The Running Man (4k UHD + Blu-ray) Steelbook

“In a near-future society, The Running Man is the top-rated show on television—a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show’s charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite—and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall.”

Edgar Wright’s The Running Man (2025) is a thrilling, entertaining triumph that takes Stephen King’s 1982 novel and makes it distinctly its own, moving far beyond the 1987 Schwarzenegger action vehicle to deliver a more faithful yet modern adaptation tailored to today’s world. Where the original film leaned into campy, over-the-top spectacle, Wright grounds the story in a much more real dystopian look: pervasive surveillance, economic desperation, media manipulation, and a society craving spectacle, creating an unsettling mirror to contemporary anxieties about inequality, authoritarianism, and the selling of human suffering. The satire is sharp, and the action sequences are impactful and inventive, blending Wright’s signature style with genuine tension. It’s a film that feels urgent and prescient, proving King’s vision was eerily prophetic for 2025.

Glen Powell takes complete control of the film and provides an exceptional performance as Ben Richards, a father doing anything he can for his family with a streak of fire that’s inspiring, not just to the public in the film, but to the audience as well. Powell brings charisma, vulnerability, and righteous anger to the role, making Richards a relatable everyman pushed to the brink rather than an invincible action hero. The supporting cast shines too, with Katy O’Brian as a fierce ally, Josh Brolin as the chilling game-show host, and Michael Cera adding his own type of humor to the film.

While I have not read Stephen King’s book, I really enjoyed this re-iteration of the film, more so than the original. This enjoyment may be solely because I haven’t read the book, which seems about on-par with any literary adaptation, especially when it comes to Stephen King novels. Despite this, I think there are some much-needed aspects of social commentary in the film, subtle nods to King’s universe, and combined with superb action sequences and thrilling chases that make The Running Man far better than many of the reviews suggest.

Video

Paramount’s 4K UHD release features a native 2160p HEVC encode in 2.39:1 with Dolby Vision HDR. The dystopian visuals pop, gritty urban decay, neon-lit slums, and stark surveillance feeds, with deep blacks, rich contrasts, and vibrant yet oppressive colors. Fine details in costumes, sets, and facial textures shine through, and the transfer handles both high-energy action and moody low-light scenes beautifully.

Audio

The disc includes English Dolby Atmos, delivering an immersive, aggressive mix that puts you in the right in the middle of the action. Crowd roars, gunfire, explosions, and score swells fill the surrounds and height channels with precision. Dialogue is clear and centered, bass rumbles powerfully during chases, and the track balances spectacle with quieter tension perfectly with no issues noted.

Special Features

The 4k version is released in both a regular edition and a collectible Steelbook, both of which include the Blu-ray and Digital Code. Unlike other studios that release Steelbook only, or hold extra features for one version over the other, the choice is a welcome one whether you care to pay a little extra for the higher quality packaging.

This set is packed with extras, including:

• Commentary By Writer/Director Edgar Wright, Actor Glen Powell, And Writer Michael Bacall
• The Running Man Commercials: In-world commercials for the show you definitely shouldn’t audition for—but can’t stop watching.
• The Running ManShow: Dive deeper into the show with its hardest hits, signature opening titles, and the official rules every contestant has to face.
• The Runners – Self Tapes:Raw, unfiltered self-tape submissions from the show’s desperate, overconfident, and occasionally unlucky contestants.
• Speed The Wheel:A satirical in-world game show where running for your life is just another studio challenge.
• The Americanos:Meet America’s richest, boldest, most chaotic family in their hit reality series—glossy, ruthless, and always watching.
• The Apostle: Clips from the in-world series that expands the TV universe of The Running Man.
• Stunts Compilation:A full-throttle look at the hits, falls, wire work, wipeouts, and perfectly timed chaos that fuel the film’s biggest moments.
• Hair, MakeUp And Costume Test:Watch the cast get locked into their final looks before stepping into the arena.
• Deleted And Extended Scenes:Additional moments cut from the final film.
• Trailers & Digital Spots:A curated lineup of the campaign’s boldest cuts and hardest-hitting promos.
• The Hunt Begins:Jump into the chase with Glen Powell, Edgar Wright, and the team as they rebuild Stephen King’s classic into a big, bold, break-the-system thrill ride for today.
• The Hunters And The Hunted:Meet the cast and the unforgettable characters that power this anything-goes game show of survival, strategy, and spectacle.
• Welcome To The Running Man: Designing The World: A look at how the team crafted the movie’s retro-futuristic style—from gritty street corners to the over-the-top Free-Vee studio set pieces.
• Surviving The Game: Shooting The Running Man:Step onto the set for a closer look at the stunts, fights, and shoot days that kept the energy high and the cast moving.

The Running Man on 4K is a high-octane, thought-provoking update that honors its source while delivering edge-of-your-seat entertainment. Edgar Wright’s direction, Glen Powell’s commanding lead, and the film’s timely dystopian vision makes this a fun and thrilling ride from start to finish. This one is available now on 4k UHD.