It’s been well over a year now since we learned that UK company Second Sight Films was working on a brand new restoration of 1986 classic The Hitcher, the company tracking down the original camera negative and allowing for a 4K UHD and Blu-ray release. But what’s the latest update on Second Sight’s hotly anticipated release, here in mid-2023?
The company updates in a series of tweets this week, “Nearing end of the grading stage, a final session with Robert [Harmon] being scheduled soon. Release / Pre-order date TBC.”
Second Sight also shared some comments from The Hitcher director Robert Harmon, who provides an exciting preview of the restoration-in-progress. Harmon writes…
“Stunned by how great it looks… beautiful work!! Really, this movie has no business looking this good considering how ancient the elements are. Thanks to everyone for dedication way beyond anything I could ever have hoped for.”
Second Sight is a UK company, so the Blu-ray release will likely be locked to Region B. As for the 4K release, those are inherently Region Free, so no worries there. Hallelujah!
Released in 1986, The Hitcher starred the late Rutger Hauer as a murderous hitchhiker and C. Thomas Howell as the young man who makes the mistake of picking him up. The film was written by Eric Red (Near Dark, Bad Moon), and directed by Robert Harmon.
2/2 We’re thrilled at Robert’s reaction and owe a huge thanks for his time and supervision. Nearing end of the grading stage, a final session with Robert being scheduled soon. Release / Pre-order date TBC.
— Second Sight (@SecondSightFilm) May 24, 2023