I Know What You Did Last Summer (the 1997 original) returns to 4K physical media in time for the theatrical release of the 2025 remake.
The Production: 2/5
With the success of Scream in 1996, studios rushed to cash in on this new sub-genre of the slasher film, the teen ensemble slasher. Even the screenwriter of Scream attempted (and sort-of succeeded) in creating a similar film franchise for Columbia Pictures one year later – I Know What You Did Last Summer starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Geller, Anne Heche, Ryan Phillippe, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Johnny Galecki.
HTF reviewer Cameron Yee reviewed the 2008 Blu-ray release (which is included in this package), and below is his summation of the film:
Four friends, fresh out of high school, accidentally hit a man on their drive home from an Independence Day celebration on the beach. Rather than do the right thing and report the accident, they dump the body in the ocean and vow to never speak of it again. One year later everyone seems the worse for wear. Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) is back from college, but has not done well in school and is clearly depressed. Helen (Sarah Michelle Gellar) moved to New York to become an actress, but came home with her tail between her legs and is now working the perfume counter in the family department store. Barry (Ryan Phillipe), the one to instigate the body dumping, is also back from college but seems to be struggling with anger issues and is more of a jerk than ever. Ray (Freddie Prinze, Jr.) seems the least affected by their secret – he’s just been earning an honest living working on a fishing boat. So when the ominous messages, mind games and physical attacks begin, Barry immediately suspects Ray. But as the four dig deeper it starts to look like their hit-and-run victim is actually still alive and keen on making them pay for what they did to him.
Loosely based on a young adult novel of the same name, I Know What You Did Last Summer comes from Kevin Williamson, the writer who gave us the clever, horror film deconstruction Scream. I Know… hews closer to irony-free convention however, providing all the usual horror film clichés but then a villain that isn’t really that horrible. True, no one wants to get impaled by a giant hook, but the threat of physical harm is a lot different than the more primal fear of a monster, and it’s the absence of the latter that ultimately makes the film a disappointment. The effect of a ho-hum villain also tends to make other issues (like a character’s illogical behavior) more vulnerable to criticism, things we tend to forgive or overlook because we’re getting the crap scared out of us. With over a decade having passed since the film’s production, the movie is entertaining as a snapshot of popular actors’ careers, but if you’re looking for more than a sentimental journey it’s best to look elsewhere.
Video: 5/5
3D Rating: NA
I Know What You Did Last Summer was photographed on 35mm Kodak filmstock using Panavision cameras and lenses and completed on 35mm with an intended theatrical aspect ratio of 2.39:1. This release is essentially a repackaging of the 2022 UHD release, utilizing the same discs. For that release, Sony scanned the original camera negative to create a new 4K digital intermediate, and the 2160p HEVC encode on this disc also includes both Dolby Vision and HDR10 high dynamic range. Compared to the 2008 Blu-ray, the newer image harvest is a revelation. Black levels and contrast are vastly improved, much more consistent than the Blu-ray, allowing for deeper blacks with strong shadow details and brighter, crisper highlights in the daytime scenes (which Cameron noted as “murky and dull” on Blu-ray). Colors are also more consistent and lifelike, bringing out more natural tones in both hair and eyes of the actors. Detail gets a noticeable bump up in quality, adding more depth to the image. A fine layer of film rain is noticeable and organic, yet never distracting.
Audio: 5/5
The default Dolby Atmos track is a major improvement of the Blu-ray’s Dolby TrueHD 5.1 mix (the original 5.1 mix is available on the UHD disc in DTS-HD MA). The mix overall is much more bass-heavy than the 5.1 mix, but also offers a much more immersive experience with John Debney’s haunting score wrapping around the viewer from all angles. Surrounds are a bit more active but also more precise in the placement of discrete sounds. Dialogue is clear and understandable throughout.
Special Features: 3/5
Three “new” features are included on the UHD disc, but the commentary tracks are not included (they can be found on the Blu-ray).
UHD Disc
Deleted Scenes (upscaled 1080p; 5:06): Seven sequences are included, obviously taken from a standard definition source several generations removed from the original.
My Own Summer: An Interview with Director Jim Gillespie (1080p; 29:39): Recorded via webcam during the COVID-19 lockdown, the director discusses several aspects of the film.
He Knows What You Did: An Interview with Muse Watson (1080p; 14:43): The actor discusses his career.
Blu-ray Disc
Audio Commentary with Director Jim Gillespie and Editor Steve Mirkovich: Gillespie takes the lead and delivers a thorough track filled with production anecdotes and technical information. Mirkovich speaks less frequently but provides good supplemental information.
Director’s Short Film: Joyride (480i; 10:10): Gillespie’s effective short film about a man taken hostage by some thugs made the rounds at film festivals and brought him enough attention to lead to a feature film job. The short includes an optional commentary by Gillespie that is as detailed and thorough as his feature commentary.
Now I Know What You Did Last Summer Featurette (480i; 27:05): Retrospective piece includes information on how the film was pitched, casting and production. Includes interviews with Hewitt, Anne Heche, Williamson and Gillespie.
Music Video Hush by Kula Shaker (480i; 2:56)
Theatrical Trailer (480i; 2:19)
Digital Copy: A Movies Anywhere code is included.
Overall: 3/5
Fans of this film will appreciate the “new” 4K transfer included in this set, but the discs are identical to the 2022 standard package release which can still be found for far less money.
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