Categories: Movie News

The ‘Burbs: The original Tom Hanks and Joe Dante film moves in with a new 4K Blu-ray filled with extras

Do something productive. Go watch television.

While a new ‘Burbs TV series can be seen on Peacock, Shout Selects has announced the release of the 1989 Joe Dante/Tom Hanks comedy on a new 4K Blu-ray with a bevy of special features. Blu-ray.com and Amazon have unveiled the details on this new physical media release of The ‘Burbs, which stars Hanks, Bruce Dern, Carrie Fisher, Corey Feldman and Rick Ducommun. The ‘Burbs is due to hit retailers on June 9.

Nine on the tension scale

The official description reads,
“Tom Hanks stars in The ‘Burbs, a comedy about a suburbanite whose plans for a peaceful vacation at home are disturbed by a creepy new family on the block. Much to the disappointment of his wife (Carrie Fisher), Ray Peterson (Hanks) and his three neighbors set out to investigate the next-door residence after they begin to observe strange happenings. Set in an average neighborhood that is anything but ordinary, The ‘Burbs blends slapstick comedy and spine-thrilling mystery and is superbly directed by cult filmmaker Joe Dante (Piranha, Gremlins, Matinee, The Howling).”

Special Features:

  • 4K Restoration from the Original Camera Negative Supervised and Approved by Director Joe Dante
  • Presented in Dolby Vision
  • Audio Commentary with Film Critics Drew McWeeny and Eric Vespe
  • Audio Commentary with Film Critics Emily Higgins and Julia Cunningham
  • Audio Commentary with Screenwriter Dana Olsen – Moderated by Author Calum Waddell
  • There Goes the Neighborhood: The Making of The ‘Burbs
  • Interview with Director Joe Dante
  • Interview with Photographer John Hora
  • Interview with Editor Marshall Harvey
  • Alternate Ending
  • Original Workprint from Director Joe Dante’s Archive
  • Behind-the-Scenes Still Gallery
  • Stills and Poster Gallery
  • Theatrical Trailer

Technical specs:

  • Video
    Codec: HEVC / H.265
    Resolution: Native 4K (2160p)
    Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
    Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
  • Audio
    English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
  • Subtitles
    English SDH
  • Discs
    4K Ultra HD
    Blu-ray Disc
    Two-disc set (1 BD-100, 1 BD-50)
  • Playback
    4K Blu-ray: Region free
    2K Blu-ray: Region A (B, C untested)

The new series

Meanwhile, the new series is available on Peacock and our Alex Maidy was pleasantly surprised with how much he enjoyed it, giving it a 7/10 review. “I wanted to write this review to decry the foul, horrible abomination of remaking one of my favorite movies and a cult classic. I was pleasantly surprised by the fun this series brings while keeping the audience guessing about who the villains really are, all the way through to the finale. While only eight episodes, I came away from The ‘Burbs feeling like I spent a lot longer getting to know the residents of Hinckley Hills. Should The ‘Burbs get renewed for a second season, I hope the writers are able to keep the mystery engaging and full of humor like this first season without diminishing returns.”

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Published by
EJ Tangonan