Blu-Ray BD50 / 1080p / 24fps / Region ABC
RRP: £19.99
Release Date: 25 November 2024
SRBD 085
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The first ever Czechoslovak cult film musical, Ladislav Rychman's sumptuous The Hop-Pickers (Starci na chmelu) was an instant sensation on its release in 1964, and its popularity has since endured for generations of Czech viewers.
Set during the annual hop harvest, a new generation confront the authority and expectations of their elders. This youthful rebellion explodes in colourful production numbers, irrepressibly catchy songs and audacious satire.
Channelling the energy of the swinging ’60s with a distinctly Czech twist on the big-screen musical, The Hop-Pickers vibrantly blends music, dance, and New Wave realism, offering a playful exploration of the struggle for individuality and sexual freedom.
The Hop-Pickers is presented from a new 4K restoration by the Czech National Film Archive. Our region-free Blu-ray also includes a selection of fascinating archival short films on the Czech hop and brewing industries, plus a booklet with new writing on the film by Czech cinema expert Jonathan Owen.
• The Hop-Pickers (Starci na chmelu, 1964) presented from a new 4K restoration by the Czech National Film Archive.
• Gift of the Earth ((Dar země, 1932): A rare archival silent film on the Czech hop-picking industry.
• One Hundred and Ten Years of the Pilsen Brewery (Sto deset let plzeňských piwowarů, 1952): A silent promotional film directed by the great Karel Zeman.
• The Processing of Hops (Posklizňová úprava chmelu, 1964):
A contemporary information film directed by Josef Šuran.
• Trailer.
• 5.1 DTS-HD Audio option.
• 24-page booklet featuring an expansive new essay by author Jonathan Owen.
• New and improved English subtitle translation.
• Region Free (A/B/C) Blu-ray.
Directed by Ladislav Rychman
Screenplay - Vratislav Blažek, Ladislav Rychman
Cinematography - Jan Stallich
Editor - Miroslav Hájek
Concept, Songs and Lyrics - Vratislav Blažek
Music - Jiří Bažant, Jiří Malásek, Vlastimil Hála
Production design - Oldřich Bosák, Bohumil Nový
Set design - Josef Calta, Miloš Sršeň, Ludmila Sovová
Costumes - Vladimír Dvořák
Sound design - Dobroslav Šrámek, Bohumír Brunclík
Choreography - Josef Koníček
Main Cast
Vladimír Pucholt - Filip
Ivana Pavlová - Hanka
Miloš Zavadil - Honza
Irena Kačírková - Professor Jana Ámosa
Josef Kemr - Chairman JZD
Libuše Havelková - Kateřina, the chairman’s wife
Jitka Kloubková - Anežka
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“Easily one of the most enjoyable Eastern Bloc films of the 1960s, probably one of the most widely relatable, and almost certainly the most earworm-laden. There is a place for it among today’s rediscovered classics.” Jonathan Owen
“A delightful summer classic that continues to captivate audiences with its heartfelt story, lively music, and strong performances. It is a testament to the richness of Czech cinema, proving that the 1960s were a golden age not only for avant-garde films but also for popular genres. For those looking to explore Czech film history or simply enjoy a beautiful love story set to music, The Hop-Pickersis a perfect choice.” Czechmovie
“60 years later still considered the greatest Czech musical.”
Radio Prague
“The Hop-Pickers delivers a feast for the senses. There are young, beautiful people to behold. There are songs and colours, there is humour, with a satirical bite at times. In short, there is everything that a good, audience-friendly film requires. And I have no doubts that the film will attract its audiences.”
Jaroslav Boček, Kulturní tvorba (1964)
“The Hop-Pickers can proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with West Side Story, and more than that, the film is more balanced in terms of composition, and its core idea is more original.”
Gabriel Laub, Plamen 7 (1965)
“The first great Czechoslovak musical, a Romeo and Juliet-like tale of teen love often dubbed 'East Side Story'. Framed by a trio of guitarists acting as a Greek chorus, this sly satire of the socialist-realist 'tractor musical' dramatises the conflict between collective and individualistic principles and foregrounds the interests of youth no less than the films of the contemporaneously emerging New Wave.”
The Melbourne Cinémathèque