Breaking leak reveals October 28th target date for 4K and Blu-ray release, but Marvel’s ongoing special features decline leaves collectors frustrated with rising prices and shrinking content.
New reports suggest that The Fantastic Four: First Steps will arrive on physical media platforms including 4K, Blu-ray, and steelbook editions on October 28th, marking another milestone for Marvel’s successful return of the First Family to the big screen. However, the leaked details have reignited long-standing frustrations among physical media collectors about Marvel Studios’ dramatic reduction in special features and increasing prices.
The highly anticipated physical release of Matt Shakman’s retro-futuristic superhero epic comes as the film continues its impressive theatrical run, having crossed the $500 million mark worldwide and become 2025’s first Marvel release to achieve this milestone. Set against a vibrant 1960s-inspired backdrop, the film features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing.
What Physical Media Fans Can Expect
According to leaked information, the October 28th release will include standard options across multiple formats, featuring the film in its highest quality presentation. The physical release is expected to include an audio commentary track featuring director Matt Shakman and potentially other key production figures, providing insight into the making of Marvel’s first Fantastic Four film.
However, the special features package appears to follow Marvel’s recent trend of minimal bonus content. Reports indicate three special features with a combined runtime of approximately 20 minutes, continuing Marvel Studios‘ significant departure from the comprehensive bonus content that characterized earlier MCU phases.
The Decline of Marvel’s Physical Media Value
The leaked details have sparked renewed criticism of Marvel Studios‘ approach to physical media releases. Since approximately 2015-2016, the studio has dramatically scaled back the extensive special features that once made MCU physical releases highly sought-after collector’s items.
Early MCU phases included substantial bonus content, with Phase One and Phase Two box sets featuring comprehensive documentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, deleted scenes, Marvel One-Shots, and detailed production insights. The Phase One collection famously came in a replica of Nick Fury’s briefcase, while Phase Two utilized the Orb from Guardians of the Galaxy as packaging.
Today’s releases typically include forced-looking blooper reels and brief “making of” featurettes that provide minimal insight into the production process. This reduction comes despite Marvel Studios having access to more behind-the-scenes footage than ever before, leading to questions about the studio’s commitment to physical media consumers.
Rising Prices, Diminishing Returns
The physical media landscape has become increasingly expensive for Marvel collectors. Current Disney steelbooks range from $50-76, with television series commanding even higher prices. The Mandalorian Season 3, Hawkeye Season 1, Ahsoka Season 1, and Loki Season 2 steelbooks all launched at premium price points despite containing limited bonus content.
This pricing strategy reflects Disney’s broader approach to physical media, positioning these releases as premium collectibles rather than comprehensive home video experiences. The company has begun releasing some Disney+ series on physical media, but with minimal special features compared to the extensive bonus content of earlier Marvel releases.
Industry Impact and Fan Response
Marvel Studios has confirmed no plans to release Phase 4 Disney+ series like WandaVision, The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, and the first season of Loki on physical media, forcing collectors to seek unofficial alternatives or accept gaps in their collections.
The strategy reflects Disney’s emphasis on streaming platform exclusivity, with Disney+ serving as the primary home for comprehensive Marvel content. However, this approach has created tension with dedicated collectors who prefer physical ownership and the superior audio-visual quality that 4K UHD releases provide.
Physical media enthusiasts argue that streaming platforms cannot match the uncompressed quality of 4K Blu-ray releases, and express concerns about content availability being subject to corporate decisions, licensing changes, or platform modifications.
The Fantastic Four Success Story
Despite physical media concerns, The Fantastic Four: First Steps represents a significant win for Marvel Studios. The film has generated $508.2 million worldwide and ranks as the ninth-highest-grossing film of 2025, successfully rehabilitating a franchise that had struggled in previous adaptations.
The film deliberately avoided retelling the team’s origin story, instead beginning four years after they gained their powers, allowing the narrative to focus on cosmic threats like Galactus and Silver Surfer. This creative decision, combined with the 1960s setting and stellar cast performances, has resonated with both critics and audiences.
The success positions the Fantastic Four as key players in Marvel’s ongoing Multiverse Saga, with the characters expected to play significant roles in upcoming Avengers films including Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Marvel Physical Media
Marvel Studios has been reducing its content output as part of a broader strategy to focus on quality over quantity, with Disney planning to release two to three films and two series annually moving forward. This reduction may impact the frequency of physical releases but could potentially allow for more substantial bonus content development.
The studio’s approach to physical media reflects broader industry trends toward streaming-first strategies. However, the continued success of premium collectible releases suggests a market exists for enhanced physical media experiences, particularly for flagship properties like the Fantastic Four.
For now, collectors must decide whether the October 28th release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps justifies the premium pricing despite minimal special features. The film’s quality and significance within the MCU timeline may make it essential for completionist collectors, even as they hope for a return to the comprehensive bonus content of Marvel’s earlier physical releases.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps physical release is expected October 28th across 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and steelbook formats. Pricing details and final special features confirmation await official announcement from Marvel Studios and Disney.