The first three films in The Expendables franchise will be getting a SteelBook repackaging on September 5 only at Best Buy.
THE EXPENDABLES: Sylvester Stallone stars as Barney Ross, leader of The Expendables, a tight-knit team of skilled combat vets turned mercenaries. Hired by a powerful covert operator, the team jets off to a small South American country to overthrow a ruthless dictator. Once there, they find themselves caught in a deadly web of deceit and betrayal. Using every weapon at their disposal, they set out to save the innocent and punish the guilty in this blistering action-packed thriller.
The Expendables - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Best Buy SteelBook
THE EXPENDABLES:
THE EXPENDABLES 2: The Expendables are back in a sequel that J. Rentilly of Menshealth.com calls “a high-octane adventure with non-stop action!” The team signs on a mission that looks like an easy paycheck for Barney and his band of old-school mercenaries. But things quickly go wrong, and one of their own is killed by a psychotic terrorist-for-hire. Hell-bent on payback, they cut a swath of destruction through enemy territory and wreak havoc upon their opponents. In the midst of the mayhem, they must also shut down an unexpected threat in the nick of time – preventing five tons of weapons-grade plutonium from falling into the wrong hands.
The Expendables 2 - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Best Buy SteelBook
THE EXPENDABLES 2:
THE EXPENDABLES 3: Barney (Stallone) faces off with an old enemy and must fight old blood with new blood, bringing in a new era of Expendables who are younger and faster. The latest mission becomes a clash of classic old-school style versus high-tech expertise in The Expendables’ most personal battle yet.
The Expendables 3 - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Best Buy SteelBook
THE EXPENDABLES 3:
Pre-orders for The Expendables 4K Best Buy Exclusive SteelBooks are now live!
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While Disney/20th Century Studios waits for the perfect time to release the long-rumored and over-due James Cameron classic, The Abyss, you can order Roger Corman's knockoff right now from Shout! Factory!
If you can't get The Abyss on Blu-ray, go ahead and grab yourself a copy of Leviathan. If that doesn't suit you, well shoot for Deep Star Six. And if that's not enough, strike for your third-best option - Lords of the Deep! As they said in Superman: The Movie the Son becomes the Father, and the Father becomes the Son. And so too goes the world of filmmaking. James Cameron who got his start working visual effects and directing Piranha II: The Spawning for Roger Corman, Corman would go on to rip off his former protege with 1989's daffy science fiction aquatic epic Lords of the Deep. Directed by Mary Ann Fisher and starring Priscilla Barnes and a joyfully over-the-top Bradford Dillman, the film is a nonsensical masterpiece of schlock that was also (partially) shot by famed cinematographer Janusz Kaminski. The fishy alien flick also features some genuinely impressive visual effects work from Robert and Dennis Skotak - who also did effects work on James Cameron's Aliens, The Abyss, and Terminator 2 among numerous other productions.
And now Lords of the Deep beats fan-favorite, much-desired, The Abyss to Blu-ray! Due to ship on July 25th, this release is limited to 1500 copies and carries a lumpy price tag of about $30 before shipping. On top of a new 2K scan, the disc sports DTS-HD MA mono audio, trailer, and the hilarious 12-season Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode!
These cult classics move fast so get that order in while you can!
Paramount is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the classic romantic comedy Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck with a 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray, Digital Combo Pack on August 15.
Audrey Hepburn stars in the story of a modern-day princess who, rebelling against her royal obligations, explores Rome and falls in love with an American newspaperman played by Gregory Peck.
William Wyler's Romantic Holiday premiered in U.S. theaters on August 27, 1953 and was nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actress (Hepburn), and Best Writing for Dalton Trumbo - who was originally left off the film credits for "refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee" and has since been credited by the Academy and WGA for his work.
Roman Holiday - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
The film has been fully restored and remastered for this release and includes the following previously released supplements:
Pre-order your copy today!
Lionsgate's "genre-bending meta-horror" The Blackening arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD on August 22. The Digital version will be available on August 15.
The Blackening follows a group of Black friends reunited for a Juneteenth weekend getaway only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a masked killer who forces them to play a twisted board game by his rules, which they soon realize ain’t no motherf****** game. The Blackening skewers genre tropes and poses the sardonic question: If the entire cast of a horror movie is Black, who dies first?
