It was the final work of one of film history's great directors. A controversial masterpiece that came to be hailed as one of the greatest works in the history of cinema, Max Ophuls' epic Lola Montès has now, after two years of painstaking restoration, been bought lovingly back to life. The newly restored version of Ophuls' tour de force, Lola Montes makes its World DVD premiere on 6th July 2009 courtesy of Second Sight Films.

Telling the tragic story of the life of the legendary 19th century cabaret dancer Lola Montes (Martine Carol – Around the World in 80 Days, Destinees), her life and numerous affairs and lovers (including Franz Liszt, King Ludwig I Of Bavaria) and her fall from grace, the film tells its tale through flashbacks from her present day life as a worthless circus dancer.

Not what critics were expecting upon its release in 1955, Lola Montès received polarising reviews, while many of cinemas greats – including Jean Cocteau, Robert Rossellini, Jacques Tati and Francois Truffaut - recognised it there and then as the great work it is.

Following a two-year process of restoration using the most cutting edge digital techniques the dazzling beauty and vibrant colour of Lola Montès was bought back to life and presented at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. It bought the house down at the screening, and garnered massive critical acclaim.

This new DVD release from Seciond Sight will also include the following extras:

• Lola Montes: Revisited – a documentary on the making of the film;
• Commentary by Susan White, author of the book The Cinema of Max Ophüls.

Lola Montes will be released on 6th July 2009 by Second Sight Films at the RRP of £19.99.