With movie theaters struggling to reopen around the country and offer film fans a reason to venture out - the studios are giving people more reasons to stay in with an aggressive slate of 4K UHD Blu-ray releases. As we saw with October, there's plenty of room for a saturated releases slate and November is proving to be no different. From Mad Max to Cinema Paradiso to Dawn of the Dead - there's literally something for everyone this month!
Game of Thrones Complete Collection
We knew that HBO would be eventually releasing the entire series onto 4K UHD at some point, but we figured they'd stagger the releases season by season. It's honestly refreshing to see them go for broke and put the whole show out in one big box set. The problem is a number of people who already bought the first season on 4K would ultimately be buying a second copy. So far there's no word that individual seasons will be available anytime soon. That said, you can choose from the standard option or Best Buy's exclusive SteelBook collection. It all depends on how much shelf space you have to offer.
Pre-order the standard 4K UHD Blu-ray set
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook set
The latest entry in the growing genre of social commentary horror, Antebellum lost out on an expansive theatrical release and went for the theater at home market with middling notices from critics and split audiences. Some folks loved this one, some folks were left nonplussed by it. If you're a fan Lionsgate is giving the film a proper 4K UHD Blu-ray release.
Pre-order the 4K UHD Blu-ray
A particularly loose and action-focused adaptation of Alan Moore's iconic graphic novel, the film is a visual feast and has developed a legion of fans ready to wear a white mask and hat at every screening. Fans of this one will have a variety of options, the standard 4K, an Amazon exclusive gift set, as well as a Best Buy exclusive SteelBook.
Pre-order the standard 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order the Amazon Exclusive 4K UH Blu-ray Gift Set
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
Not new to 4KUHD Blu-ray, Lionsgate is now issuing a new Best Buy exclusive SteelBook set for Kick-Ass. There's nothing new in this set, it's the same set of discs with digital slip - the artwork is just, well, kick-ass! Read our review
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
Again - not a new release necessarily - just new SteelBook packaging that actually mirrors the original release's packaging. Same discs, you get a digital slip, so if you've been waiting to spring for this Travolta classic musical, now might be a good time to jump.
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
Okay, this is getting silly… Best Buy is also rereleasing this out of print SteelBook from paramount. This isn't like the recent Saving Private Ryan SteelBook rerelease where they actually included the 1080p Blu-ray disc, this is once again the same set and packaging available again.
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
After season two's shocking finale, HBO's science fiction series takes a dramatic left turn with familiar characters changing in radical ways - which some fans loved, and others not so much. Even as the series has had its ups and downs, Westworld has remained an impressive visual and auditory feast for the senses. Fans of the series get two options to continue their collection - the standard release or a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook that will arrive later on December 8th, 2020.
Pre-order the standard 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
The end of the 20th Century Fox era of X-Men movies whimpers to a close with this one. Having sat on the shelf for years, the film was dropped into theaters mid-pandemic and met with tepid audiences and a lackluster critical reception. Still, for fans or franchise completionists, there are options. There's the standard release with atrocious cover artwork - or you can opt for the classy SteelBook from Best Buy.
Pre-order the standard 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
Resident Evil: The Complete Collection
Love one or two of the films - or none at all - the Resident Evil film franchise is a strange collection of films that deviate wildly from the games while pulling in a host of familiar characters with varying results. The first film is still solid stuff and holds up well, there have already been a couple of individual releases, so it's a tad frustrating that we're not getting single film releases right out of the gate.
Pre-order the 4K UHD Blu-ray set
Honestly, when this first came out it felt ling a longshot prospect that this film would enjoy any longevity but it's grown into a family favorite over the years and is now making its way to 4K UHD Blu-ray from Universal Studios with HDR10 and DTS:X audio.
Pre-order the 4K UHD Blu-ray
It's A Wonderful Life SteelBook
You know you're getting close to the holidays when this film gets another release. This film already got a terrific 4K UHD release, but SteelBook collectors have something to upgrade for - or if you haven't picked this set up yet, it's absolutely a must-own release.
Pre-order the 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
The sequel to the runaway zombie movie success Train To Busan gets a wild and crazy sequel released stateside from Well Go USA on 4K UHD Blu-ray. The film wasn't the critical darling of the first entry, but it still made its mark overseas and should be a terrific entry on 4K.
Pre-order the 4K UHD Blu-ray
After a long absence from the format after Hannibal - Kino Lorber Studio Classics is roaring back to 4K UHD Blu-ray with the first of the iconic Mad Max franchise. This apocalyptic road movie introduced the world to Mel Gibson's star power offering action fans a barrage of high-octane crazy-blood fueled vehicular mayhem - and it should look amazing on 4K with Dolby Vision HDR
Pre-order the 4K UHD Blu-ray
A tribute to the power and love of the movies, Giuseppe Tornatore's beautiful cinematic drama comes to 4K UHD Blu-ray from Arrow offering both cuts of the film with Dolby Vision HDR. A Genuine classic, this is a splendid piece of moviemaking that fits right at home on the format and should be a stunner.
Pre-order the 4K UHD Blu-ray
Deadly Games: Dial Code Santa Claus
Originally released October 27th exclusive to Vinegar Syndrome with Slipcover
Independent boutique studio Vinegar Syndrome continues to offer fans of the wild and weird of world cinema with this 1989 French holiday action flick. Think of it as a horror movie version of Home Alone where a small child has to defend his home and feeble grandfather from a psycho dressed as Santa on Christmas Eve! It's a perfect title for Vinegar Syndrome and should be a hell of a 4K UHD release
Pre-order the 4K UHD Blu-ray
We do our best to cover imports as best as we can, but obtaining them can be a bit tricky. More tricky now thanks to COVID as Amazon and other overseas retailers aren't shipping across the pond to the U.S. - but we have every intention of reviewing some of these as soon as we get our grubby little fingers on the copies we ordered.
Long in development from Second Sight, George Romero's Dawn of the Dead is getting the full restoration it's dearly deserved with a massive 4K UHD Blu-ray release. All three versions of the film will be available with the U.S. Theatrical Cut and Director's Cut getting new 4K restorations with HDR10+ with the Argento Cut recycling the same master previously available without HDR. This massive set is coming packed with booklet and tons of new and archival bonus features. While not directly available in the U.S., DiabolikDVD, Amazon, and Zavvi are making it easy for fans to import.
Import the 4K UHD Blu-ray
Arrow Video is delivering Abel Ferara's iconic 1990 thriller starring Christopher Walken, David Caruso, and Laurence Fishburne to 4K UHD offering up Dolby Vision HDR to sweeten the deal. Sadly not directly available in the U.S., outfits like Zavvi and DiabolikDVD make it easy for fans to import if Amazon UK won't ship.
Import the 4K UHD Blu-ray
Already available on 4K in German - with less than subtle cover artwork - David Cronenberg's bizarre thriller that marries sex and car crashes is one that needs to be seen to be believed as it speeds past any ability to cleanly describe what the heck this movie is about.
Import the 4K UHD Blu-ray
That's what we have in store for us this November. As more titles get announced or if there's a street date change we'll update everything. There are also a few more EU imports for films like Serpico, and Three Days of the Condor among a few others that are arriving in November, but because of COVID restrictions we can't guarantee we'll be able to import them. Rest assured as soon as we can we'll give full coverage to these titles.
Anything on your shopping list this month? Let us know in the Disqus Comments below!
Disaster movie fans rejoice! Roland Emmerich's 2012 is going to pummel 4K UHD Blu-ray in 2021! The Mayans foretold this film would be upgraded to 4K UHD Blu-ray - Woody Harrelson said so during that monologue, not sure if you caught that part...
This one isn't up for pre-order yet, January 19th is still a ways off, but it should be hitting online retailers soon. We also don't know if there will be any kind of retailer exclusives yet, but with Sony's recent output I'd put good money down on a Best Buy SteelBook as a possibility. We do know for sure that this film is getting a new Atmos audio mix - so while the movie itself is a bit iffy while proving to be wildly entertaining, it'll probably sound amazing! Plan your 4K budget accordingly.
