On July 28, 1999, The Blair Witch Project hit theaters and defied all predictions. A small independent found-footage film for $60,000, it grossed $248 million worldwide! This success earned it the crown of the highest-grossing feature film of all time.
Let us remind you that the story takes us to October 1994; It introduces us to three young filmmakers, Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael Williams. The latter disappear while reporting on witchcraft while hiking in Black Mountain Forest.
A year later we found the film of their investigation. The Blair Witch Project follows three filmmakers on a harrowing journey into the forest of the Black Mountains and chronicles the terrifying events that take place there. Three filmmakers are still missing.
The work started the trend of found footage films and had two sequels: Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows, which took place after the disappearance of 3 students from the first opus, and Adam’s Blair Witch Wingard, which was released in 2016. .
Is it almost impossible to see the original version?
However, as the site points out ColliderThe original version of The Blair Witch Project, conceived by filmmakers Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez, is nearly impossible to watch! Media producer Mike Monello is quoted as coming back to this surprising fact.
“In 1999, theatrical films were not originally shot on video, so there was no coded process for transferring them to video.”He confides in his X account. So they proceeded as they did with all films of the time, they transferred the 35mm negative to video.continues the producer.
I want to thank you @SecondSightFilm For the incredible love and attention they put into this issue.
This release marks the first time the film has been properly ported and released as intended! If you want to know how or why, keep reading 🧵 1/10 https://t.co/Uj0BGYTHhQ
– Mike Monello (@mikemonello) August 23, 2024
“Unfortunately, the 35mm negative is not a real camera negative. So the version released to the public is wrong. The colors, the movement, the weird rounded corners, it didn’t look like amateur video.”Mike Monello explains.
If you’ve ever used a camera from this era, you can probably see what the producer means. Some styles cannot be reproduced artificially. However, there is cause for shy rejoicing, as the official copy representing the original form of The Blair Witch Project finally exists!
Second Sight Films has released a limited edition Blu-ray box set in the UK featuring “The real look we wanted 25 years ago”Monello said last August. “This is the first (and so far only) edition of the film that has been properly ported for home video release. After all, it looks just like the film was edited. C ‘Just as we wanted.’
But the problem is that it is almost impossible to get hold of. For one thing, the box release was for “Zone B” copies, meaning it only works for specific players (including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand).
“Zone B” or “region-free” readers can be obtained outside of their usual territories, but can be very expensive in countries such as the United States. Also, limited edition Second Sight Movies Copies are already out of print and listed on eBay for $270-$300!
If you’re a fan of the horror film that revolutionized the genre, you’ll have to reach for your wallet to get this definitive version, featuring the real-life version that directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez wanted.
Disagreement overload
Note that in April 2024, we learned that a reboot project was underway at Blumhouse studios. The news was not particularly liked by the actors of the original film, who demanded financial compensation.
In the process, Joshua Leonard took to his Instagram to denounce the use of his and his compatriots’ image to promote the reboot, which they were unaware of until the press release.
“A source told the press that we (the actors) were given $4 million to redeem our property points, when in fact we earned $300,000…he condemned.
Check out this post on InstagramA post shared by Joshua Leonard (@thejoshualeonard)
The trio of actors are seeking the right to review future Blair Witch feature films that use their names (the 1999 film uses their real names) or their images, retroactive and future back taxes and Lionsgate’s creation of “Blair.” “Magician Grant”: a grant of €60,000 (the budget of the original film) paid annually to a young filmmaker to help them make their first film.
Joshua explains: “Our film has been rebooted twice and both times disappointed from a fan, box office and critical perspective. No film has had as much creative input from the original team as the insiders who created the Blair Witch films and heard what fans love and want. For 25 years, we’ve been yours The most important but unused secret weapon!”
Will Lionsgate and Blumhouse Heed Heather Donahue, Michael Williams and Joshua Leonard? We don’t know more at this time.
Source: Allocine

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.