2022 marks the 60th anniversary of one of Orson Welles’ classic films, The Trial. The film version of Franz Kafka’s novel first hit screens in December 1926 after missing its planned debut at that year’s Venice Film Festival. Now, Studiocanal is preparing a brand new 4K restoration for release later this month.
Here’s the full press release from the studio:
BRAND NEW 4K RESTORATION TO MARK ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY ORSON WELLES’ CLASSIC FILM VERSION OF FRANZ KAFKA’S NOVEL
THE TRIAL
Starring Anthony Perkins, Romy Schneider, Jeanne Moreau
and Orson Welles
Written and Directed by Orson Welles
FULLY RESTORED AND RELEASED FOR THE FIRST TIME
ON 4K UHD, BLU-RAY, DVD and DIGITAL from
21ST NOVEMBER 2022
STUDIOCANAL are delighted to announce the release of a 4K edition of THE TRIAL, considered one of Orson Welles‘ most well-crafted masterpieces – beautifully restored for its 60th anniversary.
Based on the novel by Franz Kafka, THE TRIAL is a masterclass in tension building and avant-garde filmmaking featuring outstanding performances from a stellar cast – Anthony Perkins, Orson Welles, Jeanne Moreau and Romy Schneider.
One morning, Josef K. (Perkins) is arrested but has no idea what crime he is accused of. Completely stunned, K. slowly finds himself trapped in a dehumanised nightmare and realizes he is the victim of a grotesque plot. He is accused by everyone, friends and enemies, until, worn down, he ends up doubting his own innocence.
Welles brilliantly captured the oppressive and nightmarish qualities of Kafka’s fictional world. Using the cracked labyrinthine corridors of Paris’ ruined Gare D’Orsay as his set, with icy black and white photography full of disorientating camera angles and unconventional use of focus, Welles’ strikingly depicts the spider-and-fly games of an ineffectual man struggling against his inescapable fate.
THE TRIAL aptly illustrates why Welles is often cited as the greatest director of all time and on completing the film he himself stated“The Trial is the best film I have ever made”.
THE TRIAL is released on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD and Digital from 21st November 2022 and is available to pre-order HERE
The restoration was completed by STUDIOCANAL and la Cinémathèque française and made possible thanks to the support of CHANEL.
Extras
- NEW This Is Orson Welles
- NEW Trailer
- Welles, Architect of Light
- Interview with actor Steven Berkoff
- Deleted Scene
- Trailer
Certificate: PG (UK), 12 (Ireland)
Running Time: 119 mins approx.
