“Jasný is the spiritual father of the Czech New Wave” Miloš Forman
These two films by Vojtěch Jasný, one of Czechoslovak cinema's most renowned and influential film artists, tell deceptively simple tales of rural life.
Desire (Touha, 1958), a lyrical film poem beautifully shot across four seasons, represents the eternal cycle of human life from birth to death. A key film in the evolution of Czechoslovak cinema, Second Run present Desire for the first time anywhere on Blu-ray.
All My Good Countrymen (Všichni dobří rodáci, 1968) made a decade later, weaves together the stories of a group of friends whose lives reflect the seismic political changes in post-war Czechoslovakia.
One of the wonders of the Czech New Wave, this autobiographical masterpiece, made with deep affection for corruptible, flawed humanity, is a potent reminder of the lives, friendships and idealism lost under totalitarian rule.
Presented from a glorious new 4K restoration, All My Good Countrymen makes its world premiere on Blu-ray.
Extras
Two-disc Blu-ray Special Edition.
All My Good Countrymen presented from an HD transfer of the new 4K restoration by the Czech National Film Archive.
Desire presented from a new HD transfer by the Czech National Film Archive.
Vojtěch Jasný introduces All My Good Countrymen (2015).
It's Not Always Cloudy (Není stále zamračeno, 1949): Jasný’s rediscovered feature- length semi-documentary graduation film, co-directed by Karel Kachyňa.
Bohemian Rhapsody (Česká rapsodie, 1969): Jasný’s acclaimed short film.
Interview with Vojtěch Jasný (1988): an archival interview with the celebrated filmmaker made for the Channel 4 television series The Other Europe.
An interview with actress Drahomíra Hofmanová (2015).
Peter Hames on Vojtěch Jasný (2015).
A Projection Booth audio commentary on All My Good Countrymen with Mike White, Spencer Parsons and Chris Stachiw.
Booklet featuring an expansive essay on Jasný by author Peter Hames.
