Adrian Lyne, best known for his erotic thrillers like Fatal Attraction and Unfaithful, delves into the world of psychological horror with Jacob’s Ladder. The 1990 thriller starring Tim Robbins (The Shawshank Redemption, The Player) has received a brand new 4K release from Lionsgate Limited. It’s a long-overdue release. Lionsgate Limited continues to be a champion of physical media, regularly releasing beautiful renditions of classic and forgotten films like Frailty.
What is Jacob’s Ladder about?
A Vietnam vet (Tim Robbins) struggles to return to his normal life, suffering from unexplained visions and an overwhelming paranoia. His relationship with his girlfriend (Elizabeth Peña, Rush Hour) suffers, and his mental stability begins a downward spiral. Is he simply suffering from PTSD, or is he truly being haunted by a supernatural force?
Jacob’s Ladder review
Tim Robbins as Jacob
I first watched Jacob’s Ladder as a child (perhaps I was too young), and again in my early 20s. The movie always stuck with me. Even then, I was mesmerized by the depths of its story and the shocking nature of its imagery. But watching the film again now in its 4K release and in my late 30s, its impact felt even heavier.
One scene in particular, where Jacob is suffering from an extreme fever, perfectly captures the film’s intensity. It’s a relatively tame concept compared to the demonic entities that make appearances throughout, but the tension and sense of urgency as Jezzie and various neighbors frantically pour buckets of ice over Jacob’s limp body in the bathtub to save his life remains one of the most captivating moments of 90s cinema.
Robbins gives the greatest performance of his career, showcasing the fear and hopelessness of a man losing control of his life. It’s a relentless spiral of mania, paranoia, and conspiracy that is impossible to predict, right up until its shocking conclusion. Unfortunately, the movie is often forgotten by general audiences. Not even the 2019 remake revived it, although that’s largely because that movie (like many remakes of 90s classics) was a massive misfire that failed to gather much attention at all. Hopefully, this new 4K release brings the film to a new audience. It certainly deserves it.
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The special features
– Audio Commentary by Director Adrian Lyne– Audio Commentary by Film Historian and Host of “The Projection Booth” Mike White– “Making of” Featurette– Building Jacob’s Ladder– Prepare the Way: Interview with Screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin– Where Is the Ladder? The Locations of Jacob’s Ladder– Hidden in Plain Sight: Spirituality in Jacob’s Ladder– Something’s Wrong with My Head: Vietnam War Trauma and Jacob’s Ladder– Deleted Scenes– Trailer Gallery
Is it worth watching? Absolutely. It’s a 90s classic that is too forgotten.
Is it worth a blind buy? Yes. This movie is best watched blind.
Get your copy of Jacob’s Ladder on 4K here.
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