Walter Hill’s mean and moody crime thriller JOHNNY HANDSOME – starring MICKEY ROURKE (Angel Heart) – making its worldwide UHD debut on August 17 as part of STUDIOCANAL’s growing and excellent Cult Classics range, and is arriving with a brand new 4K restoration, new extras, and a 12 page booklet, with striking new artwork by Thomas Hodge (aka The Dude Designs), and an O-card. The film is also released on Blu-ray and Digital.
Based on the book by John Godey (author of The Taking of Pelham 123), JOHNNY HANDSOME, the story of a rehabilitated criminal with a new identity who is drawn back into the world of crime, is directed with real panache by action thriller specialist Hill (The Driver, Southern Comfort). It features an outstanding lead performance by Rourke, as well as a fantastic all-star cast including Ellen Barkin (Tender Mercies), Elizabeth McGovern (The Commuter), Morgan Freeman (Driving Miss Daisy), Forest Whitaker (Ghost Dog) and cult favourite Lance Henriksen (Aliens) on villainous good form. The film has a searing score by the legendary Ry Cooder (Paris, Texas) who collaborates with Walter Hill on several of his films, and slick, luminous cinematography of the steamy New Orleans location by Matthew F Leonetti (Hill’s Extreme Prejudice).
I do love what Studiocanal are doing in their Cult Classics range. Only last month I checked out their impressive release of Deepstar Six which was packed with special feature goodies, and Johnny Handsome is also arriving packed to the gills with features to help you delve into the film even more. Check out this list!
NEW Interview with Elizabeth McGovern
NEW Audio commentary by filmmaker Edgar Pablos with film historians Nathaniel Thompson and Howard S. Berger
NEW Audio commentary by film critics Alain Silver and James Ursini
Audio commentary with film critic/author Walter Chaw
Audio commentary with film historians Daniel Kremer and Scout Tafoya
Codes to Live By (2020): Walter Hill on Johnny Handsome
Wordsmith: Interview with writer Ken Friedman
Eye of the Beholder: Interview with makeup artist Michael Westmore
Action Man: Interview with stuntman Allan Graf
Trailer
So get ready to delve back into one of the cult favourites of the 80s with Johnny Handsome when it arrives on 4K, Blu ray and Digital from August 17th.
JOHNNY HANDSOME is available to buy on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and Digital from 17th August 2026 and available to pre-order.
