New Release: Mysteries of Lisbon DVD and Blu-ray

Release Date: Jan. 17, 2012
Price: Three-disc DVD $34.95, Blu-ray $43.95
Studio: Music Box Films


Mysteries of LisbonThe mini-series drama movie Mysteries of Lisbon is one of the final works by legendary Chilean filmmaker Raul Ruiz (Time Regained), who died in August 2011 at the age of 70.

An adaptation of the 19th century novel by Portugal’s Camilo Castelo Branco, the epic film follows a man’s search for the truth over three decades and four countries. According to the Music Box press release, the film “is a saga that evokes the artistry, intricacy and richness of the sprawling intertwined narratives of such giants as Victor Hugo and Charles Dickens.”

Set in Portugal’s capital city in the 19th century, Mysteries of Lisbon tells the story of 14-year-old orphan Joao (played by Joao Luis Arrais as a child, Afonso Pimentel as an adult), who begins a quest to find the truth about his parents, his origins and himself. During his 30-year journey, Joao discovers that he’s connected with various people in the Portuguese artisocracy and travels to France, Italy and Brazil, revealing secrets. Along the way, he crosses war, romance, passion and betrayal and learns that the truth for one man, isn’t always the truth for all.

The 266-minute foreign film, which hasn’t been rated, was praised by critics at film festivals around the world, winning the Silver Shell for Best Director at the San Sebastian International Film Festival and France’s Louis Delluc Prize.

On DVD and Blu-ray, the movie is presented in Portuguese and French with English subtitles.

Both versions include these special features:

  • booklet with photos and essay by film historian Jonathan Rosenbaum
  • 35-minute interview with Ruiz from France’s CineCinema
  • interview with screenwriter Carlos Saboga (Doomed Love)
  • round-table discussion about Mysteries of Lisbon on a French TV show
  • analysis of Portuguese writer Camilo Castelo Branco and the film by Jose Viale Moutinho from a Portuguese TV show
  • radio interview with Ruiz on France Culture
  • theatrical trailer.
Buy or Rent Mysteries of Lisbon
Amazon graphic
DVD | Blu-ray
DVD Empire graphicDVD | Blu-ray Movies Unlimited graphicDVD | Blu-ray Netflix graphic

About S. Clark

Sam Clark is the former Managing Editor/Online Editor of Video Business magazine. With 19 years experience in journalism, 12 in the home entertainment industry, Sam has been hooked on movies on since she saw E.T. then stared into the sky waiting to meet her own friendly alien. Thanks to her husband’s shared love of movies, Sam reviews Blu-ray discs in a true home theater, with a 118-inch screen, projector and cushy recliners with cup holders.