The Corner Penthouse

CBS Home Entertainment recently released Stephen King's The Stand: The Definitive 2-Series Collection Blu-ray. Read on to find out more about it...

This "Definitive 2-Series Collection" contains the two individual Blu-ray releases inside a side-loading slipcase. The individual Blu-ray cases have the same artwork as the two releases that are sold separately.


Since this is really two releases bundled together, it would be best if I just detailed them separately.


[ SYNOPSIS ]

In Stephen King's epic vision of an apocalyptic future, the few survivors of a plague-ravaged world must choose sides in the ultimate battle of good vs. evil that will decide the fate of humanity. As the followers of demonic Randall Flagg (Jamey Sheridan) plot to rebuild the world in his dark image, a courageous foursome embarks on a heroic mission against Flagg and his minions. Fighting overwhelming odds, they will risk more than their lives as they take one desperate last stand against evil.

[ QUICK THOUGHTS ]

I've never read the original Stephen King novel, so I don't know how well this version (or the 2020 version) adapts the material. I will state that this version has the better cast. Some of my favorite actors that appear in this version include, but are not limited to, Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Laura San Giacomo, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Miguel Ferrer, Corin Nemec, Matt Frewer, Ray Walston, Rob Lowe, Bill Fagerbakke, Shawnee Smith, Max Wright, and even Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Of course, author Stephen King shows up, as was customary for filmed adaptations of his works.

[ EPISODE INFORMATION ]

The single-disc set includes all 4 episodes of the mini-series that aired on ABC from May 8th to May 12th 2021. Total runtime is 5:59:02.

1. "The Plague" (May 8, 1994) (1:28:38)
2. "The Dreams" (May 9, 1994) (1:28:52)
3. "The Betrayal" (May 11, 1994) (1:29:03)
4. "The Stand" (May 12, 1994) (1:32:30)

[ SPECIFICATIONS ]

The show is presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Audio languages include English, German, and Spanish. Subtitle languages include English SDH, German, Spanish, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish.

[ SPECIAL FEATURES ]

Here's a list of all of the special features that can be found on the disc.

• Audio Commentary - by writer Stephen King and director Mick Garris for all six hours, with others (such as actor Miguel Ferrer) joining in on occasion.
• The Making of The Stand (5:29) - A brief look at the process of bringing King's novel to the screen, and the mini-series production.

[ SYNOPSIS ]

Stephen King's apocalyptic vision of a world decimated by plague and embroiled in an elemental struggle between good and evil. The fate of mankind rests on the frail shoulders of the 108-year-old Mother Abagail (Whoopi Goldberg) and a handful of survivors. Their worst nightmares are embodied in a man with a lethal smile and unspeakable powers: Randall Flagg (Alexander Skarsgard), the Dark Man.

[ QUICK THOUGHTS ]

I know this version was planned and filmed before 2020, but talk about a really prescient time to release a show about a virus and a pandemic. It runs about four hours longer than the other version. While the cast isn't as good as the 1994 version, there are some great actors in this: James Marsden, Odessa Young, Alexander Skarsgard, Whoopi Goldberg, Amber Heard, Irene Bedard, Greg Kinnear, Fiona Dourif, J.K. Simmons.

[ EPISODE INFORMATION ]

The three-disc set includes all 9 episodes of the limited series that aired on Paramount+ from December 17, 2020 to February 11, 2021.

Disc 1:
1. "The End" (Dec. 17, 2020) (59:03)
2. "Pocket Savior" (Dec. 24, 2020) (1:05:04)
3. "Blank Page" (Dec. 31, 2020) (53:06)

Disc 2:
4. "The House of the Dead" (Jan. 7, 2021) (1:00:01)
5. "Fear and Loathing in New Vegas" (Jan. 14, 2021) (1:01:09)
6. "The Vigil" (Jan. 21, 2021) (57:21)

Disc 3:
7. "The Walk" (Jan. 28, 2021) (57:02)
8. "The Stand" (Feb. 4, 2021) (48:36)
9. "The Circle Closes" (Feb. 11, 2021) (48:47)

[ SPECIFICATIONS ]

The show is presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Audio languages include English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian. Subtitle languages include English SDH, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish.

[ SPECIAL FEATURES ]

Here's a list of all of the special features that can be found on Disc 3.

• An Apocalyptic Epic: Adapting The Stand (19:40) - A look at the production of the limited series.
• Gag Reel (3:40) - Flubs and outtakes.

[ PURCHASE LINKS ]

You have several options when purchasing either version of The Stand. The 2-Series Collection is available on Blu-ray and DVD. The Stand (1994) is available on Blu-ray and DVD. The Stand (2020) is available on Blu-ray and DVD. The Stephen King novel is available in Hardcover, Paperback, Audible Audiobook, and Kindle eBook.



This item has been provided by CBS Home Entertainment for review on this site.