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The Wicker Man is returning to cinemas in 4K for its 50th anniversary: Watch the new trailer

Watch the new trailer for The Wicker Man

The Wicker Man, one of the most influential British horror films ever made, is returning to UK cinemas on summer solstice with a brand new 4K restoration.

The folk-horror classic, directed by Robin Hardy and starring Edward Woodward, Christopher Lee, Britt Ekland and Diane Cilento, will play in UK cinemas for one night only on 21 June with exclusive 50th Anniversary Event footage screening before the film.

Filmed in London on 1 May, the event was presented by Edith Bowman and included guest of honour Britt Ekland, associate musical director from the film Gary Carpenter, and the family of the director.

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We're thrilled to share an exclusive first look at Studiocanal's brand new trailer for the re-release above.

The Wicker Man: 50th anniversary release. (Studiocanal)
The Wicker Man: 50th anniversary release. (Studiocanal)

In the 50 years since its original release, The Wicker Man has achieved true cult status as one of the most revered horror films in cinema history, despite a difficult production and heavily cut original theatrical release. The search for the fabled missing scenes has only added to the myth surrounding a film that still inspires filmmakers to this day.

This is the first ever 4K restoration of the so-called Final Cut of the Wicker Man which was first released on Blu-ray in 2013 after an extensive campaign to restore the film with the missing footage that was cut from the film back in 1973.

The poster was created by artist Richey Beckett. The Wicker Man: 50th anniversary release. (Studiocanal)
The poster was created by artist Richey Beckett. The Wicker Man: 50th anniversary release. (Studiocanal)

“Every generation of film fans must keep their appointment with The Wicker Man," says John Rodden, Head of Library, at Studiocanal UK. "Even if you have not yet seen The Wicker Man, everyone knows something of its tropes, imagery, and influence.

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"The film permeates the culture like an ancient myth, and haunts our nightmares. In celebration of the 50th Anniversary, we are delighted to bring this stunning new 4K restoration of The Wicker Man to the big screen from 21st June, and in September to release a Special 3-Disc 4K UHD Collector Edition.”

The Wicker Man: 50th anniversary release. (Studiocanal)
The Wicker Man: 50th anniversary release. (Studiocanal)

The home entertainment release of this new edition will come on 4 September. All three existing versions of the film will be released in an exclusive Collector’s Edition and on 4K UHD for the first time.

The 5-disc Collector’s Edition will also include an exclusive EP from Heavenly records, a 64-page booklet with brand new essays, 3 ‘Postcards from Summerisle’ and two posters of the new and original artwork.

The film will also be released as a Steelbook and on Digital.