Search - Z on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG Content Advisory: Violence, Not For Children Movie Release: 1969 DVD Release: 07/02/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Restored/Remastered Audio Tracks: French Subtitles: English, German, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 7 mins Studio: Fox Lorber Members Wishing: 6 Genres: Thriller, Political Thriller See Also: Z [Criterion Collection]

Z is one of the most politically insightful films ever made, exposing government hypocrisy and cover-up in the wake of a political assassination. Zei (Yves Montand) is a scientist who is scheduled to give a speech against the use of the atomic bomb. On the way to the event, he is attacked outside the auditorium by a group of right-wing extremists with political ties to the government as the police stand by and do nothing to intervene. He recovers long enough to make the speech but is later clubbed again and must undergo several surgeries, then dies during one of the procedures. A newspaper reporter finds a witness to the event and a judge willing to hear the case despite government protests. The ensuing trial reveals a government conspiracy, but the results of the trial are thrown out when a new government is formed by a military coup, which results in the intolerance that outlaws long hair, the Beatles, and any peaceful protests. Director Costa-Gavras used actual trial transcripts of the investigation into the May 22, 1963, assassination of Greek pacifist leader Gregoris Lambrakis, which proved a government conspiracy in his death. Yves Montand gives the best dramatic performance of his life, and Irene Papas stars as his wife, Helena. Z won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film of 1969, was 14th in terms of box-office success, and hit an international nerve in the age of social unrest, government cover-up, and political assassinations. All those involved worked on the film for a reduced rate with an option for royalties based on earnings at the theater window. The letter Z in the Greek alphabet means "he is alive." ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide

Yves Montand - The Deputy
Irene Papas - Helene, the Deputy's wife
Jean-Louis Trintignant - The Magistrate
Jacques Perrin - Photojournalist
François Perier - Public Prosecutor

Costa-Gavras' award-winning Z comes to DVD with a widescreen anamorphic transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1. French soundtracks are rendered in both Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Stereo. English, Spanish, and German subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a commentary track recorded by the director, a demonstration of the work that went into the restoration of the film, a still photo gallery, interviews, filmographies, and the original theatrical trailer. Wellspring has done an admirable job with this classic title. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide