Lola Montès (1955) Blu-ray

Max Ophuls' final work was released to great controversy in 1955. The style was not what audiences were expecting and critics were polarised in their reviews, seeing it as either incomprehensible or a masterpiece. The latter camp were joined by the likes of Jean Cocteau, Roberto Rossellini, Jacques Tati and Francois Truffaut. Renowned critic Andrew Sarris would later hail it as 'the greatest film of all time'. Today the film is widely viewed as not only the director's greatest work but one of cinema's.

For this highly acclaimed restoration, which began work in 2006, rights holder Laurence Braunberger and La Cinematheque Francaise decided to recreate the original edit of the film. Using various elements and the latest digital techniques the dazzling beauty and vibrant colour of Lola Montes was brought lovingly back to life and presented at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Raptuously received it takes its place as one of the great cinematic restorations of a 'lost' masterpiece.