‘Nosferatu’ Director Robert Eggers Confirms Extended Cut Blu-ray Release

As a long-time cinephile who grew up with a deep appreciation for the classics, I must say that Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” has been nothing short of a revelation. Having first seen the original F.W. Murnau film at a tender age, its haunting atmosphere and Max Shreck’s iconic performance left an indelible mark on me, much like a vampire’s bite.

It was this very movie that sparked my interest in cinema and eventually led me to pursue a career in directing. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out that Eggers himself was revisiting this timeless tale. The theatrical release was mesmerizing, a visual feast that perfectly balanced awe and anxiety, but now, with the promise of an extended cut on Blu-ray, I’m practically salivating at the prospect of spending even more time in this chilling world.

As for the joke, well, I guess one could say that if I had known there would be an extended cut, I might have stayed up all night waiting for it… but then again, who needs sleep when you’re lost in the world of “Nosferatu”?

Ever since its Christmas day debut, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the positive buzz surrounding Nosferatu, and now, as a fellow supporter, my excitement has reached new heights! Director Robert Eggers has confirmed that an extended cut of his Gothic horror masterpiece will grace our screens through a Blu-ray release. With a star-studded cast including Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe, and Bill Skarsgård, Nosferatu offers a fresh take on an age-old tale. It reimagines the 1922 original by F.W. Murnau, itself derived from Bram Stoker’s legendary novel, Dracula.

Eggers, Dafoe, and Skarsgård recently chatted with Esquire UK (as detailed below) about Nosferatu, and it was during this chat that the director revealed some exciting news: an extended cut of the movie! While examining the film’s trailer, he pointed out a specific scene that didn’t make it to the theater release but will be accessible soon on Blu-ray.

The initial scene is amusing yet peculiar for movie enthusiasts as it’s not part of the film itself. It’s an intriguing shot that I find appealing, but its placement within the movie undermines some suspense because it hints at Bill’s presence. However, maintaining his mystique was crucial to the plot. If you’re interested, this shot is included in the extended edition of the Blu-ray version of the film.

There hasn’t been any announcement about the release date for the Blu-ray version of Nosferatu, but considering current patterns, we anticipate it will become available sometime in March or April. As for the duration of the extended cut, that’s a mystery at this point. The original film runs for 132 minutes, so if Eggers decides to include more scenes, the running time might range from around 150 to 180 minutes. Frankly, we’re thrilled about this possibility because it means we’ll get to delve deeper into the film, which is truly remarkable in Eggers’ cinematic career.

‘Nosferatu’ Is the Movie That Made Robert Eggers Want to Become a Director

Similar to his three preceding films, Nosferatu stands out as an atmospheric, period-set masterpiece that visually captivates. The film has a mesmerizing quality, instilling both wonder and unease in viewers as the tension escalates. Much like Eggers, who shared with Esquire that he first saw the original film in his youth, many will find themselves similarly affected by this movie – its impact lingering long after viewing. In fact, for Eggers, Nosferatu served as a significant influence that ultimately fueled his ambition to become a director.

When I was nine, I saw Murnau’s 1922 film for the first time, and it left a deep impression on me. Max Shreck’s portrayal of the vampire is still remembered, as well as the eerie ambiance that lingers. As an adult, I find myself drawn to it because Murnau and his team transformed Bram Stoker’s Dracula into a captivating fairy tale. In my teenage years, I even acted in a school play based on it, and later, a local theater director invited me to direct a professional version of the story. This experience had a profound impact on me, solidifying my passion for directing.

It’s clear that Eggers has returned full circle with Nosferatu, and the outcome is nothing short of stunning. Not only does this film excel in cinematography, but its acting performances are unparalleled. We eagerly anticipate the number of Oscar nominations it receives when they’re announced on January 17th. For now, don’t miss out on catching Nosferatu in theaters now, courtesy of Focus Features.

2025-01-01 20:33

‘Nosferatu’ Is the Movie That Made Robert Eggers Want to Become a Director

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