The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp - Criterion Collection

Rating:
Summary: One of the best British films of all time
Review: This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp is one of the best films made by the Powell & Pressburger team. It is the best British film of the mid 1940's that I have seen. It is filmed in color and is stunning.

It is inspired by the British comic strip, Colonel Blimp written by David Low.

The film covers the life of a British soldier, Clive Candy, played by the great actor Roger Livesey, best known for his voice, who has been other Powell & Pressburger films. It starts around the turn of the century during the war in South Africa. When he spends time in Germany, he befriends a soldier while in a hospital. The film covers the two world wars and a reunion of th two soldiers.

The film has very fine acting and has a great cast. The DVD is loaded with very good special features.

There is audio commentary which was made in 1988 for the laserdisc version. the commentary is by co-director Michael Powell and Martin Scorsese, who is a big fan of the P&P films. Three are behind the scenes photos, a slideshow of original Colonel Blimp cartoons, and a 24 minute special about the film.

This is a must-see film!