The TV series “The Expanse: Season Four“ is coming to Blu-ray Disc on December 15th, via Universal, according to Amazon. The TV series, created by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, stars Steven Strait, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Frankie Adams, and Wes Chatham. The tech specs for the Blu-ray release include a 1080p HD presentation in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound, on a 3-disc set (all using BD-50 discs). You can now find the title on Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon.
The bonus materials set to be included on the set are listed below.
Well, it’s official, if you haven’t already heard by now that Peter Jackson‘s “The Hobbit: The Motion Picture Trilogy“ on 4K UHD Blu-ray is coming on December 1st. The three films here include “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” (2012), “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (2013), and “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” (2014). The motion pictures featured a cast of Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, Stephen Hunter, Dean O’Gorman, James Nesbitt, and John Callen.
Just like“The Lord of the Rings“ films, these films have all received new 4K remasters that were “overseen by [the director] Peter Jackson” himself. Again, as with The Lord of the Rings films, you will get both the Theatrical and Extendedversions of the films included here, each on their own discs here for these films. That means you’ll see it be a 6-disc set that features a 4K UHD Blu-ray disc for each version of the film. That means no Blu-ray counterparts included, and in turn no bonus materials that I’ve been told of. Warner provided me the PRESS RELEASE to the announcement of these films officially coming out earlier today, and it has zero mention of extras coming (this year) for the release. First though, here’s a glimpse at the contents of this set below.So, I’ll get to the point here. There is actually a release planned for 2021 called the 6-Film “Middle-Earth”(Ultimate Collector’s Edition) on 4K UHD Blu-ray. That release will feature both trilogies in 4K, with both versions of each film, and the Blu-ray counterparts (remastered) and containing the previously released bonus materials — as well as some new exclusive extras. But, don’t get confused here. That’s for a future 2021 release on 4K of the two trilogies bundled together. Let me take some quotes regarding that from the press release to hopefully clarify that fully.
“In addition, it was also announced that a 4K UHD “Middle-earth” Ultimate Collectors’ Edition featuring the theatrical and extended versions of all six films, along with new bonus content, previously released Blu-ray discs of The Hobbit Trilogy, and remastered Blu-ray discs of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy will be released in the summer of 2021. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy featuring remastered Blu-ray discs of the theatrical and extended versions of the 3 films will also be released in the fourth quarter 2021, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.”
So, again, as I said before, take a deep breath. Here’s even more on that, via the announcement headline.
“Six-film “Middle-earth” Ultimate Collectors’ Edition with new Bonus Content to be released in 4K UHD in Summer 2021
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Remastered Blu-ray™ to be released in 4K UHD in fourth Quarter 2021 to celebrate 20th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
So, that’s a thing. There’s an upcoming bundle with extras if you want that, but if you already own the previous Blu-ray versions of these films with extras (bonus materials) then the only thing you’ll be missing out on will be the new extras and perhaps the digital copy? Speaking of which, this release will come with a digital code (copy) of each film in the trilogy and I will assume also both versions of each film.
For this upcoming 2020 release, the tech specs include a 2160p presentation in HDR10 and Dolby Vision forms of high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos sound. You can find a bit of info regarding (confirming) this and details about Peter Jackson’s involvement with these upcoming releases below, taken from the press release.
“The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs of The Hobbit Trilogy and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy will feature Dolby VisionTM HDR that dramatically expands the color palette and contrast range and uses dynamic metadata to automatically optimize the picture for every screen, frame by frame. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs of The Hobbit Trilogy and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy will also feature a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead.”
Now, you can find the 4K UHD Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon [commissions earned] and at retailer Best Buy. It’s totally worth noting that there will also be an exclusive4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook release available of the trilogy only over at retailer Best Buy (pictured below), which is now up for preorder.
Finally, further below, after the break, you can find the full announcement regarding this trilogy and The Lord of the Rings trilogy both coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray.
The 2020 film “The New Mutants” is coming to both 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Disc on November 17th, via Fox, according to an early retailer alert. The film, directed & co-written by Josh Boone, stars Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga, Blu Hunt, and Henry Zaga. The tech specs for the 4K and Blu-ray have not yet been detailed, but stay tuned for an update on that. It is known that the 4K UHD Blu-ray release will come in the form of a “combo pack” meaning that it will include the Blu-ray Disc counterpart and a digital code (copy) of the film. The Blu-ray will just include a digital code (copy) of the film. There’s no word yet on bonus materials set to be included on the release(s). Also, there’s no preorder listings yet for either the 4K or Blu-ray versions over at Amazon yet — but stay tuned. In the meantime, however, you can already find the film on 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray available for preorder over at retailer Best Buy. They also will be getting an exclusive4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook (pictured below), also available for preorder now.
