Fantomas Returns Trilogy Blu-ray Unleashed Scotland Yard Eureka André Hunebelle

The legendary Fantomas trilogy gets the Masters of Cinema treatment!

Introducing Eureka's Limited Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray (Region B) release for Fantomas Returns!, which includes 1964's Fantomas, 1965's Fantomas Unleashed and 1967's Fantomas vs Scotland Yard.

Created by crime writers Marcel Allain and Pierre Souvestre, the criminal mastermind Fantomas 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 Fantomas trilogy. Released between 1964 and 1967, 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, Fantomas 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 (Louis de Funès), bumbling commissaire of the Parisian police.

In Fantomas 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, Fantomas vs Scotland Yard transports Fandor and Juve to an old dark house when Fantomas decides to tax the rich – beginning with the wealthy owner of a Scottish castle, Lord McRashley (Jean-Roger Caussimon).

Drawing on a huge range of influences, from The Pink Panther and James Bond to Silver Age superheroes and Dr Mabuse, Hunebelle’s Fantomas 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. The Masters of Cinema series is proud to present the Fantomas trilogy on Blu-ray for the first time on home video in the UK.

IMPORTANT NOTE: An all-region Blu-ray player is required to view this movie. Standard U.S. Blu-ray players will NOT read Region B discs. If you're looking for a reliable all-region player, we've got you covered!

Limited Edition Features:

• Limited Edition Hardbound Set [2000 copies]
• Limited edition hardcase with package design by Nick Wrigley
• Limited edition 60-page book featuring new writing on the Fantomas trilogy by film writer and programmer Ryan Finnigan, spy cinema expert Llewella Chapman and Krimi! magazine co-editors Boris Brosowski and Holger Haase 

Features:

• 1080p HD presentations of all three films from restorations by Gaumont Film Company
• Original French mono audio tracks
• Optional English subtitles, newly revised for this release
• Audio commentary on Fantomas with genre film expert and Video Watchdog founder Tim Lucas
• New audio commentary on Fantomas Unleashed with film historian and author David Kalat
• New audio commentary on Fantomas vs Scotland Yard with film historian and author David Kalat
• International Supercrooks – new interview with Leon Hunt on Fantomas and his connection to other European supervillains in the 1960s
• Juve and De Funès – new interview with French cinema expert Mary Harrod on Louis de Funès, French comedy and the Fantomas trilogy
• Fantomas vs Fantomas – new video essay on the evolution of Fantomas in cinema by Radio Times editor Calum Bake
• Original theatrical trailers 

Technical Specs:

• Country: France
• Language: French
• Year: 1964-1967
• Runtime: 304
• Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
• Subtitles: Optional English subtitles
• 2 Discs