"Actor: alberto sordi"

• Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines | DVD | (17/04/2019) from £18.90   |  Saving you £-5.91 (N/A%)   |  RRP £12.99

  ...or how I flew from London to Paris in 25 hours 11 minutes! This extraordinary comic version of the historic 1910 London-to-Paris air race features the greatest aviators from around the world. They all come together when a stuffy but very rich newspaper publisher decides to sponsor an airplane race across the English Channel offering 10 000 pounds to the winner.... The escapades between the American British French German Italian and Japanese teams result in the most daring and hilarious in-flight acrobatic stunts ever caught on film!

• Commedia all'italiana: Three Films by Dino Risi | Blu Ray | (21/08/2023) from £33.45   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Comedy ruled the box office in Italy from the late 1950s to the 1970s where the commedia all'italiana also found critical success. Great talent behind and in front of the camera delivered a series of brilliant films that gave an incredible spin on familiar genres with comedic overtones that often held a dark and biting critique of social mores that would provoke a challenge to a society in need of change. Feted at local awards ceremonies and European festivals as well as garnering attention from the Academy Awards this prestige would propel the films and filmmakers to international stardom but many would go unreleased in the UK for home viewing. At last, this ongoing series shines a light on this misunderstood filmmaking style with the first collection focusing on three films by master director Dino Risi, presented from new restorations and featuring a suite of contextualising extras. From a prestigious lineage in the ancient art of satirical theatre in commedia dell'arte, the Italian-style comedy distinguished itself in the late 1950s from the earlier broad comedies popularised by the likes of Toto and Vittorio De Sica with a ruthless approach to social satire focused on cynicism and the grotesque. An early example of the switch in tone can be found in Dino Risi's Il vedovo, in which Italy's preeminent comedy actor Alberto Sordi plays a philandering husband of a wealthy and successful woman who simply tolerates her husband's ineptitude. Until he sees a potential plan for her death, which would result in a great inheritance for him. One of the greatest Italian actors of all time, Vittorio Gassman (Bitter Rice) known as Il Mattatore 'The Showman' earns his name from this film and his wonderful performance as an actor with the uncanny ability to mimic regional accents, allowing him to pull off a series of scams. Ingeniously plotted by screenwriters Ettore Scola and Ruggero Maccari who were behind some of the greatest films in the commedia all'italiana including Il Sorpasso and Ugly, Dirty and Bad. Alternately known as Love & Larceny, Dino Risi (Anima Persa) directs this classic comedy which was nominated for the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and makes its English-subtitled Blu-ray debut. A career highlight for director Dino Risi and his star Vittorio Gasman, Il sorpasso isn't just one of the heights of commedia all'italiana but of all Italian cinema. Jean-Louis Trintignant (The Conformist) plays Roberto, a shy law student who meets Bruno (Gassman), a larger-than-life Roman playboy who convinces Roberto to join him on a road trip from Rome to the Tuscan countryside. Their travels teach them about each other and themselves, oscillating between comedy and tragedy with powerful and affecting commentary on the easy life. Long admired in Italy, the film has influenced comedic filmmakers including Alexander Payne (Sideways) and Aziz Ansari (Master of None). Radiance Films is proud to present this seminal film in the UK for the first time from a new 4K restoration. Product Features 2016 4K restoration of Il Sorpasso carried out by L'Immagine Ritrovata at the Cineteca di Bologna, presented in High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) for the first time in the UK High-Definition digital transfers of Il Mattatore and Il Vedovo, presented in world premieres on Blu-ray Original uncompressed Italian mono PCM audio Newly translated optional English subtitles Newly designed artwork based on original posters Limited Edition 80-page perfect bound booklet featuring new writing by scholars and critics including Robert Gordon on the commedia all'italiana boom, Gino Moliterno on Il vedovo; Pasquale Iannone on Age and Scarpelli and the key screenwriters of the commedia all'italiana movement, Christina Newland on Italian machismo and Il sorpasso; a newly translated interview with Dino Risi by Lorenzo Codelli; and extracts of writing by Risi Limited Edition of 3,000 copies, presented in a rigid box with full-height scanavo cases for each film and removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings IL SORPASSO [THE EASY LIFE] Appreciation of the film by Italian cinema expert Richard Dyer Archival interview with Dino Risi by critic Jean Gili (2004) Jean-Louis Trintignant on Il Sorpasso - an introduction by the actor for a French TV broadcast of the film (1983, 8 mins) L'estate di Bruno Cortona - Castiglioncello nell'anno del Sorpasso (Gloria De Antoni, 2012) - an extract from the documentary made for the 50th anniversary of Il Sorpasso featuring the cast and crew On a Trintignant Kick - An audio essay and tribute to Jean-Louis Trintignant by critic and author Tim Lucas, looking at his life and work in the 1960s (2023, 58 mins) Trailer IL MATTATORE [THE SHOWMAN] Interview with Andrea Bini, author of Male Anxiety and Psychopathology in Film: Comedy Italian Style Speaking with Gassman - documentary on the working relationship between Vittorio Gassman and Dino Risi, by Risi's son Marco (2005) Love & Larceny - Michel Hazanavicius on Il Mattatore, an appreciation of the film and Vittorio Gassman by the director of The Artist Trailer IL VEDOVO [THE WIDOWER] Neorealismo rosa - a visual essay by Italian cinema professor and author of Comedy Italian Style Remi Fournier Lanzoni on the softening of neo-realism which laid the groundwork for the emergence of commedia all'italiana Alberto Sordi - a visual essay by critic Kat Ellinger about the great Italian actor Trailer Extras subject to change.

