A vital entry in the list of seminal 70s and 80s cult horror classics, Andrzej Żuławski’s Possession returns in beautiful 4K UHD/Blu Ray and containing a whole plethora of extras which is set to satisfy every horror fan’s thirst.
Possession, for those new to the film, is about a couple (played wonderfully by Isabelle Adjani and Sam Neil) whose marriage has fallen apart with Anna (Adjani) admitting to being with “another”. Mark (Neil) spirals into a violent depression fuelled by alcohol and Anna becomes more unhinged, which includes instances of child neglect and abuse, before the film builds to its infamous conclusion.
On its release, Possession was greeted as a masterpiece by some and an indulgence by others, its reputation only growing stronger after it was banned in the UK and put onto the now infamous “Video Nasties” list. Looking back with 2025 eyes, it is obvious why the film is held in such high esteem amongst horror films and critics alike. Its themes of madness, obsession and delirious confusion are crafted beautifully by the acting of its leads as they play the roles like they are on a stage and not on film. Zulawski’s direction is unashamedly intrusive, consistently on the move, helping to add to the overall disorientation you as a viewer experience. The real star of the show however is cinematographer Bruno Nuytten who washes the film in pastel blues and whites which gives the film an icy, dream-like quality and which helps guide thoughts towards the Cold War subtext that is at the core of the film. There is zero warmth in this film which all the more heightened in this new restoration. Speaking of which….
For a film so revered amongst certain groups of cinephiles to get the reissue treatment then it has to deliver and it is my pleasure to report that Second Sight Films have delivered in spades. The film’s new 4K rendering is truly beautiful, with every element of the frame crystal clear which inevitably makes the film’s climax even more vivid and disturbing. All the nuisances and extremities of the dialogue are heightened so you feel completely in the middle of the scenes and which helps link the films to the 50s and 60s, UK Kitchen sink, and European New Wave movements.
On the second disc of extras we get a glorious interview with monster-master Guillermo del Toro, features on the making of the film and its score, plus multiple audio commentaries, the North-American Re-edit and a fascinating focus on the films Berlin locations.
This is a beautifully crafted box-set that not only highlights the brilliance of its source material but should also give it a new life amongst newer and younger viewers who love films that are made with heart, passion, intellect and artistic courage. A true classic.
Released on December 15th and available to pre-order from Second Sight Films.
Review by Simon Tucker
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