Rent The Wicker Man (1973)

3.9 of 5 from 322 ratings
1h 24min
Rent The Wicker Man Online DVD & Blu-ray Rental
  • General info
  • Available formats
Synopsis:
When a young girl mysteriously disappears, Police Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) travels to a remote island to investigate. But this pastoral community, led by the strange Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee), is not what it seems as the devout Christian detective soon uncovers a secret society of wanton lust and pagan blasphemy. Can Howie now stop the cult's ultimate sacrifice before he himself comes face to face with the horror of 'The Wicker Man'?
Actors:
, , , , , , , , , , Ian Campbell, , , , , , , Penny Cluer, Michael John Cole,
Directors:
Producers:
Peter Snell
Writers:
Anthony Shaffer, David Pinner
Studio:
Warner
Genres:
Classics, Horror, Thrillers
Collections:
10 Films to Watch if You Like: The Wicker Man, Cinema Paradiso's 2022 Centenary Club, Films & TV by topic, Films to Watch If You Like..., The Big Match: Gregory's Girl v Bend It Like Beckham, A Brief History of Film..., Top 100 BFI Films, Top Films
BBFC:
Release Date:
22/04/2002
Run Time:
84 minutes
Languages:
English Dolby Digital 1.0 Mono, English Dolby Digital 5.1
Subtitles:
None
DVD Regions:
Region 2
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 1.85:1
Colour:
Colour
Bonus:
  • The Wicker Man Enigma - 35 minute Documentary
  • Theatrical Trailer
  • TV & Radio Spots
  • Talent Biographies
  • Christopher Lee Interview (25 mins)
  • CD ROM Special Features - Original Theatrical Press Brochure for The Wicker Man
  • The Wicker Man - The Director's Cut
  • Feature length commentary with Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Director Robin Hardy and moderated by Mark Kermode (UK exclusive - recorded Dec 2001, London)
Disc 1:
This disc includes the main feature
Disc 2:
This disc includes the following special features:
- The Wicker Man - Director's Cut
- Feature length commentary with Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Director Robin Hardy and moderated by Mark Kermode (UK exclusive - recorded Dec 2001, London)
BBFC:
Release Date:
14/10/2013
Run Time:
283 minutes
Languages:
English LPCM Mono
Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 1.85:1
Colour:
Colour
BLU-RAY Regions:
B
Disc 1:
This disc includes:
- The Final Cut
- Burnt Offering: The Cult of The Wicker Man Documentary written by Mark Kermode
- Workshipping The Wicker Man: Famous Fans Featurette
- The Music of The Wicker Man Featurette
- Interview with Robin Hardy
- Interview with Christopher Lee and Robin Hardy (1979)
- Restoration Comparison
- Trailer
Disc 2:
This disc includes:
- UK Theatrical Cut
- The Director's Cut (with Audio Commentary)
- Making of Audio Commentary Short Film
Disc 3:
This disc includes:
- Soundtrack
BBFC:
Release Date:
25/09/2023
Run Time:
283 minutes
Languages:
English LPCM Mono
Subtitles:
English Hard of Hearing
DVD Regions:
Region 0 (All)
Formats:
Pal
Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen 1.85:1
Colour:
Colour
BLU-RAY Regions:
(0) All
Bonus:
  • New - Revisiting the locations of 'The Wicker Man'
  • New - 'The Wicker Man' at 50
  • New - Robin Hardy's Script - The Lost Ending
  • New - Interview with Britt Ekland
  • Worshipping 'The Wicker Man'
  • The Music of 'The Wicker Man'
  • Interview with Robin Hardy (2013)
  • Interview with Robin Hardy and Christopher Lee (1979)
  • New Trailer (2023)
  • Behind the Scenes Stills Gallery
  • Burnt Offering: The Cult of 'The Wicker Man'
  • The Wicker Man Enigma
  • Audio Commentary with Robin Hardy, Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward
  • Making of The Commentary
Disc 1:
This disc includes the following:
- The Final Cut
- Special Features
Disc 2:
This disc includes the following:
- Director's Cut
- Theatrical Cut
- Special Features

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Reviews (2) of The Wicker Man

Pagan Scotland. - The Wicker Man review by Steve

Spoiler Alert
08/11/2023

This landmark of British folk horror isn't really a scare film at all, more of a dystopian thriller. Only the inspired twist is that the machine of oppression isn't the remote, indifferent state, but the free, self-governing citizens. Edward Woodward plays a sexually repressed policeman who visits a remote Scottish island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl.

But instead discovers he is the fall guy. In their isolation, the islanders have adopted pagan rituals, which revolve around an uninhibited approach to sex and the fruitfulness of their crops. Soon the christian copper is being tempted by an enraptured Britt Ekland dancing naked and banging on the locked door of his hotel room.

Presumably there is some satirical intent, with the collective delusion of the free loving heathens reflecting the values of the seventies hippie movement. But also their beliefs have the effect of spoofing the pious sergeant's own faith. There's an original and intelligent script which constantly delights with its use of historical pagan traditions.

Woodward is perfect casting as the persevering dupe. Christopher Lee is ideal as the autocratic Lord, and the impudent, provocative- and naked- Britt Ekland is unforgettable. The photography of the sunny Scottish landscape and the evocative score of folk ballads both make crucial contributions. And the thrilling climactic appointment with the wicker man is the stuff of horror legend.

1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.

Fancy watching Christopher Lee dance in a wig? - The Wicker Man review by HW

Spoiler Alert
09/01/2024

I saw this film years ago and didn’t fully appreciate it. Having rewatched it following its 50th anniversary, I agree with anyone who says it’s one of the most original and imaginative British horrors of all time. Not only does this film mix several genres seamlessly (mystery and folk musical along with horror) but it offers relevant and insightful comments on the nature of faith and belief, while adding tension to an already suspenseful, believable plot. Both hardcore Christian Sergeant Howie (Woodward) and the pagan Summerisle community he clashes with are blindly, arrogantly confident in their beliefs (the Summerisle lot dangerously so). Was this film predicting the one-sided, mostly internet-fuelled arguments of the 21st century? Regardless of its message on religion, this film remains a unique, disturbing and bewitching experience. The ending has to be one of the best-shot and visually stunning scenes in horror cinema, along with scenes from ‘The Shining’. Arguably the ending is more harrowing than anything from ‘the Shining’. The traditional folk soundtrack is triumphantly enchanting, despite the bizarre, horrific events the jaunty songs accompany.

0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.

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