1981 animated film Heavy Metal comes to 4K in April

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The 1981 cult-classic animated film Heavy Metal is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on April 19th via Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in a “Limited Edition 2-Film Collection” SteelBook.  This will also include the Blu-ray Disc debut of “Heavy Metal 2000” (2000) in 1080p HD.  The 1981 film, directed by Gerald Potterton, along with John Bruno, and John Halas, featured the voice talents of John Candy, Harold Ramis, Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, and Richard Romanus.

This new 4K version of the 1981 film was reviewed, approved, and supervised by producer Ivan Reitman.  Tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision and HDR10 forms of high dynamic range and a new 2022 Dolby Atmos sound mix, along with lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround and 2.0 Stereo sound mixes.  There will also be a Blu-ray of the 1981 film included in this “combo pack” with 1080p HD video in 1.85:1 and lossless 5.1 surround sound.

As mentioned, this will also include the Blu-ray Disc debut of the film “Heavy Metal 2000” which has been “newly remastered.” It will be presented in 1080p HD video in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio and a lossless 5.1 surround sound mix.  A digital code (copy) of each film will be included with this set.

You can now find the 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray 2-Film Collection SteelBook available for preorder over at Amazon and at retailer Best Buy.  Bonus materials and details about the release are found below, after the break.

 

 

PRESS RELEASE:

 

THE ANIMATED SCI-FI CLASSIC LIKE YOU’VE NEVER SEEN OR HEARD IT BEFORE

AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME ON 4K ULTRA HD™
APRIL 19TH

 

FEATURING AN ALL-NEW SOUNDSCAPE, SUPERVISED BY PRODUCER IVAN REITMAN

 

HEAVY METAL SYNOPSIS

Based on the fantastical illustrated magazine HEAVY METAL, producer Ivan Reitman enlists the help of some of Hollywood’s animation masters to create the otherworldly tale of a glowing green orb from outer space that spreads destruction throughout the galaxy. Only when encountered by its one true enemy, to whom it is inexplicably drawn, will goodness prevail throughout the universe. Richly and lavishly drawn, the vignettes of the orb’s dark victories include the character voices of John Candy, Harold Ramis and a pounding soundtrack by Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Devo, Donald Fagen, Don Felder, Grand Funk Railroad, Sammy Hagar, Journey, Nazareth, Stevie Nicks, Riggs, and Trust. Highly imaginative and full of surprising special effects, HEAVY METAL set the standard for alternative contemporary animation. An intoxicating experience not to be missed!

 

 

DISC DETAILS & BONUS MATERIALS

Presented within a limited edition SteelBook, including HEAVY METAL on 4K Ultra HD disc and Blu-ray, plus the exclusive Blu-ray debut of HEAVY METAL 2000

 

 

HEAVY METAL 4K ULTRA HD DISC

  • Feature presented in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, reviewed and approved by Ivan Reitman
  • New 2022 Dolby Atmos soundtrack – a brand-new immersive experience utilizing enhanced sound effects and much more, supervised by producer Ivan Reitman!
  • Also includes the 2022 mix in 5.1, and the original 1981 theatrical Dolby Stereo audio
  • Special Feature:
    • NEW: Heavy Metal: A Look Back – an all-new retrospective featuring re­flections from producer Ivan Reitman, famous fans Kevin Smith, Norman Reedus, and more!

HEAVY METAL BLU-RAY DISC™

  • Feature presented in High Definition with 5.1 audio
  • Special Features:
    • Original Feature-Length Rough Cut with Optional Commentary by Carl Macek
    • Imagining Heavy Metal Documentary
    • Deleted Scene
    • Alternate Framing Story with Commentary

HEAVY METAL 2000 BLU-RAY DISC™

  • Feature presented in High Definition (newly remastered), with 5.1 audio
  • Special Features:
    • Julie Strain: Super Goddess
    • Voice Talent
    • Animation Tests
    • Animatic Comparisons

 

HEAVY METAL CREDITS

Directed By: Gerald Potterton
Produced by: Ivan Reitman
Screenplay by: Dan Goldberg & Len Blum
Based on Original Art and Stories by: Richard Corben, Angus McKie, Dan O’Bannon, Thomas Warkentin and Bernie Wrightson
Executive Producers: Leonard Mogel

HEAVY METAL SPECS

Run Time: Approx. 90 minutes
Rating: R
4K UHD Feature Picture: 2160p Ultra High Definition, 1.85:1
4K UHD Feature Audio: English Dolby Atmos (Dolby TrueHD 7.1 Compatible) | English 5.1 DTS-HD MA | English Stereo Surround DTS-HD MA