Iphigenia: Limited Edition – Radiance Films (Blu-ray)

Theatrical Release Date: Greece, 1977
Director: Michael Cacoyannis
Writer: Michael Cacoyannis
Cast: Irene Papas, Tatiana Papamoschou, Kostas Kazakos, Costas Carras, Christos Tsagas, Panos Mihalopoulos, Dimitri Aronis 

Release Date: February 23rd, 2026 (UK), February 24th, 2026 (USA)
Approximate Running Time: 129 Minutes 16 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: 12 (UK), NR (USA)
Sound: LPCM Mono Greek
Subtitles: English
Region Coding: Region A,B
Retail Price: £14.99 (UK), $39.95 (USA)

"After mistakenly slaying a sacred deer, Agamemnon is ordered to atone for his sin by the gods. In order for them to guarantee safe passage for his armies to Troy, he must make the ultimate sacrifice: the death of his beloved daughter, Iphigenia. Torn between family and country, he attempts to keep the details of the impossible ultimatum from his wife, Clytemnestra (Irene Papas, We Still Kill the Old Way), choosing to deceive her while he wrestles with the implications of his decision, while those around him wait tensely for his answer." - synopsis provided by the distributor

Video: 4.25/5

Here’s the information provided about the transfer, "Iphigenia was delivered to Radiance Films as a high-definition digital file by Park Circus."

Iphigenia comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 36.2 GB

Feature: 29.9 GB

Although this new transfer is a marked improvement over this film's previous English-friendly home media releases, some minor instances of print debris and reel-change cigarette burns remain. Flesh tones and colors look correct, image clarity, black levels, and compression are solid, and there are no issues with digital noise reduction.

Audio: 4.25/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in Greek with removable English subtitles. The audio is in excellent shape; dialogue always comes through clearly, everything sounds balanced, and the score sounds appealingly robust.

Extras:

Extras on this release include archival footage of press conference at 1977 Cannes film festival (11 minutes 3 seconds, Dolby Digital mono French with removable English subtitles), an archival interview for French TV with director Michael Cacoyannis and actress Irene Papas (6 minutes 12 seconds, Dolby Digital mono French with removable English subtitles), an interview with Greek film expert Dimitris Papanikolaou who discusses the cinema of  Michael Cacoyannis (25 minutes 2 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), reversible cover art, removable OBI strip leaving packaging free of certificates and markings and a 20-page booklet (limited to 2000 copies) with cast & crew information, an essay titled Michael Cacoyannis's Iphigenia: Aesthetic and Moral Complexities in a Flawed Masterpiece written by Vrasidas Karalis, and information about the transfer.

Summary:

Michael Cacoyannis directed Iphigenia. He's known for Stella, Electra, Zorba the Greek, and The Trojan Women. Iphigenia is the third film in Michael Cacoyannis’ “Greek Tragedy” trilogy; the other two films are Electra and The Trojan Women. All three films in the “Greek Tragedy” trilogy were adapted from stage plays written by Euripides.

Agamemnon, the king of Argos, angers the gods when he accidentally kills a sacred deer. He can only appease the gods by sacrificing his first-born daughter, Iphigenia.

Although Menelaus' wife, Helen, running away with Paris to Troy is the event that sets the story that unfolds in motion, Agamemnon's killing a sacred deer reshapes its trajectory. From there the narrative explores Agamemnon’s dilemma: does he sacrifice his flesh and blood or will he betray the country he’s sworn allegiance to? That said, the conflict that arises from the choices facing Agamemnon ultimately drives the narrative.

The most surprising aspect is how outstanding the three leads' performances are: Kostas Kazakos (In the Name of the Law) in the role of Agamemnon, Irene Papas (Oasis of Fear) in the role of Agamemnon's wife, and Tatiana Papamoschou in the role of the protagonist Iphigenia. Although Tatiana Papamoschou was making her first screen appearance, she delivers a performance well beyond her experience. That said, all of the cast deliver excellent performances that elevate the story that unfolds.

There is no area where Iphigenia does not excel; it's impressive production design that does a phenomenal job drawing you into the world being created and a beautifully photographed film that takes full advantage of scenic landscapes. As it builds to the moment of the daughter's sacrifice, the flawlessly executed narrative masterfully creates tension. Another area of note is Mikis Theodorakis's (Z) score, which perfectly reinforces the mood. Ultimately, Iphigenia is an enthralling melodrama that quickly draws you in, holds your attention, and whose finale moment lingers in your mind.

Iphigenia gets a solid release from Radiance Films that comes with a strong audio/video presentation and insightful extras. Recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer