Unleashing Primal Fear With Every Frame

Read Time:5 Minute, 52 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Woman & Offspring [Limited Edition]
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Genre: Horror, Drama, Thriller, Splatter Horror
Year Released: 2011 / 2009, 2024 Arrow Video 4K
Runtime: 1h 41m / 1h 19m
Director(s): Lucky McKee / Andrew van den Houten
Writer(s): Jack Ketchum, Lucky McKee / Jack Ketchum
Cast: Pollyanna McIntosh, Sean Bridgers, Angela Bettis, Lauren Ashley Carter, Zach Rand, Shyla Molhusen / Jessica Butler, Leigh Shannan Feldpausch, Holter Graham, Amy Hargreaves, Art Hindle, Erick Kastel, Tommy Nelson
Where To Watch: available August 27, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.arrowfilms.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Arrow Video's latest release provides a gripping double feature that plunges viewers into the depths of human nature, juxtaposing the primal instincts lurking beneath societal masks with unsettling precision. These films, directed by Lucky McKee and Andrew van den Houten, respectively, take a deep dive into the dark corridors of civilization and savagery, exploring a narrative that culminates in a profound societal commentary and that perfect mix of splatter horror for the genre fan.

In the first film, THE WOMAN, we're introduced to a haunting tale of a woman, the last of her clan, whose very existence challenges the structured life of an American family. Pollyanna McIntosh shines in her role, bringing a powerful, raw presence that starkly contrasts with the civilized world. Opposite her, Sean Bridgers portrays a country lawyer, Chris Cleek, who, upon discovering her, embarks on a misguided mission to domesticate the wildness he perceives. His family, played by Angela Bettis as Belle Cleek and Lauren Ashley Carter as Peggy Cleek, are entangled in a web of domestic fear, brilliantly depicted through their compelling performances.

Slowly ramping up the tension, McKee reveals the family’s dark underbelly as they confront the barbarity mirrored in their captive. The film's pace is deliberate, peeling back layers of civility to expose a raw, untamed narrative that forces viewers to question the essence of their humanity.

While less deep thematically, the “prequel,” OFFSPRING, is vital in setting the stage for the terror that unfolds in THE WOMAN. It chronicles the brutality of a clan terrorizing small towns, led by McIntosh’s fierce portrayal of the clan leader. Despite the constraints of a lower budget and a less polished narrative, this film is crucial in establishing the horrifying lineage that spills over into the next installment.

The thematic core of both films is the cycle of violence and the thin line separating civilized behavior from primal savagery. This motif is woven through the narrative, compelling the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about their nature. This film marked a significant point in McKee's career, showcasing his growth as a filmmaker alongside Ketchum's provocative storytelling. The upgraded 4K restoration of both films, coupled with a wealth of behind-the-scenes content and interviews, offers an enriching experience that provides insight into the intricate filmmaking process.

Ultimately, this pair of films from Arrow Video offers more than just a horror experience; it reflects humanity's darker impulses. The comprehensive package not only appeals to horror fans but also invites deeper genre fans to explore a complex narrative as intellectually stimulating as it is chilling. Intriguing performances, a haunting score, and a narrative that persistently challenges viewer perceptions make this release an essential addition to any film collection. This set won’t be for everyone, but as a companion in McKee’s directorial filmography, it’s a must-own.

4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS
4K restorations of The Woman and Offspring, supervised and approved by Lucky McKee and Andrew van den Houten
Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork for both films by Vanessa McKee
Illustrated collector's booklet featuring writing by Michael Blyth, Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, and Kevin Kovelant

DISC ONE – THE WOMAN (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)
4K restoration supervised and approved by Lucky McKee
4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Audio commentary with director Lucky McKee, editor Zach Passero, sound designer Andrew Smetek and composer Sean Spillane
Audio commentary with star Pollyanna McIntosh
Audio commentary with critic Scott Weinberg
Archive commentary with director Lucky McKee
Dad on the Wall, a 75-minute fly-on-the-wall behind-the-scenes documentary filmed by the director's father, Mike McKee
Being Peggy Cleek, an interview with star Lauren Ashley Carter
Malam Domesticam, an archive making-of featurette
Meet the Makers, a short featurette on the making of the film
Deleted scenes
¡Mi Burro!, a short film by editor Zach Passero
"Distracted" music video by Sean Spillane
Frightfest Total Film Panel Discussion, a 2011 onstage chat about the future of American indie horror at the popular horror film festival, featuring Lucky McKee, Andrew van den Houten, Larry Fessenden, Adam Green, Joe Lynch and Ti West
Theatrical trailers
Image galleries

DISC TWO – OFFSPRING (4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY)
4K restoration supervised and approved by Andrew van den Houten
4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Audio commentary with director/producer Andrew van den Houten and digital colorist Matt McClain
Archive commentary with writer Jack Ketchum, director/producer Andrew van den Houten, and producer/cinematographer William M. Miller
Interview with Pollyanna McIntosh and Andrew van den Houten
Fly on the Wall, a behind-the-scenes documentary
Extended interview with Jack Ketchum
Restoration comparison
Audition comparison
Progeny: The Birth of Offspring, an archive behind-the-scenes featurette including interviews with cast and crew
First Stolen's Bailout, an archive behind-the-scenes featurette
Webisodes, short featurettes used to promote the film online
Archive Easter Eggs
Theatrical trailer
Image Gallery

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[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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