When honest young Tolly Pickering is forced to go on the run with a villainous ruffian named Black Jack, adventure and mishap are never far away. As the two enter a world of body-snatchers, private lunatic asylums and travelling fairs, they find friendship in the most unlikely places.

Based on Leon Garfield's popular novel, this rarely-unseen film adaptation from celebrated British filmmaker Ken Loach (the eagle-eyed may have caught it on Film 4 a few years ago) is an adventure story aimed at both adults and children. I bet you never though you'd hear that said about a Ken Loach film.

With Chris Menges' beautiful photography, enchanting performances by its charismatic young cast and Loach's gentle, observational style – similarly seen in his earlier feature Kes (1969) – Black Jack won the Critics' award at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival.

Now it is to be released for the first time on UK DVD by the BFI on 21st June 2010 at the RRP of £15.99. Thisc will contain the director's cut of the film – a world premiere of this version – and the following extras:

• Exclusive feature commentary by director Ken Loach;
• English and French language versions of the feature;
• Illustrated booklet with newly commissioned essays, extracts from Terry Deary's Horrible Histories series and more;
• Original trailer;
• Deleted scenes.