Blu-ray 3D, DVD Release: Dredd

Blu-ray 3D, DVD and Digital Release Date: Jan. 8, 2013
Price: DVD $29.95, Blu-ray 3D $39.99
Studio: Lionsgate


DreddDecent reviews failed to bring moviegoers into theaters for science-fiction movie Dredd, the 2012 adaptation of the comic book.

Set in a violent futuristic America, Dredd stars Karl Urban (Priest) as the titular urban cop, or Judge, who has the powers of judge, jury and instant executioner. Feared throughout his city, Dredd is faced with getting rid of a dangerous drug called “So-Mo” and the sadistic crime boss Ma-Ma (Lena Headey, TV’s Game of Thrones) who is using it to take over the city.

Olivia Thirlby (Being Flynn) also stars in the film, which was directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point) and written by Alex Garland (Never Let Me Go).

Critics liked Dredd much better than the 1995 adaptation of the comic book, which starred Sylvester Stallone. USA Today critic Claudia Puig said, “While not for the squeamish, Dredd is an effectively gritty B movie accentuated by stylish visuals and irreverent humor.” And Washington Post‘s Sean O’Connell wrote, “This, finally, is the Dredd movie comic book readers have been anticipating.”

But not all critics appreciated the film. Stephen Whitty of the Newark Star-Ledger said, “We have seen this future. And not only does it not work — it no longer even surprises.”

Despite the reviews, R-rated Dredd grossed a poor $13 million in wide release at the box office, possibly because moviegoers were having flashbacks to Stallone’s crappy version.

Also known as Dredd 3D in theaters, it’s not surprising that Lionsgate is pushing the 3D format for the movie. The studio isn’t even releasing Dredd as a stand-alone Blu-ray, just as a Blu-ray 3D Combo, which includes the movie in 3D on Blu-ray, plus regular high-definition on Blu-ray and standard-definition DVD.

Both the Blu-ray 3D and DVD sets contain these special features:

  • featurette “Mega-City Masters: 35 Years of Judge Dredd”
  • featurette “Day of Chaos: The Visual Effects of Dredd 3D
  • featurette “Dredd”
  • featurette “Dredd’s Gear”
  • featurette “The 3rd Dimension”
  • featurette “Welcome to Peachtrees”
  • a Dredd motion comic prequel
  • and a downloadable digital copy of the movie.
Buy or Rent Dredd
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About S. Clark

Sam Clark is the former Managing Editor/Online Editor of Video Business magazine. With 19 years experience in journalism, 12 in the home entertainment industry, Sam has been hooked on movies on since she saw E.T. then stared into the sky waiting to meet her own friendly alien. Thanks to her husband’s shared love of movies, Sam reviews Blu-ray discs in a true home theater, with a 118-inch screen, projector and cushy recliners with cup holders.