rerelease

A rerelease is the release of a work of media, software, or a product after its initial launch. It involves making the item available again, often in a new format, updated content, or to reach different markets. Rereleases can occur in theaters, on home media, digitally, or as software updates.

The term is commonly used for films, video games, music albums, books, and software. In contrast to a simple reprint or reissue, a rerelease may include enhancements such as improved audio or video quality, added features, new packaging, or revised content. It can also involve changes in licensing, platform availability, or regional availability.

Variants include remasters, special editions, director's cuts, and compilation reissues. Remasters focus on technical quality, director's cuts on additional material, and special editions on bundled extras. Rereleases may be timed to anniversaries, to revive a franchise, or to capitalize on renewed demand after licensing changes or new distribution rights.

The process can raise questions about authenticity and value, as some audiences welcome restored quality, while others prefer the original version. Commercial strategy, preservation considerations, and archival integrity often influence decisions about what to include in a rerelease and how it is marketed.

Examples of rereleases include theatrical re-releases of classic films, remastered audio releases of music albums, and digital re-releases of older software or games on modern platforms.