2Pac classic 'Juice' celebrates 30th anniversary w/ first-ever 4K Ultra HD rollout

If you’re really about the high-definition and insane quality life - plus you are a true culture hip-hop head, then there’s no better way to gear up for 2022 than with watching late music icon 2Pac’s classic Juice movie for the first time ever in 4K Ultra HD.

2Pac’s ‘Juice’ Is 4K Ultra HD-ready

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Paramount Home Entertainment is hitting the green light on delivering this cult classic to the masses in the highest quality form possible. In other words, January 11, 2022 can’t come soon enough.

A powerful morality tale steeped in 90s urban culture, JUICE marked the feature directorial debut of acclaimed cinematographer Ernest R. Dickerson and the first starring roles for Omar Epps and an electrifying Tupac Shakur.  30 years later, the gritty and influential film continues to be celebrated for its realistic portrayal of Harlem life, the early New York hip hop scene, and the fate of four friends in pursuit of the power and respect they call the Juice. 

To mark the film’s 30th anniversary, Paramount Home Entertainment will release the film on 4K Ultra HD for the first time ever on January 11, 2022.  The disc features access to a Digital copy of the film and legacy bonus content, including interviews with Dickerson, producer David Heyman (Harry Potter franchise), Epps, and fellow actors Khalil Kain and Jermaine Hopkins.  The cast and crew look back on making the film, share heartfelt stories of working with Shakur, and reveal the influence that JUICE had on them both personally and professionally. 

The in-depth featurettes are also loaded with footage of the cast on set and vintage interviews with Shakur, Queen Latifah, Cindy Herron of En Vogue, the Shocklee brothers, Eric B, EPMD, Cypress Hill and more.  Along with commentary by the director, fans can enjoy the original ending and hear Dickerson detail the reasons that it was changed prior to the film’s theatrical debut. 

Jam-packed with classic features

Juice originally arrived on January 17, 1992 but even with its initial VHS and eventual DVD release, the amount of special features don’t come close to what’s packed into this 2022 4K Ultra HD drop.

• Commentary by director Ernest R. Dickerson

• You’ve Got the Juice Now—A look back at the making of the film featuring interviews with director Ernest R. Dickerson, producer David Heyman and actors Omar Epps, Khalil Kain and Jermaine Hopkins. The piece details Dickerson’s struggle to remain true to his original vision, his desire to cast fresh new talent, the challenges of shooting on location in Harlem, and the reasons why the film’s ending was changed.

• The Wrecking Crew—The film’s surviving lead actors talk about how they came to be cast in the film and the bonds they immediately formed with one another. They additionally share stories about Tupac Shakur’s drive, authenticity and unmistakable genius, as well as their delight at getting to work with Samuel L. Jackson, Queen Latifah and Cindy Herron.

• Sip the Juice: The Music—Explores the essential role that music plays in the film. Features vintage interviews with the Shocklee brothers about their score, as well as Erik B, EPMD, and members of Cypress Hill speaking about their contributions to the unforgettable soundtrack and why they chose to be a part of the film.

• Stay in the Scene: The Interview—Vintage interview with the four lead cast members on set. The piece demonstrates their rapport as they discuss the importance of the film and its message.

• Photo Gallery—Unit photographer Adger Cowans’ photos taken on set.

The Juice’y details

Whether you’ve heard about Juice from old heads or sorta, kinda not really took the time to watch this classic, the amount of memes created over the past decade are legendary. It’s all about four friends and … well, let’s just get the official synopsis detailed out for you.

Q, Raheem, Bishop, and Steel spend their days hanging out and looking for a way to get the power and respect they call Juice. Q hopes to earn respect by becoming a scratch 'n' mix DJ.  Bishop has a deadlier plan—take it through an armed robbery with his crew. Ernest R. Dickerson, the acclaimed cinematographer whose collaborations with Spike Lee include Do the Right Thing and Malcom X, made his directorial debut with this powerful drama steeped in ‘90s urban lifestyle.  JUICEfeatures the acting debut of Tupac Shakur and a hit soundtrack that includes Eric B. & Rakim, Naughty by Nature, Big Daddy Kane and Salt N’ Pepa.

The nostalgic trailer

If the breakdown didn’t do it for you, then just kick back and enjoy this super vintage throwback trailer.