Disney backs 4K Blu-ray with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2

Dance like Baby Groot! Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 is set to be the first official UHD HDR movie release from the Disney. The news has been confirmed by director James Gunn on a Facebook post. “Yes, it’s true, and I am unbelievably excited to announce that, after a couple of years of me begging and pleading, Guardians of the Galaxy 2 will be coming to home video in 4K UltraHD. It will be the first Disney release to be released that way,” he writes.

“4K UltraHD is almost certainly the best way you can see this movie at home - with more definition and the most vibrant colors possible on your home screen, and with the brightest brights and the blackest blacks. A being composed of light truly appears to be a being composed of light! This version is a roiling cinematic river of beauty and I've taken hundreds of hours personally making it look the best it can. This is one of the reasons why light and colour are such important elements of Vol. 2's story, and why we screened the World Premiere in Los Angeles in essentially this format.

“And yes for those of you asking, there will also be a 3D home release.

“We will soon have lots more exciting announcements about the home release and some unbelievably cool additional content, including something that's so amazing I've been chomping at the bit for months not being able to talk about it!”

Gunn has been a vocal advocate of the 4K disc format, at odds with Disneys reticence to join other Hollywood majors, including Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony, Universal and Warner Bros, supporting the format.

However solid sales figures for the format have probably contributed to the decision to unlock titles for release – that and a need to keep Gunn sweet.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 was released theatrically in both Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. It’s not clear yet what format the disc will support, although Dolby Atmos at least looks a good bet.

Other titles are likely to be announced for 4K UHD release at D23, the Disney Expo happening next week. Given the richness of the Disney portfolio, with the Star Wars franchise, Marvel Studios, Pixar and classic Disney available, a mouse by the mouse into 4K UHD could have a dramatic effect on take-up.