Here's the full press release from Sony:
SYNOPSIS
After a flurry of posts and updates, pre-orders going live and then coming back down, incomplete info, and finally getting actual confirmation all of this was legit -- and a much needed night of sleep -- we have some firm details and pre-order information about The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy and The Hobbit Motion Picture Trilogy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases coming this December
FIRST - As how it's been reported, Peter Jackson and his team went back to the original elements to create new 4K masters for these releases - the original 35mm elements for LOTR and the digital elements for Hobbit. Both sets will include the Theatrical Cuts and the Extended Cuts. Both sets will feature HDR10 standard and Dolby Vision. Both sets will also get a Dolby Atmos audio upgrade - which should be a delight to fans all across Middle Earth. I haven't found a final slate of bonus features anywhere - there may not be many as a MUCH larger "Ultimate" set of all six films including remastered Blu-rays of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, all archival bonus features as well as new bonus features will be coming out mid-to-late 2021 to celebrate the franchise's 20th Anniversary. As for the current slate of sets arriving 12/1/2020 - you have some options...
Both trilogies are getting standard releases, 9-discs for LOTR with The Hobbit getting 6-discs. Both trilogies are getting fancy SteelBook sets from Best Buy while Amazon is issuing a special Limited Edition Giftset of LOTR with special book packaging and a prop replica of The One Ring - which reportedly will not turn you invisible. Now all you have to decide is which set to make you precious...
That's pretty much everything for now - as we learn more we'll update the listings. Hope this release makes your Holiday season a little extra awesome this year!
Both the standard releases of The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy 4K UHD Blu-ray and The Hobbit Motion Picture Trilogy 4K UHD Blu-ray sets are now available to pre-order on Amazon for $89.99 each. No word on specs, but from the look of the images these don't appear to include the 1080p Blu-rays - LOTR is a 9-disc set while Hobbit appears to only be a 6-disc set.
Again this is a developing story and as soon as we get official word from Warner Bros. we'll dish that info out. For now - here's what these standard sets look like.
Interestingly the Best Buy listings for the 4K UHD SteelBooks for both Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit appear to have been taken down. We'll keep an eye on that as well. Stay tuned...
This is a developing story as Warner Bros. has yet to confirm or issue an official press release about The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray trilogies. However, Best Buy now has both The Hobbit Motion Picture Trilogy 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook and The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook up with a street date of 12/1/2020. So far only LOTR is actually up for pre-order but both sets have a list price of $119.99.
Again - we don't have any technical details, don't know the final audio mix or the HDR grade. Judging from the only picture we have of the LOTR set - it looks to be a 9-disc set, each movie getting 3 discs + digital.
As soon as Warner Bros. issues a propper press release we'll update this article with links to standard editions as well as any other possible retailer exclusives that may be coming along.
Are you tired of your old Blu-ray of 300? Are you eager to see Zack Snyder’s burly opus in HDR with the new Dolby Atmos Audio mix? High-Def Digest and Warner Bros. have teamed up to give away ONE copy of 300 on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray! Contest starts today 9/29/2020 and ends Friday 10/4/2020 at 12:00 noon – from there I will select the winner of the contest using the scientific methods of dice rolls and coin tosses. The winner will then be notified and if all goes to well the disc will be in the mail that afternoon. If the winner has not responded within 24 hours of notification I will select the runner-up.
Here’s what you have to do to enter:
1: Share our 300 4K UHD Blu-ray review on your Facebook by copying and pasting this:
I’m entering @highdefdigest contest to win #300 on 4K UHD Blu-ray
https://ultrahd.highdefdigest.com/86883/3004kultrahdbluray.html
2: In the comments of our Facebook post about this contest - https://www.facebook.com/highdefdigest/posts/10157787540517099 - give us your best SPARTAN! This can be a picture of you flexing, grimacing, wrapped up in a red sheet with a stick – you decked out in Michigan State University gear, whatever says “300” in your mind – post it in the comments… keep it all-ages appropriate please, that’s the only requirement!
This contest is open to all U.S. residents. We can’t send to a P.O. box but homes, offices, apartments – no problem.
Hope your wallet recovered after September!
After a blisteringly expensive September on the 4K UHD Blu-ray release calendar - October gives your wallet a little room to breathe. While not as big a slate - there are still some fan favorites in store. Sadly Second Sight's exciting restoration of Dawn of the Dead was delayed into November so that's no longer part of this list, but there's still some great stuff. We have everything from the soul-sucking and intense Requiem for a Dream to the iconic time-traveling Back to the Future Trilogy. As usual a number of these releases are getting special retailer exclusives you get a choice between the standard packaging or something a little more exciting.
Zack Snyder's 300
THIS IS 4K!!! Kick your old Blu-ray's down the giant bottomless pit in the middle of the city without any guardrails! Zack Snyder's visually amazing adaptation of Frank Miller's interesting take on real-life Greek historical events gets a new 4K UHD Blu-ray release with a new Dolby Atmos audio mix and some new bonus features tossed in for good measure. Available in a standard edition or Best Buy SteelBook
Pre-order the standard 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
Already previously released on 4K UHD Blu-ray from Paramount in a SteelBook edition, Shutter Island is toning things down for a general release. From all reports, there's nothing new about this set beyond the packaging changes.
The Tax Collector
Currently, the 4K UHD Blu-ray release of David Ayer's most recent thriller is coming in the form of a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook release. No other retailer to-date has announced a general release for this one, but if that changes we'll keep you posted.
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
Requiem for a Dream
Nothing like a bleak look at addiction and the ravages of the mind, body, and soul to get you in the mood for Halloween! Darren Aronofsky's hypnotic deep dive into despair gets a new 4K restoration from Lionsgate. Already visually arresting on Blu-ray, this release should be gorgeous and a standout for the format. Apparently this disc will include both the R-rated Theatrical and Unrated Director's Cut.
District 9
Neil Blomkamp's intense 2009 sci-fi classic kickstarted the director's career and was a showstopper on Blu-ray. With an upsampled 4k transfer with HDR10 and a new Dolby Atmos audio mix, there's every chance this one could be a stunner on the format. Maybe one day we'll get that sequel they keep bringing up every couple of years. Also available as a Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook - which looks pretty damn good!
Pre-order the standard 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
Back to the Future Trilogy
Doubtful anyone out there is actually excited for this one… The iconic time-traveling adventure movie trilogy is getting its long-awaited 4K restoration complete with Dolby Vision, HDR10+, as well as new Atmos audio mixes! Not content to make like a screen door on a battleship, there are three options for fans - the standard release, a slick Amazon Exclusive Gift Set with floating model hoverboard, or you can choose a snazzy Best Buy Exclusive trilogy box set!
Pre-order the standard 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order the Amazon Exclusive 4K UHD Gift Set
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
Daughters of Darkness
Blue Underground hit the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray market swinging for the bleachers and every release they've punched out so far have been absolute home runs. There's no reason this sultry Harry Kümel grindhouse classic should be any different with a new Native 4K transfer with Dolby Vision HDR along with a bunch of bonus features and the film's soundtrack on CD!
Rambo: The Complete SteelBook Collection
Sadly not available when the final fifth film arrived on 4K UHD, Best Buy is now releasing a complete 5-film SteelBook set with each film getting new artwork. Disc content hasn't changed so if you've been waiting to buy the series on 4K, this is the time to do it. If you already own the series, this may not be worth the added cost.
Pre-order the Best Buy Exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
As we saw with Second Sight's release of Dawn of the Dead 4K UHD Blu-ray set - release dates are subject to change. As soon as we hear of any release date changes or any last-minute release additions, we'll let you know. Check back for full reviews of these upcoming 4K UHD Blu-ray titles.
December 1st 2020 – after the year to end all years with one WTF moment after another – the nation can come together and heal thanks to Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment and their decision to unleash a barrage of new Eddie Murphy releases to 4K UHD and Blu-ray! Just when we all could really use a laugh – Murphy and Paramount are going to deliver the goods with some classics and one that’s been on a lot of wish lists for years.
