Supplemental material is a wide field, whether you call them bonus features, special features or VAM (value added material). Even when material may seem available through online archives, often valuable resources that can aid with understanding a director or actor’s work will be consigned to special features, and they may in the process fall out of print. The BFI’s website and YouTube channel (including their older channel) host some of the more recent BFI Southbank panels, that the BFI and other labels often duplicate for some of their Blu-ray releases. The Guardian‘s archives dating back to 1980 are in theory available as audio files, but only by appointment. Though the BFI’s website is wonderful for free access to archive film, a film database, and Sight & Sound articles, it lacks a section for one of the most historic parts of the Southbank’s history, resurrecting the lives and careers – and often the honesty – of industry professionals.
There’s been many changes over the years, with the BFI Southbank identity supplanting the NFT in 2007. (Perhaps the major difference, to my eyes, is it doesn’t supplement the acclaimed National Theatre.) As Geoffrey Macnab wrote at the time:
“BFI Southbank sounds like a furniture store with its own cashpoint,” one was heard grumbling.
Featurettes, interviews, documentaries, video essays and short films seem to be the most vulnerable to being hosted online as streams and torrents of illegal rips, especially when they reflect major studio releases, but the amount of material exclusive to disc is far greater. Similarly, material hosted online is always vulnerable to copyright takedowns and the demise of the domains they’re hosted on.
However, some of the material most resistant to piracy can be audio interviews, panels and commentaries. Even by owners of vast collections, these materials can sometimes be overlooked for lacking visual interest, often played against static backgrounds, stills, or a film that may only be of partial relevance. By no means do these elements completely disappear in the decades after a panel is held: rather, transcripts and select quotes turn up reproduced in books and reference guides, and The Guardian website carries an archive of transcripts from 1997-2009. Similarly, a handful of edited transcripts can be accessed through the old BFI Screenonline site. That being said, listening to a director or actor speak about their experiences in their own words can be a quite different experience to seeing them in print, where sections can easily be glanced over.
In this guide, I’ve created an (albeit incomplete) list to NFT panels available on disc, divided by label and form (on-camera or audio only).
Arrow Video/Academy
On-camera:
The Long Good Friday/Mona Lisa Limited Edition
Q+A with Bob Hoskins and John Mackenzie
(also available on Anchor Bay DVD)
The Sorrow and the Pity
Interview with director Marcel Ophuls, filmed in 2004
Audio only:
Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia
The John Player Lecture: Sam Peckinpah, audio recording of the director’s on-stage appearance at the National Film Theatre
Dekalog
The Guardian Interview: Krzysztof Kieślowski, an onstage conversation with Derek Malcolm at London’s National Film Theatre on 2 April 1990 to mark the British premiere of Dekalog
The Hired Hand
Warren Oates and Peter Fonda at the National Film Theatre, an audio recording of the actors’ appearance at the NFT in 1971
Hold Back the Dawn
The Guardian Lecture: Olivia de Havilland, A career-spanning onstage audio interview with Olivia de Havilland recorded at the National Film Theatre in 1971
Ramrod
Andre DeToth Interviewed at the National Film Theatre, a career-spanning archival interview from 1994, conducted by writer and broadcaster Kevin Jackson
The Running Man
Lee Remick at the National Film Theatre, an audio-only recording of the actor’s appearance at the NFT in 1970
Eureka Entertainment
On-camera:
The Friends of Eddie Coyle
A 1996 career-spanning on-stage interview with Peter Yates hosted by critic Derek Malcolm*
*shared material with Signal One (Eyewitness)
Kes
Extensive 1992 on-stage interview at the NFT with Ken Loach, interviewed by Derek Malcolm*
*shared material with BFI (Three Films by Ken Loach) and Signal One (Hidden Agenda)
Audio only:
The African Queen
Audio recording of an on-stage NFT discussion about the film with Anjelica Huston and script supervisor Angela Allen from 2010*
*[recorded at BFI Southbank]
