Release date 28th May.
Directed By… David Lean – Volume One (1942 – 1948) – Imprint Collection #407 – 412
David Lean is a name synonymous with sweeping epics, the Academy Award-winning director behind The Bridge On The River Kwai, and Lawrence Of Arabia. He was also known for intimate drama and comedy, hand-selected by playwright Noël Coward to bring his most famous works to the big screen.
This set brings together his first six films, including four collaborations with Noël Coward, and two adaptations of beloved novels by Charles Dickens.
In Which We Serve (1942)
This Happy Breed (1944)
Blithe Spirit (1945)
Brief Encounter (1945)
Great Expectations (1946)
Oliver Twist (1948)
Packaged together in a Limited Edition Hardbox, the set also includes Part One of an Imprint exclusive documentary on David Lean.
1500 copies only.
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In Which We Serve
In Which We Serve (1942) – Imprint Collection #407
A thrilling war film written by, co-directed by, co-scored by, and starring Noël Coward, this is the suspenseful true story of the sinking of the ship HMS Kelly.
The surviving crew of the HMS Torrin desperately cling to life after being attacked by German bombers during the Battle of Crete.
Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Picture, Original Screenplay), and described as “a picture in which the British may take a wholesome pride and we may regard as an excellent expression of British strength” (New York Times).
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
NEW Interview with Melanie Williams, author of ‘David Lean’
Audio recording of a conversation between actor Richard Attenborough and Noel Coward at London’s National Film Theatre (1969)
A Profile of ‘In Which We Serve’ – featurette
Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio 1.33:1
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English HOH Subtitles
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This Happy Breed Tt
This Happy Breed (1944) – Imprint Collection #408
David Lean and Noël Coward reunited for this sombre war-time drama, based on the play by Coward of the same name.
A couple with three children have their modest household touched by joy and tragedy from the tail end of the First World War to the beginning of the Second.
Starring Robert Newton (Treasure Island), Celia Johnson (Brief Encounter), Stanley Holloway (My Fair Lady), and John Mills (Ryan’s Daughter).
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
NEW Interview with Melanie Williams, author of ‘David Lean’
Restoration Comparison – featurette
Original Theatrical Trailer
Re-release Trailer
Stills Gallery
Aspect Ratio 1.33:1
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English Subtitles
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Blithe Spirit
Blithe Spirit (1945) – Imprint Collection #409
Based on one of Noël Coward’s most beloved stage plays, David Lean brought the hit black comedy to the silver screen, starring Rex Harrison (Cleopatra), Constance Cummings (American Madness), Kay Hammond (The Ten Commandments), and Margaret Rutherford (Chimes at Midnight).
A middle-aged author is suddenly confronted by the ghost of his first wife, complicating life (and death) for everyone around him.
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Special Effects, this is the definitive preservation on film for one of the great Noël Coward comedies.
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
NEW Interview with Melanie Williams, author of ‘David Lean’
The South Bank Show – retrospective of Noël Coward, hosted by Melvyn Bragg
Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio 1.37:1
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English HOH Subtitles
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Brief Encounter Tt
Brief Encounter (1945) – Imprint Collection #410
Widely regarded as one of the greatest British films of all time, Brief Encounter is a romantic epic starring Trevor Howard (The Third Man) and Celia Johnson, nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award for her performance in this film.
A casual friendship between two middle-class suburbanites evolves into a passionate yearning, leading to a difficult decision that will affect both of their lives forever.
David Lean was nominated for Best Director for this film, an everlasting masterpiece that continues to rank highly on critics’ lists and rankings.
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
NEW Documentary on the works of David Lean – Part One
NEW Interview with Melanie Williams, author of ‘David Lean’
Interview with actress Margaret Barton
Interview with continuity assistant Renée Glynne
Interview with actor Richard Martin Thomas
A Profile of ‘Brief Encounter’ – featurette
Restoration – featurette
Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio 1.37:1
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English HOH Subtitles
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Great Expectations
Great Expectations (1946) – Imprint Collection #411
Based on the beloved Charles Dickens novel, John Mills (Ryan’s Daughter) and Valerie Hobson (Kind Hearts and Coronets) star in the Oscar-winning classic drama.
A poor young blacksmith’s fortunes change dramatically when the generosity of a mysterious benefactor propels him to London to begin his journey toward becoming a gentleman.
