Pharaoh Blu-ray

'Pharaoh' Director: Jerzy Kawalerowicz (1966) Second Run Blu-ray | 2K restoration | Region Free | Polish w/ English subtitles

This epic adaptation of Bolesław Prus' renowned novel revolves around a lethal power struggle in ancient Egypt. As the youthful Ramses XIII ascends the throne, he clashes with powerful priests who seek to undermine his ambition to become the greatest Pharaoh in history.

Resplendent with huge battle scenes, towering sets, stunningly choreographed sequences and spectacular design and cinematography, Pharaoh authentically evokes a world characterised by rigid hierarchy, mysterious ritual and often brutal conflict. This mesmerising film is anchored in ideas as well as spectacle – exposing a society distorted by fear, betrayal and hypocrisy.

Special features include:
- Faraon - Afterword: an expansive and in-depth discussion of the film by critic, curator and scholar Michał Oleszczyk
- Kawalerowicz in the Desert: a 1964 newsreel excerpt on the making of Pharaoh, shot on location in Uzbekistan
- 24-page booklet with new writing on Pharaoh by film historian and producer Michael Brooke