• The White Sheik | Blu Ray | (06/04/2020) from £12.98   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  The 1952 directorial debut of Italian legend Federico Fellini featuring his future wife, Giulietta Masina. The White Sheik tells the story of a newlywed couple's honeymoon that turns into disaster when the virginal bride runs away in search of the eponymous hero, a soap-opera actor who fulfils her naïve romantic ideals. A light hearted, timeless comedy, and satire on glamour and illusion, The White Sheik is one of Fellini's most accessible films, yet contains hints of the surrealist elements he was to develop in his later work. Extras: Fellini's The White Sheik and Other Stories - 16 minute featurette compiled of Interviews with Fellini experts Peter Bondanella and Charlotte Chandler discussing The White Sheik and other Fellini classics Fellini's Collection at The Lilly Library - A 5 minute featurette showcasing artefacts from the Fellini collection at The Lilly Library, including scripts and sketches.

• I Vitelloni (Blu Ray) | Blu Ray | (27/08/2018) from £14.49   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Fellini's take on youth which directly influenced films like Mean Streets, American Graffiti, Diner and other coming of age movies. Leonard Maltin rates it as Fellini's absolute masterpiece, yet it has been rarely revived perhaps overshadowed by his epoch-making, harbinger of a generation lifestyle, his DOLCE VITA! When discovering Fellini's I VITELLONI ('young bucks'), fans will instead recognise the director's influence on many later films adopting its bunch-of-guys-hanging-out format. Close to their 30s, the film's, mostly unemployed, long-time pals are too old to be kids but still uncertain about settling down in their Italian seaside town I VITELLONI is also terribly funny!.. and even if rooted in Italian neo-realism, Fellini is already announcing his fantastical, carnivalesque cinema of weirdness.. The Felliniesque Cinema. Extras: TBA: will include new Extras on Fellini's cinema

• Studio Classic: Classic War Movies | DVD | (10/10/2005) from £28.33   |  Saving you £6.66 (19.00%)   |  RRP £34.99

  The Longest Day (Dir. Ken Annakin and Andrew Marton 1962): On June 6 1944 the Allied Invasion of France marked the beginning of the end of Nazi domination over Europe. The attack involved 3 000 000 men 11 000 planes and 4 000 ships comprising the largest armada the world has ever seen. Presented in the original black & white version The Longest Day is a vivid hour-by-hour re-creation of this historic event. Featuring a stellar international cast and told from the perspectives of both sides it is a fascinating look at the massive preparations mistakes and random events that determined the outcome of one of the biggest battles in history. Sink The Bismarck! (Dir. Lewis Gilbert 1960): In the Spring of 1941 Nazi Germany's greatest battleship - the Bismarck scourge of Atlantic shipping - is pinned down at her anchorage in Norway. Making a break for freedom and the safety of air cover from the Luftwaffe the great ship is chased by the Royal Navy. Eventually after heavy casualties including the loss of HMS Hood the Bismarck is finally trapped and sunk. Kenneth More stars as Captain Shepherd - the Admiralty's Director of Naval Operations - who embittered by the death of his wife in an air raid is assigned to this post just as the Bismarck makes its escape. The Desert Rats (Dir. Robert Wise 1953): Richard Burton stars in this exciting film about the courageous men who held off notorious German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel despite being hopelessly outnumbered. The year is 1941 and all that stands between Rommel and the Suez Canal is the fortress of Tobruk which is manned only by a small Australian battalion whom Captain MacRoberts (Burton) must whip into shape - fast! James Mason co-stars in a stunning portrayal as Rommel in this stirring action-packed story of the World War II heroes known as the Desert Rats. Twelve O'Clock High (Dir. Henry King 1949): Convinced an Air Force Commander is at breaking point Brigadier General Savage (Gregory Peck) takes over his struggling bomber group. At first resentful and rebellious the flyers gradually change as Savage guides them to amazing feats. But the stress of command soon takes its toll and the weary general reaches his own breaking point. Authentic aerial battle footage and numerous acclaimed performances make Twelve O'Clock High a credible stirring tale of courage and sacrifice. A Farewell To Arms (Dir. Charles Vidor 1957): This dense adaption of Ernest Hemingway's novel features Rock Hudson as American soldier Lt. Henry and his ill-fated love affair with British Nurse Catherine portrayed by Jennifer Jones during World War I. The two lovers will stop at nothing to be together but Lt. Henry's internal struggles ultimately threaten the relationship. Hemingway's theme of questioning the nature of war and fighting is fully recognised under Charles Vidor's direction.

