Radarr ‐ Release Types

Overview

The "Release Type for Future Status" setting in Radarr determines which release date Huntarr will use when deciding whether a movie should be considered a "future release" and potentially skipped during searches (when "Skip Future Releases" is enabled). Available Options Physical Release

Description:

Physical Release refers to when a movie becomes available on physical media formats such as DVD, Blu-ray, or 4K UHD discs.

Best For:

Users who prioritize high-quality, finalized releases
Collectors who prefer to wait for complete editions with extras
Those who want to avoid theatrical cuts that might be modified for home release

Advantages:

Generally provides the highest quality releases
Includes all final audio tracks, special features, and director's cuts
Most reliable source for complete metadata
Often includes DTS-HD, Dolby Atmos, or other premium audio formats

Disadvantages:

Typically the latest release date (3-6 months after theatrical release)
May miss early digital availability windows
Can delay collection completion

Digital Release

Description:

Digital Release refers to when a movie becomes available on digital platforms like iTunes, Amazon, or other VOD (Video on Demand) services.

Best For:

Users who want movies sooner than physical media releases
Those with primarily digital libraries
Users who prioritize getting content before physical release

Advantages:

Available significantly earlier than physical releases (typically 2-3 weeks after theatrical run)
Still offers good quality (often 4K/HDR where available)
Allows for timelier collection of new releases
Avoids extended waiting periods

Disadvantages:

Sometimes lower bitrates than physical media
May not include all special features
Audio tracks might be limited compared to physical releases

Cinema Release

Description:

Cinema Release refers to when a movie first premieres in theaters, marking its initial public availability.

Best For:

Users who want to track movies at the earliest possible stage
Those who prefer to follow new releases aggressively
Advanced users with access to theater-sourced content

Advantages:

Earliest possible date tracking
Allows preparation for upcoming digital/physical releases
Most aggressive collection timeline
Helps identify titles at the first point of availability

Disadvantages:

High-quality releases typically aren't available during theatrical windows
Early releases during this period may be of poor quality
Many indexers/trackers have rules against theater-sourced content
May lead to searching for content that isn't properly available yet

Recommended Usage

For most users: "Physical Release" provides the best balance of quality and availability
For earlier access: "Digital Release" is recommended for those who don't want to wait for physical media
For tracking purposes only: "Cinema Release" helps identify what's coming soon but isn't ideal for actual searching

Selecting the appropriate release type helps Huntarr optimize its search patterns to match your preferences for timing versus quality.