Western Approaches Blu-ray
HomeWestern Approaches Blu-ray
Posted May 10, 2023 06:02 PM by Webmaster
The British Film Institute will release on Blu-ray Pat Jackson's Western Approaches (1944). The release is scheduled to arrive on the market on June 19.
Description: Regarded as one of the best British documentaries of the Second World War, Western Approaches pays tribute to the bravery of the Merchant Navy and the perils they faced during the Atlantic Convoys. Directed by Pat Jackson and brilliantly shot in Technicolor by acclaimed cinematographer Jack Cardiff (The Red Shoes, The African Queen), this dramatized Crown Film Unit retelling of an attempted U-Boat attack uses real merchant seamen to re-enact their roles. Both realistic and dramatic, the film carries a powerful authenticity, which is reinforced by its stunning colour imagery.
A crowning achievement of the British Documentary Movement that flourished in the 1930s and 40s, this landmark film is presented in a new 2K restoration by Imperial War Museums.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
Description: Regarded as one of the best British documentaries of the Second World War, Western Approaches pays tribute to the bravery of the Merchant Navy and the perils they faced during the Atlantic Convoys. Directed by Pat Jackson and brilliantly shot in Technicolor by acclaimed cinematographer Jack Cardiff (The Red Shoes, The African Queen), this dramatized Crown Film Unit retelling of an attempted U-Boat attack uses real merchant seamen to re-enact their roles. Both realistic and dramatic, the film carries a powerful authenticity, which is reinforced by its stunning colour imagery.
A crowning achievement of the British Documentary Movement that flourished in the 1930s and 40s, this landmark film is presented in a new 2K restoration by Imperial War Museums.
Special Features and Technical Specs:
- NEW 2K RESTORATION BY IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUMS
- Archive audio commentary featuring the Imperial War Museum's Toby Haggith and director Pat Jackson
- Builders (1942, 8 mins): short film by Pat Jackson highlighting the importance of builders to the war effort
- Ferry Pilot (1941, 35 mins): documentary about the Air Transport Auxiliary which provided personnel to fly newly completed aircraft from the factories to the airfields
- People at War: A Seaman's Story (1942, 7 mins): interviewed in his room as he packs for his next trip, a Newfoundlander whose been torpedoed no less than four times, typifies the courage and service of the Merchant Navy Image gallery
- First pressing only: Illustrated booklet featuring new writing on the film and extras plus selected biographies
- Optional English SDH subtitles
