Released in 1981, Scanners marked a turning point in body horror master David Cronenberg's career. Its mind-blowing (no pun intended) special effects cement his status as a storyteller well-versed in creating visions of absolute terror while keeping the narrative's humanity front and centre. Celebrating the gore and glory of Scanners more than 40 years since its release, physical media maestros Second Sight Films are bringing genre fans brand new Blu-ray and 4K UHD restorations of the classic film. It comes more than 10 years since Second Sight released the film on DVD with new interviews and extras for eager horror viewers, with the latest release proving to be the definitive edition for seasoned Cronenberg fans and newbies alike.

For those not familiar with Scanners, the film follows the story of Vale (Stephen Lack), a drifter plagued by voices in his mind. He is recruited by ConSec scientist Dr Paul Ruth (Patrick McGoohan) who informs him he is a Scanner, part of a group of people with extraordinary abilities including telepathy, biokinesis, and psychokinesis. He is enlisted to stop Darryl Revok (Michael Ironside), the leader of an underground alliance of Scanners who want to use their powers to take over the world.

Scanners is lauded for its practical effects, with its head-exploding scene being parodied across popular culture and becoming one of the most iconic images of horror. While its gore is something to behold, Cronenberg's thought-provoking masterpiece offers a bleak interpretation of counter-culture, rejecting conservative values, private company corruption, and much more that feels as prophetic today as ever before. Paranoia seeps into every morsel of Scanners, as the narrative explores the ethics of pharmaceutical companies and military testing to devastating effects, with Cronenberg's intricate and loving attention to detail in his characters compounding the horror they experience. This is bolstered by the film's stellar performances, with Stephan Lack and Michael Ironside's polar opposite personas at the heart of Scanners' tension and darkness.

Second Sight's 4k restoration allows fans to see the goop of Scanners like never before in crisp clarity that brings every minute detail to life. What sets these editions apart are the extras the physical media company are best known for, with brand new audio commentaries and interviews further immersing viewers into the terrifying world of Scanners and its influences, production, and long-lasting legacy. With many interpretations of the film being discussed over the years, a new video from Tim Coleman and an essay booklet in the limited edition box set provide plenty more themes and analysis to be discussed long after the credits have rolled. Scanners continues to be one of the most revered and reassessed works in genre cinema, and Second Sight's new release encapsulates why Cronenberg's landmark film changed the face of horror as we know it.

Special features

New 4K restoration approved by director David Cronenberg
Dual format edition including both UHD and Blu-ray with main feature and bonus features on both discs
UHD presented in HDR with Dolby Vision
New audio commentary by Caelum Vatnsdal
Audio commentary by William Beard
My Art Keeps Me Sane: an interview with actor Stephen Lack
Method in his Madness: an interview with actor Michael Ironside
Bad Guy Dane: an interview with actor Lawrence Dane
The Eye of Scanners: an interview with cinematographer Mark Irwin
Mind Fragments: an interview with composer Howard Shore
The Chaos of Scanners: an interview with executive producer Pierre David
Exploding Brains & Popping Veins: an interview with makeup effects artist Stephan Dupuis
Monster Kid: an interview with makeup effects artist Chris Walas
Cronenberg's Tech Babies: a video essay by Tim Coleman

Limited edition contents

Rigid slipcase with new artwork by Krishna Shenoi
120-page book with new essays by Dr Xavier Aldana Reyes, Eugenio Ercolani and Gian Giacomo Petrone, Kurt Halfyard, Craig Ian Mann, Francesco Massaccesi, Jessica Scott, Emma Westwood and Heather Wixson
Six collectors' art cards

Scanners Limited Edition 4K UHD & Blu-ray from Second Sight Films is available from 31 March