(Terence Young, 1972)
Release date: 25 January 2021
Limited Edition Blu-ray (UK Blu-ray premiere)
Based on the disclosures of mobster Joe Valachi, as recounted in Peter Maas’ best-selling biography and at a sensational congressional hearing, The Valachi Papers tells the story of one man’s brutal journey through the ranks of the Cosa Nostra, and a betrayal that would reveal the secrets of the Mob to the world.
Terence Young (From Russia with Love) skilfully renders the clandestine world of violent gangsters in this stylish European co-production which benefits from thrilling action, a no-nonsense central portrayal from Charles Bronson (Breakout), and impressive ensemble performances from Lino Ventura (The Medusa Touch), Joseph Wiseman (The Garment Jungle) and Jill Ireland (The Valdez Horses).
INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES
High Definition remaster
Original English and Italian mono soundtracks
Audio commentary with film historian Paul Talbot, author of Bronson’s Loose! The Making of the ‘Death Wish’ Films and Bronson’s Loose Again!
In the Make-up Room (2021, 18 mins): celebrated make-up artist Giannetto De Rossi recalls his time working on The Valachi Papers
Reviewing the Evidence (2021, 35 mins) screenwriter Stephen Geller shares personal anecdotes about the production
Valachi: The Violent Era (1972, 7 mins): archival making-of documentary with on-set interviews with director Terence Young and actor Charles Bronson
On-set footage (1972, 2 mins): rare behind-the-scenes material capturing the filming of a key scene
The Valachi Hearings (1963, 18 mins): archival broadcast footage from Joseph Valachi’s original testimony to Senator John L McClellan’s congressional committee on organised crime
US theatrical trailer
German theatrical trailer
US TV spot
US radio spot
Image gallery: promotional and publicity materials
New and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing
Newly translated English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
Limited edition exclusive 36-page booklet with a new essay by Pasquale Iannone, newspaper reports on Joseph Valachi’s criminal career, excerpts from the source book by Peter Maas, an overview of contemporary critical responses, and film credits
UK premiere on Blu-ray
Limited edition of 3,000 copies
