Robert Eggers' highly anticipated remake of Nosferatu is set to haunt home media shelves soon. Nestled within the horror genre, this film has garnered acclaim since its theatrical debut, with critics praising its chilling atmosphere and standout performances.
Fans of the film can now rejoice as Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Focus Features announce the upcoming release of both digital and physical copies of Nosferatu. The film, which has already dropped on various digital platforms, will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD starting February 18, 2025.
The standard pricing for these Blu-ray packages will be relatably priced at $24.99, alongside the digital copy at $29.99 for the 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital combo. For those seeking something special, the Limited Edition Steelbook will sell for $37.99.
Those who have been unable to catch the film during its theatrical run can now stream or rent it on platforms such as iTunes, Prime Video, and Google Play. To sweeten the deal, the digital release has been accompanied by the availability of the new extended cut, which adds approximately four minutes to the film's runtime.
Eggers, known for his previous works like The Lighthouse and The Witch, isn't just bringing his signature Gothic flair to Nosferatu; he's infusing the story with rich historical detail. With Bill Skarsgård enchanting audiences as the titular vampire, Count Orlok, alongside his co-stars Nicholas Hoult and Lily-Rose Depp, the film captures the eerie essence of this classic horror tale.
Universal’s home media release is not just about the movie itself; it promises viewers a wealth of bonus content. The physical copies will include both the theatrical cut and the all-new extended cut, featuring exclusive extras. Among these are behind-the-scenes features like the documentary Nosferatu: A Modern Masterpiece, which delves deep with the cast and crew about the film's production and creative processes.
The feature Breathing Life Into A Dream offers fans insight as Eggers describes his dream of creating this horror masterpiece, capturing the melding of performances and Gothic themes. One particularly compelling extra dives deep with the makeup FX team, showcasing how they brought Count Orlok's unsettling appearance to life. Skarsgård's portrayal, combined with practical effects, results in a haunting vision of vampirism.
Other special features include segments on Capturing The Mood, emphasizing the film's atmospheric visuals—from snowy landscapes to candlelit rooms—while Recreating 1838 invites audiences to explore the precise details of the production design crafted by Craig Lathrop.
Costume design, too, plays a significant role, with Linda Muir enhancing the narrative through costumes reflecting the story's rich background. And if that's not enough, viewers can expect deleted scenes and audio commentary from Eggers himself.
It's clear the anticipation surrounding Nosferatu's home media release is well-founded, especially with critics lauding the film's performances and its eerie ambience. Incurring around $156 million at the global box office, the film has not just been successful commercially, but it has set itself up as one of 2024's best horror films. It’s earning significant recognition, particularly for its unique storytelling through Gothic horror tropes.
Understanding the characters is integral to the film, particularly the obsession between the haunted Ellen Hutter, performed by Lily-Rose Depp, and Count Orlok, whose fixation drives the film’s compelling narrative. The film successfully captures the dread and fascination of Gothic storytelling and remains true to the roots of the original 1922 silent film by F.W. Murnau, blending traditional motifs with contemporary horror filmmaking techniques.
The decision to release Nosferatu on home media shortly after its theatrical run seems to echo the modern trend of quick transitions from cinemas to home viewing, giving audiences quicker access to content they’ve been eagerly waiting for. Being able to experience this haunting tale from the comfort of home is surely something many fans will embrace. With awards season approaching, the film’s home release timing could also play a role in consideration for various accolades, particularly as it’s already drawing attention for its cinematography and performances.
The home release of Nosferatu includes the promise of bonus features and the surprise of the extended cut, which extends its haunting qualities. This chilling retake on the vampire lore will undoubtedly be revisited and examined multiple times by audiences well after its initial viewing.
With all of these elements combined, Robert Eggers' Nosferatu aims not only to terrify but also to intrigue viewers through its artistry and storytelling. This release holds the promise of embedding Nosferatu deeply within the cultural psyche of modern horror cinema.