Dark Horse Updated... and Upgraded?

So here's something I didn't see coming... Dark Horse is being released on blu-ray in the US.  Again.  As you'll recall, it already came out here fourteen years ago.  Virgil films already released the blu in 2012, and you can still get it for $14 from Amazon.  But on June 23, it's coming out again from Brainstorm Media, and you'll be able to get it for $27 on Amazon.  Or you can get the limited edition direct from Vinegar Syndrome for $37 (though it's currently on sale for $29).  Is it worth springing for a pricier updated version, or even replacing the 2012 disc with the 2026 disc?  What's the actual difference?

Let's have a look!

2012 Virgil BD top; 2026 Brainstorm BD bottom.

So for starters, this is not a new scan, which makes sense, as this movie was shot on digital, not film.  So we're not talking about restoring the film and creating a whole new master here.  And it was finished in 2k, so we're not likely to see this on UHD unless someone's prepared to go back to the original 4k footage.  So this is basically the exact same picture quality, both matted to 1.85:1 with identical framing, they're both just under 22GBs with equivalent encodes.  And both have the same 5.1 audio mix in DTS-HD.  I do have to point out though, that there is one difference: the newer version is a shade darker.  I don't know if this was at Solondz's request, a decision by an employee at Brainstorm or unintentional, and I can't say one or the other strikes me as particularly preferable, but it is slightly darker.  In short, this new release does not signal a visual upgrade.  An update, but not an upgrade.

But that's just in terms of the presentation of the film itself.  There is more to the story.  First, you might recall me mentioning that the old disc lacked subtitle options.  Well, Brainstorm has added optional English subs to their disc, so if you're hearing impaired or just just struggling to make out a particular line of dialogue, that's a step forward.

And the Virgil disc was completely bereft of special features, not even the trailer.  Well, the Brainstorm does include the trailer, and the real highlight: a brand new, on camera interview with Todd Solondz!  It's thirteen minutes long and absolutely the reason I double-dipped.  I wouldn't call this a special edition or anything; the only additional bonus content is a 12-page booklet by film critic A.S. Hamrah.

Oh, and the limited (to 1000 copies) edition?  The only difference is the addition of the curiously childlike illustrated slipcover, pictured at the top of this post.  I was initially a bit puzzled, but I looked into it and the artist is a comic book artist, so I think they're making an association with the famous Daniel Clowes artwork for Happiness.  Anyway, the regular, non-slipcover artwork is the classic pink shirt and necklace.

So now you're fully informed to make your own decisions.  I would anticipate hardcore fans opting to upgrade for the interview, but most others being happy sticking with their current discs, or even picking up the old edition instead of the new to save some money.  But the new disc is unquestionably a superior edition, so that's nice.