Every time best-selling author Paul Sheldon (James Caan) writes a new novel, he heads to the secluded Silver Creek Lodge, where he follows a specific routine. As he types “The End” on his old typewriter, Paul has his celebratory glass of champagne and single cigarette. There is a snowstorm in the forecast, but Paul is anxious to get back to the city. This is the first novel in a long time that didn’t revolve around the character of Misery Chastain, and he’s excited to get the manuscript to his agent (Lauren Bacall). As Paul drives his ’65 Mustang around the winding mountain roads, the snow begins to pick up and his visibility gets worse. His car loses traction in the blizzard, flips over the side of the road, and rolls down a hill. Fortunately, a nurse named Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) happens to witness the accident, and pulls Paul from the wreckage, bringing him back to her home to tend to his wounds. When Paul awakens, Annie happily tells him that she’s his number one fan, and that it’s her honor to be nursing him back to health. Paul is appreciative of Annie’s assistance and even lets her read his new manuscript as a thank you. However, Annie’s cheery disposition suddenly takes an unexpected dark turn when she discovers that Paul has killed off her favorite character in his latest Misery novel. Now Paul finds himself held captive by this angry woman who demands he fix things with her beloved character.
Misery is easily my favorite film based on a Stephen King novel. I thoroughly enjoy each rewatch no matter how many times I have already seen it. The movie is so well written, expertly building the tension over the course of the film. While there is one iconic, gruesome moment that no one who has ever seen this film will ever forget, the movie doesn’t rely on blood and gore—it is more of a psychological thriller. There are many edge-of-your-seat moments where you are holding your breath, hoping that either Paul can find a way to escape, or at the very least, Annie won’t return to discover him mid-attempt, because there’s no telling what she could do. You also find yourself anxiously hoping that the old policeman Buster (Richard Farnsworth) and wife/partner Virginia (Frances Sternhagen) will put the pieces together before it’s too late. And every time you get your hopes up, things come crashing down and only get worse.
Kathy Bates, who earned a well-deserved Academy Award for her performance, is amazing in this movie. When we first meet Annie, she is this fun, folksy woman who seems to have a joy and zest for life. But as the film goes on, the darker, more psychopathic side of her is slowly revealed, and Bates plays both sides of this character to perfection. Annie is a truly terrifying character. James Caan also delivers a great performance, despite being bedridden most of the time.
For this new Collector’s Edition Blu-ray release, Shout! Factory has done a spectacular new 4K restoration from the original film elements, and it really shows. The picture looks pristine and detailed, with vibrant colors. This is certainly a step up from the previous Blu-ray release, which was already quite impressive. The audio track appears to be the same as the previous release. The film is mainly dialogue, and this is presented clearly from the front/center channel. The surround channel is used sparingly, but does enhance the sounds of creaking floorboards and the sounds of rain and thunder. For the bonus material, Shout! Factory has ported over all of the commentaries and features from the previous releases, though this is the first time those features have been included on the Blu-ray disc itself—previously they had been relegated to a companion DVD disc. The disc also includes two brand new retrospective interviews with director Rob Reiner and special makeup effects artist Greg Nicotero (best known for his work on The Walking Dead). These two extensive interviews are an excellent addition to the supplemental package.
The discs comes packed in a standard HD keepcase with a slipcover and reversible insert that includes the film’s original poster as the alternate cover art.
What’s Included:
Film: (1:47:24)
- 1080p / Widescreen 1.85:1
- Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Surround, English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo
- Subtitles: English SDH
Extras:
Most of the bonus features, except for two new interviews, have been ported over from the previous DVD releases, but this is the first time those appear on a Blu-ray disc.
