Cartoon Saloon's Folklore Trilogy Blu-Ray Collection Released This December [updated]
It's no secret that we are big fans of the work of Cartoon Saloon around here. The Kilkenny, Ireland based studio is responsible for four of the best animated features of the last few years, scoring an Oscar nomination for each one. 2020 saw the eagerly anticipated release of their fourth film, Wolfwalkers, concluding a loose trilogy of films based on Irish mythology.
Wolfwalkers had a limited theatrical release in multiple territories, made even more limited by lockdowns. The movie then hit Apple TV+ shortly thereafter, where it streams exclusively. Animation fans have been known to grumble about the lack of a more traditional release for Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart's masterpiece. It's now been announced that Wolfwakers will be getting a Blu-Ray release after all...but there's a catch.
The film will be exclusively available as part of a Limited Edition release of Cartoon Saloon's Irish Folklore Trilogy from GKIDS Films and Shout Factory, alongside The Secret Of Kells and Song Of The Sea. The deluxe edition will feature all three feature films plus special features never seen before in North America, including brand-new animatics. Additionally, there will be an exclusive fourth disc dedicated to new special features and a 2000 word essay from film critic Andy Crump. Fittingly for a trilogy with such a respect and love for nature, it will also be contained in innovative environmentally-friendly packaging, featuring 50% recycled or renewable materials and using 100 % biodegradable soy-based inks. It's all looking rather stunning. StudioCanal will also release the set in the UK and Ireland.
Special Features:
The Secret of Kells
● Audio Commentary with Filmmakers
● Voices of Ireland
● Director’s Presentation
● Pencil-to-Picture
● Aisling at the Oscars
● And more
Song of the Sea
● Audio Commentary with Filmmakers
● Behind the Scenes
● The Art of Song of the Sea
● Animation Tests
● And more
Wolfwalkers
● Audio Commentary with Filmmakers
● Voicing Wolfwalkers
● “How to Draw” Demonstrations
● The Music of Wolfwalkers
● Behind “Running With The Wolves”
● Trailers
● And more
Bonus Disc
● Song of the Sea Animatic with Director’s Commentary
● The Secret of Kells Animatic with Director’s Commentary
● Wolfwalkers Animatic with Director’s Commentary
● Reading of Pangur Bán by Mick Lally
And more....
The Trilogy will be released in the US on December 14, 2021. This is apparently going to be the only way you can get Wolfwalkers on Blu-Ray. StudioCanal will release the collection in the UK and Ireland on December 13.
Preorder here:
