Review: The Strangers
Blu-ray: The Strangers (2008)
When James (Scott Speedman) plans his marriage proposal to Kristen (Liv Tyler) the outcome is not what he expected. However, an awkward proposal is just the beginning of an evening that did not go as planned.
The less you know after that, the better the experience will be when first watching.
Slow and brooding, with a tension filled atmosphere that prevails over cheap jump scares and gore effects, The Strangers prefers to raise goosebumps on the skin over raising your arse off the couch with a quick scare.
Both Speedman and Tyler carry the film in what is essentially a “two-hander”, with Tyler getting the most screen time (scream time!?) as her nerves are slowly shredded through the events that unfold.
Originally released in 2008, this limited edition blu-ray from Second Sight Films is beautifully packaged and contains a wealth of engrossing special features (including an extended cut of the film…which is the version I watched as I’d already previously seen the theatrical cut) that make it a “must buy” for any fan of the film, as well as cinephiles in general.
The month of October is traditionally one to watch horror movies both old and new, so it’s the perfect time to add The Strangers to your collection immediately and put it on your October playlist.
Special Features
- Includes Theatrical Cut and Extended Cut
- Because You Were Home: a new interview with Director Bryan Bertino
- Cutting Moments: a new interview with Editor Kevin Greutert
- The Fighter: a new interview with Actor Liv Tyler
- The Pin-Up Girl: a new interview with Actor Laura Margolis
- The Element of Terror: interviews with cast and crew
- Strangers at the Door: interviews with Director Bryan Bertino and cast
- Deleted Scenes
- English SDH subtitles for the hearing impaired
Limited Edition Contents
- Limited Edition Box Set of only 3,000
- Rigid slipcase with new artwork
- Soft cover book with new essays by Anton Bitel and Mary Beth McAndrews plus stills and behind-the-scenes images
- Poster with new artwork
Review by Dave from a disc kindly supplied by Second Sight Films via Aim Publicity.
