John Carpenter is widely recognized as one of horror cinema`s most influential directors, known for a career filled with cult classics. His mind-bending film, “In the Mouth of Madness,” is set to receive a Limited Edition 4K Blu-ray release from Arrow Video on October 28. This new edition will boast fresh cover art and an extensive array of bonus features.
Arrow Video`s Limited Edition offers a pristine 4K restoration sourced from the original 35mm camera negatives, enhanced with Dolby Vision, HDR10 compatibility, and both Dolby Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 sound options. Consistent with Arrow Video`s reputation, this release also includes physical collectibles such as a reversible sleeve featuring original artwork, a double-sided poster with new and classic illustrations, and a collector`s book filled with essays by various film critics and historians.
The steelbook version will prominently feature the iconic and unsettling original theatrical poster art. On-disc special features include a combination of archival audio commentaries, fresh interviews, behind-the-scenes material, and newly produced featurettes:
Special Features for “In the Mouth of Madness”
- Reversible sleeve showcasing both original and newly commissioned art by Francesco Francavilla
- Double-sided fold-out poster with original and newly commissioned artwork by Francesco Francavilla
- Perfect-bound collector’s book with new essays on the film by Guy Adams, Josh Hurtado, Richard Kadrey, George Daniel Lea, Willow Catelyn Maclay, and Alexandra West
- Archival commentary track with director John Carpenter and producer Sandy King Carpenter
- Archival commentary track with John Carpenter alongside cinematographer Gary B. Kibbe
- Newly recorded audio commentary from filmmakers Rebekah McKendry & Elric Kane, hosts of the Colors of the Dark podcast
- Making Madness: A new on-camera interview with producer Sandy King Carpenter
- Do You Read Sutter Cane: A brand-new conversation with actor Jürgen Prochnow
- The Whisperer of the Dark: An archived sit-down with actress Julie Carmen
- Greg Nicotero’s Things in the Basement: Vintage interview with FX maestro Greg Nicotero
- We Are What He Writes: A fresh featurette celebrating John Carpenter and In the Mouth of Madness
- Reality Is Not What It Used to Be: A new appreciation piece by film scholar Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
- Horror`s Hallowed Grounds: Archival featurette exploring the movie’s filming locations
- Home Movies from Hobb’s End: Candid behind-the-scenes footage
- The Making of In the Mouth of Madness: A classic making-of featurette
- Original theatrical trailer plus television promo spots
For those who prefer not to wait or are content with 1080p resolution, a standard Blu-ray edition of “In the Mouth of Madness” is also available. This high-quality 2018 Shout Factory release utilizes 4K scans of the original film negatives. Although it lacks the new content of the Arrow Video version, it still provides excellent archival bonus materials, including location tours, behind-the-scenes documentaries, and insightful audio commentaries.
Starring Sam Neill as insurance investigator John Trent, “In the Mouth of Madness” follows Trent as he investigates the vanishing act of a renowned horror novelist. His pursuit leads him to a peculiar small town where the lines between reality and fiction blur, threatening his sanity and potentially all of humanity. This film is considered the concluding part of Carpenter`s unofficial “Apocalypse Trilogy,” which also comprises “The Thing” and “Prince of Darkness,” all exploring themes of catastrophic events.
The film draws significant inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft`s writings, with its title echoing Lovecraft`s novella, “At the Mountains of Madness.” Despite its initial underperformance at the box office, “In the Mouth of Madness” garnered positive critical reception and has since been reappraised as one of Carpenter`s most technically sophisticated works, praised for its refined production and meta-narrative elements.
“In the Mouth of Madness” isn`t the only John Carpenter film receiving an updated release this year. Collectible 4K Blu-ray steelbook editions of “Halloween,” “Halloween 2,” and “Halloween 3: Season of the Witch” are also becoming available soon. Each of these features new artwork, 4K restorations, and extensive bonus material. Carpenter directed and scored the original “Halloween,” while contributing to the writing, production, and scoring of the subsequent two films. Additionally, Shout Factory`s Collector`s Editions, featuring original art on the case and slipcase, offer 4K Blu-ray versions of the “Halloween” movies Carpenter was involved with.
Furthermore, “John Carpenter`s Vampires” is scheduled for a new 4K Steelbook Edition release on November 4. Although it may not share the same critical acclaim as some of Carpenter`s other films, “Vampires” is still an enjoyable and action-packed vampire hunt that warrants a watch.
Other Noteworthy John Carpenter Blu-Ray Releases
- Halloween Limited Steelbook Edition (4K)
- Halloween: Collector`s Edition (4K)
- Halloween 2 Limited Steelbook Edition (4K)
- Halloween 2: Collector`s Edition (4K)
- Halloween 3: Season of the Witch Limited Steelbook Edition (4K)
- Halloween 3: Season of the Witch Collector`s Edition
- John Carpenter`s Vampires Limited Edition Steelbook (4K)
- John Carpenter`s Vampires (4K)
- In The Mouth of Madness Limited Edition (4K)
- In The Mouth of Madness Collector`s Edition (Blu-ray)