My 4K Wish List For 2020

Outside of newly released films landing in the UHD format every year or the most anticipated discs for any given month — there are plenty of older films that I would love to see get the proper treatment of a full-remaster in Ultra High Definition. The films I have listed below are at the top of my personal wish list, and good news, some of these movies are rumored to get a UHD release this year. This isn’t the full list, but a narrowed down version that can and will grow over time.

All these films would look amazing and the big plus is that many of these movies are already widely acclaimed as masterpieces on their own. Getting a remaster in UHD doesn’t make the movie better, but this format gives the opportunity to bring out new layers, color, clarity, depth, dimension, life and dynamics that weren’t there before. Wouldn’t you want to watch your favorite films in the best possible way? I know I do.

Jaws (Rumored 2020 release.)

This year Jaws will celebrate its 45th Anniversary and it’s already been rumored to release in UHD this year to go along with the celebration. The most recent Blu-ray remaster looks amazing, so how could it get any better? In, my opinion, that added resolution and HDR should make this a must own! There is even leaked artwork that confirms this is happening!

When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community, it’s up to a local sheriff, a marine biologist, and an old seafarer to hunt the beast down.

Tron: Legacy

Crazy to think that this movie is already celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year… but will that warrant a UHD release? Disney has been going back in it’s catalog and re-releasing old films, so it’s not out of the realm of possibilities, even though it’s probably doubtful. Imagine the deep and inky blacks that would shine immensely, not to mention the bright array of neon colors that would jump off the screen. This has as the possibility to be a stunner on the format!

The son of a virtual world designer goes looking for his father and ends up inside the digital world that his father designed. He meets his father’s corrupted creation and a unique ally who was born inside the digital world.

The Last Samurai

This has always been one of those movies that I will live and die by the sword with. I can’t explain it, but this film has always been in the discussion of my top movies of all time — it’s amazing and impactful every time I watch it. The cinematography alone would be amazing to see with more clarity, depth, dimension and added flare of HDR. Everything about this movie would only look more filmatic in UHD. You may disagree it needs the treatment, but I’d love to prove you wrong. Let’s make it happen.

An American military advisor embraces the Samurai culture he was hired to destroy after he is captured in battle.

The Shawshank Redemption

Shawshank is easily and arguably one of the best films every made. While this wouldn’t be a flashy UHD release, a remaster bump across the board would bring out all the little details to put a perfect touch on an all-time classic. I’m not sure if this is the kind of movie Warner Brothers & Castle Rock Entertainment would put money into again, but I think its a safe bet everyone would want to own it again. Am I wrong?

Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency.

The Abyss

Talk about a movie that’s overlooked — I think this could be in the discussion of one of the best sci-fi action adventure movies ever made. The SFX was a huge breakthrough at the time and I think that may be the one big issue with a UHD seeing the light of day. Some of those effects could stand out in a negative way, but I think if it’s remastered with love and care this could look great in the way Close Encounters of the Third Kind did on its recent UHD release. Maybe I’m wrong? Who knows.

A civilian diving team is enlisted to search for a lost nuclear submarine and face danger while encountering an alien aquatic species.

The Pianist

You can’t even find this movie on Blu-ray without an import from another region, so this is just a selfish way for me to own it in the best possible format. If I could get this film with added layers, color, clarity, depth and dimension I’d be happy. This movie won Academy Awards for Leading Actor, Best Director and Adapted Screenplay — while it lost Best Picture to Chicago a stacked category including Gangs of New York and Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. It’s an amazing film needed in UHD.

A Polish Jewish musician struggles to survive the destruction of the Warsaw ghetto of World War II.

Titanic

Another one from James Cameron and another all-time classic. Titanic not only won 11 Oscars, but it had an impressive 15-week run at the top of the box-office and a multi-million selling soundtrack — you could argue this is the best film Hollywood has ever produced. There is something for everyone to love in this film, so naturally anything to enhance this movie would be appreciated. Bring it to the UHD format and keep stacking profit.

A seventeen-year-old aristocrat falls in love with a kind but poor artist aboard the luxurious, ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic.

The Godfather Trilogy

This trilogy is widely acclaimed as one of the best of all time, especially when you talk about The Godfather and The Godfather Part II. This is long overdue! If I had to guess, a UHD has to be in the works because it would be a sure money maker for everyone to double-dip. Who wouldn’t buy this again? In the same light that Scarface, Goodfellas and Casino got the UHD treatment — this needs it too. The newfound clarity and HDR would only add to the cinematic masterpiece that this trilogy embodies.

The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.

The Hobbit Trilogy (Rumored 2020 release.)

This is rumored for a release later this year and more news just hit the web. One thing’s for sure, I will be ecstatic when the press release arrives and later, when it’s physically in my hands. I can’t wait to jump back into this world in the best way possible, especially since The Lord of the Rings is coming along with it.

A reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of dwarves to reclaim their mountain home, and the gold within it from the dragon Smaug.

Avatar

As you already know, up until Avengers: Endgame this was the highest grossing movie-of-all time and now the third James Cameron film on my list — can you see a trend? This movie fits the standard, rather screams for a UHD release because it’s a color extravaganza filled with opportunity to shine the brightest on the format. I honestly believe this is a lock for a release, but it probably won’t happen until next year to help lead into the sequel which is set to release December 2021 — if I had to guess, this should hit Summer 2021.

A paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Rumored 2020 release.)

This is the biggest and my most anticipated release for the UHD format. I think the Lord of the Rings series is the most epic, flawless trilogy ever made. It’s a seamless transition from one movie to another and it’s masterfully crafted start to finish. This is already rumored for a release later this year and more news on it just released this week. I’ll be like a little kid on Christmas morning when this releases — I can’t wait to jump back into this world in the best way possible.

The future of civilization rests in the fate of the One Ring, which has been lost for centuries. Powerful forces are unrelenting in their search for it. But fate has placed it in the hands of a young Hobbit named Frodo Baggins who inherits the Ring and steps into legend. 

We will revisit this at the end of the year and see what actually arrived and what didn’t. Let’s hope for the best.

Cheers,

Matt.

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