CultFilms is set to release a newly remastered version of the world cinema classic from one of the world’s finest filmmakers: Vittorio De Sica’s highly acclaimed masterpiece Umberto D. It will make its UK debut release on Blu-ray as well as DVD and digital on 24 April 2017, complete with brand new special features and distinctive collector’s packaging.
A heartfelt portrait of an impoverished retired civil servant, played with aplomb by the perfectly cast Carlo Battisti in his first acting role, who lives in a rented room in post war Rome with only his beloved dog and a teenage housemaid as companions. Faced with eviction when he can't keep up with his rent, the old man struggles to make ends meet and maintain his dignity, but his growing despair leads him to contemplate suicide.
Written by De Sica's long-standing collaborator, Cesare Zavattini, Umberto D’s depiction of poverty, old age and loneliness – far from being a recipe for bleakness – is bursting with life affirming qualities.
CultFilms is set to release a newly remastered version of the world cinema classic from one of the world’s finest filmmakers: Vittorio De Sica’s highly acclaimed masterpiece Umberto D. It will make its UK debut release on Blu-ray as well as DVD and digital on 24 April 2017, complete with brand new special features and distinctive collector’s packaging.
A heartfelt portrait of an impoverished retired civil servant, played with aplomb by the perfectly cast Carlo Battisti in his first acting role, who lives in a rented room in post war Rome with only his beloved dog and a teenage housemaid as companions. Faced with eviction when he can't keep up with his rent, the old man struggles to make ends meet and maintain his dignity, but his growing despair leads him to contemplate suicide.
Written by De Sica's long-standing collaborator, Cesare Zavattini, Umberto D’s depiction of poverty, old age and loneliness – far from being a recipe for bleakness – is bursting with life affirming qualities.
Despite international acclaim with Cannes and Oscar nominations, it was castigated by the Italian government for airing the country's 'dirty laundry' in public. Today the film is universally considered not only as the apex of Italian neorealism but as one of cinema's masterpieces with a profound influence on generations of filmmakers.
Presented in its new restored version, Umberto D’s life-affirming tale is as pertinent today as when it was made.
For more information please visit www.cultfilms.co.uk
Competition Closes: 14 May 2017
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