Ridley Scott’s visually striking post-apocalyptic thriller stars Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin, with a compelling ensemble cast and exclusive bonus features.
Based on Peter Heller’s acclaimed bestselling novel, 20th Century Studios’ THE DOG STARS arrives on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD on 7 December. Directed by legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Alien, The Martian), this atmospheric post-apocalyptic thriller brings together an acclaimed ensemble cast led by Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin in a powerful story of survival, loss, hope and the enduring need for human connection.
Set against the haunting beauty of a world transformed by catastrophe, THE DOG STARS explores what it means to remain human when civilisation has all but disappeared. Blending sweeping cinematography, moments of intense action and a more intimate exploration of grief and isolation, Scott delivers a distinctive vision of a future in which survival is instinct, but humanity is a choice.
The film’s critical reception has highlighted both its visual ambition and the performances of its cast. Writing for Screen International, critic Tim Grierson described it as one of Scott’s “most muted and tender films”, praising the attention given to its characters and their shared grief. Other critics have singled out the film’s striking landscapes, immersive world-building and the performances of its leading actors, while noting that its deliberate pacing and familiar post-apocalyptic themes may not appeal to every viewer.
At the heart of the story is Hig (Jacob Elordi), a young pilot who has established an isolated homestead alongside Bangley (Josh Brolin), a hardened military survivalist. Their carefully maintained existence offers a fragile form of security in a landscape where danger is never far away. But when a mysterious radio transmission breaks through their solitude, Hig is compelled to venture beyond the boundaries of his familiar world, risking everything in pursuit of the hope, connection and humanity he still believes are worth fighting for.
THE DOG STARS also stars Margaret Qualley, Guy Pearce, Allison Janney and Benedict Wong, bringing together a formidable ensemble to explore the complicated relationships, difficult choices and fragile bonds that endure when the world as we know it comes to an end.
Arriving in stunning 4K Ultra HD™, the film offers viewers the opportunity to experience Scott’s meticulously crafted post-apocalyptic landscapes in exceptional detail, with High Dynamic Range (HDR) delivering enhanced contrast and a wider colour spectrum, alongside immersive audio for a cinematic home-viewing experience. The release also includes exclusive bonus content, taking audiences behind the scenes of the film’s production, as well as a collection of deleted scenes that offer further insight into its characters and story.
Whether revisiting the film or discovering it for the first time, audiences can journey into Ridley Scott’s unforgiving world and experience a story that asks a timeless question: when survival is no longer enough, what gives life its meaning?
FILM SYNOPSIS
In a brutal, post-apocalyptic world devastated by a deadly pandemic, Hig (Jacob Elordi), a young pilot, survives at an isolated homestead alongside Bangley (Josh Brolin), a military survivalist. Together, they have developed a way of life built on vigilance, routine and self-preservation. But when a mysterious radio transmission offers a possible glimpse of life beyond their secluded refuge, Hig sets out into the unknown, driven by the belief that something more than survival may still be possible. As he confronts the dangers of the outside world, he must decide how much he is willing to risk for hope, connection and the possibility of a future.
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4K ULTRA HD™ AND BLU-RAY™ BONUS FEATURES
The Making of The Dog Stars
Go behind the scenes for an intimate look at the making of Ridley Scott’s ambitious adaptation, exploring the production and creative work that brought this post-apocalyptic world to life.
Deleted Scenes
Discover additional moments from the story with seven scenes that did not appear in the final cut:
- Jasper’s Funeral
- Hig Mourns
- Welcome Dinner
- Roaches’ Warning
- Hig & Cima
- A Conversation With Pops
- Airport Alternate Exit
Bonus features vary by product and retailer.