4K Blu-ray

Japan 4K Blu-ray beats the other 4Ks and includes English subtitles

All 4K releases are upscales of the same master with a substantial amount of DNR.

Due to budgetary constraints, the original theatrical mix was mono. It was replaced with Dolby Surround for all subsequent releases and was never re-released.

LaserDisc is the best souning version of the original home video mix, as all later releases attentuate bass significantly and lower dynamic range. Comparison

The Japanese audio was remixed in 5.1 twice, first time in 2001 for the DVD release, and second time in 2009 for the BD release ("Hypersonic" remix). While the 2001 remix remains mostly faithful to the 1988 mix, the 2009 Hypersonic remix is highly revisionistic. However, its fidelity is outstanding, and despite many changes made, it's a worthwhile alternative experience for fans of the film. The 4K release includes the Hypersonic mix, but with a tonne of unnecessary noise reduction and unbalanced levels.

Comparison between mixes, list of changes between mixes

Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray new master much better than their 2016 artificially sharpened Blu-ray but grain managed

Old master's magenta grading was dialed back

2.0 mix is said to be superior to the other mixes and is likely the original one

Good 4K Blu-ray upgrades of Ritrovata's flawed restorations

Severin 4K Blu-ray's macroblocking is noticeable especially in outdoor shots

Curzon 4K Blu-ray see caps

For BD, Curzon Blu-ray is similar to Arbelos Blu-ray

> Shout! Factory 4K Blu-ray

1990 CBS/Fox LaserDisc: Original Ultra Stereo mix on the Shout Factory 4K is sourced directly from the 1990 Laserdisc

> Scream Factory 4K Blu-ray (Capelight fixes some magenta color faults of the Shout! Factory Release)

Arrow includes the original Dolby Stereo mix in a matrixed stereo form, as well as a discrete 4.0 track.