One such director is Anthony Waller. In 1995 he brought a brutal crime horror suspense thriller entitled Mute Witness. Now as we are heading toward this film's 30th anniversary, the good folks at Arrow Video are releasing this film on Blu-ray and 4k Ultra HD.
Synopsis: Billy Hughes (Marina Zudina) is a mute special effects artist working on a low budget American slasher movie being shot in Russia. Accidentally locked in the studio late one night, she stumbles upon two men shooting what appears to be a snuff film. Having borne witness to their victim’s final moments, Billy desperately flees – but this is only the start of a protracted night of terror, drawing her and her friends into a tangled web of intrigue, involving the KGB, the Moscow police… and a mysterious crime kingpin known as “The Reaper.”
This was my first time watching this film and as a huge Hitchcock fan, I can see how this would have been a film Hitchcock would have loved to direct. Mute Witness is a roller coaster of a film. Every time you think you can relax the terror amps up yet again. In addition, the idea of not being able scream when you're scared harkens back to the classic Vincent Price film The Tingler.
As for a viewer's guide fans should be aware that this film is rated R. There is some profanity, but not as much as you might think. The violence is pretty intense. And there is some sexual situations and nudity. It can be very graphic and hard to watch. So, viewers be aware of this.
Now Arrow Video has performed a 4K restoration approved by director Anthony Waller. The film has been transferred in 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in HDR10. The audio is a restored original lossless stereo soundtrack. And there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
The film looks amazing in 4K and on Blu-ray. There was no signs of damage to this film print that I could see. The colors are vibrant and the audio is clear. It is a tremendous looking transfer. But that is not all that is included on this release. Take a look at the bonus features Arrow Video have included.
* Brand new audio commentary by writer/director Anthony Waller
* Brand new audio commentary with production designer Matthias Kammermeier and composer Wilbert Hirsch, moderated by critic Lee Gambin
* The Silent Death, brand new visual essay by author and critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, examining Mute Witness and its relationship with snuff films
* The Wizard Behind the Curtain, brand new visual essay by author and critic Chris Alexander, exploring the phenomenon of the film-within-a-film
* Original “Snuff Movie” presentation, produced to generate interest from investors and distributors, featuring interviews with Anthony Waller and members of the creative team
* Original location scouting footage
* Original footage with Alec Guinness, filmed a decade prior to the rest of Mute Witness
* Teaser trailer
* Trailer
* Image gallery
* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Adam Rabalais
* Double-sided foldout poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Adam Rabalais
* Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Michelle Kisner
As you can see Arrow Video went above and beyond with this release. A gorgeous new 4K restoration, insightful audio commentary, featurettes and so much more. This film is so Hitchcockian it would make a great companion piece to an Alfred Hitchcock collection.
Along with being a thrilling and terrifying roller coaster ride. This is a very important film is cinema history as it is the final film role of the great Alec Guiness. Yes, the original Obi Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars franchise. You can get much more epic that that.
If you love epic thrillers with a terrifying twist Mute Witness is a must own. Head over to Amazon and order your choice of either the 4K Ultra HD or the Blu-ray.
 4k UltraHD Blu-ray Review ){kind=link}
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