Possession 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Possession 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov December 23, 2025

Andrzej Zulawski's "Possession" (1981) arrives on 4K Blu-ray courtesy of Second Sight. The supplemental features on the release include multiple audio commentaries; archival documentary; recent program with Guillermo del Toro; the American re-edit of the film; deleted scenes; archival program with producer Christian Ferry; vintage trailer; and a lot more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

Note: The text below was initially used in our review of the first Blu-ray release of Possession, also produced by Second Sight in 2013.

This film can confuse those who have never experienced life on the other side of the Iron Curtain. This is where Andrzej Zulawski, who directed it, came from. He started his career in Communist Poland, where his early films were censored and banned by the red apparatchiks because they did not like their subversive tone. In the early '70s, the frustrated Zulawski moved to France, where he has been living ever since. Possession is his fourth feature film and, without a shadow of a doubt, his most disturbing one.

The film follows a young couple living in Berlin during the Cold War era. Marc (Sam Neill, My Brilliant Career, The Piano) is an ambitious professional who regularly reports to important people who make important decisions. After one such report, he returns home and discovers that his wife Anna (Isabelle Adjani, Nosferatu the Vampyre, Subway) has started seeing another man. Barely able to contain his anger, he hires a private detective to follow Anna and find out when and where she meets her lover.

The detective follows Anna to a cheap apartment in a rundown building only a few blocks away from the Wall. He then discovers that Anna has not one but two lovers. However, before he can contact Marc and let him know, something terrible happens to him.

Meanwhile, after a series of violent quarrels, Marc forces Anna to confess that she has been cheating on him. She also reveals the identity of her first lover (Heinz Bennent, The Serpent's Egg, The Tin Drum), a new-age cocky playboy well versed in kung fu who lives with his elderly mother. Marc confronts him, hoping that he would go away, but Anna, now seriously depressed, abandons both men and goes back to the cheap apartment where her second lover has been waiting for her.

Possession tells two very different stories. The first is about the violent and rather bizarre collapse of Marc and Anna's marriage. This is the story most critics in the West love to write about. It is hardly surprising because it is obviously the only story that makes sense to them. This story is also the reason why Possession is frequently labeled "horror film".

The second story is about a very cruel closed system that is slowly but effectively transforming people into monsters. For some, the transformation is so disturbing that they can't endure it and lose their minds before the process is completed. Zulawski had firsthand experience with this process but managed to escape the system before it was too late. In Possession, Marc and Anna are not so lucky.

The excess and gore in this film effectively mask Zulawski's condemnation of the system. In 1978, this exact same approach within a different context was used by Zulawski in On the Silver Globe, whose production was halted by the Polish authorities after they became suspicious of its intent. (On the Silver Globe is a science fiction film, but it delivers a clear political message). In other words, the "horror" in Possession is nothing more than a needed distraction in what is essentially an angry political film.

Adjani's performance in Possession is undoubtedly one of the greatest from the early '80s. It is indescribably intense and truly unsettling. In 1981, the French beauty won a well-deserved Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Possession was lensed by renowned French cinematographer Bruno Nuytten (Andre Tecnine's Barocco, Claude Berri's Jean de Florette/Manon des sources). Some of the special effects in the film were done by the great Carlo Rambaldi (Ridley Scott's Alien, Steven Spielberg's E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial).

Possession 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Second Sight's release of Possession is a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack. The 4K Blu-ray is Region-Free. However, the Blu-ray is Region-B "locked".

Please note that some of the screencaptures included with this article are taken from the 4K Blu-ray and downscaled to 1080p. Therefore, they do not accurately reflect the quality of the 4K content on the 4K Blu-ray disc.

Screencaptures #1-27 are taken from Blu-ray.
Screencaptures #30-40 are taken from the 4K Blu-ray.

The release introduces a new 4K restoration of Possession, approved by its producer. In native 4K, the 4K restoration can be viewed with Dolby Vision and HDR grades. I chose to view it with HDR. Later, I also viewed it in its entirety on the Blu-ray.

