Inquiring Minds: EVENT HORIZON (1997) 25th Anniversary Edition
This is the column that digs into the science fiction lover’s world, tackling some of the most complex and perplexing that content allows. Is it weird? Most likely. Do we love it? Yes! It’ll likely be thought-provoking, and potentially illuminating. Intriguing minds, unite for the weirdest Film Inquiry Column yet.
Is this the best sci-fi/horror extravaganza? No, not by a long, strange, trip to space. But, Event Horizon is undoubtedly memorable and has a special place in this weirdo’s heart. Since its release, 25 years ago, it has taken on quite the following, and for many, it is because of its spectacularly disturbing mashup of camp and horror, sci-fi, and well, Sam Neill.
Since this film is having its 25th-anniversary edition released (in a gorgeous 4k Steel book), I felt it was the perfect film to shine a light on for this month’s column.
This is a twisty confusing myriad of at times ambitious narrative, but you know what? It’s still incited by a variety of unforgettable images, all in a gory horror-filled package that features black holes, and the mysterious question of: what is on the other side?
“This ship is f*cked.”
I was recently asked if this film still holds up, and I’m pleased to say it does. For those who loved it before, you’re bound to love it still. It’s hard to categorize this film exactly, and Paul . S Anderson’s thrill ride may be best his venture, but I still wish the extended cut was made available to the public. I can only imagine how much more was cut. I’ve heard the original made people faint, which, to me, makes me want to see it even more. Do we need it? Probably not, but where we are going we won’t need eyes to see.
After hearing a distress signal, the crew of the Louis and Clark is on a mission to find the lost ship Event Horizon, which had disappeared and then reappeared. With them is the creator of an object on the missing vessel, Dr. Weir (Sam Neill). Among him on the ship are Captain Miller (Lawrence Fishburne), Lt. Starck (Joely Richardson), Peters (Kathleen Quinlan), D.J. (Jason Isaacs), and Cooper (Richard T. Jones) along with others. It’s quite the ensemble, and everyone is really here for the ride, with each of the characters likable which makes the evil they are about to face that much more dangerous.
There are a lot of plot points lifted or inspired by other horror and sci-fi films, from Alien to even The Shining. I believe that Event Horizon builds on these to make a fun haunted spaceship flick. Something I have always appreciated about films in space is the irrefutable truth: we don’t know how far it goes or what is out there. That concept is a reality, and it makes for any dive into sci-fi and horror when it comes to the endless abyss of space, even more terrifying.
“Dimension of pure evil.”
The grotesque images permeate, and the movie makes quick work of its plot, with the action starting early, and the weird even sooner. With fantastic production design that feels like a dark dungeon here to entomb our crew, matched with the hallucinations they each have (all unique to their own fears and bad memories), Event Horizon delivers on its promise to make you uncomfortable.
This film is the thing of nightmares, taking on Stephen King‘s It, in a sense, striking down on what makes each of us squirm; trauma, fear, and the unknown. Some of those inescapable images will assuredly resonate even more now. From my original VHS to this newest release, the film has matured like a fine, bloody wine.
Conclusion:
For 1997 the effects are quite good. With this recent upgrade though, the visuals really look fantastic, as well as a stunning package and slipcover. This restoration allows for all of its skin-crawling factors to be in full glistening array. With the overload of special features, this is one 4k upgrade you’ll want to add to your collection. Beloved for good reason by cult fans everywhere, Event Horizon has aged with its creepiness pronounced.
What did you think? Have you seen Event Horizon? Revisited it lately? Let us know in the comments below!
The 4k Blu Ray 25th Anniversary Steelbook is now available to purchase.
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