Second Sight Films, out now

A scientist recruits a drifter with extraordinary telepathic abilities to hunt down an equally powerful ’scanner’ who, together with others of their kind, is hellbent on taking over the world.

Released in 1981, Scanners was writer/director David Cronenberg’s first mainstream hit, thanks in no small part to the promotion of the movie’s cranium-exploding effects. This new 4K restoration is approved by the director and is presented in HDR with Dolby Vision. Those pulsing veins and brain matter have never looked so vibrant and crimson… if that’s your thing… Dick Smith’s makeup effects are literally eye-poppingly good.

Proving that every film is improved by at least 20% by featuring Patrick McGoohan in a polo neck and blazer, the former Prisoner plays the grizzly Dr Ruth (no, not that one), one of those mysterious figures in charge of operations for a science tech organisation. He’s prepping Cameron Vale (Stephen Lack) to take on rogue ‘scanner’ Darryl Revolution (an excellent Michael Ironside), leading to a messy showdown. There’s commentary on the subterfuge of shady pharma companies and the evolution of mankind, but a lot of us are here for the spectacular effects, and they don’t disappoint.

There’s new audio commentaries by movie experts Caelum Vatnsdal and William Beard, as well as new interviews with actor Michael Ironside, composer Howard Shore and makeup effects artist Chris Walas and a video essay on tech in Cronenberg’s movies. Other features have been included from Second Sight’s 2013 Blu-ray – interviews with actors Stephen Lack and Lawrence Dane, cinematographer Mark Irwin, executive producer Pierre David and makeup effects artist Stephan Dupuis.

The limited edition comes with a rigid slipcase, 120-page book of new writing, and six art cards

Verdict: A most welcome upgrade of a Cronenberg classic that will put the red pixels on your 4K through their paces. 9/10

Nick Joy