Robin Hardy’s now-classic film had numerous releases and, indeed, no fewer than three different iterations with varying lengths. Australian boutique label Imprint has released what could be the last word on the film with this four-disc box set. Not only is there the three cuts, but almost every documentary that has been made on the movie, and a CD containing Paul Giovanni’s mesmerising music.

The film itself should need no introduction, but in this writer’s opinion, it’s one of the greatest films ever made. The story of Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward), who heads on a search for a reportedly missing girl on Summerisle, a remote island just off Scotland. He comes across a Pagan ideology, led by Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee), which is much more sinister than the devout Christian could imagine.

As much a musical as a seminal folk horror movie, The Wicker Man has transcended the initial thoughts of critics and studio heads and has become one of the most-loved cult movies ever, and has a rightful place in the pantheon of British cinema, regardless of genre. So the film is untouchable, but what about the Imprint release?

Well, as mentioned, it brings together almost all the previous documentaries that have been made on the subject, which is fantastic. There is some repeated material as you’d expect, but everything is still fascinating and each has its own approach. There are also some new items, though, including a pair of fun and interesting commentaries, which sit nicely alongside the classic chat track that includes Hardy, Lee, and Woodward.

There are also some new interviews, which focus on the music and the symbolism of the film that are very interesting. The video essays that invariably accompany Imprint releases are also well worth a look, particularly Kat Ellinger’s dissection of the sexual and feminist revolution that fits in perfectly with the film’s themes.

Could the Imprint release of The Wicker Man be the definitive release of the film? We think so.