Audio recording of the Guardian interview with John Huston at the National Film Theatre in 1981, discussing his work and career
Forty Guns
Audio interview with Samuel Fuller from 1969 at the National Film Theatre in London
Hard Times
NFT Audio Interview with director Walter Hill
High Noon
A 1969 audio interview with writer Carl Foreman from the National Film Theatre in London
Yanks
Archival interview with director John Schlesinger
Indicator
On-camera:
Vampires and Ghosts of Mars
The Guardian Interview with John Carpenter – Part One, 1962-1983 (1994, 38 mins): the director discusses his career with Nigel Floyd at the National Film Theatre, London
The Guardian Interview with John Carpenter – Part Two, 1984-1994 (1994, 41 mins): the director discusses his career with Nigel Floyd at the National Film Theatre, London
Audio only:
Age of Consent
The Beauty of the Image: The John Player Lecture with Michael Powell (1971, 85 mins): archival audio recording of the celebrated filmmaker in conversation with Kevin Gough-Yates at London’s National Film Theatre
The Guardian Interview with Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger (1985, 105 mins): archival audio recording of the Archers in conversation with Ian Christie at London’s National Film Theatre
Berserk
The BFI interview with Joan Crawford (1956)
Blue Collar
Paul Schrader BFI Masterclass (1982, 106 mins): the filmmaker presents a fascinating summary of the many issues and ideas he explores in his screenwriting class, recorded at the National Film Theatre, London*
*shared material with BFI (The Comfort of Strangers)
The Border
The Guardian/NFT Tribute to Tony Richardson (1992, 58 mins): archival audio recording of an event chaired by Sight & Sound editor Philip Dodd, featuring Lindsay Anderson, Kevin Brownlow, Jocelyn Herbert, Vanessa Redgrave, Karel Reisz and Natasha Richardson, each sharing their memories of Tony Richardson
Castle Keep
The John Player Lecture with Burt Lancaster (1972, 100 mins): audio recording of an interview conducted by Joan Bakewell at the National Film Theatre, London
Charley Varrick
The John Player Lecture with Don Siegel (1973, 75 mins): archival audio recording of an interview conducted at London’s National Film Theatre
The Guardian Lecture with Walter Matthau (1988, 89 mins): archival audio recording of an interview conducted by Tony Sloman at London’s National Film Theatre
The China Syndrome
The John Player Lecture with Jack Lemmon (1973, 80 mins): archival audio recording of an interview conducted by Philip Oakes at London’s National Film Theatre
The Collector
The Guardian Interview with William Wyler (1981, 83 mins): archival audio recording of the celebrated filmmaker in conversation with Adrian Turner at London’s National Film Theatre
The Guardian Interview with Terence Stamp (1989, 92 mins): archival audio recording of the award-winning actor in conversation with Tony Sloman at the National Film Theatre
The Deadly Affair
The National Film Theatre Lecture with James Mason (1967, 48 mins): archival audio recording of an interview conducted by Leslie Hardcastle
The Guardian Lecture with Sidney Lumet (1983, 89 mins): archival audio recording of an interview conducted by Derek Malcolm at the National Film Theatre, London
Dragonwyck
The John Player Lecture with Vincent Price (1969, 76 mins): archival audio recording of the celebrated actor in conversation at London’s National Film Theatre
The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds
The John Player Lecture with Paul Newman (1972): archival audio recording of an interview conducted by Joan Bakewell at London’s National Film Theatre
The Guardian Interview with Joanne Woodward (1984, 65 mins): archival audio recording of an interview conducted by Tony Bilbow at the National Film Theatre
Fat City
The John Player Lecture with John Huston (1972, 88 mins): audio recording of an interview conducted by Brian Baxter at the National Film Theatre, London
Five Tall Tales
The John Player Lecture with Budd Boetticher (1969): archival audio interview conducted by Horizons West author Jim Kitses at the National Film Theatre, London
The Guardian Interview with Budd Boetticher (1994): an extensive filmed interview conducted by film historian David Meeker at the National Film Theatre, London
The Guardian Interview with Elmore Leonard (1997): the celebrated author, and writer of the short story upon which The Tall T is based, in conversation at London’s National Film Theatre
