Posted Mon Jun 18, 2007 at 08:55 AM PDT by
Following weeks of rumors, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has finally confirmed the planned release of a remastered version of'The Fifth Element' for Blu-ray, as well as a "Replacement Exchange Program" for consumers unhappy with the original release.
Sony first released 'The Fifth Element' on Blu-ray back in June 2006, as part of an inaugural wave of disc releases timed to coincide with the launch of Blu-ray hardware.
Joined in that opening slate by a number of films, including 'xXx,' 'Hitch' and '50 First Dates,' 'The Fifth Element' received exceptionally poor reviews for both image quality and its almost complete lack of bonus features, which many (including High-Def Digest's own Peter Bracke) felt were not up to snuff for a premiere high-def release.
Now, in an extremely rare move, Sony will not only be re-issuing 'the Fifth Element' on Blu-ray in a newly remastered version due in stores on July 17, but also offering a "Replacement Exchange Program" for owners of the original version who may be unhappy with their purchase.
Sony is currently accepting preliminary consumer information for the exchange program, and will contact interested parties closer to the release of the remastered version on exact instructions on how to exchange their discs. Simply contact the company via the email address or phone number listed below, and provide your name, mailing address, and phone number.
Phone: (800) 860-2878
Email: [email protected]
The new version of 'The Fifth Element' will be presented in upgraded 1080p video (no codec yet available), along with uncompressed PCM and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround tracks. Supplemental features will remain identical to the original, now-discontinued release.
For those wishing to purchase the new version of 'The Fifth Element' at retail when it hits stores on July 17, list price will be consistent with the previous, with Sony offering the remastered 'Fifth Element' at an MSRP of $28.95.
We've added a new listing for the remastered 'Fifth Element' to our Blu-ray Release Schedule, under July 17. We also plan to deliver a full review of the upgraded disc in the coming weeks. Watch this space!
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.