Tag Archives: Steven Spielberg

The 1995 film Casper comes to 4K in August

Commissions Earned

The 1995 film “Casper” arrives on 4K UHD Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook on August 12th. Universal Studios Home Entertainment will be doing the releases. Brad Silberling directed the film. The movie starred Bill Pullman, Christina Ricci, Cathy Moriarty, Eric Idle, Ben Stein, and Don Novello. It’s worth noting that this motion picture is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Also, the movie was executive produced by Steven Spielberg with his company, Amblin Entertainment.

The tech specs for the 4K release include a 2160p video presentation in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision and HDR10 forms of high dynamic range. It will also include Dolby Atmos sound on a BD-100 disc. The 4K releases (standard and SteelBook) will both be a 2-disc “combo pack” with the Blu-ray Disc counterpart enclosed. A digital copy of the film, compatible with Movies Anywhere, will also be included.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook (pictured below) are now available for preorder at Amazon. Also, the 4K UHD Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook are available for preorder at Walmart. Plus, the 4K UHD Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook are available for preorder at online retailer GRUV.

4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook

The bonus materials set to be included with the 4K physical media releases are listed below.

  • 7 “Casper The Friendly Ghost” Original Theatrical Shorts:
    • “Casper’s Spree Under the Sea”
    • “Once Upon a Rhyme”
    • “Boo Hoo Baby”
    • “To Boo or Not to Boo”
    • “Boo Scout”
    • “Spooking with a Brogue”
    • “Penguin for Your Thoughts”
  • Revealing Casper
  • Deleted Scene
  • Feature Audio Commentary with Director Brad Silberling

Jaws gets 50th Anniversary 4K releases in June

Commissions Earned

The 1975 film “Jaws” will get a “50th Anniversary Edition” 4K UHD Blu-ray release. Also, a 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook will be released on June 17th via Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The film, a winner of a total of three Academy Awards (“Oscars”), starred Roy Scheider. It also starred Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary, and Murray Hamilton

This 4K release will include the previous audio and video presentation found on the 4K UHD Blu-ray released in 2020. The tech specs include a 2160p video presentation in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HDR10+ forms of high dynamic range, on a BD-100 disc. It will also feature Dolby Atmos sound. Both releases come as a “combo pack.” They include their Blu-ray Disc counterpart. There is also a digital copy compatible with Movies Anywhere included with each.

Here’s a glimpse at the packaging for the 50th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook‘s artwork.

50th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook

The “50th Anniversary” 4K UHD Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook are available for preorder at Amazon. Also, the 50th Anniversary 4K UHD Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook are available for preorder at Walmart. The bonus materials set to be included with the releases are listed below.

  • NEW Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story. Steven Spielberg shares an authorized look inside the story of Jaws in this documentary. From Peter Benchley’s epic novel to Spielberg’s film, Jaws continues to influence pop culture, cinema, and shark conservation. With interviews from Hollywood’s most influential directors and shark scientists, the legend of Jaws is endless.

Previously released extras:

  • The Making of Jaws
  • The Shark Is Still Working: The Impact & Legacy of Jaws
  • Jaws: The Restoration
  • Deleted Scenes and Outtakes
  • From the Set
  • Original Theatrical Trailer

The 1974 film The Sugarland Express on 4K in November

Commissions Earned

The 1974 film “The Sugarland Express” will be released on 4K UHD Blu-ray on November 12th via Universal Studios Home Entertainment. The film, the theatrical directorial debut from Steven Spielberg, starred Goldie Hawn, Ben Johnson, Michael Sacks, and William Atherton.

The tech specs for the 4K release include a 2160p video presentation in the 2.35:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 form of high dynamic range and Dolby TrueHD 5.1 lossless surround sound, on a BD-100 disc. The release will be a “combo pack” with its Blu-ray Disc counterpart and a digital copy.

UPDATE: The 4K UHD Blu-ray is now available for preorder at Amazon and also at online retailer GRUV. The following bonus material will be included with this 4K release.

  • From Vault to Screen: The Art of Restoring Universal’s Cinematic Legacy

The Color Purple musical on 4K and Blu-ray in March

Commissions Earned

The 2023 musical remake of “The Color Purple” is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Disc on March 12th via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. The film, produced by Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, & Steven Spielberg, was directed by Blitz Bazawule and features a cast that includes Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo, Corey Hawkins, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Louis Gossett, Jr., David Alan Grier, Deon Cole, and Ciara. It’s certainly worth noting that this film is “Certified Fresh” over at Rotten Tomatoes

The tech specs for the 4K release include a 2160p video presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio with Dolby Vision and HDR10 forms of high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos sound. The tech specs for the Blu-ray release include a 1080p HD video presentation in the same aspect ratio and also Dolby Atmos sound.  Both releases will include a digital code (copy) of the film. You can now find the 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray both available for preorder over at Amazon. You can also find the 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray available for preorder at Walmart as well via these links.  Bonus materials set to be included with the releases are listed below.

