Finis Terrae (Limited Edition) w/SLIP

Finis Terrae is one of Jean Epstein’s finest achievements, particularly in its early and deeply effective use of slow motion cinematography.

One of the most important filmmakers France has ever produced,Jean Epsteinwas a film theorist, critic and a leading figure in the French Impressionist movement. Perhaps best known today for directing the first adaptation ofThe Fall of the House of Usherfrom a screenplay co-written withLuis Buuel, Epstein produced several masterpieces during the silent period, includingFaithful Heart (Coeur fidle), The Three-Sided Mirror (La glace trois faces)andFinis Terrae, the story of a group of fishermen stranded off the cost of Brittany.

Four fishermen set out on a three-month expedition to the islet, Bannec. They intend to harvest seaweed, which will fetch high prices if burned and processed properly – but cabin fever soon sets in. After two of the men brawl over a broken bottle of wine, one of them cuts his thumb on a piece of glass, while the other comes to suspect that his knife has been stolen with malicious intent. As the situation escalates, conditions at sea make it impossible for the men to leave Bannec or for help from the mainland to reach them.

An atmospheric maritime tale and a forerunner to such films asRobert Eggers‘The Lighthouseand Mark Jenkin’sBait,Finis Terraeis one of Jean Epstein’s finest achievements and an aesthetic triumph, particularly in its early and deeply effective use of slow-motion cinematography. The Masters of Cinema series is honored to present ‘Finis Terrae’ from an astounding 4K restoration by Gaumont Film Company.

Bonus Materials

• Limited Edition of 2,000 copies
• Limited edition O-card slipcase featuring new artwork by John Dunn
• Limited edition collectors booklet featuring a new essay on Finis Terrae by Jean Epstein expert Christophe Wall-Romana and archival writing by the director
• Finis Terrae presented in 1080p HD from a 4K restoration by Gaumont Film Company
• Optional English subtitles
• Impressions on Jean Epstein new interview with film historian and critic Pamela Hutchinson on the life and work of the director
• Stranded new video essay on Finis Terrae
• The Bottom of the Wave an archival appreciation of Finis Terrae by Joel Daire
• * All extras subject to change