The Blackening - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Both packages include Dolby Atmos soundtracks and several bonus features:
4K ULTRA HD/BLU-RAY/DVD SPECIAL FEATURES
Order your copy today and here is the full press release:
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It's here. The 48 hours we fear the most, dreading with every fiber of our being...
The financial apocalypse that is Prime Day is upon us once again promising any number of great deals on everything from toilet paper stands and bidets to bone-conducting headphones to deals on cheap accessories for cats. But for physical media collectors, it's the dreaded opportunity to stock up on some titles we held back grabbing in hopes of a good deal. Now those deals are here, and your financial standing may never survive. On top of the rapid-fire lightning deals on recent releases and favorite titles at big discounts, Amazon has a range of great deals on a slew of titles including big recent releases to complete series collections to guilty favorite titles on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray.
We're going to do some hunting for you by section and here are some of the best deals we've spotted so far:
Lord of the Rings The Motion Picture Trilogy 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $39.99
James Bond: Daniel Craig 5-Film Collection 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $34.99
Nightmare on Elm Street 7-Film Collection Blu-ray - $19.99
Top Gun: Maverick 2-Film Collection 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $26.99
The Flintstones The Complete Series Blu-ray - $29.99
The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection Blu-ray - $14.99
The Alfred Hitchcock Collection Vol 1 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $34.99
The Alfred Hitchcock Collection Vol 2 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray - $34.99
Sonic The Hedgehog 2-Movie SteelBook 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $26.99
Sony Pictures Classics 30th Anniversary 11-Film Collection 4K ultra HD Blu-ray - $149.49
Game of Thrones The Complete Series 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $99.99
The Godfather 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook - $16.49
The Godfather Part II 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook - $15.99
The Godfather: Coda The Death of Michael Corleone 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook - $12.99
The Untouchables 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray SteelBook - $17.99
The Bionic Woman Complete Series Blu-ray - $89.99
Supernatural: The Complete Series Blu-ray - $129.99
Space 1999 Complete Series Blu-ray - $52.24
Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series Blu-ray - $49.99
Smallville: The Complete Series Blu-ray - $84.99
Charmed: The Complete Series Blu-ray - $89.99
Justified: The Complete Series Blu-ray - $92.49
Dune (2021) 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $9.49
Casablanca 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $11.99
The Maltese Falcon 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - 14.99
The Thing 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $10.99
Event Horizon 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $15.99
Dragonheart 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $18.49
Freaky 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $18.99
Used Cars 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $20.41
Nope 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $11.99
Jaws: 45th Anniversary Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $15.99
Rebel Without A Cause 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray $14.99
The Lost Boys 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray $11.99
1917 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $9.49
Cool Hand Luke 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $14.99
Poltergeist 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $11.99
Godzilla 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $9.99
The Meg 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $9.99
Braveheart 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $12.99
Highlander 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $13.49
The Suicide Squad 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $11.49
The Outsiders 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $18.99
Old Henry 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $16.99
The Last Detail 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $17.99
The Green Mile 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $10.99
Spartacus 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $13.00
Training Day 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $14.24
Scott Pilgrim Saves The World 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray - $9.99
The Whale Blu-ray - $10.99
Clerks III Blu-ray - $7.96
Candyman III Day of the Dead Blu-ray - $4.99
Fall Blu-ray - $8.49
Warlock Collection (3-Films) Blu-ray - $16.49
House of 1000 Corpses 20th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray - $32.45
Without Remorse Blu-ray - $10.99
Big Night Blu-ray - $13.99
Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III Blu-ray - $15.99
Now obviously there's a bunch more great discs out there waiting to take up space on your shelves - and this is only Day One! Tomorrow may see more new deals!
Paramount's live-action robots in disguise are back in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts arriving on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on October 10. Best Buy will also have an exclusive 4K SteelBook. Digital is available on July 11.
Check out our film review for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts here.
OPTIMUS PRIME and the AUTOBOTS take on their biggest challenge yet! When a new threat capable of destroying the entire planet emerges, they must team up with a powerful faction known as the MAXIMALS. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Noah (Anthony Ramos) and Elena (Dominique Fishback) will do whatever it takes to help the TRANSFORMERS as they engage in the ultimate battle to save Earth.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts - Blu-ray
Specs have yet to be detailed, but the press release states that those who purchase the digital film will receive over an hour's worth of supplements, which presumably are included with the physical packages.
