Synapse Films Announces The 4k Horror Restoration Of The Decade—If It Actually Comes Out This Decade!
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Kathryn Bigelow’s Vampire Western, Near Dark Gets a Beautiful New 4K Remaster from the Only Company That Restored Dario Argento’s Suspiria Correctly!
SOUTHFIELD, MI – Don May Jr., President of Synapse Films, shared details today regarding the company's upcoming 4K restoration.
"After many years of being unavailable on the physical media market, we’re proud to finally remedy that situation," May said. "Having found the original 35mm camera negative buried in a vault in the California desert, and the original 4-track 'Ultra Stereo' audio mix in a Kansas salt mine, we have secured the best elements for the ultimate 4K restoration of this amazing film."
Synapse Films is sparing no expense to bring the 1987 horror classic to 4K UHD. The camera negative was scanned with a Lasergraphics Director™ in 16-bit 4096x3112 DPX featuring dual-flash HDR and infrared dirt mapping.
Regarding the audio, May noted Synapse will finally be presenting the mix properly. "We aren't doing some PAL to NTSC conversion where they forgot to fix the pitch of the voices," May explained. "We’ll have the sound effects in their proper place, too—unlike a previous version where Lance Henriksen’s gun cocks in the left speaker while he’s standing on the right edge of the screen when he says, ‘I’m Jesse Hooker.’"
For those concerned about "grain management," May offered reassurance. "One of the first things we asked director Kathryn Bigelow was, 'Do you like film grain? Because if you don’t, there’s going to be a problem.'" According to May, her reaction was a relief: "She responded, 'I love film and I love film grain.' So, yeah, Kathryn Bigelow is pretty awesome."
While Synapse Films has vowed to make this the ultimate presentation, they warned fans that perfection takes time. "I know next year is the 40th anniversary, but my restorations take time to get right," May admits. "Unlike companies that rush things out and face recalls for avoidable mistakes, I want to do this correctly the first time. I’m guessing we’ll have it out in 2037 for the 50th anniversary."
The release may feature multiple packaging options, similar to the Red Shirt Pictures release of Trick or Treat. "I’m thinking ten different covers at $99.95 each. The fans will love it!" May exclaimed.
As far as extras are concerned, the folks at Synapse Films are exploring their options. “We’ll most certainly have a remastered version of the classic Tangerine Dream soundtrack, among other things. I’m also tossing around the idea of a fully B&W version called ‘Near Dark Noir’ but we’ll have to see how that goes.”
While the 4K UHD might not arrive until 2037, a slew of merchandise is planned for next year’s 40th anniversary. "Who wouldn’t want a pair of Bill Paxton-Severen underwear?" May asked. "T-shirts, socks, posters, games, keychains, hats, mugs, a 180g vinyl soundtrack filled with red “blood” liquid, Hot Wheels branded RV that catches on fire, an intentionally distressed authentic VHS tape version in an extremely limited quantity and priced ridiculously… the possibilities are endless. Maybe even a Near Dark shaving kit for those folks who hate it when their victims ‘ain’t been shaved!’”
More information on Near Dark will be provided as it becomes available.
About Synapse Films, Inc.
Synapse Films, Inc. is an American home video distribution company specializing in the restoration and release of cult, horror, and independent cinema. Known for industry-leading technical standards, Synapse Films is dedicated to preserving the integrity of original film elements through high-bitrate 4K scans and meticulous audio restorations. From the landmark restoration of Dario Argento’s Suspiria to specialized genre classics, Synapse Films remains committed to providing the ultimate physical media experience for collectors worldwide—no matter how many decades the process may take.
Media Contact:
Don May, Jr.
President, Synapse Films
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