When asked about the recent recall of Eyes Wide Shut, our friendly neighbors at MMM had this to say:

It's been hard to get a straight answer from the reps at Warner Brothers....  It appears that they have been having issues with "the coding" on the some of their releases (Terminator 3) and now the Eyes Wide Shut.  There was "supposed" to be both the rated and uncut versions on the disc, but only the unrated version was available (don't know if both existed, but the coding wasn't accurate).

There was supposed to be a quiet re-release of the Blu-ray Eyes Wide Shut the first of the year, but it looks to have been as quietly canceled with the original defective one still being listed as in print (though there doesn't seem to be any copies in the supply pipeline)....

 Both the regular DVD & the HD-DVD appears to have been re-issued.

 

 So here is a listing with commentary for each of the releases of Eyes Wide Shut.

This is the original release, the R-Rated Version. The one on the left is actually the first release, while, with nothing changed except the cover art, became part of the Kubrick Collection. The features included interviews with Spielberg, Cruise and Kidman on the passing of Kubrick and working with him. These two were released in 2000.

This later re-release is essentially the same. I assume it was re-released with the Kubrick Collection boxed set. There does not appear to be any different features or changes in presentation. This is also the R-Rated version, now discontinued. This edition was released in 2001.

 

These were out for quite some time until 2007, when Warner Brothers announced a re-releasing of all of Kubrick's titles, remastered with loads of special features. For the Eyes Wide Shut editions, this is how they went:

The standard definition edition was a 2-disc set which featured special featurette documentaries, interviews, ads and trailers. The original advertising for these releases were to have both R-Rated and Unrated Version. The Unrated version would have the sillouettes removed that caused some controvery. Warner Brothers for a time on their Kubrick Collection website stated that both versions would be available on the DVD, but has since changed their description. Currently, when you click to order from their website, it states "this item is no longer available". While the packaging stated both versions, the DVD was only mastered with the Unrated Version. Some collector's spoke out about this either upset or confused, while Warner stated no such edition was intended.

In addition, according to dvdobsession.com, the press release also intended a commentary, which was absent. And further, debates about the aspect ratio: the R-rated versions shown in 1.33:1, while this is special edition is shown in anamophic widescreen, sparked debates about Kurbick's original intension about its presentation. This edition, with UPC 012569806733  has been recalled (currently delayed shipping on Amazon).

The release of both the Blu-Ray (pictured to the left) and the HD-DVD edition have also been recalled and currently, on Amazon, no available stock is for sale except through third party sellers. The UPC for the Blu-ray is 085391156871. The HD-DVD recalled UPC is 012569818330. 

Since the recall of these editions, Warner has quietly replaced these editions. Both the HD-DVD edition and the Standard Def version has been re-released on January 22, 2008. Interestingly, however, there has been no re-release for the Blu-ray edition. While, undoubtedly it will come, it appears that Warner is having continuing problems with encoding on the Blu-ray format. The Blu-ray edition has been cancelled. UPC is 883929012053.

For the newly released version, it does not appear any of the features have changed and I am unaware that any of the printing on the package has been changed either. Aspect ratio remains the same as does the special features. The standard def edition is currently available at Amazon, and it is also available through the Stanley Kubrick Collection. 

 

 Although the HD-DVD version is out, Amazon shows delayed listing. It is hard to say if this is a reflection of the limited quantities of the item, or if its the beginnings of Warner's waning of HD-DVD titles towards the Blu-ray side. The Blu-ray canceled version (to the right) is not available, however, some third party sellers do offer it, although its not readily known if they are the previous recalled version, which is plentiful, or the newer cancelled version. Caiman has a copy for 149.99, which who knows which version they are offering or even if they have it for sale.

The various Stanley Kubrick Collections also offer Eyes Wide Shut in their boxed sets.

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