“The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy“ is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on December 1st via Warner. Specifically, the trilogy is coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray in the form of a standard release on the format, a 4K UHD Blu-ray Giftset (pictured below), plus as a 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook exclusive to retailer Best Buy (also pictured, further below). The box set will include the films “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings” (2001), “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (2002), and “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003) — all directed by Peter Jackson. The three films starred Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen, Sala Baker, Sean Bean, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Billy Boyd, John Bach, Brad Dourif, Marton Csokas, and Bernard Hill.
UPDATE #7: Alright. I have now received the official announcementdirectly from my contact at the studio (Warner) and I have the PRESS RELEASE which you will find at the very, very bottom of this already lengthy post. I’ll try to be condensing this and putting as much based on the final word of this announcement in the coming hours. So, without further ado! Alright, the tech specs for both trilogies (The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit) will both include 4K presentations in the HDR10 and Dolby Vision forms of high dynamic range, along with Dolby Atmos sound. In fact, here’s a short bit (from the press release) regarding that.
“The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs of The Hobbit Trilogy and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy will feature Dolby VisionTM HDR that dramatically expands the color palette and contrast range and uses dynamic metadata to automatically optimize the picture for every screen, frame by frame. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray discs of The Hobbit Trilogy and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy will also feature a Dolby Atmos® soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead.”
Next! The films as I can tell, from the hi-res images that Warner has provided me, will be like this in terms of the 4K UHD Blu-ray Discs included. And, yes, ONLY 4K discs will be included in these sets with no Blu-ray counterparts. The Lord of the Rings films will get 3 discs for each film in its trilogy, consisting of the first disc for each being the Theatrical version and the second & third discs being used for the Extended Cut split into two parts. Then, for The Hobbit films, it will be 2 discs for each film in that trilogy. It will consist of the first disc (for each) being used for that film’s Theatrical version and the second disc (for each) will be used for the Extended version (of that film). I know that’s a bit much to all take in at once. But, prepare for more.
Okay, so, it’s become apparent that there will not be any bonus materials included on these releases, likely because they didn’t have the Blu-ray counterparts for a purpose. That’s because they [Warner] actually plan to do a 2021 release of these films bundled together in what is being called the Six-film “Middle-Earth (Ultimate Collector’s Edition)” 4K UHD Blu-ray set. It will contain some specially created new extras and the original Blu-ray bonus materials on newly pressed remastered versions of the film included. The info regarding this can be found quoted below (from the press release).
“In addition, it was also announced that a 4K UHD “Middle-earth” Ultimate Collectors’ Edition featuring the theatrical and extended versions of all six films, along with new bonus content, previously released Blu-ray discs of The Hobbit Trilogy, and remastered Blu-ray discs of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy will be released in the summer of 2021. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy featuring remastered Blu-ray discs of the theatrical and extended versions of the 3 films will also be released in the fourth quarter 2021, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.”
Deep breath. Now more on that, via the press release headline.
“Six-film “Middle-earth” Ultimate Collectors’ Edition with new Bonus Content to be released in 4K UHD in Summer 2021
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Remastered Blu-ray™ to be released in 4K UHD in fourth Quarter 2021 to celebrate 20th anniversary of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
I know. I know. Okay, so moving on with what all I just learned from this official announcement. Some stuff I had previously reported, well all of it really, but namely this can still be used and I’ll leave it as-is.
According to the actor Sean Aston (in an announcement video seen below), it is known that “Peter Jacksonoversaw the remastering” of all six of these films for the 4K releases, and they have all reportedly received a 4K DI (digital intermediate) new master for each. Meaning, it’s true 4K and was mastered in it for all of the films.
Now, finally, regarding the official info. It appears that no bonus materials will be included with these 2020 releases of the films. I’m trying to get a complete confirmation on that directly from Warner, but it sure seems that to be the case. Sorry to any fans this may upset, but this has been a hard year — I’m sure — to get physical media produced and projects finished like new extras, and so forth.
