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Product Description
Amazon.ca
The Criterion Collection takes its second go at the Powell-Pressburger classic Black Narcissus, first issued by the company as title no. 93 in 2001. This 2010 disc retains some extras from the first issue, including a commentary track with Michael Powell and Martin Scorsese, and a 25-minute documentary called "Painting with Light," focusing on the work of cinematographer Jack Cardiff. The new extras, some incorporated from recent international DVD releases, include a warm 9-minute introduction by filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier (accompanied by various production stills); an 18-minute featurette called "The Audacious Adventurer," again with Tavernier as guide through the film; and "Profile of Black Narcissus," a 25-minute behind-the-scenes piece that includes comments from Cardiff, actress Kathleen Byron, and critic Ian Christie. All of these are affectionate and useful, if somewhat repetitive taken together. The most important reason for the Criterion reissue is improved technical quality for the film itself, as the previous release was deemed problematic compared to other international versions. Those improvements having been made, this version can only be called a wow. --Robert Horton
Product Description
Plagued by uncertainties and worldly desires, five Protestant missionary nuns, led by Deborah Kerr's Sister Clodagh, struggle to establish a school in the desolate Himalayas. All the elements of cinematic arts are perfectly fused in Powell and Pressburger's fascinating study of the age-old conflict between the spirit and the flesh, set against the grandeur of the snowcapped peaks of Kanchenjunga. Criterion is proud to present Black Narcissus in a new Special Edition.
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Lori
Format:DVD
I agree that the cinematography was absolutely gorgeous. However, at that point I part company with most other reviewers. This could have been an excellent and compelling story had it not been the victim of Western cultural myopia. Did anyone wonder why there are palm trees in the Himalayas, or cawing jungle birds? Did anyone wonder why Mr. Dean struts around in shorts, sandals, and unbuttoned shirts in the mountain peaks near the top of the world? Did anyone wonder why African drums are beating, or why some of the characters look more African than the Asian denizens of the Himalaya? Why not just set the film in the Congo a la "The Nun's Story"? Granted, the Himilayas make for a terrific setting for a film about losing one's grip on one's "civility", faith, and even sanity. But it would have been so much better had the filmmakers taken the time to find out what people of this part of the world really dress like, what the weather is really like, what the terrain is really like. I just found the whole "Africa, Asia, who cares, it's some third world country" attitude, while probably typical of American and British attitudes of the 1940's, to be distracting and to detract from the power of the film. Having said that, let me reiterate that it is an extremely beautiful film, worth watching, though not without some disappointment.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By MH
Format:DVD
If not the best-then surely in the top ten.The quality of this DVD is hard to beat with the best Technicolor work I've ever seen.The focus is razor sharp and the colors soft and warm. I hope that Criterion release "A Matter of Life and Death" and "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" in restored versions at some time in the future.Powell and Pressburger-along with Jack Cardiff-did some great work back in the forties and its wonderful to see it get the presentation it deserves.
By MFJ
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Excellent sur toute la ligne. Produit de première qualité et expédié rapidement !
Exactement comme promis et selon la réputation du fournisseur.
Exactement comme promis et selon la réputation du fournisseur.
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4.5 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
So, so
Not up to expectations -- rather dull to tell the truth. Definitely a rental, not a purchase.
Published on Oct 5 2010 by ZybotCRX
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect
A perfect film that uses metaphor, colour, landscape to portray an inner dimension to people previously unavailable to the screen. Pure genius. Read more
Published on Dec 27 2007 by Daniel Goorevitch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Photograghy!!
Great coluors , views;a bit dark ,at times but overall a fine print. The only wish that the description offerred at the end of the DVD had been transcribed into English. Read more
Published on July 8 2007 by 'Space Captain'
5.0 out of 5 stars
A strangely wonderful film
One day, while I was washing the dishes, I turned on the TV and started flipping through channels, landing on "Black Narcissus", which was just ending. Read more
Published on Sep 7 2005
3.0 out of 5 stars
an unusual slow paced film.
This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.
In my opinion, this film's plot was kind of boring and slow. Read more
Published on Jun 10 2004 by Ted
5.0 out of 5 stars
Remarkable, on many levels...
The Criterion DVD edition of "Black Narcissus" brings out the most brilliant aspects of the film, a brightness and splendor that makes the drab Order of Mary nuns... Read more
Published on Jan 4 2004 by R. Gawlitta
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eroticism runs riot in a nunnery
Not only is this the most erotic British film ever made... it is one of the most erotic films ever and in terms of understanding what IS erotic, is a pre-eminent example of 'less... Read more
Published on Oct 25 2003 by Ian Muldoon
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of Powell and Pressburger's best.
Visualy perfect, colorful, brilliantly directed and acted. My favorite Criterion Collection DVD. Only gets better with each viewing. Read more
Published on Sep 7 2003 by J. A. Stankunas
1.0 out of 5 stars
Terrible Movie Regardless of Cinematography
A lot of the people here give this movie glowing reviews, not in small part due to the cinematography. Basically, who cares if the filmwork is pretty if the movie stinks? Read more
Published on July 12 2003 by David A. Lessnau
3.0 out of 5 stars
Rent it for it's Camp Value
Being a huge fan of the artistic team's Stairway to Heaven (AKA A Matter of Life and Death) and The Red Shoes, and after reading the glowing reviews in regards to this film, my... Read more
Published on Jun 23 2003 by Bruce Kendall
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