Oil Lamps Blu-ray Set to Light Up April 21

Oil Lamps, directed by Juraj Herz, is being released on Blu-ray by renowned British label Second Run and will hit the market on April 21, 2025. Featuring the talented Iva Janžurová and Petr Čepek, this meticulous adaptation of Jaroslav Havlíček's novel is celebrated for its exploration of a psycho-sexual romance wrapped in the fin-de-siècle decadence.

The narrative follows the ill-fated union of two cousins—Štěpa, portrayed by the dynamic Iva Janžurová, and Pavel, played by Petr Čepek. Štěpa is a modern-spirited, affluent woman seeking solace and love, yet is matched with Pavel, a retired officer encapsulated by cynicism and burdened by debt and syphilis. Their story teems with tension, captured by stunning cinematography, and an evocative score by Luboš Fišer, making the film a palpable reflection of decadence and decay.

This release boasts a new 4K restoration by the Czech National Film Archive, offering viewers a pristine visual experience. Also included is an insightful commentary from esteemed film historians Mike White, Kat Ellinger, and Jonathan Owen.

Release Contents:

NEW 4K RESTORATION: Collaboratively realized by the Czech National Film Archive.

Projection Booth Commentary: A feature commentary with insights from film historians Mike White, Kat Ellinger and Jonathan Owen.

Conversation on a Train (Rozhovor ve vlaku, 1947): An early short Czech public information piece addressing alcohol and STD risks.

Trailer: A glimpse into this beautiful cinematic piece.

Booklet: New insights into the film, crafted by Czech cinema expert Peter Hames.

New English Subtitle Translation: Ensuring accessibility to a broader audience.

Release Date: 21/04/2025