Tag Archives: 4K restoration

The Andromeda Strain – Limited Edition 4K UHD Blu-ray Review

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The 1950 film Sunset Boulevard on 4K in August

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The 1950 film “Sunset Boulevard” is coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on August 5th via Paramount Home Media Distribution. This will mark the film’s 75th anniversary. The legendary Billy Wilder co-wrote and directed the movie. It starred William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark, and Jack Webb. It’s worth noting that this film is still “Certified Fresh” by critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

The tech specs for the 4K include a 2160p Black & White video presentation in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision and HDR10 forms of high dynamic range. It will feature lossless Dolby TrueHD 2.0 Mono sound. The release will come as a “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart and a digital copy included. There is no information yet regarding the specifics of the bonus materials. However, you can likely expect legacy DVD & Blu-ray extras to be ported over.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray is now available for preorder at Amazon. Stay tuned for further details about this upcoming physical media release.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show on 4K soon

The 1975 film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has received a new 4K restoration by Walt Disney Studios. The movie is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, with a theatrical re-release planned. More on that later. Jim Sharman directed the film, which starred Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O’Brien, Patricia Quinn, and Meat Loaf.

The full details about that 4K restoration are below, taken from today’s press release.

CELEBRATING FIFTY YEARS OF
THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW

With 4K Film Restoration and Special Events

Do The Time Warp Again When The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Arrives in Theaters and on Blu-ray™ in 4K Ultra HD™ Later This Year!


BURBANK, CA (April 30, 2025) – This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the genre-defying cult classic that transformed midnight cinema and inspired a global phenomenon. First introduced to audiences in 1975, the film quickly became more than just a movie – it sparked a movement. 

Based on the musical play by Richard O’Brien – with a screenplay by O’Brien and director Jim Sharman, and produced by Lou Adler and Michael White – The Rocky Horror Picture Show broke the mold with its unforgettable characters, flamboyant costumes, and audacious rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack. Through its legendary late-night screenings, complete with shadow casts, fan costumes, and interactive rituals, the film pioneered a new kind of audience participation that redefined the moviegoing experience. Today, with weekly screenings around the world, The Rocky Horror Picture Show continues to make history as the longest-running theatrical release of all time.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary, a newly restored and remastered version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be unleashed in breathtaking 4K Ultra HD, and crowned by the debut of a dazzling new anniversary logo.
 
Overseen by the Walt Disney Studios Restoration team, the 10-month project included a meticulous digital scan and preservation process that ensures every frame of the cult classic is presented with unprecedented clarity and vibrancy. The restoration also features a newly mixed Dolby Atmos audio track, bringing enhanced depth and dimension to the film’s iconic soundtrack. For purists and longtime fans, the original mono audio has been fully restored as well – allowing audiences to experience the film exactly as it was heard when it first premiered five decades ago.
 
“It’s a privilege to help preserve the legacy of a film that has meant so much to so many,” says Kevin Schaeffer, Director of Restoration & Library Management. “Bringing The Rocky Horror Picture Show to life in 4K allows us to honor its bold, genre-defying spirit and ensure that audiences – both longtime fans and first-time viewers – can experience it as it was originally intended, with stunning picture and sound.”
 
“When The Rocky Horror Picture Show was first released, no one thought it would be around very long let alone…50 years,” says producer Lou Adler. “What began as a small, rebellious project has become a global celebration of individuality, community, and creative freedom. This anniversary is a tribute to the fans who kept it alive and kicking all these years.”

“When The Rocky Horror Picture Show was first released, no one thought it would be around very long let alone…50 years,” says producer Lou Adler. “What began as a small, rebellious project has become a global celebration of individuality, community, and creative freedom. This anniversary is a tribute to the fans who kept it alive and kicking all these years.”
 
Watch for future announcements on the 50th anniversary celebrations for The Rocky Horror Picture Show!

So, a 4K UHD Blu-ray physical media release of the film is indeed planned for later this year. This press release part of the headline gives us that information: “on Blu-ray™ in 4K Ultra HD™ Later This Year!” Stay tuned on social media and also check this post for updates later. I’ll update it when they announce the theatrical re-release, and it’ll be back in theaters. And of course, stay tuned for when the physical 4K UHD Blu-ray gets announced.

The 1986 film Cobra is coming to 4K in July

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The 1986 film “Cobra” will be released via Arrow Video on 4K UHD Blu-ray Limited Edition on July 22nd. George P. Cosmatos directed the film, which Sylvester Stallone co-wrote. The movie starred Sylvester Stallone, Brigitte Nielsen, Reni Santoni, Andrew Robinson, Brian Thompson, John Herzfeld, and Lee Garlington.

The movie has received a new 4K restoration from the original 35mm negative. The tech specs for the 4K include a 2160p video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision or HDR10. It includes lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo, 4.0 surround, and 5.1 surround sound options.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray Limited Edition is now available for preorder at Amazon or directly via Arrow Video’s website. The physical extras, artwork, and packaging can be seen below.

