The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Blu-ray is "Criterion"

March 19, 2009

Paramount Home Entertainment has confirmed The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is coming to Blu-ray Disc on May 5. We've known that for weeks now.

What we didn't know is Paramount is releasing Benjamin Button as a "Criterion Collection" title complete with co-branded packaging sporting that familiar Criterion logo as well as the Paramount logo.

With the Criterion designation comes 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio instead of the typical 5.1 Dolby TrueHD audio Paramount uses. Video will be in the form of 2.35:1 1080p.

Moving over to bonus features reveals a four-part documentary and commentary with Fincher. The details are as follows.

The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button—four-part documentary:
- Academy Award-nominated director David Fincher introduces the surprising beginnings of what would become an epic masterpiece including the casting of Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, the decision to change the location of the story to New Orleans and more.
- Follow the production from day one including the challenges of aging Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, designing over five thousand costumes and creating the animatronic baby.
- Explore the incredible visual effects techniques created specifically for the film that allowed Brad Pitt to play the title character at virtually every age. Also includes a visit to the scoring stage with composer Alexandre Desplat.
- Walk the red carpet at the film's premiere in New Orleans, with final thoughts from cast and crew.
Audio Commentary by director David Fincher

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Criterion Collection on Blu-ray will retail for $39.99. Be on the lookout for high-res cover art (hard Blu-ray case or cardboard Criterion case? We don't know yet) and Amazon pre-order info in the days ahead.

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