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Criterion Releases Award-Winning ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ on 4K Dec 31

5/28/2026

Summary

Criterion Releases Demon Hunters

The Criterion Collection will release the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K on December 31, 2026.
The release, priced $29.95–$49.99, includes commentary, deleted scenes and the lowest pre-launch price.
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Annie Awards.
The film follows singers Rumi, Mira and Zoey hunting demons, with a sequel in development.

Summary

Mattel-Hasbro Deal

Mattel and Hasbro signed an unprecedented co-master licensing agreement for KPop Demon Hunters toys worldwide.
The partnership launched fashion dolls, Uno decks and Monopoly editions in spring 2026.
It was the first joint venture by the rival toy giants on a single franchise, reshaping industry norms.
In India, the film sparked massive Gen Z K-pop buzz, record streaming and a soundtrack that placed four songs in the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10.

History

Historical Context

The 2026 Criterion Collection DVD of KPop Demon Hunters mirrors Nintendo’s 1996 launch of Pokémon Red and Green, which by September had sold over 1 million units and helped Nintendo raise profits 250% in 1999, with Pokémon making up more than 30% of revenue. That cross-media surge, driven by 4Kids’ licensing and Warner Bros.’ 1999 TV debut, showed how franchises could generate multi-billion-dollar streams, a model KPop Demon Hunters now follows.

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Criterion Releases Demon Hunters

The Criterion Collection will release the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K on December 31, 2026.
The release, priced $29.95–$49.99, includes commentary, deleted scenes and the lowest pre-launch price.
Directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Annie Awards.
The film follows singers Rumi, Mira and Zoey hunting demons, with a sequel in development.

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