Scream Factory released Carrie (2013) Collector’s Edition this March 2024, for the first time on 4K UHD. Pick up your copy here.
"Carrie," the timeless tale of teenage angst and telekinetic abilities, has seen two major film adaptations, one in 1976 directed by Brian De Palma and another in 2013 helmed by Kimberly Peirce. Both films dive into the unsettling narrative crafted by Stephen King, but each brings its own flavor to the table. Let's take a peek at how these two iterations compare and contrast.
Both films follow the story of Carrie White, a shy and bullied high school girl with telekinetic powers, who unleashes her wrath upon her tormentors during prom night. While the core plot remains intact in both versions, there are notable differences in the execution and emphasis on certain story elements.
De Palma's 1976 adaptation stays quite faithful to King's novel in terms of narrative structure and character development. Sissy Spacek delivers an unforgettable performance as Carrie, capturing the character's vulnerability and eventual descent into chaos with remarkable depth. The film's iconic prom scene remains one of horror cinema's most chilling moments, with De Palma's signature visual style adding an extra layer of suspense and dread.
Peirce's 2013 adaptation takes a slightly different approach, offering a more contemporary spin on the classic tale. Chloe Grace Moretz delivers a powerful performance as Carrie, imbuing the character with a raw intensity that resonates with modern audiences. The film also explores Carrie's relationship with her fanatically religious mother, played convincingly by Julianne Moore, adding a new dimension to the narrative.
One significant difference between the two films is the portrayal of Carrie's powers. De Palma's version leans more towards the supernatural, emphasizing the mystical aspects of Carrie's abilities. In contrast, Peirce's adaptation takes a more grounded approach, focusing on the psychological and emotional turmoil that accompanies Carrie's powers.
Another notable difference is the treatment of certain characters and subplots. The 2013 version delves deeper into the lives of supporting characters such as Sue Snell, played by Gabriella Wilde, and Chris Hargensen, portrayed by Portia Doubleday, providing additional context and depth to their motivations and actions.
Both films deviate from King's novel in various ways, though they still capture the essence of the source material. Certain subplots are condensed or altered to fit the constraints of the medium, but the core themes of isolation, revenge, and the consequences of abuse remain central to both adaptations.
Scream Factory released the "Carrie" (2013) Collector’s Edition this March for the first time on 4K UHD, offering fans a chance to experience Peirce's vision in stunning high definition.
Ultimately, the 1976 and 2013 versions of "Carrie" offer compelling interpretations of Stephen King's chilling tale. Whether you're a fan of the original film, the book, or enjoy a good horror flick, both versions of "Carrie" are worth a watch for their unique contributions to the genre.
The 2013 Collector's Edition Release also includes a variety of bonus features, including a new interview with author and screenwriter Joseph Maddrey, a new interview with production designer Carol Spier, audio commentary with director Kimberly Peirce, behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and more!
Carrie (2013) Collector’s Edition Bonus Features
NEW 4K Scan from the original camera negative
NEW “The Devil’s Hand: Designing Carrie” – interview with production designer Carol Spier
NEW “They’re All Going to Laugh at You: Adapting Carrie” – Interview with author Joseph Maddrey
Audio Commentary with director Kimberly Peirce
Alternate Ending
Deleted/Alternate Scenes
“Creating Carrie” Featurette
“The Power Of Telekinesis” Featurette
“Tina On Fire” Stunt Double Dailies
“Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise”
Theatrical Trailer
Pick up your copy of Carrie (2013) Collector's Edition, here.