LE BALLON ROUGE: THE RED BALLOON by Lamorisse, Albert (Author/Film Director) & Lamorisse, Pascal (Actor) - 1956

Paris, France: Films Montsouris Paris/Criterion Collection, 1956. First Edition. First Printing.. Hardcover. Fine/No Dust Jacket, As Issued.. Paris, France: Films Montsouris Paris/Criterion Collection, 1956. Hardcover. Fine/None, As Issued. First Edition/First Printing. 37 pages. Rare Albert Lamorisse and "The Red Balloon" collectible set. A fine copy of the 1956 First American Edition/First Printing with pristine Criterion Collection DVD of "Le ballon rouge" and pristine Vintage Souvenir Card, the latter signed by Albert Lamorisse with balloon drawing. Precedes and should not be confused with all other subsequent editions, of which there are innumerable. Published in a small and limited first print run as a hardcover original only. There is no ISBN. The First Edition is now rare. Presents Albvert Lamorisse's "Le ballon rouge" in its definitive English translation. THE First Edition, a keepsake issued to celebrate the release of the great film in the United States. Originally intended to be read aloud by adults to kids (and to themselves) or read by precocious kids to themselves, thereby enhancing their experience of the film. Lavishly illustrated with magnificent gravure and color plates derived from the film itself. The Criterion Collection DVD: "Newly restored, Albert Lamorisse's exquisite masterpiece remains one of the most beloved children's films of all time. In this deceptively simple tale, a young boy discovers a stray balloon, which seems to have a mind of its own, on the streets of Paris. The two become inseparable yet the world's harsh realities finally interfere. With its glorious palette and allegorical purity, the Academy-Award winning film has enchanted movie lovers, young and old, for generations" (Criterion Collection). "One of the most beautiful films ever made" (Pauline Kael). Vintage Souvenir Card: Thick cream uncoated stock paper. Measures 6 X 4 inches. Signed with original balloon drawing by Lamorisse in 1956. He also drew the balloon in black (instead of a white circle) in order to evoke the red balloon of his beloved masterpiece. An absolute "must-have" collectible, not just memorabilia, set for Albert Lamorisse collectors. <b><i> This title is a great film and a classic book. It comes with a Vintage Souvenir Card that is very boldly and beautifully signed in black ink-pen by Albert Lamorisse. He also drew his signature balloon underneath his signature. As far as we know, this is the only copy of the First Hardcover Edition/First Printing (American) with Criterion Collection DVD and Signed Vintage Souvenir Card available online and despite its imperfection (slight wear on the top corner and spine, but it's there) is still in fine condition: Clean, crisp, and bright. Both the Souvenir Card and DVD are pristine beauties. Please note: Albert Lamorisse signed and drew a balloon on the Souvenir Card, NOT the book or the Criterion DVD. ALL copies of the book available online are in innumerable subsequent printings. A rare set thus. </b></i> 1 Book, 1 DVD, 1 Signed Vintage Souvenir Card. One of the greatest films of the 20th century. A fine collectible set. .