Not only are we getting 4K UHD Blu-ray releases of Coming to America and Beverly Hills Cop – we’re also getting new prestige Paramount Presents releases of the holiday classic Trading Places and the bizarrely amazing action/adventure/comedy The Golden Child! An eclectic collection
These aren’t yet up for pre-order, Amazon has some placeholders for Coming to America 4K and Beverly Hills Cop 4K, but we expect these to be available soon. Also, no word if the Coming to America 4K SteelBook will be a retailer exclusive or not, or what HDR grade or if a new Atmos/DTS:X mix will be available. We’ve reached out for clarification AND to possibly participate in a giveaway for these releases so as soon as we’ve got that info, we’ll let you know!
Beverly Hills Cop 4K UHD Blu-ray
Coming to America 4K UHD Blu-ray
Coming to America 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook
Trading Places (Paramount Presents)
You got a war face, right? ARRRRRGH! That’s a war face! Warner Brothers and High-Def Digest are teaming up to give away ONE copy of Stanley Kubrick’s classic Full Metal Jacket on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. The contest has some simple rules – with one key component so pay attention!
The contest runs from Tuesday, September 15th until Friday, September 18th at 12:00 Noon EST.
THE RULES
1. Share the Facebook post about this contest – include the hashtag #FullMetal4KUHD
https://www.facebook.com/highdefdigest/photos/a.158571777098/10157755854802099/
2. In the comment section of the Facebook post include a picture of your war face! “Arrrgh! That’s your war face!” Take a picture of your war face, your cat’s – whatever works as long as it’s appropriate (that should go without saying but no nudity or suggestive images). If you have difficulty uploading include a link or pop in a gif!
At 12:00 Noon on Friday, September 18th the contest will close and we'll parse through the valid entries and select a winner at random through the scientific process of rolling dice and flipping coins. The contest is open to contestants in the United States – sorry can’t ship outside the U.S. – no P.O. Boxes, apartments, businesses, houses are all good.
Have fun!
[BIG UPDATE 9:35 EST]
Lionsgate will be releasing the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 30th Anniversary of Total Recall domestically in the U.S. with the 3-Disc SteelBook edition. CONFIRMED in the press release the 4K Disc will include Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos audio.
Here's the full Lionsgate Press Release:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Paul Verhoeven’s sci-fi classic gets the ultimate high-definition treatment when Total Recall arrives as a 3-disc 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray™ and Digital) and Digital 4K Ultra HD December 8 from Lionsgate. Restored in 4K from a scan of the original 35mm negative, the visionary film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger (Terminator franchise, Predator, The 6th Day), Rachel Ticotin (Con Air, Falling Down, The Eye), Oscar® nominee Sharon Stone (1995, Best Actress, Casino), and Michael Ironside (Starship Troopers, Scanners, Top Gun).
Undertaken by STUDIOCANAL, the restoration was supervised by Paul Verhoeven himself. The restoration crew paid particularly high attention to preserving special-effects continuity, as Total Recall was one of the earliest films to use computer-generated images for special effects winning the Special Achievement Award for Visual Effects at the 1990 Academy Awards®.
Available for the very first time in this absolutely stunning format, the Total Recall 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will include a never-before-seen exclusive documentary feature as well as two brand-new featurettes. Experience four times the resolution of full HD with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, which includes Dolby Vision, bringing entertainment to life through ultra-vivid picture quality. When compared to a standard picture, Dolby Vision can deliver spectacular colors never before seen on a screen, highlights that are up to 40 times brighter, and blacks that are 10 times darker. Additionally, the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack features Dolby Atmos, which will transport viewers from an ordinary moment into an extraordinary experience with moving audio that flows all around them. Fans will feel like they’re inside the action as the sounds of people, places, things, and music come alive with breathtaking realism and move throughout the space.
The Total Recall 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will be available for the suggested retail price of $22.99.
Inspired by the Short Story “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick ● Screen Story by Ronald Shusett & Dan O’Bannon and Jon Povill ● Screenplay by Ronald Shusett & Dan O’Bannon and Gary Goldman ● Directed by Paul Verhoeven
OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS
Fully reimagined in stunning 4K for its 30th anniversary — and remastered in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos — Paul Verhoeven’s out-of-this-world sci-fi thrill ride can now be experienced like never before! In this splintered-reality mind-bender, it’s the year 2084, and construction worker Quaid (Schwarzenegger) is haunted by dreams of Mars, a place he’s never been. Against his wife’s (Sharon Stone) wishes, Quaid goes to Rekall, a memory-implant company that promises a thrilling virtual trip to the red planet. But what Quaid “remembers” is that he’s a secret agent whose cover has been blown…and that he must return to Mars at any cost.
4K ULTRA HD / BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
Disc 1 (4K Feature Film and Special Features):
Disc 2 (Blu-ray Feature Film and Special Features):
Disc 3 (Blu-ray – Special Features):
CAST
Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminator franchise, Predator, The 6th Day
Rachel Ticotin Con Air, Falling Down, The Eye
Sharon Stone Basic Instinct, Casino, The Quick and the Dead
Michael Ironside Starship Troopers, Scanners, Top Gun
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Year of Production: 1990
Title Copyright: © 1990 STUDIOCANAL. All Rights Reserved.
Type: Theatrical Release
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Closed Captioned: NA
Subtitles: French, Spanish, English SDH
Feature Running Time: 113 Minutes
4K Ultra HD™ Format: Dolby Vision, 2160p Ultra High Definition 16x9 (1.85:1) Presentation
Blu-ray Format: 1080p High Definition 16x9 (1.85:1) Presentation
4K Audio Status: English Dolby Atmos, English and Spanish 2.0 Dolby Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio
Blu-ray Audio Status: English Dolby Atmos, English and Spanish 2.0 Dolby Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio
StudioCanal is bringing Paul Verhoeven’s 1990 Schwarzenegger science fiction mind-bending classic to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on November 23 in the UK You have two options at the moment - a 5-Disc Collector's Edition similar their Flash Gordon release - or a trimmed down and slightly cheaper Zavvi Exclusive SteelBook.
[UPDATE 7:45 EST]
Listings have been updated with Amazon.co.uk pre-order links for BOTH releases. It turns out the SteelBook is not a Zavvi Exclusive as previously reported.
Total Recall 4K UHD Blu-ray 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition
Currently only available on Zavvi – this is a massive 5-disc 4K UHD + 2-Disc Blu-ray + 2 CD soundtrack set with a 48-page booklet, 6 art cards, and a double-sided poster. Amazon UK doesn’t have this set listed yet but I imagine it will be soon.
This appears to only be on Zavvi’s UK website at the moment, so if you're out of that territory open the embedded link in an incognito browser:
30th Anniversary Collector's Edition
This shouldn’t prevent you from shipping stateside – I’ve had to do this for some of their releases in the past and NECA figures that are impossible to find in stores. Again, I'm sure Amazon UK will have it up at some point but for now, I've only found it on Zavvi.
As mentioned in the update above - Amazon UK does have both releases available for pre-order on their website - were just very difficult to find. Both listings have been updated with pre-order links. Still no word on a North America / U.S. domestic release.
Total Recall 4K UHD Blu-ray 30th Anniversary SteelBook
A 3-Disc SteelBook is available that loses the two soundtrack CDs and the swag. But the custom artwork looks pretty cool. It’s also about 20 bucks cheaper than the Collector’s Edition so that’s something to consider if we have to import this one.
So far, I haven’t been able to find any information about HDR grading or audio mix. As soon as I find concrete info, I’ll update these listings accordingly. Also – there is no word yet of a domestic North America release of this one on 4K. It’s a popular title so one has to figure Lionsgate or a boutique studio will release it. With Arrow’s successful collaboration with StudioCanal on Flash Gordon – I hope they add this to their lineup, but we’ll see. For now, it’s awesome knowing this one is getting a 4K release and it’ll be relatively easy to import.
Obviously, as more news comes in we'll keep you updated!
September 2020 is going to be a damn fun – and expensive – month for 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray collectors. Hope you saved your allowance, blood, and tooth fairy payday money! While there’s been some recent scuttlebutt about various studios perhaps possibly ending or at the very least severely cutting back on their live-action catalog additions to physical 4k media – September is a damned robust release slate full of fan favorites with deluxe editions and SteelBooks.