Gardens of Stone
The Guardian Interview with Anjelica Huston (2006, 65 mins), archival audio recording of the celebrated actor in conversation with critic and producer Adrian Wootton at London’s National Film Theatre
Georgy Girl
The Guardian Interview with Charlotte Rampling (2001, 59 mins): an archival audio recording of a career-spanning interview conducted by Christopher Cook at London’s National Film Theatre
Hammer vol. 3
The Guardian Interview with Val Guest (2005): archival audio recording of the celebrated filmmaker in conversation with Jonathan Rigby at London’s National Film Theatre
Hardcore
The Guardian Interview with Paul Schrader (1993, 85 mins): audio recording of an on-stage interview conducted by Derek Malcolm at the National Film Theatre, London*
*shared material with BFI (The Comfort of Strangers)
Housekeeping
BFI Interview with Bill Forsyth (1994, 36 mins): archival audio recording of an on-stage interview conducted by Nick James at the National Film Theatre, London
The Last Movie
The Guardian Interview with Dennis Hopper (1990, 91 mins): archival audio recording of the filmmaker and actor in conversation with critic Derek Malcolm at London’s National Film Theatre
Lilith
The Guardian Interview with Warren Beatty (1990, 87 mins): archival audio recording of a career-spanning interview with the celebrated actor and director, hosted by Christopher Cook and conducted at London’s National Film Theatre
Mickey One
The Guardian Lecture with Arthur Penn (1981, 59 mins): archival audio recording of an interview conducted by Richard Combs at the National Film Theatre, London
Ministry of Fear
The BFI Interview with Fritz Lang (1962, 80 mins): archival audio recording of the celebrated filmmaker in conversation with Stanley Reed at London’s National Film Theatre
Missing
The Guardian Interview with Jack Lemmon and Jonathan Miller (1986): archival audio recording of an interview conducted at London’s National Film Theatre
The Odessa File
BFI Interview with director Ronald Neame
BFI Interview with cinematographer Oswald Morris
Otley
The Guardian Lecture with Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais (2008): archival audio recording of an interview conducted by Dick Fiddy at London’s National Film Theatre
The Sinbad Trilogy
BFI interview with Ray Harryhausen (1981, 85 mins): archival audio recording of an interview conducted by Philip Strick at the National Film Theatre, London
The John Player Lecture with Ray Harryhausen and producer Charles H Schneer (1970, 90 mins): archival audio recording of an interview conducted at the National Film Theatre, London
The Stone Killer
The John Player Lecture with Michael Winner (1970, 64 mins): audio recording of an interview with the director conducted by Margaret Hinxman at the National Film Theatre, London
They Made Me a Fugitive
The John Player Lecture with Alberto Cavalcanti (1970, 62 mins): archival audio recording of the celebrated director at London’s National Film Theatre, including an audience Q&A with fellow filmmakers Michael Balcon, Paul Rotha and Basil Wright
Time Without Pity
The John Player Lecture with Joseph Losey (1973, 80 mins): the celebrated filmmaker in conversation with film critic Dilys Powell at London’s National Film Theatre*
*shared material with StudioCanal (The Go Between)
Torture Garden
The Guardian Interview with Freddie Francis (1995, 77 mins): the great cinematographer and director in conversation with journalist Alan Jones recorded at the National Film Theatre, London
Town on Trial
The John Player Lecture with John Mills (1972, 96 mins): archival audio recording of an interview conducted by Margaret Hinxman at London’s National Film Theatre
Track 29
The NFT Interview with Nicolas Roeg (1994, 68 mins): archival audio recording of the celebrated filmmaker in conversation at London’s National Film Theatre
Young Winston
The John Player Lecture with Richard Attenborough (1971, 78 mins): the celebrated filmmaker in conversation with film critic Dilys Powell at London’s National Film Theatre
BFI
On-camera
Akenfield
Akenfield Cast and Crew Interview at the National Film Theatre (2004, 27 mins): on-stage interview, presented with original mute 16mm location footage
Carmen Jones
The Guardian Interview: Harry Belafonte at the National Film Theatre
Les Demoiselles de Rochefort
Guardian Interview: Catherine Deneuve (2005)
Night and the City
The Guardian Lecture: 1981 interview with Jules Dassin by film critic Alexander Walker.
