While the name Cult Films is not something I would ever associate with any of Fellini's classic films, I excited that they are releasing two new Blu-rays of Fellini films that look like they will have some supplemental features being issued for the first time. Details from their press release below;
On this 100-year anniversary of Federico Fellini's birth, CultFilms is proud to present two new Blu-ray releases, giving audiences the opportunity to revisit and rediscover his most influential films in sparkling restorations.
Born on this day in 1920, Fellini's incredible body of work is being appraised across the United Kingdom with a series of events and theatrical releases of his greatest works, giving audiences the opportunity to revisit and rediscover his most influential films in sparkling restorations.
CultFilms presents 8 ½ on Blu-ray on 3rd February and Fellini: Four Films (incl 8 ½, La Dolce Vita, Juliet of The Spirits and I Vitelloni in a single collection) on Blu-ray on 10th February.
8 ½ (1963) - This will also be available as a separate Blu-ray in addition to being part of the box-set
Regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, Federico Fellini’s landmark 8 ½ is the story of filmmaker Guido (played by long-time Fellini collaborator Marcello Mastroianni) who, embarking on his next film, discovers he has director’s block. Hassled by his producers, his wife (Anouk Aimée) and his mistress (Sandra Milo), Guido retreats into a world of memories, dreams and fantasies - personified by a heavenly beauty (Claudia Cardinale) - to escape his tormentors.
Following its release in 1963, 8 ½ won two Oscars including Best Foreign Film and has stood the test of time with the BFI ranking it the twelfth best film ever. To celebrate the centenary of the master director’s birth, CultFilms are proud to release his most cherished work in a ravishing new 2K restoration.
Special Features
• New intimate interview with actor, and Fellini’s off-screen companion, Sandra Milo
• New interview with Lina Wertmuller, Fellini’s assistant director on 8 ½,
• ‘Lost Sequence’ documentary on the making of 8 ½ featuring interviews Fellini and cast and crew. The documentary examines one of film’s great mysteries, where a massive sequence was shot with all the cast, but not included in the film, and never seen again
• New, improved English subtitles
Tech Specs
• Full HD 1080p from 2K scan with re-grading and restoration
• Region B
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Black and white
• Italian audio with subtitles
• Certification: 15
• Running time: 138 mins
La Dolce Vita (1960)
La Dolce Vita is Fellini’s most popular masterpiece, presented here in a 4K restoration. Filled with mesmerising images such as Anita Ekber frolicking in Rome’s Trevi fountain, it is one of the most influential and truly iconic films of all time. Also starring Marcello Mastroianni and Anouk Aimee
Special features
• Interview with star Anita Ekberg
• New, improved English subtitles
Tech Specs
• Full HD 1080p from 4K scan with re-grading and restoration
• Region B
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Black and white
• Italian audio with subtitles
• Certification: 15
• Running time: 180 mins
Juliet of the Spirits (1965)
Juliet of the Spirits is Fellini’s first colour masterpiece. Presented here in full-HD finally doing justice to the director’s dazzling vision. This idiosyncratic paean to women is a breathtakingly beautiful and fantastical carnival ride. Starring: Giulietta Masina, Sandra Milo and Mario Pisu.
Special features
• ‘Understanding Fellini’: an audio commentary by film historian Kat Ellinger
• ‘Dazzling Spirits’: an exclusive video essay by Italian cinema expert Prof. Guido Bonsaver
• New, improved English subtitles
Tech Specs
• Full HD 1080 with re-grading and restoration
• Region B
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Colour
• Italian audio with subtitles
• Certification: 15
• Running time: 133 mins
I Vitelloni (1953)
Rooted in neorealism, I Vitelloni is a pivotal Fellini masterpiece, observing the mores of 1950s Italy where a clique of idlers, the ‘Vitelloni’ of the title, try to avoid adulthood. Starring: Alberto Sordi and Franco Fabrizi.
Special features
• ‘Becoming Fellini: an exclusive video essay by Italian cinema expert Prof. Guido Bonsaver
• New, improved English subtitles
Tech Specs
• Full HD 1080 with re-grading and restoration
• Region B
• Aspect ratio: 4:3
• Black and white
• Italian audio with English subtitles
• Certification: PG
• Running time: 112 mins
Buy 8½ direct from CultFilms: http://bit.ly/2srvOGe Buy Fellini: Four Films direct from CultFilms: http://bit.ly/2FZhVSI