Total Recall 30th Anniversary Edition Review

5 star glorious restoration of a sci-fi classic.

Total Recall is directed by Paul Verhoeven (Robocop, Hollow Man) and based on the short story “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” written by Phillip K. Dick (Bladerunner, Minority Report). It was originally released in 1990 and is presented here following a fantastic 4K restoration courtesy of STUDIOCANAL, to celebrate the 30th Anniversary.

“Then come to Rekall Incorporated, where you can buy the memory of your ideal vacation, cheaper, safer and better than the real thing. So don’t let life pass you by. Call Rekall for the memory of a lifetime.”

Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger – Red Heat, Terminator 2: Judgement Day) has been happily married to his wife Lori (Sharon Stone – Sliver, Basic Instinct) for eight years.

However, his dreams are haunted by visions of Mars and a mysterious beautiful brunette and he feels he is destined for bigger things than his construction job.

One day he makes the decision to visit Rekall Incorporated and purchase a memory implant of a two week trip to Mars. He decides to take advantage of a new offer they are running, to take a vacation from himself (known as an ego trip) as well and selects the Secret Agent program, complete with sleazy/demure girlfriend and alien artifacts.

Things immediately take a turn for the worse, as there’s a problem during the procedure and Doug becomes paranoid, believing that people are out to kill him. This is proved when he heads home to Lori, only for her to attack him and call in Richter (Michael Ironside – Starship Troopers, Scanners) an agency operative.

On the run, he is contacted by someone who gives him a message he left for himself explaining who he really is and what he must do. He must head to Mars to stop the evil Cohaagen (Ronny Cox – Imagine That, Losing Grace) and help Kuato (Marshall Bell – The Last Word) and the rebels to learn Cohaagen’s secret.

Along the way he meets the sleazy/demure Melina (Rachel Ticotin – Con Air, Falling Down) and together they embark on a madcap adventure through the domes of Mars. But is he really there at all?

Total Recall was way ahead of it’s time when it was released and with this restoration it is even better than ever, looking fantastic with great attention to detail and crisp bright colours. The original soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith (Star Trek: First Contact) has also enjoyed a digital restoration and sounds great. With new and improved visuals it is even more worthy of it’s 18 certificate, everything is on show in all its gruesome details.

This is a fantastic bit of nostalgia and it’s great to see these films being saved and improved upon for future generations to enjoy (provided they aren’t too offended by the attitudes of the era).

With lots of special features too, this is a really good package which would make the ideal gift or be well worth adding to your own collection.

“Get your ass to Mars!”

Total Recall is available now on Blu-ray, DVD, Steelbook, and 4K Ultra HD Collector’s Edition.

SPECIAL FEATURES

The 5-disc 4K Ultra HD Collector’s Edition includes:

• The UHD disc and 2 Blu-ray discs
• 2 CD Soundtrack
• Double-sided poster
• 6 Artcards
• 48 Page Booklet with exclusive essay by Kim Newman

 

The 4K Ultra HD Collector’s Edition disc, Steelbook, Blu-Ray and DVD includes;

• Open your mind: Scoring Total Recall
• Total Excess: How Carolco changed Hollywood
• Dreamers Within the Dream: Developing Total Recall
• Audio commentary by Paul Verhoeven and Arnold Schwarzenegger
• New Trailer
• Making of Documentary
• Imagining Total Recall featurette
• The Special Effects of Total Recall featurette