Mandy Limited Edition Blu-ray review: The definitive way to watch Nicolas Cage’s cult hit

Mandy: Nicolas Cage stars in trailer for new horror film

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When Mandy was released in 2018 it divided audiences. Many onlookers simply couldn’t get on board with the graphic displays of violence in the film, while many others became fervent fans of the cult hit along the way. Starring Nicolas Cage as RED, Mandy follows the traditional revenge-thriller plotline with a psychedelic spin after his partner – Mandy (Andrea Riseborough) – is murdered at the hands of a crazed cult leader, Jeremiah Sand (Linus Roache). What follows is not just a John Wick-styled horror movie, but an absolute feast for the eyes and perhaps one of the most iconic soundtracks of all time.

This, and so much more, have been brought together in a stunning limited edition version of Mandy that should not be missed.  

Directed by Panos Cosmatos, Mandy takes viewers on an astounding journey that never truly solidifies itself in fact or fiction.

Ethereal dreamlike sequences are complemented by stunning natural vistas and characters bathed in blood after visceral fights.

However iconic Mandy is, Cage made it all the better. The Oscar-winning actor really gave it his all in the film.

There are numerous examples of Cage claiming every scene as his own while the almost-wordless RED cries and screams through pain and suffering.

Cage spends half of the picture acting alone in his own might and the other half butchering those who stood in his way. He is breathtaking.

The other side of the coin is Cosmatos’ unrivalled directing. The pseudo-1980s-styled adventure is a seeping wound of creativity and brutality

Every single aspect of Mandy cries out in agony at Cosmatos’ beautiful vision of an almost-Lovecraftian world filled with demons and existential dissent.

From costumes and weapons to dialogue and desolate locations, this is one of the most unique films since the adaptation of Akira in 1988.

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Although the film, in part, draws on the nostalgia-filled neon seas of the 1980s, it feels eternally futuristic at the same time – brought forward by nothing less than the excellent soundtrack of Johann Johannsson.

Johannsson sadly passed away shortly after Mandy was released, making it his swansong, and perhaps even his best work.

The special features included in Mandy Limited Edition give a further glimpse into the madness that created such a wondrous film.

The box set includes what Blu-ray collectors might expect – a collection of fascinating behind the scenes looks at Cage playing RED; extended scenes and deleted scenes that add to the overall scope of the film; a string of one shots that further bolster Cosmatos’ prowess.

However, the real beauty of the limited edition set is the included 40-page booklet which includes thoughts and essays from people involved in the film. In particular, Drew Masters from Universal, who worked on bringing the film to the UK, has his say in the book.

Within the stylish tome, Masters explains how Mandy took on a life of its own once it hit theatres, cementing itself in cult status – almost ironically.

There is also a large part of the book dedicated to the glorious Cheddar Goblins, which fans will not want to miss out on.

The limited edition also comes with a large poster of the film’s front cover – something every fan will be lusting over now the film has been out for some time.

All of this is packaged in a sleek and stunning box that will be right at home in any Blu-ray admirer’s collection.

Fans of Mandy should not hesitate in grabbing this while they can. 

The Mandy Limited Edition Blu-ray is out now.

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