2024’s Physical Media Triumphs: Celebrating a Year of Iconic Releases
Discover the Standout Discs and Unmissable Editions of the Year
Showcasing 2024’s standout physical media, from The Crow to Häxan. Enjoy pristine 4K restorations, rich extras, and insightful commentaries, marking a year where physical media truly shined.
by Sean Kennedy
So that was 2024! Steven and I threw together a quick year in review episode to discuss the highs and lows of 2024’s slate of cinema and physical media releases. For the complete list - that include The Substance, Dune: Part Two and Heretic - you can listen to our full episode at the end of the article.
And what about physical media? We are very happy to report that unlike the staggeringly erratic quality of cinema releases throughout 2024, the physical media fanatics among us were served some absolute fire this year from the likes of BFI, Second Sight Films, Umbrella Entertainment, Radiance Films and Arrow Video.
All three of us loaded up on goodies this year and I’d go so far as to say that 2024 birthed some of the best disc releases in recent memory! From The Crow to The Chronicles of Riddick Steven & Sean detail some of their top picks in the episode, but we thought we’d earmark a few of our favourites for your reading pleasure here.
Steven Hurst’s 2024 Physical Media Picks
The Crow
The Crow Soars Again with Paramount's 4K Release
Reviving a Classic with Extras
A very, VERY, long overdue upgrade. The Crow (1994) has previously been released on various editions around the world with a patter of extras here and there. Initially, the Americas had the best release with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, a focus on the original graphic novel author James O'Barr and even a commentary from the producer and one of the writers. It was par for the course at the time. Eventually, a bigger edition came along that gave us a commentary from director Alex Proyas.
Reviving a Classic with Extras
A very, VERY, long overdue upgrade. The Crow (1994) has previously been released on various editions around the world with a patter of extras here and there. Initially, the Americas had the best release with behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, a focus on the original graphic novel author James O'Barr and even a commentary from the producer and one of the writers. It was par for the course at the time. Eventually, a bigger edition came along that gave us a commentary from director Alex Proyas.
A Comprehensive Collection for Fans
In 2024 we got a restored 4K master from Paramount that pulled together all these extras and a couple of new interviews – the highlight being that from production designer Alex McDowell. Combined with the existing material it makes for an engaging package. Both commentaries are excellent. The 4K upgrade really made the film pop on screen. The Crow didn’t get the same heft in the sound department, but it’s just fine as it is. This is a must-have for fans, so anyone even remotely curious should snap it up.
Wages of Fear
BFI Brings Classic Thrills to Life
Revisiting the Visual Artistry
Holy crap! When an old B/W classic gets the UHD treatment it can really show you what directors were capable of visually back before you were born. Each year, the BFI usually release a couple of highly regarded classics. In late 2024 they released Akira Kurosowa’s Seven Samurai, and whilst that’s one you want to hit the format, there was a slight sense of “Is this the best it can look?” about it. It may be the case, and the film is still astounding, but you can’t deny motion blur when you see it – and the less said about sound with older films the better. There is often no rescuing it.
Revisiting the Visual Artistry
Holy crap! When an old B/W classic gets the UHD treatment it can really show you what directors were capable of visually back before you were born. Each year, the BFI usually release a couple of highly regarded classics. In late 2024 they released Akira Kurosowa’s Seven Samurai, and whilst that’s one you want to hit the format, there was a slight sense of “Is this the best it can look?” about it. It may be the case, and the film is still astounding, but you can’t deny motion blur when you see it – and the less said about sound with older films the better. There is often no rescuing it.
Wages of Fear: A Visual Revelation
On the other hand, The Wages Of Fear, whilst still suffering some of the same sound issues of older films, is a very different case when it comes to the visuals. Images are sharp, contrasts are more striking and it almost makes you wish for more films to be made in black and white so you can see the beauty of it as art when delivered through pristine 4K restoration.
The Hitcher
Second Sight Films Delivers a Standout Release
Celebrating a Cult Classic
If I have to give out the prize for the best 4K release in 2024, then it is a pleasure to give it to Robert Harmon’s The Hitcher. The film already scored a very decent DVD release 20 years ago boasting a commentary, a decent making-of documentary and a few added extras that went beyond the cause – particularly with some short films. This release gives us almost all of that again (Rutger Hauer’s short film The Room is missing, sadly), but all of the key players still around have come back, AGAIN, to deliver lengthy interviews to reflect upon the film now. It’s impressive that you get so many people still passionate about their work now and eager to keep audiences engaged with it.
