Arrow preps Battle Royale and Donnie Darko for 4K Blu-ray releases
Kinji Fukasaku's groundbreaking dystopian action thriller Battle Royale – originally released in cinemas in 2000 – will be presented in 4K HDR (Dolby Vision) in both Theatrical and Special Edition Director's Cut versions, with imagery based on a new in-house 4K restoration of the original camera negatives.
The two cuts are housed on separate discs, each accompanied by extra features. Bonuses include a new commentary track on the Theatrical Cut, a new 42-minute Battle Royale at 20: Back to School retrospective documentary, plus interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, Making of.. featurettes, trailers and much more.
Arrow's set then goes even further, adding sequel flick Battle Royale II: Requiem, and extended version Battle Royale II: Revenge on separate Blu-rays, accompanied by new and archival extras.
Rounding off the Limited Edition release is a CD featuring Battle Royale's score, plus exclusive bonus goodies including a 120-page 'monograph' on director Kinji Fukasaku by Japanese cinema expert Tom Mes; an illustrated collector’s booklet; Trump Card set; and a reversible poster with new artwork.
In shops the same day, Arrow Video's 4K BD release of 2001 sci-fi drama Donnie Darko is a double-disc edition, again offering separate platters for the film's two cuts (Theatrical and Director's).
The 4K HDR (Dolby Vision) visuals are based on a 4K restoration approved by director Richard Kelly and cinematographer Steven Poster – presumably the same master used for Arrow Video's Blu-ray in 2017. Extensive extra features, including a 100-page book, are also ported across from that release.
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