Set at an unspecified past time in a world ruled by superstition, a reclusive potter nicknamed ‘Dragon’, is exiled from his isolated homestead. He returns years later, aiming to win back the trust of the villagers – but faces suspicion, guilt, and simmering violence.
A key film from Slovak cinema’s golden era, Eduard Grečner’s film is a radical fusion of ancient folklore and experimental modernism. Shot in luminous monochrome andboasting an extraordinary score by Ilja Zeljenka, it is an elemental vision of a world lost in time.
“An intersection between modern art and folk culture… an eternal ballad about the
essence of life” Peter Hames, Czech and Slovak Cinema: Theme and Tradition
“A compelling film, surely as exciting today as it was originally” Senses of Cinema
Blu-ray Special Features:
• Dragon’s Return (Drak sa vracia, 1967) presented from an HD transfer of the new 2K
restoration by the Slovak Film Institute.
• On ‘Dragon’s Return’ (2022): a new and exclusive documentary on the film, with the
special participation of director Eduard Grečner.
• A newly filmed introduction by Rastislav Steranka of the Slovak Film Institute.
• An exclusive, archival filmed appreciation of the film by Czech and Slovak cinema
expert Peter Hames (2015).
• 20-page booklet featuring an essay on the film and an interview with Eduard Grečner
by author Jonathan Owen.
• New and improved English subtitle translations.
• World premiere on Blu-ray.
• Region Free (A/B/C) Blu-ray.