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (Best Buy SteelBook)
Pre-order yours today and is the full press release:
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Won't exactly call it a return to normal, but after a holiday week, any sort of release schedule is much more normal than that. It's a tossup on whether Scream 6 or Sisu will be the 4K title of the week. I lean towards Sisu because that category generally gets more attention.
Welcome to Volume 4 Episode 6 of our weekly release guide. A look at the highlights of what's coming to disc the week of July 9th - July 15th, as well as a look at announcements from last week.
With no Imports Monday to report, thes get New Releases Tuesday first.
From Paramount, Scream VI, which comes as a Standard Edition and as a SteelBook Edition.
From LionsGate, Sisu, which comes as a Standard Edition and as a SteelBook, but the latter is a Best Buy Exclusive.
Moving on to catalog releases, Criterion Collection releases After Hours, listed as a 'Dark' Comedy. And, The Watermelon Woman, which is in the romcom category.
From Scream Factory, a horror titled The Burning.
Closing out the 4K category this week, a few double-dips of sort. Invaders from Mars (1953) gets a standard release and both Mission: Impossible - Fallout and Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation get a SteelBook repackage.
Next week, Bruce Lee imports, that Evil Dead Rise SteelBook I told you about, Les Mes, James Dean, John Wayne and more!
Blu-ray counterparts of the above releases include Scream VI from Paramount and Sisu from LionsGate for the new releases, and After Hours from Criterion for a catalog title. The double-dip/standard release of Invaders from Mars also is available this week.
This week and next are pretty slow for blu-ray releases. Again, a good week to be a boutique label.
New comedy/drama from LionsGate titled Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.. Not done with LionsGate yet, also look for Beau Is Afraid, which is a comedy/horror.
From Sony Pictures Classics, Drama/Romance titled Carmen.
Under the standard Sony label, based on the anime of the same name, Knights of the Zodiac gets a live action film. As a fan of the series, is a 4K import an option?
A new comedy from Universal titled Book Club: The Next Chapter. Were there previous chapters?
TV on disc includes just Doctor Who: Jon Pertwee: Complete Season Three.
Collectors of the series from Kino Lorber should know that Film Noir: The Dark Side of Cinema XV releases this week.
There is practically no anime this week, what we do see are movies with One Piece Film: Red and Ranma ½ OVA & Movies Collection.
A little bit of action from Vertical Entertainment with To Catch a Killer.
Honorable Mention: Richard Pryor Double Feature is available this week and is currently the only way to get both Which Way Is Up? and 'The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings' on blu-ray. And if you were looking for White Noise 2, you can get it with another double feature from Mill Creek, White Noise / White Noise 2.
Shout Factory has revealed a slew of titles for September. In no particular order (except maybe from their social media account) they are Lost Souls, The Pack (1977), Night of the Comet 4K, My Demon Lover, My Bloody Valentine 4K, The Lost City of Z 4K, What's Love Got to Do with It?, Irwin Allen: Master of Disaster Collection, Natural Born Killers 4K and Lonely Castle in the Mirror. I would expect another anime title or two to be added, but this is still quite a list!
Disney has revealed the release of The Little Mermaid (2023) for a date of September 19th. Keeping up with their usual formula, Best Buy SteelBook, Walmart Exclusive, and the best cover art among all the choices remains with the blu-ray edition.
Which titles are you buying this week? Which ones are on your wishlist, be it to buy as an impulse buy or to wait for the right price?
Disney's The Little Mermaid (2023) starring Halle Bailey as Ariel and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula will arrive on Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on September 19. It will also be exclusively available at Digital Retailers on July 25.
The Little Mermaid is visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of Disney’s beloved animated musical classic, the story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy. “The Little Mermaid” is directed by Rob Marshall with a screenplay by David Magee, and is produced by Marc Platt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, John DeLuca and Rob Marshall.
The Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Combo Pack comes with an English 7.1 DTS-HD MA soundtrack. The 4K UHD Blu-ray packages will include Dolby Atmos, however appear to be exclusive to Walmart and a Best Buy SteelBook for the moment. We haven't found a general 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release yet, if/when that comes up we'll add it to our listings ASAP.
Bonus Features*
*Bonus features vary by product and retailer
The Little Mermaid (2023) - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (Walmart Exclusive)
The Little Mermaid (2023) - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (Best Buy Exclusive SteelBook)
Here is the full press release:
“CAPTURES THE MAGIC OF THE ORIGINAL”
– Ross Bonaime, Collider
Make It Part Of Your World. Disney’s The Little Mermaid Arrives Exclusively on Digital Retailers July 25 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on September 19
Includes All New Sing-Along Version For Families To Enjoy At Home!
