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This special limited edition deluxe magnet box + slipcover set (designed by JJ Harrison), includes a 40-page perfect bound book and is limited to 8,000 units. It is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Inspired by his vivid dreams of flying through space and elaborate electrical grids, and fueled by comic books and classic sci-fi, 8th-grader Ben fantasizes about a way to explore the Universe. When his friend Wolfgang manages to build a matching circuit board from Ben's hazily-sketched diagrams of his dreams, the board eerily begins to program itself, resulting in precisely the technology they need to secretly cobble together a real spacecraft in a backyard. Along with their friend Darren, they venture out of suburbia and blast into the cosmos seeking whatever alien life they can find — perhaps even something which was reaching out to them all along.
A sentimental adventure of childhood wonder and the regenerative cycle of pop culture (and B-movies), which links '80s childhoods to the fantasy of '50s sci-fi, Joe Dante's EXPLORERS shows the Piranha director's unique skill in blending genres. Featuring childhood film debuts from Ethan Hawke (Dead Poets Society) and River Phoenix (Sneakers), with Robert Picardo (The Howling) and, naturally, Dick Miller (Gremlins), it also boasts extensive use of a broad range of effects by Rob Bottin and visuals from Industrial Light & Magic, as well as an epic score by Jerry Goldsmith (Alien). Vinegar Syndrome Ultra is proud to present this cult film to 4K UHD in both its theatrical and home video versions, newly scanned and restored from its 35mm original camera negative, and featuring a brand new extended making-of documentary produced exclusively for this release.
directed by: Joe Dante starring: Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, Jason Presson, Amanda Peterson, Robert Picardo, James Cromwell, Dana Ivey, Dick Miller 1985 / 109 min / 1.85:1 / English 5.1 Surround + 2.0 Stereo
Additional info:
3-disc Set: 4K Ultra HD / Region A Blu-ray x2
4K UHD presented in Dolby Vision High-Dynamic-Range
Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative
Commentary with the Movie Oubliette podcast (Theatrical Version)
"The Thunder Road: Making Explorers" - an all-new 77-minute documentary produced and edited by Elijah Drenner, exclusive for this release. Featuring new interviews with director Joe Dante, screenwriter Eric Luke, producer Mike Finnell, 2nd A.D. Carol Green, actor Robert Picardo, sound designer Mark Mangini, members of the ILM visual effects team, and newly discovered, never-before-seen on-set interviews with actors Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, Jason Presson, make-up effects artist Rob Bottin, production designer Robert Boyle, and many more!
"A Science Fiction Fairy Tale" (64 min) - a making-of documentary from 2021
Deleted scenes - with commentary by director Joe Dante (34 min)
Original 1985 Electronic Press Kit (5 min)
"The Tale of the Farmer and the Wise Man" (10 min) - a 1976 UCLA student film by Explorers screenwriter Eric Luke
Still gallery (5 min)
Theatrical trailer
Teaser trailer
40-page perfect-bound book with writing by Max Evry, Michael Almereyda, Gabe Klinger, and Patrick Dahl (limited edition only)
Reversible sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.872928 / 5 from 181 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
This limited edition deluxe set of the cult film 'Explorers' includes a 4K UHD Blu-ray, a 40-page book, and a slipcover. The set is newly scanned and restored from its original 35mm camera negative, featuring a new making-of documentary, deleted scenes, and various extras. The film, directed by Joe Dante, stars Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix and is celebrated for its nostalgic blend of childhood wonder and sci-fi adventure.
"One of my favorite films I saw as a kid finally gets the deluxe 4K treatment." — Alex S.
"Great packaging and film" — Matthew C.
"Pure mid 1980’s family film." — Jack H.
Reviews
Definitive release of an '80s classic
"I have always liked Explorers more than its lukewarm reception might warrant. Despite an undercooked third act, the film has this magical, slightly cracked view of adolescence and adventure that's all Joe Dante: he gives the film so much wit and visual invention. (If you liked Gremlins, I suspect you'll dig this one, too. ) And Vinegar Syndrome has granted it a definitive 4K release: two cuts of the film, an exhaustive documentary, and even a booklet filled with interviews and film criticism to place the movie in the best possible context."
