DON’T LOOK NOW / CERT: 15 / DIRECTOR: NICOLAS ROEG / SCREENPLAY: ALLAN SCOTT, CHRIS BRYANT / STARRING: JULIE CHRISTIE, DONALD SUTHERLAND, HILARY MASON, CLELIA MATANIA, MASSIMO SERATO / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
What really is there left to say about Don’t Look Now? Nicolas Roeg’s Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland-headlined offering is viewed as one of the most poignant and visually stunning movies to have ever graced the horror genre. Within the first five or six minutes of the film, instantly the audience is left with its jaw agape as a couple’s young daughter tragically drowns. It’s jarring, it’s hard-hitting, and it’s a moment full of sheer and utter dread. From there, the story begins to examine the grief and torment suffered by Christie and Sutherland’s married couple – both of whom who handle the loss of their daughter in vastly different ways.
Of course, we soon see the pairing embark on a Venice-set roller coaster ride that ends with one of the most shocking, gut-punching finales in the history of the genre. What makes this tale even more effective is just how beautiful the film itself looks throughout all of its twists and turns; Roeg giving a gorgeous aesthetic to each and every frame of a movie that is still a visual delight to this day.
You’re likely well aware of the plot of Don’t Look Now and the picture’s plus points and negative points, mind, but what makes this new release of a 46-year-old film worthwhile – in addition to the all-time classic movie – is the fantastic amount of special features included in the release. Well, that and the 4K gloss put on the 1973 picture.
Bonus-wise, there are several archive interviews that have been seen before, but it’s the Taking a Look Back featurette that steals the show. And for those who have forked out the £30 retail price for this release, the inclusion of Pino Donaggio’s soundtrack is a marvellous addition. Then there’s the collectors’ booklet, artcards and a copy of the film’s theatrical poster that round-out a brilliant package.
It’s often hard to justify buying yet another new release of a film that’s already been out for decades, yet there is certainly enough here in this 4K offering to entice fans of Don’t Look Now to part with their pennies.
Is this new release an essential purchase? Of course not. But if you’re looking to see one of the best looking movies of all-time in its crispest, cleanest form, the 4K transfer alone makes this a potential must-have for fans.
Special Features: Pass the Warning: Taking a Look Back at Nic Roeg’s Masterpiece / A Kaleidoscope of Meaning: Colour in Don’t Look Now / Audio commentary with Nic Roeg / Don’t Look Now: Looking Back / Five interviews / Gallery / Artcards / Theatrical poster / CD soundtrack / Booklet
