Colours are nice and bold, while good contrast and black levels mean we can still see just enough of what’s going on in the more darker scenes. This results in a very clean transfer, obviously free from any print damage. Session 9 was one of the first features to film digitally, at a then impressive 1080p resolution. On the whole, the video presentation is very nice indeed. Even David Caruso, and actor with no shortage of ego at the time, is watchable. The script by Anderson and actor Stephen Gevedon doesn’t really cover any new ground, but does a great job of showing the breakdown of the team as the week goes on, while the performances from the small cast are all superb, including a possible career best from Peter Mullan. He gets maximum production value out of the real-life Danvers State Mental Hospital location, with shots oozing atmosphere as the camera creeps slowly round dark corners and down shadowy corridors. Session 9 is director Brad Anderson’s first foray into horror, and he does a great job building tension as the film goes on. There’s no action-packed, blood soaked climax, but the film does a great job of walking the fine line between psychological and supernatural horror, and throws in enough to keep you guessing about what’s really going on. It’s hardly spoiler territory to say that things soon take a dark turn, and after a measured, scene-setting pace for the first half or so, the tension begins to build. Meanwhile, Mike (Stephen Gevedon, who also co-wrote the film with director Brad Anderson) skips most of the work to listen to old recordings that he finds of therapy sessions with one of the institute’s more infamous patients, and new guy Jeff (Brendan Sexton III) finds himself on the receiving end of the usual wind-ups and practical jokes. While Gordon clashes with right hand man Phil (David Caruso) over the unrealistic schedule, team member Hank (Josh Lucas) happens to be Phil’s ex wife, causing more tensions before disappearing and failing to turn up to work as the week goes on.

With the pressure on, the group get to work, but as they clear out the long-deserted building it’s clear that not all is as it seems, and it’s long before the cracks begin to show. When the chance to earn some much-needed money comes up, Gordon Fleming (Peter Mullan), the owner of an asbestos removal company, promises his small team will complete their latest job at the abandoned Danvers State Mental Hospital in just a week. Session 9 is release on December 27th, and is available to order now: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of The Shadows.Blade Runner & 1917 ‘Film Vault’ editions.2001: A Space Odyssey Film Vault Edition.

Session 9 online