“A masterpiece of dark invention” Film4

“Extraordinary” Time Out

★★★★★ Empire

From the creators of the surreal cult classic Delicatessen (1991), Caro and Jeunet’s hugely acclaimed 1995 follow-up THE CITY OF LOST CHILDREN is equally weird and wonderful. A dazzling fantasy adventure starring Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy, Drive), with stunning visuals from Darius Khondji (Se7en), costumes by Jean-Paul Gaultier and a haunting score by David Lynch collaborator Angelo Badalamenti, the film cemented Jeunet and Caro’s reputation as film-makers with a unique vision and prompted Radio Times to write: “For those who thought films could do nothing new, prepare to be surprised.”

THE CITY OF LOST CHILDREN is the story of Krank, a tormented scientist who sets about kidnapping local children in order to steal their dreams and so reverse his accelerated ageing process. When local fisherman and former circus strongman One (Ron Perlman) has his brother kidnapped by Krank’s henchmen, he sets out on a journey to Krank’s nightmarish laboratory, accompanied by a little orphan girl called Miette.

Co-directors Caro and Jeunet’s Delicatessen wowed audiences and critics on its release in 1991, prompting comparisons to Terry Gilliam, David Lynch, and the Coens. Director Jeunet went on to make box office hit Alien: Resurrection (1997) and the sensational Amelie (2001), starring Audrey Tautou, nominated for five OSCARs, winner of two BAFTAs and winner of four French CESARs.

Prolific actor Ron Perlman has starred in over 200 films and TV shows, including Drive, Hellboy and Conan, and is world famous for his role as Clay in hit series Sons of Anarchy.

Jean Rabasse won the CESAR in 1996 for BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN for his work on this film.

Cinematographer Darius Khondji has since worked for David Fincher, Roman Polanski, Danny Boyle, Woody Allen and Michael Haneke, and was nominated for an OSCAR for BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY for Evita in 1997.

Legendary French fashion icon Jean-Paul Gaultier designed the extraordinary costumes for the film. He followed this up with costume design for The Fifth Element.

EXTRAS:
‘Making of’ featurette / Interview with Jean-Pierre Jeunet / Audio commentary by Jean-Pierre Jeunet / Interview with Jean-Paul Gaultier / Original trailer and teaser trailers

BLU-RAY TECH SPECS:
Feature Running Time: 112 mins approx. / Feature Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 / Region B / Stereo 2.0 / 5.1 DTS HD Master Audio / French, English / Colour HD Standard 1080p / English subtitles / 15 Certificate

DVD TECH SPECS:
Feature Running Time: 108 mins approx. / Feature Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 / Region 2 / Dolby Digital 5.1 / French, English / Colour PAL / English subtitles / 15 Certificate

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©1995 STUDIOCANAL FILMS LTD