Oppenheimer fuels nationwide Blu-ray frenzy, stocks sold out

Oppenheimer on 4K Ultra HD or Blu-ray is currently sold out across the US, making it extremely difficult to find. Despite not being the highest-grossing movie of the year, there's potential for Oppenheimer to be the movie of 2023, with high demand and limited availability.

The film not only defied expectations but far surpassed them, earning over $950 million at the box office. It is also one of the highest-grossing IMAX releases and is poised to be a major contender at the next Academy Awards. Despite its lengthy runtime and incorporation of black-and-white, Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" has been a resounding success. As Christmas approaches, many have sought to purchase the film on 4K and Blu-ray, only to find it sold out in the US.

Oppenheimer studio responds after 4K Blu-ray stock sells out

Oppenheimer's release has triggered a surge in demand for physical media reminiscent of a bygone era, leading to multiple retailers selling out of the movie on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. Steelbooks are being resold at inflated prices, with some fetching as much as $200 on eBay.

A spokesperson from Universal Pictures expressed their delight that many consumers have embraced Oppenheimer in 4K Ultra HD. They also acknowledged that some retailers may be currently out of stock and assured that Universal is working to quickly restock those retailers so fans can enjoy the film at home in the best picture quality possible.

Nolan recently urged people to hold onto their physical media collections instead of relying on streaming services and on-demand options. “When you purchase a 4K UHD or a Blu-ray, it’s there on your shelf, it’s yours. No company can come into your home and take it back from you. It belongs to you, and you have ownership of it. That’s not really the case with any type of digital distribution,” he explained to IGN.

Guillermo del Toro supported him on X/Twitter by retweeting Nolan’s quotes and adding: “Owning physical media is akin to being a custodian of the films you love, ensuring they endure for generations. It’s almost a Fahrenheit 451 level of responsibility.” Oppenheimer is now available for purchase on 4K, Blu-ray, and VOD. Click here to purchase any of the available versions, or explore our other coverage below.

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Editor's P/S

As an Oppenheimer fan, I'm thrilled to see the film's success and the enthusiasm of movie lovers who are eager to own a physical copy. The fact that Oppenheimer has sold out across the US is a testament to its popularity and the enduring appeal of physical media.

I share Christopher Nolan's belief in the importance of owning physical media. In an era of streaming services and on-demand options, there's something special about having a physical copy of a film that you love. It's a tangible reminder of the experience of seeing the film in the theater, and it's something that you can cherish for years to come. I'm proud to be a custodian of the films I love, and I'm excited to add Oppenheimer to my collection.