— Joshua K. (5/5)
Great film but the transfer could be better
"Great 80's film for all ages. A young Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix. At there starts of there film careers. Nice to see the Doctor from Star Trek Voyager and Academy in a very different set of roles. Just the transfer is very grainy in a few places. Over all a good job. Just as shame not 100%. 1st class packaging of the set."
— John M. (4/5)
Another excellent release
"Explorers comes to VSU and again another excellent presentation from VS. 3 disc set with some really great extra features which includes a brand new feature length documentary, outstanding. PQ is of what you expected from this great company. Can't wait to see what next in the Paramount vaults."
— Brian G. (5/5)
80s KIDS fun.
"Material of the box rocks as always with this VSU line. Great artwork, sweet slipcover. This kids film it's another "Top Flight" restoration from VS I really hope they get a hold of Flight of the Navigator restore it in 4k and add it to the VSU line . I haven't checked out the documentary yet, I am never. Time will tell. This is a " Must Have" for any film collector who started their life in the 80s like me. Booyah!!"
— Clinton M. (5/5)
Out of this world release!
"I have been wanting to see this movie for a while, and glad that I waited for the VS release. The overall presentation of the film is excellent as always-the new special feature addition is very well done. VS always produces the best features for their releases. The packaging on this is amazing as well"
— Harry R. (5/5)
The DEFINITIVE edition of an overlooked classic
"Absolutely stunning release! The level of detail and variety in the packaging and artwork is top tier. Image quality absolutely puts previous releases to shame with correct framing, grain detail and sharpness. The fact a whole new documentary has been produced on top of a previously released one (which is also included) means that this is the definitive package for exploring (pun intended) the tragic production of a much beloved but overlooked childhood classic."
— Christopher G. (5/5)
Explorers
"Beautiful packaging and artwork/design!! I was extremely impressed with the box the collector's edition came in, complete with a magnet enclosure. Very nice touch. I love the new artwork including the new retro look of the slip case, although I would have perferd an option for the original artwork. The book was great with a lot of information as well. The 4k scan of the original negative was beautiful with crisp details and beautiful natural color! The 5. 1 soundtrack was well done and added to the experience and enjoyment of the film. The entire experience brought me back to my 15 year old self which was unexpected and a bonus!! Well worth the price of admission! This is my second Vinegar Syndrome film, Invasion USA was my first (which I also loved. FYI more Chuck Norris movies please!!). I'm looking forward to adding more from their library to mine."
— Norman G. (5/5)
Explorers
"{Theatrical Cut} After Disclosure Day, I needed to watch an actually enjoyable movie about space/aliens. River Phoenix and Ethan Hawke in a Joe Dante movie from 1985 definitely fit the bill. Like Stand By Me mixed with a little The Last Starfighter and some WarGames/live action Rick & Morty (if both characters were kids), pretty fun stuff. Great score throughout and good effects for the time. Alien designs and interactions were so much better than Disclosure Day. A dog knowing to just chew chewing gum?!? Legendary."
— Justin S. (5/5)
Nice to have, but no WOW factor.
"At first glance, it was an instant buy. Explorers is a favorite film. This magnetic box is nice, but I wasn't blown away by the artwork. The booklet is equally as blah. As a favorite, I expected more cast photos and film highlights; however, the box features more of the alien and map aspect and less about the actual cast. The 4K transfer didn't wow me either. Played against the shout factory bluray, there was little difference. I turned off vivid mode and allowed my 4K to use peak resolution and zero difference. So, all in all, huge fan of the movie, glad to own this, but wasn't in awe of the set, especially at it's price point."
— Steven P. (4/5)
Fascinating
"I really liked this one. A fascinating Sunday afternoon family movie with some light dark tones. Well done Joe Dante. Awesome VSU packaging."
— Mathias S. (4/5)
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