Looks can be deceptive in Walter Hill’s mean and moody crime thriller Johnny Handsome – starring Mickey Rourke (Angel Heart) – making its worldwide UHD debut on August 17 as part of Studiocanal’s Cult Classics range, with a brand new 4K restoration, new extras, and a 12 page booklet, with striking new artwork by Thomas Hodge (aka The Dude Designs), and an O-card. The film is also released on Blu-ray and Digital.
Based on the book by John Godey (author of The Taking of Pelham 123), the film tells the story of a rehabilitated criminal with a new identity who is drawn back into the world of crime, is directed with real panache by action thriller specialist Hill (The Driver, Southern Comfort). It features an outstanding lead performance by Rourke, as well as a fantastic all-star cast including Ellen Barkin(Tender Mercies), Elizabeth McGovern (The Commuter), Morgan Freeman (Driving Miss Daisy), Forest Whitaker (Ghost Dog) and cult favourite Lance Henriksen (Aliens) on villainous good form. The film has a searing score by the legendary Ry Cooder (Paris, Texas), and slick, luminous cinematography of the steamy New Orleans location by Matthew F Leonetti (Hill’s Extreme Prejudice).
Described by the Washington Post as ‘ruthlessly efficient’, Johnny Handsome is a slick, taut, action-packed thriller that builds to a nerve-wracking showdown over a suitcase of cash, and showcases one of Rourke’s coolest and most underrated screen appearances.
Bonus features on the new release include:
- NEW Interview with Elizabeth McGovern
- NEW Audio commentary by filmmaker Edgar Pablos with film historians Nathaniel Thompson and Howard S. Berger
- NEW Audio commentary by film critics Alain Silver and James Ursini
- Audio commentary with film critic/author Walter Chaw
- Audio commentary with film historians Daniel Kremer and Scout Tafoya
- Codes to Live By (2020): Walter Hill on Johnny Handsome
- Wordsmith: Interview with writer Ken Friedman
- Eye of the Beholder: Interview with makeup artist Michael Westmore
- Action Man: Interview with stuntman Allan Graf
- Trailer
The 4K UHD and Blu-ray both include a 12 page booklet with new essay from Peter Raleigh.
Pre-order your copy of Johnny Handsome from Amazon now.
