Poltergeist: A Deep Dive into the New 4K Collector’s Editions and Film Vault Releases

The classic 1982 horror film “Poltergeist” is making a grand return with new 4K Blu-ray collector`s editions from The Film Vault. These limited releases promise fans a treasure trove of unique artifacts and stunning updated artwork.

Special Edition Steelbook

This lavish Steelbook edition, priced at $100, features exclusive case art meticulously designed by Matt Ferguson and Florey from Vice Press, recreating iconic scenes from the film. The Steelbook is elegantly packaged inside a custom cigar-box-style case, which itself contains a wealth of collectibles:

• Steelbook Case with exclusive artwork.
• Cigar Box with new artwork and an Acetate O-Ring (removable for a text-free display).
• Numbered Holographic Sticker.
• Double-sided Movie Poster: One side showcases new art by Matt Ferguson & Florey, while the other features a retouched version of the original theatrical poster.
• Art Cards: A set of eight cards, including four character cards and four depicting iconic scares from the movie.
• Region-free 4K Blu-ray and 1080p Blu-ray discs.
• Special Features:
  • “They Are Here: The Real World of Poltergeists” (31-minute documentary).
  • “The Making of Poltergeist” (7-minute featurette from 1982).
  • Original Theatrical Trailer.
• Technical Specifications: Native 4K (2160p) resolution, HDR10, DTS-HD Master 5.1 and 2.0 audio.

True to The Film Vault`s design philosophy, this edition allows for flexible display options, letting you showcase the steelbook with or without the official credits text. The captivating artwork by Ferguson and Florey vividly brings to life the eerie premonition of Carol Anne gazing into the television or the infamous door that serves as a gateway for malevolent spirits. The included art cards further commemorate several pivotal moments of horror as the Freeling family confronts supernatural forces.

Solus Edition Steelbook

For enthusiasts seeking a more streamlined collectible, the Solus Edition Steelbook is available for $65. While it omits the additional physical inserts of the Collector`s Edition, it still features a limited-edition steelbook case with exclusive artwork. The front depicts Carol Anne Freeling engrossed by voices emanating from the television set, the back features the chilling clown doll, and the interior reveals a classic scene from the film.

• Steelbook Case with exclusive artwork (Acetate O-Ring removable for text-free display).
• Region-free 4K Blu-ray and 1080p Blu-ray discs.
• Special Features:
  • “They Are Here: The Real World of Poltergeists” (31-minute documentary).
  • “The Making of Poltergeist” (7-minute featurette from 1982).
  • Original Theatrical Trailer.
• Technical Specifications: Native 4K (2160p) resolution, HDR10, DTS-HD Master 5.1 and 2.0 audio.

Both editions include the fascinating two-part documentary “They Are Here: The Real World of the Poltergeists,” carried over from the 2008 Blu-ray release. This documentary features self-proclaimed psychic mediums and paranormal investigators who delve into the mythology behind the events of “Poltergeist,” asserting that its premise might not be as far-fetched as it seems. Additionally, a brief “Making of Poltergeist” featurette from 1982 offers a glimpse behind the scenes with interviews from the cast and crew, including director Tobe Hooper, actor Craig T. Nelson, and writer-producer Steven Spielberg. The special features are rounded off with the original theatrical trailer.

These new editions of Poltergeist launched on September 2 as part of The Film Vault`s third wave. While “The Shining” was also slated for this wave, its new editions were delayed until October 3 in the US.

Other Editions of the Poltergeist Series on 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD

Should the Film Vault editions sell out or if you prefer more budget-friendly options, the entire “Poltergeist” series is available in various formats. The standard 4K and Blu-ray releases of the original film typically include the same bonus content found in the special editions.

• Poltergeist (1982)
  • 4K Blu-ray – $11.49 ($34)
  • Blu-ray – $12.41 ($20)
  • DVD – $10
• Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)

  The 1986 sequel sees the Freelings battling the malevolent Beast once more, as this evil spirit seeks to claim the youngest member of the family.

  • 4K Blu-ray – $24.49
  • Blu-ray – $20
• Poltergeist III (Collector`s Edition) (1988)

  The threequel shifts Carol Anne Freeling`s battle against malicious spirits to a haunted skyscraper.

  • Blu-ray – $64
  • DVD – $10
• Poltergeist: Extended Cut (2015)

  The 2015 reboot, directed by Gil Keenan and starring Sam Rockwell, Rosemarie DeWitt, Jared Harris, and Jane Adams, was a moderate box office success.

  • Blu-ray – $15
  • DVD – $9
• Poltergeist 3-Film Collection
  • DVD – $8.34 ($15)
• Poltergeist I & II: Double Feature
  • DVD – $7 ($15)
• Poltergeist II & III: Double Feature
  • DVD – $10