Luchino Visconti's 1963 The Leopard (Il gattopardo) is regularly quoted as one of the most sumptuously beautiful epics ever made. The complete, uncut and fully restored HD version of the film is now coming to Blu-ray from the BFI.

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 a 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.

The Leopard will be released on UK Blu-ray on 21st June 2010 by the BFI at the RRP of £19.99. Presented complete and uncut in its original widescreen aspect ratio in a stunning High Definition transfer from the original 35mm 8-perforation negative, overseen by the film's Director of Photography, Giuseppe Rotunno, and fully restored picture and sound, the disc will have the following extras:

• Full-feature commentary by Italian film scholars David Forgacs and Rossana Capitano;
• Interview with Claudia Cardinale;
• Italian trailer;
• Illustrated colour booklet containing newly commissioned essays and more.