The Cell (2000) Arrow Video 4k Blu-ray Review

Tarsem Singh Dhandwar better known simply as Tarsem, is an Indian director who made films like The Fall (2006, also screenwriter and producer), Immortals (2011), Mirror Mirror (2012), Self/less (2015), and Dear Jassi (2023). But in 2000 he made his directorial debut with the nightmarish cinematic ride entitled "The Cell".

Now 24 years after the films release Arrow Video is releasing this film on deluxe 4k and Blu-ray. So that no matter whether you have made the jump to UltraHD or not yet, Arrow Video made the deluxe edition of The Cell available in HD on Blu-ray as well. This is pretty cool as not everyone has made that jump yet.

Synopsis: When serial murderer Carl Stargher (Vincent D'Onofrio) falls into a coma with his latest victim still trapped in an unknown location and waiting to die, the FBI turn to psychologist Catherine Deane (Jennifer Lopez) for help. Using an experimental technology she enters the dark dreamscape of Stargher's mind, attempting to learn his secrets before it's too late. But his unconscious is a twisted nightmare, a labyrinth that threatens to trap her inside his terrifying world forever. To save a life, she'll have to risk her own.

The screenplay was written by Mark Protosevich his best known works would have to be 2007's I Am Legend and 2011's Thor. Tarsem Singh makes a directorial debut that is unforgettable. The acting is pretty good. Jennifer Lopez is early in her movie career at this time, but really shows great promise. Vince Vaughn and Marianne Jean-Baptiste are great support in this film.

The Cell is a story that can be a bit confusing, but the visuals are stunning to say the least. This film takes the viewer on a cinematic thrill ride that is a nightmare world to say the least. But viewer beware there is a lot of visuals that could be offensive. A lot of violence, nudity and sexual content. So just be aware.

Arrow Video has preformed a new 4K restoration of both the 107-minute Theatrical Cut and the 109-minute Director’s Cut of the film approved by director Tarsem Singh. The new 4K restoration is a crisp and clean one. The director’s cut version of The Cell has some missing frames and has duplicate frames with incorrect audio layered over it. But Arrow Video is aware of the issue and looking into it. So replacement discs will be issued I am sure. Arrow Video is very good about that.

DISC 1 - FEATURE & EXTRAS (4K ULTRA HD)

* 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray™ (2160p) presentation of both the Theatrical and Director’s cuts of the film in its original 2.39:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)

* Brand new audio commentary with film scholars Josh Nelson & Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

* Brand new audio commentary with screenwriter Mark Protosevich & film critic Kay Lynch

* Archive audio commentary with director Tarsem Singh

* Archive audio commentary with director of photography Paul Laufer, production designer Tom Foden, makeup supervisor Michèle Burke, costume designer April Napier, visual effects supervisor Kevin Tod Haug, and composer Howard Shore

* Projection of the Mind’s Eye, a new feature-length interview with director Tarsem Singh

* Between Two Worlds, a new in-depth interview with director of photography Paul Laufer

DISC 2 - ALTERNATE VERSION & EXTRAS (BLU-RAY)

* Previously unseen version of the Theatrical Cut of the film, presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio with alternate grading, from a 2K master created by director of photography Paul Laufer

* High Definition Blu-ray™ (1080p) presentation

* Paul Laufer Illuminates, a new interview about the alternate master of The Cell presented on this disc

* Art is Where You Find It, a new visual essay by film scholar Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

* The Costuming Auteur, a new visual essay by film critic Abby Bender

* Style as Substance: Reflections on Tarsem, an archive featurette

* Eight deleted/extended scenes with optional audio commentary by director Tarsem Singh

* Six multi-angle archive visual effects vignettes

* Theatrical trailers

* Image gallery

In addition to all these great bonus features listed above Arrow Video has included an Illustrated collector’s book containing new writing on the film by critics Heather Drain, Marc Edward Heuck, Josh Hurtado, and Virat Nehru and a limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Peter Savieri.

One thing is for sure with Arrow Video 4k, or Blu-ray release you can be sure you are getting a simply amazing physical media release. They put so much work into these releases they should be applauded. Yes there are errors sometimes, but when you are doing so much something is bound to slip by. But offering replacements, that is commendable! Bravo Arrow Video!

So,if you like bizarre cinematic experiences The Cell will defiantly fit the bill, and the new Arrow Video release is the best way to experience it. Head over to MVD Shop and order the 4K UltraHD or the Blu-ray release. And it you prefer you can head to Amazon to order the 4K UltraHD and Blu-ray.