Watership Down

An apocalyptic vision prompts a group of rabbits to abandon their warren in search of a new home, in this landmark British animation. Richard Adams’ timeless novel is brought brilliantly to life as Hazel, Fiver, and Bigwig tackle the brutal realities of the English countryside – and mankind’s devastating impact upon it – as they lead their colony to the utopian Watership Down. Featuring an acclaimed voice cast (including John Hurt, Richard Briers and Denholm Elliott), a powerful score by composer Angela Morley and the hit single Bright Eyes sung by Art Garfunkel, Watership Down is a thrilling tale of adventure, courage and resilience that continues to enthral new and old audiences alike. Extras • Restored in 4K and presented in High Definition • Audio commentary by film and animation scholars Catherine Lester and Sam Summers (2024) • Audio commentary by director Martin Rosen and writer and filmmaker Chris Gore (2003) • A Conversation With the Filmmakers (2005, 17 mins): director Martin Rosen and editor Terry Rawlings discuss the production history of the film • Defining a Style (2005, 12 mins): key animators and background artists discuss their work • Storyboard comparison (2024, 15 mins): four scenes with accompanying original storyboards • Super 8 version (1978, 28 mins): original UK Super 8 digest release • Nepenthe Super 8 footage (c1977, 3 mins) shot by Arthur Humberstone, a senior animator • Designing Watership Down (2024, 4 mins): a film of materials related to Watership Down courtesy of The Arthur Humberstone Animation Archive • Treasures from the BFI National Archive (1942-1969, 48 mins): a selection of archive gems, including films by Mary Field and Halas & Batchelor, related to the themes or personnel of Watership Down • Trailers and TV spots