‘The Nightwatch Collection’ Blu-ray Review (Arrow Video)
Stars: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Sofie Gråbøl, Kim Bodnia, Lotte Andersen | Written and Directed by Ole Bornedal
Horror movie fans can dive into the ultimate horror Blu-ray experience with Arrow Video’s release of The Nightwatch Collection. Before Nordic Noir became so popular on TV with The Killing and The Bridge, writer/director Ole Bornedal was ahead of the curve with his film Nightwatch. Now Arrow Video have taken this cult Scandinavian thriller Nightwatch and its chilling sequel and put them on Blu-ray. But has also packed this release with exclusive bonus content that horror film fans are going to eat up! Let’s take a look at these two films.
- Nightwatch (1994) A law student starts working as a night watchman at The Department of Forensic Medicine in Copenhagen. His mad friend gets him on a game of dare that escalates. As a serial killer’s victims start piling up at work, he becomes a suspect.
*** 3/5 - Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever (2023) Martin’s daughter, Emma, takes up a night watch job to find out what happened to her parents almost thirty years ago. A meeting with Wörmer in his cell pulls the serial killer out of his coma and sets in motion a chain of fateful events.
** 2/5
These films have been transferred to Blu-ray in High Definition (1080p), with Nightwatch presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio and Nightwatch: Demons Are Forever presented in 2.39:1 aspect ratio. There are audio options for original lossless stereo and 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio options for both films. Finally, there is the option for English subtitles for both films.
One thing is true with Arrow Video: they always put their best foot forward with their transfers. And this collection is no different. These two films look so crisp and clean. I kind of wish there were English dubs for these films, as this would make the films much more enjoyable for me. But wonderful transfers are not all that this Blu-ray set has going for it. Take a look at the bonus features Arrow Video included on this set.
Special Features:
DISC ONE – NIGHTWATCH
- Audio commentary by writer-director Ole Bornedal
- Not Afraid of the Darkness, a newly filmed interview with director of photography Dan Laustsen
- Death in Denmark, an appreciation of Nightwatch and Nightwatch: Demons are Forever by film critic and Nordic Noir specialist Barry Forshaw
- Nightwatch making-of documentary
- Trailer
DISC TWO – NIGHTWATCH: DEMONS ARE FOREVER
- How the Nightwatch Films Explore the Horrors of Adulthood, a brand-new video essay by film critic Heather Wixson
- Life (and Death) on Mars: Public and Private Life in the Nightwatch Universe, a brand-new video essay by film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
- Trailer
Between the commentary, interviews, essays, documentaries and more, this set is really nice. But then there are the physical bonuses as well.
- Reversible sleeve featuring newly commissioned artwork for both films by Peter Strain
- Double-sided foldout poster featuring newly commissioned artwork for both films by Peter Strain
- Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the films by Eva Novrup Redval
Arrow Video’s The Nightwatch Collection is a triumphant release – a thrilling blend of high-quality video/audio, dense bonus features, and premium packaging. Whether you’re a Nordic Noir devotee, a fan of gritty thrillers, or a Blu‑ray collector, this Limited-Edition really stands out.
***½ 3.5/5
The Nightwatch Collection will be released on July 21st, courtesy of Arrow Video.
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