The Hitcher — a horror thriller revolving round a murderous hitchhiker — wasn’t effectively acquired when it got here out in 1986 however has discovered loads of followers since then (sufficient for a sequel and remake many years afterward). Roger Ebert was famously not considered one of them, calling it “diseased and corrupt” and that it suffered from a “deep sickness at the screenplay stage.” However, that deep illness is strictly why the movie guidelines, a minimum of practically 40 years later, and why The Hitcher 4K is value choosing up.

“In this 1986 cult classic, director Robert Harmon thrills the viewer with the story of young Jim Halsey (C. Thomas Howell), who stops on the highway to pick up a hitchhiker, not knowing that by doing so, he opens the door to terrible evil. The mysterious hitcher, unforgettably portrayed by Rutger Hauer, is a relentless slaughterer, preying on those who invite him into their lives. Somewhat dismissed at the time of its original release, The Hitcher developed a rabid fan following in the ensuing years, now properly recognized as one of the most memorable and terrifying thrillers of the 1980s,” says the official description for The Hitcher 4K.

The premise for The Hitcher is an easy one and primarily based on a really plausible worry. What if you happen to decide up a hitchhiker, however he’s really a assassin? It’s a stable begin, however after the primary character kicks the hitchhiker out of his automotive after the primary 25 minutes of the film, it ought to be over, proper? Not in any respect. Instead, The Hitcher provides its villain virtually supernatural skills to maintain popping again up as he toys with the primary character, inflicting mass quantities of havoc alongside the best way. It’s over-the-top and ridiculous, however in a thrill-ride method that makes it a complete pleasure to observe.

The Hitcher 4K seems a ton higher than how the film is presently streaming on Max (in poor high quality and a 4:3 perspective). The finer high quality actually helps you recognize the performances, as effectively, which is the aspect that makes the movie actually stand out from a number of typical style fare. While the good-looking and baby-faced C. Thomas Howell is the movie’s protagonist, who’s likable regardless of making 50 dumb choices that hold the story going; it’s actually a showcase for Rutger Hauer. The Dutch actor is unbelievable because the serial killer villain and is straight away off-putting and unnerving as he makes any dialog tense. It’s a number of small particulars in the efficiency, reminiscent of refined gestures and actions, that actually make him a stellar horror villain that may make you second-guess any hitchhiker you see in the long run.

There’s loads to unpack about The Hitcher, together with a grotesque scene with Jennifer Jason Leigh, which is why I used to be glad to see The Hitcher 4K include a number of significant particular options. Not solely is there a full commentary observe by director Robert Harmon and author Eric Red, however there’s additionally a 41-minute video interview with Harmon as effectively. It’s nice listening to tales from the manufacturing, and it provides you much more context as to why this movie has been capable of finding an viewers over time.

The Hitcher 4K Review: Final Verdict

The Hitcher 4K is a good dwelling launch, one that’s leagues above the model of the movie that’s presently on streaming. With significant bonus options that give further perception into how the movie was made, it’s a straightforward suggestion for horror followers.

Disclosure: ComingSoon acquired the product from the distributor for our The Hitcher 4K evaluation.