Two more home video versions of The Peanuts Movie on March 8

Since my previous blog post about the home video release of The Peanuts Movie - due out Tuesday, March 8, 2016 - two further options have come to light.

First, Target is offering a special version of the "limited edition gift set" (includes Blu-ray disc, DVD disc, HD digital download, and Snoopy Flying Ace plush) that features a third disc, a Target-exclusive bonus DVD with "over 25 minutes of extra content."   Target's description of that bonus material:

Meet the cast in the “The Voices of the Peanuts Movie” featurette, visit the Nickelodeon “Orange Carpet” to learn how an animated film is made with Owen Joyner from 100 Things to Do Before High School, and explains how to make cool stuff with 3 “Art of Dreaming Big” activities.

You can order this version from the Target.com website for $22.99, or you can pick it up at your local Target store on March 8. It will not be available elsewhere.

Second, The Peanuts Movie will be one of the first movies released in the new "Ultra HD Blu-ray" disc format. Ultra HD Blu-ray has four times the resolution (four times as many pixels) as current Blu-ray discs; this is commonly known as "4K." Of course, you need a new, Ultra HD Blu-ray player and a TV with 4K resolution to take advantage of this format - so probably it will appeal to a limited number of buyers. The Peanuts Movie Ultra HD Blu-ray combo pack includes the Ultra HD disc, a regular Blu-ray disc, and an HD digital download (but does not include a DVD). Presumably it includes the same bonus features as the regular Blu-ray, but no official list of features has been announced.  The list price for this version will be $39.99, and it can be ordered from Amazon.com and other retailers.

The Peanuts Movie coming out on DVD, Blu-ray, and 3D Blu-ray on March 8, 2016

The Peanuts Movie, 2015's CGI feature film starring the Peanuts gang, will be released on home video on March 8, 2016 by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

The film will be available in several formats and packaging:

• A DVD "combo pack" - includes DVD disc and HD digital download (list price $29.98)
• A Blu-ray "combo pack" - includes 2D Blu-ray disc, DVD disc, and HD digital download (list price $39.99)
• A 3D Blu-ray "combo pack" - includes 3D Blu-ray disc, 2D Blu-ray disc, DVD disc, and HD digital download (list price $49.99)
• A "limited edition gift set" - includes a Blu-ray disc, DVD disc, HD digital download, and a Snoopy dressed as the WWI Flying Ace plush toy (list price $39.99)

Actual sale prices will almost certainly be cheaper than the list prices. Note that you need a 3D television and 3D Blu-ray player to play and watch the 3D Blu-ray.

The Fox press release lists a variety of bonus features that will accompany the film; note that a couple of them are only available on the Blu-ray discs. Sadly, it doesn't sound like the film's amusing trailers will be included at all. Descriptions are from the press release:

• Snoopy Snippets – Can’t get enough of your favorite Peanuts characters? These six all-new Snoopy Snippets will brighten your day!
• You Never Grow Up, Charlie Brown (Blu-ray only) – In this fascinating documentary, you’ll learn about Charles Schulz, the history of the Peanuts gang, and their journey to the big screen!
• Snoopy’s Sibling Salute (Blu-ray only) – It’s a Snoopy family reunion as The Peanuts Movie filmmakers introduce viewers to Snoopy’s siblings: Andy, Olaf, Spike, Belle and Marbles.
• Learn To Draw Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown – Director Steve Martino provides fun, step-by-step tutorials on how to draw Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown.
• Get Down With Snoopy and Woodstock Music Video – Clap, dance and sing along with Snoopy, Woodstock and Charlie Brown to an all-new version of everyone’s favorite Peanuts song!
• “Better When I’m Dancin’” Meghan Trainor Music Video – Escape to a wonderful, whimsical world with Meghan Trainor’s music video for her hit song “Better When I’m Dancin’.”
• “Better When I’m Dancin’” Meghan Trainor Lyric Video – The Peanuts gang is dancing up a storm with moves like you've never seen before—and on-screen lyrics so you can sing along.
• Behind The Scenes of “Better When I’m Dancin’” – Meghan Trainor takes you on an exclusive tour behind the scenes and on the set of her “Better When I’m Dancin’” music video!
• Snoopy’s Playlist – Now the music from the movie is at your fingertips—use Snoopy’s Playlist to jump directly to your favorite songs.

The Peanuts Movie is already available as a digital-only download from Amazon and iTunes and similar services; however, considering those downloads cost $14.99 and the discs will only cost around $18-22 and include an HD digital download, you probably want to wait and get the physical discs too!

After I first wrote this blog post, two more home video versions were announced - a Target exclusive with "25 minutes of extra content," and an Ultra HD Blu-ray combo pack.  See this follow up blog post for further details about them.

---

In other home video news, now that all four classic Peanuts movies have been released on DVD, Paramount has put them together in one box set, titled Peanuts: 4-Movie Collection. Released on February 16, 2016, the set contains:

A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969)
Snoopy Come Home (1972)
Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown (1977)
Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown (1980)

The movies are on 4 separate discs. No new bonus material is included with this set (although presumably it includes the few bonus features that are on the individual DVD releases), so if you have the previous DVD releases of the movies, you don't need this set. But if you don't, the set's a good deal - list price is $26.99, but you can get it for around $20.

The Peanuts Movie opens today...

...and you'll want to get your tickets early; all indications point to a smash opening weekend.

Do make a point of finding a theater showing it in 3D; this marvelous film makes excellent use of that third dimension.

As it happens, our tireless staff of 5CP researchers includes a full-time film critic, whose review will appear later today in his daily Northern California newspaper. But you can read it immediately.

(He kinda-sorta liked the movie. Just a little!)