‘Close Encounters Of The Third Kind’ Celebrates 40th With New 4K Restoration In September!

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the sci-fi classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind by releasing the digital remastered 4K version of the film on September 19, 2017.

Fans can get the re-release on a 2-Disc Remastered Blu-ray, 3-Disc 4K Ultra HD or a Limited Edition 3-Disc 4K Ultra HD ‘Light and Sound’ Gift Set! Both Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD release include three versions of Close Encounters of the Third Kind along with all-new bonus content that features new interviews with Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, and Denis Villeneuve.

The film will also have a one-week theatrical re-release on September 1, 2017. The upcoming Limited Edition Gift Set has illuminated packaging that also plays the iconic 5-tone motif. There’s also an expanded booklet that has rare archival photos.

The three versions of the film include the 1977 theatrical version, the 1980 Special Edition release, and the 1997 Director’s Cut.

The 4K restoration is sure to be a treat for fans. Close Encounters of the Third Kind has been fully restored from the 35mm original camera negative, thereby utilizing in 4K the full resolution, detail and color depth inherent in the film. 4K Ultra HD is able to bring the full power of this restoration to homes, featuring four times the resolution of high definition, high dynamic range (HDR)–which produces brilliant highlights, vibrant colors and greater contrast on compatible displays.

The Blu-ray will also utilize this new restoration at HD resolution. Both 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions will also feature the original restored 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio.

Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws), Teri Garr (Tootsie), Melinda Dillon (A Christmas Story) and acclaimed French film director François Truffaut star in the story of a group of people who attempt to contact alien intelligence. Nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Director (Spielberg) and Best Supporting Actress (Dillon), CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND won for Best Cinematography (Vilmos Zsigmond) with Frank E. Warner taking home a Special Achievement Award for sound effects editing.

Written and Directed by Steven Spielberg, Close Encounters of the Third Kind was produced by Julia Phillips and Michael Phillips.

The Bonus Features Include:

• All three versions of the film: 1977 Theatrical Version, 1980 Special Edition & 1997 Director’s Cut
• ALL-NEW: “Three Kinds of Close Encounters” Featurette
• New interview with Director Steven Spielberg on the legacy of the film, as well as new interviews with directors J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Denis Villeneuve (Arrival) about the impact of Close Encounters.
• ALL-NEW: “Steven’s Home Movies & Outtakes”
• Rare never-before-seen home movies & gags from the set of Close Encounters.
• Close Encounters of the Third Kind Making-of Documentary
• “Steven Spielberg: 30 Years of Close Encounters” Featurette
• Deleted Scenes
• 1977 Featurette “Watch the Skies”
• Storyboard to Scene Comparisons
• Extensive Photo Gallery
• “A View From Above”
• Theatrical Trailers

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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