Tron: where in the world can I find it?

[Rob V]

I've never seen Tron. Not sure why, but it I haven't. So now with the new movie coming out next month, I'd like to catch up. One problem: you can't find the DVD to rent ANYWHERE and the cheapest I've found to buy it is $35!

I was shocked that Netflix doesn't carry it let alone stream it. Any suggestions as to where I could rent / buy it for a reasonable price? I've looked on many DVD sites as well as Ebay already.

Thanks.

[EdTheRipper]

The dvd has been out of print for quite a while now, I believe. With that fact and the sequel coming out, I'm sure it's driving the price up considerably. I'm honestly surprised that Disney hasn't got a re-release out by now. It could only help drum up business for the sequel.

[DarkRavenII]

They said they had plans for the original Tron at the Comic-con panel. Saying it would be released in some format. So it may be coming to Blu-ray for all we know.

[stingermck]

Ive seen this in various places:

Is Disney Scared To Release ‘TRON’ on Blu-ray?

TRON: Legacy is now just under two months away. With October 28 being “TRON Night” across the country, as multiple IMAX screens screen 20 minutes of the new film, it seems like a good time to ask, “Where’s the inevitable Blu-ray release of the original TRON?” There was once talk of not only a Blu-ray release but maybe even a small theatrical re-release timed with TRON: Legacy’s December 17 opening. Time is now running short, though, and it seems like even with all the money being spent on creating and marketing this new version of TRON, the original is kind of getting the shaft. And guess what? It might be our fault.

Blue Sky Disney posted a thought provoking editorial on this very subject. In their piece, they report that earlier this year the original 1982 film directed by Steven Lisberger played at a Disney theme park. Apparently, at this screening the audience was laughing hysterically at the dated special effects and costumes, some of which are currently more associated with well-known spoofs (like South Park or Tron guy) rather than their original incarnations.

This, reportedly, scared the crap out of many of the executives in attendance and they decided to push back the Blu-ray release of the original film until TRON: Legacy had finished its run at the box office and, itself, was ready for the home market.

As crazy as this may sound, it makes a lot of sense. Even though TRON was incredibly groundbreaking almost 30 years ago, today, the effects look horribly dated and watching them in high definition on Blu-ray probably just makes them look even worse. Imagine a 40 year old man, who loves the original movie, popping in a crisp new Blu-ray for his 10 year old son, so used to Avatar, Toy Story and The Phantom Menace. There’s a chance that, within seconds, the kid could totally dismiss the franchise and then just blab to all of his friends about dumb it looks. And with all the events, toys, comics, theme parks, reshoots, banners, posters, trailers and more than Disney has footed the bill for in regards to TRON: Legacy, any little chink in the armor could result in a very expensive house of cards coming tumbling down.

[Rob V]

^^ After digging on the interweb I found similar stories to this one. I supppose it makes sense to limit viewings in lieu of the sequel... but it could backfire too. I don't think I'd see the sequel (or prequel) without knowing anything about the original first.

[adrenaline78]

Good to know my copy is going up in value.. I bought it at a second hand store for 7 bucks this past summer.

[Quack]

You can find one on my DVD rack.

[toddly6666]

jeez, thank god I didn't sell it for 3 bucks at my local used dvd store - I had no idea it was valuable and out of print!

It would be a shame if they didn't release the original Tron on blu-ray even if Tron Legacy doesn't do well financially.

[milo bloom]

The Phantom Menace is on Bluray?

I've had the 2 discer for years, I don't think I've actually sat down and watched it though, I may not have seen it since I was a kid.

[toddly6666]

Originally Posted by milo bloom

The Phantom Menace is on Bluray?

Who's the idiot that wrote that article? Besides the fact that Phantom Menace is not on blu, Tron's special effects and total look is 100 times better than the dated awful Phantom Menace. What a shmuck!

[kenbuzz]

Too bad someone doesn't rip their DVD and set it up for streaming via a home server.

I've got the 20th Anniversary DVD ($148.99 at Buy.com today - woot!) but don't have the bandwidth.

Of course, you can just buy a copy from eBay. The prices have spiked this week into the $40-50 range, but as recently as last week you could get it for $10. Two week ago, $5. Just have patience, they'll come back down - but it might not be until after Tron 2 comes and goes.

[Rob V]

Originally Posted by kenbuzz

Too bad someone doesn't rip their DVD and set it up for streaming via a home server.

I thought of that but just couldn't believe it wasn't readily available on Amazon for a decent price.

[LJG765]

For the OP, try your local library. Mine has copies available for borrowing.

[Mabuse]

The HDNet channel aired it a couple months ago. They might be showing it again. I don't buy that "affraid to let people see it" conspiracty. Tron isn't dated, it's just incredibly stylized. It's like nothing ever made before or since. It alienated audiences in 1982 and it has the same potential to alienate today. That isn't a bad thing. Any audience alienated by the complete departure of Tron, will probably be alienated by the sequal too. That's their problem. Astute viewers will enjoy it.

[Mondo Kane]

I never even got around to the DVD, but I've been having some fun by re-visiting the movie on different format(s) recently:

[smurr05]

I still have my copy of the 2D 20th anniversary collector's edition and its a great DVD IMO! Think I paid about $15.00 new-

[bboisvert]

Originally Posted by EdTheRipper

I'm honestly surprised that Disney hasn't got a re-release out by now. It could only help drum up business for the sequel.

Disney's not stupid. They've clearly considered this and their fear is that it'll do the exact opposite -- and keep today's teens at home.

You'll see this re-released (DVD/Blu) when Legacy hits home media. Until then, the OP needs to find a friend with a copy or resort to torrents.

Originally Posted by Mabuse

It alienated audiences in 1982 and it has the same potential to alienate today. That isn't a bad thing. Any audience alienated by the complete departure of Tron, will probably be alienated by the sequal too. That's their problem.

But, from Disney's perspective, a viewer "alienated" by the sequel has already purchased a ticket.

If they put the DVD into circulation, people Netflix it, get "alienated" and then never go see Legacy.


You say you aren't buying the conspiracy, but you're making a sound argument for it.

[tylergfoster]

Earlier this year my 2-disc was scratched so I went into a Fry's and replaced it for $14.99. Wish I'd have stocked up.

[Dr Mabuse]

Wow I have that 20th version too. Didn't realize it was valuable.

[Alan Smithee]

[dvdjunkie32]

Sold my 20th version a few months ago on Amazon for $28. Dammit, now I could have got a lot more for it. At least I made a digital copy so I still can watch it.

[sandman007]

I think I got mine from Best Buy when it was on sale for $7.50 years ago. I still have it sealed, just never got around to rewatching it again since it airs on TV every so often.

[Mabuse]

I'd sell mine today for big $$$ because I'm sure a bluray is in the pipes. But the way Disney is operating lately they probably won't port over all the supplements.

[Double_Oh_7]

Originally Posted by Alan Smithee

OMG! RCA videodiscs!! I had those, too, and they would ALWAYS skip. Worst format ever.

[orangerunner]

Originally Posted by Double_Oh_7

OMG! RCA videodiscs!! I had those, too, and they would ALWAYS skip. Worst format ever.

I owned one of those for about six months. It actually had better picture quality when it wasn't relentlessly skipping every minute or so.

It came in a hard outer shell and the disc never saw the light of day and yet somehow there were still so many problems.

No regrets selling that machine.