Blu-Ray BD50 / 1080p / 24fps / Region ABC
RRP: £19.99
Release Date: 24 October 2022
Second Run DVD 103 / SRBD 058
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A key film from Slovak cinema’s golden era, Eduard Grečner's Dragon's Return is a radical fusion of ancient folklore and experimental modernism.
A reclusive potter, Martin Lepiš - nicknamed 'Dragon' - is exiled from his isolated mountain village. Years later he returns, aiming to win back the trust of the villagers, but his re-appearence instead engenders an atmosphere of suspicion, guilt, and simmering violence. Set at an unspecified time in the distant past, in a world ruled by superstition and seemingly isolated from history, this deceptively simple story is imbued with mythic qualities.
Shot in luminous monochrome, and enhanced by an extraordinary score from Ilja Zeljenka, Grečner's haunting film is a work of brooding atmosphere and rich physicality. An elemental vision of clay, rock, blood and fire.
iPresented from a new 2K restoration, Dragon's Return makes its world premiere on Blu-ray. Our region-free edition also features a brand new documentary on the film featuring director Eduard Grečner, a new filmed introduction by Rastislav Steranka, an interview with Peter Hames, and a booklet with writing by Jonathan Owen.
• Presented from an HD transfer of the new 2K restoration of the film by the Slovak Film Institute.
• On Dragon’s Return (2022): a new and exclusive documentary on the film, with the special participation of director Eduard Grečner.
• A newly filmed introduction by Rastislav Steranka of the Slovak Film Institute.
• An exclusive, archival filmed appreciation by Czech and Slovak cinema expert Peter Hames (2015).
• 20-page booklet featuring an essay on the film, and an interview with Grečner by author Jonathan Owen.
• New and improved English subtitle translation.
• World premiere release on Blu-ray.
Radovan Lukavský – Martin Lepiš (Dragon)
Gustáv Valach – Šimon Jariabek
Emília Vášáryová - Eva
Viliam Polónyi - Mayor
Jozef Čierny - Čierny
Directed by Eduard Grečner
Screenplay - Eduard Grečner
Based on the novella by Dobroslav Chrobák
Cinematographer - Vincent Rosinec
Music – Ilja Zeljenka
Editor - Bedřich Voděrka
Sound – Ondrej Polomský
Art direction – Anton Krajčovič
Set design - Jozef Suchý
Costume design - Milan Laluha, Anna Lidáková
Assistant director - Martin Slivka
Many other classics of Slovak and Czech cinema
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"An intersection between modern art and folk culture... an eternal ballad about the essence of life" Peter Hames
“A jaw-dropping masterpiece, an exercise in pure cinematic storytelling that captivates, enchants and terrifies in each scene” Graham Williamson, The Geek Show
"A compelling film, surely as exciting today as it was originally" Senses of Cinema
"A beautifully poetic piece, big on atmosphere and intense psychological reflection… Another truly special film from a truly special time" Bonjour Tristesse
“It is a work of great visual culture, a slide-show of pure cinematic images. It resembles a classic tragedy yet at the same time thanks to its ideas, it is a contemporary piece”
R. Hassmann: Grečner True to Chrobák
“It lures by its look, enchants by its music, challenges by its defence of the fates of its characters”
Ivan Gerlach, Grečner’s Film Ballad, Ľud