The 1973 film is based on the true story of Henri "Papillon" Charriere, A man who befriends a fellow criminal as the two of them begin serving their sentence on a dreadful prison island, which inspires the man to plot his escape.

This announcement is welcome news and adds to the growing collection of classic 1970s films that are getting the hi-def treatment. The release will feature a 32-page digibook including information, archival photos and an in-depth exploration of the controversy swirling around the story.

Special features are reported to include:

  • Vintage featurette: The Magnificent Rebel
  • Theatrical trailer

Let's hope this good news isn't followed by an update announcement shortly before release stating that WHV have decided to scrap or delay the release, as has been happening quite frequently of late.