July 2025 delivers a treasure trove of physical media releases that span decades of cinematic excellence. From beloved ’90s comedies making their 4K debut to prestigious Criterion releases and nostalgic television series, this month offers something special for every collector.
July 8th
Clueless (4K Blu-ray, Paramount, 30th Anniversary)
Amy Heckerling’s brilliant 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma gets the deluxe treatment it deserves. The film centers on Cher (Alicia Silverstone), a shallow, rich and socially successful Beverly Hills high school student who sees herself as a matchmaker, first coaxing two teachers into dating each other before deciding to give hopelessly klutzy new student Tai a makeover. What could have been another throwaway teen comedy becomes something much smarter thanks to Heckerling’s razor-sharp wit and genuine affection for her characters. This 30th anniversary edition promises to showcase the film’s sun-soaked California aesthetic in stunning detail.
Fallout Season 1 (4K Blu-ray, Warner Bros)
Amazon’s acclaimed adaptation of the beloved video game franchise arrives on physical media with both standard and Amazon Exclusive Limited Edition SteelBook options. The series successfully translates the game’s post-apocalyptic retrofuturism to live action, delivering both spectacle and surprising emotional depth. For fans of the games or newcomers alike, this collection represents one of the strongest video game adaptations ever produced.
Barry Lyndon (4K Blu-ray, Criterion)
Stanley Kubrick’s 1975 adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel chronicles the adventures of an incorrigible trickster (Ryan O’Neal) whose opportunism takes him from an Irish farm to the battlefields of the Seven Years’ War and the parlors of high society. The film is renowned for cinematographer John Alcott’s Oscar-winning work utilizing lenses originally developed for NASA’s Moon landing missions, creating “Every Frame A Painting” perfection flooded with flickering candlelight. Criterion’s treatment promises to be definitive for Kubrick’s most visually sumptuous film.
Sinners (4K Blu-ray)
The latest from writer-director Ryan Coogler arrives on 4K, bringing his unique vision to the horror genre. Early reports suggest this represents a bold creative departure that horror fans won’t want to miss.
July 15th
Wallace & Gromit Complete Cracking Collection (4K Blu-ray, Shout Factory)
Experience Wallace & Gromit like never before with the four fantastic specials premiering on 4K UHD, including A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, A Close Shave, and A Matter of Loaf and Death. This new, more affordable non-gift set version offers the beloved Aardman creations in pristine 4K quality, perfect for newcomers who want the films without the elaborate packaging of the earlier collector’s edition, though some AI upscale quirks may still be baked in from the previous release.
Capote (Blu-ray, MPI Media Group)
Philip Seymour Hoffman’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Truman Capote gets a new Blu-ray release. The film chronicles Capote’s research and writing of In Cold Blood, showcasing one of the finest biographical performances in cinema history.
July 22nd
Knight Rider The Complete Series (4K Blu-ray, Universal)
The beloved ’80s series starring David Hasselhoff comes to 4K across 21 discs, featuring all 90 episodes in their original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The collection follows charismatic crimefighter Michael Knight and his high-tech talking car K.I.T.T. as they take on criminals and crooks in explosive adventures that set the standard for TV action series. For those who grew up dreaming of turbo boost, this represents the ultimate nostalgia trip.
Small Soldiers (4K Blu-ray Steelbook, Paramount)
Joe Dante’s 1998 film, described as “Gremlins meets GI Joe,” follows a shipment of action figures embedded with military-grade computer chips that cause chaos in a small town. The film features an incredible amount of practical effects and boasts a stellar cast including Kirsten Dunst, Gregory Smith, Dick Miller, and Phil Hartman in his final role. This steelbook edition honors an underappreciated gem.
Serenity (4K Blu-ray, 20th Anniversary Steelbook, Universal)
Joss Whedon’s 2005 sequel to the beloved but short-lived series Firefly follows the renegade crew of Serenity as they hide a fugitive with a deadly secret while being pursued by both military forces and bloodthirsty creatures. This 20th anniversary edition includes 4K presentation with HDR10, DTS:X audio, and extensive bonus features including commentary from Whedon and cast members. For Browncoats and sci-fi fans, this represents an essential upgrade.
You Can Count On Me and Carnal Knowledge (4K Blu-ray, Criterion)
Criterion continues their July slate with Kenneth Lonergan’s intimate family drama You Can Count On Me and Mike Nichols’ controversial 1971 drama Carnal Knowledge, which examines twenty years in the lives of two college buddies (Jack Nicholson and Art Garfunkel) whose casual chauvinism proves increasingly destructive.
Bewitched: The Complete Series (Blu-ray, 60th Anniversary Special Edition, Mill Creek Entertainment)
The classic supernatural sitcom gets the anniversary treatment, bringing Elizabeth Montgomery’s iconic Samantha Stephens to high definition for the first time in a complete collection.
