At long last, the striking second feature from Barbet Schroeder - La Vallee/The Valley (Obscured by Clouds) - gets a UK release on DVD, and, for the first time anywhere, on Blu-ray.

Released by the BFI (British Film Institute) on February 14th, 2011, in a Dual Format Edition package, the movie explores the limits of experience as it journeys into the great unknown accompanied by Pink Floyd's wondrous soundtrack, later released as the album Obscured By Clouds.

Previously unavailable in the UK on DVD (having only appeared on this format in the US and Germany), the Dual Format Edition release (a Blu-ray and a DVD disc in the same box) includes a range of special features including three documentary shorts directed by Barbet Schroeder about aspects of the lives of the tribes of Papua New Guinea, and a new director-approved 'optical effect' digitally-restored optional ending.

The Blu-ray (which is not region-locked and therefore suitable for worldwide use) includes a Director-approved High Definition transfer from the original negative, and the package includes theatrical trailers for Schroeder's The Valley, More (1969, also featuring a Pink Floyd soundtrack) and Maîtresse (1974). There's also an illustrated 26-page booklet with rare on-set photographs, an essay: "Childhood's End: Pink Floyd's Music for The Valley (Obscured by Clouds)" by Rob Young, and an essay and new director interview by Emilie Bickerton, author of the recently published book A Short History of Cahiers du Cinéma. Look for our review of this release shortly.

In the meantime, you can pre-order the package now from the following, saving up to 35% off the recommended retail price: Amazon.co.uk, Play.com, and Zavvi.com. You can also order it directly from www.bfi.org.uk/filmstore.