Long before James Gunn became famous for his work on the GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY movies, he wrote a particularly funny superhero movie of a different sort – THE SPECIALS. Released in 2000, this film developed a cult following after hitting DVD, and is still considered by many to be a great send-up of the superhero genre. On July 14th, La-La Land Entertainment is releasing a special 20th Anniversary edition of the film, and for the first time ever on Blu-ray. We got an advance copy to check out, and it was a total treat seeing this film again after a long hiatus. One thing I was very happy to see if that they’ve brought forward ALL of the previous special features from the two previous DVD releases, including two different audio commentaries featuring the cast and crew. There’s also a new bonus featurette with visual effect supervisor Mojo, that explains how they created the effects for the film on a very modest budget.
The Blu-ray release features a new 2K scan of the Interpositive of the movie, which gives the production a very sharp and clean transfer, making it look better than ever before. You’ll also dig the new cover art by our buddy Paul Shipper. For those who have never seen THE SPECIALS, it’s a fun send-up of superhero movies, with adult humor and a great cast of eclectic character. James Gunn wrote the film, and originally intended it to be shot in more of a documentary style, but the end result has a tone and style that almost feels like a precursor to what American sitcoms became in the 2000s. Sadly, it was overshadowed a bit by the similar-looking MYSTERY MEN, which had a larger budget and more advertising behind it. But THE SPECIALS has a definite charm to it that makes it worth a look, especially if you’ve never seen it. The movie also has one of the better home video releases, packed with bonus content like Deleted Scenes, the aforementioned audio commentaries, a few of the TV shorts shown in the film where you can watch them in full outside of the movie. Plus a behind-the-scene photo gallery from the production. There’s also a new 1080p version of the theatrical trailer, which is also a new bonus for this Blu-ray version. While I’ve listened to both commentary tracks, I would recommend the second track from 2005 featuring James Gunn and Padget Brewster, which features some fun behind-the-scenes stories, and interesting insight on the film. La-La Land Entertainment did a great job with this release, which is limited to 5000 units by the way. If you like superhero films, or if you’re already a fan of this film, you should absolutely pick this one up. Check out the full press release below, along with a new red band trailer to get you excited for this fun release.
To celebrate this special 20th Anniversary, we’ve got a copies we’re going to award to some lucky readers, which should come in handy as a lot of folks are still currently stuck at home. To enter, just send us an e-mail to hotfishstudios[at]hotmail[dot]com and tell us what your favorite superhero is and why – make it good, no one-sentence answers please. We want these codes to go to worthy winners. Contest is open to U.S. residents only, until July 20th, 2020.
“SPECIAL” FEATURES:
NEW! 2K SCAN OF THE INTERPOSITIVE
NEW! THEATRICAL TRAILER in 1080p
NEW! MOJO’s MAGIC: The “Specials” Effects FEATURETTE
2000 AUDIO COMMENTARY: Director Craig Mazin, Writer/Actor James Gunn, Producer Mark A.Altman and Visual Effects Supervisor Mojo
2005 AUDIO COMMENTARY: Writer/Actor James Gunn and Actress Paget Brewster
DELETED SCENES, WEDDING VIDEO, TOY COMMERCIAL, BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTOS
SPECS:
FEATURE: Video: 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (1:78:1) – Audio: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, LPCM 2.0 – English Subtitles – 2000 – Running Time: 82 Minutes –Rated R
TRAILER: Video: 1080p High-Definition Widescreen (1:78:1) – Audio: LPCM Stereo 2.0
SPECIAL FEATURES are not rated. Color, Region Free
FEATURE RESTORATION & BLU-RAY PRODUCER: DAVID C. FEIN
COVER ILLUSTRATION: PAUL SHIPPER
LOOK OUT! THE SPECIALS are coming to Blu-ray! First time in HD on Blu-Ray!
The hilarious 2000 cult film THE SPECIALS starring Rob Lowe, Thomas Hayden Church, Jamie Kennedy and Paget Brewster arrives on Blu-ray in a world premiere “special” 20th Anniversary limited edition on July 14 from La-La Land Entertainment!
“A darkly funny portrait..!” – Nathan Rabin (AV Club)
“THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY meets THE X-MEN!” – Patrick Sauriol (Corona Coming Attractions)
La-La Land Entertainment presents a very “special” 20th Anniversary limited edition Blu-ray of THE SPECIALS, marking the film’s world premiere release in high-definition. Featuring a brand new 2K scan and restoration from the film’s interpositive, with lossless 5.1 & 2.0 audio for the first time, new and vintage bonus features, and all-new front cover art by artist Paul Shipper. The Blu-ray will be available July 14, 2020 at www.lalalandrecords.com and other online retailers. The retail price is $24.98
Meet THE SPECIALS! They’re the sixth (okay, maybe the seventh) greatest superhero team in the entire world. At their modest suburban headquarters, The Strobe (SIDEWAYS’ Thomas Haden Church), The Weevil (PARKS AND RECREATION’s Rob Lowe), foul-mouthed Amok (SCREAM 1 & 2’s Jamie Kennedy), Ms. Indestructible (CRIMINAL MINDS’ Paget Brewster, Deadly Girl (HALLOWEEN 2018’s Judy Greer), new member Nightbird (CABIN FEVER’s Jordan Ladd) and the rest all spend their time bickering, having extramarital affairs, and preparing for the grand unveiling of their own action figure line. But when a furious Strobe suddenly disbands the group, who will be there for the oddballs, rebels, outcasts and geeks? Before they save the world, can they save themselves?
Kelly Coffield (IN LIVING COLOR), Michael Weatherly (DARK ANGEL), Chase Masterson (DEEP SPACE NINE) and Melissa Joan Hart (SABRINA) co-star in this hilarious cult hit from director Craig Mazin (creator of HBO’s CHERNOBYL) and screenwriter James Gunn (Writer/Director of GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY I & II).
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
