The ultimate cinematic head trip of the 1980s, British renegade Ken Russell’s first Hollywood production—adapted by legendary screenwriter Paddy Chayefsky from his own novel—is part hallucinogenic freak-out, part gonzo creature feature, part transcendent love story, all played at a fever pitch. When researcher Eddie Jessup (William Hurt) begins using himself as a test subject for his mind-expanding psychological experiments, it sends him on an increasingly dangerous, substance-fueled odyssey from humankind’s primordial past to the outer limits of consciousness. It’s all visualized by Russell in a psychedelic supernova of out-there imagery that encompasses everything from the pagan to the cosmic sublime, culminating in a brain-wave-blasting battle between the mind and the heart.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 4K Digital Restoration | New 4K digital restoration with 2.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack. |
| Alternate 5.1 Surround Soundtrack | Optional 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio for immersive audio experience. |
| Audio Commentary | New commentary featuring film historian Samm Deighan. |
| Archival Interviews | Includes interviews with director Ken Russell and actor William Hurt. |
| Interview with Bran Ferren | New conversation with the film’s special-visual-effects designer. |
| Trailer | Includes theatrical trailer of the film. |
| Essay by Jessica Kiang | Critical essay exploring the film’s legacy and visual style. |