Shane Meadows’ stunning Dead Man’s Shoes isn’t getting a 4K remaster, but plans remain afoot for a new Blu-ray. More here.
There are arguments to be had about what’s the finest Shane Meadows film, but it is a bylaw passed long onto the statute books that said argument must feature the stunning Dead Man’s Shoes. It’s an incredible piece of filmmaking, and one of the very best British films of the 2000s. For a long time too, it was out of print on disc, and impossible to find on a streaming service.
Now, at least, you can buy or rent it on Amazon or Apple, but we got whispers a little while back that Second Sight was interested in putting out a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray version, with a fresh remaster of the film.
Second Sight has now given an update, and it’s a mix of news.
As per its official Facebook account, the label has explained that it tried valiantly to try and locate the material required for a fresh 4K restoration of the film. Even with the help of the movie’s producers though, they’ve had to admit defeat. “The elements could not be found”, they’ve confirmed.
Consequently, we won’t be getting a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray of Dead Man’s Shoes, but the consolation prize is that a new Blu-ray release of the film remains planned.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of the film, and Paddy Considine’s career-topping central performance, then it’s 90 minutes – 90 minutes! – of your life that absolutely won’t be wasted. If you don’t want to wait around for the new Blu-ray – and no release date has thus far been announced – then here’s the digital version on Amazon to pick up.
In the meantime, we’ll keep you posted as we hear more about the forthcoming disc release. And credit to Second Sight for being so open about its process, and for trying to get a 4K remaster off the ground.
