This year marks the 35th anniversary of one of the best comic book film adaptations of all time. Even though they might be more remembered for their cartoon series or video games, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles began their lives as comic book creations in a darker and edgier form than they’re seen today. It was also the spirit behind the 1990 film adaptation of the same name which brought the TMNT to live-action and even greater financial success.
Thanks to Arrow Video, you can bring home all the movies in 4K UHD in a limited-edition box set!
When “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” came out in 1990 it became one of the highest grossing independent films of all time. On a budget of $13.5 million it cashed in with over $200 million at the box office. Part of that credit deserves to go to Jim Henson as his studio created the costumes and animatronics that made the Turtles come to life in a remarkably believable way. The film’s dark nature was a bit too much for Henson though making the second film much more lighthearted in nature, though the movie ended up releasing after his passing.
Those first two movies are often batted about as being the best of the series with some preferring the grittiness of the first while others enjoying the more comical and family friendly elements of the second. And then there’s the third film. No one loves the third film. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III” is almost universally derided amongst fans for being a trainwreck of a time-travel story with very little redeeming elements. It certainly didn’t help that the costumes were awful without the involvement of Henson and his company.
We may actually have reason to watch it again though, as not only does this limited release box set enhance the visuals, but it also has a special feature with a brand-new director’s commentary and interviews with the cast and crew. This extends to all three of the movies in the package, with lossless stereo audio remixes and 4K restoration of the original 35 mm print for the first film, and the 35 mm interpositives for the second and third. A full set of special features is set to be announced on September 26th.
You can head over to Arrow Video’s official website to pre-order the limited-edition boxset.