As we receive review product - or purchase these ourselves - we'll be providing reviews for each of these great titles ASAP!
Pitch Black
Due to an unfortunate delay, one of Arrow’s inaugural 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases got a temporary delay – but no worries it’s still coming, just later than the original August 18th release window.
Pre-order Pitch Black 4K UHD Blu-ray
The Goonies
“Goonies never say die!” Richard Donner’s childhood adventure movie gets a welcome 4K upgrade – with several options for purchase! You have the standard release, the fully stuffed Giftset, and then Best Buy’s exclusive SteelBook. So… all you got to do is choose which Goonies is right for you.
Pre-order The Goonies 4K UHD Blu-Ray Standard Release
Pre-order The Goonies 4K UHD Bl-uray Amazon Exclusive Giftset
Pre-order The Goonies 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Beetlejuice
While you don’t need to say his name three times to buy the 4K UHD Blu-ray – you do get to choose between three releases! Just like The Goonies – Warner Bros. is releasing a standard release, a giftset, and a Best Buy exclusive SteelBook. As one of my favorite Tim Burton movies, I’m excited for this one – so I went for the SteelBook, but that Handbook For The Recently Deceased looks really fun!
Pre-order Beetlejuice 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-order Beetlejuice 4K UHD Blu-ray Amazon Exclusive Giftset
Pre-order Beetlejuice 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Sherlock Holmes / Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Guy Ritchie and Robert Downy Jr. teamed up for a lively reimagining of the world’s greatest detectives adding some extra punch and pizzazz to the proceedings through a solid first film and a decent enough sequel. As we await the possibility of a third spin with this franchise, a welcome 4K UHD Blu-ray upgrade will have to hold us over.
Pre-order Sherlock Holmes 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows 4K UHD Blu-ray
The Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection
Psycho, The Birds, Vertigo, and Rear Window are all making their 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray debut from Universal in a snazzy 4-film set. If Universal’s recent efforts for back catalog 4K UHD releases are any early indication, these four classics from the master of suspense should be impressive and well worth the upgrade!
Pre-order The Alfred Hitchcock Classics Collection 4K UHD Blu-ray
Psycho - Best Buy SteelBook
Hitchcock’s seminal shocker gets its own solo release for those only interested in upgrading this one single film to native 4K complete with Best Buy exclusive SteelBook packaging. If you’re a collector – this is very tempting but it’s also a bummer none of the other Hitchcock films of the Classics Collection will be getting solo SteelBook releases.
Pre-order Psycho 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Invisible Man Best Buy SteelBook
Where was this SteelBook when the movie first came out on 4K? While I don’t normally like to buy a movie twice just to get collectible packaging, this is a pretty slick piece of work and far more interesting than the common ½ face artwork of the standard release. Damn tempting.
Pre-order The Invisible Man 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
Mamoru Oshii’s classic anime adaptation of the iconic manga series will be given a grand 4K Ultra HD debut from Lionsgate. Fully restored in native 4K, this release will offer Dolby Vision / HDR10 as well as a new Japanese Dolby Atmos audio mix. Choose from the standard release or the snazzy SteelBook from Best Buy – this is a big one for fans.
Pre-order Ghost in the Shell 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-order Ghost in the Shell 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Superman: Man of Tomorrow
Follow a younger more inexperienced superhero as he adjusts to life at the Daily Planet, saving Metropolis, and intergalactic threats in the form of bounty hunter Lobo and the power-hungry alien Parasite. DC animated movies can be hit and miss, but at the very least it should be worth checking out. Once again Best Buy also gets an exclusive figurine set.
Pre-order Superman: Man of Tomorrow 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard release
Pre-order Superman: Man of Tomorrow 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy Exclusive
21 Jump Street / 22 Jump Street
Movie adaptations of classic television shows have a pretty rocky reputation. Somehow 21 Jump Street found a way to make it work – and pull off a funny as hell sequel. Sony is rolling both films onto 4K UHD Blu-ray in separate releases, or if you’re a big fan of both, Best Buy is running an exclusive SteelBook for both films.
Pre-order 21 Jump Street 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order 22 Jump Street 4K UHD Blu-ray
Pre-order 21 / 22 Jump Street 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Home Alone
The now-iconic family holiday favorite about a serial killer in training mercilessly causing physical and psychological torment on two hapless would-be thieves on Christmas Eve is finally getting a 4K UHD Blu-ray release. On top of that Best Buy is also prepping a SteelBook as well – something to get excited for come the holidays!
Pre-order Home Alone 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-order Home Alone 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Hocus Pocus
Just in time for the Halloween holiday season – Disney’s hilarious fan-favorite about three hapless witches is getting a new 4K restoration. After some decent but far from amazing past releases, fans have been eager for a reason to upgrade and this should be a major highlight for parents aiming to entertain their sugar-fueled kids – or enjoy some childhood nostalgia of their own.
Pre-order Hocus Pocus 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-order Hocus Pocus 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Goodfellas Best Buy SteelBook
While not a new release, Martin Scorsese’s seminal gangster classic is getting a snazzy SteelBook rerelease from Best Buy. If you already own this on 4K, the packaging may not be a reason to purchase again – but if you haven’t picked it up yet, this is a pretty slick-looking set.
Pre-order Goodfellas 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Full Metal Jacket
This is my rifle this is my 4K UHD Blu-ray! This is for fighting this is for the best possible home viewing experience! After a successful first outing with The Shining and 2001: A Space Odyssey – Warner Brothers is releasing another Stanley Kubrick classic to 4K Ultra HD. While Eyes Wide Shut has been teased for a while – this amazing Vietnam War film is a welcome addition to the format. Again – Best Buy is offering up their own exclusive SteelBook option for collectors.
Pre-order Full Metal Jacket 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-Order Full Metal Jacket 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Stanley Kubrick 3-Film 4K Collection
If you didn’t already buy The Shining or 2001: A Space Odyssey – this set lets you pick up those two excellent 4K releases alongside Full Metal Jacket. However, one has to assume that Eyes Wide Shut, A Clockwork Orange, and a 4K UHD Bly-ray release of Barry Lyndon aren’t too far off on the horizon so maybe a full Kubrick 4K Collection box set makes more sense?
Pre-order Stanley Kubrick 3-Film 4K Collection
Whiplash
Damien Chazelle’s 2014 drama starring Miles Teller and earned J.K. Simmons a deserved Best Supporting Actor Oscar is getting the A/V upgrade it deserves with an upscaled 4K UHD HDR transfer and Dolby Atmos audio. For the collectors out there – Best Buy is offering up a pretty slick looking SteelBook.
Pre-order Whiplash 4K UHD Blu-ray Standard Release
Pre-order Whiplash 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Evil Dead / Evil Dead 2 Double Feature SteelBook
Getting ready for the Halloween season? If you already bought LionsGate’s excellent 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases of Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell's hilarious horror flicks – you’re not getting anything new here. However – this SteelBook packaging recreates two iconic poster images for both films and conveniently packages both movies in one nice little case.
Pre-order Evil Dead Double Feature 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Halloween (1978) Best Buy SteelBook
Lionsgate continues to help fans get ready for the spooky season with a new SteelBook release of John Carpenter’s slasher classic Halloween. Nothing is inherently new with this set beyond the autumn-themed artwork and it will apparently include a digital code this time. If you already bought the previous release you’re all set – but if you’re a SteelBook collector this one may be hard to pass up at this price point.
Pre-order Halloween 1978 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Mad Max Fury Road Best Buy SteelBook
There have been more than a few releases of Max Max Fury Road in the last few years. While this SteelBook certainly is attractive – but without the Black and Chrome edition or the 3D disc, it’s not exactly a “complete” experience. Still, if you haven’t picked this one up on 4K yet – this is a nice package, especially if you’re a SteelBook collector.
