At last I have had a chance to catch the ninety-nine minute restored Directors Cut of this film. I won't waste time here re-reviewing this strange masterpiece of British Horror as a whole; suffice to say that the restored material makes it well worth re-visiting. Some extra opening scenes provide additional background to, and empathy with, Edward Woodward's devout police chief, while those added later on in the story give some well-judged breathing space to the slow-building tension as the initial quirkiness gives way gradually to something more sinister.
If you've seen and loved the eighty-odd minute edition that often turns up on TV then this edition is well worth seeking out. If you've never seen this film then I'd say this is now the definitive version to go for. But whatever version you are watching, for the love of god (or gods) don't go within a hundred miles of the hideous Nic Cage remake abortion!
Rating: 5/5
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