By the time the mid ‘90s hit, many would argue that Horror movies had grown a little long in the tooth. At the time over a decade removed from the golden ‘80s era which produced some of the most memorable in the genre’s history, the modern Horror film was sleek, shiny, and packaged for mass consumption in the most commercial way possible. In fact, the year of 1995 was one of the least impressive in terms of new releases; with mostly subpar sequels like Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation emerging. A rough year for Horror fans, it was not all bad though, because you had some interesting entries such as Tales from the Hood, Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight, but also Mute Witness.
The work of Lebanese-born British Filmmaker Anthony Waller (known for films such as 1997’s An American Werewolf in Paris), Mute Witness is one of those films that sort of snuck up on you as a sleeper hit. Originally premiering at the 1995 Sundance Film Festival, it would eventually go on to receive a theatrical release in the USA September 15th of that year, a German release on September 28th, followed by a UK release in early 1996. Opposed to bigger budget studio films, it was pretty limited as far as it reached, but nearly three decades later it holds up as a tension filled, entertaining watch.
Shot entirely in Moscow, Russia, and utilizing a good selection of Russian cast members, Mute Witness follows a story of a young Filmmaker named Andy Clarke (played by Evan Richards; an award-winning actor turned filmmaker) and his girlfriend Karen Hughes (played by award-nominated English Actress Fay Ripley) filming their own Slasher film. Along with them is a make-up artist by the name of Billy Hughes (portrayed by talented Russian Actress Marina Zudina), who happens to be mute. Like fish out of water they are strangers in the Russian setting, and soon Billy Hughes finds herself in a horrendous predicament where she seemingly has witnessed the filming of a murder. From here, Billy Hughes has to do everything she can to stay alive, but most of all, prove her eyes did not deceive her.
A pretty straight forward story, what makes Mute Witness work is the adrenaline rush of Billy Hughes cat and mouse game with the murderers. Filmed at a very steady pace, there is also a surprising interjection of humor as well. So, the question is, does Mute Witness qualify as a Horror film? Well, in some respects yes; because you are dealing with murder and some pretty terrifying situations. In other ways, it is really more of a Suspense Thriller… but then you are just splitting hairs.
Whatever you want to call it, Mute Witness is a clever little film that has plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested, all while still keeping you invested in the final outcome. Furthermore, it could be looked at as a predecessor to movies like 1999’s 8mm; which also takes you into the dark underworld of Snuff films. The sad part is that, like many ‘90s Horror type films, it may get lost in time. Granted it did have shelf life in video stores in 1995 on VHS, was released to Laserdisc in 1996, as well to DVD in 2003, it still has been over twenty years since any other media option for Mute Witness. Yes, you stream it in various places, but for real movie lovers it is exciting to learn you can now own it in a 4K Ultra HD format.
Released on June 11, 2024 through Arrow Video as both a Limited Edition Blu-ray or 4K Ultra HD set, each option offers more than ever before. Miles ahead of Sony Picture’s 2003 DVD edition, with these Arrow Video editions you not only get a 4K restoration of Mute Witness approved by Anthony Waller, but also a restored original lossless stereo soundtrack, and plenty of bonus features. Among the supplemental content, you have new audio commentary from Anthony Waller, as well as Production Designer Matthias Kammermeier and Composer Wilbert Hirsch, plus informative visual essays exploring Mute Witness more in-depth.
Really well put together, Arrow Video has done Mute Witness justice. That in mind, the actual 4K Ultra HD restoration (presented in 2160p for the 4K Ultra HD set, and in 1080p for the Blu-ray set) make it a no-brainer to seek out. That is why Cryptic Rock recommends adding one of these new releases of Mute Witness to your collection, giving them 4.5 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment