Cinelicious Pics began streaming a red-band trailer on Thursday for its upcoming release of Eiichi Yamamoto's 1973 experimental anime film Belladonna of Sadness (Kanashimi no Belladonna).

Note: This video contains nudity and is not safe for work.





The story of Belladonna of Sadness follows Jeanne (Katsutaka Ito) after she is assaulted by a local lord on her wedding night. Vowing revenge, she makes a deal with the Devil (Tatsuya Nakadai). The Devil transforms Jeanne into a black-robed manifestation of her madness and desire.

Cinelicious Pics restored Belladonna of Sadness in 4K resolution from its original 35mm negative, and the company plans to release the film in theaters, on home video, and on demand.

Cinelicious Pics is listing where the film will screen in the U.S. starting in May. Hat & Beard Press is listing that it will release a 220-page hardcover book to accompany the film's release. The limited edition of the book will include the film's Blu-ray Disc release, as well as two theatrical posters, an enamel jewelry pin, and a promotional postcard. The book retails for US$60 and the limited edition retails for US$120.

The film has not been widely released in the United States before, although it was screened in Los Angeles in 2009 and at Montreal's Fantasia Fest in 2013. The film screened last year at the Japan Cuts film festival in New York and at the Fantastic Fest film festival in Texas.

Osamu Tezuka produced the film, and his long-time creative partner Eiichi Yamamoto ( Star Blazers scriptwriter, Astro Boy: Hero of Space) wrote and directed the film at Mushi Productions. Masahiko Satoh ( Grave of the Fireflies, The Fantastic Adventures of Unico ) composed the film's soundtrack.

Cinelicious Pics is hosting an art contest for the film. The deadline for submissions is April 1.

[Via WTK]