The Animals Film

This world renowned, explosive feature-documentary, which first shocked British cinema and television audiences in 1982, has been digitally remastered by the BFI, and is now available uncut on DVD.

The release offers both the original, rarely seen, 1982 version of the film, plus the 2008 directors’ cut, featuring a new and energising conclusion. Controversial, confrontational and riveting, this unique work received worldwide critical acclaim for its filmic power, questioning how and why modern societies exploit animals for food, fur, sport, entertainment and science. It showed scenes that had never been filmed before and footage uncovered through dogged research. In the UK it was broadcast on Channel 4 during its first week on air in November 1982 and caused uproar, and thereafter was shown in cinemas and on TV around the world.

The film is noteworthy for its groundbreaking ironic style, integrating diverse ‘found footage’ including cartoons, newsreels, advertisements, and government propaganda films, mingled with vox pops and rock music. The BFI DVD includes volatile material which was censored on Channel 4 – filmed sequences of animal liberation raids and clandestine interviews with the campaigners involved.

Narrated by Julie Christie, with music by David Byrne/Talking Heads and a compelling score composed and performed by Robert Wyatt, the film inspired a generation of vegetarians, and remains an acutely resonant work for today.

• Directors’ 2008 cut of the film.
• New filmed interview with Victor Schonfeld.
• Audio statement by Julie Christie.
• Original trailer.
• Illustrated 32-page booklet with contributions from the director, essays, reviews
• and a biography.
• Dolby Digital mono audio (320 kbps).