  • Creating The Color Purple: A Bold New Take on the Beloved Classic
    • Join the director, Blitz Bazawule, filmmakers and cast on their high-stakes, high intensity, heart-stopping, and awe-inspiring odyssey to bring Alice Walker’s beloved novel to life.
  • Hell Yes! The Iconic Characters of The Color Purple
    • The cast, producer Oprah Winfrey, and director Blitz Bazawule explore the characters – their personalities and intricate interpersonal dynamics, as well as their relatability and lasting impact – and how the actors connected and grew as performers.
  • In The Flow: Creating The Color Purple’s Biggest Musical Moments
    • Rehearsal footage reveals what it took director Blitz Bazawule, producer Scott Sanders, Quincy Jones, the cast, and the music team to push through the stumbles and missteps and hone all the rough edges to get each musical number exactly right.
  • A Story For Me: The Legacy of The Color Purple
    • The cast and filmmakers discuss the importance of Alice Walker’s novel – its timelessness and how it has touched so many, from book to landmark 1985 film to 2005 Broadway musical – and what it means for them to be a part of this bold new film.

Further below, after the break, you can find the trailer and details about the upcoming home video releases of this film.

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1982 film E.T. gets 40th Anniversary 4K and Blu-ray

Amazon Commissions Earned

The 1982 film E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial will officially celebrate its 40th Anniversary on 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray Disc with a re-release on October 18th via Universal Studios Home Entertainment.  The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, starred Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, and C. Thomas Howell.

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 DTS:X immersive sound.  The tech specs for the new Blu-ray include a 1080p HD video presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio and DTS:X sound.  Both releases will come in the form of a “combo pack” with the 4K getting its Blu-ray counterpart, the Blu-ray getting its DVD counterpart, and each including a digital code (copy) of the film.

UPDATE:  You can now find the 40th Anniversary Edition standard 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon.

It’s most certainly worth noting that there will be three retailer exclusives on 4K UHD Blu-ray for the 40th Anniversary, which you can find listed in this news story (and pictured below).

The bonus materials, including an all-new retrospective and a new TCM Festival interview with Spielberg, set to be included on this new 40th Anniversary Edition 4K UHD Blu-ray are first detailed and then listed below.

“The anniversary release showcases over 45 minutes of all-new bonus features including a retrospective of the film and its lasting legacy and a featurette with Steven Spielberg reflecting on his career and the making of E.T. 40 years later. “

  • NEW 40 YEARS OF E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL – An all-new retrospective of the film and its lasting legacy.
  • NEW TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL: AN EVENING WITH STEVEN SPIELBERG – The acclaimed director reflects on his career and the making of E.T. 40 years later.
  • THE E.T. JOURNALS- Retrace the day-to-day experience of creating E.T. from never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage shot by Academy Award®-winning cinematographer John Toll.
  • DELETED SCENES
  • STEVEN SPIELBERG & E.T. – Watch an interview with Steven Spielberg, as he reflects back on the film and discusses his experience working with the actors, as well as his overall and current perspective on E.T.
  • A LOOK BACK – A special insider’s look into the making of E.T. featuring interviews with Steven Spielberg, the cast, and others intimately involved with the film.
  • THE EVOLUTION AND CREATION OF E.T.
  • THE E.T. REUNION – The cast and filmmaker reunite to discuss their thoughts on the impact of the film.
  • THE MUSIC OF E.T.: A DISCUSSION WITH JOHN WILLIAMS – Interviews and footage focused on the long-standing relationship between John Williams and Steven Spielberg.
  • THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY PREMIERE – Composer John Williams played the score of E.T. live at the Shrine Auditorium for the re-release premiere of E.T.   This featurette gives us a behind the scenes look at this presentation.
  • DESIGNS, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND MARKETING
    • E.T. Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
    • E.T. Designs by Carlo Rambaldi
    • Spaceship Designs by Ralph Mcquarrie
    • Designs by Production Illustrator Ed Verreaux
    • Production Photographs
    • Marketing E.T.
  • THEATRICAL TRAILER
  • SPECIAL OLYMPICS TV SPOT

 

Further below, after the break, you can find the full official announcement about the upcoming 40th-anniversary releases of this film.

