Widescreen version.

Originally released as a motion picture in 1987.

Based on the novel by J.G. Ballard.

Special features included on side A: behind-the-scenes documentary "A China odyssey : Empire of the sun, a film by Steven Spielberg" (English language soundtrack with optional subtitles in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Thai) ; cast and crew biographies ; theatrical trailer ; awards ; scene selections.

Director of photography, Allen Daviau ; music, John Williams ; editor, Michael Kahn.

John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Christian Bale.

Based on J.G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, tells the story of a boy, James Graham, whose privileged life is upturned by the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, December 8, 1941. Separated from his parents, he is eventually captured, and taken to Soo Chow confinement camp, next to a captured Chinese airfield. Amidst the sickness and food shortages in the camp, Jim attempts to reconstruct his former life, all the while bringing spirit and dignity to those around him.

MPAA rating: PG.

DVD.

English (Dolby surround 5.1 or Dolby surround stereo 2.0) and French (Dolby surround stereo) language soundtracks with optional subtitles in Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish or Thai ; closed-captioned in English for the hearing impaired.

Received six Academy Award nominations, and two Golden Globes nominations in 1988.

American Society of Cinematographers Awards, 1988: won Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Theatrical Releases (Allen Daviau).

BAFTA Film Awards, 1989: Won 3 awards out of 6 nominations: Best Cinematography (Allen Daviau), Best Score (John Williams), and Best Sound.

National Board of Review Awards, 1987: won Best Film ; Best Director (Stephen Spielberg) ; Top Ten Films. Also won a Special Citation for Outstanding Juvenile Performance (Christian Bale).

Young Artist Awards, 1989: won Best Family Motion Picture- Drama ; Best Young Actor in a Motion Picture- Drama (Christian Bale).