Original SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Is Getting 4K Limited-Edition Release

SpongeBob SquarePants has starred in multiple movies over years--including one alongside Antonio Banderas' pirate character Burgerbread--but nothing compares to the first film released all the way back in 2004. At long last, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is finally getting a 4K Blu-ray release, bringing one of the funniest and most disturbing animated films of all time to an ultra-high-definition screen near you.

Preorders are live now at Walmart and Amazon for the limited-edition steelbook release with glorious Sponge-tastic cover art. At the moment, Walmart has the better price at $25, but you can also preorder at Amazon for $31. Blu-ray preorders often start higher at Amazon than Walmart, but it's not uncommon to see Amazon drop the price closer to release. If you preorder the SpongeBob SquarePants movie now, you'll get the best price offered between now and the film's July 16 release.

By now, you know how the story goes: Trouble is brewing as local college graduate Plankton puts Plan Z--it's lemon-scented!--into action, leading to Krusty Krab owner Eugene Krabbs being framed for the theft of King Neptune's crown. With Plankton finally getting his stubby digits on the Krabby Patty secret formula, it's up to SpongeBob and his best friend to save the day and prove that Mr Krabbs is innocent as they set off on an epic road trip.

The film is still a showcase of fantastic animation, as well some truly trippy scenes. From SpongeBob driving a hamburger--you don't need a license to drive a sandwich--to the duo enlisting the help of Baywatch star David Hasselhoff to get them home, the movie is wonderfully weird and mostly safe for all ages. Mostly. Jeffrey Tambor and Scarlett Johansson are also delightful as guest stars, and the rest of the regular SpongeBob cast deliver a solid performance throughout the picture. For the extras, you'll get the following stuff:

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Blu-ray extras

• The Absorbing Tale of the SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
• 20-minute animatic featuring the voice of late creator Stephen Hillenburg
• Case of the Sponge "Bob" featurette
• Serving the surf featurette
• Inside the pineapple
• The making of The Flaming Lips "SpongeBob and Patrick confront the psychic wall of energy" music video
• The Flaming Lips "SpongeBob and Patrick confront the psychic wall of energy" music video
• Submarine teaser trailer

• Preorder SpongeBob SquarePants limited edition at Walmart -- $25
• Preorder SpongeBob SquarePants limited edition at Amazon -- $31

If you want to watch the SpongeBob SquarePants movie now, it's streaming exclusively on Max. For episodes of the iconic animated show, you'll want to sign up for Paramount+.

For more Blu-ray preorders, you can check out these deals on South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut, Team America: World Police, and the classic 1990 series of The Flash.