Masters of the Universe Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.0

Masters of the Universe Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman September 3, 2026

Of the several releases fledgling imprint Toy Robot Video is rolling out this month, chances are it's Masters of the Universe which will attract the most attention, if for no other reason than (the 2026) Masters of the Universe, which is due on disc in about a month as this review is being written. Two previously reviewed Toy Robot Video releases of Roaring Fire and Guyver: Dark Hero were debuts on Blu-ray, and while the 4K UHD edition of this film is a first on home video, Warner Brothers released a 1080 disc in 2012 (see below for a review link). This new release in both its 4K and 1080 standalone formats offers two discs which does include the home video debut of an extended preview version.

As mentioned above, the theatrical cut of Masters of the Universe had a 1080 release by Warner Brothers in 2012 and Michael Reuben's Masters of the Universe Blu-ray review offers plot information, a list of supplements and a reaction to the technical presentation.

Masters of the Universe Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Masters of the Universe is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Toy Robot Video with two AVC encoded 1080p transfers in 1.85:1. One of the things Toy Robot Video has not been including on their packaging is any mention of the sources and/or restorations of their titles, but even a cursory comparison of the screenshots here and in the Masters of the Universe 4K Blu-ray review of Toy Robot Video's standalone 4K UHD version easily show what a significant improvement is on hand here for fans. The aspect ratio is correct, and while the old Warner Brothers' 1080 version's 1.78:1 aspect ratio is not that "off", look closely at some of the screenshots in the old 1080 review and both of the new Toy Robot Video reviews (I've attempted to reproduce some of the same frames that Michael took), and you'll note that rather oddly it looks like the Warner release was actually stretched vertically instead of zoomed in order to achieve that aspect ratio (compare any screenshot with a human, or at least human in makeup, and you will somewhat comically see them ostensibly shed a few pounds when you toggle to the Warner version). More importantly, though, the color timing is radically different now. The old Warner release looks almost slathered in yellows, whereas the overall timing here is considerably cooler, and to my eyes anyway, more accurate looking. While things are arguably cooled down even more courtesy of the 4K disc's HDR / Dolby Vision grades, even in SDR on this 1080 version there is an observable difference in the coolness of the grading, something that is probably most noticeable in Skeletor's lair inside Castle Grayskull, which lives up to the color in its name. The "earthbound" material is probably a bit warmer, though much less "golden" than in the old Warner transfer. All of this said, some may find this to be a bit on the dark side, and the new grading can alter the look of things along the way, as in He-Man's cape, which is now kind of a dirty brown-crimson color. There are some interesting "trade offs" between the 1080 and 4K resolutions Toy Robot Video is offering in its standalone editions. The increased resolution of the 4K can't help but point out some of the (literal in some cases) seams of the VFX more than the 1080 version does, but it also probably makes the heavy grain field look even heavier than in the 1080 version. On the flip side, the 4K disc's HDR / Dolby Vision grades add some luster to the palette which isn't quite as noticeable in SDR. Fine detail levels are improved here, and things like the impressive makeup Billy Barty wears as Gwildor is virtually palpable. I noticed no appreciable quality differences between the shared footage (which is far and away the bulk of the running time) between the two cuts.

Masters of the Universe Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Masters of the Universe features DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 options for both cuts of the film. Michael was decently if not overwhelmingly pleased by the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track on the old Warner Brothers disc (which did not include a surround track). The 5.1 option here definitely opens up the soundstage for the panoply of effects and perhaps most especially Bill Conti's enjoyable score, which is more than obviously modeled on John Williams' iconic work on Star Wars. As Michael mentioned in his review, the florid theatrical delivery style of several characters keeps dialogue clearly intelligible throughout. Optional English subtitles are available.

Masters of the Universe Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Note: Toy Robot Video sent check discs for purposes of this 1080 review, but a full retail final set for purposes of the Masters of the Universe 4K Blu-ray review. I'm assuming the packaging, including various accoutrements, is the same for both resolutions.

Disc One - Theatrical Cut (1:45:43)

• Audio Commentary with director Gary Goddard is accessible under the Audio Menu.


• Behind the Legend (HD; 4:23) is an archival featurette.


• Theatrical Trailer (HD; 1:48)


• Teaser Trailer (HD; 1:18)


• Stills Gallery (HD; 11:29) suffers the same fate as the gallery discussed in the ))) where there is a timecode despite the instructions to use the chapter skip buttons, so have the pause button on the remote handy.


• Production Design Gallery (HD; 2:03) is authored per the above, so pausing may be in order.

Disc Two - Preview Cut (1:50:01)

• Audio Commentary with production designer William Stout is accessible under the Audio Menu.


• Becoming Kevin (HD; 16:00) is a new interview with Robert Duncan McNeill.


• They Call Me Blade (HD; 14:06) is a new interview with Anthony De Longis.


• Designing the Universe (HD; 16:56) is a new interview with William Stout.

Toy Robot Video is helping to establish its own unique identity with its packaging options, which include a reversible sleeve (with the back cover information printed sideways), character cards, a slipcover and an Obi sleeve.

Masters of the Universe Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While Masters of the Universe was never quite able to escape from the totemic shadow cast by a certain George Lucas franchise, it's a hugely enjoyable romp on its own, admittedly somewhat lower fi, merits. This new edition offers secure technical merits and some appealing supplements in addition to the newly uncovered extended preview version. Recommended.