- Interview With Director Rob Reiner (37:09)
In this brand new interview, the film’s director talks about adapting Stephen King thrillers into films, his early career, breaking away from being pigeon-holed as a comedy actor/director, casting Kathy Bates in her first lead, the difficulty in finding the male lead, bringing in a lot of other people he had previously worked with to work on the film, working with Stephen King, changing the book’s ending, and more. - Interview With Special Makeup Effects Artist Greg Nicotero (26:12)
In this brand new interview, the accomplished artist talks about his early work, how he got involved with Castlerock and Misery, how the film made use of practical effects and human replicas, and how the work was divided up among his team. He also discusses the hobbling scene, post accident leg prosthetics, creating head casts for the final altercation, meeting Kathy Bates for the first time, what it takes to be a good effects person, being prepared for any situation, and what it was like watching the premiere screening. This feature also includes behind-the-scenes and production photos. - Audio Commentary With Rob Reiner (1:47:24)
The director talks about his personal connection to the film being a person who had to try to break out of the role he was known for, how James Caan was not his original choice, optioning the book, building the tension, and more. Overall, the commentary is quite good, and provides some interesting behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes. - Audio Commentary With Screenwriter William Goldman (1:47:24)
The screenwriter talks about the decision to delay the reveal of the truth about Annie in this adaptation of the original novel. Throughout the commentary, he also provides other comparisons between the screenplay and the novel, and talks about how the script changed over the drafts. He also discusses his initial negative reaction to the director changing the amputation scene from his script to hobbling, but admits he was wrong as it has become one of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history. - Misery Loves Company (29:53)
A behind-the-scenes look at the production with the cast and creators. This is really entertaining, but some of the stories get a bit repetitive after listening to the commentaries and interviews. The participants include director Rob Reiner, screenwriter William Goldman, director of photography Barry Sonnenfeld, and actors Frances Sternhagen (“Virginia”), Kathy Bates (Annie Wilkes”) and James Caan (“Paul Sheldon”). Originally produced in 2002, this featurette is presented in full frame format. - Marc Shaiman’s Musical Misery Tour (14:30)
The composer talks about his approach to movie scoring, and his work on Misery. Originally produced in 2002, this featurette is presented in full frame format. - Diagnosing Annie Wilkes (8:47)
Forensic psychologist/author Reid Meloy, Ph. D breaks down all of the different ailments and disorders that Annie Wilkes experiences. Originally produced in 2007, this featurette is presented in letterbox format. - Advice For The Stalked (4:58)
John C. Lane of The Omega Threat Management Group, Los Angeles prosecutor Rhonda Saunders, and forensic psychologist/author Reid Meloy, Ph. D talk about the ways people can identify and protect themselves from stalker threats. Originally produced in 2007, this featurette is presented in letterbox format. - Profile Of A Stalker (6:18)
Forensic psychologist/author Reid Meloy, Ph. D, John C. Lane of The Omega Threat Management Group, and Los Angeles prosecutor Rhonda Saunders, talk about the common characteristics of stalkers and how Annie Wilkes fits the profile. Originally produced in 2007, this featurette is presented in letterbox format. - Celebrity Stalkers (5:08)
John C. Lane of The Omega Threat Management Group, Los Angeles prosecutor Rhonda Saunders, and forensic psychologist/author Reid Meloy, Ph. D talk about why stalkers can be attracted to celebrities, and how this relates to Annie Wilkes. Originally produced in 2007, this featurette is presented in letterbox format. - Anti-Stalking Laws (2:23)
Los Angeles prosecutor Rhonda Saunders, and John C. Lane of The Omega Threat Management Group talk about the stalking law that first came about in California in 1991. Originally produced in 2007, this featurette is presented in letterbox format. - Trailers (4:47)
Two trailers for the film play back-to-back.
Final Thoughts:
Misery is and will probably always be my favorite film adaptation of a Stephen King novel, and that is mostly due to Kathy Bates and her amazing performance. Misery is a masterfully-created thriller, and Shout! Factory’s new Blu-ray delivers a stellar picture from a newly restored 4K master. The disc also ports over all of the previous bonus features as well as two brand new retrospective interviews. This release would come Highly Recommended based on the film and visual presentation alone, but the two new bonus features are also great!
