The Epic of Everest (1924) Blu-ray

THE EPIC OF EVEREST (DVD & Blu-ray)

The official record of Mallory and Irvine's 1924 expedition< br /> A film by Captain John Noel

When George Mallory and Sandy Irvine attempted to reach the summit of Everest in 1924 they came closer than any previous attempt. Inspired by the work of Herbert Ponting (The Great White Silence) Captain Noel filmed in the harshest of conditions, with specially adapted equipment, to capture the drama of the fateful expedition. But it is the brooding presence of the mountain itself that is the heart of Noel's film, and his photography captures the magical play of light and shadow on an alien landscape which enhances the vulnerability, isolation and courage of the mountaineers. This critically acclaimed restoration by the BFI National Archive includes the original coloured tints and a newly commissioned score by Simon Fisher Turner.

Special features

Presented in both High Definition and Standard Definition

Introducing The Epic of Everest (2013, 9 mins): Sandra Noel (daughter of Captain Noel) and Bryony Dixon (BFI National Archive) discuss the background and filming process

Scoring The Epic of Everest (2013, 8 mins): Composer Simon Fisher Turner discusses the production of the new score

Restoring The Epic of Everest (2013, 6 mins): Bryony Dixon, Ben Thompson (BFI National Archive) and Lisa Copson (Deluxe Digital) discuss the restoration process

Alternative score the original 1924 score recreated by Julie Brown. Performed by Cambridge University Orchestra conducted by Andrew Gourlay

Additional music pieces that accompanied the film on it's first screening at the Scala in 1924

Original 1924 film programme (downloadable PDF, DVD only)

Fully illustrated booklet featuring essay from Wade Davis

UK | 1924 | black & white, and tinted | silent with music | 87 minutes | Original aspect ratio 1.33:1 | Region 0 PAL DVD | Region free Blu-ray