Peter Weir’s ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ Gets 4K Trailer & Theatrical Run

It’s high time we honor a groundbreaking masterpiece that catapulted the renowned filmmaker Peter Weir into stardom and adoration among cinema enthusiasts worldwide. The critically-acclaimed Australian director’s 1975 blockbuster, Picnic at Hanging Rock, has undergone a breathtaking restoration in 4K quality, as demonstrated in the trailer for the film’s re-release.
Without the triumph of this enigmatic 70s production, moviegoers wouldn’t have been graced with the more mainstream cinematic masterworks born from Weir’s genius mind, such as The Truman Show, Dead Poets Society, Master, and Commander: The Far Side of The World. As a result, it is only fitting that this film receives the greatest care and reverence in its preservation.

Starting from late January, Janus Film – a sister company of Criterion – will once again make available the movie Picnic at Hanging Rock in 4K format. This captivating film tells the story of a group of schoolgirls and their teacher who vanished during a picnic at Hanging Rock, Victoria on Valentine’s Day 1900, leaving behind an eerie impact on the surrounding community. Featuring talented Australian actors like Rachel Roberts, Dominic Guard, Helen Morse, Vivean Gray, and young Jacki Weaver, the movie is frequently likened to the visually dreamy and enchanting works of Sofia Coppola.

Compared to the Original Trailer, It’s a New Movie

The freshly restored 4K trailer bears a striking resemblance to the original 1975 trailer for the enigmatic mystery masterpiece, right down to the dialogue snippets from the movie and the nerve-wracking shriek at the finale. This likeness was likely intentional, serving to underscore the differences between the two versions, evident even in the initial shot of the new trailer that seems to have been plucked straight from a contemporary production. Despite the upgraded quality, the 4K restoration maintains the yellow ambiance in numerous outdoor scenes.

The high-definition 4K trailer offers a more detailed glimpse into the story, with enhancements in visual quality particularly noticeable during close-ups of the actresses, which appear significantly clearer than in the 1975 version. Fans of the late, esteemed director Peter Weir will find value in watching both versions of this Australian mystery film, as each offers a distinct viewing experience.

The 4K restoration of Picnic at Hanging Rock will be released by Janus Films at the end of January.

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2025-01-14 22:31