Steven Spielberg’s journey to becoming a director of feature films was marked by his early work in short films and episodes of TV shows such as “Columbo” and “Night Gallery.” His initial foray into movies also took place in the realm of television, with his first feature-length TV movie being the iconic 1971 thriller “Duel,” which is now set to receive a 4K release from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on November 14th.

Adapted from a short story by Richard Matheson, who also penned the screenplay, “Duel” revolves around a motorist who finds himself terrorized by a malevolent truck. Dennis Weaver takes on the role of the traveling salesman forced into a desperate battle for survival as he is inexplicably targeted. The film also features Jacqueline Scott, Eddie Firestone, Lou Frizzell, and Gene Dynarski in its cast.

Described in a press release on Blu-ray.com as a masterful exercise in building unrelenting psychological tension, “Duel” introduces one of the most uniquely terrifying “characters” in cinematic history: a massive, roaring, 40-ton truck that exudes sheer menace. Notably, Spielberg’s later blockbuster hit “Jaws” would draw parallels to “Duel,” with both films featuring a lone hero engaged in a heart-pounding battle against a monstrous and inhuman adversary.

The upcoming 4K release of “Duel” boasts a range of special features and technical specifications, including:

• A restoration from the original camera negative in 4K.
• The original TV version of the film in a 1.33:1 ratio.
• An HDR 10 presentation of the film.
• A new Dolby Atmos track.
• Exclusive conversations with director Steven Spielberg.
• Insights into Spielberg’s journey from the small screen to big screen.
• A look at the writing of “Duel” by Richard Matheson.
• A collection of photographs and posters from the film.
• Multiple subtitle options for the main feature.

“Duel” stands out as a thrilling cinematic experience and holds a prominent place in the list of Spielberg’s notable works. If you haven’t had the chance to watch it yet, we highly recommend seeking it out. Following “Duel,” Spielberg continued to make two more TV movies (“Something Evil” and “Savage”) before transitioning to the big screen with “The Sugarland Express.” Just a year later, he delivered one of cinema’s greatest classics, “Jaws.”