Luchino Visconti’s Rocco and His Brothers, starring Alain Delon in one of his most iconic roles, returns in a 4K restoration on UHD released by the BFI on 22 June, bringing one of the last great works of Italian neorealism back to home cinema in exceptional quality. This new edition bridges classic film history and modern technology, pairing a Dolby Vision UHD presentation with extensive special features and a first‑pressing booklet that will appeal to cinephiles and collectors alike.
Rocco and His Brothers: a neorealist masterpiece returns in 4K
Originally released in 1960, Rocco and His Brothers is widely regarded as one of the final masterpieces of Italian neorealism, elegantly connecting the movement’s social focus with a more expansive, operatic form of storytelling and artistry. Directed by Luchino Visconti and headlined by Alain Delon (known for The Samurai and The Leopard), the film follows:
- A mother and her five sons who move from a small town in southern Italy to Milan.
- Their lives are changed forever as they confront migration, modernity, love, violence and sacrifice.
This hypnotically beautiful tale of migration, loss and family bonds has become a major influence on international cinema, inspiring directors such as Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, who have cited Visconti’s epic drama as a touchstone for their own explorations of family, crime and moral conflict.
The new BFI 4K UHD edition: restoration and presentation
The BFI’s new release presents Rocco and His Brothers in a Restored 4K (2160p) UHD Blu‑ray with Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible), allowing viewers to experience Visconti’s black‑and‑white images with enhanced detail, contrast and tonal depth.
Key presentation details include the following:
- Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1.
- Running time: 179 minutes.
- Language: Italian, with optional English subtitles.
- UHD disc (UHD100): 2160p, 24fps, DTS‑HD Master Audio 1.0 mono (48kHz/24‑bit).
- Blu‑ray disc (BD50): 1080p, 24fps and 1080i, 60fps with Dolby Digital 2.0 mono audio (320 kbps).
The UHD carries the feature in its highest resolution, while the included Blu‑ray disc houses the special features, making this a comprehensive package for home viewing and study.
Special features: commentary, interviews and archival treasures
The BFI edition of Rocco and His Brothers includes a rich suite of special features designed to contextualise the film and deepen appreciation for its production, themes and legacy:
- New audio commentary by film historian Adrian Martin, offering critical insight into Visconti’s direction, Delon’s performance and the film’s place in neorealism and European cinema.
- The Flavour of Scandal: An Interview with Caterina d’Amico (2017, 41 mins): Caterina d’Amico, daughter of screenwriter Suso Cecchi d’Amico, discusses the genesis and production of Rocco and His Brothers.
- Interviews with cast and crew (2017, 34 mins): a compendium of archive interviews featuring Claudia Cardinale, Mario Garbuglia, Annie Girardot, Giuseppe Rotunno, Piero Tosi and Suso Cecchi d’Amico, shedding light on performance, design and cinematography.
- Alain Delon – Luchino Visconti: la rencontre (2016, 42 mins): a look at the careers of Delon and Visconti and their collaborations, exploring how their partnership shaped some of European cinema’s most memorable works.
- Les coulisses du tournage (2003, 21 mins): a documentary on the production of Rocco and His Brothers, offering behind‑the‑scenes perspectives.
- Treasures from the BFI National Archive (1925–1964, 79 mins): a curated selection of newsreels and public information films that explore social strands and themes echoed in Visconti’s drama.
- Original theatrical trailer, preserving the film’s historical marketing.
These materials turn the release into a mini‑archive, giving viewers both the restored film and an array of scholarly and historical supplements.
First pressing booklet: essays and archival notes
For the first pressing only, the release includes an illustrated booklet featuring:
- New writing on the film by Guy Adams, providing critical analysis and context.
- An essay on Nino Rota’s score by Charlie Brigden, examining how the music shapes the film’s emotional landscape.
- Writing on the films drawn from the BFI National Archive by Sarah Wood, linking the archival shorts to Visconti’s themes.
- Notes on the special features and full film credits.
This booklet adds substantial editorial content, making the edition particularly valuable for students, researchers and enthusiasts of Italian cinema and film music.
Product details and specifications
For collectors and home‑cinema audiences, the key product details are:
- RRP: £29.99
- Catalogue number: BFIU0027
- Certificate: 15
- Countries of production: Italy, France
- Year: 1960
- Format: black and white
- Running time: 179 minutes
- Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
- Subtitles: Italian language with optional English subtitles
The technical specs—4K UHD in Dolby Vision, high‑quality mono audio and a dedicated Blu‑ray for extras—position this as a reference‑grade release for home viewing, especially for those with 4K HDR setups.
Where to buy Rocco and His Brothers 4K UHD
All BFI UHD and Blu-ray releases, including Rocco and His Brothers, are available from:
- Usual home entertainment retailers (online and in‑store).
- The BFI Shop at BFI Southbank in London, for in-person purchases and a wider selection of film books and discs.
Key location information for visitors is the following:
- BFI Southbank – a major cultural destination on London’s South Bank, offering screenings, exhibitions and a dedicated shop.
Whether you’re ordering online from the UK or planning a visit to BFI Southbank, this release offers a definitive way to experience Visconti’s masterpiece in 4K, with an array of contextual materials that highlight its enduring importance in world cinema.
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