Sci Fi Classic THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS undergoes massive
film restoration
Independent distributor Ignite Films brings the original feature to High Definition.
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, March 4th 2009.
Ignite Films is proud to announce the restoration of Sci Fi classic THE DAY OF THE
TRIFFIDS, directed by Steve Sekely (UK, 1962). This is the original and only full length
feature adaptation of John Wyndham’s highly acclaimed novel. The decision to bring this cult
classic back to audiences could not have come at a better time. 2009 will also see an eagerly
anticipated new 2 part TV mini series adaptation, complete with all-star cast .
The story of THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS is set in motion by a mysterious meteorite
shower that blinds everyone who watches. The population is then left vulnerable to attacks
from the triffids; mutated experimental plants that have grown into giant, walking man-eaters.
One of the sighted survivors is Bill Masen, played by beloved Dallas actor Howard Keel, who
teams up with a marine biologist and his wife (Kieron Moore and Janette Scott) to come up
with a miraculous solution for saving the world.
John Wyndham’s novel has remained one of the most widely read science fiction books for
generations of readers, permanently in print since publication in 1951. The story is established
in the public imagination and shows it’s influence in new millenium features like 28 DAYS
LATER (2002, Danny Boyle), THE HAPPENING (2008, M. Night Shyamalan) and
BLINDNESS (2008, Fernando Meirelles). The book has also been adapted into various radioshows, a 1981 television series and a comic book. Currently in production is the
BBC/Power/Prodigy mini-series starring Dougray Scott, Brian Cox, Joely Richardson and
Vanessa Redgrave.
Ignite Films proves to have shown good timing and foresight in restoring this film; now that
the search for alternative energy sources heats up, the lessons of classic sci-fi will be a
warning to mad scientists everywhere!
Prior to High Definition transfer and digital restoration, the original camera negative was
photo chemically restored which included much painstaking hand work for scratch and dirt
removal. Fans have been clamoring after a quality print version of this film for years and now
it has finally arrived.
The restored version (color, 93’) in High Definition is available exclusively from Ignite Films.
About Ignite Films:
Dutch independent Ignite Films has more than 20 years experience in the restoration,
marketing and distribution of Classic Film. Ignite Films owns, maintains and sells media
rights to more than 200 Classic titles (primarily Hollywood). Restored versions of their films
are broadcast by major stations throughout the world - most recently films by legendary
director Otto Preminger. For more info on Ignite’s catalogue and restorations visit
www.ignite-films.com or contact:
Jan Willem Bosman Jansen
&
Janet Schorer
Ignite Films
Prinsengracht 739-741
1017 JX Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 3449666
Fax: +3120 6207939
filmdept@ignite-films.com