Recommended music: Bill Conti – Main Title / It’s All Mine
Happy #MastersMonday, He-Fans and She-Ravers! Although 99% of my Masters of the Universe collection is still packed away for a new display, some new MOTU stuff keeps coming into play. This week, we’re looking at the Masters of the Universe (1987) Blu-Ray from Toy Robot Video!
There’s a lot of buzz about the new Masters of the Universe (2026) physical release coming out this week, but other parts of the franchise are getting disc upgrades too. The 1987 film, for example, got a new edition from Toy Robot last month.
Even if you already own this film on VHS, DVD, or Blu-Ray, I highly recommend picking up this new 4K Ultra HD version that just came out last month.
This is the first Toy Robot release I’ve bought, so I was surprised to see a Japanese Obi strip on the case. Usually foudI’ve seen of this on vinyl albums in Japan; this paper sash is where pricing information would typically be attached, and it’s really just a design choice you can throw away. The package also comes with several postcard-sized mini posters from earlier home and theatrical releases, plus artwork from the film’s production designer, William Stout, on the back. I don’t remember seeing these concept drawings of He-Man and Skeletor in any previous product, so they were a nice bonus.
As for the film itself, it has never looked better. You’ll notice brighter colors and more detail in the costumes and sets than you probably saw the last time you watched it.
Along with the usual features like trailers and director Gary Goddard’s audio commentary, there’s a brand new commentary track by William Stout on disc two. There are also new interview featurettes with Stout, Robert Duncan McNeill, and Anthony De Longis, who played Kevin and Blade. I’ve met Stout and De Longis at past Power-Con events, but it was great to hear more stories from filming, especially from McNeill, whose perspective was new to me.
I really did save the best for last: the real standout of this set. The biggest highlight for me, and probably for many fans of the cult classic, is the newly discovered “preview cut” of the film. This version is about four minutes longer than the theatrical release and includes never-before-seen footage, extended scenes, and alternate takes shown to test audiences in the summer of 1987 before the film was edited for theaters. It’s a real treat to finally see this footage, especially since previous releases never included deleted scenes. Even better, these scenes are fully restored in 4K from the original camera negative, not just rough clips. The audio is also upgraded, with both a stereo mix and a 5.1 surround sound track, plus some different sound effects compared to the theatrical cut.
Overall, this new version is worth picking up, whether you prefer DVD, standard Blu-ray, or 4K. Good journey!
If you still need a copy, pick one up here: https://link.amazon/B0hlZTgv9
#MastersOfTheUniverse
#ToyPhotography
