Many iTunes Films Are Reverting From 4K Down to HD, But it May be a Bug

Posted by Evan Selleck on May 14, 2019 in iTunes, News

Eagle-eyed individuals have noticed that, over the last few days, many films in iTunes have been reverted to high definition (HD). In those cases, these films were previously available in 4K, which is causing headaches for some.

9to5Mac was first with the report this week, following a list made by “ManOfTheForest” over at Blu-Ray Forums that aims to show which films have been downgraded in visual quality. When the report first broke, it looked like the films were primarily from Warner Bros., with films like the Harry Potter series, the sequels to the original The Matrix, and others being downgraded.

Here is that list:

  • 22 Jump Street (2014)
  • About Last Night
  • Aloha (2015)
  • American Sniper
  • Annie (2014)
  • Batman vs. Superman
  • The Brothers Grimsby (2016)
  • The Equalizer (2014)
  • Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
  • Ghostbusters II (1989)
  • Goosebumps (2015)
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 (2011)
  • Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 (2010)
  • Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
  • Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
  • Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
  • Hercules (2014)
  • Hitch (2005)
  • Hotel Deluxe (2013)
  • Matrix Reloaded
  • The Matrix Revolutions (2003)
  • Risen (2016)
  • Spaceballs (1987)
  • Taxi Driver (1976)
  • Unforgiven (1993)
  • The Walk (2015)
  • X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

Indeed, this publication can also confirm that originally listed 4K films have been downgraded to HD at the time of publication.

The report indicates that Apple Support has suggested this is an issue on WB’s side. However, it has since been discovered that other films from other production companies, including MGM, 20th Century Fox, and others, are also inflicted with the issue. And, as noted above, some films in a series are not included in the downgrade.

This definitely appears to be a bug on the side of iTunes, and not necessarily anything nefarious on the side of production companies. Still, we’ll keep an eye out and we’ll update this article if anything else changes.

[via 9to5Mac; Blu-Ray Forums]

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