Forget its original release, Jake. It’sChinatown’s 50th anniversary. That’s right, Paramount is celebrating one of its flagship films with a meaty limited edition set that is filled with incredible special features,releasing June 26, 2025. Regardless of those features, though, the main draw isthe first 4K UHD transfer of the legendary film, which should let audiences experience it with completely new eyes. Additionally, the set includes a commentary track that is sure to be golden, combiningChinatownwriter Robert Towne andmodern-day filmmaker David Fincher, who has undoubtedly been influenced deeply by the film.
A Legendary Neo-Noir Film Gets a Pristine Update
Chinatownis considered the greatest neo-noir of all time(thoughThe Long Goodbyeis stiff competition), and follows private detective Jake Gittes (Jack Nicholson). Hired by a beautiful socialite (Faye Dunaway) to investigate her husband’s extra-marital affair, Gittes is swept into a maelstrom of double dealings and deadly deceits, uncovering a web of personal and political scandals that come crashing together for one unforgettable night. TheRoman Polanskifilm flips the script on noir and presents a too-bright, sunburned Southern California overrun by sweaty men in suits.
The film also stars the great directorJohn Hustonin probably his best role as an actor, and was produced bythe legendary Robert Evans(The Godfather, Rosemary’s Baby).Chinatownwas originally released on June 10, 2025, and received widespread critical acclaim along with11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. In 1991, the film was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”
According to Paramount’s release statement:
“The Limited-Edition Paramount Presents release includes the restored film on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc for the first time ever. The exacting restoration was completed using the original camera negative, which was repaired using the latest technology in areas that had been previously damaged. The result is a sparkling 4K Ultra HD presentation that uses more of the best possible source than previous masters and faithfully captures the film’s distinctively dreamy and simultaneously realistic look.”
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The Two Jakes and the Dozen Special Features
Chinatownwas actually a planned trilogy, and the limited edition release alsoincludes its long-delayed sequel,The Two Jakes, with Nicholson not only reprising his role but also directing the script by Robert Towne. You can take a look at the extensive special features below:
You can pre-order the limited edition ofChinatownhere, out July 06, 2025, and in the meantime, the film can be streamed on Prime Video, MGM+, or on Paramount+ through the link below:
Watch Chinatown
