THX 1138 (1971)
Science Fiction, Drama • 1h 26m
Overview
People in the future live in a totalitarian society. A technician named THX 1138 lives a mundane life between work and taking a controlled consumption of drugs that the government uses to make puppets out of people. As THX is without drugs for the first time he has feelings for a woman and they start a secret relationship.
Director: George Lucas
Cast: Robert Duvall, Donald Pleasence, Don Pedro Colley, Maggie McOmie, Ian Wolfe, Marshall Efron, Sid Haig, John Pearce, Irene Cagen, Gary Alan Marsh, John Seaton, Eugene I. Stillman, Jack Walsh, Mark Lawhead, Robert Feero, Johnny Weissmuller Jr., Claudette Bessing, Susan Stroh, James Wheaton, Henry Jacobs, Bill Love, Doc Scortt, Gary Austin, Scott L. Menges, Toby L. Stearns, Paul K. Haje, Ralph Chesse, Dion M. Chesse, Bruce Chesse, Mello Alexandria, Brandyn Barbara Artis, Morris D. Erby, Willie C. Barnes, Richard Quinnell, Jean M. Durand, Scott Beach, Neva Beach, Terence McGovern, Julie Payne, James Cranna, Ruth Silveira, Bruce Mackey, David Ogden Stiers, Bart Patton
Director: James Cameron
Disney 4K Blu-ray's artificial smoothening of facial textures making actors look unnatural, grain reduction and other changes to make the film look less like a product of its time
Old WEB-DL or HDTV rip for non AI version
Director: James Cameron
Disney 4K Blu-ray's artificial smoothening of facial textures making actors look unnatural, grain reduction and other changes to make the film look less like a product of its time
Old WEB-DL or HDTV rip for non AI version
Director: Michael Bay
Director: Michael Bay
Directors: Colin Chilvers & Will Vinton & Jerry Kramer & Jim Blashfield
OG Version: 1989 US Image Entertainment LaserDisc
2005 Edited Version - Re-Edited and Censored: UK Warner Bros Blu-ray
2005 Edited Version - Uncensored: UK Warner Bros DVD
Film Whisperer's restoration is better
OG Version: 1989 US Image Entertainment LaserDisc
2005 Edited Version - Re-Edited and Censored: UK Warner Bros Blu-ray
2005 Edited Version - Uncensored: UK Warner Bros DVD
Film Whisperer's restoration is better
Censorship changes for Blu-ray: https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=224122
Directors: Colin Chilvers & Will Vinton & Jerry Kramer & Jim Blashfield
OG Version: 1989 US Image Entertainment LaserDisc
2005 Edited Version - Re-Edited and Censored: UK Warner Bros Blu-ray
2005 Edited Version - Uncensored: UK Warner Bros DVD
Film Whisperer's restoration is better
OG Version: 1989 US Image Entertainment LaserDisc
2005 Edited Version - Re-Edited and Censored: UK Warner Bros Blu-ray
2005 Edited Version - Uncensored: UK Warner Bros DVD
Film Whisperer's restoration is better
Censorship changes for Blu-ray: https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=224122
Director: Stuart Baird
US Cut: old Warner Bros DVD (first pressing from 1997, pre 2010), alleycat's preservation better
International Cut (censored): Warner Bros Blu-ray
US Cut: old Warner Bros DVD (first pressing from 1997, pre 2010), alleycat's preservation better
International Cut (censored): Warner Bros Blu-ray
International Cut changes: https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=2965833
Director: Stuart Baird
US Cut: old Warner Bros DVD (first pressing from 1997, pre 2010), alleycat's preservation better
International Cut (censored): Warner Bros Blu-ray
US Cut: old Warner Bros DVD (first pressing from 1997, pre 2010), alleycat's preservation better
International Cut (censored): Warner Bros Blu-ray
International Cut changes: https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=2965833
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Director: Michael Bay
Director: Michael Bay
Director: George P. Cosmatos
Disney 4K Blu-ray for the 4K Theatrical Cut or 2002 Vista Series DVD for the Director's Cut, alleycat's DC restoration better
Theatrical Cut: Disney 4K Blu-ray caps
Director's Cut: 2002 Vista Series DVD, alleycat's DC restoration better
Closest to original: 1994 Hollywood Pictures LaserDisc, other LDs are probably the same
Blu-rays only have 5.1 upmixes but probably fine
Director: George P. Cosmatos
Disney 4K Blu-ray for the 4K Theatrical Cut or 2002 Vista Series DVD for the Director's Cut, alleycat's DC restoration better
Theatrical Cut: Disney 4K Blu-ray caps
Director's Cut: 2002 Vista Series DVD, alleycat's DC restoration better
Closest to original: 1994 Hollywood Pictures LaserDisc, other LDs are probably the same
Blu-rays only have 5.1 upmixes but probably fine
Director: Wes Craven
Theatrical: Paramount 4K Blu-ray
Uncut Director's Cut: Either the Germany Kinowelt DVD, the Japan DVD, the Scandinavian DVD, or the US LaserDisc. Fan preservation is likely better quality.
