Universal Sets First 4K Ultra HD Releases, Including ‘Jason Bourne’
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has joined the 4K Ultra HD movement, tapping Matt Damon’s “Jason Bourne,” “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” “Warcraft,” “Everest,” “Lucy” and “Lone Survivor” as its first titles in the format.
Universal said Tuesday it would start releasing the titles this summer, but did not provide specific dates or prices.
The discs feature four times the resolution of HD and more than double the number of colors available with full HD. The High Dynamic Range technology is touted as revealing hidden details and shades of color that more closely mimic real life.
UPHE said Tuesday that it will begin a progressive rollout of its titles this summer with a mix of new and recent releases. “Lone Survivor” is the oldest film on the list with a 2013 theatrical release, while “Lucy” opened in 2014 and “Everest” launched last fall. “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” hits theaters Friday, while “Warcraft” debuts on June 10 and “Jason Bourne” bows on July 29.
UPHE said other 4K Ultra HD offerings in its pipeline will include a selection of Imax films. It also noted that it expects more than 100 titles to be available to consumers by the end of this year.
UPHE plans to make its titles available in both 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD digital formats. All of the designated offerings will feature a combination of 4K resolution and High Dynamic Range, with many also including multi-dimensional sound.
“4K Ultra HD represents a giant leap forward in movie-watching,” said UPHE President Eddie Cunningham. “The format’s stunning resolution and peak luminance, combined with its deep bench of industry support, enables us to deliver to the consumer a truly differentiated viewing experience, one that has the capability to power the future of home entertainment.”
Paramount Home Media Distribution recently announced that its first two titles in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc movement would be “Star Trek” and “Star Trek Into Darkness.” The titles will be released on June 14 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first broadcast of the original “Star Trek” TV series, which aired on NBC on Sept. 8, 1966.
Lionsgate has already begun releasing titles in the format. “Sicario,” “The Last Witch Hunter,” “Ender’s Game” and “The Expendables 3” were made available March 1, timed to the arrival in the market of the first 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc players from Samsung.
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