Mike Myers’ most unexpected movie is finally getting a definitive 4K release

Cinématographe, a sub-label of Vinegar Syndrome, has announced a definitive 4K Blu-ray release of 54—Mark Christopher’s cult classic chronicle of the meteoric rise and tragic fall of New York City’s legendary nightclub. For physical media collectors, the most thrilling aspect of this release is the inclusion of both the 1998 theatrical version and the 2015 Director’s Cut.

The original theatrical release was notoriously butchered as it was heavily reshot and re-edited at the behest of Miramax executive Harvey Weinstein. It took more than fifteen years for Christopher to finally assemble his original vision. Featuring over forty minutes of restored footage that radically changes the film’s tone, the Director’s Cut earned widespread critical praise. Now, fans will be getting both versions in one very handsome package.

54 4K Blu-ray Special Features

The movie’s description reads: “New York City, 1979: working class Jersey City teenager Shane (Ryan Phillippe) becomes infatuated with Studio 54, a lavish Manhattan nightclub known for decadence. Shane’s time at 54 introduces him to a cast of characters including real life nightclub owner Steve Rubell (Mike Myers), busboy Greg (Breckin Meyer), coat checker Anita (Salma Hayek), and actress Julie (Neve Campbell).“

I’ve always found this one interesting for giving us a rare dramatic role for Mike Myers. 54 was released between Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. But looking at his filmography, Myers also had another dramatic role in 1998, starring alongside Alfred Molina in Pete’s Meteor, a little-seen Irish drama.

The Special Features and Technical Specs:

• 3-Disc Set: 4K Ultra HD + Region A Blu-ray x 2
• New audio commentaries with writer/director Mark Christopher, moderated by Cinématographe’s Justin LaLiberty, on both cuts of the film
• New audio commentary with filmmaker and writer Drew Burnett Gregory on the theatrical cut
• Archival audio commentary with Mark Christopher and director of photography Alexander Gruszynski on the director’s cut
• I’m Dead – a new video interview with Mark Christopher
• Nothing Is for Certain – a new video interview with editor Lee Percy
• 54-ness – a new video interview with producer Dolly Hall
• Awesome Party – a new video interview with associate producer Jonathan King
• Let’s Do the Work – a new video interview with director’s cut editor David Kittredge
• In the Trenches Together – a new video interview with Alexander Gruszynski
• Finding Yourself – a new video essay by film historian Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
• If You Could Read My Mind…The Making of 54: The Director’s Cut – an archival featurette from 2016
• Deleted Scenes – including footage not found in the director’s cut
• Never before seen B-roll from the production
• BTS photo gallery
• Photo galleries from festival premieres and the director’s cut re-release in France
• BTS footage from the director’s cut mixing sessions
• New text essays by writer Sean Abley, author of Queer Horror: A Film Guide; film programmer Alex Gootter and Dan Mecca, editor of The Film Stage
• English SDH subtitles

This release is slated to arrive later this summer.

Is the Director’s Cut Also in 4K?

Sadly, the back cover confirms that only the theatrical cut of 54 has received a 4K remaster, while the director’s cut will be included on a Blu-ray assembled “from the best existing film and video materials.” That’s a little disappointing, but it still looks like a stand-out set for fans of the film.

At a time when Sony has announced it will discontinue physical disc production for games starting in 2028 (which could easily snowball into other game companies and movies), it’s great that boutique labels are still releasing a wide assortment of films. My ever-growing collection is grateful, even if my wallet is sweating a little.