Ruslan And Ludmila [Blu-ray]

Ruslan and Ludmila Blu-ray is the final and most expansive work from Russian fantasy master Aleksandr Ptushko, a dazzling summation of a career that defined Soviet-era fantastika. Adapted from Alexander Pushkin’s 1820 epic fairy tale, this sweeping, lyrical adventure is packed with bejewelled effects, mythic set pieces, and operatic romance on a truly grand scale.

Set during the legendary era of Kyivan Rus’, Ruslan and Ludmila follows warrior Ruslan (Valeri Kozinets) on the night his marriage to Ludmila (Natalya Petrova), daughter of Prince Vladimir, is shattered by supernatural violence. Ludmila is abducted by the sinister, long-bearded wizard Chernomor (Vladimir Fyodorov) and taken to his ominous palace, forcing Ruslan into an epic rescue quest — and a race against rival suitors — through a world of sorcery, deception, and ancient threats.

Along the way, Ruslan and Ludmila Blu-ray showcases some of Ptushko’s most unforgettable imagery: a colossal severed giant’s head slumbering on an open plain, enchanted rings, stone warriors, and spellbound landscapes that feel carved from folklore itself. Newly restored in 4K by Mosfilm and presented by Deaf Crocodile with Seagull Films, this definitive edition brings Ptushko’s final masterpiece to Blu-ray in its original Russian-language presentation with English subtitles.

directed by: aleksandr ptushko
starring: valeri kozinets, natalya petrova, vladimir fyodorov
1972 / 145 min

Language: Russian
Audio: stereo
Discs: 1