Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Session 9 Blu-ray Movie Review

Back to the asylum.

Reviewed by Randy Miller III March 2, 2025

Released more than five years after Shout Factory's well-received 2016 Blu-ray, the UK boutique label Second Sight issued a Region B-locked Blu-ray upgrade for Brad Anderson's 2001 psychological horror film Session 9. This close-quarters thriller marked a sharp change of genres for the young director, who had previously cut his teeth on several independent romantic comedies including the Sundance Grand Jury Prize-nominated Next Stop Wonderland (1998). Anderson would continue to explore darker material in his next two films, 2004's The Machinist and 2008's underrated Transsiberian, but Session 9 stands as a fairly confident first step into new territory that, while not entirely unique, would at least lightly influence future independent horror fare including Dog Soldiers and The Descent.

For a synopsis and review of the main feature, please see Jeffrey Kauffman's review of Shout Factory's Blu-ray linked above. I'm basically in agreement with his take on the film: Session 9 is certainly potent and effective at key moments with a great atmosphere and mostly rock-solid performances, although it doesn't quite thread the needle before story's end. That said, the palpable tension and unforgettable location make this a film you'll likely return to every so often, and Second Sight's Limited Edition Blu-ray makes quite a keepsake for fans who plan to do so.

Session 9 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

For his review of Shout Factory's 2016 Blu-ray, Jeff Kauffman provided a brief overview of Session 9's cinematography; it was captured with Sony's CineAlta HWD-F900, which was then the company's flagship HD camcorder and produced images designed to mimic true 35mm film. This means that detail is very respectable in the right conditions, but there are telltale signs of early digital technology baked into the source material including occasional blooming whites, hit-or-miss color saturation, and especially image instability during quick camera pans and tilts. Second Sight's 1080p transfer was sourced from a master presumably identical to the one supplied by Universal for Shout Factory's Blu-ray and, while it does tout disc encoding by the renowned authoring house Fidelity in Motion, I don't think I could tell these Blu-rays apart without a magnifying glass so again, Jeffrey's thoughts basically still apply here. In short, it's a solid presentation of limited source material that likely didn't receive a 4K release due to the lack of perceived gains.

Session 9 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Similarly, the DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio mix sounds very similar to Shout Factory's 2016 Blu-ray and its 2.0 Surround mix, which obviously didn't have a dedicated center channel yet boasted an enveloping presence at times). so please see that linked review for more details. That said, the base volume level is a bit lower by default, so a slight adjustment or two may be necessary. As before, English (SDH) subtitles are offered during the main feature only.

Session 9 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Second Sight does their usual bang-up packaging job with this handsome Limited Edition which makes quite a strong impression in-hand. This two-disc set sits inside a hinged black keepcase with moody artwork that's replicated on the front cover of the thick outer slipcase. Tucked inside are a bound collection of six collector's art cards and a 52-page square-bound softcover book with stills from the film, a cast/crew list, and new essays by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, Charles Bramesco, and Simon Fitzjohn, as well as acknowledgements and production credits for the disc.

The extensive bonus features include everything from Shout Factory's 2016 Blu-ray (all on the first disc) as well as a healthy collection of brand-new bonus features (both discs). There's quite a lot to dig through here.

DISC ONE

• Audio Commentary #1 - With writer/director Brad Anderson and writer/actor Stephen Gevedon.

• NEW! Audio Commentary #2 - This second commentary was recorded in 2021 for Second Sight and features filmmaker Mike White and author Jed Ayres. The audio quality is a bit patchy here -- no doubt due to the time it was recorded -- but is full of good albeit mostly light info, from long detours about cast/crew members and their careers to recurring themes and the challenges/rewards of independent filmmaking. You may learn more from the first commentary, but this one provides additional contrast due to the outsider perspective.

• Return to Danvers (48:57)

• The Haunted Palace (13:01)

• Horror's Hallowed Grounds (20:13)

• Story to Screen (6 clips, 10:01 total) - With optional audio commentary by Brad Anderson.

• Deleted Scenes/Alternate Ending (9:39) - With optional audio commentary by Brad Anderson.

• Theatrical Trailer (1:49)

DISC TWO

• NEW! The Darkside (36:38) - This recent conversation with writer/director Brad Anderson finds the filmmaker in a reflective mood as he speaks candidly about independent filmmaking in the 1990s, his early run of romantic comedies including Next Stop Wonderland, pivoting to horror-themed fare with Session 9 and The Machinist, and developing the story with Stephen Gevedon, his longtime friend and college roommate. There's obviously a bit of overlap with this and the first audio commentary, but it's a solid piece worth sitting through.

• NEW! Back to the Bat (60:31) - Producer David Collins and director of photography Uta Briesewitz sit down for this lengthy joint conversation, and it's here where one can appreciate group interviews as opposed to those recorded separately or via webcam as their comfort with each other shines through. Obviously both talk about their separate careers and previous work with Brad Anderson but soon pivot to the film itself, with most of the discussion focusing on the expansive location and its many hidden corridors.

• NEW! Invisible Design (23:32) - This shorter piece with production designer Sophie Carlhian often travels into territory similar to the previous interview, though it also extends to include added details and costumes as well as her learning experiences after an initial phone interview with the director.

• NEW! Mike's Session (23:25) - A similarly more short-form but still valuable conversation, this chat with actor/writer Stephen Gevedon was recorded via webcam and looks really rough. Luckily, Gevedon is a very engaging speaker and has a lot to share including details about his work with Anderson and other front-end duties regarding the script, independent filmmaking, and locating scouting for Session 9, not to mention his acting career which included appearances in Deep Space Nine, Oz, NYPD Blue, and Law and Order.

• NEW! The Sound of Dread (26:05) - This second group conversation sits down with composers Robert Millis and Jeffery Taylor, who speak at length about their sonic contributions to the film as well as earlier work, influences, abandoned ideas, realizing the film's cult status years later, and more.

• NEW! A Twisted Collage (20:25) - I'm normally not a huge fan of video essays, and this one by Australian film critic Alexandra Heller-Nicholas isn't much different. There are some good points made here but the flowery language and occasional thematic reaches make this the least essential extra here.

Session 9 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Brad Anderson's 2001 Session 9 marked a sharp change of genres for the young director that would continue for the rest of his career to date, including of course his very next film The Machinist. It's a close-quarters psychological thriller that's light on gore but heavy on suspense and dread, bolstered by an outstanding atmosphere and location that are both unforgettable. Narrative shortcomings keep this one from true "hidden gem" status, but it's rewatchable and still stands as a decent cult classic that scratches a very specific itch. Second Sight's Limited Edition Blu-ray is locked for Region B playback and very similar to Shout Factory's domestic Blu-ray in A/V merits, but the substantially better packaging and extras make this a definitive edition for fans and well worth importing. Recommended.