Twenty years after it first slithered onto cinema screens, the cult horror-comedy Slither is making a triumphant return for fans of grotesque creature features and dark humour. To celebrate the milestone anniversary, distributor Visions Home Video is bringing the film back to theatres and home entertainment formats in a brand-new 4K restoration.
The anniversary campaign will kick off with a limited theatrical re-release from 10 April, followed by a 4K digital download launch on 1 May. Fans and collectors will also be able to grab special limited-edition 4K HDR Steelbooks from 18 May, available to pre-order through major retailers including HMV, Zavvi and Amazon.
A Cult Classic Returns in 4K
Written and directed by James Gunn in his feature directorial debut, Slither blends body-horror, sci-fi and comedy into a gleefully grotesque B-movie homage. The story follows a small American town that becomes infected by a parasitic alien organism intent on consuming all life on Earth.
When the outbreak begins, it falls to local sheriff Bill Pardy, played by Nathan Fillion, and Starla Grant, portrayed by Elizabeth Banks, to stop the spreading infestation before humanity is wiped out. The film also stars Michael Rooker as the unfortunate host of the extraterrestrial parasite.
Despite underperforming at the box office upon its 2006 release, Slither has since become a beloved cult favourite thanks to its inventive creature effects, outrageous humour and affectionate nods to classic horror cinema.
Newly Restored and Director-Approved
For its anniversary release, the film has been restored from the original 35mm interpositive and newly presented in 4K with Dolby Vision, with approval from both Gunn and cinematographer Gregory Middleton.
The premium Steelbook edition will feature exclusive UK artwork by artist Chris Malbon, alongside a collectible poster designed for fans and collectors.
Special Features and Bonus Content
The 4K edition will also include a range of newly produced bonus features exploring the making of the film, including:
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“We’ve Got Worms” – Interview with cinematographer Gregory Middleton
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“Feed The Fear” – Interview with editor John Axelrad
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“Just A Bee Sting” – Interview with special make-up effects designer Todd Masters
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“What’s Gotten Into You” – Interview with composer Tyler Bates
Additional extras are expected to be announced closer to the release.
From Cult Horror to Comic-Book Blockbusters
The re-release also highlights how far Gunn’s career has come since Slither. After making his directorial debut with the film, he went on to direct the hugely successful Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and the DC anti-hero adventure The Suicide Squad. He is now co-chairman and CEO of DC Studios and the director behind the upcoming Superman reboot.
For horror fans, however, Slither remains a defining early example of Gunn’s distinctive style — mixing gruesome horror with razor-sharp humour and an ensemble cast.
When and Where to Watch
To mark its 20th anniversary, Slither will return in multiple formats across spring 2026:
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Limited theatrical release: 10 April
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4K digital download: 1 May
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4K Steelbook collector’s edition: 18 May
Collectors can pre-order the Steelbook edition via HMV, Zavvi and Amazon ahead of its release.
A Must-Watch for Horror and Sci-Fi Fans
With its blend of body horror, dark humour, and classic B-movie energy, Slither remains one of the most unique genre films of the 2000s. The 20th anniversary re-release offers longtime fans the chance to rediscover the cult hit, while introducing a new generation to one of James Gunn’s earliest and most inventive films.