Actor Richard Widmark interviewed at the National Film Theatre in 2002 by Adrian Wootton.
Odds Against Tomorrow
The Guardian Interview: Robert Wise at the National Film Theatre (1995, 74 mins): a career-spanning onstage interview
The John Player Lecture: Robert Ryan at the National Film Theatre (1969, 63 mins): the actor talks at length about his craft
Audio only
Bergman: A Year in the Life
Ingmar Bergman Guardian Interview (1982, 62 mins, audio only): Bergman pays tribute to theatre and film director Alf Sjöberg, discussing his influence and impact on his own career. Recorded at the NFT in 1982
Betrayed
Guardian Interview with Costa-Gavras (1984, 71 mins, audio only): the Oscar winning director discusses his career in this interview recorded four years before the release of Betrayed
Comes a Horseman
The Guardian Interview: Alan J Pakula (1986, 95 mins, audio): the director in conversation with Quentin Falk, recorded at the National Film Theatre in 1986
The Comfort of Strangers
Prospectus for a Course Not Given: The Paul Schrader Film Masterclass (1982, 100 mins, audio only): Paul Schrader provides an illuminating precis of the film course he had recently presented in America*
Paul Schrader Guardian Interview (1993, 85 mins, audio only): the director discusses films and filmmaking with critic Derek Malcolm*
*shared material with Indicator (Blue Collar, Hardcore)
Les Demoiselles de Rochefort
Guardian Interview: Jacques Demy (1982, audio only) (75:50)
Guardian Interview: Michel Legrand (1991, audio only) (71:23)*
Guardian Lecture: Gene Kelly (1980, audio only) (76:00)
*shared material with Criterion (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg)
Eye of the Needle
Donald Sutherland Guardian Interview (1987, 73 mins, audio only)
Hair
Nicholas Ray in Conversation (1969, audio, 56 mins): the legendary filmmaker interviewed in London
Heat and Dust
The Guardian Interview: Ismail Merchant, James Ivory and Ruth Prawer Jhabvala (1992, 100 mins, audio only): John Pym moderates a panel discussion at the NFT
How I Won the War
Richard Lester in Conversation with Steven Soderbergh (1995, audio only): the director discusses his career in an interview recorded at the NFT
Judgement at Nuremberg
The Guardian Interview: Maximillian Schell (1971, 86 mins, audio only): the actor in conversation with film critic Deac Rossell
Life is Sweet
The Guardian Lecture: Mike Leigh in Conversation with Derek Malcolm (62 mins, audio only)
Maurice
Screening E M Forster (2019, 8 mins, audio only): audio extracts of James Ivory and Ismail Merchant in a panel discussion recorded at the BFI’s National Film Theatre in 1992
Mr. Topaze
Peter Sellers at the NFT (1960, 97 mins, audio only): the actor addresses an enthusiastic throng of fans
Red, White and Zero
Lindsay Anderson Introduction/Stills Gallery (1968, 5 mins) an audio recording of Anderson addressing the NFT in 1968, played over stills
Rossellini/Bergman Collection
Ingrid Bergman at the National Film Theatre (Chris Mohr, 1981, 37 mins): archival Guardian interview
Stranger in the House
James Mason in Conversation (1981, 86 mins, audio only): the actor discusses his career in an interview at the National Film Theatre, London
El Sur
Victor Erice interviewed by Geoff Andrew (2003, 83 mins, audio only)
They Came to a City
Michael Balcon NFT Lecture (audio only, 59 mins): recorded in 1969, the producer discusses the different stages of his career
Three Films by Ken Loach
