I've copied this press release from
the criterion forum. A 'New English language sound track' sounds interesting, though obvious I suppose given the target audience.
BFI releases two rare Tintin adventure films on DVD
This autumn the BFI adds to its range of family DVDs with the release of two rarely seen and previously unreleased live-action films starring Hergé's intrepid boy reporter Tintin.
Remastered to High Definition, Tintin and the Mystery of the Golden Fleece (1961) and Tintin and the Blue Oranges (1964) are both released on DVD on 18 October.
Shot on location with a flair that makes them look like James Bond films for kids, these live-action adventures will appeal to Tintin fans young and old. Both titles are beautifully packaged, featuring original artwork adapted from original film posters.
Each release contains an illustrated booklet featuring the first ever English translation of extracts from Tintin actor Jean-Pierre Talbot's autobiography J'Étais Tintin au cinema; fact-filled essays from Tintinologists Simon Doyle and Christian Owens and contributions by Vic Pratt, Curator at the BFI National Archive, and John Fardell, Viz comic artist and children's author.
The Adventures of Tintin comic strip stories are amongst the most popular and successful comic books ever written, published in over 50 languages and selling millions of copies. Tintin's enduring appeal will receive a boost next year with Steven Spielberg's big-screen release of The Secret of the Unicorn, with a screenplay by Edgar Wright and Joe Cornish.
Tintin and the Mystery of the Golden Fleece (Jean-Jacques Vierne, 1961)
One of the very few adaptations to meet with Tintin creator Hergé's approval, Tintin and the Mystery of the Golden Fleece is a spirited live-action take on his iconic comic creation and features all his best-loved characters. As well as uncanny Tintin-alike Jean-Pierre Talbot's martial arts skills and the larger-than-life Georges Wilson as Captain Haddock, the film features the talents of other established character actors including Marcel Bozzuffi (The French Connection) and Charles Vanel, famed for having the longest career of any film actor (Henri-Georges Clouzot's Les Diaboliques, The Wages of Fear and La Verité and Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief).
A surprise message from Istanbul is about to ruin Captain Haddock's day. Named as sole beneficiary in the will of his late comrade Paparanic, Haddock and his best friend Tintin, journey to Turkey to claim a strangely disappointing bounty â€" but is all as it seems? Aided by their friends, the eccentric Professor Calculus and faithful Snowy the dog, Tintin and Haddock set out to solve the mystery of Paparanic's bequest – a rusty old ship called the Golden Fleece. Along the way they confront slippery lawyers, ex-pirates, dangerous gangsters and the bumbling Thom(p)son detectives in an action-packed journey that takes them from Turkey to Greece.
Special features:
- New High Definition transfer
- Optional English language dub track
- Illustrated booklet with newly commissioned essays and notes by actor Jean-Pierre Talbot
Tintin and the Blue Oranges (Philippe Condroyer, 1964)
Professor Calculus' dreams of ending world hunger are brought one step closer by the creation of a desert-proof orange, deep blue in colour. But it seems he's not the only one interested in this magnificent scientific discovery. When the strange blue orange – invented by Spanish Professor Zalamea – is stolen, Tintin, Captain Haddock, Calculus and Snowy the dog make for Spain to investigate. In a riotous adventure Tintin and friends must overcome violent kidnappers, deadly traps and unscrupulous rich adventurers to rescue the orange and themselves. With help from a gang of enterprising kids and big-hearted opera menace Bianca Castifiore can Tintin save the day?
Jean-Pierre Talbot, who became a life-long friend of Tintin creator Hergé, plays the boy-reporter for the second time in this wonderful live-action adventure and is well-supported by Jean Bouise's (Le grand bleu) excellent comic performance as the irrepressible Captain Haddock.
Adapted by Astèrix creator René Goscinny this lively adventure is another must for Tintin fans.
Special features:
- New High Definition transfer
- New English language sound track
- Illustrated booklet with newly commissioned essays and notes by actor Jean-Pierre Talbot
Each title has an RRP of £17.99.
Technical details
Tintin and the Mystery of the Golden Fleece
Cat no: BFIV902 / Belgium / 1961 / Cert PG / colour / French language with English subtitles / English dub track / 98 mins / Original aspect ratio 16:9 (1.66:1)
Tintin and the Blue Oranges
Cat no: BFIV903 / Belgium / 1964 / Cert U / colour / French language with English subtitles / 96 mins / Original aspect ratio 16:9 (1.66:1)
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