Pre-order Mad Max Fury Road 4K UHD Blu-ray Best Buy SteelBook
Well - that's eveything that's been announced to-date. While something new could come up, with October and November 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray titles already being announced, this appears to be a fully scheduled slate of releases. With all the rumors of various studios pulling back on the format or undergoing worrisome restructuring, it's encouraging to see a month like this just filled to the gills with great content.
Any of these on your pre-order list? How many of you are going to snap them all up? Any favorites you look forward to coming to the format soon? Sound off in the comments below!
Want Sony to release Anaconda on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray? - Now's your chance to let them know
Sony needs your help deciding their next wave of back catalog 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray releases. Just as they did with their Columbia Classics 4k Ultra HD Volume One set, they're requesting fan input for the roster of titles.
Just like last time, they want fans to request a genuine classic title from the 1930s through the 1950s. Some of the featured classics include:
... and many more classics. A number of these already have great Blu-ray releases - several are members of the Criterion Collection - but it'd be nice to see these in native 4K with HDR.
Next on the survey, they want to know what other titles you'd love to see on the format. This section isn't specifically classics-driven and these aren't entirely intended for the next Columbia Classics collection either. These are the fan favorites voting that influenced Sony to bring out The Mask of Zorro to 4K and other big hits. You can pick three titles here. This part of the survey from last year is also where they got the idea for Jerry Maguire coming to 4K so vote with caution, they take these seriously! Hudson Hawk is on the list - just saying...
Some of the featured fan favorites include:
... and many many more great titles - and some that raise an eyebrow but hey, every movie has its fan. After that is a comments section where you can make specific requests about their releases - Dolby Vision/HDR10+, audio format, new bonus features for these releases, SteelBook packaging - OR - you can request titles that weren't on the list - I personally requested 7th Voyage of Sinbad and the rest of Ray Harryhausen's extensive catalog from Columbia. I'd love to see those childhood favorites fully restored in 4K with HDR.
Given all of the news and recent speculation that Disney may or may not release live-action catalog titles on 4K UHD Blu-ray and Warner Bros. restructuring - this is a good thing. It means Sony is happy with the results from the fist Columbia Classics release as well as their other catalog titles we enjoyed from last year. So don't wait to fill that survey out! Let them know you're down to buy your favorites on the best physical media format available.
Welcome to Episode 12 of our weekly home video releases series. It's not a witty week for me so I am getting right on to business. In case you were wondering what I decided for my 4K purchase of Flash Gordon, I opted to cancel my UK order and get the Arrow Video release instead. I did opt for the 'fat pack' offering that includes the extra disc and swag. Another deciding factor was the new, considerably higher shipping rates Amazon UK is charging, currently £14.38 for just about any movie. If you order more than one item it appears to still stay the same cost however. Zavvi has also seemingly done the same thing with Shipping Rates.
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Digital Releases-
For 4K offerings this week, if you have opted to import Flash Gordon, it should ship on Monday. Also shipping on the import release schedule is the 4K restoration of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, also done by StudioCanal.
HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-
Digital:
There is a single digital offering this week, The King of Staten Island. The street date for this movie was just announced, the physical release will be available August 25. All resolutions are selling at the same price, which is boggling, 4K, 2K, SD, same price, say what?
Physical:
Disc offerings this week are aplenty. Here's a run down of some of the highlights...
From Sony, followers of the TV show Blacklist can expect Season Seven this week.
Handful of offerings this week for anime, as there always is. Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card is getting a complete series set this week, instead of a split set that was previously offered. InuYasha Set 2 is coming out this week, Set 1 came out not too long ago.
SteelBook collectors might be insterested in Casper this week at Best Buy. It wasn't a horrible movie, but the only way I am going to buy it again is if it was a 4K release.
Criterion Collection brings us The Complete Films of Agnès Varda - Criterion Collection. Sorry, I'm not familiar with these, but with Criterion doing this release, it's sure to be thorough.
While Kino has got a handful of titles this week, the ones I remember the most from the 80's are Date With an Angel and The Quest, the latter having been in limbo for awhile, but is finally getting released. The trailer for Lucky Grandma is quite amusing, Kino releases this disc this week as well.
Shout Factory is releasing the previously delayed Phantom of the Opera (1962) this week. I'm used to the Robert Englund version, but just like so many other movies that have been remade multiple times, everyone has their favorite version.
Eureka - The Complete Series does appear to finally be coming out this week. I had this on preorder since the early announcement days, but it was delayed a time or two it seems. Mill Creek has been doing a so/so job on their TV releases. A lot of them would never see the light of day on Blu-ray so I'm thankful they're still releasing titles, I think their lacking is with video bit rates.
On the subject of TV shows, Warner Archive is releasing Final Space: The Complete First & Second season this week. Not a TV show, but back to movies, remember when John Travolta played the role of an angel? Michael debuts on Blu-ray this week.
This year's drama/romance The High Note comes out this week from UPHE.
Recent action movie I Am Vengenace: Retaliation comes out this week from LionsGate.
I've come to dig some of the IFC and Shudder films coming to disc lately, this week we see The Wretched coming from the IFC label.
Notable announcements from last week:
Delayed: Pitch Black 4K was coming out next week, according to Amazon it's now September 1st. The Blu-ray is still on schedule, subject to change of course. I'm still waiting for the Flash Gordon delay even though it's due this next week. I did get an email from Amazon indicating an unknown delivery date, which to me translates to a delay. I guess when it gets here, it will get here, and I'm sure I will enjoy it.
Normally I do not make much mention of title reissues, but this is one of those exceptions. Towards then end of 2019 Paramount acquired a large stake in the Miramax company. The fruits of these labors is now coming to bear. Paramount has distribution rights to their home video releases, and come September 22, there are a bunch of reissue releases. This might not seem like a big deal, but a lot of their releases have been out of print for quite some time, the secondary market has been asking for upwards of $80 for some of the titles that are in the September release slate, and Paramount is asking a mere $14.99 MSRP for these titles. The title list includes Bad Santa, Bridget Jones's Diary, The Brothers Grimm, Children of the Corn Series: 4-Movie Collection, Dracula: Double Feature, Extract, Extract / The Switch (Double Feature), The Faculty, Finding Neverland, Jackie Brown, Hellraiser Series: 4-Movie Collection, Kevin Smith: 3-Movie Collection, Shall We Dance?, Sin City, Spy Kids: Triple Feature & The Switch. Do check these out under the release calandar, September 22. Previously both Disney and LionsGate had the rights to release their titles at various points in time.
For 4K announcements, Warner has announced 300 for October 6th, and Sony has announced the Resident Evil collection for November 3rd.
Naruto fans will probably look forward to Naruto Triple Feature - SteelBook Collector's Edition, which includes Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow / Legend of the Stone of Gelel / Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom. This set is also available as a standard release.
RLJ Entertainment continues to announce its release titles, including multiple Shudder Originals, the one non-Shudder title that caught my attention though is The American West: Season 1. I've been waiting for this one actually, I thought it was a well produced show when it debuted. I do not watch much broadcast TV, so the current state of the show as best as I can tell is it is still being produced.
Arrow continues to add more titles to their October slate. The one I most recognize is The Last Starfighter. This could probably be a decent 4K release but it's not so much mainstream, so I would likely be happy with a standard 2K/BD release. Add the Arrow Video treatment, it should be a well produced disc. Still, I'd be open to a 4K disc.
The Last Kingdom: Season Four also has an announced date of October 6th. I thought the cover art for the UK releases were better for this series, I'm just saying!
Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?
Myself, for anime I did not buy the individual CardCaptor releases, so do I want the single release this week or do I want the previous offerings? As a person that likes slip covers, it's a tough choice as the single release does not have one. I have the InuYasha #2 on order, and as I've mentioned, The Wretched is a wishlist/strong maybe.
From entertaining the troops in the Pacific during WWII to a brief cameo in Toy Story 4, Carl Reiner's entertainment legacy spans decades. He was that rare multifaceted entertainer who was just as comfortable in front of the camera as well as behind, be it as a director, writer or producer. When looking back at his career, we find a man who never achieved the level of fame or notoriety as those he felt privileged to have worked with, the sort of celebrityhood we'd expect given the wealth of memorable films and TV sitcoms he has left behind. But neither did he seek the stardom nor publicity. Mr. Reiner truly was that unique, genuine talent who simply wanted to share his gift and make people laugh.
