Even though big-box retailers, streaming services, studio execs, and digital warriors have long been heralding the death knell of physical media, many of these so-called “dead formats” are anything but.

In fact, it’s a fantastic time to be a collector. Whether it’s Blu-ray, vinyl, cassette, or yes, even VHS, there are dedicated disciples out there — labels, artists, restoration and distribution companies — fighting the good fight day in and day out to preserve, amplify, and celebrate the art of cinema. Don’t listen to the haters, physical media is here to stay. 

Here are 5 recent physical media releases worth adding to your collection: 

The Visitor (1979) Limited Edition 4K UHD

One does not simply watch director Giulio Paradisi’s (aka Michael J. Paradise) The Visitor, as it is truly a cinematic experience like no other. Surreal in both aesthetic and plot, it blends elements of The Exorcist, The Omen, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind with that 70s Italian flair, creating something altogether new and wonderful.

It also features a stacked cast including Glenn Ford, Shelley Winters, Sam Peckinpah, John Huston, Franco Nero, Lance Henriksen, Joanne Nail, and Paige Conner as Katy Collins, one of the most unhinged, creepy kids ever to grace the silver screen. As Katy’s psychokinetic powers emerge, she and her mom find themselves at odds, unwittingly caught up in an intergalactic battle between good and evil, with the fate of the entire universe at stake. 

A bit tricky to track down for some time, it’s only recently that restorations began to emerge. However, none come close to matching the majesty of Arrow Video’s new 4K UHD release. Sourced from the original 35mm camera negative, Arrow’s new restoration looks and sounds stunning (which rules, as Franco Micalizzi’s score is a genuine banger). The film’s rich colors pop off the screen like never before, enhancing Ennio Guarnieri’s beautiful cinematography, the locations, and the movie’s wild practical effects.

The release also features a veritable feast of wonderful special features. Highlights include a visual essay from Bloody Disgusting’s own Meagan Navarro that adds invaluable context and analysis, archive interviews, a touching booklet essay by Marc Edward Heuck, and an audio commentary by critics BJ and Harmony Colangelo that genuinely feels like you’re hanging out and watching the movie with your best film nerd friends. 

Snag it: Arrow Video, The Visitor Limited Edition 4K UHD, $35.00

Alien: Earth (2025) 2xLP Original Soundtrack

The Alien franchise has a storied legacy with its scores and still holds strong thanks to composer Jeff Russo and his score for the Alien: Earth series. As the first Alien adventure to explore the realm of television, Russo had the monumental task of taking the franchise’s sonic history into account while creating a substantial amount of new, fresh material. A large chunk of these new cues is captured and presented nicely on the Mutant double 140g vinyl release.   

For the score, Russo used a mix of traditional orchestral instruments, vocals, guitar, electronic elements, and specialized pieces like a bassdesmophone. The richness of the score, whether it’s aching melodies, haunting vocals, spacey atmospheres, or pounding action sequences, all benefit from the expanded dynamic range that the format makes possible.

Available in a couple of different color variants, my translucent blue copy played nearly perfectly, with a small lip warp causing a tiny pop the first minute or so on the first track. While not ideal, minor imperfections like this are fairly common (across all labels) and nothing that should deter anyone from adding to the cart. The release also features rad original artwork by Luke Preece for the nice gatefold jacket, complete with an acrylic O-card that adds a bit of pizazz to the familiar show art cover (and still fits inside a regular outer sleeve). 

Snag it: Mutant, Alien: Earth 2xLP original soundtrack, $45.00

Highway to Hell (1990) All Region Blu-Ray

Visual Vengeance is the sister label of Wild Eye Releasing, dedicated to releasing vintage, micro-budget indie films, many of which have never before been available on DVD or Blu-ray. They operate in a niche space to be sure, but the work they’re doing holds extreme value, as many of the films they’ve released have previously been extremely difficult to track down, to put it mildly. A prime example is their recent release of Highway to Hell, directed by Bret McCormick. 

Originally shot on video in rural Texas, the movie follows a mass murderer named Toby who escapes from prison and goes on a bit of an unhinged rampage. He ultimately crosses paths with a young woman named Fran, takes her hostage, and attempts to outrun the cops nipping at his heels. 

The movie is rough, but Visual Vengeance presents it well, using an SD master derived from original tape elements. Due to the SOV nature, the product lacks polish, but that provides a chilling, eerie sense of plausibility. The release also features stickers, new artwork, a bonus SOV feature, Redneck County Fever (1992), and a variety of new interviews with the cast and crew, providing fascinating behind-the-scenes context and stories. Movies like this could easily disappear into the ether, but thankfully, labels like this are keeping them alive, living to slay another day. 

Snag it: Visual Vengeance, Highway to Hell All Region Blu-Ray, $21.99

In the Mouth of Madness (1994) OST 2xLP

Do you read, or rather, listen to Sutter Cane? Well, thanks to Terror Vision, fans of John Carpenter and Jim Lang’s genre-bending score for In the Mouth of Madness can do just that, as it is now on vinyl for the very first time.

Available in a wide variety of color variants, my personal Unhappy Campers Club blue and black splatter edition is a beauty. Featuring new gatefold artwork by Ghoulish Gary Pullin, printed sleeves, and informative liner notes, this release really is a total package. But most importantly, it sounds fantastic. 

Restored for this release from the original master tapes, In the Mouth of Madness is a distinctive score in Carpenter’s catalog. Utilizing guitars, synths, percussion, vocals, and lots of texture, the result is a propulsive, atmospheric composition. A beautifully pressed record with minimal surface noise, the genuine eeriness and rich depth of sound are elevated like never before. So much so, I caught myself nervously peering over my shoulder more than once. This release also features an additional, never-before-released cut of the opening theme, making this a for sure must-have for hardcore Carpenter enthusiasts.  

Snag it: Terror Vision, In the Mouth of Madness 2xLP, multiple price points.

Sinners (2025) 2xLP Original Score

Considering composer Ludwig Göransson just won his third(!) Oscar for this score, it’s by no means a hard sell. However, what is so lovely about listening to this particular score on vinyl is how the format enriches and elevates the listening experience. There’s a palpable texture to the music that becomes heightened by the analog format, allowing the twang, technique, and energy of the human performance to shine through. Expert mixing and mastering of the material is also evident, further supporting a dedicated listening session to truly appreciate the intentional and thoughtful choices in where and how the music hits you.

Released by Mutant, the double 140g red and black marbled record I picked up comes housed in a matte single jacket with printed inner sleeves. Despite lacking liner notes or additional bonus materials, the release is solid in terms of pressing and material quality. Surface noise is present but minimal and, honestly, only adds to the vibe and atmosphere of the material.

The soundtrack for Sinners is also available on vinyl from Mutant, and it is a perfect partner to this award-winning score from one of the biggest modern composers out there.   

Snag it: Mutant, Sinners 2xLP original score, $45.00