Franklin J. Schaffners “Papillon” [USA / F 1973] mit Steve McQueen und Dustin Hoffman basiert auf dem autobiografischen Roman gleichen Titels von Henri Charrière, wobei der Roman und somit auch der Film historische Fakten und Fiktion verbindet. Erzählt wird Charrieres Ausbruch aus einer Strafkolonie in Französisch-Guayana. Warner Bros. wird den Film in den USA am 24. Mai 2011 auf Blu-ray veröffentlichen. Dabei wird es sich um ein DigiBook handeln. Obwohl Warner Bros. auch auf den amerikanischen Blu-ray Discs der Katalogtitel häufig deutsche Tonspuren anbietet, sollte man bei diesem Set nicht damit rechnen. Die Rechte an dem Film müßten in Deutschland bei Sony liegen, denn die deutsche DVD wurde im Dezember 2000 von Columbia veröffentlicht.

Warners offizielle Pressemitteilung:

The Greatest Escape Of All Time Makes Its Long-Awaited Blu-ray™ Debut On May 24 from Warner Home Video

PAPILLON

Including a 32-Page Collectible Blu-ray Book

Burbank, Calif. January 24, 2011 – It’s the greatest escape! Golden Globe®-nominee Steve McQueen (Papillon, 1974) and Academy Award®-winner Dustin Hoffman (Rain Man, 1988; Kramer vs. Kramer, 1979) team for the spectacular true-life adventure of the man who defied “inescapable” Devil’s Island. Presented by Warner Home Video, Papillon (1973) arrives on Blu-ray Disc™ for the very first time with a collectible 32-page Blu-ray Book featuring fascinating film information, archival photos, and an examination of the controversy surrounding the film. Orders are due April 19 (SRP $34.99).

Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner (Patton, Planet of the Apes), and based on a bestselling book, Papillon is a true story about French ex-convict Henri Charriére – a petty criminal who is unjustly convicted of murder, and his constant struggle to escape to freedom from the brutal French penal system in Guiana’s infamous Devil’s Island. The film is considered to be one Steve McQueen’s more compelling performances, a nuanced portrayal of a tortured and tormented soul, representing a departure from his usual “cool guy” roles. Papillon is a thrilling film that also gives combined hope and courage, making for very compelling entertainment.
 
ABOUT THE FILM
“One of the greatest behind-bars movies ever.”
- Clark Collis, Empire Magazine

They called him “Papillon,” meaning butterfly. If only he had wings to go with the name. Unable to fly, Henri Charriére virtually willed himself free. He persisted until he did the impossible: escape Devil’s Island. Shot in Spain and Jamaica, Schaffner’s film version of Papillon united two stars at key career junctures. After a decade of fine work in The Great Escape, The Sand Pebbles and Bullitt, Steve McQueen found in Charriére another ideal tough-guy role. Coming off The Graduate, Midnight Cowboyand Little Big Man, Dustin Hoffman again distinguished himself as Dega, Charriére’s scruffy friend.
 
Special Features:

• Vintage Featurette: The Magnificent Rebel.

Note: All enhanced content is subject to change.
 
Papillon (1973) Blu-ray Disc™
MPAA Rating: PG
Runtime: 151 minutes
Language: English
Street Date: May 24, 2011
Order Due Date: April 19, 2011
Cat/UPC: 1000181476 / 883929172764
$34.99 SRP