Overview
- The Criterion Collection has released House Party in 4K Ultra HD with a new restoration supervised by cinematographer Peter Deming and approved by Hudlin.
- The edition includes Dolby Vision HDR, a 4.0 DTS‑HD Master Audio track, a new Hudlin commentary, a conversation with producer Warrington Hudlin and scholar Racquel Gates, and a cast reunion.
- Hudlin says New Line’s early push for Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff stemmed from a sampling-lawsuit settlement, but he declined to pursue them after sensing a lack of enthusiasm in a meeting with Russell Simmons.
- He maintains Kid n’ Play were the right fit because their real-life dynamic matched the characters, which he believes grounded the movie’s authenticity.
- Hudlin notes the film delivered roughly a tenfold return at the box office, jump-starting his career and showcasing a mostly first-time cast with Tisha Campbell as the on-set veteran.