Vertigo Releasing has announced that Hunt for the Wilderpeople will return to cinemas and digital platforms on 7 August for its 10th anniversary, giving audiences their first chance to experience Ricky and Hec's adventure in gloriously "majestical" 4K. Written and directed by Oscar winning filmmaker Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, Eagle vs Shark), this wildly funny, deeply heartfelt coming-of-age tale has become one of the most beloved cult indie comedies of the last decade.
British summertime is upon us, and for many it’s the start of the camping season - what better way than to prepare for the family holidays with this coming of age, charmingly offbeat comedy misadventure, in the wilderness.
Ricky (Julian Dennison) is a defiant young city kid, placed with a loving rural couple in foster care: the warm and eccentric Aunt Bella (Rima Te Wiata) and her quiet, cantankerous husband, Uncle Hec (Sam Neill). When tragedy strikes, Ricky finds himself on the run with Hec, in the wild New Zealand bush. A relentless national manhunt led by a fanatic Child Services agent (Rachel House) ensues, and the two are forced to set aside their differences in this hilarious, heartfelt adventure.
Divided into ten titled chapters, which feature the world’s worst eulogy (courtesy of a fantastic Waititi cameo), seemingly gigantic wild boar and a climactic car chase that references Thelma & Louise, Hunt for the Wilderpeople presents a comically heightened world. This is the perfect holiday family viewing film and a chance for audiences to rediscover a cult Indy classic.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople was a box office hit, and remains the highest-grossing local film ever in New Zealand's box-office history. The film received critical international acclaim, with many critics highlighting Dennison and Neill's performances and chemistry.
Included in the 4K UHD, Blu-ray release on 17 August via Visions Home Video are: a brand new Dolby Vision grade of the film, bonus features including a 10th Anniversary Q&A with Taika Waititi, Sam Neill and the rest of the cast, a double-sided poster and 4x artcards.