Note: this is a Limited Edition Variant Slipcase of THE KEEP, released under our new initiative to support independent retailers called, Vinegar Syndrome Retail. Following a multi-month run of exclusive availability through our retail partners, we are proud to offer this special edition of THE KEEP for the first time, publicly on our website.
This special limited edition 2-disc 4K UHD/Blu-ray set comes with a spot foil hard slipcase + slipcover combo (designed by Sam Smith), includes a 40-page perfect bound book and is limited to 5,000 units. It is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
The original Limited Edition Slipcase from 2024 (designed by Edward Kinsella) was limited to 12,000 units, and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the artwork.
Vinegar Syndrome Retail (VSR) is a new initiative from Vinegar Syndrome that will offer indie retailers limited editions of popular Vinegar Syndrome titles, reissues of out-of-print titles and other surprises! We strongly support our indie retail partners and VSR is an opportunity to provide many of the stores that have supported us since day one a chance to carry exciting new products months before general sale on the Vinegar Syndrome website or any mass retailers.
Nazi-occupied Romania, 1941: In a small and gloomy village hidden deep in the mountains, German troops have arrived to lay siege. Although warned by the townspeople to stay out of a mysterious and ornately carved structure known only as “The Keep,” two arrogant soldiers ignore their orders and break into the obelisk, hoping to find stowed treasure, but instead unleash an ancient evil force which, with each new victim, grows stronger and more powerful. After suffering large casualties at its hands, Captain Klaus Woermann is informed that the only person who might be capable of defeating this monstrous and demonic entity is an elderly Jewish historian named Dr. Theodore Cuza, who is being held captive with his daughter in a concentration camp...
The legendary horror spectacle from director Michael Mann (Heat, Miami Vice), adapted from genre writer F. Paul Wilson’s New York Times best-selling novel, THE KEEP is a mesmerizing visual feast of supernatural terror enhanced by a remarkable original score by Tangerine Dream (Sorcerer) along with jaw-dropping special effects by Nick Maley (Superman, Lifeforce). Starring Scott Glenn (The Hunt for Red October), Jürgen Prochnow (David Lynch’s Dune, Das Boot), Alberta Watson (Hackers), and two-time Oscar® nominee Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings film franchise), Vinegar Syndrome is thrilled to at last offer the 4K UHD and Blu-ray debut of this highly sought-after and long unavailable cult film classic, newly restored for this release from its original camera negative and featuring exclusive new interviews with cast and crew revealing the fascinating production history of this one-of-a-kind cinematic experience.
directed by: Michael Mann starring: Scott Glenn, Alberta Watson, Jürgen Prochnow, Robert Prosky, Gabriel Byrne, Ian McKellen, William Morgan Sheppard 1983 / 96 min / 2.35:1 / English DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo
Additional info:
2-disc Set: 4K Ultra HD / Region A Blu-ray
4K UHD presented in Dolby Vision High-Dynamic-Range
Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative
Commentary track with Film Historian Matthew Aspery Gear
"Out of the Darkness" (7 min) - an interview with producer Gene Kirkwood
"Something Is Murdering My Men" (24 min) - an interview with The Keep author F. Paul Wilson
"What He Left Unfinished" (6 min) - an interview with VFX producer Peter Kuran
"An Evil Most Ancient" (24 min) - an interview with make-up effects designer Nick Maley
"Other Sounds for Other Worlds" (11 min) - an interview with co-composer Johannes Schmoelling
"I, Molasar" (25 min) - an interview with actor Michael Carter
Still gallery
Original trailer
TV spot
Reversible sleeve artwork
40-page booklet with new essays by Bilge Ebiri and Caroline Golum, plus a 1983 interview with Michael Mann (exclusive to the limited slipcase edition)
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.7 / 5 from 90 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Keep (VSR) is a highly sought-after limited edition 4K UHD/Blu-ray set, praised for its stunning packaging, exceptional movie quality, and rich appearance. It includes exclusive interviews, a 40-page booklet, and reversible sleeve artwork, all housed in a beautifully designed slipcase.
"Great packaging and great transfer that looks fantastic." — Sebastian V.
"Great Movie, Transfer and Packaging." — JAMES N.