Ken Loach: The Guardian Lecture at the National Film Theatre with Derek Malcolm (1992, 74 mins)*
*shared material with Eureka (Kes) and Signal One (Hidden Agenda)
Valentino
The Guardian Lecture: Ken Russell in conversation with Derek Malcolm (1988, 90 mins, audio with stills)
Vivre sa vie
Leslie Hardcastle Introduces Vivre sa vie at the National Film Theatre (1968, 3 mins, audio only)
The Wages of Fear
The Guardian Lecture: Yves Montand in conversation with Don Allen (98 mins, audio only): recorded in 1989, the star discusses his distinguished career
Women in Love
The Guardian Lecture: Glenda Jackson interviewed at the National Film Theatre (1982, 90 mins, audio only)
StudioCanal
On-camera:
INLAND EMPIRE
“Guardian Interview with David Lynch at The National Film Theatre” featurette
A Kind of Loving
NFT interview with John Schlesinger from 1988
Audio only:
The Go Between (digibook)
Audio Recording of Joseph Losey being interviewed by film critic Dilys Powell in 1973.*
*shared material with Indicator (Time Without Pity)
Signal One
On-camera:
Compulsion
The Guardian Interview with Richard Fleischer (1994): Fleischer returns to the NFT for this filmed interview
Eyewitness
Peter Yates in conversation with Quentin Falk (1996): filmed discussion at the National Film Theatre
Hidden Agenda
The Guardian Interview with Ken Loach (1992): archival interview filmed at the NFT*
*shared material with Eureka (Kes) and BFI (Three Films by Ken Loach)
Kiss of Death
Interview with Richard Widmark (2002): the celebrated actor in conversation at the National Film Theatre
Audio only:
Compulsion
The Guardian Interview with Richard Fleischer (1981, audio only): the award-winning director discusses his career after a screening of Compulsion
Doc
The Guardian Interview with Faye Dunaway (1980, 72 mins, audio only): the star of Doc discusses her career with critic Alexander Walker
Eyewitness
Peter Yates in conversation with Derek Malcolm (1982, audio only): archival interview with the director*
*shared material with Eureka (The Friends of Eddie Coyle)
Gas-s-s-s
The Guardian Interview with director Roger Corman (1970): archival interview conducted the day after work was completed on Gas-s-s-s
The Guardian Interview with director Roger Corman (1991): the legendary director returns to the NFT to discuss his career
The Honey Pot
The Guardian Interview with Rex Harrison (1971, audio only): the celebrated actor discusses his career
The Guardian Interview with Joseph Mankiewicz (1982 audio only): archival interview held at the NFT
Criterion Collection
Autumn Sonata
A 1981 conversation between actor Ingrid Bergman and critic John Russell Taylor at the National Film Theatre in London
David Lean Directs Noël Coward
Audio recording of a 1969 conversation between actor Richard Attenborough and Coward at London’s National Film Theatre
Dekalog
Archival interview with director Krzysztof Kieślowski, a 1990 audio recording from the National Film Theatre in London
Forty Guns
Audio interview with Samuel Fuller at London’s National Film Theatre from 1969
Life is Sweet
Audio recording of a 1991 interview with Leigh at the National Film Theatre in London
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Audio recordings of interviews with actor Catherine Deneuve (1983) and Legrand (1991)* at the National Film Theatre in London
*shared material with BFI (Les Demoiselles des Rochefort)
musings on films 
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