The Mask, the 1994 cult classic starring Jim Carrey as the zany superhero Stanley Ipkiss, is receiving a highly anticipated 4K release on November 11. Fans of the film, which was inspired by the Dark Horse comic series, can pre-order a deluxe physical edition that combines 4K and Blu-ray formats, priced at $59.95. This new release promises a visual upgrade that captures the unique, cartoonish aesthetic that made the movie so memorable.
The 4K edition is being released by Arrow Video, known for their meticulous restorations of classic films, which partly explains the premium cost of the set. According to ComicBook.com, the disc features
Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, lossless stereo audio and a brand new Dolby Atmos mix.
The collectible edition also includes a fold-out poster, art cards, and an illustrated booklet, appealing to both casual viewers and dedicated collectors.
Director Chuck Russell Oversees Restoration of Original Film Negatives
This new release benefits from director Chuck Russell’s direct involvement, who personally managed the 4K scanning and restoration of the original film negatives. Arrow Video’s reputation for high-quality restorations is well established, and this project continues their commitment to preserving cinematic classics in pristine condition.
Alongside the visual enhancements, the 4K set contains a variety of bonus materials, blending archival footage with entirely new interviews and documentaries. While the main stars Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz do not appear in the new supplementary content, fans will still gain fresh perspectives from key contributors to the film’s production.
Exclusive New Features Highlight Behind-the-Scenes Insights
The bonus content is comprised of several newly filmed interviews and featurettes that dig into different aspects of the film’s creation and legacy. These include discussions with director Chuck Russell, writers and producers Mike Richardson, Mike Werb, and Mark Verheiden, as well as visual effects supervisor Scott Squires.
The full list of newly recorded bonus features consists of:
The Man Behind the Mask, a newly filmed interview with Chuck Russell
From Strip to Screen, a newly filmed interview with Mike Richardson, Mike Werb and Mark Verheiden
Green Faces Blue Screens, a newly filmed interview with visual effects supervisor Scott Squires
Sssssssplicin’!, a newly filmed interview with editor Arthur Coburn
Ask Peggy, a newly filmed interview with actor Amy Yasbeck
Toeing the Conga Line, a newly filmed interview with choreographer Jerry Evans featuring never-before-seen rehearsal footage
Terriermania, a new video essay by critic Elizabeth Purchell on canine sidekick Milo
These interviews not only uncover technical details about the film’s visual effects and editing but also explore choreography and character development, enriching the fan experience with never-before-seen content and thoughtful commentary.
Could a Sequel to The Mask be on the Horizon?
Despite The Mask’s significant success in 1994, it never received a direct sequel featuring Jim Carrey as Stanley Ipkiss. The 2005 follow-up, Son of the Mask, was critically panned and did not feature the original cast. However, given the current trend of reviving beloved franchises, there is growing speculation that a new sequel may eventually be produced.
Both Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz have expressed openness to returning for another installment, and director Chuck Russell has hinted at a potential franchise revival, provided certain conditions are met. This makes a sequel increasingly plausible as talks continue among producers and studios.
Carrey remains eager for a major Hollywood comeback outside of his recent involvement with the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, while Diaz pursued a more recent return with Jamie Foxx in Netflix’s Back in Action, which received mixed reviews. With The Mask still holding a strong cult following, the studio might see value in investing in a sequel that reunites the original leads and expands the story of Stanley Ipkiss’s quirky crime-fighting adventures.
Supporting Cast and Legacy of The Mask
The film also featured performances by Richard Jeni and Peter Riegert, who contributed to the memorable supporting cast surrounding Jim Carrey’s character. Over the years, The Mask has maintained its place in pop culture due to its unique blend of comedy, action, and special effects that brought the comic book character to life in a way few other films of the era matched.
The upcoming 4K release by Arrow Video both preserves this legacy and introduces the film to new audiences with enhanced picture and sound quality, paired with enriching supplemental material that celebrates the creative talent behind the scenes. This edition serves not only as a nostalgic tribute but also as a definitive package for fans and collectors alike.
