Based on J.G. Ballard's autobiographical novel, tells the story of a boy, James Graham, whose privileged life is upturned by the Japanese invasion of Shanghai, December 8, 1941. Separated from his parents, he is eventually captured, and taken to Soo Chow confinement camp, next to a captured Chinese airfield. Amidst the sickness and food shortages in the camp, Jim attempts to reconstruct his former life, all the while bringing spirit and dignity to those around him.

Widescreen version. Originally released as a motion picture in 1987. Based on the novel by J.G. Ballard. Special features included on side A: behind-the-scenes documentary "A China odyssey : Empire of the sun, a film by Steven Spielberg" (English language soundtrack with optional subtitles in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Thai) ; cast and crew biographies ; theatrical trailer ; awards ; scene selections.