Stir of Echoes 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		5.0

Stir of Echoes 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov June 8, 2025

David Koepp's "Stir of Echoes" (1999) arrives on 4K Blu-ray courtesy of Imprint Films. The supplemental features on the release include new program with David Koepp; new program with cinematographer Fred Murphy; various archival programs with cast and crew members; vintage promotional materials; and a lot more. In English, with optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

At a small party, Tom (Kevin Bacon) challenges his sister-in-law Lisa (Illeana Douglas) to prove that all of her ramblings about hypnotizing are grounded in reality. He is ready to be her guinea pig too, so all she has to do is unplug his mind from the main switchboard that controls it and then plug it back in to make her point. This is how hypnotizing works, right? Before Lisa proceeds to do precisely that, she warns Tom that it is not a good idea to do have the session when he has been drinking, but he brushes her off. Moments later, the lights are turned off and Lisa hypnotizes Tom.

After the session ends, Tom begins to feel disoriented and dizzy, and much to everyone’s disappointment tells his wife Maggie (Katrhyn Erbe) that it is time to go home. Later that night, he has trouble falling asleep because his mind refuses to discard the visuals it has preserved from his session with Lisa.

But instead of calming down in the days ahead, Tom’s mind routinely bridges even more of the visuals from his session with Lisa with his reality, and then gradually introduces new ones that begin to alter his personality. At first, Maggie attempts to help Tom overcome the anxiety that is accompanying the transformation, but when he begins digging giant holes in their backyard and soon after proceeds to destroy their basement while claiming that he is searching for a very important answer, she walks away from him. Meanwhile, a neighbor (Kevin Dunn), whose son has recently committed suicide, becomes concerned with Tom’s transformation as well, but deconstructs his seemingly incoherent statements about his basement work very differently.

David Koepp’s Stir of Echoes belongs to a group of paranormal thrillers that emerged in the late ‘90s that seem to be getting even better as they age. One of them is Rupert Wainwright Stigmata, whose atmosphere very much rivals the one from Alan Parker’s classic chiller Angel Heart. Another is Mark Pellington’s The Mothman Prophecies, which is an equally effective chiller that recreates a fascinating true story. Also part of this group is the original Ringu film, which is rightfully considered a contemporary genre classic because it produces an incredible atmosphere, too.

While telling a more straightforward story, Stir of Echoes shares plenty of the same qualities that make the aforementioned films very effective. For example, Stir of Echoes splits Tom’s reality and transforms his mind into a ‘receiver’ in much the same way Richard Gere’s mind uncovers an alternate reality in The Mothman Prophecies. Once the connection between the real and the paranormal is established, Stir of Echoes plunges into a dark abyss a lot like the one that is unveiled in Stigmata. Tom’s transformation from a non-believer into a believer is shaped up similarly to the one the girl in Stigmata experiences as well.

What is different in Stir of Echoes is the playground that Koepp chooses to utilize various tricks to impress. Indeed, virtually all of the action in Stir of Echoes takes place in suburban Chicago, so this is a significantly smaller playground with some predictable limitations. However, this is something that allows Koepp to make Tom’s transformation much more intimate, so there is a unique type of intensity that is attached to it as well.

The identity of the film is shaped up by this unique intensity too, rather than the exact nature of Tom’s transformation. Indeed, how Tom struggles to process the information his mind ‘receives’ after the session is the crucial material that sets its mood and tone. While the buildup to the finale is intriguing, it is only a matter of time before the resolution of the drama becomes very easy to guess.

Except for Douglas, whose performance is a bit too cheery, the cast is very good. Still, Bacon practically caries the entire film on his shoulders.

Stir of Echoes is loosely based on Richard Matheson's novel of the same name. Matheson's writings inspired such classic genre films as The Incredible Shrinking Man, The Omega Man, and Duel.

Stir of Echoes 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Imprint Films' release of Stir of Echoes is a 4K Blu-ray/Blu-ray combo pack. The 4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray are both Region-Free.

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

Screencaptures #1-5 are from the Blu-ray release.
Screencaptures #8-18 are from the 4K Blu-ray.

In 2021, Imprint Films produced this local Blu-ray release of Stir of Echoes. The Blu-ray disc included in this combo pack offers the older presentation of the film from the first Blu-ray release. The 4K Blu-ray introduces a new 4K makeover that can be viewed with Dolby Vision and HDR grades. Also, the 4K Blu-ray is an exact replica of the U.S. 4K Blu-ray that Lionsgate produced at the end of 2024. I viewed the new 4K makeover with Dolby Vision and later performed various comparisons with the 1080p presentation on the Blu-ray.

The entire film has a fantastic, very healthy organic appearance now. I like how it looks on the Blu-ray as well, but I expected a 4K makeover to give it a fresher appearance, which is arguably the biggest improvement on the 4K Blu-ray. Delineation, clarity, and depth are very pleasing. However, I must mention that there are various darker areas where select darker nuances can appear quite thick. (They did on the Blu-ray as well). I am quite certain that virtually all of the thickness is inherited, but the Dolby Vision does exacerbate it a bit as well. For this reason, I did some tests on the same areas with and without it, and I prefer how they look without it. Color reproduction and balance are great. All primaries and supporting nuances are very fresh and healthy, and in several areas the daylight highlights are more convincing. The density levels of the visuals are outstanding. I did not encounter any surface imperfections to report in our review.

