Entertainment · Film · 9 hrs ago
Bong Joon Ho’s ‘The Host’ returns to theaters in 4K restoration
Bong Joon Ho has restored ‘The Host’ for its 20th anniversary in 4K, aiming to recreate the look of a fresh 35mm print.
The 2006 South Korean film follows Gang-du, played by Song Kang-ho, as he tries to rescue his daughter after a creature emerges from Seoul’s Han River and takes her.
The film returns to theaters across the US on Nov.
20, and screenings on Nov.
21 and 23 will include a conversation between Bong and filmmaker Edgar Wright.
Bong wrote the film with the SARS outbreak in mind, using a claim about a virus to satirize official misinformation linked to the Iraq War.
Bong says the film feels relevant because societies keep repeating mistakes, citing the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing war.
The restoration also updates visual effects made before 4K was available, but Bong chose not to remove scenes or fix the film’s flaws.
Bong Joon Ho’s 2006 film “The Host” will return to theaters nationwide in a 4K restoration on Nov. 20.
Bong says the film’s satire of official misinformation feels newly relevant.
The restoration aims to recreate the look of a fresh 35mm print, including the film’s subtle color qualities.
Screenings on Nov. 21 and 23 will include an exclusive conversation between Bong and filmmaker Edgar Wright.
- Who
- Director Bong Joon Ho and distributor Magnolia Pictures.
- What
- The Host” is returning to theaters in a 4K restoration.
- When
- The nationwide theatrical return is Nov. 20. Screenings with a conversation are scheduled for Nov. 21 and 23.
- Where
- The film will return to theaters nationwide.
- Why
- Bong says its satire of official misinformation feels newly pertinent. The restoration aims to recreate the experience of watching a fresh 35mm print.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The film’s visual effects work was completed before 4K was available, so those shots had to be upscaled for the restoration.
The Host” premiered at Cannes and was released.
Magnolia Pictures will return the remastered film to theaters nationwide.
Screenings will include an exclusive conversation between Bong Joon Ho and Edgar Wright.
- Original release
- 2006
- Theatrical return
- Nov. 20
- Restoration format
- 4K
- Special screenings
- Nov. 21 and 23
- Conversation guest
- Edgar Wright
What people are saying
Although the film has stayed the same, the history is repeating itself and making the film relevant again.
I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since the release of the film. Time flies
Ironically, we were using digital technology to enhance the film look of the movie.
Just like we don’t edit or rewrite our journals, I feel like it should just be left as it is.