The Saga Of Anatahan (Region B)

Josef von Sternberg the innovative director with a unmatched eye for detail and a reputation for his intensity brings to life this vulnerable tale of human trauma, survival and redemption.

Set during the dying stages of World War II, Anatahan tells the story of twelve Japanese seaman stranded on a forgotten island for seven years. Accompanied only by Keiko (Akemi Negishi), a young Japanese woman, all rationality and discipline are soon overcome by a struggle for power and control over Keikos affections.

Narrated by Sternberg himself, the director positions himself as the storys unconscious viewpoint amidst his other trademark qualities: lush mise-en-scene, theatrical lighting and bleak yet poignant storytelling. The Masters of Cinema series is proud to present the film on Blu-Ray for the first time in the UK in a special Dual Format edition.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• 1080p presentation from a new 2K restoration of the uncensored 1958 version of the film
• Uncompressed PCM soundtrack (On the Blu-ray)
• Optional English subtitles
• The complete 1953 version of the film (Blu-ray only)
• A new interview with Asian film expert Tony Rayns
• Whose Saga? – A visual essay by critic Tag Gallagher
• Saga: The Making of Anatahan – An interview with Nicolas von Sternberg
• U.S. Navy footage of the actual survivors of Anatahan, immediately after their surrender
• Unused footage originally filmed specially for the 1958 version of the film
• Original theatrical trailer
• PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by Philip Kemp, alongside rare archival imagery