Description

Adapted from C.K. Stead s novel Smith s Dream, Sleeping Dogs almost single-handedly kickstarted the New Zealand New Wave, demonstrating that homegrown feature films could resonate with both local and international audiences, and launching the big-screen careers of director Roger Donaldson (No Way Out, Species) and Sam Neill (Jurassic Park, Possession). Neill in his first lead role in a feature plays Smith, a man escaping the break-up of his marriage by finding isolation on an island off the Coromandel Peninsula. As he settles into his new life, the country is experiencing its own turmoil: an oil embargo has led to martial law and civil war, into which Smith reluctantly finds himself increasingly involved. Co-starring Warren Oates (Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia) as the commander of a US army unit drawn into the conflict, Sleeping Dogs is simultaneously a political thriller, a personal drama and a true landmark in New Zealand cinema. SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS Intimate Lighting (Intimn osv tlen, 1965) presented from a brand new 4K restoration of the film from original materials by the Czech National Film Archive. Filmed interview with director Ivan Passer. Ivan Passer s short film A Boring Afternoon (Fdn odpoledne, 1964) presented from a new HD transfer from original materials by the Czech National Film Archive. Booklet featuring new writing on the film by Trevor Johnston, and an essay by critic Phillip Bergson. New and improved English subtitle translation. Region free Original soundtrack in Dual Mono 24-bit LPCM audio World Premiere on Blu-ray