Arrow Video, a renowned distributor of 90s Blu-ray hits, has announced its next major release: the iconic film “The Mask” starring Jim Carrey will be available in a new 4K Blu-ray edition. This restoration, scheduled for November 11, promises the highest quality image and sound, and includes a range of exclusive physical bonuses.
Released in 1994, “The Mask” was one of three blockbusters starring Jim Carrey that year, solidifying his status as a Hollywood superstar. It`s hard to imagine anyone but Carrey so convincingly embodying the mild-mannered Stanley Ipkiss and his zany alter-ego. The actor`s comedic talent and his incredible facial expressions played a key role in the film`s success. Directed by Chuck Russell, “The Mask” was a bold move for New Line Cinema but paid off handsomely, grossing an impressive $351 million at the box office.
The film`s success led to an animated series adaptation, but a sequel released several years later proved to be largely forgettable.
The new 4K version of “The Mask” is a restoration from the original camera negative, carried out by Arrow Video and approved by Chuck Russell himself. The 4K edition supports High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10), as well as uncompressed stereo, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound, and a new Dolby Atmos mix.
Similar to other Arrow Video releases, “The Mask” Limited Edition includes a reversible sleeve with cover art: one side features the original theatrical poster with Carrey`s wide grin, while the other is a simple yet striking shot of The Mask preparing to P-A-R-T-Y. The package also contains an illustrated booklet with commentary from author Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and original production notes, a double-sided fold-out poster with two original artwork options, and six postcard-sized art reproductions.
Bonus Materials for “The Mask” Limited Edition
New Features
- Reversible sleeve with two original artwork options.
- Illustrated collector`s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and original production notes.
- Double-sided fold-out poster featuring two original artwork options.
- Six postcard-sized reproduction art cards.
- “The Man Behind the Mask” — a newly filmed interview with Chuck Russell.
- “From Strip to Screen” — new interviews with Mike Richardson, Mike Werb, and Mark Verheiden.
- “Green Faces Blue Screens” — a newly filmed interview with visual effects supervisor Scott Squires.
- “Sssssssplicin’!” — a newly filmed interview with editor Arthur Coburn.
- “Ask Peggy” — a newly filmed interview with actor Amy Yasbeck.
- “Toeing the Conga Line” — a newly filmed interview with choreographer Jerry Evans, including never-before-seen rehearsal footage.
- “Terriermania” — a new video essay by critic Elizabeth Purchell on canine sidekick Milo.
Additional Bonus Materials
- Archive audio commentary with Chuck Russell.
- Archive audio commentary with Chuck Russell, New Line co-chairman Bob Shaye, screenwriter Mike Werb, executive producer Mike Richardson, producer Bob Engelman, ILM VFX supervisor Scott Squires, animation supervisor Tom Bertino, and cinematographer John R.
- Archival featurettes: “Return to Edge City,” “Introducing Cameron Diaz,” “Cartoon Logic,” “What Makes Fido Run,” “The Making Of,” on-set interview bites with the cast and director, and B-Roll footage.
- Deleted scenes with optional commentary by director Chuck Russell.
- Theatrical trailer.
- Image gallery.
Explore the Original “The Mask” Comics
The Mask Omnibus Editions
“The Mask” was originally an adaptation of the comic book series of the same name published by Dark Horse Comics. While the film was lighthearted and reminiscent of a live-action Looney Tunes cartoon when Jim Carrey donned the ancient relic, the comics it was based on were significantly darker and featured more extreme graphic violence. Jim Carrey`s portrayal of Stanley Ipkiss is a lovable loser with a heart of gold, but his comic book counterpart is far less amiable; upon acquiring the mask, he swiftly uses its power to exact brutal revenge on all who wronged him.
Some of these scenes were included in the film, though in a toned-down manner. For instance, the mechanics who extort Ipkiss in the movie are merely humiliated by his alter-ego, whereas in the comics, they meet a gruesome end at his hands. Other characters are gunned down in cold blood, and the comic does not offer a happy ending for Ipkiss. To truly grasp the absurd violence of the original comics, one should read “The Mask Omnibus Edition.” After the film became a blockbuster, new comics were produced by various creative teams, but nothing surpasses the original mini-series by John Arcudi and Doug Mahnke, a grim tale about revenge and how absolute power corrupts absolutely.
New and Upcoming Arrow Video Limited Edition 4K Blu-rays
“The Mask” is just the tip of the iceberg for Arrow Video`s 4K Blu-ray releases, as the company plans to unveil other cult classics. Sci-fi enthusiasts can already acquire the newly released 4K Blu-ray restoration of “Lost in Space.” The 1997 live-action adaptation of “Spawn” is also coming soon, along with a host of horror titles. Upcoming releases include “Creepshow 2,” the 2003 remake of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” John Carpenter`s “In the Mouth of Madness,” and “Ringu.” This offers genre fans a diverse selection of films to collect ahead of Halloween.
All the movies mentioned below are Limited Edition 4K Blu-rays, organized by release date.
- Creepshow 2 — September 30
- Spawn — October 7
- In the Mouth of Madness — October 28
- The Mask — November 11
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy (4K) — December 16
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Trilogy (1080p) — December 16