The Epic of Everest Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

The Epic of Everest Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 26, 2015

While mountaineering movies are the norm these days, 1924’s “The Epic of Everest” was an event. John Noel’s documentary about the 1924 British Mount Everest Expedition (featuring George Mallory and Andrew Irvine) is an eye-opening journey into the then-unknown, offering sensational footage of a perilous journey that revealed cultures and dangers few could witness before, shot with startling clarity that follows the mission up the mountain, where explorer glory and profound danger awaited the men.

The feature is more of a travelogue, with Noel soaking up Tibetan culture as the team makes their way to Everest. A display of cheery locals, their dress and music, is offered, along with a snapshot of their lives in such a volatile climate. Noel embraces the expedition’s hunger for knowledge, gathering as much footage of life as possible before the climb begins, switching the picture over to shots of unforgiving elements and beautiful landscapes of ice and snow. Armed with special telephoto lenses, Noel is also able to tracking the team’s progress up the mountain, capturing the ascent and its deadly aftermath.

The Epic of Everest Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.33:1 aspect ratio) presentation is the result of an effort by the BFI to restore "The Epic of Everest," and the work is extraordinary, refreshing a 1924 silent movie for modern exhibition. As to be expected, some wear and tear remains, but concerns such as flicker and warping are managed satisfactorily, keeping the viewing experience as fresh as possible, with adequate detail for aged elements. Dramatic tinting brings out a sense of color, with secure hues capturing sunsets and ice fields.

The Epic of Everest Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Without dialogue, "The Epic of Everest" is carried along by an extended score. The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix utilizes surrounds for a circular listening event, with music pushing deep and immersive, but never sampling more extravagant separation. Instrumentation is crystal clear, moving from jazzy moods to atmospheric pieces, while definition is encountered with the clanging of bells, the use of oxygen masks, and the presence of cattle. Low-end sparks to life periodically. It's a straightforward track, but highly effective.

The Epic of Everest Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Introducing 'The Epic of Everest'" (9:02, HD) joins BFI silent film curator Bryony Dixon and John Noel's daughter, Sandra, for a brief conversation about the feature. Origins and expectations are a few of the topics covered, along with personal sacrifices required to bring the footage to the screen.

• "Scoring 'The Epic of Everest'" (8:15, HD) sits down with composer Simon Fisher Turner to discuss the challenge of finding a fresh perspective to the feature, using modern and period sounds to bring the effort to life.

• "Restoring 'The Epic of Everest'" (6:19, HD) returns to Dixon and her team at the BFI, who showcase the effort required to bring the 1924 movie back to life, showing off equipment created to tame most of the issues that arose as the technicians worked with two prints to manufacture the best representation of Noel's work.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:31, HD) is included.

The Epic of Everest Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

As a slice of film and mountaineering history, "The Epic of Everest" is critical work, with cinematographic technique on display that pulls the viewer into the adventure, while meditative aspects of the feature retain their power nearly 100 years after its original exhibition.