Why was A Clockwork Orange such a controversial film when it originally came out? It's not just because of all the sex and violence — or even the combination of the two.
Rather, it's because the film makes you sympathize with a total sociopath and rapist. That's what Malcolm McDowell argues in this exclusive clip from the special features on the Clockwork Orange 40th anniversary Blu-ray disc. Click through to watch a second clip, in which McDowell explains where the Hell the phrase "Clockwork Orange" comes from in the first place.
It's bizarre to think how close the film came to having the un-catchy title The Ludovico Treatment.
The Clockwork Orange Blu-ray, out May 31, features a newly restored print of the film, looking better than it has in four decades. Plus a ton of special features, including two new documentaries and a 40-page booklet.
Here's all the details:
A Clockwork Orange 40TH Anniversary Edition on Blu-ray
Causing major controversy when first released, the film garnered four Academy Award® nominations – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Film Editing and Best Screenplay – and is #4 on AFI's Top 10 List of Best Science Fiction Films of All Time.
Disc 1:
· Feature Film
· New Bonus Features
o Malcolm McDowell Looks Back: Malcolm McDowell reflects on his experience working with Kubrick on one of the seminal films of the 1970s
o Turning like Clockwork considers the film's "ultra-violence" and its cultural impact
· Plus
o Commentary by Malcolm McDowell and historian Nick Redman
o Documentary Still Tickin': The Return of Clockwork Orange
o Great Bolshy Yarblockos!: Making A Clockwork Orange
o Theatrical trailer
Disc 2:
· Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures (Produced and directed by Jan Harlan, the brother of Christiane Kubrick, Stanley Kubrick's widow). Kubrick's career comes into sharp focus in this compelling documentary narrated by Tom Cruise. Fascinating footage glimpses Kubrick in his early years, at work on film sets and at home, augmented by candid commentary from collaborators, colleagues and family.
· O Lucky Malcolm! Documentary about the life and career of actor Malcolm McDowell produced and directed by Jan Harlan and edited by Katia de Vidas.
A Clockwork Orange 40th Anniversary Blu-ray Book
Street Date: May 31, 2011
Order Due Date: April 26, 2011
$34.99 SRP
Catalog # 1000169336
UPC # 883929157761