Severin Films releases Children of the Wicker Man Blu-ray, a doc about the folk horror classic

Courtesy of Severin Films

The Wicker Man is a folk horror classic. It frequently comes up in horror documentaries and has had academic papers written about it. Fans of the 1973 film, directed by Robin Hardy, will be happy to know that the documentary, Children of the Wicker Man, was just released on Blu-ray by Severin Films. While there's already been plenty of coverage about the iconic film, Children of the Wicker Man gives a much more intimate and behind-the-scenes touch because it was created by the director's sons.

In the documentary, art historian Dominic Hardy and filmmaker Justin Hardy (A Feast at Midnight), half-brothers who describe themselves as "far-flung spawn," explore their father's complicated legacy. The Philadelphia-based MovieJawn described the documentary as "incredibly brave and touching," adding that it will take viewers on "a journey unlike any you've been on before."

Through stacks of old correspondence and a trip to the film's original locations, as well as new interviews with family, friends, and the film's surviving personnel, Dominic and Justin Hardy explore the personal costs of the film's difficult and chaotic production, as well as their father's tumult with the studio, British Lion, along with his bitter falling-out with friend, business partner, and screenwriter, Anthony Shaffer. The documentary also addresses the financial and sexual improprieties that tore families apart. The sons also explore their own lifelong traumas.

Additionally, the documentary includes the following special features.

• An audio interview with co-directors Justin Hardy, Dominic Hardy, and Chris Nunn, moderated by David Gregory, director of The Wicker Man Enigma

• Q & A with the directors and producer Alison Plamer

• Making-of featurette

• Trailer

The Wicker Man follows Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward), a police officer who travels to the isolated Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. He then discovers that the islanders have abandoned Christianity for Celtic paganism, which leads to a clash of beliefs and a dangerous outcome for Sergeant Howie. The movie also stars Christopher Lee as Lord Summerisile, the leader of the island and the feature's main protagonist. The film established several of the folk horror motifs that are still around today, especially the clash between the outsider and rural community, as well as tension between belief systems.

Children of the Wicker Man is already available for purchase on Severin Film's website.

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