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Criterion Collection gives “KPop Demon Hunters” a long-awaited 4K Blu-ray and DVD release, with preorders now open
The Apex Times

THE APEX TIMES

Culture/The Apex Times/Aug 14, 5:09 PM EDT

Criterion Collection gives “KPop Demon Hunters” a long-awaited 4K Blu-ray and DVD release, with preorders now open

Billboard reports the animated title is moving from streaming access to a Criterion Collection physical edition, marking the first wide availability outside theaters aside from a limited run.

2 min readEditor-approved Apex article

A Criterion Collection physical release for the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters” is now available for preorder in 4K Blu-ray and DVD formats, according to Billboard’s product listing published August 14, 2026. The announcement positions the Criterion edition as the first time the film has been available for viewing in physical form beyond streaming access, with the only exception being a brief theatrical run.

Billboard describes the release as part of the Criterion Collection’s ongoing effort to bring film and television works to home formats with curated presentation. In this case, the catalog expansion focuses on a title that had previously been encountered primarily through streaming availability.

The Billboard report also frames the timing as significant for collectors and home-viewing audiences who prefer discs, particularly those looking for stable long-term access and higher-resolution options. By offering both 4K Blu-ray and standard DVD, the release broadens compatibility for viewers with different disc players.

According to the Billboard listing, the Criterion Collection edition is being marketed as a “physical release” milestone for the film, implying that earlier public access outside streaming was limited in duration. Billboard notes that this physical availability does not represent an entirely new first appearance for audiences, but rather a new phase in distribution, after the brief theatrical run.

While Billboard’s item focuses on the preorder and format details, it does not provide additional context in the excerpted summary about special features or release-date specifics beyond the existence of the physical edition and the formats offered. Additional manufacturing, packaging, and content details would typically be provided in the retailer listing or the distributor’s official materials tied to the preorder.

For Criterion Collection fans, the move also highlights how film distribution can shift over time, from initial theatrical exposure to streaming platforms, and eventually to physical releases that preserve titles for households and libraries. For families and casual viewers, the availability of discs can also reduce reliance on subscription access rules that vary by service.

The next steps for interested buyers are to confirm the edition details through the preorder listings, including the final street date and the specific packaging information associated with the Criterion release. As of the Billboard publication time, the preorder availability itself is the central update.

Billboard’s coverage does not indicate any concurrent streaming exclusivity changes in connection with the Criterion physical release. The impact described in the report is therefore primarily about access through disc distribution rather than immediate changes to streaming availability.

Why It Matters

  • Physical availability can change how audiences access a title after its earlier streaming period and limited theatrical exposure.
  • A Criterion Collection release can affect collecting and home-library use by providing disc-based options with a recognizable brand tied to film presentation.
  • Offering both 4K Blu-ray and DVD may widen the potential audience across different household media setups.
  • The preorder timing indicates that physical distribution rights and packaging are reaching a stage where consumers can now plan purchases ahead of the final release date.

Sources

Key Facts

  • Billboard reported that “KPop Demon Hunters” has a Criterion Collection physical release available for preorder in 4K Blu-ray and DVD.
  • The Billboard item was published on August 14, 2026.
  • Billboard said the Criterion edition is the first time the film is available for viewing outside of streaming, with a brief theatrical run as an exception.
  • The release is specifically positioned as a physical availability milestone for the film.
  • The Criterion Collection edition is being marketed in two physical formats: 4K Blu-ray and standard DVD.