Celebrating a Cult Classic
If I have to give out the prize for the best 4K release in 2024, then it is a pleasure to give it to Robert Harmon’s The Hitcher. The film already scored a very decent DVD release 20 years ago boasting a commentary, a decent making-of documentary and a few added extras that went beyond the cause – particularly with some short films. This release gives us almost all of that again (Rutger Hauer’s short film The Room is missing, sadly), but all of the key players still around have come back, AGAIN, to deliver lengthy interviews to reflect upon the film now. It’s impressive that you get so many people still passionate about their work now and eager to keep audiences engaged with it.
Visual Excellence Reimagined
But the 4K job Second Sight did on the film is simply flabbergasting! Who would have thought a grimy, sandy, road thriller could look so good and stand the test of time and still deliver such haunting imagery today. Well, here it is and I recommend it most of all to those who dare to “Blind Buy” films. Those enthusiasts that haven’t seen this would be spending their money well here; because those brave souls are likely to pass the news on to others and keep the legacy of this cult classic alive for the next twenty years.
Demolition Man
Arrow Video Revives a Sci-Fi Classic
A Long-Awaited UK Release
Oh Okay, here’s a special mention. In December this year, Arrow Video gave us a release that has also been long overdue in the UK that delivers on the restoration, as well as the extras, and that is the pulp sci-fi actioner; Demolition Man. It’s shocking how entertaining this film still is today and how much better it probably is now compared to when it came out. On the extras side – the film delivers three commentaries and various interviews with the tech side of the film (effects, production design and stunts). So no Stallone, no Snipes. A shame for sure, but this is definitely a huge and warranted start into a special edition of the film that is worth picking up. Looks and sounds great.
A Long-Awaited UK Release
Oh Okay, here’s a special mention. In December this year, Arrow Video gave us a release that has also been long overdue in the UK that delivers on the restoration, as well as the extras, and that is the pulp sci-fi actioner; Demolition Man. It’s shocking how entertaining this film still is today and how much better it probably is now compared to when it came out. On the extras side – the film delivers three commentaries and various interviews with the tech side of the film (effects, production design and stunts). So no Stallone, no Snipes. A shame for sure, but this is definitely a huge and warranted start into a special edition of the film that is worth picking up. Looks and sounds great.
Insightful Extras Enhance Enjoyment
The commentaries, including writer Daniel Waters (who always has something to say), the director, Marco Brambilla, and producer Joel Silver (in a rare commentary attendance) offer great insight into the film. There are also words from the academic side of commentaries as is per the norm for Arrow these days, but it is no less insightful. To sum it up. It’s worth it. But I’d be buying it just for the upgrade as the film is, no joke, that entertaining!
Sean Kennedy’s 2024 Physical Media Picks
Timecrimes (Los cronocrímenes)
Umbrella Entertainment Delivers a Sci-Fi Gem
The striking Timecrimes limited collector's edition from Umbrella Entertainment showcases vibrant neon pink artwork. Alongside the standard edition, it includes a 48-page book, artcards, a poster, and elegant packaging, making it a must-have for sci-fi enthusiasts. Both editions feature identical content, including restored film versions, insightful interviews, and a director's commentary.
An Exciting Release for Fans
To my absolute glee, mere months after we published our episode on time travel movies in which I sang the praises of this oft-overlooked 2007 Spanish science fiction film by writer/director Nacho Vigalondo, the Australian boutique label Umbrella Entertainment announced a juicy HD release of Timecrimes in both limited collectors edition and standard editions respectively. Fans were previously served a region B Blu-ray from Germany in 2011 (Mord ist eine Frage der Zeit), lightly seasoned in the extras department with a trailer, gallery, a few interviews, a making of featurette, a short film by Vigalondo: “7:35 de la Mañana” and an alternate ‘chronological cut’ of the film – which, for a film about a time-loop paradox is about as useful as a chocolate kettle in terms of spoiling the magic!
