The cult 1987 animated science fiction film Gandahar is set to receive a significant re-release in the United States, featuring a newly restored 4K transfer. Janus Films will bring the original, uncut version of René Laloux's psychedelic odyssey to U.S. theaters starting August 21 in New York City, with a national rollout to follow.
This re-release aims to provide a pristine version of the film, which has previously been difficult to access in its intended form. The original theatrical cut in the U.S. was overseen by Isaac Asimov and Harvey Weinstein and was a translated version that did not make a significant splash upon its initial release. For years, Gandahar has languished in smaller corners of the home video market, with the currently available version on Prime Video being a 4:3 aspect ratio with an English dub.
Gandahar depicts a distant world where a peace-loving populace is attacked by an army of automata that turn its people to stone. A council of matriarchs enlists a young warrior named Sylvain to discover the source of these "Men of Metal." His journey takes him through the planet's outer regions, where he allies with the Deformed—a race of mutants created by failed scientific experiments. Sylvain eventually learns that a colossal brain known as Metamorphis is responsible for the strife. Aided by Airelle, Sylvain travels through time to confront Metamorphis, risking their lives and the existence of Gandahar.
Director René Laloux is also known for his 1973 film Fantastic Planet, a well-regarded animated feature that received a Criterion release. Laloux's path to filmmaking was unconventional, beginning with woodcarving and later involving short films made with the assistance of psychiatric patients during his time as a counselor. Gandahar, adapted from a novel by Jean-Pierre Andrevon, was his final feature film.
The visual style of Gandahar is a major draw, featuring imaginative alien worlds and creatures, including beings with unusual anatomy. Laloux's visual flair is evident throughout the film, a characteristic also noted in his earlier work. The restored 4K transfer is expected to significantly enhance the viewing experience compared to older, lower-quality versions.
