20th Century Fox Home Entertainment has finally unveiled details about the upcoming release of William Friedkin’s acclaimed thriller The French Connection.

Two narcotics detectives, “Popeye” Doyle (Gene Hackman) and his partner Buddy Russo (Roy Scheider) start to close in on a vast international narcotics ring when the smugglers unexpectedly strike back. Following an attempt on his life by one of the smugglers, Doyle sets off a deadly pursuit that ultimately takes him far beyond mere New York City limits. Based on a true story, this action-filled thriller, with its renowned chase scene, won five AcademyÒ Awards, including Best Picture, Bet Director, and Best Actor for Gene Hackman.

The film will be released as a THX-certified 2-disc set in Fox’s “Five Star Collection” series in its original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio in an anamorphic transfer. The DVD will also feature a brand-new Director-supervised 5.1 channel English Dolby Digital audio track and feature two separate commentary tracks, one featuring Director William Friedkin, and the other with actors Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider. The release will also contain the Fox Movie Channel original program, “Making the Connection: Untold Stories Of The French Connection,” the BBC Documentary “Poughkeepsie Shuffle,” seven Deleted scenes as well as a Deleted Scenes Documentary hosted by William Friedkin. Further, a behind-the-scenes Still Gallery and Trailers will be part of the release.

20th Century Fox Home Entertainment is also releasing The French Connection 2 and offers both films additionally as a DVD Collection. “The French Connection 2” will aslo come as a THX-certified DVD in a 2:35:1 aspect ratio, and includes two Commentary Tracks by Director John Frankenheimer and Gene Hackman and Producer Robert Rosen, a Gallery with wardrobe and storyboards, behind-the-scenes gallery, and a series of Trailers.

September 25 is the day you should mark in your calendar. The French Connection 30th Anniversary Five Star Collection will carry a suggested retail price of $26.98, and the DVD Collection containing both, “The French Connection” and “The French Connection 2” will cost you $39.98.