To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the BBC is re-releasing a remastered version of the beloved fantasy classic, The Box of Delights.
This magical and fantastical six-part adaptation of John Masefield’s novel, starring Patrick Troughton, Devin Stanfield, and Robert Stephens, is considered one of the greatest works of modern televised children’s fiction.
Based on the 1935 novel, the serial follows young Kay Harker, who encounters a mysterious Punch and Judy man (played by Troughton) on his way home for Christmas. This chance meeting sets off an extraordinary adventure, as Kay is entrusted with a strange puzzle box—the Box of Delights—which can transport him through time and space.
As Kay embarks on his perilous journey, he must face a host of terrifying villains who seek to steal the powerful box. With courage and ingenuity, he battles against these dark forces to protect the magical artifact and save the day.
The remastered edition of The Box of Delights will feature brand-new special features, offering fans a fresh perspective on this timeless tale.
Special features in The Box of Delights 40th Anniversary Edition:
- Time And Tide – Making The Box of Delights (NEW)
- Trails & Continuity (NEW)
- 2004 Kay Harker & Director Interview
- Blue Peter, Take Two & Pebble Mill Clips
Previously released in 2004, The Box of Delights is issued this time around on Blu-ray and DVD.
We chat with Chris Chapman, who produced Time And Tide – Making The Box of Delights, in an upcoming edition of our podcast. Join us free at www.patreon.com/kasterborous to get the full-length version of that chat, earlier than on Apple Podcasts, and ad-free too.
And as part of your appreciation of this Christmas TV classic, don’t miss the new edition of the companion volume, Opening the Box of Delights. You can still buy the novel, too. The latest edition of The Box of Delights by John Masefield, from 2014, features illustations by Quentin Blake.