Hidden City Blu-Ray

Director: Stephen Poliakoff

After establishing a reputation in British television drama, Stephen Poliakoff directed his first feature film in 1987. Hidden City is a mystery shrouded in conspiracy and secrecy, telling the story of James Richards (Charles Dance), a writer who becomes involved in the search for a lost 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 Stok's excellent photography, Poliakoff has created a rich insight into London's dark history, with disused tram tunnels and long-forgotten underground chambers as a backdrop for exploring the depths of British preoccupation with secrecy. Stephen Poliakoff's rarely seen directorial debut, with a sensational cast of British talents including Charles Dance, Richard E. Grant, and Bill Paterson, is an elegant thriller ripe for rediscovery.

Special features

Presented in high-definition format

Newly recorded audio commentary with screenwriter and director Stephen Poliakoff and film critic Michael Brooke

Treasures from the BFI National Archive (1903-1947, 58 min): a selection of archival gems exploring some of the themes raised 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 featuring 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 texts 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.