or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
More Buying Choices
Amazon.co.uk Add to Cart
£11.77
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Colour:
Image not available

 

The Edge Of The World [1938] [DVD]

Niall MacGinnis , Belle Chrystall , Michael Powell    Universal, suitable for all   DVD
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
Price: £11.00 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In stock.
Sold by A2Z Entertains and Fulfilled by Amazon. Gift-wrap available.
Want delivery by Monday, 20 May? Choose Express delivery at checkout. See Details
Learn about LOVEFiLM
Amazon’s film and TV subscription service with unlimited access to thousands of titles to watch instantly, many in HD at no extra cost. Go to LOVEFiLM for title availability. Enjoy a 30-day free trial and watch across many devices including the Kindle Fire. Learn more at LOVEFiLM.com

Frequently Bought Together

The Edge Of The World [1938] [DVD] + Britain's Lost World - Story Of St Kilda [DVD]
Price For Both: £18.95

Buy the selected items together


Product details

  • Actors: Niall MacGinnis, Belle Chrystall, John Laurie, Eric Berry, Kitty Kirwan
  • Directors: Michael Powell
  • Writers: Michael Powell
  • Producers: Joe Rock
  • Format: PAL
  • Language: English
  • Subtitles: English
  • Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired: English
  • Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3 - 1.33:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Classification: U
  • Studio: Bfi
  • DVD Release Date: 12 Jan 2004
  • Run Time: 71 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B0000CGD18
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 25,620 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)

Reviews

Product Description

A semi-documentary based on the lives of two friends living on the remote Shetland island of Foula. It shows their struggles with the harshness of isolation and the everyday hurdles of love and survival. In 1978 director Michael Powell added a new (colour) introduction and epilogue to the film which was re-titled `Return to the Edge of the World'.

Review

I hope everyone who can will make a point of seeing The Edge of the World --C A Lejeune, Observer

Thrilling… The Edge of the World is a great British film --The Telegraph


Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Powell's Epic on Ultima Thule. 24 July 2010
By Bob Salter TOP 100 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
Format:Blu-ray
It was wonderful news to see that the BFI have released this worthy film in blu-ray format. It is a truly fascinating film written and directed by Michael Powell. The story is based around the real island of St Kilda which was abandoned by the inhabitants in the early 1930s. St Kilda is an extremely remote island out in the Atlantic West of the Hebrides. Its remoteness lends it a romantic mystique. But for those inhabitants at that time life on the edge of the world was extremely tough. Famine was a reality. If storms kept them from their larder the sea they often went hungry. Life was often as short as it was hard. The great director Flaherty had already explored this life in his landmark documentary "Man of Aran". Powell had actually watched Flaherty wrestle with the raw material for 3 years for this film. Well that is the brief background.

If you watch this film I would thoroughly recommend you try to get hold of a copy of Powell's magnificent book "Edge of the World, The Making of a film", published by Faber and Faber Ltd in 1990. Originally published as "200,000 feet on Foula", which referred to the amount of film used on the island, it was first published in 1938. I usually find books on the cinema to be tedious, but this one is not. The book is all about Powell's preparation for and the making of "Edge of the World". It is certainly one of the best books ever written about the film industry. It is an epic story in itself and is an insight into the great man. The film was shot on location on the Isle of Foula in the Shetlands, some way north of the Scottish mainland, and almost as difficult to get to as St Kilda itself. Foula is remote even amongst the lonely Shetland group. It has the distinct feel of Ultima Thule, which is from the ancient Greek and refers to the place at the end of the world. As you can imagine the logistics of filming here in the thirties must have seemed daunting. Which indeed it proved to be. But the location is everything for this film. It lends it an impressive sweep and air of authenticity. Foula has dramatic cliffs and seascapes just as St Kilda does. It also has atrocious changeable weather conditions which made filming hard. Powell went to similar lenths as Kurosawa did to bring in "Dersu Uzala", battling heroically with the elements for the sake of art. Does he pull it off? A resounding yes on every level! Pause to reflect that this film was made way back in 1938. Powell shows his great vision early in an illustrious career.

The casting was perfect. The great Scottish actors Hugh Lawrie and Finlay Currie being the best known amongst a modest cast of actors and actresses. The locals of Foula were also used. Nothing bigger happened at Foula before or since. Powell shows how the locals lived with surprising accurracy. The gathering of sea birds eggs from vertiginous cliff faces being the most memorable. Oh, and look out for Powell's brief Hitchcock like appearance at the start as the yachtsman!

But there is more to this film than historical accuracy. Watch Powell's brilliant fade outs and double exposures which enhance this film. Thank goodness for the National Film Archives wonderful and deserving restoration. It also contains the very welcome little documentary "Return to Foula", which unlike so many extras is actually very worthwhile. I heartily recommend you immerse yourself in this lovely film. If you have a true heart for the joy of cinema you will love this. This is definitely a film for the connoisseur, and deserving of a comfortable five stars. Some of the blu-ray images, of the sea scapes especially, are gin clear, doing full justice to the natural wonders of stunningly beautiful Foula, and belying the age of this lovely little film.
Was this review helpful to you?
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Edge of Excellence... 29 Aug 2010
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
I couldn't agree more with the above review. Top notch in every respect. The restoration alone is worth the purchase. All the extras were a bonus I wasn't expecting. Enjoy. The only down side?. Region B only so if any USA fans are reading these reviews, you'll need an all region player.
Was this review helpful to you?
40 of 43 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An epic undertaking 25 Sep 2008
By Bob Salter TOP 100 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
This is a fascinating film written and directed by Michael Powell. The story is based around the real island of St Kilda which was abandoned by the inhabitants in the early 1930s. St Kilda is an extremely remote island out in the Atlantic West of the Hebrides. Its remoteness lends it a romantic mystique. But for those inhabitants at that time life on the edge of the world was extremely tough. Famine was a reality. If storms kept them from their larder the sea they often went hungry. Life was often as short as it was hard. The great director Flaherty had already explored this life in his landmark documentary "Man of Aran". Powell had actually watched Flaherty wrestle with the raw material for 3 years for this film. Well that is the brief background.

