Laugier’s ‘Martyrs’ Returns in Restored 4K Glory with Eureka’s Ultimate Release
Pascal Laugier’s uncompromising psychological horror Martyrs is set to receive a long-overdue resurrection. The controversial yet critically revered 2008 film will arrive in a limited edition 4K UHD & Blu-ray dual-format release from Eureka Entertainment under their prestigious Masters of Cinema banner on October 27, 2025.
Known for its harrowing blend of existential dread, spiritual extremism, and visceral body horror, Martyrs remains one of the most influential films to emerge from the New French Extremity movement. This upcoming edition isn’t just a visual upgrade — it’s a full-scale tribute to one of the most thought-provoking and unsettling films of the 21st century.
A Film That Stays With You
Martyrs is no ordinary horror film. It’s a descent into hell with deeper ambitions — a brutal meditation on trauma, martyrdom, and the philosophical search for transcendence. The story begins with Lucie, a woman haunted by childhood abuse, enacting revenge on those she believes responsible. But as her friend Anna becomes entangled in the aftermath, the narrative shifts into horrifying new territory that defies conventional horror tropes.
Morjana Alaoui and Mylène Jampanoï deliver devastating performances, grounding the film’s unrelenting torment in a tragic human reality. The film’s stark aesthetic, enhanced by Benoît Lestang’s masterful practical effects, elevates the disturbing material into something almost sacred — or sacrilegious, depending on your interpretation.
Eureka’s Definitive Edition
Eureka has gone above and beyond in delivering the ultimate home release. A brand-new 4K restoration from the original camera negative brings every frame to life in unforgiving detail. Presented in Dolby Vision HDR, the 4K disc is region-free and comes accompanied by a Region B Blu-ray, all housed in a limited edition hardbound case (4,000 units only) featuring new artwork by Nick Charge.
Among the wealth of extras are:
- A 100-page book with new essays from film critics and horror scholars
- A fold-out poster with original and commissioned artwork
- Fresh interviews with Mylène Jampanoï and New French Extremity expert Alice Haylett Bryan
- A fascinating video essay by Xavier Aldana Reyes on Martyrs and the aesthetics of body horror
- Feature-length making-of doc Organic Chronicles, alongside archival interviews with Pascal Laugier and Benoît Lestang
There’s also an insightful new commentary by Nia Edwards-Behi, co-director of the Abertoir Horror Festival, offering fresh analysis for returning fans and new viewers alike.
The Legacy of Martyrs
Initially dismissed by some as part of the so-called “torture porn” wave of the 2000s, Martyrs has since risen above its label. Unlike others in the genre, its violence is not exploitative, but deeply purposeful. Its graphic torment is never designed for thrill alone — it’s an invitation to wrestle with themes of belief, suffering, and what lies beyond our physical form.
The film is often compared to Hellraiser in spirit — only Martyrs removes the fantastical elements, forcing viewers to confront the abyss in raw, human terms. It’s a cinematic rite of passage that divides audiences but leaves no one untouched.
Final Thoughts
Releasing Martyrs in 4K UHD isn’t just a preservation effort — it’s a re-evaluation. A film that was once too controversial for some now stands tall as one of horror’s most daring and visionary achievements. Whether you admire it or endure it, you’re unlikely to forget it.
Thanks to Eureka’s meticulous care, Martyrs can now be experienced as intended — in all its haunting, brutal clarity.
