### Article Summary:
– ***”Watership Down”***, a beloved British animated film about journeying rabbits, is making a big screen comeback this autumn for the first time in almost 50 years.
– Distributed by BFI (British Film Institute), the movie is expected to dazzle audiences with its classic animation.
– In addition to the cinema release, the BFI also plans to roll out an Ultra High Definition home entertainment release.
### Hot Take:
It’s Raining Rabbits, Hallelujah!
Watership Down Returns With an Autumn Extravaganza
Classic Animation at Its Finest, Now in 4K – Imagine The Carrots!
First they had us believing rabbits could drive – thank Wallace and Gromit, now they anticipate us to be floored with their endeavours for a utopia. If that’s not an excellent metaphor for 2020, I don’t know what is. Ladies and gentlemen, get your carrot popcorn ready because our favorite little hoppers are making the leap back to the big screen, and they’re more high def than ever – if I were a predator I’d be terrified.
In a world where reboots are as common as a groundhog seeing its shadow, it’s refreshing to see a genuinely exciting re-release. Instead of reimagining the characters into an awkward 3D version, the BFI is sticking to the original, timeless animation style – a relief for purists peeved by plastered bunny redux.
We eagerly await the return of this British animated classic – but let’s just say we won’t hold our breath for an age-restricted, violent rabbit epic. Unless, of course, Peter Rabbit has a John Wick-style redemption arc – now that’s a movie I’d pay for. So hold onto your hats, animation lovers. Watership Down is back, and it’s fluffier than ever.
Scene from the 1978 classic Watership Down. Images courtesy of LAD Bible.
The quintessential British animation masterpiece, WATERSHIP DOWN, returns to the silver screen this fall, nearly 50 years after its initial release, thanks to BFI Distribution. An Ultra High Definition and Blu-ray version will also be available for home viewing soon after.
The BFI and Silver Salt Restoration have revitalized this classic in 4K, showcasing the characters and colors like you’ve never seen before. WATERSHIP DOWN’s theatrical run in Ireland and the UK begins 25 October 2024, just in time for the half term holidays. Be the first to catch a glimpse at the BFI London Film Festival 2024 in the Treasures section, featuring newly restored premieres from around the globe.
Following the theatrical debut, BFI’s home entertainment release on 11 November 2024 will offer the film in Limited Edition Ultra High Definition (UHD) and Blu-ray. This package come with special bonuses like four postcards, a poster, and a collector’s book.
Snapshot from 1978’s Watership Down. Image courtesy of Zeke Film.
Richard Adams’ celebrated novel Watership Down was flawlessly adapted into an animated film by director Martin Rosen in 1978. The story follows a group of woodland rabbits threatened by a construction project. Fiver, the runt of the litter with visionary abilities, foresees an imminent threat and convinces a group to embark on a journey to the safety of Watership Down.
More than just an adventure, the film honestly portrays survival and conflict while maintaining its astounding beauty. The voice-over cast, boasting some of Britain’s brightest stars like John Hurt, Richard Briers, and Hannah Gordon, added depth and detail to the story, making it unforgettable.
The film was received warmly by audiences and critics alike. The song ‘Bright Eyes’, performed by Art Garfunkel and written by Mike Batt, was a massive hit, bagging the top spot on the UK Singles Chart for six weeks, becoming the best-selling single of 1979.
Preview frame from Watership Down. Sourced from McBastard’s Mausoleum.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a new viewer, this tale of courage and survival amidst adversity will captivate you. Enjoy this beloved British animation on either the big screen or at home, in stunning 2024 quality.
Be on the lookout for the highly anticipated new trailer coming later this year!
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/bfi-distribution-announces-re-release-of-classic-british-animation-watership-down/