Fabulous Films: First Look at New 4K Restoration of John Carpenter's Dark Star

British label Fabulous Films has provided a promotional trailer for the recent 4K restoration of John Carpenter's Dark Star (1974), which will be released on 4K Blu-ray and Blu-ray this November.

Description: This definitive 4K restoration has been expertly restored from the original 35mm film reels, bringing John Carpenter's cult sci-fi classic to stunning ultra-high definition. The soundtrack has been digitally enhanced and fully restored in Dolby Digital 5.1, ensuring the most immersive viewing experience yet.

From John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) and Dan O'Bannon (Alien, Total Recall) comes this brilliantly clever and darkly funny parody of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Dark Star follows a dysfunctional intergalactic mission where four bored astronauts are assigned to destroy unstable planets—but end up filling their time with sun-lamp tanning, playing with a mischievously plastic-looking alien mascot, and conversing with their ship's increasingly erratic AI. As the mission unravels, a rogue "smart bomb" gains self-awareness and starts questioning its existence, believing itself to be a god. With catastrophe looming, only one crew member—an ex-surfer—finds an unorthodox way to return to Earth: riding a piece of debris back home like a cosmic surfboard.

Originally a 72 minute USC student film, Dark Star was expanded into a theatrical release after producer Jack Harris encouraged Carpenter and O'Bannon to add an extra 15 minutes. This special edition includes both versions and is packed with exclusive bonus features that dive deep into the film's controversial production, groundbreaking special effects, and legacy.

This online exclusive features a limited edition Dark Star Mission sew-on patch presented in a unique limited (500 only) edition clamshell and o-ring package.

Film Versions Included:
Original 72-minute Director's Cut
Expanded Theatrical Release 84-minutes