Tintin And The Mystery Of The Golden Fleece
(U) 98min

Tintin And The Blue Oranges
(U) 96min
(BFI)

These two releases from the British Film Institute should sate any self respecting Hergé fan. It's undeniably an informatively shrewd move to showcase these two films from 1961 and 1964 in advance of Spielberg's adaptation of The Secret of the Unicorn and the BFI have unearthed two bona fida Tintin related classics.

Made under sanction from their protective creator, they are remarkably accurate live action homage to the characters that have charmed and entertained millions around the world over the last 80 years. As ever it's Captain Haddock that injects the comedy and exasperation into proceedings with carefully observed stumbles, outbursts and of course displays of excess. The identikit tomfoolery of the Thom(p)son Twins is faithful, as is the hard of hearing genius that is Professor Calculus. Tintin, played by Jean-Pierre Talbot bears a remarkable likeness, and engaged enough with the character to carry out all of the marshal art inspired fight scenes himself, to great effect.

The film's plots are essentially remoulds that take inspiration from The Crab with the Golden Claws and The Seven Crystal Balls, but are nonetheless plausible in Hergé's world that fascinates with adventure, heroism, gadgetry and humour. Complete with 30-page booklets containing stills, essays and commentary these are must have releases.