Scream Factory reveals Magic 4K for the Sam Raimi remake

Reliving the Nightmare: Classic Film Magic Gets a Stunning 4K Home Video Upgrade

For fans of psychological horror, there is little more unsettling than revisiting a classic. That is why the recently announced release of Richard Attenborough’s 1978 masterpiece, Magic, in 4K Ultra HD is generating significant buzz. This monumental home video upgrade offers a chance to re-examine a film that remains one of the most effective ventriloquist dummy nightmares ever put to screen.

The release, slated for October 6, isn’t just a technical improvement; it’s an opportunity to dive deeper into the strange and intense world created by director Richard Attenborough and star Anthony Hopkins. Originally based on William Goldman’s novel, the film already stands as a foundational text in the genre, long before Hopkins became synonymous with intense psychological dread through works like The Silence of the Lambs.

The story itself remains wonderfully twisted: Corky, a magician struggling to find his footing, adopts an abrasive dummy named Fats. His world shatters when he is lined up for a television show, leading him on a journey that forces him to confront unexpected personal truths with a mysterious old love from his past.

The recent anticipation surrounding this film has only intensified, largely thanks to exciting news about its future. Just three months prior to the 4K announcement, it was revealed that director Sam Raimi is planning to adapt Magic for a new cinematic version, marking a thrilling evolution of the original story.

With Sam Raimi attached to direct the next adaptation for Lionsgate, interest in the source material is set to surge. This renewed focus provides the perfect backdrop for viewers to revisit the tension and narrative layers that made the original film so enduring.

The new 4K restoration from the original camera negative promises breathtaking clarity, allowing audiences to appreciate the subtle details of Attenborough’s direction and Hopkins’ unnerving performance in stunning detail. Furthermore, the special features included with this release offer unique access to the film’s history.

Disc One of the 4K edition offers a new restoration alongside exclusive audio commentary featuring film critics Drew McWeeny, Emily Higgins, and Billy Dunham. Disc Two further enhances the experience with additional interviews, including one with Anthony Hopkins, behind-the-scenes details like Ann-Margret’s make-up test, and original theatrical trailers.

This release ensures that Magic continues to occupy its rightful place as a celebrated psychological thriller while simultaneously fueling excitement for the cinematic future of its unique narrative.