with the region-locked Blu-ray but with all the extra special goodies. Either way, the 4K UHD is truly spectacular and is the best The Hitcher has ever looked.
The Hitcher 4K UHD Special Features:
- Audio Commentary with Robert Harmon and Eric Red
- Bullseye: An Interview with Director Robert Harmon
- Theatrical Trailer
Available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray October 22nd, 2024.
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Categories: Home Release, Recommendation
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