A while ago, Criterion announced that they would be releasing KPop Demon Hunters and I was thrilled to be able to buy and own a copy of this movie.

There are three formats available: 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD.

I ordered the Blu-ray edition and, if I could go back in time, I would have upgraded to the 4K edition instead. The Criterion website was unfortunately unclear about one important difference between the 4K edition and the Blu-ray and DVD edition: the 4K edition has a much nicer plastic case and a slipcover. Plus, the 4K edition includes both a 4K disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and the two Blu-rays with the film and special features.

Below is the slipcover (top left) and the beautiful hard case (top middle) that only comes with the 4K edition.

In contrast, below is the more basic Blu-ray edition case.

Still, Ami Thompson’s artwork is absolutely gorgeous!

Opening the case, there are two Blu-rays with the film and special features.

What’s Included:

• Full feature-length animatic, with a new introduction by Kang and Appelhans
• New making-of documentary
• Two video essays by filmmakers Taylor Ramos & Tony Zhou (Every Frame a Painting)
• Lyric videos
• Trailer
• English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing and English descriptive audio

On the left are collectible postcards featuring original illustrations by artists who worked on the film, and folded insert containing an essay by critic Karen Han.

The postcards are beautiful! Here’s a closer look at the front and back.

The folded insert was much bigger than expected! This is the essay by Karen Han.

I loved the art throughout the insert.

After removing all the items from the case, you can see that the background art inside the case is also amazing.

I bought my copy from Barnes and Noble and it arrived one day after the release date. I purchased from them because at the time there was a discount, so I only paid $27.66 when the retail price was $39.99. I didn’t opt for the 4K edition because it was more expensive and I don’t have a device capable of playing 4K, so I thought it would be a waste, believing that otherwise the editions were the same.

Overall, I’m happy with the Criterion release, I only wish that their website had disclosed the difference between the 4K edition and the Blu-ray edition.

If you’re interested in buying a copy of KPop Demon Hunters, right now Barnes and Noble is having a 50% Off sale so you can get the Blu-ray edition for only $20.00. That’s the cheapest I’ve seen it! The 50% offer is valid through December 6th, 2026.