Watch new spot here: https://youtu.be/96jKAOADcZ8
BURBANK, CA (July 6, 2023) – Relive the magic of one of Disney’s most beloved films when the “radiant and romantic live-action retelling” (Jenna Anderson, ComicBook.com) of The Little Mermaid becomes available to audiences to enjoy at home. Rob Marshall’s sparkling new take “captures the magic of the original” (Ross Bonaime, Collider) while “Halle Bailey simply soars” (Pete Hammond, Deadline) as she brings viewers into the world of Ariel and on a magical journey. Disney’s The Little Mermaid arrives at digital retailers (Apple TV, Prime Video and Vudu/Fandango) on July 25 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on September 19. Fans can add the film to their collection and access exclusive bonus features including a sing-along version of the film, song breakdowns, bloopers, and exclusive featurettes.
Film Synopsis
The Little Mermaid is visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of Disney’s beloved animated musical classic, the story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy. “The Little Mermaid” is directed by Rob Marshall with a screenplay by David Magee, and is produced by Marc Platt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, John DeLuca and Rob Marshall.
Bonus Features*
*Bonus features vary by product and retailer
Voice cast
Halle Bailey as Ariel
Jonah Hauer-King as Eric
Melissa McCarthy as Ursula
Javier Bardem as King Triton
Noma Dumezweni as The Queen
Art Malik as Sir Grimsby
Daveed Diggs as Sebastian (voice)
Jacob Tremblay as Flounder (voice)
Awkwafina as Scuttle (voice)
Director
Rob Marshall
Produced by
Marc Platt
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Rob Marshall
John DeLuca
Executive Producer
Jeffrey Silver
Screenplay by
David Magree
Rob Marshall
John DeLuca
Product Specifications
Street Date
Digital: July 25, 2023
Physical: September 19, 2023
Product SKUs
Digital: 4K UHD, HD, SD
Physical: 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (Retail Exclusives: 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Code), Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Code) & DVD
Feature Run Time
Approx. 135 Minutes
Rating
U.S.: Rated PG
*For action/peril and some scary images.
Canada: Rated PG
*For frightening scenes/violence.
** Bonus Material Not Rated
Aspect Ratio
Digital: 2.39:1
Physical: 2.39:1
Disc Size
4K UHD Blu-ray: 66GB
Blu-ray: 50GB
U.S. Audio
4K Ultra HD: English Dolby Atmos, , Spanish 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, French 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital
Blu-ray: English 7.1 DTS-HDMA, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, English AD 2.0 Dolby Digital
DVD: English 5.1 Dolby, Spanish 5.1 Dolby, French 5.1, English AD 2.0 Dolby
Digital: English 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 & 2.0 Dolby Digital, English Descriptive Audio 2.0 Dolby Digital (some platforms)
U.S. Subtitles
4K Ultra HD: English SDH, Spanish, French
Blu-ray: English SDH, Spanish, French
DVD: English SDH, Spanish, French
Digital: English SDH, Spanish, French (some platforms)
Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution adds two exciting new labels to their growing consortium of companies dedicated to preserving popular, weird, wild, and obscure films on physical media. That means more Blu-rays, more 4K UHD, and yes - even more Blu-ray 3D discs coming our way!
News broke earlier this week ahead of the 4th of July holiday that exploitation label Culture Shock would be leaving the OCN Distribution partner catalog to go their own way as they expand their collection of titles. While exploitation fans may miss seeing new Culture Shock titles in the new monthly OCN releases, there's good news on the horizon. In a press release OCN Distribution details they've added two new exciting partner labels to their catalog ensuring that not only will their monthly assortment of exciting titles continue to grow, but see films earn their first-time releases on Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, and even new Blu-ray 3D releases!
The first big highlight of the press releases is the news that the new imprint Art Label run by Warren Xian, formally of Culture Shock releasing, will be joining the OCN Distribution collective. As the name implies, Art Label aims to expand beyond horror and exploitation titles to encompass rare, obscure, and well-known art house titles.
