An early Audrey Hepburn screen test and an Edwardian Punch and Judy show comprise part of new exclusive content from the British Film Institute to feature in a new Samsung Smart TV app.
The early screen test of the Breakfast at Tiffany’s star from the 1950s and the 1901 children’s puppet show recording are included in the BFI Smart TV App, giving viewers a glimpse into the history of cinema from their own homes for the first time.
The app’s other highlights include interviews with Joss Whedon and Yoko Ono as well as Ridley Scott – the legendary filmmaker also has an early short film featured on one of the seven channels within the app, alongside others from Shane Meadows, Derek Jarman and Ken Russell.
Samsung is looking to break into the smart TV market, with rivals Apple already counting 13m subscribers to its Apple TV service.
More and more TV manufacturers are building internet connectivity into their latest sets, but the public has not taken advantage of the technology, generally preferring to access apps and social networks via their smartphones or tablets.
Guy Kinnell, head of TV and AV at Samsung, said: "Our partnership with the BFI is testament to our commitment to make great film and content even more accessible to the British public.
"With the largest Smart TV install base in the country coupled with award-winning picture quality and industry-leading design, the launch of the BFI App onto Samsung Smart TV brings this celebrated archived film content to life."
Part of the exclusive content hopes to lure viewers includes those from the Mitchell & Kenyon collection.
These Edwardian films provide snapshots of life in the 1900s, but the estimated 28 hours of footage shot by Sagar Mitchell and James Kenyon has only been seen in extracts up till now.
However, the footage across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland has been restored by the BFI and will be available in the app.
The BFI’s digital director, Edward Humphrey, said: "It’s thrilling to take the riches of film culture and especially British film into so many homes with Samsung.
"It’s a key step in realising the BFI’s ambitions for a wider suite of on-demand services, connecting audiences with our amazing content, no matter where they live in the UK, which will continue to be brought to life in the coming months."