Labelled as “the greatest of all the Dickens films” by Roger Ebert, the film was nominated for Best Picture and David Lean was nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards, and critics continue to praise the film, now almost eighty years since its release.
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
NEW Interview with Melanie Williams, author of ‘David Lean’
Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio 1.37:1
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English HOH Subtitles
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Oliver Twist Tt
Oliver Twist (1948) – Imprint Collection #412
Acclaimed actor Alec Guinness stars in David Lean’s adaptation of the iconic Charles Dickens novel, a brilliant study of classicism and charity.
Oliver Twist is an extraordinary boy, but he’s destined for greatness. A poor orphan born behind the iron gates of a bleak parish workhouse, Oliver packs up his curiosity and courage and heads for the wild, winding streets of London, embarking on an adventure that will change his life forever.
Starring John Howard Davies as the titular Twist (who went on to become one of the greatest British comedy directors of all time), the film was praised as “one of the finest screen translations of a literary classic ever made” (New York Times).
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray
NEW Interview with Melanie Williams, author of ‘David Lean’
NEW Interview with child actor Donald Wescott
A Profile of ‘Oliver Twist’ – featurette
Casting Appeal for ‘Oliver Twist’ – archival featurette
Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio 1.33:1
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English HOH Subtitles
https://viavision.com.au/shop/directed- ... n-407-412/
Film Focus: Carroll Baker (1961 – 1965) – Imprint Collection #416 – 418
Known for her diverse and risqué performances, Carroll Baker became a 60s Hollywood icon.
This 3-Disc Limited Edition Hardbox includes three of her greatest performances, in films that continue to stand the test of time:
Something Wild (1961)
Sylvia (1965) – Worldwide first on Blu-ray
Harlow (1965)
1500 copies only.
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Imp4560 Something Wild Tt
Something Wild (1961) – Imprint Collection #416
A shocking psychological thriller, based on the novel ‘Mary Ann’ by Alex Karmel.
When college girl Mary Ann Robinson is brutally attacked, her world is shattered. Unable to carry on a normal routine, Mary Ann moves to New York City and accepts a job at a dime store as she struggles to come to grips with her ordeal. Sinking into isolation, she attempts suicide and is saved by a concerned bystander, lonely auto mechanic Mike. Mary Ann moves in with Mike but soon questions his motives for wanting to help.
With an opening title sequence created by the legendary Saul Bass, a score by Aaron Copland, and a stunning supporting cast including Ralph Meeker, Mildred Dunnock, Jean Stapleton, and Diane Ladd in her uncredited film debut, Something Wild is a masterful exploration of trauma, ripe for rediscovery.
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a 2K scan
NEW Interview on Something Wild with film historian & author Foster Hirsch
NEW Interview with film professor Lucy Bolton on the career of Carroll Baker
Theatrical Trailer
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Aspect Ratio 1.66:1
Optional English HOH Subtitles
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Imp4561 Sylvia Tt
Sylvia (1965) – Imprint Collection #417
Worldwide first on Blu-ray!
Based on a hit mystery novel by E. V. Cunningham, Sylvia stars Carroll Baker in the titular role, in an explosive, unsettling performance.
Lovely Sylvia West lives quietly with her flowers and books until her millionaire fiancé assigns Macklin, a private detective, to investigate her past. Sylvia becomes less and at the same time, more real to him, as he uncovers an unsavoury past.
Co-starring George Maharis (The Sword and the Sorcerer) and Peter Lawford (Ocean’s Eleven).
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a NEW 4K scan
NEW Interview on Sylvia with film historian/author Foster Hirsch
NEW Video Essay on Carroll Baker by Daniel Kremer
Theatrical Trailer
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Aspect Ratio 1.66:1
Optional English HOH Subtitles
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Imp4562 Harlow Tt
Harlow (1965) – Imprint Collection #418
1965 saw not one but two biopics about renowned actress Jean Harlow take to the big screen! Carroll Baker starred in the Paramount Pictures film, presenting a sizzling take on the blonde bombshell, packed with spectacle, glamour, and brutal drama.
Follow the life of Jean Harlow, as she rose to fame in reckless 1930s Hollywood.
