As someone watching Stir of Echoes for the very first time, I can't think of a better introduction than Lionsgate’s new 25th Anniversary 4K UHD Amazon Exclusive SteelBook. While the film may have flown under the radar compared to some of its late-’90s contemporaries, this newly restored release offers the perfect opportunity to rediscover—or, in my case, discover—a surprisingly eerie and engaging psychological thriller that deserves more attention.
Kevin Bacon stars as Tom Witzky, an average working-class dad whose life spirals after he’s hypnotized at a party, unlocking a latent ability to see disturbing visions and ghostly apparitions. What follows is a tightly woven mystery filled with paranoia, grief, and buried secrets—all grounded by a genuinely unsettling atmosphere.
Presented in Dolby Vision/HDR with an immersive Dolby Atmos audio track, this 4K transfer isn't flawless, but it’s more than solid—especially considering the film’s 1999 origins. The atmospheric lighting, warm tones, and dark shadows all pop with more clarity than ever before, while the sound design shines in this upgraded format. It’s not a full reinvention, but it is a clear, noticeable enhancement that respects the film’s original mood and tone.
The SteelBook packaging is another highlight. The red-toned artwork featuring Kevin Bacon and the ghostly woman behind him sets the tone before you even hit play. Housed in a lenticular slipcover with a Blu-ray and a digital code included, it’s a collector’s piece that looks as good on a shelf as it plays on screen.
As a first-time viewer, what stood out most was the film’s ability to blend horror, mystery, and emotional depth. There’s a fingernail scene that genuinely made my skin crawl (in a good way), and the practical effects still hold up remarkably well. It also reminded me of The Sixth Sense, which released the same year—but while that film leaned more into emotion and twist, Stir of Echoes digs into the psychological decay of obsession. In many ways, it feels like a spiritual sibling and would pair well in a double feature alongside it—or even Mirrors, The Others, or What Lies Beneath.
The cast is a who's who of ’90s talent, with Kevin Bacon delivering a performance that teeters between over-the-top and completely captivating. Kathryn Erbe, Illeana Douglas, and Kevin Dunn round out a strong supporting cast. And on a personal note—Kathryn Erbe? New crush officially unlocked.
Bonus content is where this release really goes the extra mile. From new featurettes like Visions of the Past and Maggie’s Memories to a commentary track by director David Koepp, and even the original “Breathe” music video, there's a ton here to dig into—especially for fans of film history and behind-the-scenes insights.
There was one minor hiccup during my watch: a brief glitch with the captions, where the word “blinks” bounced oddly on screen. It passed quickly and didn’t impact my overall enjoyment.
While Stir of Echoes may never reach the iconic status of its genre peers, this anniversary edition gives it the respect and presentation it has long deserved. For new viewers and longtime fans alike, it’s an unsettling slow-burn worth (re)discovering—presented in the absolute best way possible.
Jessie Hobson