Disney will finally embrace the UHD Blu-ray format with the release of 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2'. The news was confirmed by director James Gunn who also talked up High Dynamic Range.

Disney’s first UHD Blu-ray
While all other major Hollywood studios were quick to embrace the new UHD Blu-ray format, Disney was hesitant. After almost one and a half year, it is now finally happening. Disney has yet to comment officially on the matter but director James Gunn has confirmed the news.

- ”Yes, it's true, & I am UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED to announce that, after a couple of years of me begging and pleading, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will be coming to home video in 4K UltraHD. It will be the FIRST Disney release to be released this way,” said James Gunn, director of the Guardians movies.

The release opens the door to more releases from Disney and Marvel in the near future. Disney sits on the rights to major franchises, including Star Wars. Hopefully, we will also get to experience Pixar movies on UHD Blu-ray soon.



HDR is the “amazing aspect”
In the same breath, James Gunn talked up HDR – or High Dynamic Range – which delivers an expanded luminance range and a wider color gamut.

- “And the important part of this release is not the 4K - the truly different and amazing aspect is the high dynamic range with light and color which creates a completely more exciting experience, and is the best thing to happen to cinema in my lifetime,” he said.

It is rumored that the movie will feature Dolby Vision HDR grading but James Gunn had nothing to say on this specific matter. He did, however, tell everyone to stay tuned for the official announcement and more information from Disney soon. 

- “We will soon have lots more exciting announcements about the home release and some unbelievably cool additional content, including something that's so amazing I've been chomping at the bit for months not being able to talk about it! So more OFFICIAL announcements soon.”

The movie is rumored to be released on August 22 but we will have to wait for confirmation from Disney to be sure. Update: Disney/Marvel has confirmed the release date.

- Source: James Gunn