Trace Of Stones Limited Edition Blu-Ray (Region B)

Trace of Stones (1966) – Masters of Cinema Series (Blu-ray)

Region: B
Runtime: 139 minutes
Language: German
Subtitles: English
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1

In the mid-1960s, eleven films produced by DEFA, the state-run film studio of the German Democratic Republic, were either withdrawn from cinemas or banned from release due to alleged anti-socialist themes. The most notorious of these was Trace of Stones, a powerful and controversial political drama directed by acclaimed East German filmmaker Frank Beyer (Jakob the Liar).

The story follows Hannes Balla (Manfred Krug), the outspoken and charismatic leader of a construction crew at a major East German worksite. Determined to keep his projects moving forward, Balla is willing to bend the rules—including stealing scarce building materials—to get the job done.

Concerned about his rebellious behavior, the ruling Socialist Unity Party assigns Secretary Werner Horrath (Eberhard Esche) to supervise the site and bring order to Balla’s operations. At the same time, a new engineer arrives: Kati Klee (Krystyna Stypułkowska), the only woman working in the male-dominated environment.

As tensions rise, a complex love triangle develops between Klee, Balla, and Horrath. Personal conflicts soon intertwine with political pressures, creating a volatile situation that threatens to erupt.

Offering a sharp and nuanced look at everyday socialism in practice, Trace of Stones was widely interpreted as a critique of East Germany’s political system. The film was quickly withdrawn from theaters in 1966, and director Frank Beyer was prevented from directing another feature film until 1975. The film itself remained suppressed until after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The Masters of Cinema Series proudly presents this historically significant and extraordinary film, available on Blu-ray for the first time.

Special Features

• Limited edition O-card slipcase with new artwork by Carly A-F

• Collector’s booklet

• Documentary: The 11th Plenum: A Cultural Devastation

• Documentary: Trace of Time: Director Frank Beyer

• Children’s Home (1978)