Overall rating: 4.745763 / 5 from 59 reviews.
Once Were Warriors, directed by Lee Tamahori, is a critically acclaimed film praised for its exceptional transfer, captivating performances, and its status as a classic favorite among viewers. This limited edition slipcover, designed by Time Tomorrow, is exclusive to select retailers and the official website.
Review topics: ["looks","packaging","sound","film","movie","release","performances","drama","slipcover","transfer","restoration","watch","extras","violence","disc","features","acting","director","impact","making","debut","points"].
"I was a bit worried the slipcover version would sell out, but to my surprise I was able to snag a copy many months after its release. This is a great film with stellar performances from the cast. The release also have some nice extra features. I’m glad I could add this to my collection!"
"Once Were Warriors, directed by Lee Tamahori, is a powerful and unflinching drama that explores domestic violence, identity, and the struggles of a Māori family in urban New Zealand. The film follows Beth and Jake Heke, whose turbulent relationship exposes deep social and personal wounds, brought to life through intense performances—especially from Temuera Morrison and Rena Owen. Its raw emotional impact and honest portrayal of hardship have made it one of the most important and confronting films to come out of New Zealand cinema. The Blu-ray release from Film Movement as part of the Film Movement Classics line delivers a strong high-definition presentation that enhances the film’s gritty realism while preserving its original look. The transfer brings out improved detail and color balance without losing its natural texture, and the release typically includes thoughtful extras such as interviews or essays that provide cultural and historical context. It’s a respectful and well-curated edition that helps highlight the film’s lasting impact and significance."
"The transfer is excellent and the movie is extremely powerful. I would have given 5 stars if the slip cover had some art work. Vinegar Syndrome has so many beautiful slip covers/packaging."
"This transfer had the depth and grading of a 4K UltraHD, it was just beautiful. Special features/extras aren’t plentiful but there’s a wonderful booklet with an essay, and the movie is amazing. It’s not a pleasant movie, but it’s an excellent movie, it deserves all the praise it’s received. Superb acting and writing, an immense release that I’m so happy to have in my collections."
"I'm glad this film has found its way under the OCN umbrella. It's a true classic that I think is probably underrated. Love this film & the disc looks/sounds great."
"I loved the slipcover to this movie, which is one of my absolute favorites of all-time! The director did a great job capturing all of the raw emotion, violence, and many other emotions throughout this one! This film looks amazing due to the peerless VS restoration process was on full display with stellar sound and picture! Thank you, VS, for continuing to lovingly restore and release so many wonderful films from every conceivable genre! You are keeping physical media alive in this streaming world we now live in! Highly recommended!"
"For anyone who hasn’t seen this fantastic life drama, you need to change that asap. Nice release from Film Movement and great to see this underrated gripping drama get the love it deserves!!!"
"Great movie. Must have and watch. ."
"Lee Tamahori's feature debut as a director is a stunning, powerful and, heartbreaking one. The direction, acting, cinematography and sound, are all great. The transfer is such a massive upgrade from my old VHS copy, as well as my old DVD copy. A+ on that. The slipcover is a nice addition, as well."
"Heavy and powerful stuff. Highly recommended. If you enjoyed Kisapmata you will enjoy this as well."
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