Sirius (1942) Blu-ray Releases This September From Deaf Crocodile
A time-travel romance made during World War II is being restored and released on Blu-ray in the U.S. for the first time. Sirius (1942), directed by Ákos D. Hamza, will be available this September from boutique distributor Deaf Crocodile, following a new restoration from Hungary’s National Film Institute.
What is Sirius (1942)?
Sirius is a 1940s black-and-white romantic fantasy with a time-travel twist. The story follows a brash Hungarian playboy (László Szilassy) who joins a mad scientist on a journey 200 years into the past. He arrives in 18th-century Hungary, a world of powdered wigs, candlelit ballrooms, and rigid class structures.
There, he falls in love with a penniless opera singer, played by the legendary Katalin Karády, and quickly runs afoul of the aristocracy—including his own great-grandfather. The film blends elements of historical melodrama with speculative fiction, evoking later works like Somewhere in Time and Back to the Future.
Blu-ray details
Sirius has been newly restored by the National Film Institute in Hungary using the original 35mm black-and-white nitrate negative. The restoration allows U.S. audiences to see the film in high definition for the first time, with Hungarian audio and English subtitles.
This release marks the film’s official Blu-ray debut in the United States. It will be distributed by Deaf Crocodile, known for its work in resurrecting rare and overlooked global cinema.
Special features
Deaf Crocodile’s Blu-ray release comes with an extensive slate of new and archival bonus content:
- “SIRIUS Werkfilm” – A 3-minute silent behind-the-scenes reel filmed in 1942 by a 19-year-old studio trainee. The rare footage was preserved by the NFI from a 9.5mm amateur reel.
- Interview with György Ráduly – The director of the National Film Institute Film Archive discusses the making and preservation of Sirius in a new conversation moderated by Dennis Bartok.
- Video essay – Created by journalist Ryan Verrill and film professor Dr. Will Dodson of Someone’s Favorite Productions.
- Audio commentary – A new track by Stephen R. Bissette, comics artist and film historian.
- Authoring and design – Blu-ray authored by David Mackenzie of Fidelity In Motion. New artwork by Beth Morris.
Deluxe Edition contents
A deluxe limited edition will be released first, limited to 1,500 units. It includes:
- A slipcase with newly commissioned artwork by Richard Cox.
- A 60-page illustrated booklet.
- Two new essays, one by film historian Rolf Giesen and another by critic Walter Chaw.
A standard edition is planned for release at a later date.
Preorders are open now from Deaf Crocodile.
Slipcase & Blu-ray pictures
