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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: 4.8478966 / 5 from 309 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.
Summary topics
Film Quality (30%): Many customers pointed out that the movie "Vinegar Syndrome Rocks" is one of their favorites.
Packaging (35%): Many customers expressed satisfaction with the film, praising its great packaging and family-friendly nature.
"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
80’s goodness
"For all the flaws in this movie, it’s really worth having the VS release of this film for all the bonus features, the excellent design and artwork in the book and cover, and the fantastic slipcover packaging."
— Robert W. (5/5)
Great 80’s movie
"This is one of those movies that I have loved since I was kid and this edition is perfect. The restoration looks amazing with a very clean picture with colors that look great. The sound is amazing and clear. Here’s to hoping more of the 80’s gems are coming."
— jon g. (5/5)
Incredible Transfer and Release Worth Exploring
"Losing my mind over how cool and fun the design on the front cover is, it caught my eye right away. I could’ve bought this title based on the looks alone if I already didn’t love this classic Joe Dante film. The 4K transfer is stupendous and the VSU box is incredible."
— Jeramy W. (5/5)
A ton of fun
"When Vinegar Syndrome announced this one so many people opened up the floodgates of hate talking about how much it sucks and doesn't deserve the attention of an upgrade, but, as a person who didn't grow up with this movie, I have to disagree. I had a ton of fun with this one. The kids aren't overly annoying (except Ethan Hawke at the end when they have to leave the alien ship) and the effects are awesome. Dante put together a really exciting kid's adventure story and Jerry Goldsmith scored the shit out of it. The ending is a little lame, but also pretty funny. The alien bit gets old, but it still works."
— Derrick A. (5/5)
Tons of Fun
"Explorers is a charming sci-fi adventure that captures the imagination and sense of wonder of childhood discovery. Its mix of humor, practical effects, and youthful curiosity gives the film a unique nostalgic appeal. While it feels uneven at times, its creativity and heartfelt spirit make it a memorable entry in family-oriented science fiction."
— Shawn M. (5/5)
Classic Joe Dante
"Wow somehow I kissed that film growing up, but I really enjoyed it as an adult. Great story and characters too. Not my favorite Dante film, but certainly belongs high on the list."
— Adam S. (4/5)
A wonderfully fun Joe Dante movie, now looking better than ever!
"For the first time, we finally get the complete scanned image with all the picture information intact, and the 4K presentation looks absolutely beautiful. Bravo, Vinegar Syndrome, for getting this right! The audio sounds great as well, and once again the premium packaging is absolutely perfect. A fantastic release of a very charming movie. Highly recommended!"
— Soren L. (5/5)
Fun but flawed
"Has aged a little and definitely has an 80s vibe. Doesn't really work but does make a little more sense ( especially the ending) when you watch the deleted scenes. Solid performances from all concerned Worth it for the 2 documentaries"
— KEVIN S. (4/5)
The packaging is beautiful as
"The packaging is beautiful as is the accompanying booklet. The presentation of the film itself is absolutely stunning in every facet."
— Jason J. (5/5)
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)
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