Ken Russells Valentino (1977) is a flamboyant biographical drama chronicling the rise and fall of silent-era legend Rudolph Valentino. Starring ballet star Rudolf Nureyev, the film transforms Valentinos life into a spectacle of fame, sexuality, and tragedy typical of Russells operatic style. Lavishly staged and provocative, it merges Biographical Drama with History & Period Drama and Russells signature flair for the surreal.

Controversial British director Ken Russell (Women in Love, The Devils) tells the story of one of the silver screens greatest legends, Rudolf Valentino, in this flamboyant and sexually-charged film.

Starring world-famous ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev alongside Seymour Cassel and Felicity Kendal, Valentino traces the adored actors journey from humble beginnings as an Italian immigrant in New York, where he worked as a gigolo, to Hollywood, where he seduces famous lovers and ascends to stardom. Despite such towering success, tragedy beckons however, as Rudy falls preys to the mass-hysteria of his audience, the blood-thirsty press and his own indulgent lifestyle.

Previously unavailable on Blu-ray, Valentino is an enthralling biopic from one of Britains most distinctive and celebrated filmmakers.

Från IMDB:
In 1926 the tragic and untimely death of a silent screen actor caused female moviegoers to riot in the streets and in some cases to commit suicide.

Special features

Presented in both High Definition and Standard Definition

Audio commentary with Tim Lucas

Original TV spots and trailers

Dudley Sutton remembers Ken Russell and filming Valentino (2015, 22 mins)

The Guardian Lecture: Ken Russell in conversation with Derek Malcolm (1988, 90 mins, audio with stills)

Lynn Seymour remembers Rudolf Nureyev (2003, 9 mins, audio with stills)

Tonight: Nureyev on Ken Russell and