Written by This past January, Umbrella Entertainment announced a “Masters Of The Universe” (1987) Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray pre-order featuring various goodies like replica lobby cards and a 48 page book. (That initial report can be found HERE).
Originally due to ship this month, instead of receiving a shipping notification, collectors surprisingly received the following message:
Region-B Locked Change:
So let’s break down these changes. The first concern is playability. If you recall, Umbrella Entertainment’s original position especially to fans in the United States (Region-A) was this disc would indeed play on their machines, as indicated per their comments via Umbrella Entertainment’s official Instagram account.
But now, four months later, Umbrella is indicating the disc will be “Region-B locked” meaning it will only work on Blu-Ray players in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. It will not work on players designed for the United States.
Case Art Change:
It also looks like Umbrella Entertainment didn’t have the rights locked down for the artwork they originally advertised. Instead of the glorious Earl Norem art designated for the rigid case, they now reverted it to the basic poster design. (See the comparison pictured below)
Release Date Change:
Instead of shipping this month, April 2024, due to these changes the set’s release date has been pushed back to June 2024.
How to Cancel:
If you have pre-ordered this set but would like to cancel your order, you can do so by emailing customerservice@umbrellaent.com.au.
It certainly seems reasonable to think Umbrella Entertainment should have known what artwork they were authorized to use, as well as what region they were legally permitted to release in, at the time of pre-order with some due diligence… but Umbrella Entertainment has labeled these problems as “unforseen circumstances“. This is all very disappointing to say the least.
We’ll see you next time.
That’s for damn sure.
This is quite embarrassing.
LAME
I have a region-free player, and I do not particularly care about the slip cover artwork since it will be spine-facing on my shelf anyway. However, it is aggravating that they do not have their act together, and that this is the second set of changes, and now there is a delay.
Oh what the hell. Now I have to invest in another all region disc player or cancel my damn order? Also they couldn’t come up with another graphic for the case other than that generic overused US poster? WTF