The Mask, Jim Carrey‘s unconventional superhero film from 1994, is getting a new physical release that’ll have you popping your eyes out just like Stanley Ipkiss when he saw Tina Carlyle singing at the Coco Bongo. The hit film, which was inspired by the Dark Horse comic book series of the same name, is getting the 4K treatment, and is set to be released on November 11. The disc set, including the 4K and Blu-ray, can already be pre-ordered on Amazon for the hefty price of $59.95.
The cartoonish crime fighter’s 4K release comes courtesy of Arrow Video (hence the high price tag) and their ongoing curation of classic titles. Per ComicBook.com, the disc set will feature “Original DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio, lossless stereo audio and a brand new Dolby Atmos mix.” The collectible box set will include a fold-out poster, artcards, and an illustrated booklet.
This new release has been approved by director Chuck Russell, who oversaw the restoration and 4K scan of the original film negative. Those familiar with Arrow’s line of 4K releases should know that their restoration process is considered one of the best in the physical media industry.
The 4K set will include the usual material often featured in these types of releases. Archival documentaries and featurettes are part of the bonus features, but Arrow has made sure to include new material as well. Unfortunately, the new bonus features don’t have freshly filmed interviews with original stars Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz, but still offer valuable insight for fans. The new content includes the following:
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
Could 1994’s ‘The Mask’ Receive a Sequel Any Time Soon?
Jim Carrey’s The Mask remains one of those rare ’90s films that blew up the box office but never received a proper sequel. Sure, Son of the Mask technically counts, though it was (extremely) poorly received. In these days of constantly recycled IP, we’re guessing producers might want to try it again with another sequel — especially one starring the original cast.
Carrey is open to returning, as is Diaz, which means The Mask 2 could happen at some point, with its original leads reprising their characters and giving Stanley Ipkiss another shot at fighting crime. Russell has also shared his only condition for a franchise return, and it’s nothing that’d be particularly difficult to meet.
At this point, it seems it’s only a matter of conversation and agreements. Carrey could use a major Hollywood comeback (outside the Sonic franchise), while Diaz attempted her own earlier this year alongside Jamie Foxx in the Netflix action thriller Back in Action, with mixed results. The Mask 2 would surely be an expensive project, but with its strong cult following, the studio should still see dollar signs.
