Tag Archives: Barry Levinson

The 1996 film Sleepers is coming to 4K in April

Posted on by
Cover art for the movie 'Sleepers' featuring actors Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Brad Pitt, and Lucas Patric. The design highlights a dramatic urban setting with a focus on the characters' faces.
Cover of the 4K Ultra HD limited edition SteelBook for the movie 'Sleepers', featuring actor names Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Patric, and Brad Pitt.
Commissions Earned

The 1996 film “Sleepers” is coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook on April 21st via Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment.

Barry Levinson directed the movie and wrote the screenplay, based on the book by Lorenzo Carcaterra. It starred Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Patric, and Brad Pitt. Its supporting cast included Minnie Driver, Bruno Kirby, Vittorio Gassman, Ron Eldard, Terry Kinney, Jonathan Tucker, and the late Brad Renfro.

The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision (HDR10-compatible) high dynamic range, along with lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound in either the original theatrical or a director-approved remix. The release will include a digital code (copy) of the film compatible with Movies Anywhere.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook are now available for preorder at Amazon. The 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook is available for preorder at GRUV. The bonus materials included with the release(s) are listed below.

  • The Making of Sleepers: A Conversation with Barry Levinson
  • Sleepers: The Art of Casting with Barry Levinson

The 2025 film The Alto Knights on Blu-ray in May

Posted on by
Commissions Earned

The 2025 film “The Alto Knights” is headed to Blu-ray Disc on May 27th via Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment. Barry Levinson directed the movie. It stars Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Kathrine Narducci, Cosmo Jarvis, and Michael Rispoli.

The tech specs for the Blu-ray release include a 1080p HD video presentation in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio and Dolby Atmos sound. The release will include a digital copy, compatible with Movies Anywhere.

The Blu-ray is now available for preorder at Amazon. No bonus material will be included on this release. Yet, the digital version (included) comes with one featurette: One Legend, Two Mobsters.

1988 film Rain Man comes to 4K in February

Posted on by

Commissions Earned

The 1988 MGM film “Rain Man” is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on February 21st, 2023 via MVD Marquee Collection [MVD Entertainment Group].  The film, winner of 4 Academy Awards (“Oscars”), was directed by Barry Levinson and starred Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Jack Murdock, Michael D. Roberts, Gerald R. Molen, Valeria Golino, Bonnie Hunt, and Beth Grant.

The movie has received a “master created and provided by MGM was scanned in 4K from the original camera negative and was approved by director Barry Levinson,” according to the press materials.  Tech specs for the release include a 2160p video presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, apparently without any form of HDR (high dynamic range), with lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound.  This release will come in the form of a “combo pack” meaning that it will include a Blu-ray Disc counterpart in 1080p HD from the same master, also with lossless 5.1 surround sound.

You can find the 4K UHD Blu-ray available for preorder now over at online retailer DiabolikDVD.  Stay tuned for an update when it becomes available over at Best Buy.  NOTE:  Only the first pressings will include a slipcover.  The bonus materials set to be included with the release are listed below according to each disc.

DISC ONE: 4K ULTRA HD DISC

  • Audio Commentary by Director Barry Levinson
  • Audio Commentary by Writer Barry Morrow
  • Audio Commentary by Writer Ronald Bass
  • Original Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:13)

DISC TWO: BLU-RAY DISC

  • Audio Commentary by Director Barry Levinson
  • Audio Commentary by Writer Barry Morrow
  • Audio Commentary by Writer Ronald Bass
  • ‘The Journey of Rain Man’ featurette (SD, 22:07)
  • ‘Lifting the Fog: A Look at the Mysteries of Autism’ featurette (SD, 20:13)
  • Deleted Scene (SD, 2:10)
  • Original Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:13)

Man of the Year with Robin Williams on Blu-ray November

Posted on by
– Commissions Earned –

The 2006 film “Man of the Year“ starring the late Robin Williams will be making its Blu-ray Disc debut on November 3rd — appropriately enough — via Sony. The film, which was written & directed by Barry Levinson, co-starred Laura Linney, Lewis Black, Christopher Walken, and Jeff Goldblum. Tech specs for the release have not yet been detailed, nor is it known if this will contain bonus materials, but stay tuned for a possible update on that soon. Considering it is a Presidential election year, it’s not surprising that this film is finally making its debut to the Blu-ray format, however, it is a bit unexpectedly coming with it would seem very little to no promotion. You can now find the Blu-ray Disc available for preorder over at Amazon.

Lastly, my inner film nerd is going to take over for a moment here. I have to say it’s a bit weird that Sony is now distributing this film, looking back on it? In fact, as you’ll notice on IMDb this film was released theatrically and on home video in the United States originally by Universal. So, I guess they [Universal] have let the rights to the film go to Sony? Interesting. Regardless, I have to say it’s very nice to see that someone is finally bringing this underrated Robin Williams film out on the format.

1984 film “The Natural” starring Robert Redford comes to 4K in June

Posted on by

the_natural_4k

The 1984 Barry Levinson directed film “The Natural“ starring Robert Redford is coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray in a 35th Anniversary release on June 4th, via Sony. The film, nominated for 4 Oscars, featured a supporting cast including Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey, Robert Prosky, Richard Farnsworth, Joe Don Baker, and Michael Madsen. This 35th Anniversary 4K release will include both the Theatrical (138 minutes) and Director’s Cut (144 minutes) of the film – both on the 4K disc.

Tech specs for the 4K release have not yet been fully detailed it will come with HDR (presumably in the HDR10 variety) and Dolby Atmos sound, as well as the original stereo and 5.1 tracks (for the theatrical cut). The release will come in form of a “combo pack” with a Blu-ray Disc and a digital copy of the film included.

UPDATE: The 4K UHD Blu-ray is now available for pre-order over at Amazon. Bonus materials set to be included on the 4K disc and Blu-ray are listed below.

  • Barry Levinson Intro to the Directors Cut [also on the 4K disc]
  • Theatrical Trailer [also on the 4K disc]
  • Theatrical Version of the Film
  • When Lightning Strikes: Creating The Natural: Pre-Game: A Novelist Steps Up to the Plate, The Line-Up: Assembling the Moviemaking Team, Lets Play Ball: Filming the Show
  • Clubhouse Conversations
  • A Natural Gunned Down: The Stalking of Eddie Waitkus
  • Knights in Shining Armor: The Mythology of The Natural
  • The Heart of The Natural
  • Extra Innings

Further below, after the break, you can find the official announcement regarding this upcoming 4K release.

Read more