Rediscover Terror the Way It Was Meant

Read Time:5 Minute, 25 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Blair Witch Project Limited Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray
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Genre: Horror, Found Footage, Mystery
Year Released: 1999, 2024 Second Sight Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 21m
Director(s): Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sanchez
Writer(s): Daniel Myrick, Eduardo Sánchez, Heather Donahue
Cast: Heather Donahue, Michael C Williams, Joshua Leonard
Where To Watch: available November 11, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.secondsightfilms.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: Second Sight Films pulls out all the stops with a Limited Edition Blu-ray Box for THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT’s 25th anniversary. Housed in a sleek slipcase featuring artwork by Timothy Pittides, this collector's edition is a treasure trove. It includes a hefty 184-page book filled with essays and "Heather's Journal," providing deeper insights into the film's enigmatic lore. The Limited and Standard editions are packed with extras like a new documentary, commentary tracks, and unseen footage, highlighting the movie's innovative approach (for the time) that captivated audiences and filmmakers alike.

What makes THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT so unforgettable is its masterful use of subtlety to instill fear. Instead of relying on gore or jump scares, it leverages the power of suggestion. The eerie silence of the woods, mysterious twig dolls, and unsettling sounds in the darkness all contribute to an atmosphere that keeps viewers on edge. This technique of engaging the audience's imagination has influenced countless horror films since.

The raw performances by the trio of actors—Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael C. Williams—are central to the film's authenticity. By immersing themselves in their roles and reacting to unscripted events, they blur the lines between acting and reality. Equipped with a 16mm camera and a Hi-8 video recorder, their genuine responses to unfolding terror make the experience feel incredibly real.

From a cinematic standpoint, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT is a landmark in independent filmmaking. With an initial budget that was modest at best, the film generated a staggering global box office return, showcasing what's possible when creativity meets ingenuity. Its success story is a testament to how a simple yet compelling idea can resonate worldwide.

One of the film's most notable achievements was its pioneering use of internet marketing. At a time when the web was still in its early days, the filmmakers crafted a viral campaign that blurred the lines between fact and fiction. By spreading rumors and creating websites that treated the movie's events as “real,” they generated a buzz that had people questioning reality before the term "viral marketing" was even coined.

The film's significant impact on the horror genre cannot be denied. It brought the found-footage style into the mainstream, paving the way for numerous films that adopted similar techniques. Its influence is evident in how modern horror emphasizes atmosphere and psychological tension over explicit content. I can’t imagine what the genre would have been without the one that truly started it all.

Attempts to replicate the original's success, such as sequels and spin-offs, fell short (although, in retrospect, the “sequel,” BOOK OF SHADOWS, is iconic in its own right), highlighting the challenges of capturing lightning in a bottle twice. The original stands alone as a cultural icon, inspiring both homage and parody and continues to be a reference point in discussions about innovative filmmaking.

This new release from Second Sight is a restoration that honors the filmmakers' original vision. Producer Michael Monello has noted that this edition corrects past technical compromises, presenting the film as it was always intended to be seen. This offers fans and film enthusiasts a definitive viewing experience that enhances appreciation for the movie's artistry. This was the first time I had rewatched the film since its original run in theaters, and I have such an undeniable appreciation for it. Specifically, the final scene may be one of the most memorable in cinema history for me.

Ultimately, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT remains a powerful example of how less can be more in cinema. Its ability to unsettle audiences without relying on traditional horror tropes underscores the enduring power of storytelling and the impact of creative risk-taking. Even after 25 years, it reminds us that sometimes the scariest things are those we can't see, only imagine.

Special Features
A new Second Sight Films restoration from the Hi8 videotapes and 16mm film elements, supervised and approved by the Producers and Directors
The 2-disc edition includes restored and remastered Original Theatrical Cut and Festival Cut, plus the original-release version
The Blair Witch Documentary: a new feature-length Second Sight Films production
New audio commentary by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson
Directors' and Producers' audio commentary
Deleted scenes, including previously unseen video and 16mm footage
The Blair Witch Project: Analogue Horror in a Digital World by Mike Muncer
Curse of the Blair Witch
Alternate Endings
Cannes 1999: Archive directors interview
Trailers

Limited Edition Contents
Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Timothy Pittides
184-page hardback book with archive production materials and new essays by Stacey Abbott, Becky Darke, Adam Hart, Craig Ian Mann, Mary Beth McAndrews, Dr. Cecilia Sayad, Pete Turner, and Heather Wixson
Heather’s Journal
Three collectors' art cards

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[photo courtesy of SECOND SIGHT FILMS]

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