Jacques Tati's Mon Oncle and Jour De Fete Heading to Blu-ray
Posted August 10, 2012 01:29 AM by Webmaster
The British Film Institute has revealed that it is planning to release Dual Format Editions of two classic films directed by Jacques Tati: Jour De Fete (1949) and Mon Oncle (1958). Street date for the two releases is October 22.
Jour De Fete
One of Jacques Tati's most famous comedies, and his directorial debut. After observing the high-speed efficiency of the American postal service, the postman (Tati) of a sleepy French town is inspired to add a little zip into his own delivery route. This coincides with the arrival of the summer fair, and chaos ensues.
Special Features:
Presented in both High Definition and Standard Definition (on both Blu-ray and DVD)
Original 1949 colour version, first seen by audiences in 1995. French language
Also includes Tati's alternative 1964 re-edit, which re-works the original 1949 black and white version, adding a new character (the English-speaking painter) and elements of hand painted colour. English language
Three Tati shorts: Soigne ton gauche (1936, 12 mins, b&w)
L'Ecole des facteurs (1947, 15 mins, b&w)
Cours du soir (1967, 28 mins, colour) (DVD only)
Illustrated booklet with film notes and credits
Mon Oncle
Writer, director and star Jacques Tati reprises his character Monsieur Hulot from his 1953 film 'M. Hulot's Holiday'. In 'Mon Oncle', Hulot lives in a small backstreet dwelling which contrasts sharply with his brother's excessively modern, suburban lifestyle. When Hulot goes to work for his brother havoc ensues.
Special Features:
Presented in both High Definition and Standard Definition (on both Blu-ray and DVD)
Original French language version
Also includes the alternative English language version, prepared for the overseas market by Tati himself
Original trailer
Illustrated booklet with films notes and credits with its rarely heard English-language soundtrack
While it's great to see them including some decent extras, including the excellent Ecole des Facteurs, why not include the original 1949 black and white version of Jour de Fete as well?
wow, bfi getting in under the wire it seems. Studio Canal recently acquired worldwide rights to the entire tati filmography so I would think some type of deal was already worked out for these. Criterion won't be releasing any more Tati I wouldn't think considering their previous issues with Studio Canal.
This is excellent news! Some of my most-wanted films on Blu-ray. I do hope everything, especially the alternative versions, is in HD. This is a (very) rare case where I'll order immediately and never mind the price!
