This short trailer effectively shows the dramatic improvement in sharpness and colour between the 2009 restoration of Wake In Fright by AtLab and the original negative from 1971.

This is a transcript of an excerpt from a 2020 interview with director Justin Kurzel on BBC Radio 4's The Film Programme, with Francine Stock. Courtesy BBC 4.

Author, columnist and film and TV critic Luke Buckmaster examines the enduring themes of Wake in Fright, first released in 1971.

For years the negative of Wake in Fright (1971) was thought to be lost forever. Here is the story behind the restoration and re-release of the classic Australian film.

An image from Wake in Fright featuring four men aiming rifles: (left-right) Donald Pleasence as Doc Tydon, Gary Bond as John Grant, Peter Whittle as Joe and Jack Thompson as Dick.

The Akubra hat – with beer-can ringpull hatband – worn by Peter Whittle (Joe) in Wake in Fright (1971).

The Australian one-sheet poster advertising the re-release of the restored film in 2009.

A colour lobby card to promote the 1971 release of Wake in Fright (known overseas on Outback).

An Australian lobby card to promote the release of Wake in Fright in 1971 featuring a photo of the two-up scene.

Abstract image of three men, one holding a glass, one holding a knife and one holding a gun.