a carefully restored 4k edition of joe dante’s innerspace arrives with new audio mixes, archival features and collector extras — a must for fans of 80s high-concept sci-fi comedy
Quick snapshot
Arrow Video will release a limited-edition 4K UHD of Joe Dante’s Innerspace on April 28, 2026. This new package features a 2160p restoration from the original 35mm negative (approved by Dante), Dolby Vision grading with HDR10 compatibility, multiple audio options—including a DTS‑HD MA 4.1 of the original 70mm six‑track and a freshly mixed Dolby Atmos—and a suite of collector-focused physical extras. Street price is expected around $45 (manufacturer’s suggested retail price $59.99).
What this edition brings
This isn’t just a crisp transfer; it’s a restoration that favors the movie’s tactile qualities. Arrow’s team scanned the original 35mm negative and worked to retain film grain, texture in production design, subtle shadow detail and clear color separation rather than applying heavy-handed digital smoothing. The new image is presented at 2160p, graded in Dolby Vision and fully HDR10-compatible, and Dante signed off on the color timing and
Video and audio — technical highlights
– Video: native 4K (2160p) with Dolby Vision grading and HDR10 compatibility. The restoration aims to preserve photographic texture while expanding dynamic range for richer highlights and deeper blacks. – Audio: multiple lossless tracks—restored 2.0 stereo, the preserved 70mm six‑track in DTS‑HD MA 4.1, and a newly produced Dolby Atmos mix for modern setups. – Accessibility: SDH (subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing) plus optional subtitles in other languages. – Documentation: restoration notes come bundled as a booklet/PDF explaining editorial decisions and the extent of digital intervention.
How the restoration was handled
Arrow worked from the original 35mm negative, documenting editorial choices throughout the transfer and cleanup process. The goal was to showcase the movie’s practical effects—miniatures, on-set models, make‑up and tactile set pieces—while using contemporary tools to boost clarity when necessary. The extras and printed materials detail which source elements were used, what was corrected digitally, and the rationale behind the audio remastering.
Extras that matter
This set blends archival depth with fan-friendly features:
– New commentary track by critic Drew McWeeny. – Archival commentary with Joe Dante and VFX supervisor Dennis Muren. – Shrinkage: The Making of Innerspace — a roughly hour‑long documentary with new interviews (Dante, producer Michael Finnell, Muren and VFX artists). – Previously unseen behind‑the‑scenes footage from Industrial Light & Magic and on-set clips. – Physical collectibles: a reversible sleeve (original art + new artwork by Doug John Miller), a double‑sided fold‑out poster, and a perfect‑bound booklet filled with essays, production stills, storyboards, continuity Polaroids and promotional ephemera.
Who should consider buying this
Collectors and viewers who care about film preservation will get the most from this release. It’s also a strong pick for Joe Dante fans, students of practical effects, and institutions that want a document-rich edition to accompany their holdings.
Availability, pricing and retail notes
– Release date: April 28, 2026. – Street price: roughly $45 (RRP $59.99). – Distribution: initial allocation via Arrow’s web store and selected boutique retailers; broader retail availability will depend on leftover inventory and retailer allocations. Preorders and edition limits will affect how quickly copies sell out. The film is also available to stream on HBO Max for instant viewing.
Box office context (brief)
– Domestic opening weekend (July 3, 1987): about $4.74M. – Domestic total: roughly $25.9M against a reported $27M budget. – Worldwide gross (including downstream): around $95M, with worldwide rentals often cited near $42M. The film’s mixed commercial history partly explains continued interest in refreshed home releases.
Practical checklist
For collectors:
– Preorder from Arrow or a reputable boutique retailer to secure an early allocation. – Confirm edition limits, return policies, and whether any digital extras are included.
For archivists and librarians:
– Record full bibliographic metadata and provenance on acquisition. – Verify restoration credits and source elements as listed in the package PDF. – Ingest and catalogue copies within your preservation workflows.
What this edition brings
This isn’t just a crisp transfer; it’s a restoration that favors the movie’s tactile qualities. Arrow’s team scanned the original 35mm negative and worked to retain film grain, texture in production design, subtle shadow detail and clear color separation rather than applying heavy-handed digital smoothing. The new image is presented at 2160p, graded in Dolby Vision and fully HDR10-compatible, and Dante signed off on the color timing and 0