4K UHD Blu-ray Limited Edition

The bonus materials included with this limited edition release are listed below.

Physical Extras:

  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tommy Pocket
  • Illustrated collector’s booklet containing new writing on the film by film critics Clem Bastow, William Bibbiani, Priscilla Page, and Ariel Schudson
  • Double-sided fold-out poster featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Tommy Pocket

Supplemental Materials:

  • NEW audio commentary by film critics Kim Newman and Nick de Semlyen
  • NEW audio commentary by film scholars Josh Nelson and Martyn Pedler
  • Archive audio commentary by director George P. Cosmatos (1998)
  • TV version of the film featuring deleted and alternate scenes, presented for the first time on home video (standard definition only)
  • Slashing the Night Away, a new interview with composer Sylvester Levay
  • Dark Glasses, Violence & Robots, a new visual essay by film critic Abbey Bender on Cobra and 80s maximalist cinema
  • White Line Nightmare, a new visual essay by film critic Martyn Conterio on Cobra and the “Maverick Cop” genre
  • Stalking and Slashing, an archive interview with actor Brian Thompson
  • Meet the Disease, an archive interview with actor Marco Rodriguez
  • Feel the Heat, an archive interview with actor Andrew Robinson
  • Double Crossed, an archive interview with actor Lee Garlington
  • A Work of Art, an archive interview with actor Art LaFleur
  • The Making of Cobra, 1986 featurette
  • Trailers and TV spots
  • Image gallery

The 1985 film The Stuff is coming to 4K in July

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The 1985 horror/comedy film “The Stuff” comes to 4K UHD Blu-ray Limited Edition on July 22nd via Arrow Video. Larry Cohen wrote and directed the movie. It starred Michael Moriarty, Andrea Marcovicci, Garrett Morris, Scott Bloom, Danny Aiello, and Patrick O’Neal.

The movie has received a new 4K restoration from the original camera negative. The tech specs for the 4K include a 2160p video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision or HDR10. It will feature lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 Mono sound. This release will come as a “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart included. The Blu-ray will feature a “pre-release” cut of the film, presented in 1080p HD, exclusively remastered by Arrow Films.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray Limited Edition is now available for preorder at Amazon and directly via the Arrow Video website. The bonus materials included with this limited edition set are listed below.

Physical Extras:

  • Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Chris Barnes
  • Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring writing on the film by Joel Harley and a new essay by Daniel Burnett

Disc 1 (4K UHD Blu-ray):

  • NEW audio commentary by writers and critics David Flint and Adrian Smith
  • Archival audio commentary by writer/director Larry Cohen
  • Can’t Get Enough of The Stuff: Making Larry Cohen’s Classic Creature Feature, a documentary featuring Larry Cohen, producer Paul Kurta, actress Andrea Marcovicci, mechanical makeup effects artist Steve Neill and critic Kim Newman
  • Enough is Never Enough, a newly edited featurette featuring previously unseen interviews with director Larry Cohen and producer Paul Kurta, originally shot for the 2017 documentary King Cohen
  • 42nd Street Memories: The Rise and Fall of America’s Most Notorious Street, a feature-length documentary exploring the history of New York City’s infamous 42nd Street, with first-hand accounts from an array of filmmakers, including Larry Cohen
  • Trailers and TV spots
  • King Cohen trailer
  • Image gallery

Disc 2 (Blu-ray):

  • PRE-RELEASE VERSION (BLU-RAY) [LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE]
  • An early, pre-release cut of the film featuring over 30 minutes of additional footage and a different music score, exclusively remastered by Arrow Films
  • High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
  • Original lossless English 1.0 mono audio
  • Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

The 1975 film Barry Lyndon comes to 4K in July

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The 1975 film “Barry Lyndon” will be released on 4K UHD Blu-ray on July 8th via The Criterion Collection. Stanley Kubrick directed the film. The movie starred Ryan O’Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Krüger, and Steven Berkoff. It’s most certainly worth noting that this film is still (to this day) “Certified Fresh” by critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

The movie has received a 4K restoration. The tech specs for the 4K include a 2160p video presentation in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision or HDR10. It will also include an uncompressed LPCM Mono mix and a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound mix.. The 3-disc set will come as a “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart and an additional Blu-ray with extras.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray is now available for preorder at Amazon and Walmart. You can also preorder directly via Criterion’s website. The bonus materials included on this 4K release are listed below.

  • Interviews with the cast and crew as well as archival audio featuring director Stanley Kubrick on the film’s cinematography, costumes, editing, and production
  • Interview featuring historian Christopher Frayling on production designer Ken Adam
  • Interview with critic Michel Ciment
  • Interview with actor Leon Vitali about the 5.1 surround soundtrack, which he cosupervised
  • Interview with curator Adam Eaker about the fine-art-inspired aesthetics of the film
  • Trailers
  • English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • PLUS: An essay by critic Geoffrey O’Brien and two pieces about the look of the film from the March 1976 issue of American Cinematographer
  • Cover by F. Ron Miller based on an original theatrical poster by Guy Jouineau and Guy Bourduge
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