Stir of Echoes 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are three standard audio tracks on this release: English Dolby Atmos (present only on the 4K Blu-ray) and English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English LPCM 2.0 (both present only on the Blu-ray). Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are provided on the 4K Blu-ray. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided on the Blu-ray.

The new Dolby Atmos track that was prepared for the 4K Blu-ray of Stir of Echoes is a total winner. While the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is very good, the Dolby Atmos track opens up several areas where previously I thought that the sound design was a bit inconsistent. In what way? I felt that the sound would 'shrink' a bit there. Now, these areas sound better to me, exactly as I thought they could. The dynamic contrasts that emerge from the Dolby Atmos track are hugely impressive as well.

Stir of Echoes 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

4K BLU-RAY DISC

• Commentary - in this archival audio commentary, director David Koepp discusses his admiration for Richard Matheson's work, the genesis of Stir of Echoes, his desire to give the film a very authentic working-class Chicago vibe, the horror element in the narrative, and his interaction with various cast members. It is a truly outstanding commentary, so if you enjoy the film, find the time to listen to it in its entirety. It covers a lot of ground.

• Visions of the Past: Revisiting Stir of Echoes - in this new program, David Koepp reveals that he was/still is a huge fan of Rosemary's Baby and explains what attracted him to Richard Matheson's work, which inspired Stir of Echoes. Koepp also shares very interesting information about the locations in Chicago that were chosen for the film, the special effects, and the film's phenomenal success on the home video market. The program was produced in 2024. In English, not subtitled. (18 min).

• Establishing Shot with Fred Murphy - in this new program, David Koepp and cinematographer Fred Murphy recall their first encounter and discuss their work on Stir of Echoes. There are some particularly interesting comments about the visual contrasts the two wanted the film to have, and how they were made possible with specific ranges of colors and tones. The program was produced in 2024. In English, not subtitled. (9 min).

• "Flipping the Switch: Directing Stir of Echoes" - in this exclusive new program, David Koepp recalls the exact moment during the '90s when he decided to direct a scary movie and how the concept for Stir of Echoes materialized. Mr. Koepp also addresses the tone and vibe of the film and precisely how they were shaped up after he read Richard Matheson's novel. In English, not subtitled. (18 min).

• "Maggie's Memories: Inside Stir of Echoes" - in this exclusive new program, Kathryn Erbe, who plays the character of Maggie, discusses the evolution of her acting career and recalls her work during the production of Stir of Echoes. In English, not subtitled. (12 min).

• "Opening the Door: Designing Stir of Echoes" - in this exclusive new program, production designer Nelson Coates recalls some of the unique challenges he was presented with once work on Stir of Echoes began and specifically the unique qualities of the house in Chicago that was chosen for the film, some unique 'improvements' that were made for the scary visuals, the overall 'refreshing' of the house, etc. In English, not subtitled. (16 min).

• "Sight of Spirits: Channeling the Paranormal" - in this archival featurette, field parapsychologist Dr. Larry Montz discusses parapsychology and human beings that have special psychic abilities. Richard Matheson addresses paranormal activity as well. There are some interesting comments about Tom's behavior as a 'receiver', too. In English, not subtitled. (11 min).

• "Behind the Echoes" - this archival featurette examines the conception and production of Stir of Echoes. Included in it are clips from archival interviews with producer Gavin Palone, executive producer Michele Weisler, David Koepp, Kathryn Erbe, Kevin Bacon, and Liza Weil, amongst others. In English, not subtitled. (22 min).

• "The Mind's Eye: Beneath the Trance" - this archival featurette focuses on Tom's transformation in Stir of Echoes and the exact manner in which his mind is 'unlocked'. Included in it are clips from archival interviews with Richard Matheson, Illeana Douglas, and hypnotherapist Dr. Marc Schoen. In English, not subtitled. (11 min).

• Special Effects - in this archival featurette, David Koepp, executive producer Michele Weisler, production designer Nelson Coates, and visual effects supervisor Casey Cannon discuss the special effects and visualization of the ghost in Stir of Echoes. In English, not subtitled. (4 min).

• Production Design - in this archival featurette, production designer Nelson Coates discusses his contribution to Stir of Echoes. Executive producer Michele Weisler the important role the city of Chicago plays in the film as well. In English, not subtitled. (4 min).

• Interviews with Cast and Crew - in this archival program, David Koepp quickly addresses the story that is told in Stir of Echoes. Kevin Bacon, Illeana Douglas, Kathryn Erbe, producer Gavin Polone, and executive producer Michele Weisler quickly comment on the main characters and film's vibe as well. In English, not subtitled. (9 min).

• Behind the Scenes - this archival featurette offers raw footage from the shooting of Stir of Echoes. In English, not subtitled. (6 min).