Theatrical: Paramount 4K Blu-ray
Uncut Director's Cut: Either the Germany Kinowelt DVD, the Japan DVD, the Scandinavian DVD, or the US LaserDisc. Fan preservation is likely better quality.
2011 Blu-ray/2021 4K Blu-ray
The 2011 Lionsgate Blu-ray is incredibly poor for every Original Trilogy film; older processed older DVD-era masters with heavy use of DNR, sharpening and edge enhancement with a really dull color grade. The 4K Blu-ray is miles better. The DTS-HD 5.1 across all three films appears to be the same on both the Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray, and they appear to be the untouched theatrical 5.1 mixes.
The Uncut version has more violence: https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=256325
Director: Wes Craven
Theatrical: Paramount 4K Blu-ray
Uncut Director's Cut: Either the Germany Kinowelt DVD, the Japan DVD, the Scandinavian DVD, or the US LaserDisc. Fan preservation is likely better quality.
Theatrical: Paramount 4K Blu-ray
Uncut Director's Cut: Either the Germany Kinowelt DVD, the Japan DVD, the Scandinavian DVD, or the US LaserDisc. Fan preservation is likely better quality.
2011 Blu-ray/2021 4K Blu-ray
The 2011 Lionsgate Blu-ray is incredibly poor for every Original Trilogy film; older processed older DVD-era masters with heavy use of DNR, sharpening and edge enhancement with a really dull color grade. The 4K Blu-ray is miles better. The DTS-HD 5.1 across all three films appears to be the same on both the Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray, and they appear to be the untouched theatrical 5.1 mixes.
The Uncut version has more violence: https://www.movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=256325
2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray or 35mm scan for Theatrical Cut
For the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is the older pre 2017 transfer, but has DNR.
StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray is heavily denoised and smoothened, best Blu-ray is the 2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray (missing the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, which is on the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is DNRed), 35mm scan for the theatrical cut also available.
For the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is the older pre 2017 transfer, but has DNR.
Original Kodak CDS mix likely on the Artisan DVD and other Japan DVD.
Differences and review of the mix. There are earlier stereo mixes and many subsequent remixes on DVDs but it is unclear how many of them are really unique.
2017 Blu-Ray (which has the DNRed transfer), the 2009 Skynet Edition Blu-Ray, and the 2000 Ultimate Edition DVD have exclusive extras. The 2003 Extreme Edition DVD has some exclusive easter eggs.
2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray or 35mm scan for Theatrical Cut
For the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is the older pre 2017 transfer, but has DNR.
StudioCanal 4K Blu-ray is heavily denoised and smoothened, best Blu-ray is the 2015 Lionsgate Blu-ray (missing the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, which is on the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is DNRed), 35mm scan for the theatrical cut also available.
For the Ultimate Edition with the T-1000 searching John's room and the happy future ending, the 2009 Skynet Blu-ray, which is the older pre 2017 transfer, but has DNR.
Original Kodak CDS mix likely on the Artisan DVD and other Japan DVD.
Differences and review of the mix. There are earlier stereo mixes and many subsequent remixes on DVDs but it is unclear how many of them are really unique.
2017 Blu-Ray (which has the DNRed transfer), the 2009 Skynet Edition Blu-Ray, and the 2000 Ultimate Edition DVD have exclusive extras. The 2003 Extreme Edition DVD has some exclusive easter eggs.
Director: James Cameron
2013 MGM Blu-ray, or 4K Blu-ray if you MUST have the mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix
2013 MGM Blu-ray for non AI transfer, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix
1991 Image Entertainment LaserDisc for the US mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for the International mono mix
The 4K Blu-Ray and the 2001 MGM DVD have exclusive extras.
Director: James Cameron
2013 MGM Blu-ray, or 4K Blu-ray if you MUST have the mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix
2013 MGM Blu-ray for non AI transfer, 2001 MGM DVD for a purist version with original colors and the international mono mix
1991 Image Entertainment LaserDisc for the US mono mix, 2001 MGM DVD for the International mono mix
The 4K Blu-Ray and the 2001 MGM DVD have exclusive extras.
Director: George Lucas
Director: George Lucas
High seas for the recreated Theatrical Cut
High seas for the recreated Theatrical Cut, Disney 4K Blu-ray is disappointing
High seas for the recreated Theatrical Cut
High seas for the recreated Theatrical Cut, Disney 4K Blu-ray is disappointing
Director: George Lucas
OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.
Special Edition: "4K97" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.
OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.
Special Edition: "4K97" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.
Director: George Lucas
OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.
Special Edition: "4K97" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.
OG: "4K77" or "D+77" on high seas.
Special Edition: "4K97" or "D+97_IV" on high seas.
High seas for recreated Theatrical Cut or HDTV rip, Disney 4K Blu-ray is a mediocre upscale.
High seas for recreated Theatrical Cut or HDTV rip, Disney 4K Blu-ray is a mediocre upscale.
