Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, June 29 (On digital now)

Has Cass’ boyfriend truly died – or is he somehow still stalking her?

HG Wells’ original story has very rarely been filmed accurately – although the original Universal movie (made while Wells was still alive) was closer than many that have followed. (For the record, the nearest adaptation in recent times was the Big Finish audio, but even that added elements.) For this new version, pretty much everything from Wells has been jettisoned – barring the name of the main character, and the madness that is invoked – and the focal point, no matter what the title may say, is on the victim, not the Invisible Man himself.

As Nick Joy points out in his review of the (brief) theatrical release of Leigh Whannell’s new film, there’s parts of this that can be hard to watch, bringing back memories of Sleeping with the Enemy and other films about matrimonial abuse, and for anyone who’s experienced that, this could well trigger unwanted memories. It’s worth persevering with for an excellent second half, and then going back and watching with Whannell’s commentary running (those interested in scoring of movies will find some of his comments at the start and finish of particular note).

The extras – barring that commentary – are light, totalling less than the running time of your average TV episode, but also worth your time, in particular Timeless Terror, which uses the 1933 film as a starting point for discussion of the necessary updates for a 2020 audience.

Verdict: Tough watching at times, but a very different take on the classic trope. 9/10

Paul Simpson

The Invisible Man is available now on digital download and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD 29 June.

Click here to order from Amazon.co.uk