For many contemporary audiences, Carl Reiner is not a well-known name or hardly rises to the level of acclaim as Mel Brooks, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, George Clooney, Bette Midler and so many others fortunate enough to have known the legendary comedian personally. Nevertheless, his impact on comedy and the entertainment industry is immeasurable and can be felt everywhere. As an actor, he usually played supporting roles, but his performances always stood out and his presence always brightened every scene. Mr. Reiner is a true legend and he will be dearly missed, and so, we celebrate his legacy by revisiting some of our personal favorites from his oeuvre.
After coming to prominence working on Sid Caesar's variety shows Your Show of Shows and Ceasar's Hour, Carl Reiner began working on a sitcom loosely based on his experiences as a writer for those aforementioned shows while trying to raise a family. Originally titled Head of the Family with Reiner as the star, Reiner reworked his pilot script with Dick Van Dyke in the lead and co-starring Mary Tyler Moore. With Reiner playing Alan Brady, the host of a variety show and Van Dyke's boss, the sitcom was a smash hit for CBS and is today considered a TV classic that still delivers the laughs and heartwarming smiles.
After the show ended in 1966, Reiner tried his hand at film directing, but Hollywood success didn't come as easily with one box-office fail after another. Of his first three directorial efforts, Where's Poppa? has actually garnered a well-respected cult following, and it's for good reason. It features an absolutely delightful and hilariously memorable performance by Ruth Gordon as the most embarrassing mother ever. More importantly, Reiner demonstrated a talent for telling a witty tale with an unobtrusive camera and excellent timing, trusting his cast to sell the silly premise of a son struggling with a moral quandary.
A few years later, Reiner went on to co-write and direct Steve Martin to box-office success and A-list stardom in the cult comedy favorite about a naïve dolt on a personal, self-discovery journey. Admittedly, the movie is rather stupid, and for some contemporary viewers, it may be a challenge to see the humor or fuss. But the moronic absurdity is precisely what makes it hilarious because the daffy nonsense is surprisingly clever and Steve Martin sells it with deadpan seriousness. The premise of a white man too dense to realize he was adopted by a black family is more than enough to see this beloved comedy immediately.
A few years later, Reiner and Martin reunited for another absurd comedy about another hapless oaf drifts through a world he doesn't belong. Only this time, the two comedians go further into complete absurdity by inserting Martin into vintage 1940s noir films. As a private eye hired to investigate the murder of noted scientist, Martin's hysterical performance flawlessly interacting with a laundry list of legendary actors of classic film noir is the movie's most memorable comedic achievement. It's a bizarre, quirky parody, but as the saying goes ("Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."), this beloved cult comedy has to be the most lovingly heartfelt homage to the bygone-popularity of the pulp detective genre.
Another Reiner-Martin team-up introduced audiences to a Martin at his most weird, wacky and absolutely bonkers, playing a renowned neurosurgeon who created a brain transplant procedure he called "cranial screw-top." How could any movie-lover possibly go wrong in a strangely ludicrous romantic tale of a well-intentioned doctor who literally falls in love with a brain in a vat named Anne (voiced by Sissy Spacek), which was placed there by a mad scientist played by David Warner. All the while, he's fighting for his life from his scheming, murderous wife Dolores (Kathleen Turner). The movie demands to be watched for the tagline alone: "HEALTH WARNING: Watching This Movie May Cause Severe Brain Damage!"
Ten years after not letting Steve Martin wear plaid, Carl Reiner returned to lampooning the film noir genre in this ridiculously dumb but much too fun to watch comedy. With Armand Assante as a lawyer who moonlights as a police detective, which means he also defends the same criminals he arrests, the jokes practically write themselves. But if we're going to be honest, the movie is pretty bad, and I would never argue it's an underrated gem. Still, it has its moments and comes with enough chuckles for a lazy Sunday afternoon watch. Besides, seeing Sean Young and Sherilyn Fenn intentionally overacting is worth the price alone.
At the height of the Cold War, Norman Jewison directed Reiner in this cult black comedy classic about a Russian submarine accidentally grounding off the coast of a small New England island. Reiner is terrific as Walt Whittaker, a loving father and husband to Eva Marie Saint, and he plays opposite a hysterically wonderful Alan Arkin in his feature-film debut. Looking back at the film, it was rather bold of Jewison and crew to make light of a very serious and terrifying fear many Americans were experiencing at the time, and some of the political sentiments underlining the plot and characters are also somewhat prophetic.
There is absolutely no way of talking about Carl Reiner without also mentioning Steven Soderbergh's Ocean's movies. It's near sacrilege not to point out his stupendously memorable performance as the always-scene-stealing con man Saul Bloom. It may be a supporting role and arguably, a bit part amongst a large ensemble cast with a majority of the attention favoring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon. But Reiner, nonetheless, stands out, which speaks volumes of his comedic talent. His Saul is proof "There are no small parts, only small actors," and in Ocean's, Reiner is a huge star.
Here are other memorable Carl Reiner features deserving of HD releases:
Celebrating 25 years - this iconic anime feature film is getting a brand new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release. With Dolby Vision HDR and Japanese Dolby Atmos audio, this looks to be an exciting September! I was digging the standard cover art but that Best Buy Steelbook with slip looks pretty slick. I was already torn with this release since I already have the Mondo Exclusive SteelBook - but I don't think I can pass up the dip into 4K. The movie is just too damn good and I have great memories devouring the original Shirow Masamune manga before going to my local arthouse theater to see the movie and being completely blown away by it and then endlessly playing the Playstation game for hours when I probably should have been doing homework.
Preorders are now live - and the price point for both is right on - no need to break the bank!
Standard 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Release
Check out the full press release from Lionsgate below.
It found a voice… now it needs a body.
One of Anime’s Most Beloved Films Is Reborn on 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack and Digital 4K Ultra HD September 8th from Lionsgate®
4K Ultra HD to Include Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®
SANTA MONICA, CA (July 29, 2020) – Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of one of the most critically acclaimed anime films of all time when Ghost in the Shell arrives on 4K Ultra HD™ Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray™ and Digital 4K Ultra HD) and Digital 4K Ultra HD on September 8th from Lionsgate. Based on the beloved manga from Japanese writer and illustrator Shirow Masamune, the film’s voice cast includes Atsuko Tanaka (Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, TV’s “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex”, “Ghost in the Shell 2.0”), Akio Ôtsuka (Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, Paprika, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots), and Kôichi Yamadera (Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, Ninja Scroll). Remastered in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, and featuring fan-favorite commemorative artwork from pop illustrator Martin Ansin – along with brand new bonus material – this will be the most definitive Ghost in the Shell package to date.
2029: A female cybernetic government agent, Major Motoko Kusanagi, and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are hot on the trail of “The Puppet Master,” a mysterious and threatening computer virus capable of infiltrating human hosts. Together with her fellow agents from Section 9, Kusanagi embarks on a high-tech race against time to capture the omnipresent entity. Director Mamoru Oshii’s award-winning cyber-tech thriller, based on the comic book by Shirow Masamune, is lauded as one of the leading Japanese animation films of all time.
The Ghost in the Shell special features include an audio commentary as well as two brand new bonus featurettes: “Accessing Section 9: 25 Years into the Future” and “Landscapes & Dreamscapes – The Art and Architecture of Ghost in the Shell.” Experience four times the resolution of full HD with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, which includes Dolby Vision, bringing entertainment to life through ultra-vivid picture quality. When compared to a standard picture, Dolby Vision can deliver spectacular colors never before seen on a screen, highlights that are up to 40 times brighter, and blacks that are 10 times darker. Additionally, the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack features Dolby Atmos, which will transport viewers from an ordinary moment into an extraordinary experience with moving audio that flows all around them. Fans will feel like they’re inside the action as the sounds of people, places, things, and music come alive with breathtaking realism and move throughout the space.
The Ghost in the Shell 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack will be available for the suggested retail price of $22.99.
