I test 4K Blu-ray for a living, and these are the 4 new discs from August 2026 I'm most looking forward to trying out
As TechRadar's 4K Blu-ray tester, I've picked new titles from August 2026 that I'm keen to try out as part of the Blu-ray Bounty.
Four new 4K Blu-ray releases from August 2026 have caught my attention, each promising a unique experience for home theater enthusiasts. The first is Project Hail Mary, an adaptation of Andy Weir's novel, starring Ryan Gosling as a stranded astronaut. The film's high-contrast scenes and vibrant colors should showcase an impressive level of detail and color accuracy on a 4K screen.
Additionally, the inclusion of a Dolby Atmos soundtrack will likely bring a heightened sense of immersion, with the sound design capturing the vast expanse of space and the ship's interior with remarkable precision. Project Hail Mary is set to arrive in the UK on August 10th.
The second disc on my list is Troy, a 4K restoration of the 2004 film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. Based on Homer's Iliad, the movie follows the Trojan War through the eyes of King Menelaus and the legendary warrior Achilles. The 4K restoration, presented by Arrow Video, promises to deliver a stunning visual experience, with bold visuals, vibrant colors, and detailed costumes that bring the story to life.
The DTS-HD 5.1 MA audio mix, while not Dolby Atmos, should still deliver powerful and dynamic sound that complements the film's epic scope. Troy is set to release in the UK on August 17th.
Next, West Side Story, a 1961 musical adaptation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is presented in 4K by Altitude. The disc supports Dolby Vision, allowing for vivid colors and high contrast scenes that capture the 1950s aesthetic of the production. With a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, the iconic songs of the musical, such as 'Maria' and 'Somewhere,' are expected to sound their best, with the soundtrack adding an extra layer of immersion through detail and spatial audio effects. West Side Story is set to arrive in the UK on August 17th, following no release date in the US.
Finally, Mars Attacks!, directed by Tim Burton, brings a gaudy, almost 1960s aesthetic to the screen as aliens invade Earth. Featuring an all-star cast including Glenn Close, Annette Benning, and Michael J. Fox, the movie's vibrant colors and CGI aliens are sure to generate a striking visual experience. The 4K disc, presented by Warner Bros.
Home Entertainment, boasts support for Dolby Vision, which should allow the film's bold and colorful palette to shine. While the CGI of the Martian creatures may not be perfect, I'm excited to see how the rest of the movie fares on a high-quality 4K screen. Mars Attacks! has no release date in the US, but it will be available in the UK on August 17th.
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