You can now find the standard 4K UHD Blu-ray version of the trilogy available for preorder over at Amazon. There will also be the aforementioned 4K UHD Blu-ray Giftset version of the trilogy, which is NOT exclusive to any retailer. It’s not only listed on Amazon but now is even listed over at retailer Best Buy!! And, there will be the 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook which is exclusive to Best Buy. That’s now back available for preorder and showing as in stock again. Below you can find the full glimpses at both the Giftset and the SteelBook versions of the 4K sets. Reminder, only one of these is an exclusive — despite all the confusion from earlier yesterday!!
The 2020 film “Antebellum” starring Janelle Monáe is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Disc on November 3rd via Lionsgate. The film, directed by Gerard Bush & Christopher Renz, co-stars Eric Lange, Jena Malone, Jack Huston, Kiersey Clemons, and Gabourey Sidibe.
The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray release include a 2160p presentation in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 and Dolby Vision forms of High Dynamic Range and Dolby Atmos sound. The tech specs for the Blu-ray release include a 1080p HD presentation in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio and Dolby Atmos sound. The release will come with a digital code (copy) of the film. There are currently no preorder listings up yet for either the 4K or Blu-ray release, but stay tuned for an update on that.
The bonus materials set to be included on both versions of the release are listed below.
The History in Front of Us: Deconstructing Antebellum (2-Part Documentary)
A Hint of Horror: The Clues of Antebellum
Opening Antebellum
Deleted Scenes
Theatrical Trailers
Below, after the break, you can find the trailer for the home video release of the film and the full announcement regarding the home video release as well.
The 2020 film “Death of Me” starring Maggie Q is officially coming to Blu-ray Disc on November 17th, via Lionsgate. The film, directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, co-stars Alex Essoe and Luke Hemsworth. Tech specs for the Blu-ray include a 1080p HD presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound. The release will come with a digital code (copy) of the film. There’s no preorder listing for the Blu-ray yet available over at Amazon, but stay tuned for an update on that. There is, however, a preorder listing, it appears misspelled, for the Blu-ray over at retailer Target. The Blu-ray release of the film is set to include the following bonus material.
Island Magic: Conjuring Death of Me
Below, after the break, you can find the trailer for the film and the full announcement regarding the home video release of the film.
The TV series “The Crown: The Complete Third Season“ is officially coming to Blu-ray Disc on November 3rd, via Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The TV series, which premiered in 2016 and created by Peter Morgan, stars Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, Helena Bonham Carter, Ben Daniels, Marion Bailey, Josh O’Connor, and Erin Doherty. The tech specs for the third season of the show on Blu-ray include a 1080p HD presentation in the 2.00:1 aspect ratio and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. UPDATE: there’s now an Amazon preorder listing up for the Blu-ray. The Blu-ray release of the third season of this TV series will come with the following bonus materials:
“Behind The Crown: The Making of Season 3”
“Charles’ Investiture: Growing Up Royal”
“Royal Fabrics: A Look at the Costumes”
“Majestic Comparison: A Photo Gallery”
Below, after the break, you can find the full announcement from Sony regarding this third season of the TV series coming to home video.
The popular TV series “Better Call Saul Season Five“ is officially coming to Blu-ray Disc on November 24th via Sony. The show, co-created by Vince Gilligan (a prequel to his hit series “Breaking Bad”) and Peter Gould, stars Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, Patrick Fabian, Michael Mando, and Giancarlo Esposito. Tech specs for the Blu-ray release include a 1080p HD presentation in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound. You can now find the Blu-raylisted for preorder over at Amazon. The bonus materials set to be included on the release are listed below.
BLU-RAY™ EXCLUSIVES
Deleted Scenes
“Tell Me Again” Featurette
“The Good, The Bags and The Ugly” Featurette
“Bagman” – The Ambush
“Bagman” – The Cannon Roll
“The Effects for This!”
BLU-RAY™ AND DVD
Cast & Crew Commentaries on Every Episode
Gag Reel
Mesa Verde Bank and Trust TV spots
Ethics Training with Kim Wexler
“Crystal Balls” Featurette
Further below, after the break, you can find the full announcement regarding this season of the TV series coming to the Blu-ray Disc format.
– Amazon Commissions Earned –
