Marking a new chapter in the history of one of the world’s greatest films, the release of Abel Gance’s Napoleon (1927) is the culmination of a project spanning 50 years. Digitally restored by the BFI National Archive and Academy Award-winning film historian Kevin Brownlow, this cinematic triumph is available to experience on Blu-ray for the very first time.

Following the opening of Napoleon in cinemas UK-wide from 11 November 2016, it will then be released by the BFI on Blu-ray, on DVD, and on BFI Player on 21 November, at the RRP of £34.99 for the Blu-ray and £29.99 for the DVD.

Originally conceived by Gance as the first of six films about Napoleon, this five-and-a-half-hour epic features full scale historical recreations of episodes from his personal and political life, that see Bonaparte overcome fierce rivals and political machinations to seal his imperial destiny.

Utilising a number of ground-breaking cinematic techniques, Napoleon is accompanied by Carl Davis’ monumental score (newly recorded in 7.1), and offers one of the most thrilling experiences in the entire the history of film.

Special features:

• New 2K restoration

• The Charm of Dynamite (Kevin Brownlow, 1968, 51 mins): BBC documentary on Gance’s silent films, narrated by Lindsay Anderson

• Composing Napoleon – An Interview with Carl Davis (2016, 45 mins)

• Feature-length commentary by Paul Cuff

• Napoleon digital restoration featurette (2016, 5 mins)

• Stills and Special Collections gallery

• Alternative single-screen ending

• Individual triptych panel presentations

• Illustrated 60-page book with writing by Paul Cuff, Kevin Brownlow and Hervé Dumont; an extensive interview with Carl Davis; and full film, music and restoration credits