Summary

Released in September 2020, this Japanese First Press Limited Edition presents Ari Aster’s 2019 psychological folk horror film Midsommar in one of its most elaborate physical formats worldwide.

Unlike the standard Blu-ray release, this edition includes three discs comprising the theatrical version on both Ultra HD Blu-ray and Blu-ray alongside the extended 170-minute Director’s Cut on Blu-ray. The set was designed specifically for collectors, featuring premium packaging and numerous exclusive printed extras.

The artwork was created specifically for the Japanese release, including a beautifully illustrated outer sleeve by artist Yuko Higuchi and a bespoke steelbook designed by Yoshitaka Oshima, making the package visually distinct from releases in North America and Europe. Alongside the discs, the edition includes a 24-page booklet featuring essays and production commentary, plus a set of illustrated postcards.

Release & Version Details

This entry documents the Japanese First Press Limited Edition UHD + Blu-ray release (TCBD-0957).

Distinguishing features include:

• Premium steelbook designed exclusively for the Japanese release.
• Illustrated outer slipcase featuring artwork by Yuko Higuchi.
• Three-disc configuration:
  • Ultra HD Blu-ray (147-minute theatrical cut)
  • Blu-ray (147-minute theatrical cut)
  • Blu-ray (170-minute Director’s Cut)
• 24-page illustrated booklet containing essays and production notes.
• Three exclusive art postcards.
• Bonus video content including making-of featurettes, promotional material and music video extras. 

Unlike later standard editions, the First Press release was manufactured in limited quantities and packaged as a premium collector’s item.

Why It’s Significant

This edition is notable for several reasons.

It represents the highest-specification Japanese home video release of Midsommar, combining UHD presentation with the Director’s Cut in a single package.

The commissioned artwork, premium steelbook and extensive printed materials demonstrate the level of care often associated with Japanese collector’s editions. Rather than simply repackaging the film, the release presents it as a curated physical object intended for enthusiasts and collectors.

Within the collecting community, the Japanese steelbook has become one of the most recognisable Midsommar editions due to its unique floral artwork and limited production. Collectors frequently distinguish it from the more common international releases, particularly because it combines the UHD theatrical version with the Blu-ray Director’s Cut in one package. 

Preservation Notes

Collectors should verify that complete copies include:

• Outer illustrated slipcase
• Steelbook
• Three original discs
• 24-page booklet
• Three postcards

The outer slipcase is particularly susceptible to edge wear, corner dents and rubbing, while fingerprints and scratches on the steelbook are common due to its metallic finish.

As many surviving copies have become separated from their printed inserts, complete examples with all original contents are increasingly desirable for archival purposes.

Trivia & Interesting Facts

• The Japanese release includes the 170-minute Director’s Cut, significantly longer than the international theatrical version.
• The steelbook was designed by Yoshitaka Oshima, while the outer sleeve artwork was illustrated by acclaimed Japanese artist Yuko Higuchi. 
• This edition was released approximately one year after the film’s theatrical debut in Japan.
• Among steelbook collectors, the Japanese edition is widely regarded as one of the most visually distinctive releases of Midsommar, thanks to its floral artwork and premium presentation.

About the Snows Mini Preservation Project

This item has been documented as part of the Snows Mini Preservation Project, an ongoing effort to preserve and catalogue physical media. Our aim is to record releases, variations and their historical significance for collectors and future enthusiasts. Most items featured in the project form part of our archive and may not be for sale.

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