Argent Films launches its new HD Collection of Cinema Classics with the first ever UK Blu-ray release of one of the most acclaimed films of all time. Presented uncut and digitally remastered in HD from the original 35mm print, this release of “The Battle Of Algiers” also commemorates the 50th anniversary of Algerian independence.

Oscar nominated director Gillo Pontecorvo (Queimada), veteran French actor Jean Martin (The Day Of The Jackal), impressive non-professional actor Brahim Haggiag and real-life senior FLN leader (and co-producer of the film) Saadi Yacef.

Set during the 1954 to 1962 Franco-Algerian conflict, the film effectively and authentically recreates the pivotal political events that took place in the city of Algiers between 1954 and 1957.
In an attempt to end French colonialism, which had been in place since 1830, in 1954 the Algerian National Liberation Front (FLN) began a war of liberation, using terrorism to highlight the plight of the Algerian people to the rest of the world. In response to the escalating terrorist violence in the city of Algiers, the French government sent in an armed force of paratroopers to crush the uprising. Authorised to use whatever force and methods were believed to be necessary in bringing an end to the revolution, the actions of the French military led to a regrettable catalogue of atrocities being committed by those on both sides of the conflict.

The deserved winner of numerous awards, including a BAFTA UN Award and both the Golden Lion and the FIPRESCI Award at the 1966 Venice Film Festival, the film is a regular fixture in critics’ and filmmakers’ “Greatest Movies of All Time” lists and was also nominated for three Oscars, including Best Director and Best Foreign Language Film. An extremely powerful, deeply moving and often shocking cinematic experience, it’s an astonishing film that presents a poignant and admirably unbiased view of a tragic period in modern history. As powerful today as it was on its original release, it is, perhaps, even more relevant in today’s global political climate than ever before and makes for essential viewing.

In addition to providing the highest quality and most definitive version of the film we’ve ever seen, this new Blu-ray release comes with an awesome collection of Extras and Special Features including interviews with the protagonists themselves – Gillo Pontecorvo, Saadi Yacef and Zohra Drif Bitat – and appreciations in the form of an exclusive presentation by director Paul Greengrass (Green Zone; The Bourne Ultimatum; United 93) and an exclusive presentation by and interview with director Ken Loach (The Angels’ Share; Route Irish; Looking For Eric; The Wind That Shakes The Barley).

“Scrupulously even-handed. French troops torture, Arab guerrillas bomb cafes, but neither side is painted as bad guys or heroes – just human.” (5 STARS) – UNCUT

“How to win battle against terrorism and lose the war of ideas. Children shoot soldiers at point
blank range. Women plant bombs in cafes. Sounds familiar?” – Text from Pentagon Special Ops
flyer for in-house screening of The Battle Of Algiers.

“One of the ten greatest films of all time.” – SIGHT AND SOUND FILMMAKERS’ POLL

“Just stunning, groundbreaking… it’s a brilliant piece of filmmaking, a really gripping piece of
cinema.” – KEN LOACH

“An absolute cinematic masterpiece… it’s the film that’s influenced me more than any other.” –
PAUL GREENGRASS

“Electrifying. A masterpiece of world cinema.” (5 STARS) – EMPIRE

“The most important piece of political filmmaking since ‘Battleship Potemkin’.” (5 STARS) –
EMPIRE

“A masterpiece of political cinema… superb and unrivalled.” (5 STARS) – TIME OUT

“Brilliantly directed set-pieces and remarkable crowd scenes make the film a masterpiece; the
ominous familiarity of it subject makes it a must-see.” – THE TIMES

“A most extraordinary film.” – NEW YORK TIMES
“Legendary… riveting… a great movie.” – NEW YORK TIMES

“Breathtaking… stunningly provocative… electrifyingly timely. It’s anatomy of terror remains
unsurpassed.” – NEW YORK MAGAZINE.

“A masterpiece! Surely the most harrowing political epic ever.” – THE NEW YORKER

“A modern masterpiece, among the most influential films ever made.” – THE NATIONAL

“Never equalled… it has never been so relevant either.” – EVENING STANDARD

“Brilliant. Unforgettable.” – CHICAGO TRIBUNE

“An extraordinary film. A taut and suspenseful thriller.” – CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR

Interview with the director Gillo Pontecorvo; Interview with Saadi Yacef, Interview with Zohra Drif Bitat; exclusive presentation by director Paul Greengrass; exclusive presentation by and interview with director Ken Loach; Trailers; On-set & Venice Festival win; photo galleries, Booklet by author-scholar David Forgacs, Professor at NYU,
on how and why the film came about and how it was shaped by the award winning Italian filmmakers and its ex-FLN producer, whose memoir the film is based on.