The Criterion Collection’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ set shows physical media how it’s done, done, done

If it wasn’t already enough that KPop Demon Hunters became a pop culture phenomenon, the animated movie has earned an honor that few movies get. KPop Demon Hunters is now part of The Criterion Collection.

The gorgeous physical media release for Netflix’s most popular movie is available staring Tuesday, allowing HUNTR/X and Saja Boys fans alike to add the film to their collections.

“Few films have taken the world by storm quite like KPop Demon Hunters, an Academy Award-winning sensation overflowing with dazzling animation, unforgettable characters and tenaciously catchy songs,” writes The Criterion Collection. “At the film’s center is the chart-topping girl group HUNTR/X, whose three members — Rumi, Mira and Zoey — have been busy juggling the pressures of stardom with their secret duty to shield their fans from supernatural forces. When their demon enemies suddenly take the form of a rival boy band, the trio must overcome their deepest self-doubts and use their music to protect humanity. Richly layered with references to Korean culture both ancient and modern, this generation-bridging phenomenon has inspired millions of fans with its message of friendship and self-acceptance.”

It’s an honor for any film to get a Criterion Collection release. There are a handful of Netflix films that have joined the exclusive club — Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is also out this month — but KPop Demon Hunters feels like a watershed moment for The Criterion Collection.

If you want to get the younger generation excited about buying actual DVDs and Blu-rays, KPop Demon Hunters is the perfect gateway into the hobby/obsession. I owned the DVD for the original Pirates of the Caribbean before my family even had a DVD player, so I understand how one film can be the catalyst that leads to owning hundreds of movies.

What it costs and what you get

There are three versions of The Criterion Collection’s KPop Demon Hunters release: A 2-disc DVD set ($29.95), a 2-disc Blu-ray set ($39.95) and a 3-disc 4K+Blu-ray set ($49.95). Criterion often runs sales on not only their in-stock releases but also preorders. (There’s a sale on right now.)

The 2-disc sets both promise a “new 4K digital master, approved by directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans,” with the Blu-ray version adding a Dolby Atmos soundtrack. The 3-disc set offers a “4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and two Blu-rays with the film and special features.”

I bought the 4K+Blu-ray version.

My thoughts

The cover of The Criterion Collection’s KPop Demon Hunters slipcover features new art from Ami Thompson. Thompson was a character designer on not only KPop Demon Hunters but also the Spider-Verse movies. Sony Animation definitely knows what it’s doing when it comes to crafting a look for these movies.

The back of the slipcover runs down what’s included with the set. The wavy texture of The Honmoon continues from the front of the set.

As promised, the 4K+Blu-ray set comes with three discs: One with the 4K version of KPop Demon Hunters, one standard Blu-ray of the movie and then one Blu-ray Disc with supplements. The kids these days have no idea how much weight the special features on a DVD used to carry.

Behind the discs is more art featuring HUNTR/X. Is “How It’s Done” secretly the best song in KPop Demon Hunters?

I really love this post-battle drawing of Zoe, Rumi and Mira that’s tucked away inside the case. I tried to find it on Thompson’s Instagram, but it doesn’t look like she’d posted it on its own.

The outside of the case itself features additional art of Derpy Tiger and Sussie. Instead of charging into battle with HUNTR/X as the duo is on the front of the slipcover, they’re trying to hoover up as many snacks as possible while soaring through the air. The card that Jinu sent to Rumi is also in the mix.

In addition to the discs, The Criterion Collection’s KPop Demon Hunters set also includes a booklet featuring an essay on the film and collectible postcards. The cover of the essay booklet is filled with thumbnails of Rumi, Mira and Zoe going through a bunch of emotions.

The art of the inside of the essay by film critic and writer Karen Han is anchored by additional art of Mira, Rumi and Zoe.

You also get six “collectible postcards featuring original illustrations by artists who worked on the film.” In addition to Rumi, Mira and Zoe, there are postcards of Jinu in his demon form, Sussie and Derpy Tiger, and the Saja Boys together.

I’m not sure how much longer physical media is gonna stick around, but I’m thrilled that we get treats like The Criterion Collection’s release of KPop Demon Hunters in 2026. This is a premium Blu-ray offering, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of The Criterion Collection’s biggest hits.

disc score

KPop Demon Hunters (The Criterion Collection)
Disc score: 5 out of 5

Popculturology is a publication of The Omnicosm.
Issue No. 509

Popculturology is written and produced by Bill Kuchman.
Copyediting by Tim Kuchman.

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