Witness – LIMITED EDITION 4K UHD

by

Prior to his ten-year acting career, it was Star Wars that catapulted Harrison Ford into stardom above all other actors in the franchise. By 1983, he had completed the trilogy and solidified his status even more with the release of Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981. Although Blade Runner (1982) initially bombed at the box office, it wasn’t until Witness in 1985 that he had the opportunity to showcase his talents beyond being just an action star.

In a turn of events, a young Amish lad unintentionally observes a gruesome murder as he journeys with his late spouse’s widow, Rachel (McGillis), towards Philadelphia. Detective John Book is tasked with this case, and as the malefactors aim to eliminate the lone witness, Book and his two charges find refuge in the core of the Amish society. As emotions spark between Book and Rachel, the culprits draw near, leading to a tense, fateful confrontation of cultures that will irrevocably alter the lives of everyone involved.

Initially, the script was a lengthy three-hour version. Producer Ed Feldman recognized the potential in the overly detailed original draft. The Amish community, scarcely depicted in Hollywood films, was a significant aspect that intrigued him, as it presented an interesting cultural conflict. After revising the script to a more manageable two-hour format, he proposed it to Harrison Ford who quickly agreed, finding the detective role reminiscent of Gary Cooper’s style. Director Peter Weir was not initially considered for the film, having been rejected by several other directors beforehand. However, when he received the script in Australia, he saw it as more than just a police drama; it also embodied the essence of a western.

The search for the female lead encountered difficulties. Despite the evolving romantic tale between the detective and the widowed Amish woman, the role required a non-sexual portrayal, which was challenging for Feldman and director Peter Weir. They were preparing to travel to Italy to find a suitable actress when they discovered Kelly McGillis, an aspiring actress working part-time at a coffee shop. This discovery marked the beginning of impressive casting choices for the film. Lukas Haas, with his doe eyes, already had several roles under his belt in the two years he had been acting. Later, Peter Weir showcased his creative approach to casting – Alexander Godunov, a Russian ballet dancer who defected, was chosen to play McGillis’ Amish fiancé, her father was portrayed by a Canadian opera singer, and Viggo Mortenson, a promising actor at the time, made his feature film debut as part of the Amish family.

The filming process went smoothly, and upon its release, it swiftly gained both critical acclaim and commercial success. The movie garnered a total of eight Oscar nominations, among them nods for Harrison Ford and Best Film, Director, Cinematography, Art Direction, and Score. However, it ended up winning in the categories of Best Screenplay and Best Editing.

The film’s charm and lasting appeal are hard to miss. Ford and McGillis, who shine brightly throughout, make a captivating screen couple. Their love story, marked by their vastly different backgrounds, is incredibly moving in its final scene. Moreover, the Amish, seldom depicted before on screen, are portrayed with reverence here, offering viewers a glimpse into an unfamiliar community. To top it off, there are some exciting action sequences, particularly during a climactic moment inside a corn silo, which was risky to film. This mix of heartwarming romance, intriguing cultural exploration, and thrilling action is what kept audiences hooked, making them rewatch the movie again and again, whether on home rental or whenever it was broadcast on TV.

Out now on limited Edition 4k UHD the disc has the following bonus features:

  • 4K (2160p) Ultra HD Blu-ray presentation in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible)
    • Original lossless 2.0 stereo audio
    • Optional DTS-HD MA 5.1 surround audio
    • Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
    • Audio commentary by film historian Jarret Gahan
    • Video interview with cinematographer John Seale
    • Visual essay on the film’s performances by film journalist Staci Layne Wilson
    • Vintage 1985 interview in which Harrison Ford discusses Witness with critic Bobbie Wygant
    • Between Two Worlds – five-part archival documentary on the making of the film, featuring interviews with Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Peter Weir, John Seale, producer Edward S. Feldman, and actors Lukas Haas, Patti LuPone and Viggo Mortensen
    • A Conversation with Peter Weir – archival interview with the film’s director
    • Deleted scene from the network TV version of the film
    • Theatrical trailer
    • Image gallery
    • Limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tommy Pocket
    • Limited edition 60-page perfect bound booklet illustrated by Tommy Pocket, featuring writing on the film by Dennis Capicik, Martyn Conterio, John Harrison and Amanda Reyes
    • Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tommy Pocket
    • Six double-sided collector’s postcards

The five-part documentary is generally well-done, however, it falls short by not incorporating recent interviews with Ford, Weir, and McGillis. There seems to be an excess of archival material, and in many re-releases, the additional features often consist of little-known critics or commentators who tend to delve into self-indulgent analysis or boastful insights. Despite these shortcomings, “Witness” remains a top-tier thriller and one of Ford’s (and Weir’s) finest works. They would undoubtedly collaborate again on “The Mosquito Coast,” but the outcome received far less praise.

Here’s the trailer for Witness….

Read More

2025-06-30 12:23