The Leopard

A film by Luchino Visconti

Against a dramatic nineteenth century backdrop of radical Italian Nationalism Luchino Visconti's masterful epic, The Leopard, follows the Sicilian Prince of Salina and his family as they adjust to the social turbulence of revolutionary times. Adapted from Tomasi di Lampedusa's esteemed novel of the same name this is a tragicomic depiction of class eclipsed by history.

Burt Lancaster's formidable portrayal of the Prince is deftly supported by charged performances from the outstanding Alain Delon and incomparable Claudia Cardinale.

Visconti's sumptuous evocation of an era with beautiful photography, design, costumes and Nino Rota's rousing score glitters with set pieces, culminating in the acclaimed ballroom sequence as the film moves gracefully to its meditative climax.

Presented complete and uncut in its original widescreen aspect ratio, this stunning High Definition transfer from the original 70mm negatives was overseen by the film's director of photography, Giuseppe Rotunno, and features fully restored picture and sound.

Extra Features:

• Full-feature commentary by Italian film scholars David Forgacs and Rossana Capitano

• Interview with Claudia Cardinale

• Italian trailer

• Illustrated colour booklet containing a newly commissioned sleevenote essay by David Forgacs, an extract from Antonello Trombadori's 1963 interview with Visconti on The Leopard as well as the director's reaction to the U.S release and more.

• PCM mono audio (48k/16bit)