4K Blu-ray Review: THE HITCHER (Second Sight)

Rutger Hauer makes THE HITCHER the cult classic it is today along with the excellent direction by Robert Harmon and Director of Photography's cinematography from an Eric Red script. The Mark Isham score also helps sell the scenes. THE HITCHER is a movie that didn't need to be remade into the so-so remake starring Sean Bean as the title character. He tried his best, but he was not a match for how Rutger Hauer played the chaotic force of nature (who calls himself John Ryder) that a driver (C Thomas Howell) is terrorized with as he thinks he is doing a good Samaritan job of picking up the hitchhiker to soon realize he has stumbled upon a serial killer who dares to be stopped by him. He is assisted by a waitress (Jennifer Jason Leigh) who could easily end up as the next victim of this hitchhiker who vanishes like a ghost only to reappear at a moment's notice. The cops don't believe the driver and think he is the killer of so many people and cops.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
If you're looking for a wealth extras on the film, the Second Sight edition is one you want to buy instead of the US edition from Warner Bros Home Entertainment which has only very few extras.

THE PROJECTION BOOTH PODCAST featuring
BULLSEYE: new interview with director Robert Harmon
PENNING THE RIPPER: A new interview with writer Eric Red
DOOMED TO LIVE- A new interview with actor C Thomas Howell
THE MAN FROM OZ- new interview with cinematographer John Seale
A VERY FORMATIVE SCORE: a new interview with composer Mark Isham
DUEL RUNNER- Leigh Singer on the evolution of THE HITCHER and Rutger Hauer
CHINA LAKE- new restored short film directed by Robert Harmon
THE CALLING CARD- Robert Harmon on China Lake
TELEPHONE:- a short film by Eric Red

THE HITCHER: HOW DO THESE FILMS GET MADE?- a retrospective documentary on the making and reception of THE HITCHER

FINAL ANALYSIS: THE HITCHER is an excellent thriller with Rutger Hauer stealing the scenes he is in along with the desolate beauty of the scenery and the great direction from Robert Harmon. If you want plenty of extras on the movie and the people involved in THE HITCHER, the Second Sight 4K UHD is a superior choice over the US release from Warner Bros Home Entertainment.

This review is ©11-10-2024 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission. Send all comments to feedback@enterline-media.com