CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND gets a 4K Restoration, Remastered Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD and Limited Edition Gift Set Available Now |

My favourite film of all time gets the treatment it deserves with the most modern restoration to date. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment celebrates the 40^th anniversary of legendary director Steven Spielberg’s epic adventure CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND on October 9 with the new 4K restoration available on 2-disc 4K Ultra HD, a Limited Edition 3-disc 4K Ultra HD “Light and Sound” Gift Set, and in high-def on 2-disc remastered Blu-ray. A must-own for all true fans, the highly collectible Limited Edition Gift Set features illuminated packaging that plays the iconic 5-tone motif. Also included is an expanded booklet with rare archival photos. Both Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD releases include all three restored versions of the film, including the 1977 theatrical version, the 1980 Special Edition and the 1997 Director’s Cut.

Ah the joys of films of the 70s and whilst I do enjoy films from every year, I do have a fondness not only for the filmmaking style of the 70s and early 80s but also for the memories of the technology. This super fun video clip has been released and perfectly sums up one of the brilliant ages of my film viewing experiences.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND is also being celebrated in an exclusive one week engagement in cinemas across the country starting 15 September, with special nationwide screenings at Picturehouse and Cineworld cinemas on 18 September.

In addition to the legacy bonus materials, the CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND Blu-ray (available in Blu-ray edition and Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD Gift Set) comes with new bonus content, including rare, never-before-seen home movies and gags from the set, and the all-new featurette “Three Kinds of Close Encounters.” This featurette includes a new interview with director Steven Spielberg on the legacy of the film, as well as new interviews with directors J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Denis Villeneuve (Arrival) on the impact of Close Encounters.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND is presented with an all-new 4K restoration, fully restored from the 35mm original camera negative, thereby utilizing in 4K the full resolution, detail and colour depth inherent in the film. 4K Ultra HD brings the full power of this restoration into the home, featuring four times the resolution of high definition, high dynamic range (HDR)–which produces brilliant highlights, vibrant colour and greater contrast on compatible displays. The Blu-ray will also utilize this new restoration at HD resolution. Both 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray versions will feature all three versions of the movie and the original restored 5.1 DTS-HD MA audio.

Richard Dreyfuss (Jaws), Teri Garr (Tootsie), Melinda Dillon (A Christmas Story) and acclaimed French film director François Truffaut star in the story of a group of people who attempt to contact alien intelligence. Nominated for eight Academy Awards^®, including Best Director (Spielberg) and Best Supporting Actress (Dillon), CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND won for Best Cinematography (Vilmos Zsigmond) with Frank E. Warner taking home a Special Achievement Award for Sound Effects Editing.

Bonus Features Include:
Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD Gift Set & Blu-ray Editions only

All three versions of the film: 1977 Theatrical Version, 1980 Special Edition & 1997 Director’s Cut (also included on 2-Disc 4K Ultra HD Edition).

“Three Kinds of Close Encounters” Featurette

New interview with Director Steven Spielberg on the legacy of the film, as well as new interviews with directors J.J. Abrams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) and Denis Villeneuve (Arrival) about the impact of Close Encounters.

“Steven’s Home Movies & Outtakes”

Rare never-before-seen home movies & gags from the set of Close Encounters.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind Making-of Documentary

“Steven Spielberg: 30 Years of Close Encounters” Featurette

Deleted Scenes

1977 Featurette “Watch the Skies”

Storyboard to Scene Comparisons

Extensive Photo Gallery

“A View From Above”

Theatrical Trailers