The Swedish streaming service Cultpix is expanding its offerings by releasing a new Blu-ray series, which includes the restored version of Kaljo Kiisa's cult classic film 'Madness,' originally released in 1968. The announcement comes ahead of the Cannes Film Festival, where the project will be showcased. This initiative illustrates Cultpix's commitment to preserving and promoting cult and exploitation cinema, in collaboration with film institutes from Hungary, Taiwan, the Czech Republic, and Estonia.

Among the films featured in this upcoming Blu-ray series, Kaljo Kiisa's 'Madness' will be one of the first to be released, starring notable Estonian actors Jüri Järvet and Voldemar Panso. The series will include other significant films from various countries, such as Hungary's 1990 film 'Meteo,' Taiwan's 1961 film 'Fantasy of the Deer Warrior,' and the Czech film 'The Man from the First Century' from 1962. These films are part of a broader initiative to highlight lesser-known gems from the international cinema landscape.

This move into the Blu-ray market comes after years of streaming popularity, indicating a shift in how film access and preservation are being approached in the digital age. Cultpix’s project not only aims to celebrate these art pieces but also to make them accessible in a physical format, engaging new audiences while preserving cinematic history. The emphasis on international collaboration signals a growing trend in the film industry towards cross-border partnerships in film restoration and distribution, enhancing the global reach of these films.