Scanners

Bluesky

A 4K restoration of David Cronenberg's 1981 film Scanners, a blend of horror, science fiction and thriller, has been released by Second Sight. It is dual format Blu-ray and UHD. The Blu-ray has the 4K version rendered in HD. The crispness of the opening credits and the sharp angler interiors of the ConSec and Biocarbon offices and facilities are where the restoration is most noticeable. Howard Shore score for the film sounds considerably better than it does in previous home releases. From booming dissonant chords to the eerie and ethereal whine of electronica, its position as an element within the film has been returned to its full cinematic function.

Unfortunately a few of the special effects in the film don't hold up so well in the restored version, they can look a little dated and cheesy. There are places, for instance, where skin looks too even and smooth, there are no pores or hairs, it's obviously fake.

The Blu-ray's title screen, menu system and special features all have a look and feel that is consistent with the film.

When it comes to the special features there are two audio commentaries, eight interviews with cast and crew, and a new video essay by Tim Coleman from Moving Pictures Film Club. Being that production on Scanners started over 45 years ago, much of this content has appeared on previous DVD and Blu-ray releases. Most surviving members of cast and crew will be in their eighties so producing much meaningful new content is not going to be feasible. All of the old material is interesting to watch even if you have seen it at some time in the past. Of the new features the standout is the audio commentary by Caelum Vatnsdal. It is an hour and 40 minutes of none stop entertaining trivia about the film and the Canadian film industry.