• I Vitelloni | DVD | (03/12/2012) from £24.93   |  Saving you £-4.94 (-24.70%)   |  RRP £19.99

  Five young men linger in post-adolescent limbo dreaming of adventure and escape from their small seacoast town. They while away their time spending the lira doled out by their indulgent families on drink women and nights at the local pool hall. Federico Fellini's second solo directorial effort is a semi-autobiographical masterpiece of sharply drawn character sketches. An international success and recipient of an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay I Vitelloni comp

• The White Sheik | DVD | (30/04/2007) from £8.76   |  Saving you £9.23 (105.37%)   |  RRP £17.99

  Ivan Cavalli (Leopoldo Trieste) brings his new wife Wanda (Brunella Bovo) to Rome on the least romantic honeymoon in history - a rigid schedule of family meetings and audiences with the Pope. But Wanda dreaming of the dashing hero of a photo-strip cartoon drifts off in search of the White Sheik (Alberto Sordi) thus setting off a slapstick comedy worthy of Chaplin. The themes and style that would make Federico Fellini world famous can be found in this charming comedy. Fellini's first solo directorial effort also features such long-time collaborators as his wife the actress Giulietta Masina and composer Nina Rota.

• A Farewell To Arms | DVD | (09/05/2005) from £9.43   |  Saving you £3.56 (37.75%)   |  RRP £12.99

  This dense adaption of Ernest Hemingway's novel features Rock Hudson as American soldier Lt. Henry and his ill-fated love affair with British Nurse Catherine portrayed by Jennifer Jones during World War I. The two lovers will stop at nothing to be together but Lt. Henry's internal struggles ultimately threaten the relationship. Hemingway's theme of questioning the nature of war and fighting is fully recognised under Charles Vidor's direction.

• Boom | DVD | (23/04/2012) from £14.29   |  Saving you £1.70 (11.90%)   |  RRP £15.99

  A comedy about a man in debt who conspires to sell one of his eyes to cover his loses and remain a success in the eyes of his wife.

• I Vitelloni | DVD | (06/08/2018) from £15.65   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  Fellini's take on youth which directly influenced films like Mean Streets, American Graffiti, Diner and other coming of age movies. Leonard Maltin rates it as Fellini's absolute masterpiece, yet it has been rarely revived perhaps overshadowed by his epoch-making, harbinger of a generation lifestyle, his DOLCE VITA! When discovering Fellini's I VITELLONI ('young bucks'), fans will instead recognise the director's influence on many later films adopting its bunch-of-guys-hanging-out format. Close to their 30s, the film's, mostly unemployed, long-time pals are too old to be kids but still uncertain about settling down in their Italian seaside town I VITELLONI is also terribly funny!.. and even if rooted in Italian neo-realism, Fellini is already announcing his fantastical, carnivalesque cinema of weirdness.. The Felliniesque Cinema. Features: TBA: will include new Extras on Fellini's cinema

• The White Sheik | DVD | (06/04/2020) from £6.69   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £N/A

  The 1952 directorial debut of Italian legend Federico Fellini featuring his future wife, Giulietta Masina. The White Sheik tells the story of a newlywed couple's honeymoon that turns into disaster when the virginal bride runs away in search of the eponymous hero, a soap-opera actor who fulfils her naïve romantic ideals. A light hearted, timeless comedy, and satire on glamour and illusion, The White Sheik is one of Fellini's most accessible films, yet contains hints of the surrealist elements he was to develop in his later work.