I have several releases, Blu-ray and DVD, of Possession in my library. The Blu-ray releases are this Region-B release, also produced by Second Sight, and this Region-A release, produced by American label Mondo Vision.

I found the new 4K restoration rather frustrating. In some areas of the film, it brings marginal improvements in delineation, virtually all of which are meaningless because the previous presentations of Possession, on the two older Blu-ray releases linked above, already look very, very good. However, elsewhere, the new 4K restoration eliminates quite a bit more detail, usually in brighter areas, where there are different types of highlights and nuances. It appears that most of the losses are in some way related to the new color grading choices that are introduced on the 4K restoration. You can see what type of detail is lost if you compare this screencapture from the new 4K restoration and this screencapture from the older restoration. (See the left side of the frame). I could identify such discrepancies in various places, and, usually, they have a pretty significant impact on depth. Additionally, the new 4K restoration brings a cooler temperature in many areas of the film, typically eliminating warmer supporting nuances, but also shifting blues toward light teal. These shifts are what tend to produce the exaggerated highlights and eliminate detail. I find them problematic. It is pretty easy to see that they have a negative impact on the dynamic range of the visuals as well. In all of the comparisons that I did, I always found the older presentations superior. In native 4K, the HDR grade helps in certain areas where there are more diverse lighter nuances, but the detail is still missing. So, for multiple reasons, I find the older color grade more convincing. There are no traces of any problematic digital corrections. Image stability is excellent. The entire film looks very healthy, too. In summary, I think that the best presentation of the film remains on Mondo Vision's Blu-ray release, but Second Sight's previous Blu-ray release is equally satisfying as well.

Possession 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

The lossless track is very healthy. All exchanges are clear, stable, and easy to follow. I think that the original soundtrack creates some interesting dynamic contrasts, especially during a few of the famous sequences in the film, though they are difficult to describe as impressive. For this reason, I have always thought that a more elaborate track could bring slightly more excitement. Today, a new Dolby Atmos mix can easily accomplish this. Regardless, there are no age-related issues or encoding anomalies to report.

Possession 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

4K BLU-RAY DISC

• Commentary One - in this archival audio commentary, Andrzej Zulawski discusses the structure and visual style of Possession, which depicts his relationship with a woman he dearly loved, as well as his frustration with the socio-political climate in Poland during the Cold War era. Zulawski also spends a great deal of time explaining how Possession came to exist, elaborating on his initial discussions with the producers of the film, his visits to New York and West Berlin, his initial contact with Isabelle Adjani, etc. Also contributing to this commentary is biographer Daniel Bird. In English, not subtitled.

• Commentary Two - in this archival audio commentary, co-producer Frederic Tuten recalls his work with Andrzej Zulawski on Possession and offers his interpretation of the film's complex message. (The Polish director views Possession as an autobiographical film, but Tuten's take on it is rather different). There is plenty of interesting information about the trips that were made to West Berlin, where the film was shot, Isabelle Adjani's performance and her image in Europe after the film was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, etc. Tuten also shares some very interesting information about a project with Nastassja Kinski that never materialized. Also contributing to this commentary is biographer Daniel Bird. In English, not subtitled.

• Commentary Three - this new audio commentary was recorded by critics Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Alison Taylor.

• Possession: North American Re-edit - presented here is a new restoration of the U.S. re-edit of Possession. In English, not subtitled. Dolby Digital 1.0. (77 min, 1080p).

• Commentary Four - audio commentary on the American Re-edit by Daniel Bird and Manuela Lazic.

• The Other Side of the Wall - a making of featurette with plenty of information about the production history of Possession, the film's visual style and narrative structure, the relationships between the main characters, the film's reception at the Cannes Film Festival, Andrzej Zulawski's career (with excellent comments addressing the censoring of his work by the Polish authorities), etc. Included are clips from interviews with the Polish director, co-producer Frederic Tuten, producer Marie-Laure Reyre, and cameraman Andrzej J. Jaroszewicz. The featurette was written and directed by Daniel Bird. In English, Polish, and French, with imposed English subtitles where necessary. (52 min).

