❉ The cult classic musical comes to Blu-ray for the first time in the UK, released by the BFI.
The delightfully light-hearted Les Demoiselles de Rochefort is Jacques Demy’s large-scale tribute to the Hollywood musical. With a plot of pure Shakespearean farce, witty dialogue and lyrics by Demy and a magnificent jazz score by three-time Oscar winner Michel Legrand, it’s an effervescent celebration of life that is sure to captivate and uplift.
On 4 November 2019 it comes to Blu-ray for the first time in the UK, released by the BFI as part of the major season, BFI Musicals! The Greatest Show on Screen. Numerous extras include a new commentary by David Jenkins, an audiovisual essay by Geoff Andrew and Agnès Varda’s documentary celebration of Demy and his film.
The story of Les Demoiselles de Rochefort unfolds over the course of a weekend and centres on twin sisters Delphine and Solange (played by real life sisters Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac) who, tired of their humdrum existence, dream of finding success and romance in Paris. Little do they know that their ideal partner may be just around the corner. The superb ensemble – featuring such screen legends as Gene Kelly, Danielle Darrieux, Michel Piccoli, Jacques Perrin, George Chakiris and Grover Dale – weave and wander around the town, looking for and just missing the love of their lives. Will the happy pairs of lovers be united or will cruel fate keep them apart?
Special features
❉ Newly commissioned feature commentary by David Jenkins
❉ A Melody Composed by Chance… (2019, 19 mins): audiovisual essay by Geoff Andrew
❉ Les Demoiselles ont eu 25 ans (1993, 67 mins): Agnès Varda’s documentary celebration of Demy and his film
❉ The Guardian Interview: Catherine Deneuve (2005, 7 mins): excerpts of the actress in conversation at the NFT
❉ The Guardian Interview: Jacques Demy (1982, audio, 76 mins): the director interviewed on stage following a screening of Une Chambre en ville
❉ The Guardian Interview: Michel Legrand (1991, audio, 71 mins): the great composer discusses his career, recorded at the NFT
❉ The Guardian Lecture: Gene Kelly (1980, audio, 76 mins): the song-and-dance legend recorded on stage at the NFT discussing his career
❉ Illustrated booklet (***first pressing only***) containing essays by Jonathan Rosenbaum, Selina Robertson and Dr Nicolas Pillai, a biography of Jacques Demy by Jason Wood, film credits and notes on the extras.
❉ ‘Les Demoiselles de Rochefort: A film by Jacques Demy’ (France/1967/colour/126 mins), starring Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac, Gene Kelly. Blu-ray release on 4 November 2019; French language, with English subtitles. RRP: £19.99 / Cat. no. BFIB1361 / Cert PG.
❉ News source: BFI Publicity
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