Twice as nice: ‘Hobbit,’ ‘Lord of the Rings’ released

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has released a “twin-trilogy” of sorts: “The Hobbit Trilogy” and “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy” have both been released in 4K Ultra High Definition.

Both trilogies feature the theatrical and extended versions of the six Middle-earth films in 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range.

The 4K remastering process was overseen by Peter Jackson, who directed all six films. As much as these are must-have titles, fans will be thrilled to know that next summer, a 4K UHD ultimate collector’s edition featuring the theatrical and extended versions of all six films, along with new bonus content, will be released. Also, later in 2021 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,”  there will be remastered Blu-ray Discs of “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy” featuring theatrical and extended versions of the three films.

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More titles

“Steven Universe: The Complete Collection” (Warner Bros. Home Entertainment) is the end-all authority on everything Steven Universe-related. This complete-collection DVD features every episode of “Steven Universe,” “Steven Universe Future,” the smash hit TV movie “Steven Universe the Movie,” and hours of all-new bonus content. It’s a Cartoon Network-lover’s dream, as this ultimate 15-disc collector’s edition storybook features custom-made pieces of art on every page by Chromosphere. The bonus content includes animatics, minisodes, commentary, a sing-along, and more.

“Hawaii Five-0: The Complete Series” (CBS DVD/Paramount) is a whopping 61-disc collection featuring all 10 seasons with 240 action-packed episodes of the series starring Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan. Who doesn’t like watching crime fighters on sun-drenched beaches? Guest stars include Daryl Hannah, Jimmy Buffett, George Takei, and James Caan. A bonus disc with more than an hour of features includes cast interviews, highlight reels, and more.

“Total Recall” (Lionsgate), that 1990 gem starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is available for the first time on 4K Ultra HD in a three-disc combo pack.  The 4K Ultra HD includes dolby vision and dolby atmos, and the combo pack includes Blu-ray Disc and digital. The  restoration was supervised by director Paul Verhoeven. A never-seen documentary feature and two other featurettes highlight the combo pack.

“The 2020 World Series” (Shout! Factory) is the official World Series Film from Major League Baseball, narrated by Vin Scully. Versions are either DVD, or two-disc Blu-ray plus DVD combo pack. The title includes in-dept interviews with Dodgers stars Mookie Betts, Corey Seager, and Clayton Kershaw, who were instrumental in the series victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

“Raining in the Mountain” (Film Movement Classics) is available on Blu-ray for the first time in North America. This epic martial arts heist movie has been restored for this release and includes a new video essay, audio commentary, and 16-page booklet.

Article written by Steve Slosarek

Staff Writer
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