Rip Torn | HighDefDiscNews

1982 film The Beastmaster gets a standard 4K release

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Justin Sluss

Amazon Commissions Earned

The cult-classic 1982 film “The Beastmaster“ will be getting a standard 4K UHD Blu-ray release on July 27th via Vinegar Syndrome. The film has previously been released by Vinegar Syndrome as an exclusive on the 4K format directly on their website, but now will be available via other retailers in a standard form of packaging. The film, directed and co-written by Don Coscarelli and based on the novel of the same title, starred Marc Singer, Tanya Roberts, Rip Torn, John Amos, Rod Loomis, Ben Hammer, and Billy Jayne.

The film has received a new 4K scan and restoration from the original 35mm interpositive negative. Tech specs for the 4K include a 2160p video presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 form of high dynamic range and both the original Stereo 2.0 and 5.1 surround lossless sound mixes. The release will come in the form of a “combo pack” meaning that it will come with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart in 1080p HD with the same audio mixes. You can now find the 4K UHD Blu-ray / Blu-ray combo pack standard release available for preorder over at Amazon.

This version is not to be confused with Vinegar Syndrome’s previous exclusive 4K releases of the film and does not any of the physical extras that those did. I want to state that upfront. However, it will contain the following extras.

Brand new commentary track with writer/director Don Coscarelli & writer/producer Paul Pepperman, moderated by filmmaker Joe Lynch
Archival commentary track with Don Coscarelli & Paul Pepperman
“The Beastmaster Chronicles” – a brand new feature length making-of documentary by Elijah Drenner
“The Saga of the Beastmaster” – an archival making-of documentary by Perry Martin
Super 8mm home movies shot by James Dodson with audio commentary by Don Coscarelli & Paul Pepperman
Outtakes
Stills, Promotional, and Archival Material Gallery
Original theatrical trailer
Reversible cover artwork

Wonder Boys with Michael Douglas on Blu-ray November

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Justin Sluss

– Amazon Commissions Earned –

The 2000 film “Wonder Boys” starring Michael Douglas is officially coming to Blu-ray Disc, for the very first time, on November 24th via Paramount. The film, directed by Curtis Hanson, co-starred Tobey Maguire, Frances McDormand, Robert Downey Jr., Katie Holmes, and the late Rip Torn. The tech specs for the Blu-ray include a 1080p HD presentation in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 sound. This last bit, regarding the sound configuration, comes as an improvement over the previous 2000 DVD which only contained a Dolby Digital 5.0 sound mix, oddly enough. Yes, this never has received a 5.1 surround mix with the subwoofer channel. That’s not a misprint or typo. You can now find this Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon. The release will include the following bonus materials, ported over from the previously mentioned DVD:

Cast & Crew Interviews
Songs of Wonder Boys with Commentary by Curtis Hanson
“Things Have Changed” Bob Dylan Music Video

It should be noted that this release will come in the form of a MOD (manufactured-on-demand) BD-ROM Blu-ray Disc if you order it via Amazon. However, if you find this on store shelves elsewhere or online elsewhere, it will be a pressed Blu-ray Disc. I was given this heads-up regarding the release. You can find a quote regarding that below.