BFI Distribution releases brand new trailer for the 4K restoration of ‘Watership Down’
Skwigly
UPDATE 04/10/2024: Due to production delays, the Bluray release has been pushed back to November 25th.
This afternoon, BFI Distribution have released the brand-new trailer for the new 4K restoration of WATERSHIP DOWN. The classic, distinctly beautiful British animated feature film which follows a group of rabbits on a perilous journey to find their own utopia, is back on the big screen again this autumn, the first time in nearly 50 years, newly restored in 4K by the BFI and Silver Salt Restoration. Re-released in cinemas by BFI Distribution on 25 October, the first chance for audiences to glimpse the new restoration, with the characters and colours sparkling as never before, will be at the World Premiere at the BFI London Film Festival 2024, where it screens in the Family strand on 12 October in NFT1. Following the theatrical release, the film will be released by the BFI on UHD and Blu-ray on 11 November.
In 1978, Richard Adams’ timeless novel Watership Down was brought brilliantly to the screen in the celebrated film adaptation directed by Martin Rosen. A building project threatens the tranquil lives of the wildlife residing in a British woodland area, not least the rabbits who reside in one of the local warrens. Littlest rabbit Fiver, who has a sixth sense, has distressing visions of destruction lying ahead and persuades a small group to join him on what is to be a challenging journey to safety in the halcyon location of Watership Down.
Although hard-hitting in its depiction of survival and conflict, the film is a work of great beauty with an extraordinary voice cast who elevate the work to the highest level. Some of Britain’s best-known actors including John Hurt, Richard Briers, Ralph Richardson, Denholm Elliott, Roy Kinnear and Hannah Gordon, brought the rabbits to life and made them eternally memorable.
Image: BFI
Not only was the film a huge success, but the song ‘Bright Eyes’, written especially by Mike Batt and recorded by Art Garfunkel, was a smash hit on release. It was No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart for six weeks and was Britain’s biggest-selling single of 1979.
This thrilling tale of adventure, courage and resilience, one of the greatest of British animations, will continue to enthral new and old audiences alike, and is unmissable on the big or small screen this autumn in these wonderful 2024 presentations.
The new 4K restoration of WATERSHIP DOWN premieres at the BFI London Film Festival on 12 October
WATERSHIP DOWN will be released in UK & Irish cinemas on 25 October and on BFI UHD and Blu-ray on 11 November