It’s a good time to be a Highlander fan. As part of its 40th anniversary, a 4K restoration of the 1986 cult classic will return to theaters for a limited run. The re-release will be accompanied by an all-new poster, and a collector’s edition UHD and Blu-Ray release that hits stores June 16.
Highlander follows Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert), who is cursed to live as an immortal being. Being pitted against other immortals who long to be the last man standing, has led to a long life full of heartbreak and violence for MacLeod. The Egyptian immortal Ramirez (Sean Connery) mentors MacLeod, hoping to help him defeat the malevolent Kurgan (Clancy Brown).
So, why go see Highlander in the theaters? Glad you asked. The film moves from 16th-century Scotland to 1980s New York City, giving viewers a lush and changing landscape that makes every shot striking. The fight scenes are epic, with Lambert training with Olympic fencer and Darth Vader stunt double Bob Anderson for several months prior to filming. Connery’s take on the jovial Ramirez is unforgettable, and the humor of his dynamic with Connor still lands.
Oh, and don’t forget that incredible soundtrack. With an orchestral score by Michael Kamen and the rock band Queen contributing some absolute bangers along the way, the film’s musical legacy is best celebrated by experiencing it in surround sound.
Beyond the original Highlander, the franchise has spawned a novel based on the film, two admittedly less-well-received sequels, and a beloved TV series that ran for six seasons in the 1990s that focused on Duncan MacLeod, the younger cousin of Connor.
The re-release is timely for reasons beyond the anniversary. A sneak peek of director Chad Stahelski’s Henry Cavill-led remake just recently dropped at CinemaCon. Cavill will be playing Connor MacLeod, while Dave Bautista is cast as the villainous Kurgan. The current anticipated release date for the film is May 15, 2027.
Hollywood still hasn’t learned the right lesson from Highlander
And this time there’s no Sean Connery to save it