• Andrzej Zulawski Interview - in this video interview, director Andrzej Zulawski recalls how Possession came to exist and discusses the socio-political climate in Poland at the time when the film was made. The Polish director also discusses the unique qualities of the main characters in Possession, Isabelle Adjani's legendary performance, and the film's visual style. The interview was produced by Jerome Wybon for TF1 Video in 2009. In French, with optional English subtitles. (36 min).

• The Horror of Normality - in this program, Guillermo del Toro discusses Possession, its visual style and atmosphere, and complex theme. In English, not subtitled. (27 min).

• The Shadow We Carry - this new video essay was created by critic Kat Ellinger. In English, not subtitled (19 min).

• Andrzej Zulawski: Film Director - this archival documentary takes a closer look at the background, career, and working methods of Andrzej Zulawski. The documentary features plenty of archival content with Zulawski, commenting on his past and passion for cinema. In French, with English subtitles. (52 min).

• Repossessed - a visual comparison highlighting the key differences between the U.S. re-cut and the Director's Cut of Andrzej Zulawski's Possession. With English text. (13 min).

• A Divided City - a before-and-after look at the key locations seen in Possession. The new footage is from modern-day Berlin, where Possession was shot. With English text. (8 min).

• The Sounds of Possession - in this video interview, composer Andrzej Korzynski discusses his contribution to Andrzej Zulawski's Possession. The two gentlemen have collaborated on seven feature films. In Polish, with imposed English subtitles. (20 min).

• Our Friend in the West - in this video interview, legendary French producer Christian Ferry (John Guillermin's King Kong, Alain Resnais' I Want to Go Home) recalls his initial encounter with Andrzej Zulawski and discusses the production history of Possession. In English, not subtitled. (7 min).

• Basha - a wonderful short featurette focusing on the life and work of Polish artist Barbara Baranowska, better known as Basha, who created the original poster art for Possession (which is also used as the cover art for this upcoming Blu-ray release). During the '70s, Basha designed the French posters for a number of cult American films. These include Milos Forman's Taking Off, Steven Spielberg's The Sugarland Express, and Alan J. Pakula's The Parallax View, amongst others. The featurette was written by Daniel Bird. In English, not subtitled. (6 min).

• Deleted Scenes - presented here are several deleted scenes. In English, not subtitled. (4 min).

• Trailer - presented here is an original theatrical trailer for Possession. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).

BLU-RAY DISC ONE

• Commentary One - in this archival audio commentary, Andrzej Zulawski discusses the structure and visual style of Possession, which depicts his relationship with a woman he dearly loved, as well as his frustration with the socio-political climate in Poland during the Cold War era. Zulawski also spends a great deal of time explaining how Possession came to exist, elaborating on his initial discussions with the producers of the film, his visits to New York and West Berlin, his initial contact with Isabelle Adjani, etc. Also contributing to this commentary is biographer Daniel Bird. In English, not subtitled.

• Commentary Two - in this archival audio commentary, co-producer Frederic Tuten recalls his work with Andrzej Zulawski on Possession and offers his interpretation of the film's complex message. (The Polish director views Possession as an autobiographical film, but Tuten's take on it is rather different). There is plenty of interesting information about the trips that were made to West Berlin, where the film was shot, Isabelle Adjani's performance and her image in Europe after the film was screened at the Cannes Film Festival, etc. Tuten also shares some very interesting information about a project with Nastassja Kinski that never materialized. Also contributing to this commentary is biographer Daniel Bird. In English, not subtitled.

• Commentary Three - this new audio commentary was recorded by critics Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Alison Taylor.

