David Cronenberg's Rabid to hit UK Blu-ray with bonus extras and new transfer

UK Blu-ray outfit 101 Films will release David Cronenberg's 1977 horror flick Rabid on a two-disc release under its Black Label imprint this August.

Previously available on a Blu-ray with a 1.78:1 presentation, the movie will this time benefit from a 2K scan from the original camera negative 'at director David Cronenberg’s preferred aspect ratio (1.66:1)', says 101 Films. Presumably it's based on the same scan used by US label Shout Factory for its Region A Collector's Edition release in 2016.

The two-disc set, which will hit retailers August 26, includes previously released extras plus a selection of new ones, equalling around 200 minutes of bonus material.

New goodies are The Quiet Revolution: State, Society and the Canadian Horror Film – Part One..., a feature-length doc from Xavier Mendik exploring Canadian horror, and an audio commentary from the co-directors of the 2019 Rabid remake. Buyers who snap up one of the first 3,000 copies will also get a limited edition booklet and slipcase.

Other extras are a trio of further commentary tracks (including one from David Cronenberg); the Young and Rabid interview with with actress Susan Roman; the 1999 The Directors: David Cronenberg documentary; an archive interview with Cronenberg; additional chats with producer Ivan Reitman and co-producer Don Carmody; radio spots; and the trailer.

However, completists should note that both Shout Factory's release and Arrow Video's 2015 UK outing feature some bonus bits not included here.

This 2K restoration of Rabid will also screen at this year's FrightFest.

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