Hidden City (1987) (Blu-ray) (UK Import)

After establishing a fine reputation in British television drama, Stephen Poliakoff directed his first feature film in 1987. A mystery wrapped in conspiracy and secrets, Hidden City tells the story of James Richards (Charles Dance), a writer sucked into a search for a lost piece of film by Sharon Newton (Cassie Stewart), a video librarian. What they stumble upon are cover-ups, tense searches, and possible danger.

With the help of Witold Stoks’ excellentcinematography, Poliakoff has crafted a rich look into London’s dark history, with disusedtram-tunnelsand long-forgotten subterranean chambers serving as the backdrop toexplore the depths ofthe British pre-occupation with secrecy. Featuring a sensational cast of stellar British talent including Richard E. Grant and Bill Paterson, Stephen Poliakoff's rarely seendirectorial debut is a stylish thriller ripe for rediscovery.

Extras

Presented in High Definition
Newly recorded audio commentary with writer and director Stephen Poliakoff and film critic Michael Brooke
Treasures from the BFI National Archive (1903-1947, 58 mins): a selection of archive gems, exploring some of the themes featured in Hidden City. The films: Cheese Mites (1903), Barging Through London (1924), Hop Gardens of Kent (1933), The City (1939) and Shown by Request (1947)
Inside the BFI National Archive (2023, 1 min): a behind-the-scenes look at the work of the BFI National Archive
Illustrated booklet including Poliakoff's original introduction to his screenplay, a new essay on the film by John Wyver, a new interview with Stephen Poliakoff by Michael Brooke, new writing on Barging Through London and Hop Gardens of Kent by Ellen Cheshire and an essay on Public Information films and the National Archives by Sarah Castagnetti and Patrick Russell