4K / BLU-RAY / DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES
· Full-length audio commentary of Ghost in the Shell with Mary Claypool (Animation Writer and English Language Scriptwriter), Eric Calderon (Animation Producer and Writer), Richard Epcar (Voice of “Batou”), and Charles Solomon (Animation Historian and Critic)
· “Accessing Section 9: 25 Years into the Future” Featurette
· “Landscapes & Dreamscapes: The Art and Architecture of Ghost in the Shell” Featurette
ADDITIONAL ARCHIVAL BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
· Production Report & Digital Works Featuretes
· Theatrical Trailer
Year of Production: 1995
Title Copyright: Ghost in the Shell © 1995 Masamune Shirow / Kodansha Ltd. / Bandai Visual Co. Ltd. / Manga Entertainment Ltd. Artwork & Supplementary Materials © 2020 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Type: Theatrical Release
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Anime, Action, Crime, Thriller
Closed-Captioned: N/A
Subtitles: English, Spanish, English SDH
Feature Run Time: 83 Minutes
4K Ultra HD™ Format: Dolby Vision, 2160p Ultra High Definition 16x9 (1.85:1) Presentation
Blu-ray Format: 1080p High Definition 16x9 (1.85:1) Presentation
4K Audio Status: Japanese 2.0 LPCM Audio, Japanese Dolby Atmos, English Dolby Atmos, English Descriptive Audio
Blu-ray Audio Status: Japanese 2.0 PCM Audio, English 5.1 DTS-HD Master AudioTM
It was only a matter of time...
The Back to the Future: Ultimate Trilogy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray set will smash fans' wallets on October 20th, 2020 in a 7 disc set - 3 4K UHD discs, 3 Blu-ray discs, plus an additional Blu-ray bonus disc! Per the specs supplied from Universal Pictures, each film will enjoy HDR10 / Dolby Vision / HDR10+ grading along with Dolby Atmos audio tracks! Tons of bonus features are included in the set. There are also going to be some retailer exclusives from Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. This new set will also be available on Blu-ray - but considering how many times this has been issued in 1080p, more folks will be interested in the 4K sets. Pre-orders are now live for the standard release, the Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook - The Amazon Exclusive Giftset with a floating hoverboard is pending but the listing is live now.
Back to the Future: Ultimate Trilogy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Amazon Exclusive Back to the Future: Ultimate Trilogy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook Back to the Future: Ultimate Trilogy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Check out the full press release below for all the details!
Universal City, California, July 27, 2020 – Great Scott! In 1985, Director Robert Zemeckis, Executive Producer Steven Spielberg and Producer/Screenwriter Bob Gale embarked on a three-part journey through time that broke box-office records worldwide and catapulted BACK TO THE FUTURE into one of the most beloved trilogies in motion picture history. Universal Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the groundbreaking first film with BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE ULTIMATE TRILOGY available on 4K Ultra HD for the first time ever on October 20, 2020 - just in time to celebrate “Back to the Future Day” on October 21! This collection is loaded with bonus material including a bonus disc that comes with over an hour of brand-new content such as rare audition footage from Hollywood stars Ben Stiller, Kyra Sedgwick, Jon Cryer, Billy Zane, Peter DeLuise and C. Thomas Howell, a tour of the film’s props and memorabilia hosted by co-writer/producer Bob Gale, a sneak peek at the new musical show, and a special episode of the popular YouTube Series “Could You Survive The Movies?” Join Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and a time traveling DeLorean for the adventure of a lifetime as they travel to the past, present and future, setting off a time-shattering chain reaction that disrupts the space-time continuum!
BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE ULTIMATE TRILOGY will include all three movies in collectible discbook packaging plus a bonus disc including all-new bonus content. For the first time, the past, present and future collide in eye-popping Ultra HD resolution for a time-traveling celebration. New 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray™ deliver the highest quality picture, more colors than ever before, and immersive, multi-dimensional sound. From filmmakers Steven Spielberg, Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, this unforgettable 35th anniversary collection features hours of bonus features and is an unrivaled trilogy that stands the test of time making this a must-own for everyone’s movie library. All three BACK TO THE FUTURE films will also be available on 4K Ultra HD digitally for the first time ever and BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE COMPLETE TRILOGY will also be available on DVD.
Three premium collections will be available at select retailers for a limited time only:
BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE ULTIMATE TRILOGY will be available on 4K Ultra HD combo pack, which includes 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™, & Digital Code and on Blu-ray™ which includes the Blu-ray™ & Digital Code.
BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE ULTIMATE TRILOGY bonus DISC FEATURES ON BLU-RAY™:
BACK TO THE FUTURE bonus FEATURES ON 4K Ultra Hd & BLU-RAY™:
*Only on the Blu-ray™ disc
BACK TO THE FUTURE II bonus FEATURES ON 4K Ultra Hd & BLU-RAY™:
*Only on the Blu-ray™ disc
BACK TO THE FUTURE III bonus FEATURES ON 4K Ultra Hd & BLU-RAY™:
TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4K ULTRA HD:
Street Date: October 20, 2020
Selection Number: 61212628 (US) / 61212662 (CDN)
Layers: BD-100
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 1.85:1 Widescreen
Rating: PG
Subtitles: English, French Canadian, Latin American Spanish
Video: 2160p UHD Dolby Vision/HDR10+/HDR 10
Sound: English Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital 2.0 ; French European DTS Digital Surround 5.1 ; Latin American Spanish DTS Digital Surround 5.1
Run Time:
Back to the Future – 01:55:57
Back to the Future II – 01:47:55
Back to the Future III – 01:58:14
The year is nearly half over. For some of us, where has the time gone, while others might say, when is this year going to end. I guess I see the year both ways, depending on the topic du jour. In the United States, Independence Day weekend is approaching, tourist season would normally be in full swing, and campgrounds would be at capacity. Welcome to Episode 6 of our Home Video releases calendar feature article. As far as video releases this week, it is similar to last week in that there are not major titles being released this week, but there are enough different ones that everyone should find something that interests them.
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray/Digital Releases-
There are no 4K disc releases slated for this week.
There are no 4K digital releases slated for this week.
HD Blu-ray/Digital releases-
Where we lack in 4K releases, this week brings us more title choices than last week.
What's Mel Gibson up to these days? He has a role in the 2020 movie Force of Nature, and LionsGate is bringing it to you. Next from LionsGate, Four Kids and It. When I was trying to figure out what this movie was about, it turns out there are many movies with "it." It's a family movie with a furry creature, not a horror, I know you were thinking of Pennywise for a monent. Michael Caine and Russell Brand are listed 3rd and 4th on the cover artm I think you've heard of them.
Warner Archive has a couple of titles this week. First though, it looks like a last minute switcheroo happened with Cannery Row. It was slated to release on June 30th, but was quietly released on June 9th.
Severin Films is releasing The Complete Lenzi/Baker Giallo Collection this week after a delay. I am not familiar with this set, but I have been pleased with the Severin titles that interest me that I have purchased in the past. Fans waiting for this collection should snatch it up.
Fans of Django should rejoice that the Django + Texas Adios set is finally coming this week from Arrow. This one was tied up for quite some time in legal limbo. This one is being offered in a loaded 2-disc Limited Edition, as well as an identical release, but in a SteelBook.
The musical Hair (1979) is getting the Olive Signature treatment. Releases from Olive have been rather scarce lately, it is good to see they're still releasing discs.
Miss Fisher fans can now buy the movie Crypt of Tears this week from Acorn Media.
Kino Lorber has about a half dozen releases this week, I've selected two. Check out the release calendar for the full listing. First, Ten Little Indians, based on an Agatha Christie novel. I remember this one when it was a new movie, and I was entertained by it enough to merit a mention today. Jim Belushi fans should also be happy to see Wild Palms being released this week as well. It is a TV mini-series from my early life and is, in my opinion, underrated on IMDB.
For anime fans, there's most always a release every week worth looking at. Sentai Filmworks is releasing After the Rain: Complete Collection. Titles like this are worth mentioning as many of their releases do not feature an English dub. I myself have trouble appreciating what's going on on the screen if I am focused on reading subtitles. Famous for their Premium Box sets that increase in valud over time, cannot say for sure if this one will, but Run With the Wind: Complete Series is being offered as one this week.
