The 2021 film “Nightmare Alley” is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray on March 22nd via 20th Century Studios (Disney). The film, directed and co-written by Guillermo del Toro, stars Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Richard Jenkins, Rooney Mara, Ron Perlman, Mary Steenburgen, and David Strathairn. It is certainly worth noting, at the time of writing, this film is “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes.
The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 form of high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos sound. Tech specs for the Blu-ray include a 1080p HD video presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless surround sound. The 4K UHD Blu-ray will come in the form of a “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart. Both the 4K UHD Blu-ray and the Blu-ray releases will include a digital code (copy) of the film.
UPDATE: You can now find the 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon. You can also find the 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray available for preorder over at Best Buy. It’s also worth noting that retailer Best Buy will also be getting an exclusive4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook (pictured below) which is now available for preorder as well.
The bonus materials set to be included with both the 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-rau are listed below.
Del Toro’s Neo Noir – Writer-director Guillermo del Toro and his standout cast decipher the dark, complicated world of Nightmare Alley. The filmmaker reveals how his take on noir is rooted in classic cinema but offers an accessible, modern narrative.
Beneath the Tarp – Production designer Tamara Deverell and her talented team skillfully delivered both a decaying traveling carnival world and a gilded Art Deco high society with striking visuals. We explore how this design supported del Toro’s genre-bending filmmaking.
What Exists in the Fringe – Costume designer Luis Sequeira unravels his collaboration with Guillermo del Toro and reveals the symbolism that’s constantly at play in the film’s carefully crafted wardrobe’s design.
Further below, after the break, you can find the trailer for the film and the official announcement regarding the home video releases.
As promised, a “Middle-Earth Ultimate Collector’s Edition“ box set, now with a new release date, is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on November 16th, via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. The 31-disc box set includes all six of the Peter Jackson-directed film adaptations of the J.R.R. Tolkein stories “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” via trilogies for each. The theatrical and extended versions of each of the six films will be included in this box set, and those films consist (chronologically) of the following:
“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” (2001)
“The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (2002)
“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003)
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” (2012)
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (2013)
“The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” (2014)
MAJOR UPDATE: the original release date of late October (10/26 specifically) for this has now been pushed back to a new release date of November 16th.
The tech specs for the releases include 2160p video presentations for each film in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 and Dolby Vision forms of high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos sound. The theatrical versions of the film are on one BD-100 4K UHD Blu-ray Disc, while the Extended Cuts are presented on two BD-100 4K discs (as part 1 and part 2). This set will also come in the form of a “combo pack,” meaning that it will include the Blu-ray Disc counterparts (remastered in 1080p HD) for both trilogies and for both theatrical and extended cut for each. Then, there’s a bonus disc that I’ll discuss a bit further below, which makes this a 31-disc set. Also, you’ll get a digital code (copy) of each of the six films and of each version — compatible with Movies Anywhere.
You can now find the 4K UHD Blu-ray of the “Middle-Earth Ultimate Collector’s Edition“ available for preorder over at Amazon. The bonus materials set to be included with the release will feature all of the extras found on the previous Blu-ray (and DVD) releases as well as include an exclusive Bonus Disc. The contents of that disc are listed below.
Exclusive Blu-ray Bonus Disc includes:
Alamo Drafthouse: The Lord of the Rings Cast Reunions (hosted by Stephen Colbert)
“The Fellowship of the Ring” – RT: 39:38 (with Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Sean Astin and Elijah Wood)
“The Two Towers” – RT: 32:24 (with Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Liv Tyler and Viggo Mortenson)
“The Return of the King” – RT: 29:48 (with Ian McKellan, Andy Serkis, and Peter Jackson)
Festival De Cannes Presentation Reel
Also, as you’d expect, the audio commentary tracks will be included for each film, and (as mentioned) the extras will be physically included this time around as well. This set will contain a lot of physical extras and some rather impressive packaging that features the ability to change the slipcase into different configurations (as pictured below).
The physical extras included are detailed briefly below and further below I’ve included some further glimpses at the artwork and contents for this 4K set.
Exclusive Blu-ray Bonus Disc
64-Page Booklet of Costume Sketches, Photography and Production Notes
7 Travel Postcards
Lastly, I’ll remind you that this 4K set technically has yet to be officially announced by the studio [Warner], however, it’s obviously coming according to Amazon, but stay tuned for an update with confirmation and for further details.
UPDATE: This has been officially announced today [9/9] and you can find the full info regarding the release listed below.
