ABS-CBN Film Restoration and LVN Pictures, Inc. give a new generation of viewers a chance to experience a magical movie adventure from yesteryears with the free streaming of the remastered version of “Ibong Adarna,” the classic Pinoy tale of a magical bird whose voice has the power to heal.
Through the restoration unit’s “Sagip Pelikula” initiative, the 1941 LVN classic and the oldest film in ABS-CBN’s Film Archives underwent digital processing and can be appreciated by viewers in crisp high-definition on ABS-CBN Film Restoration’s official Facebook page this Sunday (November 1) at 7:30 PM.
Based on the Filipino epic poem, the pre-World War II masterpiece retells the story of three royal brothers: Don Pedro, Don Diego, and Don Juan, as they find the cure to the disease afflicting King Fernando, their father, and ruler of Berbanya.
The king’s doctor advises the three princes to capture the fabled Ibong Adarna as its beautiful voice is the answer to King Fernando’s illness. As they find the magical bird, the brothers get embroiled in deceit, a love triangle, and murder. But brotherhood and forgiveness will bring them redemption in the end.
Under the direction of Victor Salumbides and Manuel Conde, the film has a cast of great Filipino talents, such as Mila del Sol, Fred Cortes, Ester Magalona, Vicente Oliver, Deanna Prieto, Ben Rubio, among others.
The LVN classic remains a significant part of Philippine cinema history as it is the first Pinoy color sequence film, with its frames meticulously hand-painted.
For more updates on ABS-CBN’s film restoration unit and its “Sagip Pelikula” initiative, follow them on Facebook (fb.com/filmrestorationabscbn), Twitter (@ABS_Restoration), and Instagram (@abscbnfilmrestoration).
