The Hitcher is one of those iconic 80s films that haunted the memories of anyone who managed to convince their unsuspecting parents to rent it from the local video store. In an era where you weren’t anyone unless you’d seen The Hitcher (or at least claimed you had), this film stood out as a terrifying psychological thriller that left a lasting impact. Forget the terrible sequel and the unnecessary remake with Sean Bean—The Hitcher is a classic Rutger Hauer movie that deserves to be remembered in its original, chilling form.
On a long-distance drive across the deserted Midwest highways, Jim Halsey (C. Thomas Howell) stops for a hitchhiker waiting by the roadside. But his thoughts of helping a human in need are blown wide apart as it soon becomes apparent that John Ryder (Rutger Hauer) is a relentless serial killer. Framed by the cold-blooded murderer for a string of slayings, his only help comes from a caring Truckstop waitress (Jennifer Jason Leigh), as they attempt to flee from both the law and the psychopath
Hauer, known for his roles in Blade Runner, Ladyhawke, Flesh and Blood, and the underrated Nighthawks (where he held his own against Stallone and Billy Dee Williams), carved out a niche as one of cinema’s most memorable villains. In The Hitcher, as John Ryder, Hauer delivers perhaps his most sinister performance. His character speaks little, but his malevolent actions speak volumes, creating a figure of pure terror that lingers long after the credits roll.
Often classified as a horror film in the 80s, The Hitcher is better understood as a top-tier psychological thriller—think Duel on crack cocaine. The tension is relentless, the atmosphere is thick with dread, and Hauer’s portrayal of Ryder is nothing short of chilling.
The new 4K Blu-ray transfer breathes fresh life into this cult classic. The visuals are crisp and clean, making the film look as if it was shot yesterday, while the Mark Isham soundtrack has never sounded better. The clarity and detail in the 4K upgrade enhance every moment of suspense, drawing you deeper into the nightmarish journey.
In addition to the stunning visual and audio quality, the Blu-ray is packed with extras, including several commentary tracks that are all worth a listen. These additions provide valuable insights and enrich the viewing experience, making this release a must-have for fans of the film.
The Hitcher is a masterpiece of tension and terror, and this 4K version does justice to its legacy. Whether you’re revisiting an old favorite or discovering it for the first time, this release is a thrilling reminder of why The Hitcher remains a standout in the genre.
THE HITCHER Limited Edition 4K UHD/Blu-ray Box Set & Standard Edition 4K UHD & Blu-ray arrive 30 September 2024
The Hitcher 4K gets its’s World Premiere Restoration screening at Pigeon Shrine Frightfest 2024 Friday, August 23, 2024 8:30 PM
