The best 4K and Blu-ray releases coming out in December 2025
New physical media must-haves include previous films from this year's auteurs like Paul Thomas Anderson, Spike Lee, as well as 4K restorations of some classics.
Each month The A.V. Club does our part to keep you up to date on the best of what’s coming out on Blu-ray and 4K UHD, which is especially important as streaming services become less and less reliable homes for films worth watching. This month in particular, those looking for some quality high-def upgrades are feasting—and there’s something for everyone you might need to get a gift for. December 2025’s Blu-ray and 4K releases include plenty of films for those inspired by this year’s contemporary auteur releases, as well as bona fide classics from disparate genres. Read on and find films from Paul Thomas Anderson, Spike Lee, Eleanor Coppola, Satoshi Kon, Steven Spielberg, and more.
Hearts Of Darkness 4K
Available December 9, 2025
MegaDocwho? The quintessential Coppola behind-the-scenes tell-all, Eleanor Coppola’s on-the-ground examination of Apocalypse Now—and how its text was reflected in the state of mind of her husband, Francis, during production—is getting a fancy new release from StudioCanal. The 4K restoration also comes with a book of new essays about the film as well as an edition of Eleanor Coppola’s book of notes about her own production.
The Emperor’s New Groove 4K
Available December 9, 2025
The thrillingly chaotic antics of The Emperor’s New Groove, a rarity for Disney, are getting all spruced up. Who would’ve thought that a film originally designed to be a vehicle for Sting—and whose plot involved getting rid of the sun—would become such a loose, light, anarchic outlier for the Mouse House? The transformative adventure of a self-involved emperor-turned-llama and his peasant pal overcame its troubled production (documented in the unreleased, yet easily findable documentary The Sweatbox) to become a perfectly endearing screwball buddy comedy.
Boogie Nights 4K
Available December 9, 2025
Those won over by One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson’s excellent revolutionary comedy, are in luck: PTA’s adult industry epic Boogie Nights is riding some coattails for a new restoration and home release. Featuring box art formerly contained to one of those limited run Mondo posters, this upgrade also comes with a Q&A with PTA and John C. Reilly at the American Cinematheque, director and cast commentaries, and some deleted scenes. Those who haven’t seen the quintessential ’70s movie not made in the ’70s are in for a treat—and for more Mark Wahlberg than they can handle.
Minority Report 4K SteelBook
Available December 9, 2025
Even if the vast majority of us aren’t swiping floating computer windows around in the air during our workday, Minority Report is still a prescient and vital sci-fi from Steven Spielberg and Philip K. Dick. There’s something funny now about the Pre-Crime Division actually having to use Precogs to go about their dark deeds. Included featurettes delve into the props, previz work, stunts, effects from ILM, and more—there’s a bounty of below-the-line work spotlit by these special features, befitting a genre movie that looks and sounds this good.
David Byrne’s American Utopia 4K
Available December 16, 2025
If Boogie Nights shows a raw side of Paul Thomas Anderson as he offers a more mature comedy in One Battle After Another, David Byrne’s American Utopia echoes Spike Lee only in its contagious style compared to Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest. Lee is no stranger to filming stage productions (he’s documented everything from John Leguizamo’s one-man show to the Broadway musical Passing Strange), but American Utopia—thanks to its subject matter—is perhaps the most vibrant of his concert films. Zipping around Annie-B Parson’s choreography to the eclectic melodies of David Byrne’s discography, the film was a political gut punch when it dropped in 2020, and things haven’t gotten any better. Those looking to go a little deeper will appreciate Criterion’s new documentary included on the disc.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure 4K
Available December 16, 2025
One of the other big Criterion releases this month is a little more unexpected than a hit Spike Lee joint: Tim Burton’s debut Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. Now, do Paul Reubens and Large Marge need to be in 4K? Maybe not. But as Hollywood seems to have run out of all its colors between 1985 and now, there’s no reason not to immerse yourself in Burton’s silliest creation. Five new interviews supplement a couple great commentary tracks (including one between Burton and Reubens) and some deleted scenes.
Perfect Blue 4K
Available December 23, 2025
After bringing Satoshi Kon’s anime masterpiece back to theaters, GKIDS is rolling out a SteelBook and Collector’s Edition of this identity-shattering psychological thriller. Those opting for the big buy will find bonus Perfect Blue supplements including a chunky booklet, a handful of postcards, and a poster. Those looking instead for the more practical goodies can find all the same special features in the regular home release—including almost two hours of lectures from Satoshi Kon, subtitled in English for the first time.
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