The Wicker Man 4k cinema premieres

19th April 2023

2023 is packed full of classic film anniversaries including cult film “The Wicker Man“.

“The Wicker Man” is a classic horror that has been captivating audiences for 50 years. To mark this significant milestone, a 4k restoration of the film is set to be released on UHD Blu-ray, and special screenings are taking place of the restored film in London and Newton Stewart.

The film was originally screened to the public for the first time in London on the 6th of December 1973 but Newton Stewart saw the Scottish premieres of “The Wicker Man” on the 13th of January in 1974. Some of the locals who were involved in the film held the producers to the promises they made during filming that the film would be screened there.

“The Wicker Man” was screened in 1974 at two Scottish cinemas on the 13th of January: at the Regal Cinema, Stranraer and The Cinema, Newton Stewart.

To mark 50 years of “The Wicker Man“, the World premiere of the new 4k restoration will take place on the 30th of May 2023 at The Cinema in Newton Stewart, along with a new documentary called “Return to Summerisle” plus a Q&A with the Olivier Award-winning actress Lesley Mackie who played Daisy in the film and sang several of the songs on the soundtrack.

Tickets are currently available for the Newton Stewart World Premiere and can be ordered online here.

In the film, the May Day festival is a pivotal moment so, appropriately enough on the 1st of May, The Wicker Man 4k restoration will receive its London premiere at Picturehouse Central, hosted by Edith Bowman with special guests Britt Ekland, who played Willow in the film; Gary Carpenter, the associate musical director; and family members of the director Robin Hardy; and musical performances by Broadside Hacks.

All tickets for the London event are currently sold out but it may be worthwhile contacting the box office at Picturehouse Central to see if there’s a cancellation or no-show waiting list to get in on the event.

“The Wicker Man” tells the story of a devout Christian police sergeant, played by Edward Woodward, who travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. However, he realises too late that not all is as it seems with the pagan inhabitants of the island, which ultimately leads to a shocking and unforgettable climax.

The film has gained a dedicated following over the years and has become a cult classic, with its unique blend of horror, mystery, and folk music.

The 4k restoration promises to bring the film to life like never before, enhancing the details and colours of the stunning Scottish landscapes and creating a more immersive viewing experience.

Studiocanal have restored all three cuts of “The Wicker Man” to mark the 50th anniversary.

“The Wicker Man: Final Cut” will be released in UK cinemas with accompanying 50th Anniversary event footage on the 21st of June, the Summer Solstice, and all three versions of “The Wicker Man” will be released in a Collector’s Edition and on 4k UHD for the first time on the 4th of September 2023.

“The Wicker Man” will be in many cinemas around the country on the 21st of June only, including branches of Cineworld, Curzon, Odeon, Showcase, Picturehouse, and many independent cinemas & arts centres so check your local listings for timings and to find the nearest screening for you.

Before the film, exclusive footage will be shown from the 50th Anniversary event that took place in London on May Day with Britt Ekland.

If you’re a fan of “The Wicker Man” or a horror enthusiast, the upcoming screenings are not to be missed. These screenings will provide the perfect opportunity to see the film on the big screen and appreciate its enduring appeal with fellow fans.

Overall, “The Wicker Man” remains a significant film in the horror genre, and the 50th anniversary 4k restoration is a fitting tribute to its legacy. Whether you’re a fan or a first-time viewer, it’s a film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Art & Hue had the pleasure to access “The Wicker Man” archives at Studiocanal to create a group of stylish pop art prints inspired by the classic film. Discover “The Wicker Man” collection, available in three sizes and many colour options, online here.