'Metropolis' Coming to Blu-ray in 2009

There's no date yet, but Kino International says it is planning to bring the Fritz Lang classic 'Metropolis' to Blu-ray in early 2009.

Oft-cited as an inspiration for everything from 'Star Wars' to 'Blade Runner' to '2001: A Space Odyssey,' 1927's 'Metropolis' has had a lasting influence on the genre and, with a budget equivalent of nearly $200 million today, is widely considered to be the first true cinematic spectacle ever produced.

Although the film's legacy has long been marred by poor quality early video editions, Kino rescued 'Metropolis' for a 2001 DVD with a glorious, frame-by-frame restoration. Though the company has yet to commit to a hard release date, they have confirmed that a first-ever Blu-ray edition will kick off the indie's just-announced next-gen support in early 2009

There are no tech specs or supplemental details available as of yet, but the previous DVD was loaded with extras so expectations remain high.