Second Run is a bespoke DVD and Blu-ray label that has gained a devoted following among cinephiles who seek out the more obscure and challenging corners of world cinema. Founded in 2005, the label has quickly established itself as a curator of exceptional films from around the globe, often overlooked by larger studios and distributors.

One of the hallmarks of Second Run’s releases is the care and attention given to the presentation of each film. Every release is accompanied by thoughtful extras, such as interviews with directors or critics, essays on the film’s context and history, and even supplementary short films. The attention to detail extends to the packaging, with each release featuring unique cover art and design that often reflects the film’s themes or visual style.

Their focus on films that may otherwise go unnoticed or unappreciated has earned it a reputation as a champion of independent and experimental cinema. Many of the films in its catalogue are from Eastern Europe, such as the Polish director Krzysztof Zanussi’s “The Illumination”.  They also release films from Japan, Iran, Hungary, and other countries, offering a diverse array of perspectives and styles.

While Second Run may not have the same name recognition as larger distributors, its releases have often been critically acclaimed and have found an appreciative audience among cinephiles. One of the benefits of Second Run’s focus on lesser-known films is the opportunity it provides for discovery and exploration. Their releases offer a chance to revisit established auteurs, such as the Czech director Jiří Menzel, whose film “Larks on a String” was released by the label.

Perhaps what sets it apart from other boutique labels is its dedication to a personal touch. The releases often include introductions and essays, providing insight and context for each film.  This sense of community and engagement has helped to foster a devoted fanbase and has made Second Run a beloved and trusted source for cinematic discovery.

In an age where streaming services have made thousands of films available at the click of a button, Second Run’s focus on bespoke releases may seem anachronistic to some. But for those who value curation, context, and community, it remains an essential and valuable resource. By shining a light on overlooked films from around the world, the label has helped to expand the horizons of cinema lovers and has enriched our understanding of the art form.

Here’s 5 of our favourite Second Run titles in the sale…

Black Peter

directed by Miloš Forman, Black Peter tells the story of a young boy named Peter, who takes a job as a trainee at a department store during the Christmas season, as the story develops themes of adolescence, social class, and the mundanity of everyday life unfold.

At its heart the film is about the experience of growing up and coming of age. Peter is at a transitional point in his life, and we see him explore the challenges he faces as he navigates the complexities of adolescence. It presents a nuanced and realistic portrayal of the awkwardness and uncertainty that often characterize this period of life.

Another central theme in the film is the role of social class in shaping people’s experiences and opportunities. Peter comes from a working-class family, and his experiences at the department store expose him to the stark differences between the worlds of the working class and the middle class. Suggesting that social class can be a significant barrier to upward mobility and can shape people’s identities and experiences in profound ways.

Ultimately, Black Peter is a film that speaks to the universal experiences of adolescence, social class, and the search for meaning and purpose in everyday life. Through its nuanced and realistic portrayal of Peter’s experiences, we are presented with a compelling and thought-provoking meditation on the challenges and complexities of growing up in a rapidly changing world.

Daisies

Electra, my love

Electra, My Love is a 1974 Hungarian film directed by Miklós Jancsó. The film is a loose adaptation of the Greek myth of Electra, and tells the story of a group of villagers who rise up against their oppressive rulers, exploring themes of power, revenge, and the corruption of authority

Essentially the plot is a struggle for justice and liberation. The villagers, led by the titular character Electra, are driven by a sense of righteous anger and a desire to overthrow the corrupt and oppressive regime that controls their lives. Critiquing authoritarianism and the abuse of power and highlighting the ways in which those in positions of authority can use violence and manipulation to maintain their hold on society.

As the villagers seek to overthrow their rulers, they engage in a series of violent acts that ultimately lead to a cycle of revenge and retribution. Suggesting that violence begets violence, and that the cycle of revenge is difficult to break.

Jancsó suggests that individual actions are always part of a larger social and historical context, and that individuals are shaped by the broader forces of history and culture. The characters in the film are all part of a larger social and historical context, and their actions are shaped by the broader forces of power and violence that have shaped their world.

Electra, My Love is a film that speaks to the struggles of oppressed and marginalized people throughout history. 

Ikarie XB-1

Serving as an inspiration for Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space oddysey, the 1963 Czechoslovak science fiction film Ikarie XB-1 is set in the distant future, as a crew of astronauts embarks on a journey to explore a distant planet, known as Alpha Centauri.

principally the film about human curiosity and the desire to push boundaries. The crew of the spaceship, led by Captain Vladimir Abajev, are driven by a sense of adventure and a thirst for discovery. As they travel deeper into the unknown reaches of space, they are faced with a series of challenges and obstacles, ranging from dangerous cosmic rays to the discovery of a mysterious derelict spaceship.

One more important aspect of the film is the importance of human connection and empathy. As they navigate the dangers of space travel, the crew must also contend with their own emotional struggles and conflicts. It presents a nuanced and complex portrayal of the human psyche, exploring the ways in which individuals cope with stress, loneliness, and uncertainty.

As their journey continues, the crew encounters strange and inexplicable phenomena, they are forced to confront the limitations of scientific knowledge and the power of the unknown. This tension is embodied in the character of the ship’s doctor, who is torn between his loyalty to scientific method and his emotional connection to the crew.

Ikarie XB-1 offers a hopeful and optimistic vision of the future, one in which humanity is able to overcome the challenges of the unknown and embrace the possibilities of the universe. Through its exploration of curiosity, empathy, and the limits of science, the film presents a compelling and thought-provoking reflection on the nature of human existence.

Blissfully Yours

Blissfully Yours, directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, is a Thai film that explores desire, freedom, and social constraint. The film presents a nuanced portrayal of love and relationships, and highlights the societal pressures that can limit individual agency and fulfillment.

A meditation on the complexities of human connection, the relationship between Min and Roong, two lovers who must hide their affair due to cultural expectations and societal norms, is presented with a delicate and understated sensibility. Through their conversations and interactions, the film underscores the importance of intimacy, communication, and emotional honesty in building meaningful connections.

The lush, verdant jungle that serves as a backdrop for much of the action represents a space of escape and possibility. The characters are able to shed their societal roles and responsibilities, and engage in moments of sensual and emotional liberation. However, this freedom is always tempered by the knowledge that they must eventually return to their respective lives and identities.

Throughout the film, the characters are shown interacting with the natural environment in various ways. They swim in rivers, collect fruit from trees, and lie in the grass, all while being surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest. The film’s slow pace and gentle rhythms mirror the rhythms of nature, and the characters seem to be in tune with their surroundings, moving at a leisurely pace and taking time to appreciate the beauty around them.

Blissfully Yours provides a nuanced and subtle portrayal of love and relationships, and invites the viewer to consider the many factors that shape our desires, choices, and sense of self.