Fantomas Returns! Limited Edition Blu-ray
'Fantômas Returns!: The Fantômas Trilogy' Director: André Hunebelle (1964-67) Eureka Masters of Cinema Limited Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray | HD restorations | French w/ English subtitles
The criminal mastermind Fantômas is best known outside of France as the antagonist of the silent serial that bears his name, directed by early cinematic pioneer Louis Feuillade. Within France, though, he is most famously associated with André Hunebelle’s beloved Fantômas trilogy. Hunebelle’s films revived the character with a comedic twist in the era of four-colour comic books, Bondmania and a boom in French popular cinema.
In the first film of the trilogy, Fantômas seeks revenge on Jérôme Fandor (both played by Jean Marais in dual roles) after the journalist publishes an unflattering article about him. The master of disguise begins by framing Fandor for a series of crimes before moving on to impersonate Juve, bumbling commissaire of the Parisian police. In Fantômas Unleashed, the villain kidnaps scientists to work on a new super weapon, leading Fandor and Juve on a trip to Rome in an attempt to thwart his plans. Finally, Fantômas vs Scotland Yard transports Fandor and Juve to an old dark house when Fantômas decides to tax the rich – beginning with the wealthy owner of a Scottish castle.
Drawing on a huge range of influences, from The Pink Panther and James Bond to Silver Age superheroes and Dr Mabuse, Hunebelle’s Fantômas films are colourful adventures featuring breathtaking stuntwork, sweeping scores by Michel Magne and standout performances by comedian Louis de Funès, one of the most beloved figures in the history of French cinema.
Limited Edition contents:
- Hardcase set of 2000 copies
- 60-page book featuring new writing on the Fantômas trilogy by film writer and programmer Ryan Finnigan, spy cinema expert Llewella Chapman and Krimi! magazine co-editors Boris Brosowski and Holger Haase
Special features include:
- Audio commentary on Fantômas with genre film expert and Video Watchdog founder Tim Lucas
- New audio commentary on Fantômas Unleashed with film historian and author David Kalat
- New audio commentary on Fantômas vs Scotland Yard with film historian and author David Kalat
- Interview with Leon Hunt on Fantômas and his connection to other European supervillains in the 1960s
- Interview with French cinema expert Mary Harrod on Louis de Funès, French comedy and the Fantômas trilogy
- Video essay on the evolution of Fantômas in cinema by Radio Times editor Calum Bake
