Fiction
DVD
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3 videodiscs (approximately 125 min.) : sound, black and white ; 4 3/4 in. + 1 booklet
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Criterion collection #249
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Title from container
Focuses on the harrowing events of 1957, a key year in Algeria's struggle for independence from France. Recreates the tumultuous Algerian uprising against the occupying French in the 1950s. As violence escalates on both sides, the French torture prisoners for information and the Algerians resort to terrorism in their quest for independence. Children shoot soldiers at point-blank range, women plant bombs in cafés. The French win the battle, but ultimately lose the war as the Algerian people demonstrate that they will no longer be suppressed
Originally released as a motion picture in 1965
Special features: Disc 1: new high-definition transfer of film; "Return to Algiers (1992, 55 min.); theatrical and re-release trailers; poster gallery; Disc 2: the making-of "The battle of Algiers"; "The dictatorship of truth" a 37-min. documentary; directors commentary on "The battle of Algiers"; Disc 3: documentary "The battle of Algiers and history"; "États d'armes" 30-min. excerpt from 'L'ennemi intime'; "How to win the battle, but lose the war of ideas" a conversation
Director of photography, Marcello Gatti ; editors, Mario Morra, Mario Serandrei ; original music, Ennio Morricone ; production designer, Sergio Canevari
Brahim Haggiag, Jean Martin, Saadi Yacef, Samia Kerbash, Ugo Paletti, Fusia El Kader
MPAA rating: Not rated
DVD, region 1, widescreen (1.85:1) presentation, Dolby Digital 1.0 mono
French and Arabic dialogue, English subtitles