“Based on the musical play by Richard O’Brien–with a screenplay by O’Brien and director Jim Sharman, and produced by Lou Adler and Michael White–The Rocky Horror Picture Show broke the mold with its unforgettable characters, flamboyant costumes, and audacious rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack. Through its legendary late-night screenings, complete with shadow casts, fan costumes, and interactive rituals, the film pioneered a new kind of audience participation that redefined the moviegoing experience. Today, with weekly screenings around the world, The Rocky Horror Picture Show continues to make history as the longest-running theatrical release of all time.
“To celebrate the 50th anniversary, a newly restored and remastered version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be unleashed in breathtaking 4K Ultra HD, and crowned by the debut of a dazzling new anniversary logo.
“Overseen by the Walt Disney Studios Restoration team, the 10-month project included a meticulous digital scan and preservation process that ensures every frame of the cult classic is presented with unprecedented clarity and vibrancy. The restoration also features a newly mixed Dolby Atmos audio track, bringing enhanced depth and dimension to the film’s iconic soundtrack. For purists and longtime fans, the original mono audio has been fully restored as well–allowing audiences to experience the film exactly as it was heard when it first premiered five decades ago.
“It’s a privilege to help preserve the legacy of a film that has meant so much to so many,” says Kevin Schaeffer, Director of Restoration & Library Management. “Bringing The Rocky Horror Picture Show to life in 4K allows us to honor its bold, genre-defying spirit and ensure that audiences–both longtime fans and first-time viewers–can experience it as it was originally intended, with stunning picture and sound.”
“When The Rocky Horror Picture Show was first released, no one thought it would be around very long let alone... 50 years,” says producer Lou Adler. “What began as a small, rebellious project has become a global celebration of individuality, community, and creative freedom. This anniversary is a tribute to the fans who kept it alive and kicking all these years.”
“Watch for future announcements on the 50th anniversary celebrations for The Rocky Horror Picture Show!”
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We’ll have all the relevant disc details as they come in. Meanwhile, here’s a look at the logo created to celebrate the release...
Now then, Warner’s non-Steelbook version of Richard Donner’s Lethal Weapon (1987) in 4K Ultra HD is now listed for pre-order on Amazon. The street date is 6/24. And per the back of the packaging, the disc will include HDR10 high dynamic range and Dolby Atmos audio, as well as the theatrical audio in 2.0 DTS-HD MA. It also appears that a pair of featurettes will be included (A Legacy of Inspiration: Remembering Dick Donner and “I’m Too Old for This…” A Chemistry That Became Iconic), though not all of the legacy content. Here’s the cover art (and Amazon links) for both versions...
Finally today, for those of you wondering exactly what extras are being included on the films in the forthcoming 007: Sean Connery 6-Film Collection in 4K Ultra HD, which streets on 6/10. Here’s the film by film breakdown:
Dr No.:
- Commentary with Director Terence Young and Members of the Cast and Crew
- Declassified: MI6 Vault
- Exotic Locations
- Mission Dossier
- Dr. No 1963 Featurette
- Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive
- Ministry of Propaganda: TV Broadcasts
- Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications
From Russia with Love:
- Commentary with Director Terence Young and Members of the Cast and Crew
- Declassified: MI6 Vault
- Animated Story Board Sequence
- Exotic Locations
- Mission Dossier
- Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive
- Ministry of Propaganda: TV Broadcasts
- Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications
Goldfinger:
- Commentaries with Director Guy Hamilton plus Sean Connery and Members of the Cast and Crew
- Declassified: MI6 Vault
- Exotic Locations
- Mission Dossier
- Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive: Original Theatrical Trailer
- Ministry of Propaganda: TV Broadcasts
- Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications
Thunderball:
- Audio Commentary Featuring Terence Young and Others
- Audio Commentary Featuring Peter Hunt, John Hopkins and Others
- Declassified: MI6 Vault
- Selling Bonds – Original 1965 Television Commercials
- Exotic Locations
- Mission Dossier
- Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive
- Ministry of Propaganda: TV Broadcasts
- Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications
You Only Live Twice:
- Commentary with Director Lewis Gilbert and Members of the Cast and Crew
- Declassified: MI6 Vault
- Mission Dossier
- Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive
- Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications
Diamonds are Forever:
- Commentary with Director Guy Hamilton and Members of the Cast and Crew
- Declassified: MI6 Vault
- Alternate and Expanded Angles
- Deleted Scenes
- Mission Dossier
- Ministry of Propaganda: Theatrical Archive: Christmas Teaser Trailer
- Ministry of Propaganda: TV Broadcasts
- Ministry of Propaganda: Radio Communications
We’ll have to wait until we have the discs in hand to see if that represents all of the previous Blu-ray and DVD special features for these films, or just a sampling.
That’s all for now. Stay tuned…
- Bill Hunt
(You can follow Bill on social media on Twitter, BlueSky, and Facebook, and also here on Patreon)