Samuel Love1979’s Zulu Dawn, prequel to the 1964 classic Zulu, is a stirring, beautifully mounted war epic that brings the disastrous Battle of Isandlwana to vivid, brutal life. With an impressive ensemble including Burt Lancaster, Peter O’Toole and Bob Hoskins, Zulu Dawn boasts spectacular battle sequences and a richly detailed period setting, remaining an underrated entry in the British historical epic tradition that is ripe for reappraisal. It’s now available in a Limited Edition 4K UHD Blu-ray set from Severin Films, giving this classic a long-overdue new presentation for old fans and new audiences alike to enjoy.
Synopsis
Screen legends Burt Lancaster (GUNFIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL), Peter O’Toole (LAWRENCE OF ARABIA), Simon Ward (THE THREE MUSKETEERS) and Bob Hoskins (THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY) lead an all-star cast in this “fascinating and awesome” (DVD Talk) prequel to the 1964 classic ZULU.
In January 1879, officials of the British colony of Natal, Africa issued a list of ultimatums to the Zulu Nation. When the Zulu King refused, the Empire declared war. And in a series of grave tactical blunders, a garrison of 1,500 British soldiers faced 25,000 enraged Zulu warriors in what would become the most horrific disaster in British military history.
Nigel Davenport (CHARIOTS OF FIRE), Denholm Elliott (RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK) and Simon Sabela (SHAKA ZULU) co-star in this “eye-filling, spectacular experience” (Mondo Digital), directed by Douglas Hickox (THEATRE OF BLOOD) from a screenplay by ZULU writer/director Cy Endfield, now scanned in 4K from the interpositive with 6+ hours of new and archival Special Features, plus an exclusive 100 page book, poster and art cards.
Limited Edition Contents
- EXCLUSIVE: 100-Page Collectors Book With New Articles By Ian Knight And Film Historian Simon Lewis
- EXCLUSIVE: 6 Collectors’ Art Cards
- EXCLUSIVE: Double-Sided Poster
DISC 1: 4K UHD – ORIGINAL THEATRICAL VERSION (118 mins)
- Audio Commentary With Anglo-Zulu War Historian Ian Knight And Film Historian Simon Lewis
- Theatrical Trailer
DISC 2: BLU-RAY – ORIGINAL THEATRICAL VERSION (118 mins)
- Audio Commentary With Anglo-Zulu War Historian Ian Knight And Film Historian Simon Lewis
- War Cry of the Zulu – The Making Of ZULU DAWN, A Feature-Length Documentary Narrated By Dai Bradley Featuring Producer Nate Kohn, Co-Producer & Actor James Faulkner And Many More
- Trailblazer: The Simon Sabela Story – A Documentary On The South African Actor/Director
- The Saga Of Bob’s Last Stands – Bob Hoskins’ Death Scene
- The Scene That Never Was – The Eclipse At Isandlwana
- Theatrical Trailer
DISC 3: BLU-RAY – U.S. THEATRICAL VERSION (98 mins)
- The Symbol Of Sacrifice (1918) – The 1997 Reconstruction Of The Historical South African Film
- Saviour Of The Symbol Of Sacrifice – Interview With Mayer Levy, producer of the restoration of The Symbol of Sacrifice
- The History Of The Zulu Wars – Featurette With Zulu Rising Author Ian Knight
- Recreating The War – Interview With Historical Advisor Midge Carter
- A Visit To The Battlefield – Author Ian Knight Visits The Location Of The Battle Of Isandlwana
- Outtakes
ZULU DAWN is available from Severin Films
