Yesterday, it was revealed that Wal-Mart will be selling an exclusive bundle for JUSTICE LEAGUE that will include a scene not shown in theaters. And now, Warner Bros. has announced even more details for the superhero ensemble film's home release, though a director's cut of Zack Snyder's team-based DCEU epic is not among the items listed.
While the lack of director's cut presentation is bound to upset more than a few fans, the release does come complete with a plethora of behind-the-scenes featurettes, though nothing too remarkable, from what I can see. There's also no director's commentary or extended cut, which is rather odd considering that Zack Snyder is likely to have more than enough footage on the cutting room floor to present an alternative take on the film. There's also a series deleted scenes entitled "The Return of Superman" that will be included in the set.
While Zack Snyder is known for releasing director's cuts of his films, Snyder took his leave from the project before a new version of the film could be pieced together. As you're likely to know, Snyder left the DC Entertainment film for personal reasons, and by that time had only turned in a rough cut of the film to the studio. The WB then commissioned Joss Whedon to direct a series of extensive re-shoots, as well as a bevy of incomplete shots originally orchestrated by Snyder. It's entirely possible that, due to the changing of the guard, Snyder feels that making another cut of the film would need to be a joint effort on behalf of both filmmakers. I also have another theory. What if Snyder simply has no desire to return to the project on account of that it reminds him of a very tragic time in his life? When taking that aspect of the process into consideration, it might be best if we enjoy the version we have now and move on.
As per the official press release:
JUSTICE LEAGUE will be available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack for $44.95, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack for $43.99, Blu-ray Combo Pack for $39.99 and DVD for $31.98. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack features an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the theatrical version in 4K HDR and a Blu-ray disc also featuring the theatrical version. The Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in 3D high definition and high definition; the Blu-ray Combo Pack features the theatrical version of the film in high definition on Blu-ray; and the DVD features the theatrical version in standard definition. The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack and Blu-ray Combo Pack will include a digital version of the movie. Fans can also own “Justice League” via purchase from digital retailers beginning February 13, 2018.
The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc of JUSTICE LEAGUE will feature Dolby VisionTM HDR that dramatically expands the color palette and contrast range, and uses dynamic metadata to automatically optimize the picture for every screen, frame by frame.
Also, the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D discs of JUSTICE LEAGUE will feature a Dolby Atmos soundtrack remixed specifically for the home theater environment to place and move audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. To experience Dolby Atmos at home, a Dolby Atmos enabled AV receiver and additional speakers are required, or a Dolby Atmos enabled sound bar. Dolby Atmos soundtracks are also fully backward compatible with traditional audio configurations and legacy home entertainment equipment.
BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS
JUSTICE LEAGUE 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack contains the following special features:
Road to Justice – Journey alongside DC comic creators as they explore over fifty years of the Justice League, from comic books to animated adventures to their cinematic debut.
Heart of Justice – Discover the heart, soul and mind of the Justice League, as the cast and filmmakers share their admiration for DC’s iconic Trinity: Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman.
Technology of the Justice League – From Batman’s arsenal to Cyborg’s alien tech, interface with the Justice League database to learn their most advanced secrets.
Justice League: The New Heroes – Join Ray Fisher on a personal tour to meet the newest members of the Justice League: Aquaman, the Flash and Cyborg.
The Return of Superman – Bonus scenes not seen in theatres
Steppenwolf the Conqueror – Join actor Ciarán Hinds and the filmmakers as they reveal the story behind mankind’s ancient enemy and the Justice League’s greatest challenge.
Scene Studies: Revisiting the Amazons – Take a closer look at the filmmaking process behind Justice League’s most visually exciting and action-packed sequences
Scene Studies: Wonder Woman’s Rescue – Take a closer look at the filmmaking process behind Justice League’s most visually exciting and action-packed sequences
Scene Studies: Heroes Park – Take a closer look at the filmmaking process behind Justice League’s most visually exciting and action-packed sequences
Scene Studies: The Tunnel Battle – Take a closer look at the filmmaking process behind Justice League’s most visually exciting and action-packed sequences
Suit Up: The Look of the League – Costume Designer Michael Wilkinson explores the innovation and artistry that goes into creating the costumes of DC’s iconic heroes.
JUSTICE LEAGUE Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:
– Road to Justice
– Heart of Justice
– Technology of the Justice League
– Justice League: The New Heroes
– Steppenwolf the Conqueror
– Scene Studies: Revisiting the Amazons
– Scene Studies: Wonder Woman’s Rescue
– Scene Studies: Heroes Park
– Scene Studies: The Tunnel Battle
– Suit Up: The Look of the League
JUSTICE LEAGUE will be available digitally on February 13th. Meanwhile, the Blu-ray packs will debut in stores on March 13th.