• Scene Comparisons - with some raw footage showing David Koepp directing. In English, not subtitled. (12 min).

• Screen Tests - in English, not subtitled. (7 min).

• Deleted Scenes - a couple of unused scenes, sourced from a standard definition master. In English, not subtitled. (5 min).

• Music Video - presented here is Moist's original video for "Breathe", which is used in Stir of Echoes. (5 min).

• Promotional Materials -
  
  1. Original promo
  2. Original short promo
  3. Theatrical trailer
  4. TV Spots

BLU-RAY DISC

• Commentary - in this archival audio commentary, director David Koepp discusses his admiration for Richard Matheson's work, the genesis of Stir of Echoes, his desire to give the film a very authentic working-class Chicago vibe, the horror element in the narrative, and his interaction with various cast members. It is a truly outstanding commentary, so if you enjoy the film, find the time to listen to it in its entirety. It covers a lot of ground.

• "Flipping the Switch: Directing Stir of Echoes" - in this exclusive program, David Koepp recalls the exact moment during the '90s when he decided to direct a scary movie and how the concept for Stir of Echoes materialized. Mr. Koepp also addresses the tone and vibe of the film and precisely how they were shaped up after he read Richard Matheson's novel. In English, not subtitled. (18 min).

• "Maggie's Memories: Inside Stir of Echoes" - in this exclusive program, Kathryn Erbe, who plays the character of Maggie, discusses the evolution of her acting career and recalls her work during the production of Stir of Echoes. In English, not subtitled. (12 min).

• "Opening the Door: Designing Stir of Echoes" - in this exclusive program, production designer Nelson Coates recalls some of the unique challenges he was presented with once work on Stir of Echoes began and specifically the unique qualities of the house in Chicago that was chosen for the film, some unique 'improvements' that were made for the scary visuals, the overall 'refreshing' of the house, etc. In English, not subtitled. (16 min).

• "Sight of Spirits: Channeling the Paranormal" - in this archival featurette, field parapsychologist Dr. Larry Montz discusses parapsychology and human beings that have special psychic abilities. Richard Matheson addresses paranormal activity as well. There are some interesting comments about Tom's behavior as a 'receiver', too. In English, not subtitled. (11 min).

• "Behind the Echoes" - this archival featurette examines the conception and production of Stir of Echoes. Included in it are clips from archival interviews with producer Gavin Palone, executive producer Michele Weisler, David Koepp, Kathryn Erbe, Kevin Bacon, and Liza Weil, amongst others. In English, not subtitled. (22 min).

• "The Mind's Eye: Beneath the Trance" - this archival featurette focuses on Tom's transformation in Stir of Echoes and the exact manner in which his mind is 'unlocked'. Included in it are clips from archival interviews with Richard Matheson, Illeana Douglas, and hypnotherapist Dr. Marc Schoen. In English, not subtitled. (11 min).

• Special Effects - in this archival featurette, David Koepp, executive producer Michele Weisler, production designer Nelson Coates, and visual effects supervisor Casey Cannon discuss the special effects and visualization of the ghost in Stir of Echoes. In English, not subtitled. (4 min).

• Production Design - in this archival featurette, production designer Nelson Coates discusses his contribution to Stir of Echoes. Executive producer Michele Weisler the important role the city of Chicago plays in the film as well. In English, not subtitled. (4 min).

• Interviews with Cast and Crew - in this archival program, David Koepp quickly addresses the story that is told in Stir of Echoes. Kevin Bacon, Illeana Douglas, Kathryn Erbe, producer Gavin Polone, and executive producer Michele Weisler quickly comment on the main characters and film's vibe as well. In English, not subtitled. (9 min).

• Behind the Scenes - this archival featurette offers raw footage from the shooting of Stir of Echoes. In English, not subtitled. (6 min).

• Scene Comparisons - with some raw footage showing David Koepp directing. In English, not subtitled. (12 min).

• Screen Tests - in English, not subtitled. (7 min).

• Deleted Scenes - a couple of unused scenes, sourced from a standard definition master. In English, not subtitled. (5 min).

• Promotional Materials -
  
  1. Original promo
  2. Original short promo
  3. Theatrical trailer
  4. TV Spots
  5. Photo Gallery

• Music Video - presented here is Moist's original video for "Breathe", which is used in Stir of Echoes. (5 min).

Stir of Echoes 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Kevin Bacon's simple explanation of why he was attracted to Stir of Echoes is exactly the reason I think the film works so well -- there is an underlying creepiness in it that feels very authentic. There is plenty more to like -- Bacon is excellent and old Chicago is captured really, really well, plus James Newton Howard's score is predictably brilliant -- but the spooky atmosphere that materializes is indeed the film's greatest asset. As far as I am concerned, Stir of Echoes deserves to be grouped with the other very effective paranormal thrillers the late '90s produced, like The Mothman Prophecies and Stigmata. This combo pack is a gift for fans of Stir of Echoes. It brings to Australia the recent, outstanding 4K makeover that was prepared for it at Lionsgate, with hours of very informative new and archival bonus features. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.