Discotek often times releases all their offerings in a single week. This week we see Astroganger: The Complete Series which is an SD on BD offering. When shows are not available in HD, I am still most appreciative that they are offering it on Blu-ray. Imagine entire seasons of TV shows on one single disc, with better picture clarity than if it were released as a DVD set instead. Part 2 of City Hunter: Season 1 arrives this week too. Next from Discotek, Crusher Joe: The Movie. The next Lupin the 3rd movie, titled Goodbye Partner is also coming this week. Ninja Scroll: The Series closes out the titles for the month from Discotek.
FUNimation is offering Black Clover: Season 2 Part 5 as a regular offering, as well as a set that includes an art book. Also this week, Midnight Occult Civil Servants: The Complete Series as well as several of the usual 'Essentials' releases.
A final note, the Laurel & Hardy: Definitive Restorations was delayed 2 weeks, from the 16th. You should be able to purchase that this week.
For digital releases, Warner Bros. has quietly pushed out Scoob! this week. Oddly enough though, the 4K digital is reading as "not available in your area." Where do they think my area is anyway?
Notable announcements from last week:
Warner Bros has announced Young Sheldon: The Complete Third Season via the Warner Archive. While not like going to find this on the cheap side, on a positive note, at least they're still releasing TV programs on physical media. Warner Bros also has a street date for the physical releases of Scoob! Available as a 4K Combo Pack and a Blu-ray Combo Pack on July 21.
Samuel Goldwyn Films has announced a release of Mel Gibson's Apocalypto, which means you no longer have to pay an ebay scalper $60 for this film. The previous release was over 13 years ago.
FUNimation has announced their September titles. Along with the usual glut of Essentials Releases, highlights of the regular releases are: Fire Force: Season One Part Two which is available as a standard edition and a limited edition release, Fairy gone: Seaone One Part Two, Arifureta: From Commonplace to Worlds Strongest: Season 1 available as a standard release and a limited edition, A Certain Scientific Accelerator: The Complete Series and lastly, Africa Salaryman: The Complete Series.
Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?
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#ReleaseTheSnyderCut Wins the Day for an Unspecified 2021 Release Date
Given all of the free publicity Zach Snyder has been giving Warner Broths with hinted tidbits about his original cut of Justice League - it was only a matter of time before WB made it official. With Warner Brothers launching their HBO MAX streaming service - they need something to build the hype and this will certainly get some DC fans' mouths watering!
Even I have to admit after the Bizarr-O world hodgepodge that was the Snyder/Whedon cut we got in theaters - I'm hopeful and optimistic that this will be something more than lipstick on a pig. I hope to see something of Richard Donner's Superman 2 level of improvement - but we'll see in about a year. Until then - more speculation and rumor with cryptic reveals from Snyder! Yay!
Below is the full press release from Warner Brothers.
LOS ANGELES – May 20, 2020 – After global passionate fan calls to action and the #ReleaseTheSnyderCut movement, HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that it will exclusively world premiere Zack Snyder’s director’s cut of the Warner Bros. Pictures/DC feature film Justice League in 2021. Snyder surprised fans with the news this morning during a live online commentary of his film Man of Steel with Henry Cavill.
#ReleaseTheSnyderCut first became a passionate rallying social media cry among fans in 2017 and has not let up. From countless press articles and hundreds of thousands of social media mentions, it became a powerful global movement among cinephiles and comic book fans.
“I want to thank HBO Max and Warner Brothers for this brave gesture of supporting artists and allowing their true visions to be realized. Also a special thank you to all of those involved in the SnyderCut movement for making this a reality,” said Snyder.
“Since I got here 14 months ago, the chant to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut has been a daily drumbeat in our offices and inboxes. Well, the fans have asked, and we are thrilled to finally deliver. At the end of the day, it really is all about them and we are beyond excited to be able to release Zack’s ultimate vision for this film in 2021. This could never have happened if it weren’t for the hard work and combined efforts of the teams at HBO Max and Warner Bros. Pictures,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, Warner Media Entertainment and Direct-To-Consumer.
“When Zack and Debbie shared the extraordinary vision of where Zack wanted to take Justice League, my team and our counterparts at Warner Bros. took it as a mission to solve the many issues that stood in the way,” said Kevin Reilly, Chief Content Officer at HBO Max, President, TNT, TBS and truTV. “Thanks to the partnership at Warner Bros. and the relentless pursuit of the entire WarnerMax team we are able to deliver this incredibly exciting moment for Zack, the fans and HBO Max.”
“Thanks to the efforts of a lot people, we’re excited to bring fans this highly anticipated version of Justice League,” said Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “This feels like the right time to share Zack’s story, and HBO Max is the perfect platform for it. We’re glad the creative planets aligned, allowing us to #ReleaseTheSnyderCut.”
In Justice League, fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat. But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.
The Justice League screenplay is by Chris Terrio, story by Chris Terrio & Zack Snyder, based on characters from DC, Superman created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film’s producers are Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, with executive producers Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas, Jim Rowe, Ben Affleck, Wesley Coller, Curtis Kanemoto, and Chris Terrio.
Hey there movie fans – Universal Studios and High-Def Digest are teaming up to give away ONE 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray of Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen!
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, Michelle Dockery, and Hugh Grant – among many others, The Gentlemen is a nice return to Guy Ritchie’s Crime/Comedy roots featuring an all-star cast of colorful characters who happen to be the worst career criminals of the underworld.
Since this movie is a Crime/Comedy – let’s keep things lighthearted. There’s enough bad news in the world today so let's have some FUN. Here’s how you enter:
1. Like and Follow High-Def Digest on Facebook
Since the disc will be coming direct from the distributor, only U.S. residents are eligible and can not be sent to a P.O. box.
Thanks and have fun!
“This was great opportunity for me to get The Room right,” says Writer, Producer, Director, Star Tommy Wiseau. “When I first made The Room, I was doing something no one else done before – shooting a film on film and digital at same time. Now with new 4K technology I see I didn’t need to shoot film at all. This new improved The Room will be only the digital. No film. Film look old. The Room is a beautiful film, so it should look that way with the digital. It create more real experience with Dolby Vision.” "I honestly can't believe this is happening," says Greg Sestero.
Pre-order The Room 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
The Room 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray will be available August 11th 2020 - preorders are not yet live.
*Obviously this is an April Fools gag – We love you Tommy! We’d love to see this come out in 4K!
With a street date of May 19th, Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment is releasing multiple Tom Cruise blockbusters on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray.
No doubt timing these releases with the upcoming Top Gun: Maverick movie, the lineup includes several milestones as well.
Final Specs are trickling in, but it looks like a couple of these discs will feature Dolby Atmos sound and Dolby Vision HDR. It is unknown at this time if the Blu-ray offering of Top Gun, as well as the combo packs will contain new Blu-ray transfers.
Click on the "Discs Mentioned" section below for product info pages and purchase links. Current slate of titles are as follows:
Top Gun - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Top Gun - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (SteelBook)
Top Gun - Blu-ray
Days of Thunder - (30th Anniversary Edition) 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
War of the Worlds - (15th Anniversary Edition) 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
"E's kicked the bucket, 'e's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisible!! THIS IS AN EX-FORUMS!!"
Due to a slew of factors - namely costs to make the forums compliant with new privacy regulations on top of dwindling activity - the High-Def Digest forums are no more. While we hate to see them go, this enables our little website to maintain a measure of profitability so we can pay our writers and website admin team whilst providing you fine folks with new disc reviews, news updates (as best we can), and the occasional funny bit of fan reflection. Currently, the "Forums" button is in our navigation headers and footers but that too will soon be disappearing.
What to do if you want to commentate? There's the good news. Each disc review and news post has a Disqus comment section where you're able to freely comment (so long as it's civil) and share your opinion about said film. Truthfully the HDD Forums accounted for a very small fraction of our daily traffic activity while we saw an impressive amount of activity in the Disqus section.
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Thanks again for being awesome readers and great online friends, Best -
The High-Def Digest Team