Enhanced Extras for Enthusiasts
Umbrella’s release contains all of the above plus some extra interviews and a very welcome director's commentary, as well as some beautiful (and very pink) sleeve art. If you fork out extra for the limited collector’s edition (still in print at the time of writing) you’ll get a fancy box (also emblazoned in a fetching neon pink design), a 48-page book, some artcards, and a poster. Thankfully, the disc contents are the same on both versions. The film is an absolute masterpiece of the genre that I consider essential viewing for any sci-fi/time travel enthusiast, so I was thrilled to be able to add it to my collection having missed out on the German disc over a decade ago. Sadly, there is no 4k UHD release of this film.
The Chronicles of Riddick
Arrow Video Delivers a Definitive Edition
A definitive Physical Media release
Remember back in 2020 when Arrow Video released the unquestionably definitive home release of David Twohy’s 2000 cult hit Pitch Black, jam-packed with literally all of the extras? Well, in 2024 they did it again with the 2004 follow-up; The Chronicles of Riddick. I rarely grab limited editions as they usually just include fancier packaging and maybe a booklet
A definitive Physical Media release
Remember back in 2020 when Arrow Video released the unquestionably definitive home release of David Twohy’s 2000 cult hit Pitch Black, jam-packed with literally all of the extras? Well, in 2024 they did it again with the 2004 follow-up; The Chronicles of Riddick. I rarely grab limited editions as they usually just include fancier packaging and maybe a booklet
A Treasure Trove of Content
I made an exception here as along with 2-discs containing brand new, absolutely gorgeous 4K restorations of both cuts of the film, every featurette, interview, documentary, trailer, commentary from every previous release plus new ones, the limited edition also contained a third disc containing an alternative theatrical cut in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, an old television promo and a compilation of cutscenes from the very awesome, and sadly forgotten 2004 first-person shooter game ‘Escape From Butcher Bay’ which serves as somewhat of a prequel to the events of Chronicles of Riddick. Similarly to how the Dark Fury anime that was supplied with Arrow’s release of Pitch Black served as an in-between story, connecting the two films. It’s a brilliant package from Arrow with literally hours of entertainment to enjoy.
Restoration and Future Hopes
For me it’s the new restoration that shines brightest among the generous bevvy of extras. Word is that Arrow will be continuing this streak of pure win in the near future, with hopefully an equally definitive disc release of Riddick’s 2013 return in the unimaginatively titled Pitch Black re-hash ‘Riddick’. You can bet your bacon I’ll be all over that like a rash as well.
Häxan
Radiance Films Revives a Silent Classic
A Unique Cinematic Experience
Swedish director, Benjamin Christensen’s silent, 1922… err.. film got a wonderful boutique update in 2024 courtesy of Radiance Films in my home turf of the UK. Now, I hesitate before I describe this work as a ‘film’ in the traditional sense of the word, because it’s as much a visual essay, or even documentary as it is a film. Mostly in part due to the chapterized vignette-style presentation that examines the evolution of witch hunts, superstition, and the connection between historical witchcraft accusations and psychological disorders.
A Unique Cinematic Experience
Swedish director, Benjamin Christensen’s silent, 1922… err.. film got a wonderful boutique update in 2024 courtesy of Radiance Films in my home turf of the UK. Now, I hesitate before I describe this work as a ‘film’ in the traditional sense of the word, because it’s as much a visual essay, or even documentary as it is a film. Mostly in part due to the chapterized vignette-style presentation that examines the evolution of witch hunts, superstition, and the connection between historical witchcraft accusations and psychological disorders.
A Comprehensive Compilation of Versions
Over the years, the film has been re-edited in various ways and re-released under different titles such as the 1968 Metro Pictures’ ‘Witchcraft Through the Ages’ featuring a narration by William S. Burroughs. And here’s the pull; this release has them all! There are four versions of the film in this package, including the aforementioned Burroughs narrated version!
A Package Overflowing with Extras
I won’t bother listing the absolutely monstrous list of additional extras that the disc is loaded with or we’ll be here all day, but suffice to say Radiance Films have basically looked at the previous Criterion release from 2019 and just laughed. I will say though, that the music score performance by the Czech Film Orchestra in 2001, presented in 5.0 surround DTS-HD that was included on Criterion’s release is sadly absent here, but the absolutely stunning packaging and artwork goes some way to make up for that. If you get your jollys from creepy and eerie imagery as I do, then I can’t recommend this release enough. I’ll be keeping a very close eye on Radiance Films in the coming year.
This article features contributions by Film Utopia co-host Steven Hurst
Co-host of Film Utopia