"Very good packaging and I appreciate notes being available." — Robert H.
Reviews
Baffling and Beautiful
"A beautiful mess of a film that looks fantastic in 4k and is worth watching just for the power of the vibes and visuals. Beautiful packaging from VS. The sound mix did not feel finished, but as I understand that’s more due to the original mix than this release. Dialogue is uneven with the score and sound effects, and in one instance drops out entirely leaving Ian McKellen flapping his mouth with nothing coming out. Either way this gets more interesting with each watch because it’s so enigmatic, on purpose or otherwise."
— Travis W. (5/5)
Flawed masterpiece
"It feels like we’ve been waiting so long for a decent release of ‘The Keep’ that you actually forgot that the film is still a bit of a mess. The restoration is a real upgrade in colour and detail that really adds value to the films dreamlike quality. The packaging is a real treat with a simple but effective design. For all the care that’s been put into the reservation though, it doesn’t take away from then fact the film still feels unfinished with key elements that are sadly most likely lost making it feel like a flawed ‘what could have been’ situation."
— Ben W. (5/5)
The Keep-er
"I waffled on this for a moment and said “I’ll just rent this thing and scratch the itch to see this thing”. Now that I’ve rented it 3X’s, I decided to commit to a long-term relationship with The Keep. I was fortunate to pick-up the re-release with the booklet - the writing is good, makes me want to watch it again - but the movie itself is the highlight! SOLID! I forgot that I really enjoy Michael Mann and this is up there with Manhunter - a film I saw and didn’t get first time around… but it grew on me like this ancient earth monster that’s made of dirt, & smoke, & has laser beams shoot out of it’s body! Absolute classic here!"
— Jonathan P. (5/5)
Keep this!
"Michael Mann directs this odd classic about a group of soldiers arrive upon an old structure and all hell breaks loose. As always, this editions features a new restoration and transfer as well as great audio and video presentation. Hope they still bringing this cult classics for a long time!"
— Carlos R. (5/5)
Great release
"I've always been a big fan of this elusive flick The Keep. The 4K transfer and restoration look incredible. I know it's not the Michael Mann cut of the film but I'm just glad to get a legit copy of this film."
— Kyle T. (5/5)
SENSATIONAL RERELEASE PACKAGING!!!
"For my full detailed review of The Keep, see my entry on Letterboxd: @M4N14K One of the very few times I’m glad to have missed out on the original special packaging in favor of the VASTLY superior rerelease artwork. Sadly, the same cannot be sad for Road House… I viewed this film on The Keep Vinegar Syndrome 4K Limited Edition physical media release and it is the same great premium level of packaging and presentation that you’ve come to expect from the generic releases of this boutique label. No other brand beats Vinegar Syndrome at the cardboard game and this great slipcover is no exception to the consistently fantastic artwork and component quality this company produces."
— Michael B. (5/5)
Da Keep
"I missed out on the last box to only find out that they decided to do another one with a cover variation because, I guess, sales were extraordinary and I will say this design looks a lot better so HA HA to those who bought The Keep with the original box."
— David R. (5/5)
Beautiful but not much more
"Pretty cool looking package and great transfer, the actual film has a ton of pretty intriguing eye and ear candy but as soon as it was over I realized how hollow and kind of stupid it all was. I liked the film good enough but it's clear that it is a butchered vision."
— Teun H. (4/5)
An amazing release for a unique Horror Fantasy
"I'm really glad Vinegar Syndrome brought The Keep back as a VSR release. I missed the earlier editions, so having another chance to own this film in 4K was greatly appreciated. The restoration looks fantastic, and the new slipcase is absolutely beautiful. The movie itself has a great atmosphere, an excellent score, and some really impressive practical effects. A few moments even gave me Raiders of the Lost Ark vibes with its supernatural elements and Nazis, which was a fun surprise. Overall, this is another excellent release from Vinegar Syndrome and a great way to experience this unique cult classic."
— Tobias M. (5/5)
Ok movie, amazing release
"I had watched this once prior to buying this release and thought it was just ok. The pq and audio on this release is amazing, and the special features are outstanding. I missed out on the original VS release of this and was glad to get the retail edition."
— Stephen P. (4/5)
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