Details
This definitive 4K restoration has been expertly restored from the original 35mm film reels, bringing John Carpenter's cult sci-fi classic to stunning ultra-high definition. The soundtrack has been digitally enhanced and fully restored in Dolby Digital 5.1, ensuring the most immersive viewing experience yet.
From John Carpenter (Halloween, The Thing) and Dan O'Bannon (Alien, Total Recall) comes this brilliantly clever and darkly funny parody of 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Dark Star follows a dysfunctional intergalactic mission where four bored astronauts are assigned to destroy unstable planets-but end up filling their time with sun-lamp tanning, playing with a mischievously plastic-looking alien mascot, and conversing with their ship's increasingly erratic AI. As the mission unravels, a rogue "smart bomb" gains self-awareness and starts questioning its existence, believing itself to be a god. With catastrophe looming, only one crew member-an ex-surfer-finds an unorthodox way to return to Earth: riding a piece of debris back home like a cosmic surfboard.
Originally a 72 minute USC student film, Dark Star was expanded into a theatrical release after producer Jack Harris encouraged Carpenter and O'Bannon to add an extra 15 minutes. This special edition includes both versions and is packed with exclusive bonus features that dive deep into the film's controversial production, groundbreaking special effects, and legacy.
Dark Star is released on dual-format Blu-ray and 4K UHD 10th November 2025 from Fabulous Films.
Special Features
Overview
- Original 72-minute Director's Cut
- Expanded Theatrical Release 84-minutes
- Restored Original Film Trailer
Special Features
- Let There Be Light: The Odyssey of Dark Star: A feature-length documentary exploring the making of Dark Star, featuring exclusive interviews with actor Brian Narelle (Lt. Doolittle), cinematographer Doug Knapp, art director Tommy Lee Wallace, visual effects artist Greg Jein, voice artist Cookie Knapp, producer Jack Harris, and USC alumni Jeff Burr. Also includes archival interviews with John Carpenter and the final recorded interview with Dan O'Bannon. (Directed by Daniel Griffith, 2010.)
- Sci-fi author Alan Dean Foster discusses Dark Star's impact
- Brian Narelle (Lt. Doolittle) shares behind-the-scenes stories
- 3D Guide to the Dark Star Ship
- Full-Length Audio Commentary by Super Fan Andrew Gilchris
- Written Introduction by Dan O'Bannon
- Trivia & Hidden Easter Eggs
- Reproduction of the original press book
- Commander Powell's Ship Log
- Essay by journalist and author Michael Doyle, from his forthcoming book Bringing Darkness Instead of Light: Conversations with John Carpenter
- Reproduction UK quad posters
- Reprinted set of 8 Publicity Stills
- Online Exclusive : Dark Star Mission patch