The Sons of Great Bear Blu-ray Releases July 21 from Eureka Entertainment

The Sons of Great Bear (Die Söhne der großen Bärin), directed by Josef Mach, arrives on Blu-ray in the UK on July 21, 2025. Released by Eureka Entertainment under the Masters of Cinema series, this edition marks the first UK Blu-ray release of the film from a newly completed 2K restoration by the DEFA Foundation.

Set against the backdrop of mid-1960s East Germany, the film represents DEFA's answer to the popularity of Westerns in West Germany, specifically as a corrective to the American frontier mythology. It follows Gojko Mitić as Tokei-Ihto, a Dakota tribe warrior who confronts white settlers led by the antagonist Jim Fred Clark (played by Jiří Vršťala). The narrative critiques colonial violence, positioning Native American perspectives at the forefront in what became known as a “Red Western.”

Adapted from Liselotte Welskopf-Henrich’s book series, The Sons of Great Bear was a cornerstone for a series of politically inflected Westerns produced by DEFA. This restoration utilizes the original camera negative and includes newly revised optional English subtitles.

The Blu-ray package features an array of special content designed for scholars and fans alike, including two new audio commentaries—one by Western scholar Jenny Barrett and another global contextual discussion titled World Wide West led by Austin Fisher. Additional material includes a video essay on Native American representation by Lee Broughton, archival newsreel footage of the film's production, and both a theatrical and new Masters of Cinema trailer.

Collectors benefit from a limited edition O-card slipcase with original artwork by Colin Murdoch and a booklet featuring essays on the film and DEFA’s stylistic approach by Mariana Ivanova, Academic Director of the DEFA Film Library.

Release Date: July 21, 2025