Is it possible to buy this from the UK and is there a sub-titled version?

Hi igloo48:

Thanks for the interesting question. 

Apparently the 1984 movie release (which has English narration and
subtitles) is no longer available new. (Though I did hear tell of a
recent 2001 DVD release in Japanese-only.)

You can, however, purchase this VHS movie *used* from a number of
dealers affiliated with amazon.com. Most of them say that they support
international shipping, so you should be fine in the UK.

Used: Antarctica
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/offering/list/-/B00000F25K/used/1/102-8823641-7525713


Some further information about this film can be found at: 

Review of Antarctica
http://www.moviehabit.com/reviews/ant_id00.shtml


I hope this information helps with your research.          
          
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antarctica Kurahara subtitles
Koreyoshi Kurahara

thanks, have found what i was looking for.

If you're in the UK make sure the copy you buy is PAL (rather than NTSC).
Unless of course you have a dual mode player, or are prepared to get it
converted.

If you're quick you can buy it on ebay (doesn't mention format):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3317687727&category=1161

Better still, you can buy an original 35mm movie trailer:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3318607470&category=1478


Cheers,

Alun