The Blair Witch Project (1999) Modern Horror Legend gets Release that matches its Stature

In 1999 the face of not only horror but cinema changed when a little indie movie called The Blair Witch Project hit our screens. The plot is kept simple, we follow three friends as they try to uncover the mysteries behind the Blair Witch stories that consume the small town of Blair, Maryland. They interview townsfolk and eventually start to hike in the woods to see if the rumours are true, only their footage is found.

Second Sight have beautifully restored this cinematic classic in a way that we haven’t seen before, it was an absolute joy to watch it in this way as well as having the option to watch it in the original way too because sometimes you need that real nostalgia hit! However, for the not only Blair Witch fans but also horror and indeed cinema fans, the special features are what makes this collector’s item worth buying. We are inundated with new features including; The Blair Witch Documentary, a feature-length Second Sight Film production and deleted scenes including previously unseen video and 16mm footage. We are also lucky enough to have essays and audio commentary from some horror experts including audio commentary by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson and also Mike Muncer discussing analogue horror in a digital world. There have been plenty of reviews and essays about the film itself over the years, so I wanted to focus more on what makes Second Sight’s release special and why it should be your next edition to add to your shelf.

The alternate endings were an interesting feature, it was great to see the different avenues directors Eduardo Sánchez and Daniel Myrick went down before they stayed with the simple yet effective ending we all know so well. A couple of the endings that really took the edge off the mystery of the overall story were Heather finding Mike had hung himself in the basement and Heather finding Mike levitating in the basement surrounded by the stickmen symbols, whilst this may have had added some outright shock factors or link nicely to the supernatural side of the story it would have taken away the overall mystery and would have prevented the various mythologies that ended up being created after the films release.

Another great feature was the visual essay by Evolution Of Horror’s very own Mike Muncer, he discussed the overall impact of the movie and the use of ‘analogue horror instrumental in creating a sense of distortion as well as helping to build discomfort for the viewer with a particular focus on the films ending. The use of the two cameras, one that only picks up sound which leaves the audience wondering where Heather is, is she holding the camera? Or is she elsewhere and someone else is taking us down into the basement?

The standout feature of this release however is the documentary that is written and directed by Blair Witch superfan Jed Shepard, sitting at an incredible two and half hours in length, it is a must-see for any Blair Witch fan. Mostly having discussions with the directors and producers, we are taken through the complete journey of how The Blair Witch Project came into our lives, from how the directors met, pre-production, the process of how they went about making the movie and how it blew audiences away at Sundance Festival. It was great to see footage of these events play out, with the filmmakers recording everything as it happened, including discussions on building the titular character of the Blair Witch and how they picked the actors for the movie. It briefly touched upon how the actors were so isolated during the filming, it would have been great to learn more about this because it is part of the legend – putting their cast through terrifying experiences to make the movie look and feel as real as possible. 

Second Sight’s release is a fantastic addition to the already amazing stable of movies. As well as seeing this horror icon beautifully restored, there’s so much to read, watch and take in which makes it an absolute must for any horror fan or indeed the curious indie filmmaker. It’s 25 years later and I still won’t go camping in the woods because of this movie, and I don’t think that effect will ever wear off.

Alice’s Archive – The Blair Witch Project (1999)