If you watch this film I would thoroughly recommend you try to get hold of a copy of Powell's magnificent book "Edge of the World, The Making of a film", published by Faber and Faber Ltd in 1990. Originally published as "200,000 feet on Foula", which referred to the amount of film used on the island, it was first published in 1938. I usually find books on the cinema to be tedious, but this one is not. The book is all about Powell's preparation for and the making of "Edge of the World". It is certainly one of the best books ever written about the film industry. It is an epic story in itself and is an insight into the great man. The film was shot on location on the Isle of Foula in the Shetlands, some way north of the Scottish mainland, and almost as difficult to get to as St Kilda itself. Foula is remote even amongst the lonely Shetland group. It has the distinct feel of Ultima Thule, which is from the ancient Greek and refers to the place at the end of the world. As you can imagine the logistics of filming here in the thirties must have seemed daunting. Which indeed it proved to be. But the location is everything for this film. It lends it an impressive sweep and air of authenticity. Foula has dramatic cliffs and seascapes just as St Kilda does. It also has atrocious changeable weather conditions which made filming hard. Powell went to similar lenths as Kurosawa did to bring in "Dersu Uzala", battling heroically with the elements for the sake of art. Does he pull it off? A resounding yes on every level! Pause to reflect that this film was made way back in 1938. Powell shows his great vision early in an illustrious career.

The casting was perfect. The great Scottish actors Hugh Lawrie and Finlay Currie being the best known amongst a modest cast of actors and actresses. The locals of Foula were also used. Nothing bigger happened at Foula before or since. Powell shows how the locals lived with surprising accurracy. The gathering of sea birds eggs from vertiginous cliff faces being the most memorable. Oh, and look out for Powell's brief Hitchcock like appearance at the start as the yachtsman!

But there is more to this film than historical accuracy. Watch Powell's brilliant fade outs and double exposures which enhance this film. Thank goodness for the National Film Archives wonderful and deserving restoration. It also contains the very welcome little documentary "Return to Foula", which unlike so many extras is actually very worthwhile. I heartily recommend you immerse yourself in this lovely film. If you have a true heart for the joy of cinema you will love this. A comfortable five stars. Highly recommended.
Comment | 
Was this review helpful to you?
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?   Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Discernible Signs Of Genius
This 1937 film by the great British film-maker Michael Powell, who, of course, went on to make a number of classic films (The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, etc) with screen-writer... Read more
Published 26 days ago by Keith M
5.0 out of 5 stars A magnificent window on another world
This is a beautifully restored film in High Definition, undertaken by the BFI, with plenty of extras and a nice helpful booklet with new essay by Professor Ian Christie. Read more
Published 28 days ago by Prof Zebedee
5.0 out of 5 stars item as described, quick service fine vendor
The item arrived in good shape and well ahead of schedule. This is a fine vendor.There were no problems at all
Published 2 months ago by Emperor Ming
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful film
This revue is for the BFI dvd and a fine dvd it is...the film is a curious and original blend of documentary and fictional drama that consists of a top two family feud about... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Ken Raus
2.0 out of 5 stars Over the Edge
Michael Powell's ambitious 1937 production of a decaying lifestyle on the island of Hirta (actually filmed on Foula) can hardly be described as successful by modern standards. Read more
Published 6 months ago by lycidas
3.0 out of 5 stars Good choice for blu ray remastering.
Even if the screenplay and acting at times come across as a wee bit dated the restored visuals are definitely worth seeing and provide a refreshing view of 1930s cinema. Read more
Published 21 months ago by CE1907
4.0 out of 5 stars A marvellour portrait of island life
Inspired by real-life events on the remote island of St Kilda, and shot on the nearly-as-remote island of Foula, this is an excellent portrait of life in the outermost reaches of... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Simon Gibbons
4.0 out of 5 stars Visually interesting
Who knew they shot films like this before WW2? Even though the acting feels antiquated at times, there are some creatively-shot scenes of the remote island. Read more
Published on 10 Jan 2011 by Petri
4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely transfer of a fascinating film.
As a Powell and Pressburger fan, and having read Powell's memoirs, I was naturally interested in seeing the film that helped to 'break' Michael Powell to a wider audience. Read more
Published on 20 Dec 2010 by D. Parkin
4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Foula
In this stunning film, Michael Powell weaves a story around the evacuation of the Atlantic island of St Kilda, using the landscape and the people of another Atlantic, and still... Read more
Published on 6 Jan 2010 by Mario
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

Customer Discussions

This product's forum
Discussion Replies Latest Post
No discussions yet

Ask questions, Share opinions, Gain insight
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 


Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions
   
Related forums


Listmania!


Look for similar items by category


Feedback


A2Z Entertains Privacy Statement A2Z Entertains Delivery Information A2Z Entertains Returns & Exchanges