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A documentary charting the legendary moment on May 29 1953 when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first men to conquer Mount Everest the highest summit in the world.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
A very well made documentary and a classic film, to be seen again and again. It really shows the hardships endured by the determined people of the 1953 expedition. It's made in the style of the era, with hardly any words from the protagonists, and the music can be slightly annoying at times, but all in all it's definitely worth watching. I would even say that it's the only Everest-related film worth having in one's video library.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Climbing Everest today, does not seem to be quite the achievement it once was. Now when the brief weather window opens on the great mountain, hoards of climbers assemble at base camp to begin their assault on the summit. Satellite weather reports and the finest technical equipment assist them in this quest. But even so, it is still a magnificent achievement to reach the top. Those fortunate few can be indebted to those men that went before them into the unknown and blazed the trail.
In this landmark film we get a quick glimpse at earlier Everest expeditions, such as the famous Mallory and Irvine attempt in the twenties, when climbers had no idea of the affects of altitude on the human body. When the British expedition led by Sir John Hunt set out in 1953 they were better prepared. Although the earlier expedition took oxygen, it was less reliable. This time the equipment was of a higher standard altogether. Scenes of the testing and preparation of much of this equipment is included in the film. But even so the equipment looks incredibly dated by todays standards. Sir John Hunt ran things with a military precision, which is apt given that he was a serving officer in the British army. It was this planning and preparation that paved the way to success.
The incredible scale of Everest is shown in some wonderful photography. Some of the scenes taken in the great ice fall are still spectacular. There was even some film taken on the very high and inhospitable wind blown South Col. This must have required a huge physical effort to film. The sheer exhaustion of the climbers is also shown. In one scene a climber approaches the camp in such a state of fatigue that he has to sit down panting every 50 yards. The watcher is left in no doubt as to just how difficult it is to climb on the the very edge of where life can cling.
Despite the films age it has a wonderful freshness. The colour film has held up well, and the early wonder of exploration is a joy to behold. This is not just important archive film, but also great entertainment. It is the real deal! This film, like Frank Hurley's great record of Sir Ernest Shackleton's epic attempt to reach the South Pole in the film "South", is something so important that it should be considered a national treasure. Those that might see this film as just dated archive footage, might be overlooking the sheer will power and physical determination of the men to achieve their goal. Not just Hillary and Tenzing, but all the others of the expedition, who put in the hard graft to enable the summit push. It was a great team effort, and that comes across strongly. This was an age of cameraderie and there are lessons in the film for us all to learn from! A comfortable five stars.
In this landmark film we get a quick glimpse at earlier Everest expeditions, such as the famous Mallory and Irvine attempt in the twenties, when climbers had no idea of the affects of altitude on the human body. When the British expedition led by Sir John Hunt set out in 1953 they were better prepared. Although the earlier expedition took oxygen, it was less reliable. This time the equipment was of a higher standard altogether. Scenes of the testing and preparation of much of this equipment is included in the film. But even so the equipment looks incredibly dated by todays standards. Sir John Hunt ran things with a military precision, which is apt given that he was a serving officer in the British army. It was this planning and preparation that paved the way to success.
The incredible scale of Everest is shown in some wonderful photography. Some of the scenes taken in the great ice fall are still spectacular. There was even some film taken on the very high and inhospitable wind blown South Col. This must have required a huge physical effort to film. The sheer exhaustion of the climbers is also shown. In one scene a climber approaches the camp in such a state of fatigue that he has to sit down panting every 50 yards. The watcher is left in no doubt as to just how difficult it is to climb on the the very edge of where life can cling.
Despite the films age it has a wonderful freshness. The colour film has held up well, and the early wonder of exploration is a joy to behold. This is not just important archive film, but also great entertainment. It is the real deal! This film, like Frank Hurley's great record of Sir Ernest Shackleton's epic attempt to reach the South Pole in the film "South", is something so important that it should be considered a national treasure. Those that might see this film as just dated archive footage, might be overlooking the sheer will power and physical determination of the men to achieve their goal. Not just Hillary and Tenzing, but all the others of the expedition, who put in the hard graft to enable the summit push. It was a great team effort, and that comes across strongly. This was an age of cameraderie and there are lessons in the film for us all to learn from! A comfortable five stars.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
I really enjoyed this DVD. I had to remind myself that it was not a movie but was the actual footage from the expedition. There must have been a huge amount of footage but what is presented here is excellent. If you have any interest in the subject then this is a must.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
loved it.. however
I have to say I loved this movie, the previous reviews said it all. However:
I just could not stand the music.... Read more
I just could not stand the music.... Read more
Published 12 months ago by PatCatLondon
Conquest of Everest
This film is very dated by today's standards, especially the commentary. However it's still good to watch the sterling achievement of Hillary and Tenzing even though a sneaky part... Read more
Published 12 months ago by GoldenGem
a slice of history
i really enjoyed this dvd. it has a quality all of its own time, and culture, and although this might translate as typically stiff upper lip, boys own derring do to todays modern... Read more
Published 15 months ago by mark wright
A Piece of History.
It's not just the event that is historic - the documentary is historic too. It captures a different time not just for Everest but for Britain - and the world for that matter. Read more
Published 15 months ago by A. S. Edwards
Great historic context
This movie provides the context for the first summit of Everest, including all the preparations and gear limitations. Slightly old, but still interesting. Read more
Published on 6 Dec 2009 by N. Jensen
Mountain History
This is a must for people wanting to see how Everest was climbed back in 1953. This is British history and New Zealand and Nepalese history.
Published on 1 Dec 2009 by C. M. Noble
A Historical Treeasure
It's a long time since the original film of this, the first confirmed ascent of Everest camee out, and a real pleasure to to renew acquaintance with it's stars.
Published on 31 July 2009 by Mr. P. M. Jones
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