Second Sight Films, out now

In 1630 New England, a farmer and his family relocate to a remote location where the powers of evil hold sway.

Robert Eggers’ grim 2015 feature debut finally gets the release it deserves, letting you experience its dull palette without having to crank up the brightness on your TV.

All credit to director Eggers that he employs natural light (or at least emulates it) in this period drama, with scenes often illuminated by a single candle or small door/window. While this adds to the realism of the piece, it makes it hard to see what’s going on in the shadows. Step forward Second Sight’s new 4K upgrade with Dolby Vision HDR grading and now we can find the detail in the dark.

Yes, there are still scenes in pitch black, but many now reveal nuance in the shading. The HDR was never going to add zing to primary colours – there aren’t any – but it lifts and separates the 50 or more shades of grey.

New for this limited edition release is an audio commentary by film writer and broadcaster Anna Bogutskay, as well as interviews with actors Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie and Harvey Scrimshaw. A previous commentary from Eggers is included, as well as other archive extras. This edition comes in a rigid slipcase with hardback book of new writing and art cards.

Verdict: Dark in every aspect of the word, you can now experience this modern horror classic through a new lens that takes you deeper into the gloom. 9/10

Nick Joy

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