Preserving Pop Culture: Noteworthy Physical Media Releases in Blu-ray and 4K Discs

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Pop-culture collections are emerging as deeply personal signifiers, revealing intricate layers about their owners. Physical media, particularly Blu-rays and 4K discs, stand out as indispensable artifacts in this cultural phenomenon. Whether you maintain a meticulously curated library or amass a vast collection that spans every genre and scale, each title narrates a unique story about your interests, preferences, and passion for entertainment. In an era where the industry increasingly prioritizes streaming as the primary mode of distribution, these physical discs provide an unparalleled assurance of availability, often delivering the best possible presentation quality.

Recognizing the importance of this medium, Variety has curated a list of noteworthy releases. These include newly available titles on disc post-theatrical or broadcast runs, upgrades with expanded supplemental material, and even premieres in physical formats.

For instance, Tim Burton’s adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller, previously part of the “Paramount Scares” collection, is now available individually in 4K Blu-ray. This edition features an array of featurettes that delve into the film’s theatrical origins and its cinematic adaptation process. The film, which garnered Oscar nominations for Johnny Depp’s performance and costume design and won for production design, is thoroughly explored in these bonus materials, offering a pristine presentation.

Another standout is the unsettling Spring 2024 breakout film by Colin and Cameron Cairnes, starring David Dastmalchian. Its Blu-ray release includes a commentary track by Dastmalchian, a Q&A with the directors, behind-the-scenes footage, and a limited-edition steelbook that comes with exclusive memorabilia like a Night Owls air freshener and an autographed photo of fictional talk show host Jack Delroy.

Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” now available in 4K Ultra HD, is set to evoke even more emotions. This release includes deleted scenes that introduce additional emotions inside Riley’s head that were cut from the film. This physical release serves as a timely reminder ahead of its awards campaign for animated feature, adapted screenplay, and potentially best picture.

The 1919 drama featuring an all-Asian cast, restored in 4K for the 2023 San Francisco Film Festival, is another gem. This film not only looks better than ever but also includes two bonus features: “The Man Beneath” and “His Birthright.” It’s an essential addition for fans of silent cinema and those interested in complex portrayals of Asian characters in early U.S. entertainment.

Martin Scorsese’s 1999 film about a melancholy New York City paramedic is among his most underappreciated works. Now available in 4K, this release includes extraordinary extras like featurettes on Scorsese, writer Paul Schrader, cinematographer Robert Richardson, and stars Nicolas Cage and Patricia Arquette.

Director Marcus Nispel’s update of “Friday the 13th” remains one of the best entries in the slasher movie franchise. Arrow’s 4K UHD transfer includes both theatrical and extended cuts, new audio commentaries, interviews with Nispel and screenwriters Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, and a video essay defending remakes.

Todd Solondz’s 1998 film featuring Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Jane Adams, and Dylan Baker comes in a new 4K disc with full restoration in Dolby Vision HDR. Criterion includes an interview with Baker and a conversation between Solondz and filmmaker Charlotte Wells.

“Caligula,” one of the most notorious films ever released, arrives in physical media with two versions: the “Ultimate” cut and the 1980 theatrical version. The limited edition includes commentary tracks, documentaries, and the film’s soundtrack.

Penny Marshall’s 1992 tribute to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League is set for 4K Ultra HD release. It features Dolby Vision and multiple sound options along with extensive special features like commentary tracks and deleted scenes.

Brian De Palma’s 1984 film “Body Double” celebrates its 40th anniversary with a 4K release that includes archival interviews, a music video version of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s song “Relax,” and additional featurettes.

Michael Mann’s 2006 film “Miami Vice,” starring Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a 4K release featuring audio commentary by filmmakers, a deleted scene, and a making-of documentary.

George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” prequel gets a 4K UHD Blu-ray release with five featurettes that expand the film’s world. A box set containing all previous films is also due in September.

Jesse Armstrong’s series “Succession” captures modern media complexities through its Shakespearean maneuvers. The box set compiles all four seasons with featurettes, character recaps, interviews, and more.

Lamberto Bava’s “Demons” series gets an ultimate presentation in 4K UHD by Synapse. The limited-edition set includes commentaries, documentaries, featurettes, and more.

The teen comedy “Can’t Hardly Wait,” released in 1998 as a tribute to John Hughes’ films, gets a new 4K disc featuring HDR, Dolby Atmos mixes, and newly uncovered alternate and deleted scenes.

Featuring performances by Lee Marvin, Sissy Spacek, and Gene Hackman, Michael Ritchie’s film gets a new life with a 4K scan of the original camera negative and two brand-new commentaries.

Wes Ball’s “Apes” series update offers thrilling new storytelling possibilities. The first film to include performance-capture work shows actors on set before CGI replacement. The set features a making-of documentary and numerous deleted or extended scenes.

Robert Rodriguez’ “Mexico Trilogy” gets collected in packaging suitable for its status as a gritty film series. Arrow Video adds new interviews with Rodriguez and collaborators for a retrospective look at its success and influence.

Albert Brooks’ filmography expands with new editions of his first film “Real Life” and his two-hander “Mother.” Both feature new interviews with Brooks and promotional materials directed by him.

Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping’s directorial debut deserves attention. Utopia’s disc includes a stills gallery and a featurette about the film, offering the best way to watch this transgressive story.

James Foley’s star vehicle for Madonna gets a new 2K restoration paired with commentary by historian Russell Dyball to contextualize it among her film projects.

Sam Peckinpah’s final Western experiences a revival with Criterion’s set featuring three versions restored in 4K. It includes new audio commentary and a making-of documentary.

Alex Garland’s film about combat photographers navigating civil conflict comes home with a six-part documentary exploring its creation on what may have been A24’s biggest-ever budget.

The “Rocky” franchise endures with a new 4K set collecting all six titles along with director’s cuts of “Rocky IV” (now titled “Rocky vs. Drago”) and “Rocky Balboa.” The set includes documentaries about their creation.

Patrice Leconte’s 1999 film explores a mesmerizing romance even in black and white. Kino Lorber’s edition features trailers, audio commentary by critic Manuela Lazic, and a short film by Leconte.

Chen Kaige’s historical drama from 1993 remains one of the most beautiful films from Chinese fifth wave cinema. Criterion premieres its director’s cut in 4K along with a documentary about its making.

Joe Law’s 1979 martial arts film follows two men seeking revenge through kung fu training. Film Masters’ new disc features a 2K transfer from original elements, commentary track, and documentary exploring its legacy.

The popular Apple+ series “Ted Lasso” comes to physical media in a set that includes all three seasons along with a limited-edition double-sided “Believe” poster.

Guy Ritchie’s 2015 film features an impressive cast and top-tier spy action. Arrow’s 4K set includes beautiful packaging with collector’s items like books and posters alongside new audio commentaries and featurettes.

Giuseppe Tornatore’s documentary about legendary composer Ennio Morricone offers an essential portrait. Music Box’s Blu-ray includes interviews with Tornatore, behind-the-scenes footage of Morricone’s office concert, and deleted scenes.

  • Priyanka

    Priyanka works in NYC as freelancer editor for one of the famous entertainment news blog.

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