1993’s Super Mario Bros Gets a King Koopa-Sized 4K Collector’s Edition

In the annals of cinema history, there are movies that are celebrated for their artistic brilliance, and then there are those that have garnered a devoted following for entirely different reasons. “Super Mario Bros,” the live-action adaptation of the beloved video game, falls firmly into the latter category. A 1993 release that didn’t exactly set the world on fire, this film is poised to make a royal comeback in 2024, thanks to a massive 30th-anniversary collector’s edition in glorious 4K.

Revisiting a Cult Classic

Umbrella Home Entertainment is the hero we never knew we needed. They’ve announced the “Trust the Fungus Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition,” set to hit shelves in January 2024. Now, before you start pondering the meaning of life and the universe, let’s dive into what this collector’s edition has to offer.

Restoration Magic in 4K

First and foremost, the highlight of this set is the new 4K restoration of the film. They’ve worked their magic straight from the original negative, giving us a chance to see Mario and Luigi like never before. It’s like they’ve jumped out of the pixelated screens of our childhood and into the 21st century.

Peek Behind the Scenes

But wait, there’s more! You’re not just getting the film; you’re getting an all-access pass to the creative process. The set includes a restored workprint of the film, showing the raw, uncut gem before it got polished. And if you’re one of those folks who loves to dissect the nuances of storytelling, you’ll appreciate the storyboard to screen animatics. These give you a glimpse into how the makers brought the Mushroom Kingdom to life.

Script Evolution

The “Super Mario Bros” movie had a notoriously tumultuous production history, with multiple script drafts. Lucky for us, there’s a 200-page book included that showcases these drafts. It’s like stepping into an alternate reality where the movie could have been quite different from what we remember.

Insider Commentary

Ever wondered what the minds behind the film were thinking? Well, you’re in for a treat because there are not one, not two, but four different audio commentaries included. You can hear from the screenwriters, producers, production designers, special effects designers, and film archivists. It’s like having a personal conversation with the creators.

Art and Memorabilia

If you’re a fan of production art, you’ll be delighted with the hardcover book that’s part of this collector’s edition. Plus, you’ll receive reproductions of lobby cards, posters, and souvenir magazines. It’s like a treasure trove of Mario memorabilia.

Preorder Your Nostalgia Trip

The complete package retails for $150 AUD, and you can already preorder it on Umbrella’s website. Get ready to relive the adventure with Mario, Luigi, and King Koopa in high-definition splendor.

The Curious Case of “Super Mario Bros”

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room – the film’s initial reception. “Super Mario Bros” was Nintendo’s first, and for a long time, last attempt at conquering the film industry. With iconic characters like Mario and Luigi, you’d think they had a surefire hit on their hands. The cast seemed promising, with the late Bob Hoskins playing Mario, John Leguizamo as Luigi, and Dennis Hopper taking on the role of the menacing Koopa. The film also had directors known for their work on the cult-classic TV series “Max Headroom,” so what could go wrong, right?

As it turns out, a lot. The film’s production was a rollercoaster of troubles. It underwent numerous script changes, and the directors clashed with Nintendo over the movie’s tone. The cast and crew had a pretty miserable time throughout the production, and when the filming finally wrapped up, the editing process was hasty and chaotic. The end result was a movie that swayed wildly in terms of tone.

When “Super Mario Bros” hit theaters on May 28, 1993, it was anything but a mushroom kingdom of success. Critics panned it, and it tanked at the box office, leading Nintendo to shy away from movie adaptations for years to come.

A Cult Following

But here’s where things get interesting. Despite its rocky start, the film gradually gained a cult following. In 2021, a fan-made “director’s cut” surfaced on the internet, rekindling interest in the movie. Critics and fans alike have revisited the film, appreciating it for its boldness and unique flaws. It’s become a testament to what can happen when filmmakers are given free rein with a beloved IP.

So, whether you’re a seasoned Mario fan or just curious about cinematic curiosities, mark your calendar for January 2024. The 4K collector’s edition is your ticket to the weird and wonderful world of “Super Mario Bros.” Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to warp into nostalgia.

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More about Super Mario Bros 4K Collector’s Edition

• Trust the Fungus Super Mario Bros. 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition
• Umbrella Home Entertainment
• Super Mario Bros 4K restoration
• Mario fans
• Cult classic films
• Fan-made director’s cut
• Nostalgia in film