That gloriously depraved bit of 1980's animation -- Heavy Metal -- is getting a makeover.
Sony Pictures has announced that they're going back into that well for not one updating but they'll also be giving its curious sequel, Heavy Metal 2000, a restoration. While the original promises to be a 4K workout, the specs on its follow-up are unclear. (My guess would be that it's likely just a relative clean-up for paired distribution as a 'franchise.')
For all of its merits and drawbacks, I've always thought that Heavy Metal was a product of its time. The animation wasn't groundbreaking in any respect -- it was, in most places, just above Saturday morning fare of the era -- but pairing its stories up as more adult programming certainly brought out fans wanting something a bit different. I do recall loving the voice work -- Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, and John Candy were SCTV staples of my youth, and I love much of what they did -- and I guess that's something worth mentioning in any retrospective about the finished product.
Also, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention the feature has one of the better soundtracks of its day in the sun. Some of the stuff is a bit forgettable, but I've always Don Felder's 'Heavy Metal' over Sammy Hagar's. Just my two cents.
Here are the specifics (below) regarding the package that'll hit stores on April 19th. Or -- if you're so inclined -- head on over to Amazon.com and pre-order your copy today.
As always, thanks for reading ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
Sony Pictures has announced that they're going back into that well for not one updating but they'll also be giving its curious sequel, Heavy Metal 2000, a restoration. While the original promises to be a 4K workout, the specs on its follow-up are unclear. (My guess would be that it's likely just a relative clean-up for paired distribution as a 'franchise.')
For all of its merits and drawbacks, I've always thought that Heavy Metal was a product of its time. The animation wasn't groundbreaking in any respect -- it was, in most places, just above Saturday morning fare of the era -- but pairing its stories up as more adult programming certainly brought out fans wanting something a bit different. I do recall loving the voice work -- Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, and John Candy were SCTV staples of my youth, and I love much of what they did -- and I guess that's something worth mentioning in any retrospective about the finished product.
Also, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention the feature has one of the better soundtracks of its day in the sun. Some of the stuff is a bit forgettable, but I've always Don Felder's 'Heavy Metal' over Sammy Hagar's. Just my two cents.
Here are the specifics (below) regarding the package that'll hit stores on April 19th. Or -- if you're so inclined -- head on over to Amazon.com and pre-order your copy today.
As always, thanks for reading ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
Studio description: 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!
Special Features and Technical Specs:
DISC ONE: 4K BLU-RAY
Special Features and Technical Specs:
DISC ONE: 4K BLU-RAY
- BRAND NEW 4K RESTORATION OF THE FILM APPROVED BY PRODUCER IVAN REITMAN
- BRAND NEW DOLBY ATMOS AUDIO TRACK - a brand-new immersive experience utilizing enhanced sound effects and much more, supervised by producer Ivan Reitman
- Also includes the 2022 mix in 5.1, and the original 1981 theatrical Dolby Stereo audio
- NEW: Heavy Metal: A Look Back – an all-new retrospective featuring reflections from producer Ivan Reitman, famous fans Kevin Smith, Norman Reedus, and more!
- Feature presented in High Definition with 5.1 audio
- Original Feature-Length Rough Cut with Optional Commentary by Carl Macek
- Imagining Heavy Metal Documentary
- Deleted Scene
- Alternate Framing Story with Commentary
- BRAND NEW RESTORATION OF HEAVY METAL 2000 with 5.1 audio
- Julie Strain: Super Goddess
- Voice Talent
- Animation Tests
- Animatic Comparisons
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