The next big piece of news in this press release is that independent cinema caretakers IFC Films will be joining OCN Distribution! On top of their expansive back catalog, IFC continues to give new films a shot on home video rather than letting them get lost (or deleted) in the streaming weeds. This means back catalog titles that were only issued on DVD may see their Blu-ray debuts and even some 4K UHD upgrades as new titles continue to reach physical media!
Collectors should see the first releases from both Art Label and IFC Films arrive in December!
While it may be sad to see Culture Shock leave this exciting network, it's awesome to hear they're not going away either. When we have more news about where they land and when their next releases arrive we'll let you all know. HDD has had a great time checking out their discs so we're happy and excited to see what's next in store for them. At the same time, it's impossible to hold back enthusiasm for what's coming from OCN with two new labels and current partners expanding their collections. That just means more awesome new movies, more slick exclusive slipcovers, and more money happily vanishing from our wallets every month!
For all the gory details, check out the full OCN press release below:
OCN DISTRIBUTION ADDS TWO NEW PARTNER LABELS FOR FALL 2023
[Bridgeport, CT July 6th, 2023] – OCN Distribution, sister company of popular boutique genre home video label Vinegar Syndrome, is expanding its roster of Partner Labels in 2023 (and beyond) with at least two more new labels introduced in this calendar year.
Following up the addition of labels like the Australian based Umbrella and the US based XYZ Films and Film Desk in 2023 thus far, OCN Distribution is adding two more exciting labels to its consistently expanding lineup this fall, while the current lineup will continue regular releases including the first 4K UHD from Canadian International Pictures and the first 3D BD release from any of the OCN partner labels, via Dekanalog.
The first addition to the OCN roster has been years in the making and we are very excited to announce that IFC Films will be joining OCN, with extras packed upgrades of select titles, including some previously only released on DVD, alongside future UHD upgrades and new to home video releases. It’s a relationship that will build on IFC’s exquisite curation at the forefront of independent cinema both domestic and abroad, which has been cultivated for decades.
The first IFC Films release will land in December’s Partner’s Only month and its director, Alex Ross Perry, had the following to say about working with OCN on the release: "The work being done by OCN is invaluable when it comes to creating essential physical media home video releases of films that might otherwise not be given the luxury treatment. IFC's catalog is nearly unparalleled when it comes to crucial and significant independent cinema over the past few decades. The possibilities of this partnership are endless, and I am flattered that my previous work with OCN on the definitive Her Smell blu-ray - and their desire to release more of my films - has played a small role in building this relationship”.
Also launching in December’s Partner’s Only month will be brand new imprint Art Label, run by Warren Xian, formerly of Culture Shock Releasing which will operate without Xian going forward. As many OCN fans are aware, Culture Shock Releasing will be parting ways with OCN this summer and will seek alternative means of distribution. Xian had the following to say about staying with OCN and forming his own label: “With Art Label, I am excited to broaden the horizons of what I was doing with Culture Shock Releasing. We will be expanding beyond horror and exploitation into past and present art house cinema, from the deep fringe to the well known. Working with OCN has been very liberating, allowing me to focus my energy on acquiring more titles and gathering more bonus material for each release, and I am delighted to be continuing that relationship.”
OCN is very excited about these two new partner labels, and more labels to come in 2024! This fall will be a banner season for OCN Distribution, with an average of 15 releases per month from September through December and that will only increase going into the following year, which will contain even more surprises, including never before on disc titles, unexpected UHD upgrades, comprehensive filmmaker box sets and more!
Tom Cruise's latest action-packed adventure as international IMF superspy Ethan Hunt is about to hit theaters. The franchise has always been about intricate spycraft, big stunts, and pulse-pounding-action set pieces. After the wall-to-wall nonstop action of Mission: Impossible Fallout, Tom Cruise and frequent collaborator Christopher McQuarrie are back for more with Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One. This and the upcoming sequel are rumored to be the swan song for Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt and that means big world-ending stakes, intense action, and impressive stuntwork demanding the best possible movie-going experience.
With theaters offering a variety of premium format options to give you a fully immersive cinematic experience, IMAX and Dolby Cinema are your best options over any standard theater screen. But what is the difference between IMAX and Dolby Cinema and which is the best way to enjoy Dead Reckoning Part One? Reviewers Bryan and Sam saw the film in each format and they might help you decide.
There are a number of premium format theater options out there intended to offer a definitive cinema-going experience - for a slightly more expensive ticket. IMAX and Dolby Cinema are the current top formats out there, but they're not made equal.
