Jiri Trnka: Puppet Master Limited Edition Blu-ray

British label Second Run will release on Blu-ray Jiri Trnka: Puppet Master. The two-disc set is scheduled to arrive on the market on July 27.

Description: Czech artist Jiri Trnka (1912–1969) is the internationally revered master of puppet animation, often dubbed 'the European Walt Disney'. Painter, illustrator, designer, and author of fantastic tales, Trnka came from a family of toymakers and the era of marionette theatre, and in his films created magical worlds with his sets, costumes and puppets. Often borrowing from Czechoslovak folklore while inventing novel techniques in stop-motion cinematography, many of his films use allegory to produce political satire, often evoking the ire of State censors.

This set brings together two of Trnka's most beloved and intricate works - his breathtaking collection of Bohemian myths Old Czech Legends (1953) and his hymn to the Czech land, history, and people, The Czech Year (1947). These epic animation spectacles combine elaborate camera work, design, and puppetry with magical storytelling and casts of delightfully fanciful creations.

Special Features and Technical Specs:

• TWO-DISC SET
• 4K RESTORATIONS OF: Old Czech Legends (Stare povesti ceske, 1953) and The Czech Year (Spalicek, 1947), completed on behalf of the Czech National Film Archive.
• Michael Brooke on Jiri Trnka and Czech animation: A new and expansive video essay.
• Introductions to both films.
• The Puppets of Jiri Trnka documentary.
• Archival Czech newsreels on Trnka.
• The Hand (Ruka, 1965): Trnka's renowned animated short film.
• Badly Painted Hen (Spatne namalovana slepice, 1963): the acclaimed animated short film by co-writer of Old Czech Legends and regular Trnka collaborator, Jirí Brdecka.
• Trailers.
• Booklet with writing by experts on Czechoslovak cinema Peter Hames and Jonathan Owen.
• New and improved English subtitle translations.
• REGION-FREE