Jirí Trnka: Puppet Master

Czech artist Jiri Trnka (1912-1969) is the internationally revered master of puppet animation, often dubbed 'the European Walt Disney'. Painter, illustrator, designer, and author of fantastic tales, Trnka came from a family of toymakers and the era of marionette theatre, and in his films created magical worlds with his sets, costumes and puppets. Often borrowing from Czechoslovak folklore while inventing novel techniques in stop-motion cinematography, many of his films use allegory to produce political satire, often evoking the ire of State censors. This set brings together two of Trnka's most beloved and intricate works - his breathtaking collection of Bohemian myths Old Czech Legends (1953) and his hymn to the Czech land, history, and people, The Czech Year (1947). These epic animation spectacles combine elaborate camera work, design, and puppetry with magical storytelling and casts of delightfully fanciful creations.

Special Features

Booklet, Documentaries: 'The Puppets of Jirí Trnka', Archival Czech newsreels on Jirí Trnka; Introductions to both films; Michael Brooke on Jirí Trnka and Czech animation: Video essay; Animated short film from Jirí Trnka: 'The Hand' (1965); Animated short film by Jirí Brdecka (co-writer of 'Old Czech Legends'): 'Badly Painted Hen' (1963), Trailers

Audio Languages: Czech

Duration: 165 minutes

Number of Discs: 2

Subtitle Languages: English

UK Delivery:

• Free delivery on all orders of £10 or more.
• £1.49 delivery fee on orders below £10.
• UK orders are shipped via Royal Mail 2nd Class.

International Delivery:

• Flat rate delivery charges vary by country.

Dispatch and Delivery Times:

• All orders are shipped from our warehouse in Northampton, UK within 48 hours of receipt during working hours.
• UK mainland orders typically arrive within 3-5 working days via Royal Mail 2nd Class.
• International estimated delivery times:
• Europe & Channel Islands: 7 to 10 working days
• USA: 7 to 15 working days
• Rest of the World: 9 to 21 working days

View our full delivery infomation here.