Paris-based Tamasa Distribution will release Première Vague, a fully restored version of Claude Chabrol’s seven early films, as a Blu-ray box set in France on November 18th.
The Blu-ray release was announced on the eve of the Lumière Film Festival’s International Classic Film Market (MIFC) in Lyon and follows the film collection’s premiere at this year’s La Rochelle Film Festival and successful theatrical release in France.
“Première Vague” consists of the long-unavailable title “Les Biches” (1968). “The Unfaithful Wife” (1969). “This Man Must Die” (1969). “The Butcher” (1970). “Just before night falls” (1971). “The Breach” (1970). and “Blood Wedding” (1973).
“The Butcher”
Provided by Tamasa Distribution
Tamasa Distribution holds the worldwide rights to the newly restored work and is currently in talks with international distributors and platforms, said Romane Muller, the company’s international director.
Tamasa is also planning a “second vague” of restoration for late 2026, with work expected to begin next spring, Muller added.
Another highlight for this year’s distributor is Claude Autin-Lara’s 1961 masterpiece “Tu ne tueras point” (“You Shall Not Kill”), which Tamasa has restored in 4K.
“The film, which won an award at the Venice Film Festival in 1961 for its groundbreaking performance as the first female lead by Suzanne Fron, was censored just a week after its first release and was never released until now,” Muller said.
“Noir et Blanc”
Provided by Tamasa Distribution
Tamasa is also actively promoting Claire Devers’ powerful debut film Noir et Blanc, which the director himself announced at the French Cultural Center L’Alliance New York in September.
“We are looking for new collaborators and distributors around the world to restore this important author’s film, which won the Camera d’Or at Cannes in 1986, to the spotlight by restoring it in 4K,” said Müller.
“This revival also serves as a tribute to our lead actor, Jacques Marchal, who sadly passed away in August of this year.”
“Joyou Noel”
Provided by Tamasa Distribution
In France, Tamasa has a number of theatrical releases scheduled, including Ettore Scola’s 1977 historical drama Special Day, starring Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni, which will be released on October 15th.
The distributor will also release Christian Carrion’s 2005 World War I drama “Joyeux Noel,” starring Diane Kruger, Daniel Brühl, Guillaume Canet, Danny Boon and Benno Fuhrmann, in theaters on November 12, following its 20th anniversary screening at the Lumière Film Festival.
Also in theaters on March 5 is Jean-Louis Bertuccelli’s 1970 drama “Ramparts of Clay,” about a workers’ strike in an Algerian salt mine.
