New Trailer for 4K Version of ‘Animal Farm’ 50s CIA Animated Classic
by Alex Billington
October 27, 2026
Source: YouTube
“From now on, I’ll protect your interests!” BFI in the UK has revealed a new official 4K trailer for their final 4K restoration and re-release of the classic 1954 animated version of Animal Farm. Adapted from George Orwell’s iconic story of the same name, this Animal Farm animated movie (that runs only 72 minutes) was created in the UK in the 1950s with funding (secretly, of course) from the CIA to promote anti-communist thinking. A successful farmyard revolution by the resident animals vs. the farmer goes horribly wrong when the victors create a new tyranny among themselves. A milestone in British cinema, this bold 1954 adaptation stands as the nation’s first animated feature film. Created by trailblazing animators John Halas and Joy Batchelor, and newly restored in stunning 4K by the BFI, this landmark work returns with renewed clarity and power – a vital piece of animation history ready to be rediscovered. And still appreciated – even though we now know it’s literally CIA propaganda. Featuring the voices of Gordon Heath & Maurice Denham. The animation in this is top notch, especially from the 1950s right after the war. Did you watch it in school?
Here’s the new 4K restoration trailer (+ poster) for Batchelor & Halas’ classic Animal Farm, on YouTube:
“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” A milestone in British cinema, this bold 1954 adaptation of George Orwell’s Animal Farm stands as the nation’s first animated feature film. When the oppressed animals of Manor Farm overthrow Farmer Jones and dream of a fairer world, their revolution soon twists into tyranny, deceit and the chilling rise of authoritarian rule. Animal Farm is co-directed by animation filmmakers Joy Batchelor & John Halas, who ran an animation company creating British propaganda shorts for the Ministry of Information, War Office, and Admiralty during World War II. The screenplay is credited to Joy Batchelor, John Halas, Borden Mace, Philip Stapp, Lothar Wolff. Based on the story of “Animal Farm” by George Orwell. Produced by John Halas & Joy Batchelor. Made by Halas and Batchelor. Funded in part by USA’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), who also revised the original script. Animal Farm was first released in UK & US cinemas in late 1954 & early 1955. BFI is re-releasing Animal Farm in 4K playing in UK cinemas this fall – along with 4K UHD Blu-ray out soon. Have you seen it before?
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