TLDR Review: Possession (1981) 4K Blu-ray
Pros
- •The film is widely regarded as a masterpiece, blending horror with intense emotional and psychological themes in a way that vividly conveys madness.
- •Isabelle Adjani delivers an outstanding, physically and emotionally intense performance, earning her the Best Actress prize at Cannes; Sam Neill also gives one of his finest performances.
- •The direction employs a roving, constantly moving camera style that creates an unpredictable, chaotic, and immersive viewing experience.
- •This 4K Ultra HD + Blay edition features excellent picture and audio quality, significantly improving upon previous versions like VHS and poor Blu-ray releases.
- •The packaging is exceptionally beautiful and higuality, crafted with incredible care, making it a collector’s item worthy of display or framing.
- •The release includes numerous valuable special features, a 2age booklet, and a thick protective shell, enhancing the overall experience for fans and collectors.
- •The film’s narrative is brilliantly disturbing and unsettling, exploring themes of possession, alienation, and broken relationships with symbolic and mystical storytelling.
- •Multiple viewings are rewarding as the film reveals strong metaphorical and political themes beyond its surface horror.
- •The horror elements are psychological and grotesque rather than relying on typical gore clichés, creating genuine discomfort and fascination.
- •The Australian edition is region B compatible with European players, and the release is from Umbrella Entertainment, known for quality editions.
Cons
- •The included liner notes essay is poorly written, overly academic, clichéidden, and confusing, lacking engaging or fan-focused insight, and neglecting the importance of Adjani’s and Neill’s performances.
- •The film’s intense emotional and visual style, including frequent screaming and thrashing, makes it a difficult and sometimes overwhelming watch.
- •Dialogue can feel unnatural, though seemingly intentionally crafted to contribute to the film’s unsettling tone.
- •Subtitles are essential for fully understanding the film, which may be a barrier for some viewers.
- •The movie’s avanarde, challenging narrative and extreme artistic style demand tolerance for unsettling cinema and may not appeal to all audiences.
- •Some versions of the release may or may not include additional items like posters, causing potential inconsistency in what buyers receive.
Bottom Line
*Possession (1981) (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)* is an exceptional collector’s edition of a groundbreaking, psychologically intense horror film anchored by powerhouse performances and carefully crafted packaging. It’s best suited for serious fans of the film or those who appreciate art-house horror that pushes emotional and genre boundaries. If you’re looking for a more conventional or less challenging horror experience, this might not be your jam, but for those craving a disturbing, unforgettable cinematic journey with excellent technical quality, this edition is a gem.
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