First, we had asked Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment and MGM for some clarification and additional details on their recently-announced 4K Ultra HD release of the Rocky: The Knockout Collection, which is due on 2/28:
We’ve learned that the 4K discs will include both 5.1 surround and “original theatrical audio” in DTS format (we presume this to be DTS-HD Master Audio).
The 4K discs themselves include only audio commentaries—all of the other extras in the 4K set are going to be included on the BD bonus disc, among them special features related to Rocky and the recent The Making of Rocky vs. Dragon documentary.
The Rocky IV UHD disc includes both the Theatrical Cut and the new Director’s Cut of the film in actual 4K—they’re included on the same disc.
The Blu-rays in the Best Buy-exclusive single-film Steelbook 4K SKUs are the existing Blu-ray discs—they’re not remastered from the new 4K master. That means those will carry over the previous extras. But again, these Blu-rays are not remastered.
And finally, there are no official details on the 4K release of Rocky V and Rocky Balboa at this time. (However, our own sources have confirmed that Sylvester Stallone is working on a new director’s cut of Rocky Balboa, so they’re likely to follow in 4K at a later date.)
Here’s what the Rocky: The Knockout Collection looks like (click here or on the image to pre-order it on Amazon.com)...
By the way, the timing of this release is no doubt a tie-in to the forthcoming 3/3 theatrical release of Michael B. Jordan’s sequel Creed III.
Also today, our friends at ClassicFlix are releasing Blondie: The Complete 1957 Television Series on Blu-ray on 4/18. The 2-disc set will include all 26 episodes remastered from original 35 mm film elements.
RLJE Films will release Kids vs. Aliens on Blu-ray and DVD on 4/18 as well.
Kino Lorber Studio Classics has revealed William Goldman’s Heat (1986) for Blu-ray release on 4/25, along with John Frawley’s The Big Bus (1976), and Dennis Hopper’s Backtrack (1990).
And Universal and Starz will release Gaslit: The Complete Limited Series on Blu-ray on 3/28.
Back tomorrow with more. Stay tuned...
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