Jakob the Liar (1974) Blu-ray Announced by Eureka Entertainment
Eureka Entertainment has announced Jakob the Liar on Blu-ray as part of their Masters of Cinema Series. The 1974 DEFA film is directed by Frank Beyer and releases in February.
The film stars Vlastimil Brodsky as Jakob Heym, a resident of a Jewish ghetto in German-occupied Poland who spreads fabricated radio reports to give his community hope during the Holocaust. Jakob the Liar was the only East German film ever nominated for an Academy Award.
Release Overview
Jakob the Liar arrives on a single-disc Blu-ray and is limited to 2,000 copies. The film is adapted from the novel by Jewish author Jurek Becker. Frank Beyer directed the film for DEFA in 1974. Vlastimil Brodsky leads the cast as Jakob Heym.
Video and Audio Specs
The Blu-ray features a 1080p HD presentation from a 4K restoration by the DEFA Foundation. The restoration is sourced from the original camera negative and interpositive.
The film is presented in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The disc includes the original German audio with optional English subtitles newly revised for this release. The disc is Region B.
Bonus Features
- Lessons of the Past (new interview with Jewish studies scholar Sue Vice on Holocaust cinema)
- Jurek and Jakob (new video essay by film and literature scholar Mary Going on Jurek Becker and DEFA's adaptation of Jakob the Liar)
- A Diary for Anne Frank (Joachim Hellwig, 1958) (DEFA documentary on the story of Anne Frank)
Editions and Packaging
The limited edition includes an O-card slipcase featuring new artwork by Carly A-F. A collector's booklet is included featuring new writing on Jakob the Liar by Sebastian Heiduschke, author of East German Cinema: DEFA and Film History.
Release Date and Availability
Jakob the Liar releases February 16, 2026 and is available to pre-order.
Eureka Entertainment is also releasing Zen & Sword: The Miyamoto Musashi Saga At Toei Blu-ray Box Set in February.
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