• The Other Side of the Wall - a making of featurette with plenty of information about the production history of Possession, the film's visual style and narrative structure, the relationships between the main characters, the film's reception at the Cannes Film Festival, Andrzej Zulawski's career (with excellent comments addressing the censoring of his work by the Polish authorities), etc. Included are clips from interviews with the Polish director, co-producer Frederic Tuten, producer Marie-Laure Reyre, and cameraman Andrzej J. Jaroszewicz. The featurette was written and directed by Daniel Bird. In English, Polish, and French, with imposed English subtitles where necessary. (52 min).

• Andrzej Zulawski Interview - in this video interview, director Andrzej Zulawski recalls how Possession came to exist and discusses the socio-political climate in Poland at the time when the film was made. The Polish director also discusses the unique qualities of the main characters in Possession, Isabelle Adjani's legendary performance, and the film's visual style. The interview was produced by Jerome Wybon for TF1 Video in 2009. In French, with optional English subtitles. (36 min).

• The Horror of Normality - in this program, Guillermo del Toro discusses Possession, its visual style and atmosphere, and complex theme. In English, not subtitled. (27 min).

• The Shadow We Carry - this new video essay was created by critic Kat Ellinger. In English, not subtitled (19 min).

• Andrzej Zulawski: Film Director - this archival documentary takes a closer look at the background, career, and working methods of Andrzej Zulawski. The documentary features plenty of archival content with Zulawski, commenting on his past and passion for cinema. In French, with English subtitles. (52 min).

• Repossessed - a visual comparison highlighting the key differences between the U.S. re-cut and the Director's Cut of Andrzej Zulawski's Possession. With English text. (13 min).

• A Divided City - a before-and-after look at the key locations seen in Possession. The new footage is from modern-day Berlin, where Possession was shot. With English text. (8 min).

• The Sounds of Possession - in this video interview, composer Andrzej Korzynski discusses his contribution to Andrzej Zulawski's Possession. The two gentlemen have collaborated on seven feature films. In Polish, with imposed English subtitles. (20 min).

• Our Friend in the West - in this video interview, legendary French producer Christian Ferry (John Guillermin's King Kong, Alain Resnais' I Want to Go Home) recalls his initial encounter with Andrzej Zulawski and discusses the production history of Possession. In English, not subtitled. (7 min).

• Basha - a wonderful short featurette focusing on the life and work of Polish artist Barbara Baranowska, better known as Basha, who created the original poster art for Possession (which is also used as the cover art for this upcoming Blu-ray release). During the '70s, Basha designed the French posters for a number of cult American films. These include Milos Forman's Taking Off, Steven Spielberg's The Sugarland Express, and Alan J. Pakula's The Parallax View, amongst others. The featurette was written by Daniel Bird. In English, not subtitled. (6 min).

• Deleted Scenes - presented here are several deleted scenes. In English, not subtitled. (4 min).

• Trailer - presented here is an original theatrical trailer for Possession. In English, not subtitled. (3 min).

BLU-RAY DISC TWO

• Possession: North American Re-edit - presented here is a new restoration of the U.S. re-edit of Possession. In English, not subtitled. Dolby Digital 1.0. (77 min, 1080p).

• Commentary Four - audio commentary on the American Re-edit by Daniel Bird and Manuela Lazic.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

• Book - a 220-page hardback book with new essays by Daniel Bird, Elena Lazic and Alison Taylor, 'The Creature: Preliminary Sketches', 'Filming Possession', 'The Poster of Possession', pressbook feature, archive articles and interviews and Behind the Scenes gallery.

• Screenplay Copy - a 211-page original shooting sceenplay copy, with notes by Andrzej Żuławski and Frederic Tuten.

• Cards - six collectibe art cards.

Possession 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The various supplemental features make this lavish combo pack release easy to recommend to fans of Possession. However, the main attraction on it should have been the new 4K restoration of Possession, endorsed by its producer. I suspect that some folks will like it, but I prefer the previous restoration, which looks wonderful on Blu-ray. The new 4K restoration comes with various new tweaks, and, in my opinion, some are questionable and problematic. If you choose to acquire the combo pack release, please keep in mind that only the 4K Blu-ray disc is Region-Free. The two Blu-ray discs are Region-B "locked".