Co-starring Martin Balsam (12 Angry Men), Red Buttons (They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?), Mike Connors (Mannix), Raf Vallone (A View from the Bridge), Angela Lansbury (Murder, She Wrote), and Peter Lawford (Ocean’s Eleven).
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a NEW 4K scan
NEW Interview on Harlow with Film historian & author Foster Hirsch
Carroll Baker: Looking Back – a career spanning interview with Carroll Baker
Theatrical Trailer
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Optional English HOH Subtitles
https://viavision.com.au/shop/film-focu ... n-416-418/
Laurence Olivier’s Shakespeare Trilogy (1944 – 1955) – Imprint Collection #413 – 415
The legendary Laurence Olivier appeared in over sixty films, but directed only five. Three of those five are his acclaimed Shakespeare Trilogy, collected together here in this Limited Edition 3-Disc Hardbox.
These bold, vivid adaptations of the classic stage plays brought Shakespeare to the big screen like never before, earning Academy Awards and popularising the Bard for contemporary audiences. Each film features a gripping leading performance by Olivier, immortalised with stunning 4K restorations:
Henry V (1944)
Hamlet (1948)
Richard III (1955)
1500 copies only.
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Imp4845 Henry V Title 01
Henry V (1944) – Imprint Collection #413
“Once more unto the breach!”
The first of Olivier’s trilogy, Henry V was nominated for four Academy Awards and received an Academy Honorary Award for Olivier’s outstanding achievements in bringing the film to the screen.
Insulted by the French court, Henry V, the arrogant young King of England, declares war on France. But when the English troops suffer devastating casualties, young King Henry realizes that there is more to leadership than royal pride.
A stunning Technicolor epic filled with jaw-dropping battleground sequences, powerful monologues, and rich Shakespearean verbiage, the film ran for eleven months in London, breaking records and touted as “one of the cinema’s great works of art” (James Agee).
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a 4K restoration
Audio Commentary by film historian Bruce Eder
NEW Video Essay on the film adaptations of Henry V by film writer and author Martyn Conterio
Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio 1.37:1
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English HOH Subtitles
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Imp4846 Hamlet Title 01
Hamlet (1948) – Imprint Collection #414
“Murder most foul.”
The Academy Award winner of Best Picture, Actor, Art Direction and Costume Design, Hamlet is regarded as one of the greatest Shakespearean film adaptations of all time.
Staged amid the grandeur of the Royal Court of Denmark, Hamlet is a tale of murder and intrigue, of revenge and treachery, of love and suicide, of madness and despair, of fatal delay and even more fatal action.
Filmed in chilling black and white, Hamlet is arguably both Shakespeare and Olivier’s magnum opus; a twisted display of diseased power and obsession with death, forming “an uncommonly galvanic film” (New York Times).
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a 4K restoration
NEW Video Essay on Lawrence Olivier’s Hamlet & the British war effort by film writer and author Martyn Conterio
NEW Interview with Professor Abigail Rokison-Woodall
Theatrical Trailer
Aspect Ratio 1.33:1
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English HOH Subtitles
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Imp4847 Richard Iii Title 02
Richard III (1955) – Imprint Collection #415
“Now is the winter of our discontent.”
Richard III earned Olivier a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards, a vivid adaptation of the Bard’s historical exploration of corruption and morality, packed with fiery betrayal and bloodthirsty narcissism.
Having helped his brother King Edward IV take the throne of England, the jealous hunchback Richard, Duke of York, plots to seize power for himself.
Lauded for its vibrant cinematography, engrossing performances, and grandiose pageantry in large-scale scenes and settings, it is “more than just a prestige picture. It is a screen achievement of the highest order.” (Variety)
Special Features & Technical Specs:
1080p High-definition presentation on Blu-ray from a 4K restoration by The Film Foundation and Janus Films, in association with the BFI National Archive, ITV Studios Global Entertainment Ltd., the Museum of Modern Art, and Romulus Films
NEW Video Essay on the Olivier/Korda films by film academic Adrian Smith
NEW Interview with author Guy Adams on the films of Laurence Olivier
Original Intermission Cards
TV Trailer
Theatrical Trailer
Stills Gallery
Aspect Ratio 1.66:1
Audio: English LPCM 2.0 Mono
Optional English HOH Subtitles
https://viavision.com.au/shop/laurence- ... n-413-415/