Warner Brings Original ‘Kong’ to Blu-ray Sept. 28

[John Johnson]

He’s large, in charge and in September, he’ll be in 1080p.

On the heels of several successful classic film releases on Blu-ray Disc, Warner Home Video has remastered another all-time favorite for Blu-ray: the original 1933 RKO King Kong. The Sept. 28 release (pre-order Aug. 24) will include extensive bonus features and will be packaged with a 32-page Blu-ray color book, featuring photography and trivia. It is listed at $34.99.

“The success of great classic films such as Wizard of Oz, Gone With the Wind, North by Northwest, and most recently, Doctor Zhivago, on the new state-of-the-art Blu-ray format, encouraged us not to wait and withhold this seminal film from the marketplace,” said Jeff Baker, Warner Home Video’s SVP and GM of theatrical catalog. “Consumer research and studio data indicate that Blu-ray households are openly receptive toward re-buying select films that rise to a level of being considered classic or legendary in nature. Clearly the original King Kong falls within that definition.”

The 32-page book comes courtesy of film historian Rudy Behlmer, while the disc bonuses include a documentary on Kong creator Merian C. Cooper, directed by filmmakers Kevin Brownlow and Christopher Bird, and a commentary by creature creator Ray Harryhausen and visual effects artist Ken Ralston, with archival sound bites from Merian C. Copper and Fay Wray. There’s also a seven-part documentary about the making of the film and trailers.

The film itself will include all the scenes cut from the re-releases, presenting the 1933 version in its entirety.

Warner also will make Kong available on demand, and for download to rent or own via iTunes, Amazon VOD and gaming consoles.

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