The Addiction (1995)4K UltraHD Review

In the 1990's vampires had made a resurgence in movies and TV. We have seen such films as From Dusk till Dawn, John Carpenter's Vampires, Interview with a Vampire, Bram Stoker's Dracula and Blade. Than TV audiences were thrilled with the adventures of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Well, in 1995 Abel Ferrara decided it to sink his teeth into the vampire genre with his film The Addiction. Now for the 30th anniversary of the film's theatrical release Arrow Video has decided to release this film on 4K!

Synopsis: Philosophy student Kathleen (Lili Taylor, The Conjuring) is dragged into an alleyway on her way home from class by Casanova (Annabella Sciorra, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle) and bitten on the neck. She quickly falls ill but realizes this isn't any ordinary disease when she develops an aversion to daylight and a thirst for human blood...

Abel Ferrara made a bold choice to shoot this film in black and white and yet it works perfectly. The film has the old school feel with a new age vibe. The acting is pretty amazing with Lili Taylor, Annabella Sciorra, Christopher Walken (The Deer Hunter) and Edie Falco (The Sopranos) leading the way.

Abel Ferrara had struggled for years with a drug addiction, so he wanted this film to be an explicit metaphor for drug addiction. And I think you can see that in this film. It is subtle but clearly there.

The Addiction has been transferred to 4K in 2160p UHD Blu-ray™ presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10/compatible) and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. There are two audio options a lossless 5.1 and 2.0 soundtracks. There is also the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.

This new transfer isn't just any transfer is from a brand new 4K restoration from the original camera negative by Arrow Films. The film's black and white pictures looks and sound tremendous. But a wonderfully restored film is not all that is included in this new release. Arrow Video as always puts cool bonus features on their discs. Take a look at what is included.

* Audio commentary by director Abel Ferrara, moderated by critic and biographer Brad Stevens
* Talking with the Vampires, a 2018 documentary about the film, featuring actors Christopher Walken and Lili Taylor, composer Joe Delia, cinematographer Ken Kelsch, and Ferrara himself
* 2018 interview with Abel Ferrara
* 2018 interview with Brad Stevens
* Abel Ferrara Edits The Addiction, an archival piece from the time of production
* Original trailer
* Image gallery
* Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Peter Strain
* Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by critic Michael Ewins and an archival interview with Ferrara by Paul Duane

I love the addition of audio commentaries by the director. Such insight into the making of the films is included and make for a wonderful listen. Then there is the full-length documentary, bonus interviews, and cool artwork. Arrow Video never disappoints with their releases.

If you love vampire movies of the 1990s than you will really enjoy The Addiction and if you want to see the film in the best quality possible than you need this new 4K UltraHD from Arrow Video. Head over to MVD Shop or Amazon and order your copy today!