The Wicker Man (1975)

The central mystery (Woodward's search for the missing girl) is genuinely engrossing, and the bawdy songs which greet the sergeant's arrival are soon replaced by an earthy sensuality as the true extent of the islanders' belief in regenerative powers - divorced from traditional notions of 'morality' - become apparent. Lee's assessment of God verges on blasphemy ("He had His chance and...blew it!"), but ultimately, neither Christianity or Paganism emerges with any dignity from the devastating finale. There's real magic in every frame of this extraordinary film, though it's clearly not for everyone: If you don't 'get it' within the first ten minutes, then the careful pace and deliberate absence of familiar horror motifs may seem a little long-winded, even dull. Everyone else, however, will be enchanted by this unique, one-of-a-kind movie.

The filmmakers themselves have roundly condemned the shorter 'theatrical version' (87m 31s) which Anchor Bay has made available either as a stand-alone DVD or as part of a two-disc box-set. However, most viewers were first introduced to this film via the shorter print, simply because it was the only available version for many years, and despite the makers' protestations to the contrary, it's still a remarkable experience. Harry Waxman's frequently hand-held photography of oddly beautiful Scottish locations is perfectly preserved in this anamorphic (1.85:1) print, and there's an extremely modest 5.1 soundtrack which adds resonance to Giovanni's vivid musical numbers but doesn't attempt to broaden the soundstage any further than necessary. A two-channel surround mix is also provided, but Anchor Bay has neglected to include the theatrical mono track, which is unacceptable. Multi-channel Dolby/DTS is always welcome, but NEVER at the expense of the original audio format...

Disappointingly, the filmmakers' preferred print (99m 34s) is only available via the box-set, and is comprised of footage from the theatrical print combined with material from 1" analog tape - the only surviving elements, apparently - so the 'extra' material becomes readily apparent whenever the visual quality deteriorates. This print is also anamorphic and forsakes 5.1 surround for the original two-channel mono soundtrack (hooray!), and the added footage - which underlines the script's major themes and streamlines the narrative - will be a revelation to anyone who's only ever seen the theatrical print or the 95m version recently unearthed by the BBC. There are a few bits and pieces in the theatrical version which are exclusive to that print, and Woodward's encounter with the doctor in the longer version (at 39:30) opens a little too abruptly, indicating an apparent loss of footage (the 'original' running time has always been quoted as 102m, slightly longer than this particular print). However, neither one of Anchor Bay's versions includes the animated image of the sun-god which appeared after the closing credits in the BBC print, filling the screen before shooting backwards into darkness. The loss of this brief, iconic fragment is inexplicable.

Closed captions are provided in this region-free presentation, and there's an excellent documentary included in the package, featuring interviews with all the principal contributors and - best of all - providing treasured glimpses of the film's primary locations as they appear today. Oddly enough, there's no audio commentary, which is both strange and unexpected. You would have thought that Christopher Lee (at least!) would have been more than willing to share his thoughts for the DVD release, though I suspect this was due more to scheduling conflicts than lack of interest. Otherwise, this is an important restoration, and highly recommended to fans and novices alike. Anchor Bay may not have totally satisfied the nit-pickers amongst us, but they've done a sterling job with the materials at hand.

It is listed as a horror film, when actually it is SO MUCH MORE. If one classify the genre, I would say Mystery.

It begins with an anonymous letter to the Scottish Constable ( Edward Woodward of Equilizer fame) telling of Summer Isle. A local girl is missing and none of the villagers seems to show any interest. Flying to the small Isle, Woodward arrives just before Beltane, the pagan May Day Festivals and the find the Island completely immersed in the Pagan ways of Auld. Head of the Isle is Lord Summerisle (British horror legend Christopher Lee - Dracula for Hammer Films - in his favourite performance), the leader of his pagan island, and it is clear he not only is aware of the villagers beliefs, he encourages them!

Slowly, Woodward comes to believe the girl is being held for Sacrifice on May Day as he races to save her.

Brilliant performance from Britt Eckland (former Mrs. Peter Sellers and one of the great beauties of her time - * though most of the nude shots are not her since she was pregnant at the time) Hammer horror actress Ingrid Pitt and Diane Cilento (the first Mrs. Sean Connery, mother of Jason) contribute to the eerie feel.

The movie portrays pagan beliefs in an unHollywood style, that goes for substance and facts, rather than sensationalism. The scenery is beautiful and the music written for the film is haunting.

The film faced many production problems, to being passed through several production companies, a lot of lost footage from the film editor - a devoutly religious man who thought is sinful to be filming this and was systematically destroying as much as he could, and indifferent reediting by Roger Corman, and then nearly dying in bad handly in the theatres. Was not seen for nearly two decades, and the version in existence was Corman's poorly edited one, missing over 20 minutes of the 101 minute original verson.

I spent years and year trying to track down a copy, and finally for a short time news was good. The director found that he had an original copy still in his position. This was released the VHS - first time the 101 version had been seen in nearly two decades!! Shortly after, it was pulled from the shelves. Corman's version ( a nice companion piece so it was made of a lot of out takes) came out for a spell.

So I am delighted to see this one on DVD and protected for all time.

Warning: some flashes of Eckland and her stand-in nude, and people of a very religious nature will not like the content. Otherwise, this is one fabulous knock out of a film.