As fans of THE WICKER MAN know, the original 1973 film exists in two versions. There is the original 102 minute version released overseas and then there is the truncated 88 minute version that played in only 3 cities in America before quickly disappearing. Unfortunately it is this truncated version that survives in pristine footage. The 102 minute VHS version isn’t bad at all which is why I have issues with the composite 102 minute version that is currently available on DVD. As with the recent restoration of METROPOLIS, it bothers me when the restoration incorporates pristine and non-pristine footage, The distracting effect of varying visual quality pulls you out of the movie which is the last thing you want in a film where concentration is a necessity. In both cases complete originals exist and in the case of THE WICKER MAN the original is in much better shape so they really should have transferred it intact rather than adding the missing scenes to the 88 minute version where the difference is rather noticeable on a flatscreen TV yet a composite transfer is currently all there is. As a result I’m hanging on to my original Media VHS but of the readily available dual-versions, this particular set has the best picture and is available at a good price. There’s also a nifty wooden case to boot.
It’s hard to imagine that there are people out there who don’t know the story especially as the core of it was seen more recently in the unfortunate Neil LaBute 2006 remake with Nicholas Cage. With over 400 other reviews to choose from there are plenty that go into the story in great detail but here is only a basic outline. A deeply religious policeman (Edward Woodward) investigates the report of a missing child on a remote, privately owned island off the Scottish mainland. The island is inhabited by modern day pagans whose joyous, happy lifestyle contrasts greatly with the dour, puritanical officer. They are led by the local squire (Christopher Lee) whose family has owned the island for generations and who actively encourages the pagan practices. Writer Anthony Shaffer (SLEUTH), twin brother of playwright Peter Shaffer (EQUUS, AMADEUS), has constructed, on the surface, a simple mystery. Police officer investigates the disappearance of a child. His investigation is obstructed by the locals. He perseveres and finds the child alive. The End. Not quite. There is much more to it than that. It is that “much more” that makes THE WICKER MAN the classic that it is. Great soundtrack too. If you’ve never seen it you should. If you’ve only seen the Nicholas Cage version than you really need to see it the way it was intended and this set is an excellent way to do just that.
The Capsule Critic 