Jiri Trnka: Puppet Master - Limited Slipcase Edition -PRE-ORDER-10-AUGUST-2026

Czech artist Jiri Trnka (1912–1969) is the internationally revered master of puppet animation, often dubbed 'the European Walt Disney'. Painter, illustrator, designer, and author of fantastic tales, Trnka came from a family of toymakers and the era of marionette theatre, and in his films created magical worlds with his sets, costumes and puppets. Often borrowing from Czechoslovak folklore while inventing novel techniques in stop-motion cinematography, many of his films use allegory to produce political satire, often evoking the ire of State censors.

This set brings together two of Trnka's most beloved and intricate works - his breathtaking collection of Bohemian myths Old Czech Legends (1953) and his hymn to the Czech land, history, and people, The Czech Year (1947). These epic animation spectacles combine elaborate camera work, design, and puppetry with magical storytelling and casts of delightfully fanciful creations.