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Product Description
Collection of classic and lesser-known documentaries released between 1930 and 1950. The films capture the spirit and strength, concerns and resolve of Britain before, during and after World War II. Among the 40 films featured are Paul Rotha's 'Shipyard', Arthur Elton's 'Housing Problems', and Humphrey Jennings' 'Word for Battle', 'Listen to Britain' and 'A Diary for Timothy'.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
56 of 56 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding collection of British documentaries from the 1930s and 1940s
29 Aug 2008
By antom
Amazon Verified Purchase
Land of Promise is an outstanding box set of 4 DVDs containing 40 key British documentaries made between 1930 and 1950. Presented chronologically, the films cover a broad range of social and industrial topics: problems faced by the working class; education and schools; industrialisation and skills; morale-boosting advice for Britons at war. Not all the films have a bold scope, for example Humphrey Jennings's 1937 colour short "Farewell Topsails" simply, and artistically, covers the last voyages of commercial sailing ships transporting extracted kaolin from Cornwall. Documentaries about British life during World War II are especially well represented. The accompanying 92 page booklet is well illustrated and informative.
In Land of Promise, the BFI have put together a treasure trove that will delight anyone interested in the history of film, documentaries or Britain.
In Land of Promise, the BFI have put together a treasure trove that will delight anyone interested in the history of film, documentaries or Britain.
87 of 88 people found the following review helpful
By Jalllala
Only April and already we have THE finest DVD release of the year (although Fremantle's "Absolutely Everything" box comes close!). Would/could any company other than the BFI lavish this kind of care and attention on such a wide range of rarely seen films? Painfully nostalgic and of immense social importance the films in this set are a history lesson in a box and the superb content is matched only by the packaging and book that is included with the release. A sturdy box houses a fold out digipack (please use thin-paks next time BFI) and it's accompanying book. Don't be fooled by descriptions of this as a "booklet", it is a substantial piece in it's own right - something anyone interested in the subject would be happy to pay £5+ for on it's own and for what you get the set as a whole is bargain-priced even at full RRP. Even the mighty Criterion would struggle to match the quality and assurance of this staggering release. Highly recommended (as is their "Free Cinema" release).
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By David Pearce
VINE™ VOICE
This is a stunning boxed set with the most incredible selection of films. Charting the influence of the British Documentary movement either side of the Second World War it covers the whole gamut of the British social experience. It is impossible to pick out individual highlights although for me Five Towns was a superb look at The Potteries as it was in 1947 whilst Children's Charter from 1945 outlines the Education Act of 1944. The education system detailed therein seems to be a lot better than today's piecemeal attempts! The fabulous book gives a wealth of background information about the films themselves and the people involved. It is quite simply perfect and I hope the BFI look in to their vaults to find more windows onto the past.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent collection
This collection of 40 films, made between 1930-50, have running times that vary between 3 to 63 minutes. Read more
Published on 23 Nov 2010 by Alan James "Maebuschfan"
5.0 out of 5 stars
The past is another country...
It is easy to imagine the recent past, the past of our parents and Grandparents, as being somehow more inclusive and uncomplicated, these DVDs show a gritty realism which is at... Read more
Published on 8 Nov 2010 by J. Stapleton
4.0 out of 5 stars
Land of Promise
A Lesson For Politicians.
The well known saying "That all politicians are the same" is actually proved in this set of wonderful public information DVD's. Read more
The well known saying "That all politicians are the same" is actually proved in this set of wonderful public information DVD's. Read more
Published on 25 Sep 2010 by Rockape
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