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A DAY AT THE BEACH
(Simon Hesera, 1970, 82/84 mins)
Release date: 23 June 2025
Limited Edition Blu-ray (World premiere)

Pre-order the UK BD here and the US BD here.

Mark Burns (Death in Venice) and Beatrice Edney (Highlander) star in A Day at the Beach, a downbeat tale of alcoholism written by Roman Polanski (Chinatown), produced by regular Polanski collaborator Gene Gutowski (Cul-de-Sac, The Pianist), and shot by celebrated cinematographer Gilbert Taylor (Repulsion, Star Wars).

When Bernie (Burns) takes a little girl, Winnie (Edney) – who may or may not be his niece or perhaps daughter – for a trip to a decrepit Danish seaside town on a day of heavy rain, he sets about cajoling the locals in a desperate quest for alcohol, leaving his young charge to fend for herself.

The sole feature-film credit for director Simon Hesera, A Day at the Beach received scant distribution at the time of its production, but – after having been lost for decades – it was eventually revived and re-released to critical acclaim, with audiences particularly interested to discover the charismatic cameo appearances by British comedy legends Peter Sellers (The Blockhouse, Hoffman) and Graham Stark (The Wrong Box).

INDICATOR LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES

• New restoration from a 4K scan of the original negative by Powerhouse Films
• Two presentations of the film: the original cut, newly restored (82 mins); and the extended version, presented from a Standard Definition master (84 mins)
• Original mono audio
• Dancing Before the Enemy: How a Teenage Boy Fooled the Nazis and Lived (2015): feature-length documentary on producer Gene Gutowski, directed by his son Adam Bardach, in which he vividly recalls his experiences as a Jewish teenager in Poland during WWII
• Behind the Camera: Gil Taylor (1993): archival documentary by Richard Blanshard on the great cinematographer featuring interviews with Taylor, Polanski, and filmmaker Anthony Minghella
• New English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Limited edition exclusive booklet with new essay by Michał Oleszczyk, a compilation of trade journal reports on the film’s production, interviews with director Simon Hesera at the time of the film’s 1993 re-release, an overview of critical responses, and full film credits
• World premiere on Blu-ray
• Limited edition of 4,000 copies for the UK and US
• All features subject to change

#PHILE258B
BBFC cert: 12
REGION FREE
EAN: 5060697922028

domino harvey wrote: Thu Mar 20, 2025 5:19 pm Wow, I just put Code Red’s DVD in my Amazon cart only a few days ago, great timing

The Indicator Blu-ray of A Day at the Beach is a triumph of preservation rescuing an obscure Polanski-penned gem from oblivion with a greatly improved 4K restoration of the original cut, despite the extended version’s lesser quality. The extras are excellent, blending personal, historical, and critical perspectives that elevate the film’s significance with the Gutowski documentary and detailed booklet being particular highlights. For fans of Polanski or 1970s British cinema, this limited edition is highly recommended, offering a visually and intellectually rewarding experience that honors the film’s haunting nihilism and cult status. Indicator’s commitment to quality makes this release a benchmark for rediscovered classics. Absolutely recommended!

zedz wrote: Thu Mar 20, 2025 6:43 pm What's the algorithm that gives us "Peter Sellers (The Blockhouse, Hoffman)"?

MichaelB wrote: Tue Jun 17, 2025 8:11 pm A Day at the Beaver.

with a greatly improved 4K restoration of the original cut, despite the extended version’s lesser quality.