The Hills Have Eyes (1977) {Arrow Video Ultra HD Review}

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

Wes Craven is considered by many as The Master of Horror. He  He shocked the world with The Last House on the Left released on Blu-ray a couple years ago from the good folks at Arrow Video! But it has been a while since fans got their Craven horror fix from Arrow Video, that is until now!

Another early Wes Craven film that is a cult classic is The Hills Have Eyes. Arrow Video released this one on Blu-ray in 2018, but now it is getting at Ultra HD release. 

The film follows the Carter family, who are on a cross country vacation on the way to California. While on their journey the car  skids off the road and crashes. Now they are going to have to get help to get back on the road. But the are not on a public road, they are in the middle of nowhere and little do they realize they are being watched by a group of violent savages.

Wes Craven didn't rely on crazy make-up or amazing special effects. He simply cast Micheal Berryman who just has a uniquely horrific look. And built tension through the unknown and that truly makes for a horrific tale.

The film has been transferred in 4K from a new restoration of the film. Viewable with both original and alternate endings. The film is presented in 2160p with original lossless mono audio and the option for lossless 2.0 stereo and 7.1 remixes (original ending only). This film does look pretty amazing in 4K!

Arrow Video added all the bonus features from the previous Blu-ray release. Take a look at what is included.

* Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
* 6 postcards
* Reversible fold-out poster
* Limited edition 40-page booklet featuring writing on the film by critic Brad Stevens and a consideration of the Hills franchise by Arrow producer Ewan Cant, illustrated with original archive stills and posters
* Audio commentary with actors Michael Berryman, Janus Blythe, Susan Lanier and Martin Speer
* Audio commentary by academic Mikel J. Koven
* Audio commentary with Wes Craven and Peter Locke
* Looking Back on The Hills Have Eyes – making-of documentary featuring interviews with Craven, Locke, actors Michael Berryman, Janus Blythe, Robert Houston, Susan Lanier, Dee Wallace and director of photography Eric Saarinen
* Family Business – an interview with actor Martin Speer
* The Desert Sessions – an interview with composer Don Peake
* Outtakes
* Alternate ending
* Trailers and TV Spots
* Image gallery
* Original screenplay
* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Paul Shipper

I must be honest if you bought the Blu-ray release. This one is a minor upgrade, but probably not worth buying it again. I would have liked to see some new additions to the bonus features, but sadly there were none. But if you don't own this cult classic this Ultra HD is a nice way to own it!

Watch The Arrow Video Trailer Below:


If you want to own The Hills Have Eyes on Ultra HD you can head over to Amazon.com and order your copy today.

Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Arrow Video's Ultra HD release of The Hills Have Eyes receives...