One of the landmark titles of ’80s indie animation, Heavy Metal (1981) is returning to shelves in its first-ever 4K Ultra HD set as a limited edition SteelBook, featuring an all-new soundscape supervised by producer Ivan Reitman. Arriving April 19 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, the adult sci-fi anthology will be packaged with the Blu-ray debut of Heavy Metal 2000.
Synopsis: Based on the fantastical illustrated magazine Heavy Metal, producer Ivan Reitman enlists the help of some of Hollywood’s animation masters to create the otherworldly tale of a glowing green orb from outer space that spreads destruction throughout the galaxy. Only when encountered by its one true enemy, to whom it is inexplicably drawn, will goodness prevail throughout the universe.
Richly and lavishly drawn, the vignettes of the orb’s dark victories include the character voices of John Candy, Harold Ramis and a pounding soundtrack by Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Devo, Donald Fagen, Don Felder, Grand Funk Railroad, Sammy Hagar, Journey, Nazareth, Stevie Nicks, Riggs, and Trust. Highly imaginative and full of surprising special effects, Heavy Metal set the standard for alternative contemporary animation. An intoxicating experience not to be missed!
The movie features contributions from notable 20th century animators, directors and producers such as Jimmy Murakami, John Coates, John Halas, Bob Balser, Jack Stokes, Harold Whitaker and Pino van Lamsweerde, overseen by director Gerald Potterton. The voice cast also included Eugene Levy, Roger Bumpass, Joe Flaherty, Jackie Burroughs, John Vernon, Susan Roman and Alice Playten.
The Heavy Metal 4K UHD Disc presents the feature in 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, reviewed and approved by Ivan Reitman New 2022 Dolby Atmos soundtrack – a brand-new immersive experience utilizing enhanced sound effects and much more, supervised by Reitman. Also includes the 2022 mix in 5.1, and the original 1981 theatrical Dolby Stereo audio
- New special feature: Heavy Metal: A Look Back – an all-new retrospective featuring reflections from producer Ivan Reitman, famous fans Kevin Smith, Norman Reedus, and more!
The Heavy Metal Blu-ray presents the movie in High Definition with 5.1 audio. Special features:
- Original feature-length rough cut with optional commentary by Carl Macek (screenwriter, Heavy Metal 2000)
- Imagining Heavy Metal documentary
- Deleted scene
- Alternate framing story with commentary
The Heavy Metal 2000 Blu-ray is presented in newly remastered High Definition with 5.1 audio. Special features:
- Julie Strain: Super Goddess
- Voice talent
- Animation tests
- Animatic comparisons
