First Stills From Luc Besson's ADELE BLANC-SEC!

That France's Luc Besson was able to keep his upcoming big budget adaptation of the popular Adele Blanc-Sec Victorian-era comic series quiet as long as he did is nothing short of remarkable.  This is a big director making a big film based on a big property and somehow he kept it out of the public eye until photography was complete but with an April theatrical release around the corner the PR machine is gearing up.  Here's the full synopsis once again:

The year is 1912. Adèle Blanc-Sec, an intrepid young reporter, will go to any lengths to achieve her aims, including sailing to Egypt to tackle mummies of all shapes and sizes.

Meanwhile, in Paris, it's panic stations! A 136 million-year old pterodactyl egg on a shelf in the natural history museum has mysteriously hatched, and the bird subjects the city to a reign of terror from the skies. But nothing fazes Adèle Blanc-Sec, whose adventures reveal many more extraordinary surprises...

Set in the carefree world before World War I, Adèle Blanc-Sec's adventures see the brave young woman fearlessly battling crooks, corrupt politicians, demon worshippers and mad scientists. Legendary cartoonist Jacques Tardi's original stories perfectly recreate the intrigue, romance and excitement of one of the most tumultuous periods in history.

Adapted and directed by Luc Besson (Arthur and the Minimoys, The Fifth Element, The Professional), Adèle's exhilarating, funny and fabulous adventures will be one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of 2010.

So what has arrived on the scene?  First, five stills from the film of Louise Bourgoin in the title role.  You'll find those in the gallery below.  And, second, hit the link below to check out an extended behind the scenes video to get a good look at the scale of the sets and detail of the costumes and art direction.