Picture above: Ian Hendry and Roy Thinnes – Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun

Includes Rare UK Version – With Ian Hendry Credited In The Lead Role

The definitive release of Journey to the Far Side of the Sun (A.K.A Doppelganger) will be unveiled in Australia in August 2015 by Madman Entertainment. It will give us the rare opportunity of seeing the original UK release in which Ian Hendry was credited in the lead role.

See also: Show Guide – Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun (1969)

Doppelgänger is a 1969 British science-fiction film directed by Robert Parrish and starring Roy Thinnes, Ian Hendry, Lynn Loring and Patrick Wymark. Outside Europe, it is known as Journey to the Far Side of the Sun, which is now the more popular title. In the film, a joint European-NASA mission to investigate a planet in a position parallel to Earth, behind the Sun, ends in disaster with the death of one of the astronauts (Hendry). His colleague (Thinnes) discovers that the planet is a mirror image of Earth.

Release Details – Madman Entertainment

This release includes:

• New Restored HD master of the U.S. version of the film (Journey to the Far Side of The Sun)
• Audio Commentary with Gerry Anderson
• Doppelganger – rare, never-before-released UK version of the film featuring alternative scenes and credits (un-restored pillar-boxed anamorphic presentation)
• Extensive Image Gallery
• Reversible sleeve with alternative Doppelganger artwork
• Copy of the restored U.S. version on DVD

Madman engaged BBC Post Production & Studios to do additional clean up work to address some issues with the print.

With a new HD master of the U.S. version of the film, we have been advised that this Blu-Ray/DVD combination will initially be available exclusively from JB HIFI: .

> Pre-order from JB Hifi

The fabulous Fanderson website – a homage to all things Gerry Anderson – advises that:

‘Universal hold no materials for the UK version (Doppelganger), but wanting to present the most complete Blu Ray edition possible, Madman contacted Fanderson who were able to help with a cinema print of the rarely-seen version. Although the print was not pristine nor anamorphic (it will be presented as un-restored pillar-boxed anamorphic), Madman felt its rarity and archival interest meant it was worthy of inclusion. This UK version contains several differences and has never been made available on disc – keep your eyes peeled for these if you decide to purchase this awesome release!’

Until next time,

Neil Hendry
Editor, Official Website of Ian Hendry

Further Reading

A detailed account of the life and work of Ian Hendry in the new biography:

Read:  ‘Send in the Clowns – The Yo Yo Life Of Ian Hendry’ by Gabriel Hershman