There are a few great expedition stories. These are about things that made humans ascend to a place above ourselves. They are also things done because they, in the words of another greater being, ‘those things we can do, not because they are easy but because they are hard’.

In celebration of its 70th anniversary, a brand new restoration of Oscar® nominated and BAFTA winner THE CONQUEST OF EVEREST is here. Coming at a time when a new King is crowned and a new age is dawning, we see how the last one was reached with gusto and grace. We also see how the world has changed and what might be the next great success in the ways of exploration! Made in 1953, using the film documents that were all taken as the expedition wound its way from the intense heat of Nepal capital to the edge of the sky and the top of Everest. It is reminiscent of FOR ALL MANKIND in its spectacular odyssey and adventure to do something, never done. Using the actual footage captured and almost tasting the snow and wind as it whips by your face. The true heroes here are Hunt, Hillary and Tenzing (plus literally hundreds of Sherpa guides) But it is thanks to fellow expedition member George Lowe, that we get at least this insight into the lives of those brave enough to attempt the ultimate.

Have we been treated to a delight? Certainly. Have we a lot added to make the expedition more palatable? Sadly not. We miss a lot from the package. There is a few, very nice extras (an interview about the BEH project and the premiere footage.) But I wanted more. To be fair though, I wanted another film and two books worth of details.

Extras: British Entertainment History Project Interview with producer John Taylor (1988). The Conquest of Everest Premiere (1953).

WILL BE RELEASED ON Monday 29th May