High seas for recreated Theatrical Cut or HDTV rip, Disney 4K Blu-ray is a mediocre upscale.
High seas for recreated Theatrical Cut or HDTV rip, Disney 4K Blu-ray is a mediocre upscale.
High seas for recreated Theatrical Cut or HDTV rip, Disney 4K Blu-ray is a mediocre upscale.
High seas for recreated Theatrical Cut or HDTV rip, Disney 4K Blu-ray is a mediocre upscale.
High seas for recreated Theatrical Cut or HDTV rip, Disney 4K Blu-ray is a mediocre upscale.
High seas for recreated Theatrical Cut or HDTV rip, Disney 4K Blu-ray is a mediocre upscale.
International Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray
International Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray > US Paramount 4K Blu-ray for the US Cut.
International Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray, is significantly better than the US Paramount 4K Blu-ray (even with FEL Baked in and Dolby Vision), with more grain retention and detail
SDR Comparisons: International Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray vs US Paramount 4K Blu-ray: https://slow.pics/c/TEPHtKjl
HDR Comparisons: International Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray vs US Paramount 4K Blu-ray: https://slow.pics/c/hIFe11Hx
Comparisons in SDR using L8 Trim from CM v4.0 (both UHDs can use CM v4.0): Remux vs USA UHD: https://slow.pics/c/mkrhVtpl
The International Cut, which contains alternate, more violent shots in the final act, hasn't been released on home video to date.
International Cut contains alternate, more violent shots in the final act.
International Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray
International Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray > US Paramount 4K Blu-ray for the US Cut.
International Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray, is significantly better than the US Paramount 4K Blu-ray (even with FEL Baked in and Dolby Vision), with more grain retention and detail
SDR Comparisons: International Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray vs US Paramount 4K Blu-ray: https://slow.pics/c/TEPHtKjl
HDR Comparisons: International Warner Bros 4K Blu-ray vs US Paramount 4K Blu-ray: https://slow.pics/c/hIFe11Hx
Comparisons in SDR using L8 Trim from CM v4.0 (both UHDs can use CM v4.0): Remux vs USA UHD: https://slow.pics/c/mkrhVtpl
The International Cut, which contains alternate, more violent shots in the final act, hasn't been released on home video to date.
International Cut contains alternate, more violent shots in the final act.
1991 Warner Bros LaserDisc (for original mono track)
1996 Warner Bros 25th Anniversary LaserDisc has isolated music and effects track (incorrectly labeled "music minus vocals") not present on any other release
1991 Warner Bros LaserDisc (for original mono track)
1996 Warner Bros 25th Anniversary LaserDisc has isolated music and effects track (incorrectly labeled "music minus vocals") not present on any other release
Director: John Waters
Director: John Waters
Director: Mike Hodges
Director: Mike Hodges
Director: Nicholas Ray
Director: Nicholas Ray
Director: Bob Clark
Director: Bob Clark
Director: Martin Scorsese
2024 Second Sight 4K Blu-ray
2024 Second Sight 4K Blu-ray
Director: Martin Scorsese
2024 Second Sight 4K Blu-ray
2024 Second Sight 4K Blu-ray
Director: Chuck Russell
Director: Chuck Russell
Edit History
4/9/2026
Format
Added
1080p Blu-ray
Added
1080p Blu-ray
Best English-Friendly Release
Added
Original US cut, European cut, and Italian cut: 35mm scans
1977 reissue cut: Warner Bros LaserDisc
2004 George Lucas director's cut: Warner Bros Blu-ray
Added
Original US cut, European cut, and Italian cut: 35mm scans
1977 reissue cut: Warner Bros LaserDisc
2004 George Lucas director's cut: Warner Bros Blu-ray
Best Video Release
Added
Original US cut, European cut, and Italian cut: 35mm scans
1977 reissue cut: Warner Bros LaserDisc
2004 George Lucas director's cut: Warner Bros Blu-ray
Added
Original US cut, European cut, and Italian cut: 35mm scans
1977 reissue cut: Warner Bros LaserDisc
2004 George Lucas director's cut: Warner Bros Blu-ray
Best Audio Release
Added
Original US cut, European cut, and Italian cut: 35mm scans
1977 reissue cut: Warner Bros LaserDisc
2004 George Lucas director's cut: Warner Bros DVD
Added
Original US cut, European cut, and Italian cut: 35mm scans
1977 reissue cut: Warner Bros LaserDisc
2004 George Lucas director's cut: Warner Bros DVD
Blu-ray.com
Added
https://www.blu-ray.com/THX-1138/21012/#Releases
Added
https://www.blu-ray.com/THX-1138/21012/#Releases
caps-a-holic
Added
https://caps-a-holic.com/c.php?d1=4992&d2=5006&c=2040
Added
https://caps-a-holic.com/c.php?d1=4992&d2=5006&c=2040
DVDBeaver
Added
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews52/thx_1138_blu-ray.htm
Added
http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film3/blu-ray_reviews52/thx_1138_blu-ray.htm