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E.T. getting 40th Anniversary exclusive 4K releases

Amazon Commissions Earned

There will be some retailer-exclusive releases of the 1982 film “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” to celebrate the 40th Anniversary on 4K UHD Blu-ray later this year.  The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, starred Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Robert MacNaughton, and C. Thomas Howell.  It’s most certainly worth noting that this film is currently back in select theaters to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

No word on if this release will feature anything new in terms of a video transfer or different audio mix but it is likely just a re-release of the original 2017 4K UHD Blu-ray.  That featured a 2160p video presentation in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 form of high dynamic range and DTS:X immersive sound on a BD-66 disc.  These releases are going to be coming in the form of a “combo pack” with the Blu-ray counterpart included as well as a digital code (copy) of the film with each.

So, the 4K UHD Blu-ray retailer exclusives for this release range in release date and I’ll note that for each.  First off, you have an Amazon-exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray 40th Anniversary Edition Gift Set (pictured above and below).  That includes a collectible tin tote (lunchbox), thermos, booklet & certificate of authenticity.  This is going to be released on November 1st and you can now find that 4K Gift Set available for preorder now over at Amazon.

Next, you have a 4K UHD Blu-ray 40th Anniversary Limited Edition SteelBook release which seems to be exclusive to retailer Target, said to be coming October 18th (pictured further above and below).  That SteelBook is now available for preorder, again, over at Target.

Finally, you will get a 4K UHD Blu-ray 40th Anniversary Limited Edition release with a BendyFig figurine over at retailer Walmart (pictured much further above and below).  This release is said to be coming on October 18th and is now available for preorder over at Walmart.

1982 Tobe Hooper film Poltergeist on 4K in September

Amazon Commissions Earned

The 1982 film Poltergeist is officially coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray on September 20th via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.  The film, directed by Tobe Hooper and co-written & produced by Steven Spielberg, starred Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Dominique Dunne, Oliver Robins, Heather O’Rourke, Beatrice Straight, Martin Casella, Richard Lawson, and Zelda Rubinstein.

Tech specs for the release appear to include a 2160p video presentation in the 2.39:1 aspect ratio with HDR10 form of high dynamic range and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 Stereo lossless surround sound mixes.  The release will come in the form of a “combo pack” with a Blu-ray counterpart and a digital code (copy) of the film.

UPDATE:  You can now find the 4K UHD Blu-ray available for preorder over at Amazon.  You can also find the 4K UHD Blu-ray listed for preorder over at retailer Best Buy.  It’s also worth noting that Best Buy will be getting an exclusive 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook (pictured below) which is also now available for preorder.

The title has not yet been officially announced [stateside] but you can likely expect the following bonus materials listed below to be included, based on the UK 4K UHD Blu-ray release [already announced].

  • “They Are Here: The Real World of Poltergeists Pt. 1- Science of the Spirits” RT: 15:30 
  • “They Are Here: The Real World of Poltergeists Pt. 2- Communing with the Dead” RT: 15:31 
  • “The Making of Poltergeist” RT: 7:15 
  • Trailer RT: 2:25 

Further below, after the break, you can find the official announcement by the studio about the upcoming 4K release of this film.

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2021 West Side Story on 4K and Blu-ray in March

Amazon Commissions Earned

The 2021 film adaptation of “West Side Story” is coming to 4K UHD Blu-ray and Blu-ray on March 15th via 20th Century Studios (Disney).  The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Rita Moreno, Brian d’Arcy James, Corey Stoll, and Mike Faist.  It is worth noting, that at the time of writing, this film is “Certified Fresh” over at Rotten Tomatoes.

The tech specs for the 4K UHD Blu-ray include a 2160p video presentation in the 2.39:1 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 2.39:1 aspect with DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 lossless surround sound.  The 4K will come in the form of a “combo pack” meaning that it will include its Blu-ray Disc counterpart.  Both the 4K and the Blu-ray will come with a digital code (copy) of the film.

UPDATE:  You can now find the 4K UHD Blu-ray and the 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 retailers Best Buy and Target.  It’s definitely worth noting that Best Buy will be getting a 4K UHD Blu-ray SteelBook exclusive (pictured below) and Target will be getting a 4K UHD Blu-ray Art Edition exclusive (pictured further below).  You can find both of those retailer exclusives now available for preorder as well.

The bonus materials set to be included are over 90 minutes in length which have yet to be fully detailed.  Stay tuned for an update on that when the title gets a full press release — very likely later today.

Further below, after the break, you can find the trailer for the find.

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