So let's start with IMAX:
Probably the most recognized premium format name to average moviegoers, IMAX has been the go-to for BIG screen theater viewings. The format got started with gorgeous nature documentaries but in the late 90s and early 2000s started to show Hollywood feature films reformated, and in the case of Attack of the Clones re-edited, for the biggest screen in town. And it is BIG. A true IMAX screen can measure anywhere from 50 to 125 feet high! Then you have Omnimax which not only adds height but then gives you an intense 180-degree sightline for a uniquely immersive visual experience. Then the theaters blast you with wall-to-wall earth-rattling surround sound to bring you right into the movies. And starting with Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight - big Hollywood tentpoles were partially (or more recently entirely) shot with IMAX cameras to give you a truly BIG SCREEN experience with either a shifting or static aspect ratio.
But sadly not all IMAX screens are made equal. With around 1700 Imax screens globally, you have to do your research before you run off to any old theater. In the push to get more IMAX screens out there, some multiplexes retrofitted existing screens to support IMAX - but didn't give you the same height experience. Not by a long shot. While the picture may be crystal clear, these screens dubbed "Lie-MAX" by moviegoers are a frustratingly lacking experience and just aren't worth the extra premium format surcharge. So you have to do your homework to make sure the screen you're going to is genuine IMAX and not a pithy converted screen.
Let's now dive into Dolby Cinema:
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray enthusiasts will know the names Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos - but you don't have to own a high-end home theater setup, you can go to your local theater! Utilizing their own dual high dynamic range laser projector system, Dolby Cinema screens promise the clearest, most detailed image possible with an intense surround and overhead audio experience. While only in a fraction of the theaters as IMAX, Dolby Cinema has set its own quality benchmark for image clarity and auditory resonance. Since all Dolby Cinema screens are certified by Dolby, there isn't a worry about one Dolby Cinema screen not being the same quality as the next Dolby Cinema screen. However - screen size is along standard theater ranges so you won't get that genuine HUGE SCREEN experience of IMAX.
Here's what Sam had to say about his Dolby Cinema experience:
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One was viewed in Dolby Cinema at AMC Theaters Boston Common with a 4K Dolby Vision presentation that impresses with crisp colors, deep contrast and rich hues that come with the improved 4K laser projection. You can really tell the difference between the sequences shot normally and those framed for IMAX, though I don’t really fault the film for that, as the presentation on the whole is vivid and eye-popping. You won’t be disappointed by seeing it in Dolby Vision at a Dolby Cinema theater, though everything is cropped at 2.39:1. If you see this film in IMAX, certain sequences open up to the full-frame 1.90:1 ratio. The film was reportedly shot completely on Sony CineAlta Venice Cameras, made popular for their use on Top Gun: Maverick, which explains why everything is so crisp and vivid.
[Edit 7/12/23]
At the time of press, we didn't have confirmation that there wouldn't be any open frame 1.90:1 IMAX sequences - given past blockbuster titles and Mission: Impossible entries it was a safe assumption. After finally getting clarifications and numerous readers letting us know, the IMAX version of Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One does not have expanding aspect ratio sequences and is apparently fixed at 2.39:1. Apologies for the confusion there.
Here's what Bryan had to say about his IMAX experience:
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One is being released in just about every theater across the world. The film will be available to watch in standard theaters or if one is so lucky, a choice of IMAX or Dolby Cinema enhanced theaters. What is the difference here? This film was shot on the Sony CineAlta Venice IMAX cameras, which means it was specifically made for IMAX theaters, or at least the big action set pieces were. That full scope from top to bottom in crystal clear clarity is something special to witness, especially during the incredible train sequence that allows for every type of visual imagination. It's an immersive experience when Cruise jumps off a mountain and lands on a train, along with some of those winding, narrow streets during the car chase. Movies like this are made to be seen on the biggest screen possible and IMAX delivers that option with perfection here.
While Sam enjoyed the viewing experience of Dolby Cinema - Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One was made to be seen at IMAX. Using the state-of-the-art Sony CineAlta Venice Cameras, both experiences guarantee you a better image experience than a standard theater screen - but IMAX looks like the clear overall winner overall. From incredible car chases to daring jumps to runaway trains, the film is sure to be a visual feast. Bryan and Sam may have had differing opinions about the film itself, but they both agree the action setpieces are incredible and demand to be seen on the best and biggest screens available.