Madagascar (4K Blu-ray, Universal)
DreamWorks’ beloved 2005 animated adventure finally makes its 4K debut. The film follows four pampered zoo animals from New York’s Central Park Zoo who find themselves shipwrecked on the exotic island of Madagascar, where they must learn to survive in the wild. Featuring the voices of Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith, this colorful family favorite should benefit tremendously from the enhanced detail and vibrant color palette that 4K presentation offers.
Strangers With Candy: The Movie (Blu-ray, Shout Factory)
Amy Sedaris’s cult comedy creation finally receives its high-definition debut through Shout Factory’s boutique treatment. Based on the Comedy Central series, the 2005 film serves as a prequel to the show, following 46-year-old ex-con Jerri Blank as she returns to high school to finish her education. Sedaris reprises her role alongside Stephen Colbert and Paul Dinello in this deliberately awkward and subversive comedy that pushes boundaries with its dark humor and satirical take on after-school specials. This represents the first time the film has been available in HD, making it essential for fans of alternative comedy.
July 29th
Marvel’s Thunderbolts (4K Blu-ray, Disney)
The latest MCU entry hits home video, bringing the antihero team’s adventures to 4K with Disney’s typically robust technical presentation and bonus features. Featuring a roster of reformed villains and morally complex characters, this ensemble film explores the gray areas between hero and villain in the Marvel universe, making for compelling character development alongside the expected spectacle.
Billy Madison (4K Blu-ray, Kino Lorber)
Adam Sandler’s breakthrough starring vehicle gets the boutique treatment from Kino Lorber. The 1995 comedy follows Billy, a spoiled 27-year-old heir who must repeat grades 1 through 12 in just 24 weeks to prove himself worthy of inheriting his father’s hotel empire. While critical opinion remains divided, the film’s absurdist humor and quotable moments have cemented its status as a beloved ’90s time capsule. This marks a significant upgrade for fans who’ve been waiting for the film to receive premium physical media treatment.
Ace Ventura Pet Detective (4K Blu-ray Steelbook, Shout Factory)
Jim Carrey’s star-making performance gets the deluxe steelbook treatment in this cult comedy classic. The 1994 film follows the eccentric pet detective as he searches for the missing Miami Dolphins mascot while battling the evil Sardo Numspa. Carrey’s rubber-faced physical comedy and quotable one-liners launched him into superstardom, and this 4K upgrade should showcase the film’s vibrant Miami locations and practical effects in stunning detail. For fans of Carrey’s manic energy, this represents an essential pickup.
To Catch A Thief (4K Blu-ray Steelbook, 70th Anniversary, Paramount)
Alfred Hitchcock’s elegant 1955 thriller starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly receives deluxe anniversary treatment. The film follows a reformed cat burglar who must catch a copycat thief to clear his name, all set against the gorgeous backdrop of the French Riviera. This 70th anniversary edition promises to showcase the film’s stunning cinematography and Mediterranean locations in pristine detail, making it a must-have for both Hitchcock enthusiasts and fans of classic Hollywood glamour.
The Golden Child (4K Blu-ray, Vinegar Syndrome)
Boutique label Vinegar Syndrome rescues Eddie Murphy’s 1986 supernatural adventure from obscurity. The film casts Murphy as Chandler Jarrell, a Los Angeles social worker who learns he’s “The Chosen One” destined to save a kidnapped Tibetan boy with mystical powers from the evil demon Sardo Numspa. While critically maligned upon release, the film has developed a devoted cult following who appreciate its bizarre blend of Murphy’s comedy with mystical adventure elements. Vinegar Syndrome’s restoration should finally give this underappreciated oddity the presentation it deserves.
The Phoenician Scheme (4K Blu-ray, Universal)
Just ahead of Criterion’s sprawling box set coming later this year, Wes Anderson’s latest espionage black comedy gets the 4K treatment from Focus Features and Universal. The film stars Benicio del Toro as arms dealer and industrialist Anatole “Zsa-Zsa” Korda, who appoints his only daughter, a nun named Liesl (Mia Threapleton), as sole heir to his estate. After narrowly surviving an assassination attempt, Korda enters the afterlife where a divine court judges his worthiness to enter Heaven. The film features Anderson’s signature ensemble cast including Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scarlett Johansson, and Willem Dafoe. With its intricate plotting and Anderson’s meticulously crafted visual style, this 4K release should showcase the director’s ornate production design and symmetrical cinematography in stunning detail.
The Bottom Line
July 2025 stands as one of the strongest months for physical media releases in recent memory. Whether you’re drawn to Criterion’s prestige presentations, nostalgic for ’80s and ’90s favorites, or eager to catch up on recent hits, this month delivers across every category. The combination of first-time 4K presentations, anniversary editions, and boutique label releases creates a perfect storm for collectors.
For budget-conscious buyers, prioritize the Criterion releases and anniversary editions, as these represent the most significant upgrades and comprehensive packages. However, with so many worthy titles, July might just require expanding that entertainment budget a bit. After all, some months demand it, and this is definitely one of them.
0 Comments