John Carpenter, a revered name in horror cinema known for his catalog of cult classics, is bringing one of his distinctive yet often overlooked works, “In The Mouth of Madness,” to a Limited Edition 4K Blu-ray. Set for release by Arrow Video on October 28, this new version will feature entirely new cover art and a comprehensive collection of special features.
This Arrow Video Limited Edition is the result of a brand-new 4K restoration derived directly from the original 35mm camera negatives. It boasts enhancements with Dolby Vision and HDR10 compatibility, alongside Dolby Master Audio in both 5.1 and 2.0 formats. Consistent with Arrow Video`s reputation for premium releases, this edition also includes physical collector`s items such as a reversible sleeve showcasing new and original artwork, a double-sided poster, and a collector`s book filled with insightful essays from various film critics and historians.
The steelbook design for this release will prominently feature the film`s original, eerie theatrical poster art. Regarding the on-disc special features, viewers can anticipate a rich mix of archival audio commentaries, newly produced interviews, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and fresh featurettes:
Comprehensive Special Features for “In the Mouth of Madness”:
- Archival commentary track featuring director John Carpenter and producer Sandy King Carpenter
- Another archival commentary track with John Carpenter, joined by cinematographer Gary B. Kibbe
- A newly recorded audio commentary by filmmakers Rebekah McKendry & Elric Kane, hosts of the “Colors of the Dark” podcast
- “Making Madness”: A brand-new on-camera interview with producer Sandy King Carpenter
- “Do You Read Sutter Cane”: A new conversation with actor Jürgen Prochnow
- “The Whisperer of the Dark”: An archived interview with actress Julie Carmen
- “Greg Nicotero’s Things in the Basement”: A 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”: An archival featurette exploring the movie’s original 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 documentary
- Original theatrical trailer accompanied by television promotional spots
“In the Mouth of Madness” stars Sam Neill as John Trent, an insurance investigator tasked with looking into the mysterious disappearance of a famed horror novelist. As his inquiry leads him to an isolated, peculiar town, Trent`s grasp on sanity begins to slip, and the boundaries between reality and the bizarre fiction of the novelist`s work blur, threatening the very fabric of humanity. The film is recognized as the concluding chapter in Carpenter`s unofficial “Apocalypse Trilogy,” which also includes “The Thing” and “Prince of Darkness,” all delving into themes of catastrophic peril.
The film is profoundly influenced by the literary works of H.P. Lovecraft, with its title being a direct homage to Lovecraft`s novella, “At the Mountains of Madness.” Despite its initial lukewarm reception at the box office, “In the Mouth of Madness” garnered positive critical attention and has since undergone a re-evaluation, now considered one of Carpenter`s most technically impressive films, lauded for its sophisticated production and compelling meta-narrative.
This year is seeing a resurgence of interest in John Carpenter`s filmography, with several other titles also receiving new releases. Collectible 4K Blu-ray steelbook editions of “Halloween,” “Halloween 2,” and “Halloween 3: Season of the Witch” are also soon to be available. Each of these will boast new artwork, pristine 4K restorations of the films, and a wealth of supplementary content. Carpenter directed and composed the score for the original “Halloween” and contributed as a writer, producer, and composer to its two sequels. Furthermore, Shout Factory offers its own Collector`s Editions of these Carpenter-involved “Halloween” films, each presented on 4K Blu-ray with distinct original artwork for both the case and slipcase.
Adding to these releases, John Carpenter`s “Vampires” is also slated for a new 4K Steelbook Edition, launching on November 4. While it may not hold the same critical standing as some of Carpenter`s more iconic works, “Vampires” is widely regarded as an entertaining vampire-hunting adventure that remains well worth a watch.