Killer of Sheep was made in a decade awash with brash blaxploitation movies, but this meditative film has more in common with the humanist sensibilities of the Italian neorealists or of directors such as Renoir, Ozu and Loach. Director Charles Burnett used a largely unprofessional cast and, in scenes such as the children at play, he allowed them to improvise against a backdrop of real locations with highly authentic results. The result has been acclaimed as a masterpiece of African-American filmmaking and one of the most poetic, perceptive dramas ever made about family and community.

With lovely neorealist photography by Burnett himself (he was writer, director, producer, cinematographer and editor) that captures the long, hot days of 1970s Los Angeles and a blues, pop and jazz soundtrack – the beauty of the music of Dinah Washington, George Gershwin, Etta James, Earth Wind & Fire and even Rachmaninov is contrasted with the gritty realism of what's shown on screen – the film has a quiet emotional power. It has successfully stood the test of time and become an acknowledged classic, as demonstrated by its inclusion in 1990 on the first  list compiled by the Library of Congress for the National Film Registry of 'culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant films'. It has justifiably enjoyed universal critical acclaim following its recent rediscovery and restoration.

Following its nationwide theatrical run in June, the BFI now brings Charles Burnett's Killer of Sheep to DVD for the first time. This acclaimed tale of a disillusioned slaughter-house worker – and the solace to be found in the simplest moments of life – is tender, witty, and affectionate.

Killer of Sheep will be released on UK DVD by the BFI on 20th October 2008 at the RRP of £15.99 and will have the following special features:

• Exclusive new interview with Charles Burnett;
• Feature commentary with Charles Burnett and Richard Peña;
• Several Friends (1969), Burnett's early short. Friends of the director talk, smoke and drink in South Central LA in this stylistic precursor to Killer of Sheep;
• The Horse (1973), Burnett's haunting short film set around a decaying farmhouse where four wealthy white men await to fate of a black horse;
• Illustrated booklet containing essays, director biography, cast and credits.

The picture will be in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1 and the sound will be PCM mono.