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Movie and TV Discussion => Upcoming Releases => Topic started by: SRW1000 on April 07, 2026, 08:55:31 PM

Title: Blue Thunder Makes Its Global 4K UHD Debut 5/5/2026
Post by: SRW1000 on April 07, 2026, 08:55:31 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/BuN10XJ.png)

From the Arrow Video press release:

On May 5, the action-packed sci-fi thriller Blue Thunder makes its global 4K UHD debut, exposing a future where military-grade surveillance takes to the skies above the streets of Los Angeles. This limited edition release features a brand new 4K restoration from the original negative, hours of special features, and newly commissioned extras.

Officer Frank Murphy (Roy Scheider, Jaws) pilots a helicopter for the Los Angeles Police Department. During a nighttime aerial patrol, Frank and partner Officer Richard Lymangood (Daniel Stern, Home Alone) spy on a woman exercising, leading them to miss a councilwoman being murdered nearby, resulting in their suspension. Frank's punishment doesn’t last long. His superior (Warren Oates, The Wild Bunch) needs him to test the next generation of police helicopters. The futuristic vehicle, nicknamed “Blue Thunder,” features bulletproof armor, state-of-the-art surveillance equipment, whisper mode, and advanced weaponry. With the 1984 Summer Olympics on the horizon, the city is eager to put it into action. But Frank has his doubts. The program’s test pilot, F.E. Cochrane (Malcolm McDowell, A Clockwork Orange), is a man he grew to despise during their time in Vietnam. As tensions escalate, Frank becomes increasingly suspicious of the technology, culminating in a high-stakes aerial showdown above the City of Angels.

Blue Thunder was directed by John Badham (Saturday Night Fever, WarGames), who staged thrilling helicopter stunts around the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles without the use of CGI. The film also stars Candy Clark (The Man Who Fell to Earth), Joe Santos (The Rockford Files), and Anthony James (High Plains Drifter).

Special features include a 4K (2160p) UHD Blu-ray presentations in Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible); original restored lossless 2.0 stereo audio and optional DTS-HD MA 5.1 remix; optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing; an archival audio commentary by director John Badham and others; brand new interviews with John Badham, Malcolm McDowell, and Candy Clark; an archival three-part documentary; an archival featurette on the design and construction of the iconic helicopter; an archival 1983 promotion featurette; an extended scene; the theatrical trailer; image gallery; and a collectors’ booklet featuring the original production notes.

Watch the trailer for Blue Thunder here:

https://youtu.be/aI_GoXZqoYs

Blue Thunder is distributed by MVD Entertainment Group.

It's been a long time coming, but knowing this is in the hands of Arrow, fans will be getting a great release of this film.  I'm a little surprised that it's not getting an Atmos upgrade, since I would guess the tops would get lots of use in this movie.
Title: Re: Blue Thunder Makes Its Global 4K UHD Debut 5/5/2026
Post by: David Vaughn on April 07, 2026, 09:43:07 PM
I've been awaiting this release for years (on either Blu-ray or UHD). I remember this movie fondly from the 1980s and wonder how well it will hold up. 
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