The “Indiana Jones 4-Movie Collection” is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-rayon June 8th via Paramount Home Entertainment. The set (collection) includes the four films, all directed by Steven Spielberg, executive produced and based on a story by George Lucas, and starring Harrison Ford. The films, which have all been remastered, included in this set are as follows:
“Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark” (1981)
“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” (1984)
“Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989)
“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” (2008)
The four movies have all been remastered from 4K scans and director Steven Spielberg has approved. Below you’ll find a bit of info regarding the work that has gone into this release, quoted from the press release just issued.
“Now, for the first time ever, all four films are available together in 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision® and HDR-10 for ultra-vivid picture quality and state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos® audio*. Each film has been meticulously remastered from 4K scans of the original negatives with extensive visual effects work done to ensure the most pristine and highest quality image. All picture work was approved by director Steven Spielberg.
In addition, all four films were remixed at Skywalker Sound under the supervision of legendary sound designer Ben Burtt to create the Dolby Atmos® soundtracks. All original sound elements were used to achieve the fully immersive Dolby Atmos® mixes while staying true to each film’s original creative intent.”
The tech specs for the films (as mentioned above) include a 2160p presentation for each film with HDR10 and Dolby Vision forms of high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos sound. This release will come as a 5-disc set and does NOT include the Blu-ray Disc counterparts of the films, just the 4K UHD Blu-ray discs and a digital copy of each film.
UPDATE #3: You can find the 4K UHD Blu-ray 4-Movie Collection now available for preorder over at Amazon. Also, it is worth noting that you can find it already listed over at retailer Target.
So, below you can find a glimpse at the box art packaging for a standard 4K set as well as the box art packaging for a 4K SteelBook set. In the latter photo, you’ll see each SteelBook that each film will be housed in. That 4K SteelBook set will be an exclusive over at retailer Best Buy and is now available for preorder there.
The releases on 4K will also come with a collectible booklet as well as a bonus Blu-ray Disc with 7 hours of previously released extras. You can find more information about the release and a full list of bonus materials below after the break in the press release.
“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 2015 live-action adaptation of “Cinderella“ is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on June 25th via Disney. The film, directed by Kenneth Branagh, featured a cast of Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter, Nonso Anozie, and Stellan Skarsgard. Tech specs for the 4K release include 2160p video in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 form of High Dynamic Range and Dolby Atmos sound. The 4K UHD Blu-ray is now available for pre-order over at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. The 4K release will come in the form of a “combo pack” with a Blu-ray Disc included as well as a digital copy of the film. Retailer Best Buy will be getting an Exclusive 4K Steelbook release for the film which you can find available for pre-order and pictured below.
Bonus materials set to be included on the release, along with further information from the official announcement regarding this 4K release can be found below, after the break.
The DreamWorks animated film “How to Train Your Dragon“ (2010) and its sequel “How to Train Your Dragon 2“ (2014) are both coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on January 22nd, 2019 via Universal. Each film will be released individually, as learned from an early alert to retailers. Both films feature the voice talents of Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, T.J. Miller, Kristen Wiig, and Gerard Butler. Tech specs for the 4K releases include 2160p video in the 2.35:1 with HDR10 form of High Dynamic Range and DTS:X sound, on each film. Both releases will come in the form of a “combo pack” with a Blu-ray Disc and Digital Copy of the film included.
You can find pre-order listings up for the 4K UHD Blu-ray versions of “How to Train Your Dragon“ and “How to Train Your Dragon 2“ now over at Amazon. Bonus materials set to be included on the releases are identical to those found on the previous Blu-ray releases. Check Amazon listings for the complete list of bonus materials set to be included on each release. It’s likely that these first two films in the francse are being released as a tie-in with the upcoming sequel coming a month later. Below you can find the artwork for the sequel.
The 2018 Eli Roth directed film adaptation of “The House with a Clock in Its Walls” starring Jack Black and Cate Blanchett is coming to both 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Disc on December 18th via Universal, according to an early alert to retailers. The film, based on the novel by John Bellairs, co-stars Owen Vaccaro, Kyle MacLachlan, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and Colleen Camp. Tech specs and bonus materials for both versions have not yet been detailed, but stay tuned for an update. The title is available for PRE-ORDER on both 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Disc over at Amazon, as well as Best Buy. It appears (from artwork) that both releases will come in the form of a “combo pack” with the 4K release including a Blu-ray Disc, the Blu-ray Disc release including a DVD, and both versions getting a Digital Copy of the film.
Amazon Commissions Earned
The bonus materials set to be included with both the 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-rau are listed below.
